Former Reality Show Contestants

From USA Today's Idol Chatter blog by Ken Barnes

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Constantine, informally reviewed


But now for something completely different. I got hold of a full advance copy of Constantine Maroulis' album, simply titled Constantine. I didn't formally track-by-track it, but I did jot down some impressions. What a strange and uneven album ...

Good things about it: Constantine's voice, which stays mostly free of Broadway boom-the-room excess and displays appealing grit. On one song (I Thought It Was Something) he sounds quite similar to Julian Casablancas from The Strokes, not what you might expect. Also, some of the songs are pretty impressive, notably Right to My Head, which is a little like Bowie/Mott the Hoople's All the Young Dudes, and Child of the Revolution, which echoes the similarly titled T. Rex song (Children of the Revolution) in more than name. (It's not just '70s songs he's good at evoking; the '80s-ish rocker Heaven Help the Lonely could be the album's best track.)

What's not so good: other songs, which range from overblown (ballads Sister Sister and So Long, the end of Midnight Radio) to simply dull (Everybody Loves) to downright awful (Several Thousand).

Still, an interesting effort. I may have mentioned this before, but I like the name of his label (Sixth Place), and fans will like the cover of the album -- Constantine in leather jacket and jeans projecting that famous smoldering look of his from Season 4.

That is not a bad review... Bowiesque/ Mott the Hoople influences eh? I 've got to hear that to believe that he pulls it off.

Are their links to Right to my head on his Myspace or something?

All I know of are these 30 sec. snippets at Barnes and Nobel:

http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&WRK=12809891

No, it is not a bad review and Ken Barnes ripped Kelly Clarkson on new one on her lastest CD. I said before when I heard the above snippets that I think the song writing seems pretty good, I just am not one of those who appreciates his voice the way others do. So Ken and I will probably disagree on that point. I am hoping someone posts a site where I can hear the full songs. If they are not to loud or too heavy and I think my mom might like it, I will get it for her. She does like him.

I think that's a fair and a fairly positive review...probably because I agree with it, right down to the songs he likes (Child You're the Revolution, Right to My Head and Heaven Help the Lonely) and doesn't like. I think C has a good voice for expressive ballads, but I just don't find the melodies on So Long, Sister Sister, or Several Thousand especially interesting or memorable.

This is a little how I felt about Clay's debut album, MOAM. I am a big fan of his and love his voice, but was disappointed with most of the songs that were given to him to record. Loved his vocals and hearing his voice live was even better, but I still didn't care for the songs. I like his other two CDs and the contraband from his shows much better.

I'm not posting this on any of this on their fan boards because to say that the above are unpopular opinions would be an understatement, but hope that it is safe to do so here.

Since Clay avoids the PNW, I decided to go to the taping of the Ice Skating show in November. Olympic ice skaters performing to Clay's singing....that's a great combination. It will also be a short vacation and I think it will be fun to explore the new super hotel/casinos and perhaps take in another show.

It's very safe to say what you want here! I don't think any of Clay's pop CD's have truly captured how incredible his voice is live. They've come darn close with the Xmas CDs. Oh Holy Night!!!! :dies: The song he wrote "Lover All Alone" would be next, but sadly didn't get on the the physical CD.

YAY!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you are going to the Ice Show!!! That is going to be incredible! Three of the most beautiful things in the world at one time!! Clay's voice, classic Xmas music, and gorgeous figure skating!! Well, 4 of the most beautiful things if you count the tight pants the men wear!! Have the time of your life my friend!! I WANT DETAILS WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I decided to go to the taping of the Ice Skating show in November. Olympic ice skaters performing to Clay's singing....that's a great combination.

Will this be televised?

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That is not a bad review... Shocked

And completely unbiased. Good. This is what I needed to see. Work that could withstand honest scrutiny, and... honest scrutiny.

Yes Abrahammy! It will be televised! As soon as I know the day, time and network, I will post it here!

So C will be performing at the FYE store in NYC on August 7th. I guess that is before his CD release party that night.

IF we go to NYC (still not sure), I more than likely will go to it. Just for the hell of it. Also I'm friends with Jamie (the "merch girl") so I'd probably go there to see her and maybe Claire if she comes up (the other "merch girl").

But it's an acoustic performance (probably with Boggia I guess), so AGAIN I won't get to see him with the whole band. I've seen the whole band, (minus Boggia), just not with him. And they were really good.

You're friends with "The Merch Girls"??? No wonder you know so much about his sex life

firecracker wrote:

You're friends with "The Merch Girls"??? No wonder you know so much about his sex life

You took the words right outta my mouth.

Okay, NO that's not the reason that I know so much. It was because of someone else.

I've been good friends with Frankie for 2 years and she was friends with Jamie and Claire so I knew about them, of course and was probably introduced to at least Claire in LA. I only really met them in Dallas last fall at the Greek Fest, and later that night when we went out.

When Frankie and I were in NYC in Feb., Jamie met us downtown at a club.
We keep in touch but I wouldn't call us good friends. Jamie is very young, but I do like her. And I've NEVER discussed sex with either of them at all.

Well, from what I understand, "the merch girls" aren't exactly being quiet about it. So, they may not be talking to you, but they're talking to others.

Something to do with sinks I believe

firecracker wrote:

Something to do with sinks I believe

*whistles*

Hey, let's get crass...since we are on the subject and all!

Did he do both of the Merch gals or just one? And why in the name of god are they still working for him?

Luca wrote:

Hey, let's get crass...since we are on the subject and all!

Did he do both of the Merch gals or just one? And why in the name of god are they still working for him?

Oh, you're assuming they became merch girls and then came the sex. No. Other way around. "Merch Girl". He didn't have much merch.

I was thinking he was only doing one, but, oh, who am I kidding. He's probably doing both of them.

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And why in the name of god are they still working for him?

OK, so they DID sleep with him? I'll be honest. I figured they couldn't possibly have slept with him because how could they still be on speaking terms with him, let alone work with him? I heard the rumors, but the source was sufficiently hostile that I did not know for sure how accurate it was.

I met Jamie at a party in New York during Brel. Seemed nice enough.

Of course, this story indicates that Constantine met two girls, had sex with them, gave them work and remains friendly with them.

Weeeeeelllll...I'm getting a "sex toy" vibe and a couple of women who get their self-esteem from having sex with a quasi-celebrity, and him not really paying them but knowing that they'll do it for free because of what he "gives them".

This is my understanding.

You mean he, he, uses them?? I just can't believe that Personally, if that whole scenario is true I find it rather creepy.

Oh shit. I'm sorry I brought this up. I don't know nothing. The only thing I've ever heard about them really re sex is whatever I read on the pink. Which I don't read anymore.

My understanding is that things might have happened in the past, but it's all over now. They are just friends. They were definitely just friends in Dallas (I saw their interaction) and on the tour last summer.

They did get paid when they worked.

No worries Austin! I'm just messing around! Though for me, working for just the sex and no money would make me feel yucky but I am sure they are really getting paid. With GB it is just too easy to get into making fun of all the sex stories Don't feel you shouldn't have brought it up We need a hugging emoticon here!!

FWIW, I take a lot of what I read about GB with a grain of salt. Something I learned from my Clay fandom.

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Weeeeeelllll...I'm getting a "sex toy" vibe and a couple of women who get their self-esteem from having sex with a quasi-celebrity, and him not really paying them but knowing that they'll do it for free because of what he "gives them".

This is my understanding.

I will tread carefully here. If the three of them are currently friends and the girls are being fairly paid for their work at the merchandising table, then there is no exploitation. (Which does not excuse him for any exploitation he may have done to others in the past.) Like I said, I've actually met Jamie, and she's not a celebrity, so I am inclined to be careful about what I believe about her.

I think imaginations concerning Constantine run wild for both the people who love him and the people who are disgusted by him.

Thanks. I just didn't want it to seem like I was gossiping about them, because that wasn't my intention.

And in some circles, Jamie is something of a celebrity. lol. She was receiving lots of myspace messages from people she didn't know asking about the CD release party and if she could get them in.

Moving on to another former reality star = I don't know if I buy that Kelly is going to switch from pop/rock to country star. At least not permanently

Kelly Clarkson: 'December' Romance Almost Over

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Kelly Clarkson’s new album, “My December,” will hit the 500,000 mark, or just a little under it, Tuesday, after three weeks in release.

But basically, “My December” is a dud. Just as insiders predicted, it started big with 300,000 copies sold in the first week, followed by 114,000 in the second and about 60,000 in the third.

Clarkson said some nasty things last week about her label guru, Clive Davis, with regard to his age.

But Clarkson was dead wrong, and Davis was correct. She’s now undermined the pop persona Davis and his team carefully crafted. She may never get it back. “My December” will be lucky to sell a total of a million CDs over the next few months.

Clarkson may already have accepted that. After firing manager Jeff Kwatinetz and The Firm, she’s hired Reba McIntire’s husband-manager to replace him. That may very well be a signal that Clarkson is headed to Nashville and a country base, where she can give up the pop rat race and concentrate on the loyal audience down there.

And a reporter who clearly is not an Underwood fan I have read many reports that she is a bit of a diva, but like I said I've learned not to take this stuff as gospel. I would love to know if this is true though

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Apparently, Gerry Krochak, music columnist for the Leader-Post in Regina,Saskatchewan, isn't a huge Carrie Underwood fan.

Final thoughts on the jamboree

Fans don't want to hear it, but Carrie Underwood is a complete beast when it comes to dealing with the media -- and just about anything else. Everything in the backstage area became way harder than it needed to be once the one-album karaoke diva showed up. High-maintainence artists and handlers often receive quick lessons in shorts careers ...

A last word on Underwood: The clarity of her voice was rather suspicious at times during her set. She has a great voice, and it's strong enough, but when her microphone is miles away from her mouth, it shouldn't be that strong, if you get my drift.

If Reba ever wanted to act like a diva, hey, at least she's earned the right!

Maybe he just has a problem with recording artists who got their start on American Idol.

Don't you just love Shevy Smith? If there's any justice in the country music industry, you'll be hearing plenty more from this sweetheart from Kansas.

Speaking of the beautiful Ms. Smith, most promising query of the weekend: "Who the hell is that?" John Rich asked in the VIP tent as Shevy and her young band dove into their after-party set. Later, one of Nashville's most prolific songwriters pulled up a chair in the front, giving his full attention to Shevy as she belted out one of her originals. That, Ms. Underwood, is how the real stars get discovered.

As for GB, even if they were being paid, having sex with your "boss" is still tacky and taking advantage of girls who are also clearly fans, is a bit tacky. I'm sure they appear friendly in public. After the stories got out, they probably did their best to maintain a certain distance in public. I haven't been anywhere near a certain board in a while, but I do know our dear GB and when he can take advantage of a situation, he will always do it.

As for Carrie, I got the "bitch" vibe from her from some interviews I saw. Also, there were people who went to the meet & greets who said she was a total bitch. Simon even said there were people who acted like they were so great, they would walk past the autograph-seekers. Truly, I get totally dead behind the eyes with this girl. Once again, started out liking her, and then really just...didn't. I don't think this guy has an axe to grind. I just think media people don't tell the truth for fear they won't get an interview, etc., but he went for it. I think Carrie has had it waaaaaaaaaaaay too easy. She didn't have to struggle at all for what she's achieved. She didn't make it by the sweat of her brow. She's had everything handed to her. I don't think that's helped her to appreciate what she's got.

Kelly...well...I love her, but she dug her own grave there. I love how honest she is, but shooting your mouth off about a guy who still has major clout in the recording industry, is impulsive and dumb. She didn't handle it gracefully. There's a way to say things without publicly insulting someone. She chose not to take that route, which is really too bad. Like I said, I adore her. I think she's natural in a way nobody in show biz is anymore. It's like "oh yeah, I remember when stars didn't have a slew of PR people whispering in their ear". On the other hand, sometimes you really need those people. Like, the minute Tom Cruise fired his Publicist, he went from being the #1 male box-office draw to "that crazy guy who jumped on Oprah's couch" and after the Matt Lauer interview...well, there really is no doubt that some people just need someone to rein them in. Britney? Anyone? Looking like trailer trash and smacking gum during an interview? Yeah, the publicists are sometimes a pain in the ass, like when they say "she wasn't on drugs. She just skipped lunch." but other times, for certain people, sorely needed.