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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > September
September 2006
9/30: Celebrity Duets is OVER!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Little Richard, after performing “Good Golly Miss Molly,” left the finale show early. And not a moment too soon because most viewers left long before he did. The show on Thursday barely drew 4 million against withering competition (CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, Deal or No Deal.) At least it beat CW’s “Supernatural”!
Fox wisely cut the finale to one hour from a planned two, running a repeat of the pilot for “Justice” at 8 p.m.
While Little Richard was befuddling at times, Marie fun on occasion, David Foster was a disappointment, just not a verbal wizard to play the Simon role. Wayne Brady, bland at times, is actually a great singer and probably should have competed instead. He showed off his vocals with Boyz II Men during the finale. But the group sings were painful. I fastforwarded through most of it though it was nice to see Marie sing part of David Foster’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” They brought Chris Jericho and the other eliminated D listers to do a really painful version of Cheryl Lynn’s “To Be Real.”
The duets were train wrecks at times and mildly entertaining during others but in the end, it didn’t gel as good fall entertainment. It might have gotten better ratings in the more barren summer times but Fox already has “So You Think You Can Dance.” Clearly, this was greenlit because Simon Cowell was part of it.
At least Alfonso Ribeiro won (since Jai Rodriguez was cut a week earlier.). He deserved it.
“This has been an amazing experience for me,” Brady burbled. But don’t worry folks. You won’t be seeing this again.
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9/29: Idol release dates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is from MJ’s blog and I can’t vouch for total accuracy but from what I know, it seems pretty close based on current information. (And release dates change fairly often.)
Upcoming Idol Releases
Here is a really handy at-a-glance guide to upcoming Idol alumni releases. Thanks so much to Idol Maniac who emailed this list to me and Soma (found the list posted on IDF) for posting it in comments.
October 17th: Ruben Studdard - “The Return” Ayla Brown - “Forward”
October 24th: “Happy Feet” Soundtrack (featuring Fantasia)
October 31st: Kellie Pickler - “Small Town Girl” Coko - “Grateful” (featuring Fantasia) Meat Loaf - “Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose” (featuring Jennifer Hudson)
November 7th: Jon Peter Lewis - “Stories From Hollywood” Andrea Bocelli - “Under The Desert Sky” (featuring Katharine McPhee) Dionne Warwick - “Me & My Friends” (featuring Lisa Tucker)
November 21st: Daughtry - TBA Katharine McPhee - TBA
November 28th Fantasia - “Young Girl, Old Soul”
December 5th: Taylor Hicks - TBA
December 12th: Baby Boy Da Prince - “Across The Water” (featuring Fantasia) “Dreamgirls” Soundtrack (featuring Jennifer Hudson)
9/29: Upcoming Idol guests judges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They had guest judges, if memory serves me correct, for season 3 (most notably, Quentin Tarantino) during the show itself and during auditions for idol 4 (Gene Simmons, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J and Brandy come to mind) but dropped them for season 5. This year, the guest judges are back for auditions. Olivia Newton John worked Los Angeles, Carole Bayer Sager in New York and Jewel in Minneapolis. Here’s the AP story.
Do you like guest judges in any capacity? I personally enjoy them during the auditions for a change of pace but except for Quentin, they don’t add much during the regular season. Most are way too nice to the contestants to add much once the finals arrive.
9/28: Jewel to host Nashville Star no. 5
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Nashville Star” draws maybe 6% of the audience of “American Idol” and Carrie Underwood and Josh Gracin of “Idol” fame have had greater success than any “Nashville Star” winner or finalist (sorry, Buddy Jewell and Miranda Lambert)
But if you do watch it (and it’s mildly diverting if you’re into country), the new co-host will be Jewel, replacing Wynonna. Cowboy Troy remains as the other co-host. In seasons one and two, Nancy O’Dell of Access Hollywood hosted, followed by LeAnn Rimes in season three.
The show starts up early next year and is currently in auditions.
9/28: Clay Aiken stuff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I got this email which made me wonder: who the heck uses Lycos anymore to do searches in this day of google?
Check out the hottest web search trends with The Lycos 50: http://50.lycos.com
And yes, here’s a great clip from “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” (a show not aired in Atlanta) with Clay Aiken and two fans who got his signatures tatted on their backs! Here’s the clip on youtube. It’s very funny!
MEDIA ALERT
WEB USERS “AIKEN� FOR CLAY
Former “American Idol� Runner-up Comes in First Online, More Popular than Britney, Shakira & Christina Aguilera on This Week’s Music List
The Lycos 50 top Music Searches for Week Ending Sept. 23, 2006
WALTHAM, Mass.—Sept. 28, 2006—Lycos, Inc.(www.lycos.com), an entertainment destination for creators and consumers of quality content, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50™, the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending Sept. 23, 2006. For a complete list of The Lycos 50™ and for in-depth text of The Lycos 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com. Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.
The Lycos 50â„¢ Top 10 Music Searches for the Week Ending Sept. 23, 2006:
1) Clay Aiken 6) Beyonce
2) Britney Spears 7) Nelly
3) Shakira 8) Christina Aguilera
4) Jessica Simpson 9) Tupac
5) Jennifer Lopez 10) Chris Brown
Notes of Interest: Since mid-June, search interest in Clay Aiken has jumped 315 percent, pulling away from web music icons Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, making him the most-searched term on this week’s Lycos 50 music list. Aiken generates 84 percent more search interest than Spears, 352 percent more than Aguilera, and is 214 percent more popular online than Shakira. Aiken has been ubiquitous in the news this week. His third album, “A Thousand Different Ways� debuted at number two on the Billboard chart, and is projected to soon surpass Justin Timberlake’s album, making Aiken’s album number one in the U.S.
Despite his success, Aiken has been getting little airplay on Top 40 stations, and the album has met with some tepid reviews. USA Today commented that the title track is “an exercise in earnest melodrama that will delight the faithful and convert no one.� Aiken’s remarkable fan base remains faithful, however, organizing CD release parties and swarming record stores. The devotees turned out in droves with religious-like fervor for their idol’s appearance at the Virgin Megastore in Hollywood on September 26.
Aiken has also made a multitude of television appearances to promote his album, and aspects of his private life have been called into question. On September 21, the singer appeared on “Good Morning, America,� where he decried questions about his sexuality as “rude.� He appeared on “Larry King Live� on September 27, where Aiken uncomfortably continued to refuse to answer questions regarding his sexuality. He has, however, disclosed that he has been taking Paxil to help combat panic attacks and deal with the stress of celebrity.
About Lycos, Inc. Lycos, Inc. (www.lycos.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daum Communications Corp., a leading Internet portal and e-commerce destination in Korea with a growing presence throughout the Asian markets. Lycos, Inc. creates and operates search, community and technology lifestyle sites including Lycos.com, Hotbot.com, Tripod.com and Angelfire.com. Other Lycos products and sites include Lycos Mail, Lycos Games, Lycos Planet, Lycos Phone and GetRelevant. Lycos was acquired by Korean Daum Communications Corp. in October 2004 and has its U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Daum Communications Corp. is traded on the KOSDAQ: 035720, www.daum.net.
#
©2006 Lycos, Inc. Lycos® is a registered trademark of Lycos, Inc. All other product or service marks mentioned herein are those of Daum Communications Corp., Lycos, Inc. or their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Kathy O’Reilly Director - Public Relations LYCOS, Inc. 100 Fifth Avenue Waltham, MA 02451
What are the hottest web search trends? Check out The Lycos 50 at http://50.lycos.com
9/28: Idol semifinalist in local play
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember Kinnik Sky, a semifinalist from Idol 5?
Here’s info about her appearance in a local play:
Medicine, ethics, and the arts. Can’t believe that those ideas collide? Well they are colliding at Theatrical Outfit as they premiere Mark St. Germain’s, The God Committee.
One of the most intriguing characters in this production, Dr. Kierra Banks, played by Ms. Kinnik Sky, was one of last seasons top 16 contestants on American Idol. She is bringing a breath of fresh air to the stage that only the sky can. Don’t miss her in this riveting new drama that runs through October 8. Check it out, www.theatricaloutfit.org.
Contact: Faith Gibson, Marketing & PR Coordinator Theatrical Outfit The Balzer Theater at Herren*s Stories that stir the soul. www.theatricaloutfit.org 678.528.1500
9/27: Thank you for your votes!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A friend emailed me this link to Creative Loafing revealing the annual “Best of” awards. This is a popular feature for the publication and a grand excuse to sell advertising, too. There are “reader’s picks” and “critic’s picks.”
Among you fine readers, I was selected as “best local blogger.” It appears I’m tied with a guy named Spencer Sloan, whose celebrity blog is here. Spencer, congrats! Let’s do lunch!
Anyway, I am honored that you all liked me enough to fill in the Loaf’s incredibly long ballot, which seems to have like 500 categories. (I wonder how many actual votes I got. The fact I tied with someone tells me it was close— like six votes each). Better yet, it’s something to put on the resume or tell my grandkids! I think I was helped by the fact I do TWO blogs, helping me win on quantity as opposed to quality.
Keep on reading and I’m glad ajc.com was voted best local Website, too. And the critics gave my colleague Richard Eldredge of Peach Buzz fame “Best Ear to the Ground.”
9/27: Fantasia’s dad sues her
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fantasia’s dad Joseph Barrino has filed a $10 million libel lawsuit against her for her portrayal of him in her book “Fantasia: Life is Not a Fairytale”.
An excerpt:
Joe Barrino, a truck driver and a musician himself, is claiming that, although his daughter is listed as the book’s author, it was the singer’s grandmother, pastor Addie Collins, who actually penned the story. The details that granny supposedly fudged include a description of Joe Barrino as being hostile to the music industry, a part where he asks his daughter for money, and the suggestion that his children’s music careers were more important to him than their education.
No direct response yet from th Fantasia camp.
9/27: New CD for the Quitter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mario “The Quitter” Vazquez, the man who could have won American Idol 4 if he hadn’t quit before the final 12 began, decided to go on his own instead and has now released his first CD. His first, rather lame, single “Gallery” is inexplicably in the top 20 but at least it’s not getting much airplay in Atlanta.
Here’s an AP story about him. He now explains that he quit because he didn’t want to be restricted by the “Idol’ contract. ‘‘I wanted something edgier, grittier,â€? he said.
Although many believe he rushed into the decision to quit ‘‘Idol,� Vazquez, a New Yorker with Puerto Rican parents, said his agents advised him that the longer he waited the worse it would be.
‘‘It took me maybe a week,� he said. ‘‘I told the executive producers and they weren’t too happy with the decision, but I left the show with nothing laid in stone and they had to respect the fact that I wanted to work my way.�
For his family, who found out from press reports, the news had no logical explanation.
‘‘They were devastated,� said Vazquez, who had to guard his reasons for three months because of a confidentiality agreement with ‘‘American Idol.�
Surely, he has cost himself a certain amount of fans and sales but in his mind, he still has his integrity. Okay. We’ll see how this plays out.
I have a copy of his CD at my desk but I haven’t listened to it. Would anyone like it? I’d be happy to mail it to anyone who is a fan.
9/26: Clay Aiken comes in No. 2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good news and bad news for Clay Aiken.
His second studio release (non Christmas) “A Thousand Different Ways” sold about 200,000 copies, a pretty decent showing considering it’s mostly covers and is getting almost zippo radio airplay. Plus, he’s been largely absent from the scene save for the tabs and the “Idol” finale appearance.
Bad news: That’s about 1/3 of the first week sales of “Measure of a Man” during the peak of Claymania in late 2003. And Justin Timberlake’s latest CD in its second week beat Clay soundly with about 240,000 in sales, according to hitsdailydouble.
9/26: America’s Got Talent auditions in ATL Oct 16
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“American Idol” may have skipped Atlanta for the third year in a row but Simon Cowell’s show “America’s Got Talent” will be in town at the AmericasMart on October 16. It was the top-ranked show of the summer and will be back early next year on NBC.
AmericasMart Building #1 240 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303
I got this from the NBC PR department and it’s not yet listed on the Web site here But the Web site provides eligibility requirements and more details.
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9/25: AI tour over
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 60-date “American Idols Live!” tour is over with almost all tickets sold out. Itll be difficult for “Idol” to beat this crew for success. Now they’re on their own. And in terms of “Idol” news, it will now be focused on CD releases. This will easily be the most successful “Idols” in terms of record deals though it’ll be interesting how they do in terms of actual sales.
I heard the new Kellie PIckler song ” Red High Heels” on Sirius New Country yesterday. It’s not a half bad song from first listen. Her voice isn’t as textured as Carrie Underwood’s but she is distinctive and she has more personality. I skipped out on Carrie Friday night. Sorry. I went to Indigo Girls at 6 p.m. at Criminal Records, then went home to be with the missus.
9/25: Broadway and Idol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve seen stories like this before and this offers nothing really new but since Constantine is in “The Wedding Singer,” it gave this AP reporter an excuse to rehash all the Idol folks who have done Broadway.
Addicts can now name the notables: Tamyra Gray briefly did “Bombay Dreams,” Frenchie Davis and “Rent,” Diana DeGarmo in “Hairspray.” And some semifinalist named Josh Strickland (I don’t really remember him) is doing “Tarzan.” Interestingly, Justin Guarini tried to get on the short-lived Beach Boys musical “Good Vibrations” but didn’t even make it to previews.
9/24: Idol priciest show on TV again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not surprisingly, Fox is asking top dollar again for a 30 second spot on “Idol” come January, ranging from $500k to $700k, according to Ad Age estimates. That’s the most of any regular TV series.
Here’s a story about it.
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9/22: Celebrity Duets & other comments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good news: there are only five contestants and two more episodes left. And the guest stars got to play nearly full songs instead of 90 second snippets. Jai Rodriguez hooked up with Patti Labelle but for some reason, having him sing “Lady Marmalade” didn’t work for me. Lucy Lawless did an adequate version of “Right Here Waiting” with Richard Marx. Hal Sparks hooked up with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister (finally some rock) but he really doesn’t have the voice or persona to do hard rock. Cheech Marin was horrendous dueting “Mornin’” with Al Jarreau. Alfonso Ribeiro, though, did Chaka Khan justice. He has a solid chance of winning $100k for charity. Yes, that’s all that’s at stake really. Chaka’s lookin’ like she’s been through the express lane at Church’s, not the fire.
Plus, virtually nobody was watching this last night (I DVRed it) because it was up against CSI and Grey’s Anatomy. (Yup, they made sure Meredith STILL hasn’t decided between McDreamy and the vet.) It was odd seeing Chandra Wilson’s character Bailey act so… human. And Cristina crying at the end and asking Burke to “not die” struck me as more histrionic than realistic. And the excuse to get McDreamy and George into a room together with the “quarantine” trick struck me as lazy. But hey, welcome back, Grey’s Anatomy. I enjoyed the flashbacks at least.
And since this is an Idol blog, I may end up seeing Carrie tomorrow night. If I go, I’ll send over a report of course.
And I’ll post my review of the Clay Aiken CD soon, too. I should have gone to the Claymate party Monday night, eh? That’s if I were a truly dedicated Idol blogger, eh? :)
9/23: Clay doesn’t answer the question
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s what Clay Aiken said to Diane Sawyer on GMA when she popped the question of his sexual orientation. It’s a non answer if there ever was one:
“I’ve gotten to a point now where I, A., am tired of trying, and B., I feel it’s kind of invasive, you know?” Aiken said.
“What I do in my private life is nobody’s business anymore. Period!”
“It’s one thing to try to be open and talk to people and try to share as much as I can and, and of course I want to,” he said. “But at some point it becomes just really rude, you know?”
Aiken said he didn’t understand the curiosity, Sawyer’s included, about his sexual orientation.
“I don’t understand why it’s any of your business,” he told Sawyer. “I don’t think you’re rude because I figure, you know, people have a job to do.”
“I’m not spending my time with this anymore,” Aiken said. “This is a waste of my time.”
While living in L.A., he started getting panic attacks in small spaces and began taking Paxil to treat them. He’d also like to do a talk show.
9/21: Relive Idol season one
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Only a portion of the current “Idol” fanbase watched the show back in 2002 when Kelly Clarkson won. If you want to check it out for the first time or to re-live it, WATL-TV will be airing “American Idol: Rewind” weekly at 3 p.m. Sundays starting on October 1. Or you can see it on WGN if you have cable at 5 p.m. starting on Saturday, Sept. 30.
The ads I see in TV Guide feature Justin, Kelly and Tamyra. The No. 3 finisher, Nikki McKibbin is absent.
9/19: Carrie at Philips this Friday 9-22
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re a fan of Carrie Underwood, check her out opening for Brad Paisley at Philips Arena this Friday. The tour has been a bit slow compared to the likes of Tim/Faith or Kenny Chesney. Oddly, they opted for a flat rate across all seats: $46.75 (though watch out for those $9 “convenience” charges for each ticket) Most folks now tier price for a venue the size of Philips.
Even the stubhub prices aren’t all that bad. You can get club level seats at virtually the same price as buying it from Ticketmaster.
9/19: Supernova renamed - kind of
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s the link
CBS’ Supernova group releases its first two singles under its new name, Rock Star: Supernova
After being ordered by a court to change its name, the new group that found its lead singer on CBS’ Rock Star: Supernova has decided to get creative and rename themselves Rock Star: Supernova.
Yes, the new name is the same name as the TV show. “It’s going to be Rock Star: Supernova. That’s their actual name,� an Epic Records spokesperson told Reuters.
Besides saying that without laughing, that spokesperson also had the task of defending the group as being more than just the ephemeral construction of a television show. “It’s a permanent thing. Once they get off their tour, they’re going to go right back into the studio and start to write more material,� Natalie Geday-Sorem said.
The group has released its first two singles, “It’s All Love� and “Be Yourself & 5 Other Cliches,� on Yahoo! Music. According to Reuters, the album will drop Nov. 21.
9/18: Fox threatens to move Idol to Thurs. - again!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the battle among the four major networks fierce among 18 to 49 year olds, the president of Fox has hinted it may move “Idol” to Thursday nights, the most competitive and lucrative night of TV (thanks to movie theathers and others who want to get folks to buy stuff that weekend.)
Here’s the Los Angeles Times story.
9/18: Celebrity Duets, Amazing Race thoughts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve decided “Celebrity Duets” isn’t worth providing a blow-by-blow account. It’s simply too inconsequential and nobody cares. By the way, Carly Patterson was (finally) eliminated! She dueted with Jesse McCartney. She acted like a 13 year old girl, not the 18 year old she is over that guy. Yeesh. Cheech Marin somehow survived. (He was in the bottom three but not bottom two). Hal Sparks was almost eliminated. He actually had a good time dueting with Dennis DeYoung of Styx, doing a fun “Come Sail Away” Thursday, then doing a jokey “Mr. Roboto” Friday. This show will not be renewed. Ratings simply have been bad and getting worse. Jai Rodriguez and Alfonso Ribeiro are still going to finish in the final two, unless something really bizarre happens.
I just want to give some props to “The Amazing Race,” or The Show That Keeps Beating “American Idol” in the Emmys. I’ve watched every single cycle through and through with the exception of the ill-begotten “Family Edition” last year. Sunday night’s 90-minute show was, as usual, a breathtakingly fun trip, this time to China. And the casting is impeccable. There’s the first Islamic team in the show’s history (too bad they were eliminated first). And the gal with the missing leg using a prosthetic and her boyfriend who happens to make those legs. There’s the requisite gay couple, an interesting father-daughter team where the daughter is a lesbian (he looks so young, another team asks if they are dating or married.). The coalmining couple is fascinating: the woman is tough as nails but you know they’ll be fireworks down the road. The spunky Alabama single moms are fun; there’s the white couple where the gal is beeyotchy. The cheerleaders, the models (who are recovering drug addicts) and the Miss America contestants for eye candy. There’s the Asian bros, both amazingly cut — just like the two young Asian guys on “Survivor.” (This has to be a good trend for us Asian dudes though they are making me feel pudgy in comparison!). The only missing element is the spunky “older” couple. And the final challenge (literally climbing the Great Wall of China) was a delightful way to end the show. Sad to see the happy Indian-American couple go but this has to be one of the most diverse, most interesting set of teams “Race” has ever had. It’ll be requisite watching for me on its new Sunday night time slot. I hope it doesn’t get slammed by “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
9/15: Kat on Dr. Keith Ablow 9/18
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On noon Monday on the CW network (used to be the UPN affiliate), Kat McPhee talks about her struggles on the new “The Dr. Keith Ablow Show.”
Here’s the press release:
“AMERICAN IDOL� RUNNER-UP KATHARINE MCPHEE REVEALS READING DISORDER AND STRUGGLES WITH FATHER TO TALK SHOW HOST DR. KEITH ABLOW.
(New York)- In an episode airing on Monday, September 18, 2006 “American Idol� runner-up Katharine and her sister, Adriana, sit down for an intimate interview on the new syndicated daytime talk show “The Dr. Keith Ablow Show.�
During this in-depth interview, Katharine reveals to Dr. Keith Ablow her early childhood struggles including fearing her father and her never before mentioned reading disorder, which both played a pivotal role in her bout with Bulimia.
On her learning disability and its connection to her eating disorder: “ I had a reading problem. I had to go through eye therapy for over a year. About the 7th grade is finally when we realized it was an actual physical problem. It wasn’t…a mental thing. And it was just all these kinds of things that happen to kids that parents don’t know about and that really affect their self-esteem. So now this little girl grows up thinking that being beautiful is the only thing that’s important. Obviously, I’m going to go have an eating disorder.“
On her father and self-esteem: “You know I think… growing up I was really fearful of my father…he was the mean, scary producer… now look at him, he’s like the sweetest thing ever. But it took years and years and years to overcome that. Low self esteem was huge for me, because I was always the pretty little girl who was stupid.â€? Katherine also admits to having a “difficult” time in school.
“When people do what you’ve done, which is to share your pain and the truth about your life, you change lives,� Keith commends Katharine. “In the middle of the biggest moment of your life… You say let me be human and see if I can help some people and I think that is amazing…you are our Idol here.�
9/15: Vanessa Olivarez in concert
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season two finalist and local gal Vanessa Olivarez has put together a new band, a country leaning group called South 70. The group debuted last night at Virginia Highland’s grungy basement 10High before more than 100 new fans. I caught most of the concert and was deeply impressed. Vanessa can do country well and the band had a bit of Sugarland to them. Their drummer in fact is Simone Simonton, who drummed on Sugarland’s first CD. Rock violinist Bobby Yang is in the group, along wth bassist Greg Lee, electric guiatrist Jeff Gardner and singer/guitarist Geoff Reid.
Vanessa, you may recall, was the hair colorist who Simon criticized for being too heavy. She responded with grace and humor while Ruben got a pass. She was ousted the first week of the final 12. Three years later, she remains a sweet, charming presence.
I forgot to bring a camera last night but here’s a shot of her from the show:
Donna Scharf, a fan, sent me a shot of her singing Thursday night at 10High:
My colleague at the AJC, Holly Crenshaw, wrote a nice piece about the band for their Web site at www.south70.com. You can hear three of their songs there. Among my favorites from last night: “Crooked Creek Bridge,” “Adios LA” and “Two Lane Road,” which was apparently the original name of the group but another group said they couldn’t share the name.
9/14: Corey Clark arrested
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember Season two contestant Corey Clark and his allegations last year of bedding Paula Abdul, the ones never fully substantiated? He’s back in the news!
CREDIT: Yuma County Sheriffs Dept.
TMZ.com sent me this email:
TMZ has learned “American Idol” Season Two finalist Corey Clark has been arrested in Yuma, Arizona. According to police, Corey Delaney Clark, 26, was arrested on July 23 for violating a court order and trespassing at his father-in-law’s residence. The court order was issued as a result of a previous domestic violence incident. Yuma County Sheriff’s brought Clark to jail, where he spent 24 hours in the slammer before being released on bond.
TMZ spoke with Capt. Eben Bratcher of the Yuma Sheriff’s Department who confirmed, “Mr. Clark was charged with two misdemeanors, one for criminal trespassing and the other for violating a court order. Mr. Clark missed his court hearing and a warrant for his arrest could be coming”
According to published reports, Justice of the Peace Pro Tem Yolanda Torok said prosecutors had filed charges of interfering with a judicial proceeding. “This will be sent back to the county attorney’s office for a warrant to be issued for his appearance,” Torok said during the brief hearing.
9/14: Video from the Taylor Smith’s performance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I saw at least two women with videocameras taping virtually the entire Taylor Hicks’ Smith’s Olde Bar performance in the early hours of Sept. 13. Not surprisingly, they are popping up on youtube.com.
Here’s part 1 of him singing “Georgia on My Mind” and part II here with the final 36 seconds here with him on the harmonica.
This is Taylor singing ‘Hell of a Day’. The sound quality is really really distorted in this one and it’s kind of dark.
Here’s {Taylor riffing with his buddy Wynn Christian](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad8Z_QwkM6Y). For some reason, the camera makes his tan jacket look mottled when in fact it isn’t.
Finally, one more of Taylor singin’ the blues in a way you’d never see on ‘Idol’.
9/14: Rock Star Supernova naming problems
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How about this for bad timing?
CBS’ Rock Star: Supernova concluded last night by naming the summer series winner Lukas Rossi as the rock band’s new lead singer. (I was rooting for Dilana but she came in 2nd and the band wussed out by simply taking the top vote getter.) Now the band will have to name something else - itself. Last month a rock band from California filed a lawsuit against the show, the network and the three musicians individually who make up the TV rock band Supernova (that’s Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke and Jason Newsted), for trademark infringement. The California band has been working under the name Supernova for nearly two decades. The US District Court issued an injunction yesterday barring anyone other than the original Supernova band from performing, recording or selling music using the name, at least until the court has made a final ruling in the case. That kind of throws a monkey wrench into the TV series band’s plans to release two original songs over the internet today, and begin working on an album due out in November, released by Epic Records, not to mention their worldwide tour set to kick off in January
9/14: Ruben at V-103 event Sunday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ruben, promoting his upcoming new CD, will sing a short set at V-103’s “For Sisters Only” event Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center between Ciara at 4 and Heather Hadley at 5 p.m. Expect a big crowd. More info here.
9/13: Taylor at Smith’s Olde Bar!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is Taylor at about 2 in the morning 9/13/06 stealing from the “Ace” handbook of emoting. :) CREDIT: Rodney Ho
An unknown Taylor Hicks a year ago played Smith’s Olde Bar to a handful of his old Auburn college buddies.
I just got back from his post-“Idol” concert with his old band Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at Smith’s. This time was a bit different, now that he’s famous. More than 150 Soul Patrol fans showed up, many driving in from out of state, most who didn’t even bother going to the Arena at Gwinnett concert. They wanteed to see their Gray Charles up close and personal. And at Smith’s, it’s intimate alright. I got within 6 feet of Taylor, very close to the stage, surrounded mostly by middle-aged women armed with digital cameras, cell phone cameras and a stray video camera, too.
Taylor. who gave his band members plenty of kudos, got to be himself. And no, he didn’t make a cameo. Three hours after doing his 50th or so “Idol” concert, he proceeded to do a full-fledged concert: two full 45 minute sets until 2:30 a.m. He even brought on three of his old college friends - guitarist Wynn Christian, bassist Quinn Borland and drummer Patrick Lunceford — and gave them plenty of space to shine. And he looked good— definitely thinner than during the show. He dressed in a tan jacket, blue shirt (with the top two buttons open), jeans and alligator shoes. He whipped out his harmonica partway through and did lengthly blues riffs. While in the past, other “Idol” contestants have joined him, this time he was by himself. But for the Soul Patrol fans, that was just fine.
He covered Billy Preston’s “We Go Round in Circles,” did plenty of originals I didn’t recognize and namechecked Doraville, of all cities. He even riffed a bit of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” referencing rebel DJ Adrian Cronauer from “Good Morning Vietnam.”
And he got to end the concert with “Georgia on My Mind.” I had asked him in a press conference back in May if he planned to do it during the tour. Ultimately, for reasons I forgot to ask him, he didn’t. But it was great to see his take on the blues classic. He did it really low key, sat on a chair and just emoted, adlibbing part of it. At one point, he even referenced the Chattahoochee and sang a couple of lines from the classic Alan Jackson song. Overall, well worth the $15 —- and probably because the concert was not widely publicized, Smith’s was NOT sold out.
Here’s a shot of him gigging with his Auburn college buddy (left) Wynn Christian.
9/13: Clay Aiken release party
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You can sample Clay Aiken’s new album “A Thousand Different Ways” (mostly covers, out 9/19) here
In the new NBC show “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” on the Sept. 25 show (the second one), Clay is namedropped - though not necessarily in a good way. (One benefit of being a TV writer is getting advancers!)
And there is an official Clay Aiken CD release party with info here.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2006
ROCK BOTTOM BREWERY 3242 Peacthree Road Atlanta, Georgia (Buckhead)
From 8:00 pm til 11:00 pm
CD’s can be purchased at Tower Records (located behind the restaurant) at midnight. The price of CD’s is currently $12.99 however they are working on getting us a better pric.
http://www.clayaikencdparties.com/forums/i…p?showtopic=712
Jenna State Coordinator
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9/12: UGA students try out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a story about a few UGA students trying out (and striking out) for “Idol” in Memphis.
My favorite rationalization for getting rejected:
“You have to have a story to get through,� said Megan Waters, a sophomore from Roswell. “And if you’re too good, they won’t take you because they want it to be an amateur competition.�
Yes. They reject people who are “too” good. That makes perfect sense!
9/11: Idols back in town 9/12!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m not attending the return visit of the “Idol” gang Tuesday at the Arena at Gwinnett so please offer your thoughts and opinions on this blog if you ARE attending. I’d love to hear how it goes.
There’s also a post-“Idol” party at Smith’s Olde Bar with Taylor’s old band the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. Warning: this is a TINY venue, so get there early if you want a seat. It’s $15 a pop to get in. No guarantee that Taylor will come by but if you think $15 is worth a gamble, go for it. Note that even if Taylor does show up, it’ll be late, likely well past 11 p.m. since the Gwinnett concert isn’t over til around 9:30 p.m. I might stop by myself and if I do, I’ll certainly post about it.
The band has been smartly shadowing the “Idol” tour the entire time. It seems like Taylor will pop by maybe 20% of the time. Last month when “Idol” came to town, Taylor did not make it to the post party but word on the street he went to Tongue & Groove in Buckhead instead.
Chris Daughtry has shown up for a couple of post parties including Houston on Saturday. And Katharine came by in Denver Sept. 5, though she didn’t sing. Taylor’s cohorts Bucky, Ace and Elliott have gone on stage with (and without) him in the past.
The tour is almost over and the 10 will split up and pursue their own careers soon!
9/22: Carrie here tonight at Philips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Reminder: Carrie Underwood is in town tonight opening for Brad Paisley at Philips Arena. Tix are still available.
The tour has not done particularly well this summer compared to Faith/Tim, Toby Keith or Kenny Chesney.
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9/11: Six singers joining “Celeb Duets” this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From the press release (Fox likes to use CAPITAL LETTERS to announce things):
LEA THOMPSON IS ELIMINATED ON “CELEBRITY DUETS�
Lucy Lawless, Cheech Marin, Carly Patterson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jai Rodriguez AND Hal Sparks remain
RECORDING ARTISTS AARON NEVILLE, DIONNE WARWICK, JESSE McCARTNEY, TAYLOR DAYNE, FORMER STYX VOCALIST DENNIS DeYOUNG AND DENIECE WILLIAMS TO DUET WITH top 6 CELEBRITIES THURSDAY, SEPTEmBER 14, ON FOX
Besides Michelle Williams, Jesse McCartney is only the second relatively “new” artist performing so far. Taylor Dayne was just at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago. I haven’t seen Dennis “Desert Moon” DeYoung or Deniece “Let’s Hear it For the Boy” Williams in many many years. It’ll be interesting to see how they do.
Lea Thompson deserved to be ousted but unfortunately, Belinda Carlisle didn’t do her any favors with her vocal delivery…
9/10: 7 CDs in two months
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
EW has noted that seven “Idol” contestans are releasing albums in the next two months. Who’s going to sell the most?
Here are the seven:
Clay Aiken 9/19: “A Thousand Different Ways.” Mostly covers as we’ve noted.
Ruben Studdard 10/17. “The Return” Straight ahead R&B
Kellie Pickler 10/31 “Small Town Girl”: For some reason, her album is scheduled to come out before the winner! EW says it will be along the lines of Carrie Underwood and lean country. No surprise there. And she’ll have a song about her shoes.
Fantasia 11/14: Promises to be more upbeat.
Taylor HIcks 11/14: He hasn’t really started recording it yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t come out this day.
Kat McPhee: 11/14: You gotta wonder if this will end up being Celine Dion-ish.
Chris Daughtry 11/21: We can’t imagine he’ll be forced to do Ryan Cabrera-type schlock the way poor Bo did.
9/9: Angie Aparo helping Taylor?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Word on the street is Angie Aparo, the Atlanta-based producer/singer who did Faith Hill’s “Cry,” is helping Taylor Hicks out with his new CD. I saw Angie in concert a few months back. Great singer, quip-worthy between tunes
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9/8: Celebrity Duets wk 2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m not sure if anybody bothered to stick with “Celebrity Duets” after sampling it last week. But I’ll give my quick take.
Hal Sparks (“I Want to Know What Love is” with Wynonna): He still overdoes it. As David Foster, he goes from 0 to 10 with nothing in between. He’s not bad, passably tolerable.
Lea Thompson (“Heaven is a Place on Earth” with Belinda Carlisle). Sorry. She was the worst of the night by far. Something about her voice doesn’t work with this song. And Belinda does not favors for her. I’ve seen the Go Go’s in concert three times and Belinda frequently goes flat. Tonight was no exception. No clue why the judges thought they were actually harmonizing well. Bleah.
Cheech Marin (“Been There” with Clint Black). After hitting some rough patches last week, Cheech does surprisingly well, meshing well with Clint. He picked a song that isn’t too tough on his voice and it works well.
Alfonso Ribeiro (“On the Wings of Love” with Jeffrey Osborne) I haven’t seen or heard from Osborne in years so it’s great to see him and hear him on this classic ’80s ballad. While Alfonso is good and in key this week, Jeffrey blows him away. Overall, a good performance. Smart to go into the audience. And Alfonso did a “Carlton” tease dance, too. My favorite performance so far.
Carly Patterson (“I’m So Excited” with Anita Pointer). I wasn’t so excited that Carly is even back. She worked it best she could but she’s still way out of her league. It felt like a high school pageant with Carly solo. Anita was a breath of fresh air. She still sounds pretty good nearly 25 years after that song hit the charts.
Jai Rodriguez (“Back to One” with Brian McKnight). Another great guest host. Jai was a little ill and it showed. He wasn’t quite as good as last week but he won’t be voted off and did fine with Brian. Still the likely winner, if Alfonso doesn’t take it away from him.
Lucy Lawless (“Whenever I Call You Friend” with Kenny Loggins.) Kenny has aged well. Remember he was on “Idol” last year as a guest judge. Lucy has loosened up a little bit but she looks mummified in that dress. Still, vocally, she’s just so so.
Right now, the likeliest final two are Jai and Alfonso. None of the women are in a position to win this.
9/7: Clay Aiken joins presidential committee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pres. Bush has invited Clay Aiken to become a member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee members will serve for two year terms.
As this story notes, the Clay fans are buzzing about his new album of mostly covers coming out Sept. 19.
9/6: Former Norcross resident Tamyra Gray gets married
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(credit: INF)
Former Norcross resident and top four finalist from season one Tamyra Gray has gotten hitched! She married Sam Watters, a songwriter and producer who was in the early ’90s R&B group Color Me Badd, in Capri, Italy, on Saturday, PEOPLE has confirmed.
Yes, that’s the Color Me Badd known for songs like “I Wanna Sex You Up,” “All 4 Love” and “I Adore Mi Amor.” Interestingly, he co-wrote “A Public Affair,” the latest single by Jessica Simpson.
Tamyra has had a varied post-Idol career, including acting (“The Gospel,” stints on several TV shows), singing (her album “The Dreamer”) and Broadway (“Bombay Dreams”). She hasn’t quite broken out but it sounds like she’s still at it.
Here’s the People story.
9/6: Mario “Shortcut” Vazquez new CD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Believe it or not, Mario “Shortcut” Vazquez, who quit “Idol” last year before the final 12, actually got a deal with Clive Davis and has a CD coming out. He even has a top 20 hit with “Gallery,” which is the height of mediocrity to me.
He never gave a clear reason why he left.
“I feel like I’ve accomplished something major but I also feel like I have a lot to prove,” he says to Billboard. “With this record, I hope it answers people’s questions of why I left, artistically.”
Anybody here plan on buying his CD?
9/5: Memphis auditions 2nd most popular ever
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Memphis auditons, which started yesterday, were monstrous.
According to the Commercial Appeal, 16,000 people registered to try out, the second most in “Idol” history. Memphis was cancelled last year because of Katrina and Greensboro was the sub, thus creating careers out of Chris, Bucky & Kellie.
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