American Idol Buzz

By Renata

January 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Rodney, what is the deal with all of these Idols getting dropped? I have a theory clive Davis’s speech at last year’s finale, i knew something was up then. Rodney, answer this question Is it true that Ruben got dropped in May before the season 6 fianle? Also, do you believe that Sony BMG is trying to step away from their affilation with Idol?

By Barney

January 9, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

The buzz is that she’s in negotiations with another major label, either A&M or Warner, which would make sense, since David Foster is producing her next album. I sense guy in the middle of all this. RCA issued a statement that she “left to support her other entertainment ventures”, which to me reeks of sarcasm. Looks like they didn’t want to share her with the movie industry.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

Funny how Kellie Pickler has become more successful than Taylor and Katherine. Gotta love America

By pattispage

January 10, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

I don’t see much happening with Mcphee till after she makes the monumental mistake of marrying the 43 yr old pervert Nick Cokas.Since he has a hand in her indie movie I don’t see anything good happening there either since he has failed as a director so far. Maybe he thinks the sexy McPhee will help but married to him makes her no longer sexy.This year Sexy Hair will probably drop her also.If she records another album, even if it’s with David Foster that will fail too as her fan appeal is only her McPhan Base. Appearances at County Fairs is about all that will be left for her, or maybe her and him in viagra commercials and that a shame because she does have talent, but Cokas is more important to her so Good Luck Katharine,

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Mushblog!

Wow, they sure are having a rough time right now aren’t they?

I didn’t like McPhee to begin with, so I can understand them dropping her, but I still feel bad for her if she’s not able to get another lable.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Good morning fellow bloggers.

I can’t believe it, Rodney…a whole blog about Kat McPhee and not one word from Justin last night! I hope he’s alright!

I’m hoping today will be the day when tha powers that be running the blog will realize how long its taking everybody posts to appear!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

OMG…the previous post showed up in less than 2 minutes!!!! This will be great news if it wasn’t an anomaly(I feel like I’m on Star Trek)

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

To my fellow mushblogians: Welcome to a new day….I think we’re moving just a teensy bit faster today..maybe because it’s still early!

By kellyfan

January 10, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Morning y’all…

Shame about Kat, but I think most of us got over that McPhever a long time ago! I guess we’ll see what happens with her.

WE, I agree about Kellie Pickler…(real or not), she’s a riot.

Here’s a funny one: I was bored and on youtube and found a small clip of Britney on Leno. He made a comment about how at 25 (she was 22 then), she’d be married with 2 kids and living in a trailer!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Carrie Underwood, has had her ringtone for “Before He Cheats” certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, meaning the ringtone has been purchased over million times.

Only one other country artist in history has earned a platinum ringtone - Waylon Jennings who earned one for the Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys).

Before He Cheats has also been certified as the best-selling digital country song since chart history records have been compiled in the United States.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Leno knows he’s psychic!

Little Kellie Pickler was always going to be popular….the ‘dumb blonde’ seems to resonate with people in this country…we appreciate their innocence…even when they’re not!

By kellyfan

January 10, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

That’s great for Carrie!

Though sometimes I wonder about peoples’ choices. “I guess I’ll answer my phone…’Before He Cheats’!” ;)

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

LOL, Kellyfan, maybe they’re using that ringtone for a reason!

By Rachel

January 10, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I think this is more a market forces problem than an artist problem. The label’s are trying to figure out how they are going to make money with the culture of downloading music with how the market has changed over the last few years. With 99 cent downloads an artist better make an CD with alot of good songs or the label will not make any $. I have heard that the labels have been laying off emplyee’s in droves.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I would ask Carrie to marry me except for the fact that she is a vegitarian. If she were to change and decide that eating meat was OK,I might reconsider and give her a chance. But as of now she is out of luck. LOL

By flats

January 10, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Good morning all!!!!This new format has me all upset..Talk to yall later!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Rachel…I agree. The way the popularity of all entertainment is measured will have to undergo profound changes in the next few years. Only the box office count for movies still works as a reliable indicator but probably not for much longer. The TV industry and the music industry already have only a limited idea, by current standards,of what’s successful and what isn’t.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Detailed AI schedule if anyone wants it for future reference

The show kicks off with two-night, four-hour event on Tuesday, January 15, and Wednesday, January 16.

Early audition episodes will be the focus of the four-hour premiere and these will continue through hour-long episodes that will air on January 22, 23, 29, and 30; February 5 and 6.

Tune in on Tuesday, February 12 when the Hollywood rounds begin. These premiere kick off with a two-hour episode, followed by a one-hour episode the following night that reveals the Top 24.

The Top 12 males and the Top 12 females will perform in two-hour episodes airing on Tuesday, February 19 and Wednesday, February 20. Viewer voting begins on these nights.

The male performers will then lay claim to Tuesdays, with the Top 10 singing during a 90-minute episode February 26, followed by the Top 8 on March 4.

Wednesdays will be ladies’ night, with the Top 10 competing on February 27, and the Top 8 on March 5. Eliminations will take place on Thursdays at 8 p.m., culminating in the reveal of the Top 12 on March 6.

The performances of the overall Top 12 will take place on Tuesday, March 11, with a two-hour episode. The first single elimination of the season will take place the following night.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Thanks War Eagle.

Has anyone out there been watching Project Runway this season?

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

mornin’ fellow mushies! even the weather is mushy!!!

ah well… Kat is sure to find a soft place to land; it’s not like she’s a starving artist or anything, with a family to support and mortgage and all that stuff… sorry she was dropped but not terrifically surprised by it.

i truly think that kellie pickler is this generation’s goldie hawn … for years everyone thought she was just a dumb blonde actress… and she showed them just how dumb she is! (as in NOT)

lots of work on my desk, so i’ll see you guys later in the mushpit. (yes … a deliberate play on word-sounds)

linny

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

War Eagle…it’s a little scary to think the show starts Jan 15 and we don’t get to the top 12 for almost 2 months. That’s A LOT of bad auditions!

And could we please eliminate the Sanjayas and Chicken Littles BEFORE the top 12 this year. PLEASE!!!

By Supe

January 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

This highlights the difference between talent and popularity. Reuben, Taylor, Katherine, (and soon add Jordan and Beat box boy), all are fairly mundane. A “Zamfir - Master Of The Pan Pipes” commercial holds my interest longer. On the other hand, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, (grudgingly) Chris Daughtry had talent. Personal biggest disappointments, Bo Bice and Melinda Dolittle. One got a shot and blew it, the other has just disappeared.

By billy

January 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Hopefully they learned their lesson last year. If Sanjaya was truely one of the 24 best contestants to audition then something is wrong somewhere. I think VFTW.com is gaining more support each year. There is no telling what they could pull off this year if a “gimmick” contestant is put through.

By billy

January 10, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I found the next Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward. She’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s alrady sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her. Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Supe…Zamfir!!! LOL!!!..Although I can’t agree with you on Little Kellie Pickler. She doesn’t strike me as anything other than really smart. she knows what sells and she ‘sells it’! Talent(although she has a nice little voice) doesn’t have much to do with it.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Supe… i’m hoping that Melinda is just undergoing a little bit of personal coaching, and will pop on the scene with a powerhouse song, or even a whole album, showcasing her incredible talent. you’re right—she didn’t even fade, she just disappeared; I’d hate to think that she gave up, she didn’t seem the type to do that. and regarding Bo — i think his physical health is mainly responsible for his quick fade — and hopefully he’ll get his life (wife, child, career) in perspective and do something quietly that will grow up a nice following. i DO like that boy, LOL!

Are any of you familiar with Shawn Phillips? If not, you should see if you can find any of his music, especially from earlier albums, to listen to…i’d like to know what you think! His vocal ability is simply incredible, in my opinion. He’s been around for at least 30 years, i’d guess… his first albums are titled Contribution, Second Contribution, and Collaboration, and after that, i can’t remember the names, (old age forgettery)

anywho, back to work for me…

greg, i thought you were going to use “Greg” here instead of “flats” or “flatscreen” … was that you?

By billy

January 10, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By Red

January 10, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Who really cares? Lasting musical stars are not made by some judges on a tv show. They work for it in the trenches over a long period of time and learn the trade. 365,000 cds sold means a lack of interest on the part of the listener.

By Mike S

January 10, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Good Morning all.

Going to make a pre-season predictiion here. The Kat droppings cemented this for me.

THis years winner - or at least the major pimp job reciever - will be a ROCK or COUNTRY singer.

AI has not had a successful POP Diva since Kelly — and then she didn’t break out until she got away from AI and put more rock into her act.

Kat fell flat, Taylor is blue, Jordin is not making a whole lot of sparks, and even Blake is being boxed and beat.

The only true success stories from the last two years are Daughtry (hard Rock) and Pickler (Country, although her success is more schtick than singing).

AI needs another Carrie SUCCESS STORY to win — so, this time they will pimp either a Daughtry type rocker or the new Carrie.

MARK IT DOWN!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Billy..don’t worry about the double post. That last statement on here that says it might take up to 5 minutes for your comment to appear….is a fact. This has got to be one of the most annoying and frustrating blogs on the planet!

Other than that…we have a pretty good time! :-)

I haven’t checked out Shawn Phillips, linny but I’ll go searching…I have plenty of time while I’m waiting for this to post.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Interesting article from the New York post from back in November

Several changes are in the works, officials say, including:

• changing the format to let singers show other musical talents, such as guitar playing.

• many fewer “mentors,” those established musical stars like Diana Ross and Tony Bennett, who appeared every week last season and took attention away from the contestants.

  and next summer, the annual “Idol” live tour may be combined with the “So You Think You Can Dance” tour - to create a show with both singing and dancing.

“We’re bringing about 160 people back to Hollywood at the end of this month,” says “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

“We’ll bring everyone there, and the judges will spend four days with them and bring the list down to the top 24 contestants - 12 boys and 12 girls.”

The seven-city audition tour ended late last month with a few standouts, Lythgoe says.

“There are one or two that stand out - there are three girls who are superb, including one girl we saw three years ago who wasn’t an American citizen [and is now] and we’re happy to have her this year,” he says.

“And we’ve got one or two guys who are really good.”

Lythgoe is busy producing his latest Fox show, “The Next Great American Band,” now and hasn’t seen much “Idol” audition footage yet.

“I’m literally going into the edit suite [this] week,” he says.

The Hollywood phase of the show will include something different this year.

“We knew Chris Daughtry, Carrie [Underwood] and Bo [Bice] could play the guitar but we really couldn’t show it,” he says. “If [the contestants] can play an instrument this year we want to be able to see that, and we’ll introduce a couple of days of that during Hollywood week.”

Lythgoe says he’s not sure if this idea will be carried over to the “Idol” competition when its seventh season kicks off in late January.

“We’ll make a decision when we see how many really talented people we have,” he says.

The element of the show that Lythgoe is sure will change, however, is the use of show-biz giants as “mentors” each week.

“We did make something of a mistake with ‘Idol’ by focusing so much on the mentors,” Lythgoe says.

“We got such good mentors [last season] that we forgot about … getting across who these kids were, their backgrounds and families,” Lythoe says.

“There are legends in our business that hopefully will come along as mentors on ‘Idol’ this season - but not every single week,” he says.

“I want to know about the kids, what makes them tick, what got them singing.”

Lythgoe says he’d also like to see the “Idol” and “Dance” touring companies combined into one unit.

“I’d love to see the ‘Dance’ tour go out with the ‘Idol’ tour and put the singing and dancing together,” he says. “They should never be separate.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

LOL!!!! I’ve missed you, Mike. I’m putting it in my special AI notepad….”Mike says country or rock”!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Red - your comments are true to a certain extent. However, shows like AI, Nashville Star, Next Great American Band, etc., at least give SOME people a window of opportunity .. what happens after the exposure is purely, in my opinion, up to them, and that’s where you are the “right-est” … they have to have the drive, dedication, and perserverance to make it in a very cutthroat business. However, I doubt anyone can say that Taylor doesn’t have drive … it’s just that his style and his personality are not so suited to recording as they are to performing … whereas Carrie Underwood, for example, is able to put her performance INTO a recording somehow… some can do that, some cannot.

and some can do recording in studios but live…OMG are they ever suckie!!! I remember a young lady many years ago opened for Hot Tuna at the Ballroom (on peachtree, at the Georgian Terrace, remember that?) .. she was, in a word, HORRIBLE. But her daddy had money, she had a decent band, and they went into the studio and produced a credible album…. the studio techs were able to “fix” what was wrong with her voice, whereas live… bleh!

just saying…. there are different levels and different types of performers and recording artists… and always will be!

By wmatlanta

January 10, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Rachel, you’re right about entire albums better be good in the age of the .99 download. Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black is like the only entire CD I’ve downloaded this year, and only because the whole damn album is good.

Kat messed up a couple of recent National Anthem gigs, which may have brought the end sooner.

War Eagle, do you have the Idol finalists schedule into May?

By Beth

January 10, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I bet Jordin’s doesn’t do well either. Not because she isn’t talented, but because American Idol has run it’s course. Just seeing those previews for this season makes me want to turn off the T.V. It isn’t funny anymore to have all the bad singers insulted by the judges.

By GillDude15

January 10, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Well, well, well. Looks like the great Swami is at it again. “Mark it down”. Pitiful, pitiful. And what say you when black pipes will win? Hardy, har, har.

By harrietth

January 10, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Nobody here mentione Elliot Yamin. He has had a top-selling song on the charts for weeks and weeks. Year 5 had by far the best talent.

Also, I hope the producers went back and looked at years past. There was lots of stuff that clicked with the audiences back then that they sought to “improve” on. The new stuff just cluttered up everything and took away from the most appealing thing about the show—the contestants. In past years we became emotionally invested in those who sang their hearts out each week. Who cares what Tony Bennett recommends? The contestants last year NEVER followed the mentors’ recommendations anyway.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Beth…IMO it never was fun! I don’t think Idol is over yet. The Writers’ strike has pretty much guarantteed a good season for them…as long as VFTW(as War Eagle mentioned) doesn’t gain more followers.

By billy

January 10, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By GillDude15

January 10, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Well, well, well. Looks like the great Swami is at it again. “Mark it down”. Pitiful, pitiful. And what say you when Tenoshi Wekoshi wins? It will be anyone who ain’t black or white. Now - you mark THAT down. Hardy, har, har.

By Dee

January 10, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Well, she is a pretty girl. maybe she can marry a Dallas Cowboy.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

harrietth…totally agree!

Gill…welcome back! You’ll have to explain to me why ‘black pipes’ couldn’t be either country or rock.

By billy

January 10, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By billy

January 10, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

billy…seriously…how many times did you click the ‘post’ button?

And Gill…you double posted too…oh well, it’s this slow mushblog…you’ll get the hang of it!

By don

January 10, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I saw Katherine McPhee eating a burrito at Moe’s in Buckhead yesterday.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

wmatlanta, Thats all I got as far as a schedule goes.

Sounds like MikeS agrees with what I said yesterday. Last season was off because of lack of diversity. No rock or country representation.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

D you want to email Rodney or should I… looks like we have a spammer here… probably the same person who has had the Jaycie Ward article removed from Wikipedia repeatedly. Can’t say as I blame Wiki, either, seeing as how this person is inconsiderate and rude and pushy. I don’t care HOW good this child is, her supporter makes me NEVER want to hear her sing!

RODNEYYYYYYY

By flats

January 10, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Linny….I like Flats!!!!I just cant get into ths new format!!!I dont get into Idol like the rest of yall,just love to chat like we used too..It’s funny to see all these non talents losing contracts!!!!The market needs to dry up!!!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

don…any idea what she’s doing in Atlanta?

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Yeah…I’m pretty sure billy is spamming. I’m not sure, without a code guy, if there’s anything we can do about it though.

By billy

January 10, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Well, sorry for Kat, but I have found the future Carrie on youtube. Her name is Jaycie Ward, she’s 8 or 9 years old, and I see she’s already sung with Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and many others. You gotta see her! Type in beechcat in the search window. Hey SONY! She’ll sell you a few million CD’s!

By HasaLife

January 10, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Who gives a flying phuck? Damn, what a bunch of mindless morons who keep up with this schit.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

War Eagle…yeah…I think you and Mike will get along just fine!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

HasaLife…so go live your life and leave us mindless morons alone. Or join us for a little mindless moron fun! I take care of a very sick elderly mother all day long….mindless and moronic is EXACTLY what I need!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

D, Don’t let them get to you. We knew this was going to happen.

By dbick

January 10, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

she never should have been the runner up anyways. Daughtry should have won and it shows. he has sold more albums than McPheen and Hicks combined. And Elliot yamin had the best voice of all of them, and that’s quoting the judges.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

That’s ok, War Eagle…to tell you the honest truth…I’m actually feeling invigorated, despite the ridiculously long posting delays, by all of this old timey blog stuff and it’s variety of inhabitants! It’s kinda fun! But I’ll try not to encourage the trolls too much! :-)

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

D, remember, when they insult us, they are only insulting themselves.

Who is more the moron, the person that comes on here to try to develop some kind of friendship with others on here? Or the person that comes on here, takes the time to read the posts (sometimes), then post some snarky comment about how mindless we are to be on here?

Personally, if I’m a moron for coming on here, well then ok - I’ll lead the parade.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I’ll probably repeat this a number of times during the season for those like HasaLife (who obviously DOESN’T or s/he would not be here commenting on MY (our) life), so maybe I should make a macro out of it…

Every person has their means and personal choices for relaxation from the stresses of their life. Some read. Some play video games. Some watch TV. Some exercise. Some combine much of the above, and more. JUST because I enjoy watching a simple competition and talking about it with friends does NOT mean that I, or my friends, are idiots or mindless morons. It simply means that I can find enjoyment and entertainment in a variety of ways.

Cursing at or to us, even using alternative spelling, does not make you look cool. Quite the opposite. AND, it shows that the supposed “life” that you have is not worth much, or you would have learned manners and courtesy. If you don’t like what we talk about, there is a simple solution:

Just. Go. Away.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

That don’t sound like flats to me

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny, that when we talk about Idol contestants, we skip over last year? I know that last year was uninspiring but I still think the best singer(voice and performance wise) to EVER grace the Idol stage was Melinda Doolittle.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

D, I was thinking the same thing. Melinda had a good voice but we knew she would not amount to much because she looked like Shrek with no neck and had that stupid surprised look on her face everytime something encourging was said about her singing ability.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

War Eagle, actually… it sounds like the greg (flats, flatscreen) that makes an appearance until someone pushes the wrong button, so to speak, then the other one crawls out (no offense Greg, LOL!) and takes over… which is NOT to forgive Greg for his transgressions, just a reminder that he seems to have a sort of split personality ~¿@

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Yeah but…on a cd…Melinda would kick some serious butt!!!!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I’ve championed Melinda a lot, but, like WE, many people feel her looks and demeanor detract from her performance. Which is why I mentioned that I hoped she was getting some personal coaching, and that she will learn styles and mannerisms that will enhance her good points and help overcome her way of standing and moving. The potential IS there, and I would love to see her emerge like a gorgeous butterfly from a cocoon. I truly enjoyed her performances. And what a heart the gal has!

By smackdonny

January 10, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

She could make a fortune posing for Playboy!

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I liked Melinda’s singing voice, but her attitude really got on my nerves. I know people can be nice, but geez, I thought she was too nice and I kept waiting for her to prostate herself in front of the judges.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

LOL @ smackdonny

Amy what does prostate mean?

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Quick…somebody needs to smack donny! :-)

I try not to pay too much attention to their personalities, although, not showing enough of their personalities hurt them last year…all we ever saw of Melinda was her fawning and saying thank you and that girl had a wicked sense of humor that was never allowed to blossom on the show.

Rodney….I think it’s great that the ajc is front paging you(I understand it’s because the show starts soon). It’s giving us an opportunity to get a little lively in here with newbies, some of which I hope stay around.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I second that, Rodney!!!! The front page access, at least at THIS point, is great…

and to add my invitation to Deirdre’s … y’all stick around, now heah? we love having new folks decide to join us on a regular basis and kick in opinions, even if we DON’T always agree!!!

and you’ll find as time goes on that we are open to a LOT of discussions here, not only AI, LOL!!!! (right gang?)

…

i can’t heeeeear youuuuuuu!

~¿@ linny

By flats

January 10, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

WERE KICKIN IT OFF UP IN THIS HERE BLOG TOADY!!! KAT MCOHEE! WOOOO! BLOGGIN ON A PUBLIC BLOG LIKE WE CAN!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

i HOPE smackdonny was talking about Kat, cuz much as I love Melinda, she’s definitely NOT the bunny-type!!!

~¿@ linny

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Oops, I spelled it wrong, it’s Prostrate - which means to get down into a submissive position (kind of like getting on her knees and bowing down).

There I go, trying to use a 10 cent word and looking like I have a 10 cent education. :)

By flats

January 10, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

SMACK IS RIGHT! MCPEE SHOULD SHOW THEM BOOBIES IN PLAYBOY! WOO! SMACK YOU GOT A WIFE?

By Jeff C In Rome

January 10, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I saw little Jaycie Ward when she performed onstage with Martina McBride. She got up on stage and when Martina handed her the mic, she was off for center stage. She’s one to watch for sure.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Rodney, if you would set your bloodhounds on the IPs of a couple of notables, it would be appreciated. I know I don’t need to mention names. I have a feeling we’re already seeing some “ID manipulation” here…

just sayin’

By Rick Kuhns

January 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Taylor just needs a boob job, like Kelli and Ruben got.

By suzee

January 10, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anybody remember Melinda has done the Zaxby’s commercial, so she has completely disappeared.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

suzee, you mean “hasn’t” completely disappeared, LOL. Yes, she did do the Zaxby’s commercial. And I would be willing to bet she’s singing, somewhere. But she’s not making waves in the industry, and basically, she’s disappeared. But my money is on her returning with a powerhouse album. and it should sell well. just please Lord, give her the right promoter!!!

By Suzee

January 10, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry, that should have been hasn’t

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

LOL I’d forgotten how much ahem “fun” the slow blog could be when it comes to being “interactive”

coff coff

ok…lunchtime! y’all be good, now heah?

~¿@ linny

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry…hubby swooped in and stole the computer!!!

I’ll catch up and join you shortly(or longly depending on the delay)

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Suzee…I never got to see the Zaxby’s commercial, so for me, she has disappeared from the radar. I’d love to hear that she has a cd coming out…I’d buy it and I don’t often buy Idol cds.

By Shannon

January 10, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’m actually kind of glad some of these are getting dropped. It never made sense to me that all of these 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc … place finishers were getting record contracts (and yes, I do realize that not all of those that were dropped were below 1st I realize that a couple of actual winners were dropped too). I mean if all of them are getting record contracts then how is the actual winner of “AI” actually supposed to stand out from the rest?? I do think, however, that after you have performed on AI and have finished that if you can find yourself an agent and get a record contract on your own then that’s a different thing, but I don’t think the show should be handing out record contracts to every Tom, Dick, Harry, Mary and Jane on the show.

By Lex

January 10, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

This may be a stupid idea, but I think someone should make a movie (biography) of Catherine Zeta-Jones and use Kat McPhee as the main actress. She has the same classic beauty look to her. I know, random, but I felt like sharing :P.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Shannon…it’s pretty obvious that the ‘winner’ doesn’t always get the attention that some of the ‘losers’ get. I think there’s a big difference between the popularity of the highest vote getter and the actual viability of some of the others. In other words, a recording company would be stupid not to give some of the losers a chance and, since it’s all about how much money they can make, giving only the winner a contract is not good for the bottom line.

Lex…I agree, she does have a Zeta-Jones like appearance.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

I know I’m a little slow somethimes but what has Katherine done to be considered an actress?

By flats

January 10, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

WOOO! I LIKE ZAXBYS.ME AND MY WIFE GET A 6 PIECE AND WATCH THE GAME!!! WOO! SHE LIKES WATCHIN COLLEGE SPORTS AND WHAT! SMACK DOES YOUR WIFE WATCH SPORTS AND EAT CHICKEN?

By flats

January 10, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Eagle….what’s up dude!!!!you’ll see my name thrown around alot…It’s probally a 50+ hardup white male looking for gay sex!!LOL!!!!!How bout them dawgs finishing 2nd?

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I just don’t believe that is flats.

By flats

January 10, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Eagle….Daytona 500 just a month and a few days away.Dale Jr joining hendrick will really spice up the season…for now on Eagle at the end of my posts i’ll throw in something that has a lagrange connection,so you’ll know it’s me………..CHARLIE JOSEPHS!!!!!!

By HasaLife

January 10, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Can I invite all of you to Kentucky Fried Chicken, I will buy the “all you can eat” buffet for being my guest…I just want to see what a bunch of mindless morons look like when not at home sitting in their underwear posting comments about American Idol.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Agreed, WE, that the “all caps” flats probably IS an imposter deliberately attempting to cause problems on this blog. It’s not unheard of for it to happen, especially when there is NO safeguard against using another’s “handle” when posting to this style [i.e. ANTIQUE] blog. Anyone could post as Deirdre or War Eagle or Linny-Kat or even Rodney Ho.

Therefore I propose that if ANYONE says something that is offensive, deliberately rude or crude, we just go back to the policy of IGNORING that person’s posts as if they do not exist at all. Rodney WILL be checking IP addresses if and when there is a complaint. It’s just part of what we have to live with.

TRUTH!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Hasalife…I’ll have you know I’m wearing a very nice tee with a pretty expensive pair of jeans…but thanks for the invite. I’m afraid, in this day and age, I can’t accept. You could be a homicidal maniac for all I know.

greg, it’s pretty easy to tell which one is you and which one isn’t!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

:-)

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Ok flats

By Mike S

January 10, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

After much consideration and soul-searching I have determined that Hasalife DOESN’T. BUt since I am a kindly sort I will help Has out — you can find a life at Walmart , it will be on the same aisle as the CLUE’s and the GRIP’s. You might want to get some of those while you are there.

As my great buddy Gilldude (I think he has a man crush on me) would say — the SWAMI HAS SPOKEN! back to work …hehe

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I have to do a bit of Krogering but I’ll check in later!

By flats

January 10, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

:-)……Jason’s Quick Sack!!!!Remember that place Eagle?I hope the dawgs can handle all the expectations this offseason!!!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS

In a news conference Deanna Favre announced she will be the starting QB for the Packers this coming Sunday. Deanna asserts that she is qualified to be starting QB because she has spent the past 16 years married to Brett while he played QB for the Packers. During this period of time she became familiar with the definition of a corner blitz, and is now completely comfortable with other terminology of the Packers offense. A survey of Packers fans shows that 50% of those polled supported the move.

Does this sounds idiotic and unbelievable to you? Well, Hillary Clinton makes the same claims as to why she is qualified to be President and 50% of democrats polled agreed. She has never run a City, County, or State.

When told Hillary Clinton has experience because she has 8 years in the white house, Dick Morris stated ‘so has the pastry chef’.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

LOL!!! That’s why we love Mike!!! I’m so glad I hadn’t left for Kroger yet!!!!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

D, HasaLife needs to realize, also, that one of US could be a homicidal maniac!!!!

no seriously, most of us work, and work hard, whether it’s in an office setting, or at home, as you do, taking care of loved ones. While I disagree that it’s totally mindless and moronic, it IS nice once in a while to NOT have to think and plan and slave over something, but just find a common point of interest and relax for a while…

you know, i always see these guys/gals who call us idiots etc. in my mind’s eye as ordinary people who might, say, meet at a bar for drinks (which sometimes is a TOTALLY moronic idiotic thing to do) or who might, say, go bowling, or to a football game, or to a nightclub to dance, or to a movie theatre… spending at LEAST as much, if not more, time as I do entertaining myself here. At work, they’re just as likely to be gasp surfing looking for someone to taunt, standing at the virtual water cooler to gossip, going to get their precious latte, or playing solitaire on the computer… as they are to be actually doing productive work… but they feel sooooooo somehow superior that they feel they can call other people names with impunity.

They pick on the WRONG group when they hit here, because most of us are very intelligent, active, and creative people… and don’t tolerate a lot of B/S when you come right down to it!

BUT…hey HasaLife…. thanks for eliminating the vulgarity this time :-) you’re coming right along, there!!!

TRuTH!!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Yea, flats. It’s close to your family’s place. This old style blog sucks. It’s hard to tell who to ignore.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Gawd Mike, we do love you so much!!!!

Swami indeed !!!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I’m back. Main problem with the old blog is imitators. Fortunately, stealing identities is a blockable offense! Whoever is doing this is obviously bored with wherever he/she came from, so we should take it as a compliment.

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I missed MikeS. I was wondering if he would come back at the beginning of the season.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Amy…Mike may not be able to be here often but, when he shows up, its worth the wait! LOL I gotta find that aisle in Walmart…I know a whole bunch of people who need to visit it!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Amy MikeS always hoped to come back; the other blog format combined with his work situation left him “out in the cold” … but since this blog is thru the paper site, at least we might get to see him once in a while!

Now…

I’m going to say this once AGAIN… We did not “get rid of” anyone. Some people chose to leave, some people chose to stay, and some people chose to visit with us AND visit with those who left.

All of which is perfectly fine.

We do not own this blog. It’s a service provided by the AJC with Rodney’s help, and I for one am grateful for a place to slip away once in a while.

Anyone is welcome here. A-N-Y-O-N-E. The only thing we request is that everyone show respect for each other, refrain from personal attacks on other bloggers, refrain from cursing and otherwise vulgar behavior-language-topics, and on the positive side, jump in, express your opinions, have a good time, and move on with life.

This is just a place to spend a few moments relaxing among hopefully pleasant circumstances. We ask that everyone try to keep it that way, whether a lurker, a one-time visitor, or what might be called a “regular” posting on a regular basis.

TRuTH is… it can be a fun, pleasant place to be. We’d like to keep it that way. If you don’t like us, or don’t like what we say, there are millions of other blogs out there for you to go to. Why make life difficult for anyone, including yourself?

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Ditto what linny said. We’re in for some difficult times with the return to the old format but we managed to have a lot of fun in here today. Let’s not let the ‘bad apples’ get us down!

I, for one, was delighted to meet some new people today and hope they will continue to post whenever they can. Some of us have been on this particular blog so long that we welcome fresh ideas, new thoughts…whether we agree with them or not.

The door is always open here(except on weekends…I forgot that these blogs close on weekends…nuts)Come on in and join the discussion!

By flats

January 10, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Eagle..where can you find the best 2-piece chicken, fries and rolls?

By AmyG

January 10, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

I third Linny :) I just hope that the vulgarity is kept to a minimum, because I do this at work and I don’t want to have to shut down because of it.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

flats, I like Big Chick

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I will try to watch my language as well since we appear to be worldwide now.

“American Idol” is giving more back. The smash talent competish is prepping a second edition of its “Idol Gives Back” fund-raiser, which will air April 9 at 8 p.m.

Two-hour event will include performances and appearances by stars and artists yet to be named.

Last year’s “Idol Gives Back” raised $75 million for charities in the U.S. and Africa. Funds went to domestic medical care, groceries and literacy programs for underprivileged children; the Africa funds went to orgs that handle health and education programs.

“American Idol” exec producer Simon Fuller was behind the event, which featured performances by Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban and Carrie Underwood. Bono and Dave Stewart wrote the song “American Prayer” for the special.

Last year’s event took place both on the “Idol” stage, with host Ryan Seacrest, and at Walt Disney Concert Hall, with Ellen DeGeneres as host.

This is a good cause but it was almost torture to watch. Isn’t this when Celion sang with the Elvis hologram. Creepy

By flats

January 10, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

EAGLE…THAT WAS THE RIGHT ANSWER!!!!I miss that place.Have a good evening everyone!!!

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

“This was a good cause but it was almost torture to watch” I have to agree with you War Eagle. I wonder if they’ll have the same results by not doing it on a regular Idol night!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Back atcha flats

By Shay

January 10, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Seems like you guys had a pretty good day in here minus the MPDs. But you will have to expect that everytime you make front page. There is always someone with no life chiming in on the fun to ruin it for everyone else.

Mike, nice to hear from ya!

I’m out for the day! I may drop in tomorrow if I can catch up on work.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Oh…War Eagle…you asked awhile back what Katharine has done to be considered an actress. She won an acting award before Idol for an LA production of Annie Get Your Gun. She has also been working on small parts in 2 movies that have not yet been released.

By Justin

January 10, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I’m sure she’ll still continue with her singing…she doesn’t seem like one of those idols who steers away from what their purpose was… besides she knows what her fans want and hopefully someday she’ll have a major break through.

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks D. There is just something about her that doesn’t impress me much. Never did.

By Deirdre

January 10, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks for dropping by, Shay…yeah, we had a pretty good time…even with the troublemakers! We’ll get used to this format again eventually…and that’s when they’ll probably move us again!

By War Eagle

January 10, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Good Evening. I’m going to try beat the rain home.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 10, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

well, as D pointed out recently, there IS a difference between an “MPD” (someone who comes in using multiple names, pretending to be lots of different people) and an imposter who uses the name that someone else is using (deliberately uses it) for nefarious purposes, such as signing in as “linny-kat” and typing vulgarities or bad-mouthing someone, or signing in as, for example, shay, and pretending to be shay and say things that shay would never say.

mpds are unfortunate but overall, generally harmless unless you give them personal information and they use it to harm you in some way—thus we try not to post personal information or give out such things as e-mails, phone or address info, or real names; imposters on the other hand can cause great harm between people, and to people, and according to the powers that be, are one thing that will absolutely get you removed from the blog. It may be small, but it’s a form of identity theft, and it’s just WRONG.

’s the TRUTH!

By ALLCAPS

January 10, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

COOL WHIP COOL WHIP BLUEBERRYPIE!

By HasaLife

January 11, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

I wonder what all the mindless morons are obsessing over today…probably Britney or something similar.

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to HasaLife for being the first person to post on the American Idol Blog today. LOL

By HasaLife

January 11, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

WarWagle, you are well accustomed to following the leader, aren’t you?

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I guess you are the leader since you could not wait to be first today. Now that you are a regular I guess you don’t have a life anymore.

By Deirdre

January 11, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Good morning, mushblogians!

This is the day the nice lady comes in to take care of mom for me. I don’t know what I’m going to do today but I’m going to enjoy it! I’ll be around for a little while this morning!

I’m seeing ads for Idol almost every day now.

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

I feel hornored to have someone such as HasaLife to wonder what we are obsessing about. It appears HasnoLife is obsessing about us. I hope it didn’t keep you up last night.

By kellyfan

January 11, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Mornin’ y’all!

Happy Friday…nice to see we’ve picked up a couple more stragglers.

I saw preview for Idol during ET. Some blonde girl attempting to do “Red High Heels.” Seriously…when are wannabes going to realize that singing a former Idol’s song is a BAD idea. UNLESS you can totally blow it out of the water! I remember Kellie P did “Since U Been Gone” at her audition…and she was actually pretty good. (And yes, figures I’d remember. LOL)

Anyway, I’ll be around some more today (hopefully!) I did a week’s worth of work in 4 days. ;)

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Morning D, I hope you enjoy your alone time today. I am somewhat familiar with your situation and understand you need it.

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Morning KF

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Morning KF.

By kellyfan

January 11, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Morning, WE! D, Linny, Mike, Flats, and all the lurkers….well, the nice ones!

By billy

January 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

I wish to apologize to everyone for how many times my post posted yesterday. I have no idea how that happened, and I only posted twice because I was stuck in an hourglass on the first one. I only clicked post 2 times. Again, I sincerely apologize.

By flats

January 11, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning everyone..Good to see rodney racking up some posts agian!!!Eagle…(Live Oak).What do you think about the chick from the golf channel praising tiger woods,by saying you would’ve take him out to beat him!!!Bad choice of words…BUT NOT RACIST!!!!!!!

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

No problem Billy. I double posted a little while ago myself.

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

go up and click on the top archive date; there’s a new thread, if you haven’t found it yet :-)

By War Eagle

January 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I didn’t hear about it flats. I’m not into golf very much. Where can I read about it?

I worked a mini-shift job at Live Oak when they rebulit after the fire. Some where around 1998 I think.

By santese

January 14, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!