Jason Castro Lost Some Of His Song Lines At Idol
Jason Castro forgot some of the lines of the song “Mr. Tambourine Man”, a Bob Dylan classic during the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Night yesterday at American Idol. Judge Simon Cowell told the 20 year old hopeful “Jason, I’d pack your suitcase” after the performance.
Even Jason acknowledge his mistakes, stating after Randy Jackson ask his opinion on his own performance, “I lost some lines in there; that’s kinda bad.”
The other judges Randy and Abdul were not impressed though Paula is gentler on her comments as usual.
“Mr. Tambourine Man” was Jason’s second song for the night. He first sung “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley which garnered criticisms from the judges.
Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Night is the performance week of the top 4 American Idol contestants. It was David Archuleta who gained the judges praises of the night with Simon saying “You did not beat the competition, you crushed it” after David sung his 2nd song of the night entitled “Love Me Tender” as popularized by Elvis Presley.
Tonight America will decide who will remain for the top 3.
Paula Abdul Hears Two Songs On American Idol
American Idol judge Paula Abdul must be hearing double. On April 29, 2008, American Idol decided to change the program format, they left the judges appraisal after the all the participants have finished their performance. So after the first set of performance Paula Abdul give her feedback for the Top Five Finalists. She started with Jason Castro and commented for the two songs that Jason supposely sung. The twist is Jason had only performed one song.
This week judges Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell were made to take notes, then offer individual critiques in rapid succession at the end of each round. The reason, Seacrest offered, was because “this show is so tight.”
This week the contestants performed two Neil Diamond songs. However after each of them sung their first song the judges will offer their comment and on the first set that’s where Paula blundered. After Randy Jackson give his comments, it was Paula’s turn to give jher feedback.
“Oh gosh, we’ve never had to write these things down - I’m not fast enough,” she began, shuffling through her notecards. “Jason, first song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear, um …”
The first statements are good enough, but let’s look at the next one.
“The second song, I felt like your usual charm wasn’t - it was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty.”
Empty? Ahm, I though Jason only performed one song?
Will American Idol Make Some Changes?
American Idol have the highest television rating in the US. However, the show is experiencing decrease in ratings as the show goes on. Bosses from their parent company FOX are not happy with the results of their research, they think that they need drastic changes to continue holding the highest ratings and not to make it shrink.
So the company made a survey on viewers of American Idol on what they are happy and not happy about concerning the show. They ask questions on what changes should be made, who should stay, where will the show start and many more. What interest the viewers more and what should they do differently if they where in the show.
One part of the survey ask the viewers about the four big personalities in American Idol namely Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest and how they rank each one of them based on their personal enjoyment.
Personally, I think that one of the reasons why the show ratings went down is because of the popularity kind of elimination that’s happening in American Idol. Some viewers may dislike this because some of the best singers were eliminated not because they can’t sing but because the voters don’t like them.
Carly Smithson Was Eliminated From American Idol
Carly Smithson is the latest drop out from the 7th seasong of the singing search American Idol. The 24-year-old Irish bartender from San Diego is accompanied by Syesha Mercado in the bottom 2 which is a shocked for both the judges, the fans and the participants. Many expected Brooke White to go this week because of her unfortunately not so good take two performance.
It was Andrew Lloyd Webber themed week and Carly performed the song “Superstar” from “Jesus Christ Superstar”. She had garnered excellent reviews from the judges. Syesha was a smashed with her version of “One Rock ‘n’ Roll Too Many” from Webber’s “Starlight Express” broadway musical.
Jordin Sparks Cancels Tours Due To Throat Injury
The youngest “American Idol” winner, Jordin Sparks, has been advised to cancel several concert dates after being stricken with a serious throat injury. The Centre Daily Times stated that the doctors say that the injury could cause permanent damage to her vocal cord.
She was to perform at Bryce Jordan Center yesterday but she was unable to. A spokesman for the arena at Penn State announced this statement, “Because of the risk of permanent vocal cord damage, Sparks has been ordered to strict vocal rest and will not be able to perform anywhere until her condition improves.”
Jordin Sparks also had to cancel an Earth Day concert on the National Mall in Washington D.C. scheduled for Monday and an appearance on April 26 to open up for Alicia Keys. Whether she will be well enough to rejoin the tour, her biggest break since winning “Idol” remains unknown.
Sparks also had to cancel an appearance last week on the “Live With Regis and Kelly Show,” according to WCBS.
American Idol Eliminates Kristy Lee Cook
Kristy Lee Cook was voted out on American Idol last night. Cook, 24, from Selma, Oregon, was sent packing after a season-record total of nearly 36 million votes, based on the finalists’ Tuesday performances of Mariah Carey tunes.
Kristy Lee Cook sang her rendition of “Forever” and failed to impress the judges with her country version. Last night, “Idol” judge Simon Cowell correctly predicted it would be Cook’s week to go. Cook was joined by Syesha Mercado and Brooke White in the bottom three.
There are only six remaining American Idol finalist that will compete against each other on the remaining weeks. Those includes David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado and Brooke White.
American Idol is the most watch American Television show getting about 30 million viewers in the US alone. The seventh season will end up on May with the live season finale.
American Idol 7 Finalists Sings Mariah Carey’s Songs
This week on American Idol, it was Mariah Carey who teach them on their vocals. Yesterday it was Mariah’s hits that the Idol finalists have sung and performed on stage. I watch them on their performance and I can say that the boys won the night as Simon said. David Archuleta set the mood when he sang “When You Believe” a duet by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. It was one of his best performance. Then David Cook sings an amazing rendition of Mariah’s “Always Be My Baby”, of course with the rock edge as he was known. Then Jason Castro sang “I don’t Wanna Cry”, a relaxing unique ballad from a unique performer as Mariah said on her interview. The girls have also done well. Syesha Mercado sang “Vanishing”, Carly Smithson sang “Without You”, Brooke White sung “Hero” and Kristy Lee Cook sang “Forever”.
Michael Johns Eliminated, Shocks Idol Fans
Rockstar, hunk Michael Johns was eliminated from “American Idol” last night. The Australian-born singer went home Thursday from Fox’s popular singing competition as the contest was narrowed down to the top seven finalists following Wednesday’s “Idol Gives Back” charity event. He was joined by Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado at the bottom three.
Johns had never been in the show’s bottom three vote-getters and no contestants were evicted after last year’s special “Idol” fundraiser, that’s why his elimination came as a surprise. The hunky rocker, judges and his competitors all seemed stunned by the eviction.
Michael Johns, 29, sang Aerosmith’s “Dream On” during Tuesday’s inspirational-themed performance show. Paula Abdul thought the selection was perfect while Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson didn’t think the song choice suited Michael.
Ramiele Malubay Eliminated From Idol, Top 8 Revealed
Ramiele Malubay has been voted out of American Idol 7 last night. After performing “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” on Dolly Parton Week. She was joined in the bottom three by Kristy Lee Cook (no question on this one) and Brooke White ( her first time in the bottom three). It has been an emotional evening for Ramielle and of course for the others because the eliminated contestant had cried her heart out.
Its really sad to see an Idol finalists go especially one like Ramiele who just had the unfortunate chance to pick the wrong songs for herself. She hadn’t actually explored the true range of her big voice which was unusual for a lady her size. In the first week of the finals she had received much praised from the three judges namely Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy.
David Cook Was Hospitalized Last Night
American Idol 7 top contender David Cook was rushed to the hospital after experiencing an abnormal high blood pressure and heart palpitation during the show last night. People magazine reported that the doctors gave David C medicines to lower his blood pressure and sent him back to the Idol apartments. The report also includes that David Cook is feeling well after that.
David is feeling a lot of pressure lately because of his brother who is struggling to conquer cancer at the moment. But despite of all this odds, David Cook had been wonderful with his performances in the past weeks even last night. He sang “Little Sparrow” by Dolly Parton and received much praise with his performance.
American Idol 7 Tonight Dolly Parton Week
Dolly Parton week at American Idol 7! This week the top 9 American Idol 7 finalist will battle out each other with the songs of Dolly Parton. The remaining 9 after Chikezie was eliminated last week are Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado.
The Dolly Parton week performance will be aired tonight on FOX 8pm-9pm ET. Singer Dolly Parton will appear as coach for the 9 contestants.
The Next Great American Band winner, The Clark Brothers will also perform tonight.
Let’s just wait and see what will be the outcome of this challenging week for the remaining finalists. I hope the most deserving will remain fighting for the title in the end. America please vote wisely!
American Idol on the Down-Low
American Idol on the Down-Low by Roxanne McDonald
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Not a lot of hype for the most popular (most-watched, most-lucrative) talent show…, but then again, doesn’t really need it. |
There may be, for those who live through the true definitions of winter, little to be thrilled about. (Shoveling, surviving the slip and slide sure aren’t it.) But when the first of
January comes around again, many of us have tiny ray of hope shining through onto our simple (or dreary) lives: for we get American Idol teasers and previews and clips that promise another season of talent and beauty and wit.
This season, the first television commercial I saw aired on December 23, on (of course) CBS, during the fifth installment of “The Amazing Race” (another show I have gripes about—as it advertises a time that is actually taken by “60 Minutes,” so you can’t TiVo or DVR it unless you include the hour following–but I digress back to Idol).
Too, it’s nice to not be led on for months, or forced to future-trip (the way we have to for Xmas, which is on the store shelves and piped through the looped muzak machine as early as September and October), nice not to be burdened or teased.
But it is also fun to get what you can allow yourself to be fooled into believing are exclusive leaks.
(read more…)
Hey, Hey, Paula, Do They Not Want to Marry You?
Hey, Hey, Paula, Do They Not Want to Marry You? by Roxanne McDonald
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First she takes far too much flack for loopiness interpreted as drunkenness. Then there is all kinds of press over a “broken nose” incident. Then she gets sued for her solo show idea. Now Paula Abdul faces another flop: being cut down from 8 to 6 episodes and limited to one season of “Hey Paula.” |
I’ve said before how the drugs she has had to take for her Reflex Sympathetic Distrophy (which took away her dance career) are what make Paula Abdul appear loaded. Still the rants rage on. The recent fall over her ubiquitous little mutt hasn’t helped Paula’s image—distorted by press and people alike as another drunken (implied) disaster.
Oh, and I almost forgot about the alleged affair with American Idol contestant Corey Clark (who, it has been suggested,
trumped up the support Paula gave him when he was voted off Idol and needed to further his clebrity status/career).
Then, after establishing a new reality TV show idea, “Hey Paula,” the straight-up dancing songstress had to put up with (or is still dealing with) a lawsuit: Pilgrim Films and Television (PFTV) is a production company who claims to have had dibs on Abdul’s reality TV show about her “strange show business life” (according to Celebrity Spider, et.al.).
Brad, Bette, a Beat-Box Duel, and The Beatles!
Brad, Bette, a Beat-Box Duel, and The Beatles! by Roxanne McDonald
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Rivaling the Academy Awards ceremonies, the American Idol finale brings on the eclectic performances and presentations—starting the phenom night with red carpets, press, and pretty dress. |
I recall last season how many times I got goosebumps—when the Golden Awards were delivered and one earlier contestant (or failed auditioner), who thought he looked and sounded just like Clay Aiken was brought back, awarded, asked to sing, and as he croaked instead of crooned, was surprised by the appearance of Clay, truly nailing the song.
This year, I was impressed all over how truly big Idol has become, the pre-show as much as the finale looking like Oscar night.
And the line-up of presentations, presenters, and performers was a blast!
The best of the best, Bette Midler
Joe Perry (from my favorite band, Aerosmith)—though he was almost…almost less powerful cause his first partner in song was Sanjaya. Argh. If Sanjaya had shut up and just
smiled that cute and silly grin, we would have had a supreme instrumental. But then the little fanjaya would not have had the second joy she had in the audience AGAIN.
The cool as ever Ruben, who was so good he actually pulled off singing a Beatles tune not all that suited to him, per se, but which he mastered like a seasoned songman. That is, it was interesting and pleasing at once to hear 501 doing LSD. LOL.
Green Day! Who did a seamless rendition of “Working Class Hero.” (oh, wait, I don’t need to critique these superstars, duh. Forget where I was, for a minute.)
Songwriting Finalists Give Jordin and Blake a Final Empowering Song
Songwriting Finalists Give Jordin and Blake a Final Empowering Song by Roxanne McDonald
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Not as powerful or evocative as the song Taylor Hicks did in his finale on Idol, but fresh and empowering, nonetheless, “This is My Now” gives what many believe is an edge up for Jordin. |
It is a song Jordin did better, one that had Simon telling Blake his delivery was a “little odd” and Jordin hers “wiped the floor with Blake on”. It is a number Idol Thoughts blog had mused over as potential choice for the finals, not naming “This is My Now” but quoting American Idol music director Michael Orland, who had called it “very pretty” and “positive and uplifting” and said (in an interview with ew.com) that
while “Jordin loves it,” Orland had not gotten Blake’s take on it beforehand.
It is the winning song from the first ever American Idol songwriting competition.
The writing competition was almost as stiff as the singing competition, evidently, though I doubt there were 100,000 entrants. Still, some of the fiercest (to quote Tyra Banks) of talent made it to the final 20 spots with winning titles:
Final Critiques from Simon Cleavage
Final Critiques from Simon Cleavage by Roxanne McDonald
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Ryan introduced him with a glib tag, but Simon stayed true to his position, making his final critiques, predictions, and retractions, even. |
Actually, Simon would likely say, he did predict Jordin to take the Idol title, way back in April. Then he backpedaled, when he decided his girl Melinda should be in the finals. When that didn’t work out as he wished, and after Jordin Sparks
brought the passion and sound to what they all keep reiterating is a “singing” competition (isn’t Blake using his vocal skills, as any scat-singing performer would, to be considered a “singer,” too?)—he almost outright named Jordin the winner.
Here are his final comments for the final week of American Idol 6:
Idol Cubed and Simon Cooled
Idol Cubed and Simon Cooled by Roxanne McDonald
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Simon brought the lighter side to his critiques of the final three’s final three sets. |
He was not full of unique analogies or special metaphors, but was instead laughing and light, while he spoke to the genius that is Jordin, Blake, and Melinda:
JUDGES’ SONG CHOICES
For Jordin, Simon selected “Wishing on a Star.”
Simon’s comments: You sang it brilliantly. I just wish we hadn’t done the weird jazz arrangement, though…. I like the purer version…. Even though I chose it, it wasn’t one of your [better] performances.
For Blake, Paula chose “Roxanne.”
Simon’s comments: I’m not gonna call that earth-shattering, because it wasn’t. The problem was you were [called upon] to do a [forced] impersonation of Sting…. It wasn’t fantastic.
For Melinda, Randy chose “I Believe in You and Me.”
Simon’s comments: Very, very different song to sing; I think it was your best performance in the last four weeks; and round one goes to Melinda.
So…What IS on the Kelly Clarkson Album that is so Controversial?
So…What IS on the Kelly Clarkson Album that is so Controversial? by Roxanne McDonald
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The news continues to air (or run) about Kelly Clarkson taking back creative control after Clive wanted to shelve the whole CD because of questionable content. Well, what content is getting the flack? No news sites or shows are saying, dammit. |
I first heard the teaser on FOX 5 News that lead with, “What was it in the CD that Clive objected to?” But, as is typical, by the time the piece aired…almost an hour later, it was about one minute long and said nothing “new”.
This is why I hate the news (along with the majority of the consumed time being used for coverage of death, decay,
debilitation, and destruction—which gives us sensitive folk terrible nightmares).
Celebrity Spider relays reports (on May 4th, by The Daily Star) that after Clive Davis, chief executive at Sony BMG listened to the new CD, he wasn’t “impressed”. The pressure was on to dump the album in its entirety.
Tribute to a Favorite Fallen Idol, Lakisha Jones
Tribute to a Favorite Fallen Idol, Lakisha Jones by Roxanne McDonald
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She was my favorite of the top American Idol semi-finalists. And I was not alone: you heard her fans go nuts every time she hit the stage; and you saw, for the first time on American Idol (that we saw), Simon kissing the best of the best! |
You told us in song how we were gonna love you, Lakisha, and we did and we do. And you are not really fallen, for you will go on to do great things with that voice critics have likened to Aretha Franklin and other superstar songstresses!
Born: Flint, Michigan
Mother: teacher
Surrogate Mom: Ruth Jefferson Morris, maternal grandmother
Children: daughter, Brianne
Singing Beginnings: age five, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Formal Musical Training: Classical
Favorite Music Genre: Gospel
General Schooling: home-schooling; Flint Central High School (graduated 1998)
College: University of Michigan-Flint (music major)
Early Appearances/Performances: theatre–Lead Poisoning, Godspell; choral–the Madrigal Singers, Abundant Life Cathedral
Work: secretary at Abundant Life Cathedral (Houston, TX), bank teller at Provident Bank (Millersville, MD)
Honors and Awards: winner of “Supershow” [?], Flint, MI, 1997; runner up of Gimme the Mic, Houston, TX, 2005; Top 4, American Idol, 2007.
No Shock Simon and the Final Four
No Shock Simon and the Final Four by Roxanne McDonald
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BeeGee night was tougher on the semi-finalists than Simon was. |
Idol Thoughts blogger notes how Ken Warwick (Idol co-producer) interviewed that the disco genre didn’t suit Lakisha (not showing her range?). Others suggest Blake should or should not have chosen a weak second song and/or should or should not have mixed it up with beat boxing. Still others comment how changing up the classic BeeGee tunes was a poor decision for some.
Simon remains true to the integrity of critique, and suggests some of the above and more:
Melinda first does an epic performance of “Love You Inside and Out.”
Simon picks up with Paula’s commentary, saying, “I think what Paula was attempting to say was that she wasn’t that impressed by it…. That was a backing vocalist
[performance]. It wasn’t a star’s performance. You’ve got another song, so I want to see [you come back].”
Melinda also delivers a great vocal, though the first part is a bit affected, of the song “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?”
In response to Paula giving advice about throwing out something and sticking to something else, Simon begins his critique with, “You don’t understand a word of that, do you?” He continues, “I think the second half of that song has put you into the semi-finals.”
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