New URL for the American Idol buzz blog!
Please go to the new American Idol Buzz blog at http://blogs.ajc.com/american-idol-blog/
Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > April > 06 > Entry
4/7: Acts whose songs have never been on “Idol”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m prepping a story for the print edition about Michael Johns and his time here in Atlanta circa 1998 to 2005 and one of his favorite acts to cover was Pearl Jam (above). He even spent one night at his old haunt CJ’s’s Landing, I’m told, doing all Pearl Jam covers. I originally thought the band has never cleared a song for “Idol” but I’m wrong: Sundance Head last year actually sang “Jeremy” — badlyl — during the semifinals. I blocked this out of my memory for good reason. As noted below, I can’t imagine Eddie Vedder would dare clear another song again after that travesty even though Michael would do much better.
Nontheless, there are a huge number of major music acts that have never been heard on “Idol.” The ones I’ve listed come primarily from the rock world, where I’m sure there are still credibility issues related to the show, even after all these years and the success of the likes of Daughtry. (Most hip-hop acts haven’t been heard on the show either but that’s probably because there isn’t a lot of rapping on the show.)
Here’s a list of some big acts we have never heard on “Idol” ( in the competition round, that is.)
Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Nirvana, Talking Heads, Radiohead, the Who, Bob Dylan, Stone Temple Pilots, Coldplay, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, the Cars, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Clash, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., the Kinks, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Depeche Mode, Prince, U2, INXS (though they had their own “Rock Star: INXS” reality show on CBS in 2005).
Has there ever been a Madonna song on the show? I can’t remember one!
Feel free to add your own or correct me. I’m certain I’m wrong on at least a couple of acts on the above list.
In other Idol news:
I’m watching the top 4 episode on “American Idol Rewind.” I actually was amused watching Clay Aiken sing “Grease” in a ridiculous red leather jacket and hip thrust a couple of times. That was definitely a memorable moment from that season that Randy & Paula loved but Simon called “horrible.”
That taping of Chris Brown & Jordin Sparks “No Air” last week will air this Thursday during the results show.
Stats courtesy of “Idol Chatter” Jordin is the top Idol seller on the Billboard charts last week, ranking No. 25 and selling 17K and now past 612K. She’s now five weeks away from passing Taylor Hicks’ sales. Daughtry is just behind her at No. 27 selling 17K and 3.92 million and just five weeks or so away from 4 million. Carrie’s “Carnival Ride” sold 15K and is just 22K from 2 million copies sold. “Some Hearts” moved another 10K and is up to 6.35 million. Kellie Pickler sold 3,700 and is up to 738K and is the second-biggest selling act from season five. Randy’s album fell off the charts after three weeks and has moved just 22K. Kelly’s “Breakaway” is up to 5.97 million and will eventually hit 6 million. “My December”: 759K. “Thankful”: 2.7 mil. Blake is at 284K. Bucky is at 333K. Elliott: 502K. Kimberley Locke, despite an appearance on “Idol,” sold only 900 copies of her latest album and is up to 19K. Mandisa: 75K. Fantasia: 510K. Bo: 43K. Kat: 369K. Clay’s latest: 524K. Taylor: 701K. Ruben: 237K. Constantine: 25K.
He had downloads, too. Jordin/Chris’ ‘No Air” is up to 972K sold and will surpass 1 million this week. “Tattoo” is up to 1.48 million. Carrie’s “All American Girl”: 377K. Before He Cheats: 2.35 million. Daughtry’s “Feels Like Tonight”: 275K total. Paula’s “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” has sold 237K. Chris Cornell’s “Billie Jean” sold 15K. “Hallelujah” (Jeff Buckley edition) has sold another 18K. (We don’t know the exact sales of the “Idol” songs themselves this season. iTunes is withholding those numbers on purpose.)
Not surprisingly, the top 2 on this gambling Web site is the two Davids. A distant third is Michael Johns, then Carly and Brooke. Syesha is way way back and Jason Castro is even behind her now! Kristy Lee Cook is rock bottom on the odds to win the competition.
Crying girl Ashley Ferl, who was sobbin’ for Sanjaya last year, is now burblin’ for Jason!
I’ll update this blog Monday morning with inside info on tonight’s part one taping of “Idol Gives Back.”
Comments
By Deirdre
April 6, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney!
Re Ashley Ferl…it’s nice to know that not ALL the tween girls are voting for Archie!
By JTesla
April 6, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
I’m glad that Ashley didn’t get anymore face time on AI, we need to put that season behind us.
Interesting list of artists that we have never heard covered. Many on that list will probably never approve a song for AI based on their politics or purist view of music.
By Harmony
April 6, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Hope they don’t bring back crying girl this season. I have water again, I also have some major water damage. No need to gripe about it, sh** happens.
By JTesla
April 6, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Sorry to hear about the water Harmony. Water damage can be nasty, but better clean than dirty.
By JTesla
April 6, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
So we are back to 3 nights of Idol this week: who is going to watch all three shows?
I’ll watch the performance, even thought it is inspiration songs. I’ll be on the computer and listening from the other room as the Idol Gives Back show is on. And, I’ll pull my typical results show stunt of checking here and then only watching the group sing and commercial, unless everyone raves about a “can’t miss momment”.
I guess I’m not a true fan.
By Harmony
April 6, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks JT, I got a hot shower,so I’m not going to complain. Damage is limited to the small spare bedroom. We are trying to get the room dryed out so we don’t get mold. I’m highly allergic to it. The good news is that mold damage is included in our homeowners policy. Feel for the people that have had major flood damage due to natural causes.
By Harmony
April 6, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
I’m going to watch all three shows. If I could, I would want to know the results beforehand,then watch the show.
By Harmony
April 7, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Songluvr, Where are you? When do you get your test results?
By Harmony
April 7, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Songluvr, I agree with you on your last post. Seemed like anytime Linny and Deirdre unintentionally offended someone they tryed to make ammends and keep the peace, but the others wouldn’t accept the apologies and let it go. Deirdre and Linny ,from what I observed in my lurking days were always the first to welcome new bloggers. I like this blog alot better now,so I will join in your toast with a glass of something.
By Harmony
April 7, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
I think I am forgetting proper grammar. tryed-tried … dryed-dried.I think I’m going to sleep now. GOOD NIGHT
By Songluvr
April 7, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
Harmony, thanks for letting me know a new blog was up. Just in case anyone wonders what you are agreeing with, here is a copy of my recent post from the previous blog:
Sharon, I too will say Thank You for putting into perspective such silly whining about a blog - which has less relevance to the real world than a little girl’s diary might.
For the record, I posted some during part of all that a couple years ago, and one reason I didn’t post from then til now is that the whole vibe here was different then … if you weren’t ‘in’ enough to get all the inside jokes, you were fairly well ignored - with a few exceptions (thank you Linny and Dierdre and just a couple others).
I am glad this blog feels different now. Here’s to a new attitude. …raises glass of Coke…
By Adipose
April 7, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
That made me think: there’s a less than zero percent chance Eddie Vedder & his bandmates would EVER clear a song for “Idol.”
Sundance sang Jeremy Randy. Plus Sligh said he got a Nirvana one cleared but couldn’t shorten it to a minute w/o hurting it so he decided on another song.
By Sue
April 7, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this
Just a correction, Paris Bennett from Season 5 sang the Prince song “Kiss” (on May 2, 2006).
By Adipose
April 7, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
Sundance sang Jeremy Randy.
Oops meant Rodney.
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
My floor people are due a 8:30. I’ll know then which room they want to start on and whether or not I’ll be blogging much today.
songluvr, thank you for the support. My sentiments exactly. Continuing to harp on the past has become a waste of time and energy. Here’s to you, all the others who have returned to us and all the newbies who have joined us! EVERYONE is welcome here!
Rodney, I’m not remembering any Madonna either but 6 1/2 years is a lot of songs!
By Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm
April 7, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
ok people everyone knows the drill by now. keep em short and to the point.
By DawnH
April 7, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Morning everyone! I have a stupid question… If the bands Rodney mentioned have to clear their songs, how do the singers get to sing the songs they actually choose? In particular the bands that have been angry with David C for not giving them credit for the arrangements? Am I making sense - it is still early…
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Dawn..in David C’s case, he has clearance for the song itself….he borrowed the arrangement. The bands that are complaining don’t own the SONG, they just want credit for the way they sang it.
The floor people are here and it’s DEAFENING!!! They are ripping up carpet and banging on old tile. This may be my last transmission for awhile…wish me luck! :-)
By DJPCPS
April 7, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
On the previous blog someone asked about Bo’s new CD - I am a bit biased but this CD is terrific. This is the music in Bo’ soul - what he was meant to do - bringing back good ol’ Southern Rock. If you liked The Real Thing you’ll probably still like this one, but if you thought TRT was too Pop, slick and commercial for Bo - you’ll LOVE See The Light!
By JDB
April 7, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
“Dyland” … “Hendrex” … Music fan?!?
By DawnH
April 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the clarification Deirdre. I told you it was a stupid question!
By JDB
April 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
“Dyland” … “Hendrex” … Music fan?!?
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
JDB….typos….it’s a blog, not the Declaration of Independence.
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Dawn…and it was NOT a stupid question!
They’re leaving my computer room alone for the moment. Actually, it’s full of furniture from another room. You will lose me eventually! Deirdre hears cheering in the background HEY!!!!
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Rodney…re Idol Rewind. I actually started laughing when Clay came out in the red leather jacket….I guess that was stylish at the time. I didn’t think ANY of them did the BeeGees very well! After seeing that, I’m surprised that Kimberly made it to the next round.
By Mike S
April 7, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Morning all.
I picked up a copy of Josh Gracin’s new album friday “We Weren’t Crazy”, and it is AWESOME!!!!
I highly recommend it to anyone who likes country music.
By Steeler5812
April 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Hey Rodney,
Actually Pearl Jam did clear a song for Idol. Sundance Head performed Jeremy. After his performance they’ll probably never clear one again!
By Deirdre
April 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Steeler..LOL! True enough!
By emily
April 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
hey guys - what’s the deal with three shows this week???? i assume thursday is the results, but are they splitting performance nights? having two performances? i’m all confuseded….
By Rodney Ho
April 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Performance show Tuesday. “Idol Gives Back” Wednesday. Elimination show Thursday.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
April 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
morning mushblogians… i’ve been a little under the weather, but am heading for work in a few minutes; sounds like D is probably temporarily shielded from posting by flooring work, so you guys may just have to do without both of us for a while, since i’ll probably be swamped by the time i get back to my desk. such is life!
Harmony, hope your water problems don’t indeed turn into mold problems…that’s a definite YUK to deal with in all ways!
Song, how’d the test go?
and thanks for dem kind words, ladies :-)
By Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm
April 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
i said keep the comments short not quit altogether.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
LOL! Willie relax, they’re probably all at lunch right now, or asleep in the case of JT… Don’t know how long they’ll be able to keep Deirdre away from the computer while doing her floors, but you KNOW she must be chewing nails by now!
ok, desk wasn’t piled TOO high from the morning off, so… i’ll see you guys later!
By JTesla
April 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
So Willie why don’t you provide us with your thoughts on the 3 night Idolfest that will be taking place this week.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
JT they ask me when I sleep because I am on at all hours, but you don’t seem to ever sleep either, LOL! How’s that cold coming along? Hope you feel better!
By JTesla
April 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Linny, cold is doing much better thanks. The time difference gives me the luxury of posting late without actually staying up late. The entries that show up as 1:00pm are done at 10:00pm my time and you won’t see me on before 9:30am on a weekday.
By Menana
April 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Dawn: There is never such a thing as a stupid question. The stupid part comes in when you DON’T ask it. So. never be scared to ask even if you think it’s stupid. Believe, working in HR, I have heard my share of stupid questions, I mean people just need to use their common sense.
I wish CCR would give clearance to do some of their music. AI should have a nite of only CCR. Wouldn’t that be a good night? I can just hear David C and Michale doing “Bad Moon Rising” or even “Proud Mary” (I know Tina done it first), maybe some Suzie Z. CCR has had some great hits and all songs they do are good. I really like that group. I can get down and funky with their music.
If any of you gals read People Magazine, there was a great article in the last issue (last week) about Carrie Underwood. Was a short but good read. Watched Josh Gracin’s new vid on CMT over the week-end, and it was good. Of course, I liked him from the beginning. Will have to get his CD.
You all know that AI comes on Wednesday at 7:30 est, right? At, least that is what I heard. Anxious to see how much $ they raise this year. It really goes to a good cause.
By flats
April 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
y flats from earlier today. April 8, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
We wont talk about he Braves!!!!!!Kansas won!!!thank god another classless team was denied a championship!!!I really didn’t want to see another team flashing gang sighns like the gators did last year!!!!Thanks kansas for having some class!