Former Reality Show Contestants

Well, we've said all along this was not a very good bunch. To me it is the second worst season. I doubt any season will be as bad as season 3. Last year was just so good. I know some here didn't like many, but I loved most of the top 10. Taylor, Elliott, Ace, Chris, Bucky and Kellie. I really enjoyed all of them. Kellie, not so much the singing but her personality was just fun. This year, even though I really like Blake and Jordin, has been a real let down in comparison. It will be interesting to see how many of this year's crop get signed and if any of them become big sellers. Frankly, I don't see any multi-platinum sellers, with the possible exception of Blake if he has some really good material.

Not that I really believed that Kelly's CD was going to be scrapped, but here is a follow-up!

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RCA SUPPORTS KELLY:

Despite rumor-mongering from the U.K. Daily Star and other online sources, there is no dispute between Kelly Clarkson and the RCA Music Group. These rumors began after the SBMG International meetings in Las Vegas a couple of weeks back and were based on an inaccurate report about Clive Davis' presentation of Kelly's new LP at the confab. Sources who were there insist the chatter is not true. In fact, Davis specifically stated that Kelly is “one of the top four artists at Sony BMG” and wanted to ensure that she is treated as such. There are absolutely no plans to scrap the LP. Meanwhile, Richard Palmese's promo team is working round the clock to deliver Kelly's first single, “Never Again,” to trigger the release of what all are convinced is a chart-topping album

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This year, even though I really like Blake and Jordin, has been a real let down in comparison.

It really has. I ended up developing substantial affection for Sanjaya Malakar - not because I thought he was a good singer, (pretty voice, but he needs some voice lessons badly) but because in a sea of really bad singers, he at least realized it and was trying to be entertaining anyway. (And never once informed the judges that his worst vocal habit was "a kind of singing." My dislike of Chris Richardson knows no bounds.)

If it were not for Blake and Melinda I'd have turned the whole damned thing off after Sanjaya left. She's consistently excellent every week and Blake, while a very weak vocalist, is among the most innovative contestants the show has ever had. But I don't know if any of these people are going to sell squat when it's all done.

I really liked Melinda this week. Loved the facial expressions when she was singing and I found her entertaining. Probably wouldn't buy her album, but then again, I'm not a good arbiter as I buy very few. Still haven't bought Elliott's, although I plan to.

I always thought Blake was cute, but also found his vocals fairly weak, (although a lot of people thought he was really good). But he is entertaining, he tries, and I really like the dark hair!

I disagree with some of you about the talent of this season's AI contestants. I think they are better than the last 2-3 seasons.

Specifically, Lakisha, Jordin, and Melinda have extraordinary voices.
I can't say that about Taylor-good overall entertainer, but does not have a voice at the level of these ladies. Katherine had a gift, but an inconsistent one. Elliot has a very nice voice, but to me not extraordinary.

And yes, Carrie Underwood is in the same league as Jordin. Most of the top 3-4 of that seaon's contestants had some talent, but not at the level of the top three this year. I mean Anthony or Vonzelle??? Not even. I think Jordin may outshine Carrie though, because she channels so much more of herself and emotion into her singing at just 17.

For me the people this season, though the divas have great voices, I don't see any real "star power" or "it factor" or personality. Jordin is the closest to "star" and personality. At least last year's contestants had a lot of personality - Taylor, Kellie, Bucky. Gorgeous guy-Ace and gorgeous girl - Kat. Great backstory-Elliott (sick and deaf in one ear). Plus there was Chris - the one who went on to be a huge success. So for me this year is a big let down.

Yeah, I don't see anyone becomeing a huge star here. MAYBE Jordin. But I was surprised about Chris D., so what do I know? Last year I just didn't think Taylor had much star power and Kat just bugs me. Ace was gorgeous but I didn't care for his voice, (at least what I heard of it on the show.)

My very favorite performance last year was Chris Daughtry's version (arrangement borrowed, but so what) of Johnny Cash's Walk the Line. I didn't get hooked as his personal fan, but I knew that his was the only voice from that season I'd ever buy anything from (if he ever sings songs I want to listen to). I don't much like looking at him, but I do like his basic voice.

I loved Taylor Hicks because he was such an odd character, and because Simon hated him, but except for an online version of Georgia (Ray Charles) I heard him sing, I really was not into his singing. I kept wishing he was jsut a bit better.

This year, I think Melinda has the most consistantly excellent voice and phrasing of anybody ever on AI (including Clay, who I love! both singing and personality) But I don't like looking at her perform. It bores me.

Now that Sanjaya is gone I realize that his weirdly confident attitude, and willingness to do things like the pony-hawk hairdo) was great fun....and now that he is gone...I miss him. I want him to be in some public situation (not so much as a singer) just because I enjoy him and his crazy family. (Mom got busted for operating a large pot growing business).

I don't know why, but Lakisha and Jordin, while I think they sing well, are just not exciting to me.

And Blake makes me puke. I really do not get his appeal. The beat boxing is cute, but visually he just looks like a snottly little preppie. (The dark hair last week was an improvement on that level, though). His singing is about as good as mine is. Believe me, that is not saying much.

So? Out of habit I'll tune in to see who wins, but I really don't know if it will matter that much. None of them are stars.

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I think Jordin may outshine Carrie though, because she channels so much more of herself and emotion into her singing at just 17.

Ahhh Luca. Thank you. THANK YOU. When I'm flipping channels, let's just say that every time I pass the Country music channel, there's a Carrie Underwood video on. It happened twice in one day - two different videos. I stopped to watch. Just to see how far she's come since AI. MAN that girl is BO-RING! Seriously still has no personality. Zero. Zilch. The eyes still...nothing there. No passion behind the words. No feeling she's telling a story. She's very pretty. Really really pretty. I just...will never ever see her appeal except that she's innocuous. She has expressed no opinions about anything that I've heard of. So, I guess the best I can say about her is that she keeps her mouth shut.

I was totally not surprised at Daughtry and totally knew he'd kill Taylor in record sales. That boy was a rock star from the audition on. LOVED him right from the start and seeing him in person and watching him perform confirmed it. Bona fide star all the way.

This season, truthfully, if it's a "singing competition" (said with an English accent) then it really is the best year for "singers" with good voices. Melinda is the best singer they've had on there except for Clay. Just consistently good. You know she's never going to hit a sour note or scream or do too many runs or whatever shit they try to do to cover up that they can't sing. The girl has wicked talent. Frazz is right though. I'm not into watching her and THAT is why AI is NOT a singing competition.

Jordin has more personality in her pinky toe than Carrie has in her whole body, including her new football boyfriend. She is one of the only ones I can see coming out of this with a career.

I think Blake is different and different equals good. I think if he always relies on the beat box it could get annoying, but he hasn't bought it into every single song. If you have a signature, don't hit people over the head with it. Michael Jackson, when he still had talent, knew how to do that.

Sanjaya was definite entertainment on there. Now that he's gone I think people are realizing how dreadfully dull most of the others are. The kid is an entertainer and has the thick skin to make it in this business. If he can smile while Simon is hitting him over the head with a mean stick, he can accomplish anything. I still have great affection for that boy. He handled himself like a pro.

This years show has some good vocal talent, but no one who has that "Idol" quality. They are all boring. I was glad to see Sanjaya go, I don't miss his antics at all. Jordin has a good bubbly attitude that is only normal for her age. I think with the right songs she could become a star, but I'm not sure that will happen. Blake because he is unique...maybe will get some deals but I think that's a stretch. I hope Melinda and Lakisha do well, but neither are suited for the "pop" market. I keep watching....mainly to see who wins, not because I would be interested in anything any of them would record!

[quote]Specifically, Lakisha, Jordin, and Melinda have extraordinary voices.
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I agree completely with this. I think Melinda nails it every week. I adore Jordin. I did not like Taylor and Kat last year at all. However I did / do like Chris and Bucky.

Press release for Kelly's upcoming CD.

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KELLY CLARKSON’S
MY DECEMBER HITS ON JULY 24, 2007
Grammy Winner’s Third Album Already Yields Top 10 Hit Single, “Never Again,”

LOS ANGELES, May 7, 2007—RCA Records recording artist Kelly Clarkson is back and raring to rock. My December, her third album, the follow-up to 2004’s Breakaway, which sold 6 million in the U.S. and 10 million worldwide, will be released on July 24.

The first single from the album, “Never Again,” has already climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 following in the footsteps of such #1 hits as “Since U Been Gone,” “Breakaway,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Because of You” and “Walk Away.”

Produced by Grammy winner David Kahne [The Strokes, Bangles, Sugar Ray, Sublime, Paul McCartney], My December is Clarkson’s most personal album yet, all of which she’s either written or co-written. The Los Angeles Times Ann Powers calls My December “a 21st century idea of hard rock, incorporating loops and other studio effects to find a middle ground between the raw and the cooked.” L.A. punk legend and bassist Mike Watt, currently playing with Iggy and the Stooges, appears on three songs, while Clarkson’s other touring band members, Jason Halbert and Jimmy Messer, also contributed.

Whether it’s the funky new wave of “One Minute,” the startlingly confessional “Sober,” the meditative, soulful Christine McVie-style strains of “Be Still,” the bluesy Joplinesque twang of the cheeky, kiss-off song, “Chivas,” the blues hard-rock of “Hole” or the full-throttle Pat Benatar howl of “Haunting,” My December shows another side of Kelly Clarkson, who told the L.A. Times: “I’ll always come out with a different record each time.”

The Times’ Powers raved: “Clarkson has the moxie to rock without worrying about what anybody else thinks… Her gift is finding the source of vitality in absolute mainstream, people-pleasing pop, which by its nature breaks stylistic rules in favor of magpie mash-ups, bold appropriations and happy accidents.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bi...766&EDATE=

Bolding mine - WTF

Green Eyez wrote:

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This season, truthfully, if it's a "singing competition" (said with an English accent) then it really is the best year for "singers" with good voices. Melinda is the best singer they've had on there except for Clay. Just consistently good. You know she's never going to hit a sour note or scream or do too many runs or whatever shit they try to do to cover up that they can't sing. The girl has wicked talent. Frazz is right though. I'm not into watching her and THAT is why AI is NOT a singing competition.

I know what you all are saying, and I have to keep reminding myself that AI is not really a "singing competition", but what it actually is I'm not sure I can clearly identify anymore. Is it an entertainment show/ reality contest that happens to feature wannabe singers to see if they can sink or swim when given the chance to sell themselves to the American public while under the microscope? Is it a popularity contest to find America's choice for the most likeable person that can carry a tune? Is it a reality show whose goal is to find the most marketable commodity and then mass market that person and make a zilllion? Maybe a little of all three...

Simon said in season 2 (to Clay) that the purpose of the show was to find a "Pop Star" and that is what I think it is. A "Pop Star" does not have to have an amazing voice, Britney anyone? Ashlee? Hilary? Fergie? Gwen? Hey, even JT or MJ. BUT a "Pop Star" entertains. Looks great in msuic videos. Connects to their audience. Has that certain something that makes people interested and want to see them. AND if we are lucky - they can sing pretty good. I do think TPTB still want to find "Pop Stars" but I also think AI has become more about being an entertainment show and if they find a star a long the way then that's great. Last year they found a "Rock/Pop star" and I am sure they are thrilled about that. He wasn't the one that got the title, but they get to say they find stars and Oscar winners!! while putting on an entertainment show. Yes Luca, I do think it is a popularity contest too. I think that is why Taylor won last year. A lot of people liked "the man". Clearly more than liked "the singer" since his CD is not selling.

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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - This was not the sound of young America.

Last year's "American Idol" winner, Taylor Hicks, drew an older crowd about 10 to 15 years his senior Friday night, filling only two-thirds of the Sunset Strip House of Blues. While the likable 30-year-old Southern singer gave it his all, Mr. "Soul Patrol" was just too safe.

Hicks certainly was an Energizer bunny onstage; all he needed was a drum to bang, though he did hit a cowbell, strum acoustic guitar and play a little electric, too. With his premature graying hair and regular-guy spastic dance moves, he came off like a schoolteacher -- albeit a talented one -- fronting a hammy bar band.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070508/music_nm/review_music_hicks_dc;_ylt=Ai5JOgTOV5JAP426iz2ZRRZxFb8C

Kelly performing her new single "Never Again" on The Today Show! I love this song. She looks super cute too. I sure hope her voice holds out for her upcoming tour. She seems to push it to the limit some times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOIgdn4OuzY

If any of you guys watch and listen let me know what you think! I am such a big fan of her voice. I know many at The Clack House hate the song so I wonder if I just have bad musical taste

Thanks FC. I listened to it and I liked it, except I thought her voice sounded a little rough. Like her throat was sore or something. That's as technical as I can get!

I really was hoping Taylor would young it up a bit after AI and, like I said, stop with the spastic stuff and all the quirkiness. It's distracting and, I think I've finally found the right word...uncomfortable to look at. So, that's it. It's not only annoying, but makes me squirm and not feel at ease when watching him. He toned it down a bit, but carrying a harmonica around with you and having it speak for you...I don't know. Rainman maybe?

I don't know why Ace hasn't done much. I saw him in person and he has so much presence. Young girls would buy his album in droves. He has that whole Justin Timberlake thing going on.

Austin, I haven't listened to the song, but that whole "raw voice" thing seems to be happening right now. I dunno.

I was watching the Rock Hudson story and there was a scene where an agent or someone asked him what he wanted to be and he said "a star" and the agent said that was perfect because he didn't say he wanted to be a great actor or something. You're right FC. It's to find a pop star. I've used those same examples when people tell me about some of the contestants on AI who aren't great singers and won't make it. Britney CANNOT sing. Period. No voice there whatsoever. She's an entertainer. She shakes her ass and dances and does the cute thing or whatever. The only problem I see with these girls who dance better than they sing is will they have longevity? I don't think so. They're a one-trick Pony. Madonna at least changed with the times. Britney doesn't have the brains or the talent to do anything more than what she does. She re-hashed 80's Madonna, so now what? Oh, more of the same.

If you have just a "good" voice but have a niche, and are an amazing entertainer, you can have a long career as well. Like, say, Barry Manilow. I know, but that man is awesome onstage. I have a friend younger than I am who's a huge fan.

So, in answer to your question:

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Is it a popularity contest to find America's choice for the most likeable person that can carry a tune?

Yes.

Here is Kelly singing "Never Again" on Letterman. She did SO much better last night than yesterday morning! She sounded amazing. See, big voiced woman singing music I like! This is what I was talking about in the AI thread, loving women with big voices but doing music I like to listen to. I am really looking forward to Kelly's new CD. I am anxious to hear more of the songs she wrote for the new CD. I love her outfit here on The Letterman show and the killer boots. She looks good in the boots!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D-zv8Pu2iE

I really like Elliott Yamin and I'm glad he's successful with his debut album.

Elliott Yamin Is A Winner After Idol

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Now, with a recording deal that could pay off more than any other "Idol's" CD, Yamin has reason to flash the reported $50,000 worth of dental work he's had done. His self-titled R&B-oriented album debuted on The Billboard 200 at No. 3 last month. He performs Saturday as part of the KIIS-FM's annual Wango Tango at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine alongside pop and R&B stars such as Fergie, Ludacris, Enrique Iglesias, Robin Thicke and Rihanna.

"My goal was to make a singer's record and make it as genuine as possible – make it who I am," Yamin says. "I still have to work on my songwriting skills. I'm green to that process. But I worked with some talented people."

19 Productions, which has signed deals with all the "Idol" winners and a couple of finalists, passed on Yamin. But it worked to his advantage: Yamin wound up with an unusual profit-sharing arrangement with Sony/ATV. He and the company share copyright ownership of his material, and the resulting independent label, Hickory Records, represents only Yamin.

"I couldn't have asked for more than I got here," Yamin says. "Most artists come out with their first record and only get from 10 to 20 percent. Here, we did a 50-50 deal ... I don't have to pump out a million records to fare financially well."

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Is it a popularity contest to find America's choice for the most likeable person that can carry a tune?

Oh, absolutely. And by likeable we mean "acceptable to the lowest common denominator." Which is why quirky winners are rare and TPTB don't like them. Taylor was a miracle.

MishMash I LOVE Elliott's CD!! It is so good! I am very happy for him.

I feel bad for Taylor. I read a recap at The Clack House from a poster who was at a recent concert. Lots of empty seats. His CD is not selling well at all for an AI winner. I feel so bad for him.

OK, this is from the Will Wonders Never Cease files. As one of the few people here who still roots for Constantine to get over himself and live up to his potential, this blurb made me very happy this morning:

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Maroulis, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, feels it's "necessary to work with a coach.

"It's always important to stay sharp. There are so many teachers to provide you with the tools to do what's right."

There was a time when he would not do that. I am REALLY glad to see this. I hope Bold and the Beautiful finally does it for him. Really.

I'm glad he has changed his mind and will get coaching. Many big stars even get coaching. I think his big ego was deflated and that's a good thing. Wish him well. Since I stopped reading his thread at The Clack House (because Vickilyn overwhelms it with so much info and I don't care enough to sift through it) when does he start on B&B?

Here's the deal for me with him: he usually comes off very well in interviews when he's prepared. It's what made me love him even more at the time, because he seemed poised and humble. A little shy, even. Smart. I've always thought he says the right thing in interviews. So while I certainly do hope he's been knocked down and humbled by the underwhelming response post-idol, and no offense to those who truly believe in his career and that he can salvage all the damage he's done by not seizing ANY opportunity that came his way due to his major ego problem, I see this as just a way for him to seem more humble. Time will tell if I am wrong. If I am, and something happened in his life to make him change, I will freely admit it.