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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > February > 11 > Entry

2/12: Hollywood baby! And update on Chris Sligh

By Rodney Ho | Monday, February 11, 2008, 11:06 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Finally! Ten long hours of auditions over four weeks. And we finally get to the bright lights of Hollywood for the 164 finalists tonight. That’s up from 132 a year ago. We get a big two-hour breakdown this year, up from one hour a year ago, when it felt unduly rushed. In past years, the norm was two hours over two nights. This time, they are doing two full hours in one night. Given the strike situation, Fox has no compunction adding that extra bonus hour from its meal ticket.

I’ll post a fresh blog later Tuesday so if you want to live blog about the show, feel free!

And Chris Sligh’s new single “Empty Me” hits Christian radio, Chris announces on his blog. He’ll be blogging about “Idol” for EW, too. I noticed he also wrote an open letter to the top 24.. It’s great stuff. The man knows how to write. Here’s an excerpt:

[D]on’t let it [the quick fame] go to your head. Unwittingly, I allowed myself to buy into the hype. I don’t think I was the typical butthole, I still cared about people and wanted to do right by people back home and my band…but I bought into the hype and my head grew and that is my greatest regret, especially since I have a large cranium to begin with. Don’t leave this experience with any regret, certainly not that one. Be confident, be in control of your career and your life, but do NOT allow yourself to think of yourself as anyone or anything other than what you were before this experience…you were a wanna-be and still are. Even if you win, you are still a wanna-be. Two of the most humble people I’ve ever met are Carrie and Kelly…for all their success, for their winning, still act as the people they were when they started. That’s the attitude America will fall in love with long-term. It’s the attitude you should try to cultivate in yourself.

Here’s another fun bit:

Song choice is key. Do not make the mistake I made. I specifically chose songs that no one knew because I wanted to be the anti-Idol. Be yourself, but pick some freaking songs that people can sing along with. I’ve realized that’s why people watch the show in the first place…they want to hear someone who isn’t polished sing a song they like and can sing along with. Oh, and they watch to hear Randy say dawg alot, to see Paula act loopy and to hear Simon’s crap. But they like to sing along, too.

And a really tasty bit:

When it comes to the judges, remember they are trying to get people to watch the show. However, as the judges said on Oprah last year, they watch dress rehearsal because they can’t hear in the performance. So, now that you know that, make sure your dress rehearsal kicks butt! Normally, Randy is pretty on. Paula is so sweet that it’s hard to get made at what she says. And Simon…well, Simon goes for the ratings, but he’s usually somewhat on…so block him out when he goes overboard.

Oh, and he admits he shouldn’t have spent so much time reading the blogs and boards DURING the competition. It messed with his head. He recommends a compromise—have a good friend glean bits and pieces for you to read though even that could be dangerous. It’s probably just as well to live in that bubble and focus on the prize.

Read the entire letter. It’s worthwhile!

Permalink | Comments (65) |

Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

Good morning!

I love what Chris had to say…especially the part about picking songs that people can sing along with. I believe this is so true and part of the reason why some of the Idols and their runners up haven’t succeeded like we thought they would. We enjoyed listening to them do their take on familiar songs…as soon as they started singing unfamiliar stuff, they lost us.

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Chris was another that should have never seen the top 24. Yea he sounded alright but he looks like a freak.

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Well…I liked Chris a lot. He had a good voice, which I enjoyed!

WE did you ever get your chicken soup!?

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

No I didn’t, but I think I just had a 24 hr bug or something. I feel much better today.

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Morning y’all…yesterday was crazy busy, but it’s good to be back.

I liked Chris but never seriously thought that he’d win. That being said, he’s giving excellent advice.

Oh, I know this was yesterday’s topic, but did y’all see the Grammys? WE, how was that from Carrie? WHOA…is all I can say. :)

By flats

February 12, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Good morning…Just checking for new faces..Have a good day!!!

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

KF, Carrie look amazing. I love the knee high boots.

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

LOL, I did too, so I guess I should’ve known you would. ;)

That outfit was great, and I liked the different spin on it with the “Stomping.”

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Back on Chris’ letter to the contestants. He says to pick songs the audience knows.

The thing with idol is that it really is just a huge, elaborate, full of amazing perks, karaoke contest. Simon likes to think that it isn’t but it is! We get much better singers(sometimes) and fancier background music but, basically, it’s a karaoke contest. We watch it because it’s fun to pick our favorites and root for them but, it’s also very egotistical of us to think these people will be FAMOUS.

With enough promotion, ANYBODY can be famous. What the show does for these kids is provide them with some fans and the attention of people who can make a difference in their careers. The rest is up to them and the whims of the public.

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

D, interesting argument. I do agree to an extent. There are some really great, feel good stories to come out of Idol. Carrie has an amazing voice and if it hadn’t been for this little show, we probably never would’ve heard it. Kelly is another talent who may have never been seen either. She got turned down at every turn (because she didn’t look like the Britney model), but her voice is one of the best ones I’ve heard. True that they are just two examples out of seven seasons… I think the problem has been that they turned Idol into a TV series. Part of me feels like if the seasons had been fewer and further between we would’ve had more quality. A few singers were put through because they were gimmicky. That just goes to diminish the real talents that tried out and made it to the show.

But I’m babbling by now. :)

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

So 33 1/3% of the winners have made it BIG! That’s a pretty good average considering the vagaries of the industry. Others are still semi well known because of Idol. Daughtry, a non-winner, seems to be the other BIG success story but…time will tell on that one. One successful cd does not make a career. If he can follow up, then we can pretty much believe that Idol opens a door…it does not make a star.

By linny

February 12, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I’m going to re-post something i put in yesterday in response to Dee Snyder’s comments about AI and how much more he appreciates what it is now that he’s met Diana… it applies to the discussion here about AI and Chris’ comments, and Deirdre’s analysis… so please pardon me if it bothers you for me to cut and paste my own words… i’m doing it anyway smirk:

…most of the people who do try out for AI have been working at music for a few years or more, look at people like Daughtry and Hicks, they�d had bands and struggled for years�AI was just one more opportunity to rise above that hardship. No different that happening to be at the right place playing at the right time in front of the right people singing the right song, or having the right �gimmick� at the right moment� just another opportunity that you have to grab onto like you would any other. so why not? �they�re sort of under a microscope for a few weeks, AND that microscope is under the direction of a director and an editor who can do whatever they want with it…

meh. i see it as just being a bigger singing competition than the local open mic night so many bands suffer thru�

y’all have a great day!

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Just want to let y’all know I got some sad news. One of our former bloggers, kimmy, lost her dad early this morning. Please keep her in your prayers.

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Linny, your words were as smart today as yesterday. :)

Idol’s just another opportunity, but I think the perception that it guarantees sucess has finally been disproven. More have failed that succeeded because, no matter how much they try, it’s not just about a voice. It’s still the whole package (looks, voice, charisma, that “it” factor). Those who haven’t had it all (winners and finalists) haven’t been nearly as successful.

It’s not a shortcut to fame and fortune, it’s just a giant stepping stone. It will be interseting to see who wins this year and what they do with it. I’m of the opinion that if they are not successful, it may well be time to close up shop. At some point the franchise is going to collapse on itself. We are getting awfully close…

By flats

February 12, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

WOW!

By linny

February 12, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Definitely offering my prayers to kimmy and her family in their time of loss, praying for their strength to move through this time of hurting and move forward, knowing he is no longer suffering, and that they can shine in this world in his memory and honor.

Someone who communicates with her, please let her know i said: Kimmy, if you receive this message, please know that my utmost sympathy lies with you for losing a beloved parent, and my prayers are offered up in your behalf at this time of pain and loss.

I lost my mom a little over 3 years ago. I ache for anyone who has to go through this.

By flats

February 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

A FEEL A “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE” COMING SOON!!

By linny

February 12, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

greg….caps lock on? :-)

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

There’s the popularity factor as well…Taylor was EXTREMELY popular with a large group of people. He seemed like your average guy with a fun style and a lot of ‘soul’. But he’s not a recording artist.

So we have to look at what our expectations should be. Are we looking for the next pop star, like the show wants us to, or are we looking for really good voices that can make it but not necessarily in the pop genre?

That’s where Idol fails. They’re running a popularity contest based on a person’s ability to sing. We have to take it for granted that, with a few exceptions, ALL the finalists can sing. After that, the factors that determine our votes get all jumbled up with other things.

While most people preferred Taylor, it’s pretty clear that Chris Daughtry was the actual pop star of the group! But he wasn’t the most ‘popular’ with the voters.

By flats

February 12, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Sorry…Linny,just having fun right here towards the end.

By linny

February 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

LOL KF, i only reposted in case someone “new” is looking in, grin i wouldn’t want them to miss all that coff coff wisdom, after all!!!

no seriously, i just didn’t feel like typing something similar when i’d already done all that work!!! ok ok so i’m lazy!

and Deirdre, as usual, you put your finger rignt on the crux of the matter!

ah well, it’s generally good entertainment if nothing else!!!

later…

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

First, my sincerest prayers to Kimmy. May she and her family find confort in his love.

On a much less important note:

I think Taylor was just a product of Idol fatigue. As soon as he made the Top 24, I knew he’d stick around. He wasn’t a Pop star by any means. But his being different and not fitting the mold is what carried him through. He had the personality and a decent voice. I watch the show for the next “marketable” star. But maybe that’s just me. I think Chris D. was very good, but it seemed at the time that he could be a tough sell as a credible rock act. I’m glad I’ve been proven wrong, though.

That’s the somewhat the problem we’ve had with last season. Jordin won in part because she was the easiest to market. Blake was good but gimmicky, Melinda has an amazing voice, but a slightly smaller market.

By linny

February 12, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

end? are you leaving us greg?

By flats

February 12, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I bet that liberal blog gets more hits than us!!!!!SAD!!!!

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Sorry to hear about your dad Kimmy.

By linny

February 12, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

greg? who CARES?

By X

February 12, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Just checking in! I see only 26 posts! I am sure once the new season starts it will pick up! Oops! LOL! Anypoop - good to see flats still running the place and linny still too busy to post and blah blah blah. Hooptydoo!

By flats

February 12, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Did anyone see Aretha Franklin at he grammys….LAY OFF THE BISCUITS!!!!!AND WEAR SLEEVES!!!!

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

greg…stop it!!!!

I don’t agree, kf. Taylor and that whole crew energized Idol. There were so many interesting ‘types’ that year. Shy Elliot, rocker Chris, sulty Kat, cornpone Kellie, ‘tween dream Ace, fun Paris, and Ray Charles-esque Taylor. I think that was a dream season for Idol and they will be sorely pressed to have another one like it.

That season may be what ruins Idol. Matching the contest between all those interesting people will not be easy. I think that’s what they’re shooting for this year and I’m hoping they succeed.

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

D, you forgot one of the greatest talents from that season. Bucky LOL

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

OH…that’s terrible…I really liked Bucky…not a ‘great talent’ but a genuinely nice guy and fun to listen to!

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Sanjaya nearly destroyed the show last year…not his fault. He never should have been there in the first place. That’s partially the judges fault and partially the fault of the voters during top 24 voting. It’s the perfect opportunity for anti-Idol groups like VFTW and Howard Stern to make their little contribution to their own egos.

By flats

February 12, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Do yall think X is……SEXY(YOU NEVER WALKED IN MY SHOES)JEXY?

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter, greg.

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Picture of the top 24

http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/categories/american-idol/

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link, War Eagle. I’m almost positive that I see the Aussie…so I’m happy!!! :-)

By linny

February 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

speculation just leads to frustration… for all we know, greg, X could be YOU — all i personally can vouch for with 100% certainty is that is is not ME, LOL! — not that I am saying it IS you… just that it could be anyone. so, in spite of the obviously irritating posts by same, I just plan to ignore it/him/her/them. just like with you, all X wants is attention, and division among bloggers. pah! a pox on ‘em!

WE thanks for the link… i am HOPING it will still be interesting to watch the process and that we don’t just get a bunch of BS during the Hollyweird hours!

later!

By flats

February 12, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Linny….the blogging’s the thang of the past here sweety pie.

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

And another thing maybe your mama didn’t tell you, greg. This blog is not forever. It’s based on a TV show whose popularity is diminishing. Someday, maybe soon, we’ll all have to find something else to amuse us.

So stop obsessing about it and enjoy it while it lasts! Seriously!

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

linny…I’ve always liked Hollywood and the voting competition so much better than the auditions. To me, it doesn’t matter what they do in Hollywood, it will ALWAYS be better than what came before.

And greg, the ‘blogging thang’ the way it used to be is gone, won’t come back, too much water under the bridge. Before you and the people who left came to this blog, this is pretty much how the ‘blogging thang’ was….and I’m ok with it. If you’re not, then why are you bothering with it?

By kellyfan

February 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

D, I see your point about the memorable cast of Season 5. Granted, it was more a more diverse personality crowd, but I didn’t think anyone really distinguished themselves that much. Guess we’ll see what happens this season. Only two contestants have come back from being in the bottom to winning: Ruben and Fantasia. I’m looking forward to tonight! No more bad auditions! YES! :)

By linny

February 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

LOL kf, you got that right! i am also looking forward to the hollyweird days, and finally FINALLY getting to vote (or not) and see how the wind is blowing with regard to the finalists.

Thanks D, for all you do ~�@

By Deirdre

February 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

We’ll be voting next week!!! Yea!!!

Ditto, linny!

kf, we may get some mediocre singing tonight(there’s something about being in Hollywood that brings out the worst in some of these people) but no more attention seekers and non-singing goofballs!

I guess we’re just going to have to trust the judges to give us the cream of the crop. Let’s hope they avoid the chicken littles and the faux hawk lovers!

By War Eagle

February 12, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Once again I will miss the show tonight so I expect to see everyone’s review of how it went.

By flats

February 12, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this