American Idol

Different strokes for different folks I guess! I am thrilled there will be more Beatles tunes!

I would just like these kids to get to sing current music and music that THEY can relate to, not music us older folks relate to. Music that is more what they would record if they won and got to make a record.

Jason's, Michael's and David Cook's studio recordings are really good. So is Amanda's and Brook's. Anyone want a link?

http://shazamy.livejournal.com/769326.html

OMG! Thanks Sky! I downloaded David Cook's! That is the only one I care about. Hey, any chance you have a link to download his "Hello"? I so want that song!!

No...........I don't have that one.......I'm hoping someone will have it though.

Jason's performance was really good. But, I'm loving David Cook too!

On the recorded version I really think they should redo Chikezie's and let him have the fiddle and the banjo. His vocals are great though

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I would have to hear it from Ken or Nigel or someone high up at AI before I would totally believe it. If it is true

Funny, I'm just the opposite. I don't believe anything they tell me, even if we're standing on grass and they're telling me it's green.

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I saw that on ET last night before the show. I have learned to not give too much trust to these sort of reports, though ET does seem to try and make sure reports are fairly credible before running them. I would have to hear it from Ken or Nigel or someone high up at AI before I would totally believe it.

I can't imagine that, if David Archuleta was indeed being verbally abused by his parents, Nigel or Ken would ever say a single word about it under any circumstances. Not even torture. When Ruben Studdard got caught taking money under the table from Flava for his 205 shirts, AI hushed up the story and never announced what deal they reached. I went from reading about an AI lawsuit against Flava, to Flava revealing the illicit deal they made with Ruben, to... absolute silence. The story ended abruptly. Much later I learned that they had worked out some sort of settlement.

AI does not allow scandals regarding TCO to stay visible; only the underlings get the full investigation, and Ken will NEVER discuss Jeff Archuleta.

Well, that might be true, but I sure as heck am not going to go by gay gossip bloggers either. I saw them do the report on ET that night. They are OTT gay doing on-line celeb gossip blogging and I am sorry but I do not believe things just because they are on gossip blogs. I've learned waaaaay too much from many celebs about how full of crap those bloggers are. Perez Hilton anyone? I am not saying there is anything wrong about the fact that they are OTT gay, just that my impression is they want to be the new PH.

So my point was not that I think Nigel and Ken would volunteer info about David's dad, but if they got on ET and said "Yes, this happened" then I would believe. Because they would not have reason to make-it up. Bloggers want hits and David A. gets them hits.

So it may very well be true, but I am not taking these two OTT bloggers word for it. I will need a much more credible source than that.

Honestly, I think if David is TCO and Nigel and Ken think his chances will be hurt by his dad then I think they will do something about. Besides, I think it is totally different trying to protect TCO from getting kicked out of the competition because of doing something against the rules than protecting the kid from a father who is hurting him and disrupting rehearsals. Just my opinion, but I do see this as two very different situations.

ETA: This link takes you to David Cook's pre-idol music! He is awesome! I love Makeover, and Searchlights! Damn he is good!!

http://www.davidcooktheamericanidol.com/music/

AETA:


Little Lindsey Rose's Favorite 'Idol' Singer Wears Wristband To Show Support For Girl
By WALT BELCHER, The Tampa Tribune
Published: March 14, 2008
Updated: 11:44 pm

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That little orange band seen on the wrist of "American Idol" contestant David Cook this week has a Tampa connection.

Cook
got the wristband last week from WTVT, Channel 13, reporter Charley
Belcher, who was on the "Idol" set to interview the 12 finalists.
Belcher covers all things relating to "Idol."

The band is a tribute to Belcher's 7-year-old daughter, Lindsey Rose, who has leukemia.


"I
didn't mean for this to be a big deal or anything like that, and I am
not encouraging anyone to vote for him," Belcher says. "I didn't even
know he was going to wear it."

Belcher says that during an
interview with Cook, he told the 25-year-old rock singer from Tulsa,
Okla., about his daughter's battle with the disease.

"I don't know why my daughter latched on to David Cook, but he is her favorite this season," Belcher says.

He says Cook asked him to call Lindsey on his cell phone so he could talk to her. "It really made her day," Belcher says.

Belcher told Cook about Lindsey's adoration and the wristbands that the family made for inspiration.

Each band has "Do Watcha Gotta Do" printed on one side and "Lindsey Rose" on the other.

That phrase is the motto Lindsey and her parents have adopted to help them get through everything that lies ahead.

"I
feel a little odd about it because I try to be impartial about all the
contestants," Belcher said. "But seeing him wear it really excited a
little girl who is going through a lot."

Pic with the bracelet. He looks so cute!

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Well, that might be true, but I sure as heck am not going to go by gay gossip bloggers either.

I hope you were using "gay" in the sense of "OMG, they're so gay" and not literally, because that's a bit insulting. If you don't like the blogger and think he's full of shit, that's fine. It has nothing to do with him being gay.

I also don't think they're going by a couple of gossip bloggers. ET is not Perez and as you said before, I'm sure they check a story out a bit first before they release it.

I have never found a story on TMZ to be untrue. They have a mole at AI who has given them extremely accurate information until now. If he's reporting it, I'm pretty sure it's true. Harvey is a lawyer and I would bet he knows not to post something based purely on unsubstantiated rumor.

Abrahammy is right about AI. They cover up scandals. They don't investigate them.

Ryan announced they would do another Beatles week at the start of Wednesday night's show. I'm also someone who is thrilled.

I think the Beatles are timeless. And frankly, if a person is a good singer, they can adapt to any song presented to them.

FC, great pic of David Cook. Thanks so much for the link......the music is great.........and they let you download it too...............

GE, clearly I have no problems with gays, HELLO, Danny, Ellen, Rosie, Clay (?)Ross the inturn, Kojo, fan here. AND once again you don't get at all what I am trying to say. I mentioned the OTT gay because they gave off a very "PH wannabee" vibe. I am quite sure they know PH has become a millionaire with his blog and gets a ton of attention for the way he looks an behaves. I brought it up because they were so OTT and I think wanting attention.

I have NO way of knowing what is true or not. My point was I sure as heck am not going to believe anything because these two guys, or any gossip site are saying it. Not saying Nigel and Ken are always honest - though personally I have no clue about that either, but if they got on ET and said that David's dad had to be removed because he was disruptive and upsetting - then I would believe it because they would not risk lying about a contestant's family member. Anyone can say they have "a mole". I remember a lot of crap written about people via "a mole" about season 5. None of it appeared to be true. I do not find TMZ a reputable site. I think they can be pretty nasty IMHO and I am not a fan of the site - but that is just me.

Now, all that said - they could be 100% telling the truth. I may never know. I just have learned not to believe "gossip" sites, or even gossip in my RL.

Sky - you are very welcome!! I love his music! I didn't realize you could download it. I was in a hurry this morning. I will be sure and download it all when I have the time.

Lau, that is very true. I am sure all good singers can adapt, and they sure have! Clay and Kelly were great at that. Just for them I think it would be more fun to do music that is more current and what they enjoy, and for me - I am tired as all get out of oldies. How many times have we heard the same songs sung on that show? How many Stevie Wonder nights? Latin nights? Movie nights? They just have to start getting more types of music and more songs to choose. That part of it is old and tired for me. At least Daughtry and now David Cook bring something new to the old songs. If they all could do that it would be more fun! I guess Chickadee did that the other night also. BTW, I call him Chickadee endearly. I think it's a cute nick name for real name. Just in case anyone thinks I am being racist or insulting I like the man! He is not anywhere near my fave of this group - but I think he is a lovely man. Same with Iyesa (sp?) I like her fine - I just honest to God cannot remember how you spell her name other than it has a "yes" in it!

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Sky - you are very welcome!! I love his music! I didn't realize you could download it. I was in a hurry this morning. I will be sure and download it all when I have the time.

Just right click on the song that you have playing and 'save target as'.......awesome.

GREAT! Thank you so much!

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Ryan announced they would do another Beatles week at the start of Wednesday night's show. I'm also someone who is thrilled.

I think the Beatles are timeless. And frankly, if a person is a good singer, they can adapt to any song presented to them.

Because Vincent worked out so well for Clay.

Grin. I love the Beatles, but they really do suit certain people better than others. I ought to be delighted. My favorite contestants this year - now that Danny is gone - are Brooke and Jason, and they both do Beatles pretty well. I'm sure some executive will point Archie to the right song. Carly can take care of herself, and Cookie will scream something deeply beloved by every person in the universe except me. But I tune in for a variety each week, and I think the Beatles x 2 will be less effective than Beatles x1. Too much of a good thing, and all that.

Well, to be fair to Clay he sang that dreadful song really pretty and when he forgot the words we got a nice long lovely shot of his profile

Sotory about Jason

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It's 3:00 AM. Jason Castro is asleep in his bed. Two phones ring: one has Simon Cowell on the line, the other is a group of orphans in Honduras who need a home. Which phone does Jason answer?

Soft-spoken Jason Castro, a junior at Texas A&M, was inducted into the Aggie Mens Club this past fall -- an organization that provides a "social atmosphere of Christian fellowship and brotherhood." They're currently on a trip to Honduras, donating time and money ($14,000) to build homes and orphanages.

TMZ spoke to Chris, the Club's president, who's now in the country's poverty-stricken capital, Tegucigalpa. Chris spoke highly of Jason -- saying Jason would likely have joined the 14 guys who are in Honduras right now ... but for "Idol."

BTW, the guys way down south caught Jason's performance Tuesday night -- thank God for Honduras cable.

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GE, clearly I have no problems with gays, HELLO, Danny, Ellen, Rosie, Clay (?)Ross the inturn, Kojo, fan here. AND once again you don't get at all what I am trying to say. I mentioned the OTT gay because they gave off a very "PH wannabee" vibe. I am quite sure they know PH has become a millionaire with his blog and gets a ton of attention for the way he looks an behaves. I brought it up because they were so OTT and I think wanting attention.

Wow. OK. Except this time, I totally did get what you were saying. I don't think it's any better if you add "OTT" to the statement. I think it's fair to say that some people are wannabees who see the bloggers making lots of money and just want to say things to get attention.

While I don't agree with you about the blogger sites, I could certainly understand if you don't believe a word they say. Certainly they're not running around trying to find out if Lindsay Lohan has rescued any puppies. They're looking for dirt and if they're looking for it, they'll find it.

I just don't believe that the person being gay, "OTT" or not, should make a bit of difference on if they're telling the truth.

If you don't believe bloggers, fine. To throw in that someone is a liar wannabee because he happens to be flamboyantly gay, to me, is not really the point.

RE: Harvey Levin. My only point was, like I said, he's a lawyer and would know a lot about slander, etc., and probably wouldn't release a story unless he at least had something to back it up besides rumor and speculation.

I also don't agree that if someone is a "good singer" they can "adapt" to any song. I have a couple of friends who are singers who say people don't appreciate fully certain singers, who they say they would never ever in their lifetime even begin to take on.

We've even seen it on Idol where the artist THEMSELVES are helping the kids with THEIR songs and people who have done amazing week after week just totally crumble. Usually it's the people who play the instruments and compose their own music to suit their voices.

Anybody remember them trying to sing Billy Joel? Freakin' GLORIA ESTEFAN? If they try to make it their own, sometimes they succeed (Bo singing VEHICLE for DISCO WEEK?) and sometimes they're called a one-note pony. It all depends on how good they are or if they're TCO.

The Beatles tunes seem deceptively simple, but are actually complex, as evidenced by some very capable singers completely mangling the songs.

I was only implying they were trying to be like Perez Hilton, who happens to be a flamboyant gay and my impression was they were trying to be just like him - and he is someone I certainly do not trust. I was most definitely not implying they were lying because they were gay, or I don't trust them because they are gay. Maybe if I were a writer for a living I could express myself better. I think I have made it pretty clear I am not a homophobe. Sorry, I clearly don't do a very good job of expressing my opinions. I will have to continue to reread my posts before hitting submit as to try to figure out if they could possible be misconstrued. Guess I should just not post early in the morning when I am in a hurry and had a Starbucks Double Shot Expresso

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Guess I should just not post early in the morning when I am in a hurry and had a Starbucks Double Shot Expresso

I say, post whenever you are anywhere.

That we do not all agree, personally, about whatever, is DELIGHTFUL to me, and bespeaks a hopeful notion for the state of the world.

That said, the only contestant I now really think has anything world-class to offer is Chikezie, whose name I have to look up every time, because he does not count as even remotely hot, cute or anything, to me. But I LOVED THE fiddle and banjo version of his song.

What I am finding out, from posting here, is what i honestly think. And that is so variable, I welcome a forum where I can do this, about Ai or any other issue. If I already really know what I thought, I suppose I would be ready to die, which I am fucking NOT.

Well, we are certainly NOT ready for you to die either!

LOL, nor you, or anybody here!

Frazzle wrote:

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That said, the only contestant I now really think has anything world-class to offer is Chikezie, whose name I have to look up every time, because he does not count as even remotely hot, cute or anything, to me. But I LOVED THE fiddle and banjo version of his song.

We are on the same page on this. Chik was the only truely soulful and 100% present performance for me. And his creativity and tasteful arrangement of She's a Woman was both bold and beautiful-especially the introduction. I longed for him to go on with that. Some of the others performed well, but did'nt really take full ownership of the song like he did IMO.

I have an opinion to add about the Beatles tunes continuing for another show. I think the majority of them will do better with these songs than for example, than with show tunes that many of them will have absolutely no connection with whatsoever. Even baby David A. had at least heard of and was moved by "Imagine"-although could not fully understand it's depth of course. GE mentioned that their songs are both simple and complex which does get tricky. I think the tougher songs show what these kids are really made of. But, that is the beauty of the Lennon/McCartney songs...they have such stellar melodies and lyrics that you can embellish or change them up to be more current or do them unplugged and they work really well-if well arranged and performed.

As we have seen, some of the AI contestants are more versatile than others, and will take more risks. The risky performances are sometimes the show stoppers and what we all talk about for months after. Whether you like the Beatles or not, or are not all that into "oldies", you have to agree that many Beatle tunes evoke an emotional response for millions of people and are widely familiar around the world. People that vote and watch AI want to know the music and connect with the songs these kids are performing. What better way than to give them a shot at such a wide variety of beautiful, classic pop/rock music that covers such diverse ground and is such a major influence on the evolution of rock and roll and boomers and tweens can enjoy together? I mean isn't that what AI is all about anyway? Reaching mainstream America to choose their "idol"?

In addition, we have'nt even reached the tip of the iceberg of their catalog yet either.

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If I already really know what I thought, I suppose I would be ready to die, which I am fucking NOT.

Well, considering what a vibrant hot woman you are, I don't see this happening anytime soon!

I keep saying it, but the world would be much less interesting without you in it.

FC, I didn't for a moment think you were a homophobe.

I also don't want you to think I hate you when I post. I am passionate about my opinions. I never shy away from a debate. I think debate is healthy I never want anyone to censor themselves based on what anybody else thinks.

Just know that I will have strong opinions about certain things. You certainly hold your own and argue your case well. We always reach a satisfactory conclusion.

I think it's when we keep our opinions bottled up because we don't want to "hurt" the other person, we wind up hurting them more, because all the little things you didn't address turns into a big thing and then it may be too late to rescue the relationship.

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you have to agree that many Beatle tunes evoke an emotional response for millions of people and are widely familiar around the world. People that vote and watch AI want to know the music and connect with the songs these kids are performing. What better way than to give them a shot at such a wide variety of beautiful, classic pop/rock music that covers such diverse ground and is such a major influence on the evolution of rock and roll and boomers and tweens can enjoy together?

I hadn't thought of the tweens. If they are the ones voting and they don't really know The Beatles or listen to the original recordings, they may have a chance.

Those who know The Beatles a bit better, may get upset at AI contestants butchering their beloved classic songs. Many people got REALLY upset when Michael Jackson (who stole The Beatles catalog right out from under his "friend" Paul McCartney's nose) sold "Revolution" for a Nike commercial.