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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > October
October 2006
10/31: Kellie Pickler’s CD out today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Go figure that of all the Season five contestants, Kellie Pickler would be the first the gate with “Small Town Girl.” Reviews have been decent, including our paper and USA Today. USA Today says it’s like “Pam Tillis fronting the Bangles.” Some reviewers seem dumfounded that it’s actually not bad! Here’s an example from the NY Daily News. And she had her hand writing five of the 11 tunes.
Also, Billboard reports that Carrie Underwood is the first artist since Wynonna more than two decades ago to have her first three country singles go No. 1. (“Before He Cheats” follows “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.” Her CD has sold more than 3 million copies.
10/30: McPhee serenades Whitney
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Atlantan Whitney Houston was serenaded by Katharine McPhee at a big Beverly Hills fundraiser Saturday night.
Here’s an excerpt:
Houston’s surprise appearance led American Idol’s Katharine McPhee to abandon plans to sing her signature Over the Rainbow in place of Houston’s I Have Nothing. “It’s her first big appearance since the breakup,” explained McPhee on the pink arrivals carpet. “I would love to sing with her, but unfortunately all eyes are on me.”
Houston nodded her head during McPhee’s performance and led a standing ovation.
And if you want to hear Fantasia’s new single “Hood Boy,” check out her myspace page.
10/30: Clay on Days of Our Lives
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I caught the final audition show on “American Idol Rewind” last night. Justin hasn’t changed much at all. He was the only final 10 contestant who made it out of New York. Christina Christian, who finsihed sixth and is absolutely adorable (even if her vocals were just okay), was the only top 10 contestant out of Miami. (In fact, only six people made it through from Miami that year.) I’m impressed the “Rewind” folks managed to track down the entire top 10 and a good number of the semifinalists for 2006 interviews.
Now onto Hollywood!
And here’s info about Clay on “Days of our Lives.”
Associated Press
New York | Clay Aiken is about to enter a world of back-stabbing, scandal and diva fits - and no, it’s not backstage at American Idol. He’s taping an appearance on NBC’s Days of our Lives.
The 27-year-old Aiken will perform two songs, one from his new album A Thousand Different Ways, and O Holy Night from his 2004 CD Merry Christmas with Love, said the soap opera’s spokeswoman, Kellie Kulikowsky.
He’ll take the stage for a private concert for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) at the club Dune in the town of Salem.
The episode is scheduled to air Dec. 22.
10/27: Idol followups
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Using Ruben & Clay’s sales as a template, USA Today yesterday wrote about waning sales of followup “Idol” CDs. It isn’t all that shocking since Idol winners get the initial rush of excitement after the victory fueling their first CDs. The second and third ones are based more on merit and that artists’ ability to maintain their fan bases. While Ruben won, Clay had a deeper fan base—thus his recent CD opened much bigger than Ruben’s. Now it comes down to radio airplay and the ability for a CD to generate hits. Clay has got nada on that front. It’s too early to say if Ruben’s “Change Me” will become a major R&B radio hit or not but he’ll need it to do well for the label to push a second single strongly. Next up is Fantasia for past Idols.
10/26: Misc stuff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not much goin’ on today in “Idol” land — yet.
I got a call back from RJ Helton a couple days ago but haven’t had time to call him back. I’ll try to catch up with him today.
Carrie Underwood performs on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Oct. 30 and Ellen DeGeneres on Nov. 1.
Kellie Pickler is on The View on Nov. 2 and the Tonight Show on Nov. 3.
10/25: Taylor release date Dec. 5
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Taylor Hicks is working fast in the studio with Matt Serletic to create his first CD after winning Idol.
Here’s a press release about it.
Kellie PIckler’s new album “Small Town Girl” hits the stores next Tuesday, too.
And it looks like Ruben will debut in the top 10, selling about 70,000 copies of “The Return.” That’s about 25% less than his last CD. We’ll see if it ultimately outsells his gospel CD, which fell just short of 500K in sales.
10/24: Ruben sales way down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How quickly we forget. Ruben rode the momentum of his “Idol” victory in 2003 with 400,000 in first-week sales of his first CD “Soulful” on his way to about 1.7 million sold. HIs gospel CD “I Need a Lover” pulled in 96,000 in its first week on its way to 437K total. “The Return” is estimated to pull in about 60K this week, enough for a top 10 finish but proof that he’s going to need radio airplay to even match his sales of his gospel CD.
10/23: Cumming’s RJ Helton comes out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
RJ Helton, season one contestant from Cumming, announced he’s gay last Wednesday to Larry Flick on Sirius’s OutQ, the gay channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. He’s the second openly gay contestant. Jim Verraros came out of the closet a couple of years ago. I need to talk to RJ. It’s been more than two years ago since I have had lunch with R.J. I presume he hasn’t had much success to get a second CD going after his first one came out. I have no clue what he’s actually been up to.
LARRY FLICK: What made you decide not to do inspirational music anymore?
RJ HELTON: … the industry has just really jaded me…I can have a faith but can’t be who I want to be or who I feel that I am…so a lot of it was just personal things I needed to overcome and just be proud of who I was…just because I am gay does not mean I can’t love God.
LARRY FLICK: Well there you go..congratulations. This is something that I wasn’t sure you were going to talk about on the air today so what made you decide to come out?
RJ HELTON: Today..this morning..3 seconds ago. I’ve never even said that. It feels good.
LARRY FLICK: Does it feel good?
RJ HELTON: It does feel great. It feels good. I’m just really comfortable with who I am now. I’m very proud of who I am.
I spoke with Flick Friday. He said RJ was friendly and reserved at first. And he really had no plans to “come out” at that moment. RJ said he literally had never said that he was gay out loud before and the publicist wouldn’t tell Flick if RJ was “out.” Interestingly, Flick said Helton got all sweaty and nervous after he came out publicly, then calmed down and became much more animated and cool, like a burden had been lifted from him.
10/23: Season 1 Atl auditions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On “American Idol Rewind” this weekend is rewinding back to the Atlanta audition circa spring of 2002. I recall that Fox tried to get the AJC to cover the auditions but it happened to fall on the same weekend as Music Midtown. In other words, we didn’t cover it. But there’s RJ Helton (fifth place, season one) in the first couple of minutes and in fact, he’s the first person in line!
We get to see his original audition in which he sings “I Need You” by the Backstreet Boys. I don’t recall having ever seen this so it’s a treat. “I thought that was great,” Randy said. “One of the best first day walk ins. You hid any kind of nerves you had,” Paula said. “I agree, which we don’t do very often. You look good, you sound good. I think this competition is for you.” Funny to hear Ryan call him Richard, his actually first name instead of RJ. “I walked in. My entire body was shaking,” RJ told “Idol Rewind” in 2006.
RJ’s publicist Rob Goldstone said he’s moved up to New York recently and promised to have him call me Friday but no dice. I’ll try again Monday.
This gal Nikki Williams from Athens got in next. She hugged Ejay Day. A charming Jamar Williams came up next and did so so, got offkey. Amazingly, they gave LA to him despite a problematic audition. “What is it in Atlanta? What are they drinking here?” Simon marvelled. That’s three in a row! I vaguely vaguely remember. He made the final 30.
No. 4 is EJay Day, the first person eliminated from the final 10 (yes, there were only 10 the first year). He does “Get Here” by Oleta Adams. He’s great. I always liked his voice. “I thought you sounded good,” Randy said. “You sounded excellent,” Paula said. “This has never happened before,” Simon said. “Everybody is walking in this room is great.” He’s in. (They manage to track him down, too, in 2006. I used to have his cel phone but it doesn’t work anymore. Last I heard he was doing cruise ships. Anybody out there know?)
“We may as well just go home!” Simon says.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” Paula said. “This is Atlanta!”
Four for four!
Jean Claude Paul Jr. of Mableton breaks the streak with a very very weak audition. Then a bunch of no’s.
What’s interesting about this is almost everybody from the Atlanta area. People weren’t travelling hundreds of miles to audition for a show nobody knew about. That changes the next year. Believe me! I did actually attend that audition at AmericasMart and later even saw live auditions for about 20 minutes at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center November 1, 2002. (Yes, I checked the clips for the day.)
Anyway, back to “Idol Rewind.” Rodesia Eaves of Atlanta has a lovely flower in her hair but her vocal inflections are a bit annoying. She’s rejected by Paula but Randy & Simon say yes. That’s unusual! I also vaguely recall her. Melanie Sanders, who I have kept in touch with, makes it. Suposedly, the final performer of the day is Tamyra Gray (who finished fourth). I’m not sure why this is the case because I thought she was near the front of the line and has a relatvely low number. She blows the roof off with “Lady Marmalade.” Simon says, “To me, you stand for everything we’re looking for in this competition. Your personality, the way you look, the way you sing. I think it was one of the best we’ve seen today. Amazing.” Paula: “You are a bright little star. Randy: “Love your confidence. Love your voice. Love the whole pakcage.” The trio passed on 15 people from Atlanta.
The show touts “exclusive” interviews with the contestants but at this juncture, they provide at most a couple of seconds. For instance, the insightful soudbite from Rodesia, who is inexplicably wearing monstrous sunglasses indoors, says, “”My heart was beating so far. I was like oh my god!”
Now onto Seattle. If I recall, the final 10 only ended up with one contestant from these auditions: AJ Gill, who finished in eighth place and I don’t know what he’s doing now. That’s probably why “Idol” didn’t go back to Seattle for a looong time (until this year for season six). Michael Chaco, age 36 (and looks about 50), is inexplicably auditioning. I thought they had an age limit even that first year. Maybe not! I’m going to have to ask about that. I don’t recall seeing anybody older than 24 before this. Proving the paucity of vocal talent, they let through zero people the entire morning. They had some godawful auditions. “This is a pen, not a magic wand,” Simon said to one poor guy who offered to have them mold them any way they want.
They finally bring some dude named J.P. to Hollywood who promptly disappeared. A bunch of other folks I don’t remember make it through in the afternoon. Some aren’t half bad. A blonde gal named Brittney Dahlstrom is actually really good. I don’t recall why she didn’t make it into the final 32 or so. And a gal named Tanesha Ross pulls of an impressive “I’m Every Woman.” No recall of her, though. The supposed last contestant of the day (I think this is an editing trick) is AJ Gill (ninth place). He does some breakdancing before he sings. He does a solid “Star Spangled Banner.” They let him sing the entire song. He has a pure boy band kind of voice and he looks like he could be that fifth dude in the Backstreet Boys. Randy gives him a standing ovation. “Fabulous,” Simon says. “Ditto,” Paula said. He is all tearful at the end. Only 11 make it.
Interestingly, “Idol” sounded like it struck out again in the Pacific Northwest earlier this month. “Astoundingly awful,” Paula of all people said in [this story)(http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2003285774_idol03.html). “Absolutely atrocious,” added Simon in this story.
“There must be something in the rainwater,” Randy said. “It makes them wild, insane, maybe depressed. I blame it on the rain.”
Actually, they had only seen a small number of contestants at that point so maybe things got better later. We’ll see in January.
Finally, some interviews are tacked on to the end of the episode. “It was really exciting to be the first person from Atlanta to make it to the Hollywood round.” Ejay: “It was a beautiful moment in time. I started working out more. getting myself together. i really wanted to be the next American Idol.” Aj Gill: “Going to Hollywood, man. It meant the opportunity I was waiting for. That was a door that was opening. It’s still opening.”
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10/20: Idol Rewind hits Atlanta this weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Check out Idol Rewind—WGN airs it at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday while WATL has it at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday. Atlanta will be the focal point so you’ll get to see Justin, RJ, EJay and Tamyra Gray.
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10/20: Ruben at Wal-Mart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I came by the new Howell Mill Wal-Mart Thursday evening to get a couple of photos of Ruben working the crowd for his push for the CD “The Return.” There was a steady drumbeat of fans getting autographs by the time I got there at 6:10 p.m. (He started more than hour earlier) but there was a momentary lull so I said hey. He remembered my last story and said some nice things. He’s also happy that most of the reviews of the CD so far have been positive. Having interviewed him just a couple months ago, I didn’t have much new to ask Ruben. He loves doing all the promotion and said he’s enjoying meeting the fans in a way he couldn’t last time around. He had flown in from Charlotte earlier in the day and was going off to see Martha Stewart in New York for today. He has already taped The View, Tyra Banks, Rachael Ray, the Today Show, et al. He said he loves Martha and was looking forward to doing a project with her.
His ballad “Change Me” is gaining momentum on the radio, jumping from 39 to 28 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart this week in its 11th week. It’s No. 6 on the adult R&B chart. He’s getting 17 spins a week on V-103 locally. He said it’s tough to break a ballad on R&B/hip-hop radio nowadays but he’s having some success.
Here are a couple of shots I took. He looks great with the weight loss.
10/20: Eau de Cowell?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Simon Cowell has been approached by a major cosmetics company to release his own fragrance. Does this smell right to you? Here’s the story.
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10/19: Daughtry update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Corey Moss of MTV.com caught up with Chris Daughtry about his new album.
“I’m making the kind of album I’ve always wanted to make,” Chris said. “It’s got the sensitive, lighter stuff, but also the stuff that makes you want to run around in circles, pounding the walls in or something. I think it captures everything that I like about music. I was influenced by Elton John and, you know, Led Zeppelin. I think it’s got a little bit of everything in there.”
His CD is due out November 21.
I’ll check out Ruben and take some pictures over at the new Wal-Mart later today, too!
Good news about my page views. Apparently, our computer systems compilie page views from two sources: ajc.com and accessatlanta.com. Since nothing much “Idol” related popped up on ajc.com last month, I only got 1,106 hits through that site. I was perplexed cos there were some pages which claimed only 3 page views when there were 15 comments. Fortunately, the gal compiling the list figured out that she needed to also track hits through accessatlanta.com. Thus, my page views from there were about 52,000 for a combined 53,000 hits. That’s more like it!
10/18: Ruben’s The Return
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I need to get a copy of Ruben’s new CD from the music writers, see how it is. Anybody get it yet?
Here’s a happy review
Here’s a passable one
And here’s the brief review from USA Today.
Oh—I finally got my page view totals from the month of September: just 1,105. (A far cry from 458,000 in May!) That probably includes about 50 clicks from me. And I bet a majority of those remaining page views came from the five of you who regularly blog here.
10/17: Extreme Makeover seeking families
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Can’t sing but you’ve got an “inspirational,” tear-jerking story and a crappy home? Well, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is seeking Georgia residents who fit the bill. Deadline is October 25 so put together your best sob story and hope former Grant Park resident Ty Pennington and his megaphone show up at your door sometime soon!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ABC’s EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION HEADS ACROSS THE MAP
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Oct, 17th– Do you know of an amazing family in need of new home? Now is your chance to nominate them for an EXTREME MAKEOVER. The producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition are in search of an inspiring, heroic, hard-working families.
“We are looking for inspirational families that America can really root for,� says Casting Director, Quintin Strack. “Please help us find that family that is an inspiration to their community. We’re looking for those local heroes who have neglected their own homes because they have given so much of their time and money to others instead. Or have overcome some adversity and now help others. Or whose family has fallen on hard times. Please tell us about the inspirational men, women, children and families in your community.�
To be eligible, a family must own their own single family home (their home must be in MAJOR need of repairs), they must be inspirational to their family and their community, and they are about helping their community. Interested families should e-mail a short one-two paragraph synopsis of their family story to Veronica at castinggeorgia@yahoo.com
The synopsis should include the names and ages of each member of the household along with a 1-2 paragraph description of why the family is inspirational and the top 3 things that are wrong with their home.
The deadline for family submissions is Wednesday October 25th, 2006. For more information about the show, log on to http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index.html
10/17: Diana also at new ATL Wal-Mart 9/18
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Idol mania at Wal-Mart!
As reported earlier, Ruben is signing at the Wal-Mart off Howell Mill on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
But Diana DeGarmo will beat him to it on Wednesday, signing from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. She’ll also be at the new Buford Supercenter at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m. to sing the National Anthem. At least that’s what the publicist tells me.
10/16: Rewind recap: Chicago, Dallas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I didn’t end up getting Idol Rewind on tape last week but am watching it now. It’s basically an extended audition episode — at least it’s longer than the original ones that ran June of 2002.
It’s funny to see Ryan’s blonde-tipped hair, Dunkleman’s non-contribution and the weird closeups of the judges. It’s also interesting that none of the contestants know who Randy or Simon are at this point. There’s a lovely innocence about it all. In Chicago, the first half of the day they had nothing. I recognize Jaquetta Williams (the plus sized girl with no confidence) and Angela Peel, both who made it Hollywood. One gal Natalie Burge (whose name I recognize-she was in the final 36, too) has her dad crying in the audition room (echoes of Kat McPhee?). I can’t believe I actually recall these people. Ryan Ferrar is the man who did a really aggressive, really bad pre-Constantine “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (They put him through even though he couldn’t really sing. He was just fun! Shows you how shallow the talent pool was back then.) I can’t even recall if anybody from Chicago made it to the final 10 that year. Oh, wait—there’s Jim Verraros, the only openly gay finalist so far on “Idol.” He has the best back story from season one — the deaf parents and does a great audition.
Interestingly, Brian Dunkleman actually cooperates with “Idol” and does additional bonus voiceovers for the extra footage. Who woulda thunk it?
Now it’s Dallas. Kristin Holt, one of the final 36 and a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, pops up and does what is now a banned song, “Fallen.” Then she runs toward the judge’s desk and falls flat on her butt. A classic audition moment!
Another great line: “Do you have a voice teacher?” Simon asks one bad singer. She said yes. He asks “Do you have a lawyer?” “No.” “You’ll need one to sue him.”
Then there’s possible foreshadowing. Simon asks a studly Adrian Herrara, “Would you rather go to Hollywood or a date with Paula Abdul?” Adrian opted for Hollywood. They were really high on him but he didn’t make it to the final 10.
Oh, Nikki McKibbin (no. 3), who isn’t doing the rocker thing at all but is memorable as Simon says.
Then there’s our first winner Kelly Clarkson, a person who the “Idol” producers paid little attention to early on. I forgot she was wearing this hideous blue jeans dress she apparently created herself. “I’m going to be a fashion designer if this doesn’t work out,” she told Ryan. (Thank goodness she didn’t need to do that!) She is chipper and keeps saying “Cool beans!”
Then the surprise: in the audition we’ve seen multiple times, she does Etta James “At Last.” But she sang a second song, too, that has never aired (and isn’t on the “Idol” highlights DVD): she did Madonna’s “Express Yourself.” I wonder if that song didn’t get cleared… til now.
“I loved that song,” Randy said approvingly. “I worked with that song with Madonna. You did a very good job.” Paula and Simon snort laughing. “I’m sorry if I’m so famous,” Randy joked. “I love me.”
Then as a joke, he swaps places with Kelly, a scene we’ve seen before and inexplicably wasn’t aired in June 2004 during the original audition eps but later when she was further along.
Ah.. the memories! Here’s the video of her At Last audition not shown on Rewind.
10/15: America’s Got Talent audition in ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you are outside the age range of “American Idol” or have some talent that isn’t solo singing, “America’s Got Talent” is coming to Atlanta November 4 and 5 at AmericasMart building #1 on 240 Peachtree St. in Atlanta. Lines form at 7 a.m. I think this is the same spot “Idol” held its auditions in seasons one and two back in 2002.
More info here.
Based on last year’s voting results, America likes overly precocious young singers so have at it if that’s you!
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10/13: Idol tour numbers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ken Barnes at USA Today’s Idol Chatter blog was kind enough to grab some numbers from Billboard for the “Idols Live!” tour and this was easily the most successful one to date. Check out these numbers:
Total gross: $35.2 million on 59 dates
Total attendance: 645,782
Total sellouts: 19 (32% of the shows)
Percentage of seats sold, overall: 96%
Top-grossing show: New York (East Rutherford, N.J.), about $890,000 each for two shows, July 13 and 14
Top attendance: Greensboro, N.C., 15,337, July 30
Lowest percentage of seats sold: Austin, 80%, Sept. 10
All and all, proof positive this was the most popular “Idol” year so far. Let’s pat ourselves on the back.
For comparison, somebody on the Idol Chatter blog posted the numbers from the first four tours for comparison:
AI-1 Total Gross: $8.1 million Average Ticket Price: $31.38 Average Attendance: 8,589 Total Attendance: 357,680 Average Gross: $269,520 Number of Shows: 30
AI-2 Total Gross: $15.6 million Average Ticket Price: $38.26 Average Attendance: 10,446 Total Attendance: 407,404 Average Gross: $399,661 Number of Shows: 41
AI-3 Total Gross: $11.3 million Average Ticket Price: $45.34 Average Attendance: 5,337 Total Attendance: 250,862 Average Gross: $242,009 Number of Shows: 49
AI-4 Total Gross: $16.9 million Average Ticket Price: $44.47 Average Attendance: 9,026 Total Attendance: 379,071 Average Gross: $401,403 Number of Shows: 42
Anyway, I’m probably the only one here following “Dancing with the Stars” but the news this morning of Sara Evans dropping out after filing for divorce with her husband is juicy, juicy gossip. What is going on there???? And what is ABC going to do to kill time this week if they decide not to eliminate anybody?
10/12: Ruben at new Atl Wal-Mart Oct. 19
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ruben Studdard is signing his new CD at the new Wal-Mart SuperCenter opening next week off Howell Mill Road at 4:30 p.m. October 19. You know I’ll be there.
Also, tonight is the “So You Think You Can Dance” concert at the Arena at Gwinnett. I’ve got too much on my plate right now and am going to pass but if anyone goes, please tell me how Heidi and Benji and the others are.
I’m still bummed about Bo Bice. I wanted to catch him tonight at Cumming. “He’s going to be alright,” said his Birmingham pastor Donny Acton, who keeps in touch with Bo’s mom, who lives in metro Atlanta. “He’s a tough guy.”
10/11: Clay and Mario sales
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
According to hitsdailydouble, Clay Aiken’s “A Thousand Different Ways” (which got a one-star diss in Rolling stone) dropped out of the top 10 in its third week, selling about 37,000 copies, down about 50% from week two.
That’s only slightly more than Carrie Underwood’s first album, which has gone triple platinum and is still in the top 40 after 46 weeks.
Mario “The Quitter” Vazquez’s self-titled CD debuted last week at a modest No. 80, which means sales of just 12,000, which isn’t so hot considering radio has pushed his single “Gallery” inexplicably into the top 10.
10/10: Bice back in hospital, Atl concert cancelled
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Season four “Idol” finalist Bo Bice, who spent a good portion of his childhood in Atlanta, is back in the hospital and having surgery for an intestinal problem. Here’s a story about it.
As a result, his concert at the Cumming Country Fair & Festival at the Cumming Fairgrounds this Thursday has been cancelled, according to the city of Cumming Web site.
Here’s more info off www.bobice.com
Message From Management , October 9, 2006
Bo’s relationship with you, his fans, has been one built on honesty from the very beginning. The moment he stepped on the stage for the first time at Idol, Bo has always been truthful and transparent about who he is and situations in his life. When he was hospitalized in Las Vegas with an intestinal condition, his desire not to disappoint his fans pushed him to get back out on tour as soon as he was able. As you all know, the situation was not resolved by that surgery, and Bo has unfortunately seen the inside of emergency rooms in different cities too often over the past year. After in depth discussions with his physicians, a new round of tests was scheduled during a break in the tour to attempt to pinpoint the problem and determine a course of action to resolve it. After the first round of tests was completed last week, Bo’s medical team concluded on review of the results that surgery could not wait, and he was immediately admitted to the hospital. The surgery was not easy or routine, and after a setback the following day, Bo is now recovering well under the supervision of his doctors and hospital staff.
We are confident that Bo will have a complete recovery, and hopeful that this procedure will be the final resolution to the problems that have existed for the past year. Bo is disappointed to say that this will obviously impact the remainder of the tour, but to what extent is currently unclear. We know your thoughts and prayers are with him, and we will keep you updated periodically if there are any changes.
One final comment to some inaccurate information that was released last week. Heath Clark has not “left� Sugarmoney. With the end of the album cycle rapidly approaching, Heath needed to insure the financial stability of he and his family. After full discussion with Bo and the boys, the decision was made that was best for everyone, and Heath will be back on board when it is time to begin the next cycle. Contrary to other people, and other sites, the band is still whole and united, and right now is there in support of Bo as he recovers.
Management
10/9: Audio of Hudson in Dreamgirls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s audio of season three finalist Jennifer Hudson singing on “Dreamgirls”. I can’t get it on my Mac but I’ll try to listen later tonight on my PC.
10/8: Clay Aiken sales off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Clay Aiken, who sold 3 million of his “Measure of a Man” and another one million of his Christmas album, may have problems going platinum with his current “A Thousand Different Ways.” With no radio airplay, his album has now sold about 275,000 copies in two weeks, with 74K in week two, a 65% drop from week one. As Ken Barnes over at the Idol Chatter blog noted, he’s pacing to about 500,000 to 600,000 in total sales unless something unusual happens.
Overall, given his career arc or lack thereof up to this point and the fact he opted for basically a covers CD, this isn’t surprising at all. I know a few Clay fans who have left his ship because of his career moves or missteps. His diehards are shrinking and nothing he’s doing right now is building new ones.
10/6: Taylor on his new album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gray Charles fan Web site talks with Taylor about the pressures of putting his first record out with very very little time.
It’s clear the realities are hitting him hard:
“Some people take two months just to put down the vocals on a album. I’ve got that much time to do the whole thing. There is a sense of urgency coming at me from many directions. A window of opportunity exists for me as an artist and working musician to maximize my potential in selling a lot of CD’s when people are ready to buy them as opposed to when peoples Christmas money is spent. It’s pretty simple math – it’s the music business. The CD’s gotta move for the artist to be paid and there are times when you’ve gotta move them. Personally, I’m not worried about whose album is coming out when or whose gets released first. It doesn’t take too much thinking to know that people want to buy things in December rather than January.”
We can only hope he comes out with a decent CD given the time frame he has to deal with.
10/6: Justin’s bitterness gone?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Where did the hair go?”
Justin Guarani seemed quite bitter about his “Idol” experience after the show was over. But four years later, he seems much mellower about it. Here’s a story with him discussing life with a bit more perspective..
10/3: Carrie joins literacy campaign
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Slow day on the “Idol” front. I’m scraping’. Here ya go. No Fantasia jokes, please. Well, okay. Go ahead.
UNDERWOOD FRONTS LITERACY CAMPAIGN
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com) 2006-10-04 05:03:41 -
AMERICAN IDOL winner CARRIE UNDERWOOD is fronting a literacy campaign in her home state of Oklahoma, alongside country singer TONY KEITH and actor JAMES GARDNER. Underwood is appearing in a poster campaign for the Oklahoma Library Association’s ‘Read Y’all’ campaign. The posters will be distributed around every school and in libraries across the state. Campaign coordinator BUFFY EDWARDS says, “I think Carrie Underwood just represents Oklahoma in such a positive manner. She’s grounded in her upbringing. She’s proud of her state. She appeals to a very wide age range.”
10/3: Diana in town tomorrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Taking a brief break from her “Hairspray” gig on Broadway, Snellville’s Diana DeGarmo continues her ties with the figure-skating world by singing at Wednesday night’s “Hilton Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular” at the Arena at Gwinnett. A grown-up Gold Medal winner Carly Patterson, last seen mauling tunes and dancing badly with the likes of June Pointer and Jesse McCartney on Fox’s ratings disaster “Celebrity Duets,” will be doing her gymnastics thang, too.
10/2: Elliott Yamin breaks finger
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Elliott Yamin broke his pinkie finger in a freak accident.
Yamin, 28, was picking up rocks and throwing them at a sign after visiting a nightspot in his hometown of Richmond, Va. when “his finger got caught on a rod holding down a rock,” says someone close to the situation.
“My finger snapped back and broke. I had to get a plate and two screws and I’m wearing a cast,” Yamin tells PEOPLE. “I’m doing okay. It’s not hampering me.
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10/2: Kevin Covais on Spike Feresten show
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s {Idol 5 finalist Kevin “Chicken Little” Covais doing “Baby Got Back” on the Spike Feresten show](http://www.fox.com/video/index.htm?catid=talkshow&clipid=kevin_covais).
10/2: Idol Rewound
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I caught the last 20 minutes of “American Idol Rewind” on WGN at 8 p.m. Sunday night. (It was also on WATL-TV at 3 p.m.) It was an overview of the “Idol” phenomenon. I don’t think any fan would have learned much from it but it’s always fun to see some old scenes again. I saw snippets mostly from folks from season one: Christina Christian, AJ Gil, Jim Verraros, Ryan Star, RJ Helton (from Cumming), Justin Guarini (no longer bitter, seemingly) and winner Kelly Clarkson.
Next week is when the real fun begins because they’ll be replaying old episodes from 2002 with a few updates sprinkled in and “never before seen” moments. Didn’t you all miss Brian Dunkleman, Ryan Seacrest’s frosted hair and Randy Jackson’s chubbier exterior? No? Well, we’ll also see how shallow the talent pool was compared to now, too. And if memory serves me correct, the very first episode of “Idol” drew about 9 million viewers, one third of what it draws now.
10/2: Bo coming to Cumming Fair Oct. 12
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bo Bice is going to appear at the Cumming Country Fair October 12.
Star 94 sponsors it. More info here
Cumming County Fair with Shannon Holly [Star 94 DJ] Date: October 12, 2006 Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Come see Shannon and BO BICE perform live in concert at the Cumming County Fairgrounds!!
GA 400 to exit 15 Left to Hwy 20 Left on Castleberry Rd
Here’s general info about the fair itself:
Thursday, October 05, 2006 to Sunday, October 15, 2006
Down home country fun! Midway Carnival Rides, Daily Ground Acts, Petting Zoo, Heritage Village with working exhibits, Grand Concert Lineup, Indian Village and much more. Mon.-Thurs. 4pm-10pm, Sat. 10am-12am, Sun. 12:30pm-7pm
Admission: Adult - $5.00, Student(7 to 18) - $2.00, Child(6 & under) - $0 Parking fee: $3.00 Event Phone: 770-781-3491
Location: Cumming Fairgrounds Cumming, GA 30040
Tourism Partner: Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road Cumming, GA 30040
Here’s info about the fair
