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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > April > 27 > Entry
4/28: Changing “Idol” to stanch the ratings losses, Jordin Sparks medical update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Personally, I don’t think “Idol” can do much to keep ratings from falling. It’s just a question of stemming the losses. I think they have done a good job this year by getting rid of the “Sanjaya” sideshows, providing us more personal info about the contestants and giving us better vocalists. The instruments were a good new addition. I’m not 100% sold on the mosh pit but I don’t think it’s a detriment. I wish the would keep the band closer to the singers on the new set. It was fun having them near by this past week - their presence really energized Syesha.
Fox is now doing market research asking fans about the show. More info here in Broadcasting & Cable, where you can download the survey.:
“We’re not in denial,” Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman told me. “It’s still the biggest show on TV, but that doesn’t mean there are things we can’t do. The feedback from this year you’ll probably see on the show next year.”
They have asked viewers if they’d like to see Hollywood earlier in the year with flashbacks to the auditions instead. That could be kind of fun, though there are people who only watch the auditions. In fact, “Idol” has consistently drawn more viewers, often 20 to 30% more, during the auditions than the actual competition.
They ask people for their suggestions on how to improve the obviously graying show. Throw yours out! If I get some good ones, I’ll post them and maybe someone can pass that along to Beckman!
Here’s other “Idol” news:
-Fresh theory on sliding ratings: not enough modern songs. MSNBC points out correctly that forcing themes upon the contestants during the semifinals was a mistake and that only four songs from the past decade have been sung. While this was common the first couple of seasons, more recent songs have become more the norm in recent seasons until this year.
-Fun stuff ousted “Idol” contestants get to do while killing time after being eliminated but before the “Idol” tour starts: I was in DC over the weekend, visiting friends and doing absolutely nothing “Idol” related. Yet I then find out Michael Johns was invited to the White House Correspondents Dinner — and I wasn’t! My friends and I did drive by the hotel where the dinner was held and saw folks in tuxes and fancy dresses but I missed Michael. He was the guest of sports analyst Tony Kornheiser.
-Jordin Sparks is recovering quickly and might be back to singing as early as next week and join the Alicia Keys tour, according to her mom. And she wrote MTV.com to say the same thing.:
“I’m feeling good,” she wrote. “I’m supposed to be on full vocal rest, which means no talking, laughing, giggling, and singing. Can I tell you how hard that is!? I want to tell my fans: Thank you for all the prayers and your concern. You guys are what keep me going, honestly. But not to worry! I’ll be better in no time!”
-Here are executive producer Nigel Lythgoe’s comments from a TV Guide interview about Carly’s departure.:
“I was very sad,” he admitted. “I think Carly is extremely talented, a brilliant voice. I was sorry to lose Michael and I was certainly sorry to lose Carly.” He dismissed the idea that Michael, an Australian, and Carly, who is Irish, were ousted due to having been born abroad. Carly was in the top four last week,” he pointed out. “Most times, America votes for the best performance of the night. I think this week, we saw America getting behind people they’ve supported over a series of weeks.”*
-And Claymates, don’t worry. It’s coming: my Clay Aiken interview later this week! I’ll post it Friday and provide folks info about your May 5 album release party at Manuel’s Tavern that evening. For now, you can read this interview he did with Billboard magazine.
Comments
By JTesla
April 28, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Rodney, they can’t do much to stop the ratings decline. However, it would be nice to see them change things up a bit.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
I LIKE the idea of more Hollywood with flashbacks to auditions — perhaps they could give us a break after hollywood and have a week of nothing BUT auditions for those with sick minds….errrr, i mean, um, those who like the audition shows most grin
I think they should lighten up on “theme” nights ESPECIALLY in the 24-to-12 sessions … let the kids sing covers of what they (the KIDS) think they do best, INCLUDING originals, should they be so talented…. continue to let them use instruments but perhaps — some sort of restriction on instruments in consecutive weeks (since they know 2 weeks ahead, they could choose which week was more suitable for an instrument, or not, and thus show versatility and stage presence (i.e., brooke seeming lost without the guitar or piano) with and without instruments as props.
also… since a LOT of the singers ultimately seem to enter musical theatre, somehow have Simon either stop harping on that aspect of their showmanship, or stop allowing the more theatrical contestants into the top 24. [i prefer to let them through and stop making it a ‘crime’ to be theatrical, personally]. I mean, if Streisand can be both a POP star and a MUSICAL THEATRE STAR, why shouldn’t … say, Syesha, or Jennifer, or XYZ, the next year’s “broadway singer” … it’s hypocritical to criticize them for that, and turn around and then ASK them to do broadway music…
By Menana
April 28, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Linny: I agree wholeheartedly with your post. Another thing that I feel should be done is to up the age to 18, UNLESS the contestant is 17 and is a high school graduate. They put a cap on the maximum age, so IMO, the minimum should also have a cap at 18, unless as I have stated above.
By DawnH
April 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
IMO, this has been the worst Idol season since I started watching (Season 3 maybe). I feel the themes have been terrible, and I think the mentors (with the exception of ALW) have been terrible. I also think this is the worst bunch of contestants I’ve seen, and certainly the worst top 5.
As for suggestions, since this is a singing competition, I would like to see more singing - HELLO… To limit songs to 1 1/2 or 2 minutes is ridiculous. Take out the majority of the b/s, including the Ryan Seacrest show, and limit total commerical time from 40 minutes to 1/2 hour per show. It’s like there is a 10 minute commercial segment every 3 minutes.
Frankly, I don’t need to know more about the contestant’s personal lives. I think it skews the vote. I don’t care that daddy is in jail or died or someone had to sell their favorite horse, or whatever - can they sing and entertain.
I am also in the minority on the auditions side. I rarely watch the audition shows.
By Achin4Aiken
April 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Not enough modern songs? I seriously disagree.
There are not enough good, modern songwriters, IMHO, to provide even 4 non-country songs for a good run at modern. The reason AI continually goes back to the past is that there are very few modern singable tunes to sing. You have a ton of groups that have turned out their own brand of music but very few are singable by a solo singer unless they are of the Daughtry/David Cook singing style. We haven’t had a good group of songwriters in a long time. You could have Diane Warren night, Paul Simon night, Dan Fogleberg, Carly Simon, Neil Sedaka or Carol King nights, but who else? Most solo artists today are not songwriters and most groups are hard rock, not singable by most solo artists, and worse, are 1 hit wonders. No one has been writing good melodic music for almost 20 years and it’s tragic. That’s why we aren’t seeing any covering of the songs of the 90’s and early new millenium. The songs of the last 15-20 years cannot be covered by anything other than a band. The AI producers are stuck.
By DawnH
April 28, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I think you’re right A4A. And let’s not forget to add the rap and hip hop style music which, in addition to the rock, doesn’t really fit the style of AI.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
A4A on the last thread, i responded to you, and i was in total agreement with your remarks — the REASON i feel that the ‘powers that be’ are limiting the themes is BECAUSE there is a serious dearth of ‘modern’ songwriting/performance that shows true talent.
Hey. I can scream and stomp and (if i were still young) strut around on a stage… BUT… can i SING? … well yeah. but you don’t wanna HEAR it, LOL!!!
my talent is ‘professonal audience’ when it comes to singing! well i guess it would be ‘amateur audience’ since i don’t get paid for being an audience, right?
aneeeeewaaaay…. A4A… your point is right on the money lest there be any mistake in what i was/am trying to say, LOL! (benedryl tends to make me goofy sometimes) (sometimes she says, HAH!)
By Achin4Aiken
April 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Let me add to my previous post that the songs of the last 15-20 years cannot be covered by anything other than a band, or a rap artist - non-singing again.
That, for me, is the main saddness of rap. You can’t sing it. It’s really beat poetry, NOT music. Singable music requires rhyme and meter not just stream of consciousness. The music industry’s concentration on beat poetry for the sake of sales has left singers in search of a venue to display their talents. That’s why AI has been such a huge success. The public is truly hungry for good songwriting and singers. They want more than a drum machine with bass and someone screaming at them. My 2 cents.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Another criticism i have is this: IF a person sings a relatively “unknown” song — he or she is criticized because “no one knows what the song is supposed to sound like” … but if they sing a very well known song, they are EITHER criticized for trying to emulate the original, or criticized for “ruining” the original …
I think there are a LOT of “unknown” artists out there who have written and recorded incredible music/songs/albums/cds/whatever … and the AI contestants should be ENCOURAGED to seek permission from these lesser known artists to use their song [WITH APPROPRIATE CREDIT GIVEN] which would give the lesser-known artist some exposure but even more importantly, it would give the AI contestant a chance to show their talent WITHOUT PRIOR EXPECTATION of a certain sound. You can give it your own twist, your own rhythm, your own arrangement, and not be lambasted for either failing to copy … or failing NOT to copy. Why does Simon have to have “ever heard of this song” before … listen to the song, hear the singer, the ability to use the music, the ability to convey the emotion of the song, the clarity of voice etc etc… MY question to that criticism is always “So WHAT? do you never listen to something NEW???”
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
^5 to A4A re: 3:42 pm comment. couldn’t have said it better, and i’ve tried to say it often enough!!!
By Achin4Aiken
April 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Dawn and Linny, our post crossed and we are all on the same page which for my money has total validity. Thanks.
By Menana
April 28, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Any country music fan can tell you who are some of the best song writers in Nashville. You can began with Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Allsion Krause, John Rich, Willie nelson, just to name a few. I think the reason that most country artists makes it, is that they DO write their own music. You don’t see that as much in pop, rock, rap, etc. I do agree that one reason Idol goes back, is that the songs were better written and with a deeper meaning. There is a better selection to choose from. I mean, has any of you ever sat and listened with your full attention on a rap song? I know that I haven’t and don’t intend to, Why? Because there is no meaning to the songs.
By Deirdre
April 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
No themes during semi-finals…that was ridiculous.
Less specific themes during top 12. Do not limit the contestants to ONE singer! Country night is fine….the songs of Conway Twitty is not! 60’s night is great….the songs of the Dave Clark Five is not! AND there was music written BEFORE 1960!
I don’t care if I NEVER see a mentor again!!!!!!! Concentrate on the contestants!
Stop the phone in questions!!!! Especially if the ONLY people who are asked questions are the judges.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
LOL! Menana, that’s presuming one could actually LISTEN to a rap song… i mean… shudder
Hubby and I discuss this often. We know so many songwriter/singers (Athens is a hotbed of talent, truly) who don’t sound like Britney or Timberlake, or the latest clone thereof, but who are not exactly “rock band” singers either… with some incredibly thoughtful, beautiful, or at least INTERESTING songs… but they can’t get a listen from the Big Money people to promote them because they DON’T sound like BS or JT… or clones thereof.
Maybe i’m just too old… but Simon’s big new “discovery” sounds just LIKE all the rest of them. Yeah, she has a decent range and didn’t sound QUITE so “shouty” but… she just sounded the “same” to me as everyone ELSE.
It’s ALSO a factor in the decision of many young musicians/singers regarding what they will do for a livelihood. I know quite a few doing COVER band, or COVER artist, tours, doing well enough to live, and tossing in the occasional original song … hoping i guess that SOMEONE will hear and go “OMG that was GOOD!” and actually DO something about it… or maybe just to salve their own sanity a little.
but when i hear some of these kids live, and hear the talent in their words, or in their voices, i just wonder what it takes to get them noticed, when such trash is in the public eye daily.
By flats
April 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
TOP 15!!!!!WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!1GOOD POINTS DAY!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 28, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Hear Hear Deirdre, ESPecially regarding the stupid phone in questions. ANd someone’re earlier comment about reducing the amount of time we are subjected to the Ryan Seacrest Show [subtitled: Ryan’s attempts to be funny, witty or clever — and his failure to do so]
By harrietth
April 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Dierdre, you hit the nail on the head with your last post. One artist’s songs are waaaay too limiting, and as for the mentors, you already know how much I hate them. When was the last year they had “eras” or genres, and not specific artists? That specific crap started with the mentors, didn’t it?
By kellyfan
April 28, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I agree. I’m all up for genres or decades, not so much a single artist. And why haven’t they done a “Big Band” night since Season 1? Stuff like that would be fun! Be creative…and get rid of the themes in the semis. Oh, and say no to the mentors. Boring!
By Norman Smith
April 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
At this point in the show the Contestants should be the focus point … unfortunately … by narrowing the scope of their range to a mentors limited playlists some cannot remain in a comfort zone of their ability (Jason would be better singing Mellow Yellow). Brooke may do well with Neil “Hello Again” “Song Sung Blue” “Play Me” - but I am always surprised by her choice lately. David A can sing anything & the judges adore him … I keep waiting for a personality to emerge. David Cook seems to have the AI coattails pulling him forward & it’s his game to lose if he keeps picking the right song - Syesha cannot mug enough for the cameras … I though she was at her best last week - she may go if America cannot get behind her now. I vote Brooke with the hopes that she will pull it together … it may be to late … but then again they’re singing 2 songs each this week … hope Jason knows what JLS (Seagull) was about.
By harrietth
April 28, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
My day is over and I am heading home. Enjoyed all the posts today. Really constructive and informative stuff said. My home computer is the pits, so I will check back in tomorrow morning. Tuesday! Yes!
By Menana
April 28, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Linny: I agree that sitting through a rap or hip bop would be pure excruciating and would no doubt make me nauseated. I don’t understand a word of it.
I do realize that music changes with from generation to generation, but what we have now I would not even consider music. Where is the melody, the understandable lyrics and the meaning of it? IMO, country tops all others because of the three things I mentioned above. I know that I am dating myself, but the songs of the 50 and 60’s are really hard to beat. You can relate to them like a country song. They had depth and meaning and was easy to listen to. On Saturdays when I clean, I put country and 50 & 60’s on the CD player, and boy can I clean!!!! The mess that they call music today is almost laughable, because IT IS NOT MUSIC. I’m not sure what it is exactly, just alot of loud grunts and noises. AI really needs to pay attention to what the viewers are saying and make some good decisions before next season.
Don’t know if any of you saw my choices for tomorrow on the last thread, but if you did, I would welcome feedback from you, whether you agree or disagree.
Gotta run and fix some dinner, hubby hungry. Will be back very shortly.
By Deirdre
April 28, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
My biggest complaint about the ‘evolution’ of American Idol, besides themes that are too specific , is that the show seems to be about the judges and Ryan.
The show is NOT about the judges…it’s about the singers. While occasional banter between Simon and Ryan can be amusing….it feels like the show is ABOUT them. Simon and Ryan are both coming across as walking egos. This didn’t used to be the case, but it is now.
And will somebody please tell Simon to quit poking and tickling and annoying Paula so that she can just say what she has to say and GET ON WITH IT.
By Deirdre
April 28, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Wow…I didn’t realize how pizzed off I was at the show until I started to think about what needs to be fixed.
I guess what I’m saying is…go back to the way it was at the beginning. DOWNSIZE!
There’s nothing wrong with the music! The problem is everything that goes on between the songs!
By Mamajoe
April 28, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
After last year’s dismal year, I thought AI was definitely slipping away, but this year has completely turned that around. This is the all time best group yet. Each singer is unique in their own way and it is hard to see any of them go home. How do you choose when they are all so fantastic. I especially am disappointed that Michael and now Carly had to leave. It was way too early for either to go. The only person in this season’s final that I just don’t get is David Archeleta. His song choices and performances are so boring, I don’t even know what he sange when he’s done. And the judges love him????
By DawnH
April 28, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, I agree with you. I am sick of the Ryan Seacrest show; I’m sick of his crush on Simon; I’m sick of Simon pawing at Paula; I’m sick of commercials every 2 minutes; I’m sick of the contradictions - make the song your own… oh no, you can’t change that song… oh no, you aren’t as good as Whitney, Celine, Mariah so you shouldn’t sing that song unless you make it your own, but no, you can’t make THAT one your own.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t need to know all about the contestants and their lives - at least until maybe the top 5. I think it skews the voting. I don’t want to know that someone’s father died, left the family, or went to jail, or that someone had to sell their pony to try out for AI. I want to see if they can sing and entertain.
It’s a SINGING competition. Why can’t they just let them sing. Cutting songs to 1 1/2 or 2 minutes is stupid. Cut out all of the crap and let them sing.
IMO, this is the worst group of finalists since I’ve been watching. They are boring and have no personality whatsoever. David C is the only one left that has any talent. Carly did seem to have personality, but she had so many other negatives.
Thanks for letting me vent. And yes, I will still be watching Tuesday!
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Everyone sit down and take a deep breath.
Dawn your going to bust a vessel.
By Negativo
April 28, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Neg’s cure for Idol:
1. Change the age range from 17-29 to 19-28. Listen, the age disparity in the contestants has created a generational gap within the show and the audience. It’s impossible to reconcile a 17 year old competing against a 29 year old in a pop idol contest. Seeing a sexy girl followed Last year Melinda was like Jordin’s mother, and this year Archuletta is like a child pretending to be a grown up. It almost has a Jean Benet Ramsay feel to it, and I think that turns a lot of people off.
2. Have the judges score the contestants. Look, the judges are there for a reason, so give them a little more say in who stays and who goes. It works very well in the auditions and Hollywood having the judges decide who stays and who goes, so why not give them at least a little say in who should stay or go during the rest of the competition?
**3. Release the voting results for all the world to see. In season one and two we were told who got what percentage of the votes, but now we are kept in the dark. It makes the whole thing seem a little fishy, like they are hiding something from us.
4. Get rid of Idol Gives Back. It is horrible to watch, and simply bores the audience. Telethons are universally loathed, and are never shown on prime time.
5. Have the mentors be guest judges. The people want to know what the original thinks of how their songs are being performed by the contestants.
Neg has spoken.
By DawnH
April 28, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
I feel better now WE. Deep breaths and a glass of wine. Thanks.
By Negativo
April 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
OOOPS! Sorry about the typos. Forget the sexy girl and Melinda being in the same sentence…
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
I agree with Neg’s idea on the age of the contestants. There is to wide of a range now.
The first three seasons that age requirements was 16 to 24. Beginning with season 4 the age limit was raised to 28.
By Harmony
April 28, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Just popping in to say hello. Has it been determined how many songs they will sing tomorrow? One or two?
By Menana
April 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Glad to know that Neg thinks AI should also alter the age limit. I had stated that in an earlier post. There is to wide a gap in the ages. They need to go to either 18-29 or reverse it back to the original ages.
As several has already stated, take the focus off RS and the judges more. I like the idea of having the judges actually score the contestants. That is what they do on DWTS and it works very well. As I have stated before, the voters seem to pay attention to the judge’s score and they vote accordingly.. Maybe if AI tried this for at least one year, they may see an increase in the performances and ratings. It sure won’t hurt any at all.
By Deirdre
April 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
I also think it’s time to consider limiting the number of votes per phone. It becomes disheartening to know that people with more sophisticated dialing systems and tweens with rampaging texting fingers can turn American Idol into a popularity contest. It would also negate vftw and anyone else(Howard Stern) who thinks it’s ‘fun’ to rebel.
Imagine an Idol who is elected fairly rather than by the fastest and most prolific dialing fingers!
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Anybody watching the Hawks?
Killer game.
By Harmony
April 28, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Nope
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
LOL Harm.
Great game though.
By Harmony
April 28, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Are they winning? Remember I’m only a fair weather fan.
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Yes
By War Eagle
April 28, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hawks win!!!!
Series tied 2-2
By Harmony
April 28, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
I watched the news,so at least now I know they stunned Boston.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
Re my request that Idol limit the number of votes per phone. I don’t see this happening but…if it doesn’t, it will become a major part of the show’s downfall.
Too many people feel that the few votes they can cast are wasted. In other words…there are parents out there who need to put their kids to bed after the show. There are older people for whom calling the same number repeatedly is draining. There are other tv shows that people want to watch without having to pick up the phone every commercial to vote.
We have lives to live…most of us cannot spend 2 hours voting. Therefore, we start to believe that our vote doesn’t count for much. Soon, we won’t bother to vote at all…and at that point, we lose interest in the show.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
And another thing….you knew there would be more, didn’t you? :-)
The show has become about Ryan and Simon, IMO, and people see that as their fault. I don’t. They didn’t make the show about them…the producers did. The producers saw our amusement with the occasional banter between Ryan and Simon and, in their usual ability to take a good thing and overdo it, they are the ones who have encouraged it to continue and to escalate!
Producers: Too much of a good thing becomes a BAD thing! Stop It!!!!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Good morning! Interesting, Dierdre, your comments about the producers. I have been watching the Idol Rewind show on season 2, and, boy, they got it right that year. There was a great balance with the banter and the music. Just enough banter to get a sense of who the judges were. Simon was emerging as the “star,” but it was also Ryan’s first year by himself, so he was not so ego-driven. And, there was a good bit of film on the finalists, letting us get to know them and about their families. I don’t object to that, as someone here did earlier. I think that was missing last year and it caused us not to really care about the singers. Anyway, I say the producers should go back and take a look back and examine what was most successful in the beginning. I agree that the show is too much about the personalities and egos of the host and judges now and too much has been added—Idol Gives Back, the phone-in questions, etc—that it detracts from what works about the show. That is the music and the singers. I believe the results show should go back to the 30 min. format, and that would eliminate some of the interminable crap. Of course, revenue is the driving force here.
By DawnH
April 29, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Why not have voting like DWTS. You can call in your vote or go online. Does DWTS limit the # of votes? I do believe the voting window is smaller for DWTS - 2 hours maybe. I may be wrong, because I don’t watch it very often and have never voted, so please feel free to correct me.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
If they’re only doing one song tonight, what will they fill the rest of the time with?
The Ryan and Simon Show?
Paula trying to be coherent?
Even more commercials?
And if they’re each doing 2 Neil Diamond songs….heaven help us all!
And they wonder why the ratings are slipping again! Lose the filler! Let the contestants sing!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Dawn, Star Search used that method of voting—on the computer. That way, nobody could vote but one time.
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Dierdre, are you going to give us any spoilers today? It will be interesting to see if they do sing 2 ND songs each. LOL “heaven help us all.” LOL
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I think I saw that DWTS limits the votes to 6 per phone number. Maybe I dreamed that. linny will know when she pops in!
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
April 29, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Dawn DWTS allows the same number of votes as there are contestants, ie, first week, you can vote 12 times by phone and 12 times by internet. then week 2, you can vote 11 times by phone and 11 times by internet, etc. (1 hour of voting that night by phone, but internet open till noon the next day for votes) Also, the judges give a numerical vote which is ‘combined’ with the popular vote to determine the winner. There are still “surprises” when someone better than some others is not voted to stay… but that’s more attributed to complacency (o that one is safe, i’ll not vote) than packed voting.
By flats
April 29, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Good morning Mushdawgs!Big night tonight for Jason.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Yes, harrietth…I’ll be looking for spoilers today.
One site is reporting that we’ll hear 2 Neil Diamond songs from each contestant.
By kellyfan
April 29, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all…good morning.
I believe the voting for DWTS is based on the remaining number of contestants (e.g., if there are 5 left, you get 5 votes per phone and/or email address). I think that’s fair and would give a better idea of who’s winning. But I really don’t think that’s going to happen.
BTW, holy Hawks! That was great! (Is there more room in the bandwagon?) ;)
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Thanks kf….I agree that Idol won’t go there. Unfortunately, they are too enamored of vote counts to limit anything. But I think it will help their downfall…people who don’t text, people who are too busy to vote for 2 hours straight will start to believe that their vote means nothing.
The Hawks beat the Celtics! Miracles DO happen!
By Lara
April 29, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
I think you have all made some good points. Maybe the producers should come read this blog.
By flats
April 29, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Kelly.it’s “on the bandwagon”.What did the Hawks do?I love sports but dont know anything about the hawks.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
LOL!!! Lara. Maybe Rodney can send it to them!
By kellyfan
April 29, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame, D.
flats, they beat the Celtics last night and tied the series at 2. They barely made the playoff and no one really expected them to do this well…
By DawnH
April 29, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Thanks everyone for explaining the DWTS voting. I like the idea of being able to vote online. As D said earlier, I am one of those that can’t stand to keep calling and getting busy signals. I just don’t have the patience for it. I try a couple of times and then I’m over it. I also like the idea of having a couple of variables that determine who leaves and who stays.
By flats
April 29, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
cool…we need something good for the city.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
That the Hawks beat the Celts once was a miracle. I don’t know if there is a WORD for beating them twice…in a row…
i mean
W-O-W
and i don’t even LIKE basketball, LOL!!!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Atlanta sports are rockin’today, compared to when I lived there. We had the Braves, mired in mediocrity, the Hawks, who were only a bit better, and then there were the Flames. The Flames, you say? Yep. Now the darlings of Calgary.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
harrietth, i remember those days very well, LOL!!! but you could at LEAST go watch a braves game for 5 bucks — mom, dad, and li’l kid son… sit in the outfield right behind claudell washington or gary matthews (sr) … or dale murphy sometimes… close enough to really SEE them, or maybe be lucky and catch a home run ball to the bleachers in the outfield… and food wasn’t that outrageous at the time either, so for 15 bucks you could see the game, get a hotdog and a coke for all 3 of you! and you could take in coolers back then too (no glass containers of course)
ahhhhh those were the days!
By Rick
April 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Make the scoring similar to “Dancing with the Stars.” Let the votes count half - and let the judges’ vote and count the other 50%. No way Syesha & Carly should have been in the bottom two based solely on talent. But with it being more of a popularity contest, Jason Castro sails through!
It’s gotta change.
By Rick
April 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Make the scoring similar to “Dancing with the Stars.” Let the votes count half - and let the judges’ vote and count the other 50%. No way Syesha & Carly should have been in the bottom two based solely on talent. But with it being more of a popularity contest, Jason Castro sails through!
It’s gotta change.
By Rick
April 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Make the scoring similar to “Dancing with the Stars.” Let the votes count half - and let the judges’ vote and count the other 50%. No way Syesha & Carly should have been in the bottom two based solely on talent. But with it being more of a popularity contest, Jason Castro sails through!
It’s gotta change.
By War Eagle
April 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with Rick. All three times.
By Carroll
April 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
It seems that the constant theme throughout these comments is that too much of any good thing is bad. To wit, AI has overexposed itself in general, and we are all gradually becoming numb to the whole thing. For one, it is WAY too long from auditions to finals. I consistently lose interest by about the final 7 or 8. Next, the sideshow, self-gratifying idol-gives-back type of crap needs to stop. Most of all, we don’t need an hour or even a half hour of non-sense just to see who the loser is every week. Typical FOX with its over-dramatization of EVERYTHING! hell, you could just release the voting results on the internet or the evening news. They should try to keep America thirsty for more, rather than having us sitting there with tivo remote in hand annoyedly front-winding through all the BS to just get to the friggin bottom line.
‘Nuff said.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
hiccUP! lol! if DWTS was a fox show, there might be hope to ‘borrow’ their voting style … howEVAH, DWTS is ABC … no way a Fox show will admit someone else’s way is better, LOL!!!
i like the results shows like Nashville Star and Next Great American Band, and even America’s Next Great Dance Crew or whatever that was called (and that was a Randy Jackson production on MTV) … bring back all the contestants each week, let them each perform … leaving only the bottom-vote-getter to NOT perform (and thus eliminate the separate results show entirely) so WHAT if it takes a week for them to find out… life’s tuff!
But most of all… get RID of the Simon & Ryan comedy hour … get Simon’s hands off Paula … limit the # of votes per person — so what if the total number of votes goes down, we already KNOW there ain’t no 30 million people WATCHing the freaking show!
and the comments about adults not having the time or interest in voting the say way the kids do is ABSOLUTELY valid!
go back to genres instead of single person nights.
Rodney, you GOTTA pass this stuff along! There’ve been some really good comments made by Lots of Peeps!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Linny, sorry, work called me away! LOL. Yes, those were the days for seeing the Braves up close. My son, my husband, and his three boys would pack a cooler and hit the stadium for a game—sometimes a double-header, too. My stepsons recently reminded me of the fried chicken and sandwiches I used to pack for them as we went to the ball games. And I have not been married to their father for 25 years or more. They say it is among their fondest childhood memories. Hank Aaron had not yet broken the home run record, so we got to see him play many times.
By flats
April 29, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I dont like sports where players flash gang sighns……look what’s happening in Chicago!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Carroll, i agree, lol…. i think MOST of us TiVo/DVR the shows — especially the results show — so we can skip through all the BS.
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
I still say they “fixed” what wasn’t “broke.”
By Tired
April 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Ratings going down?? Really?? Wow, I guess it means people are finally COMING TO THEIR SENSES!! Winning a game show, does not a star make. C’mon folks, Idle, Survivor, etc..admit it, IT’S OVER!! THANK GOD!
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
I remember last year I turned on the results show during the last 2 minutes so I could see who was singing….other than that, I didn’t watch it. Was it last year or 2 years ago, Rodney, that the results show was running against Lost? Believe me, Lost was way more interesting.
By qwerty
April 29, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
“Yet I then find out Michael Johns was invited to the White House Correspondents Dinner — and I wasn’t!”
Why, Rodney? Did you think you were supposed to be? Are you a journalist all of a sudden?
Don’t worry, I’m sure your invite just got “lost in the mail”.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Tired…I don’t watch American Idol because I think we’re picking the next big star…..I honestly don’t care whether the winner ‘makes it’ or not. I find the show to be very entertaining! I’ve always been an ‘enjoy the journey and don’t worry about the destination’ kinda gal.
By Tired
April 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Deirdre, I can at least appreciate your honesty in the situation. CREATE your own ‘reality’ folks, get off the sofa! Haven’t you realized by now that TV is mostly bad for you?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
no sense of humor, qwerty?
i agree D, i enjoy watching the kids strive for something … it’s why i watched Dance Crew — i just happen to love dance of ANY sort, i’ve always appreciated teamwork, and crew dancing is DEFINITELY teamwork… i enjoyed STOMP, I enjoyed the Native American Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Modern Jazz dance, etc. Likewise, I enjoy watching talented people, and am willing to put up with the less-talented to be able to enjoy the star moments. i just wish, on local levels, that some of the artists — dance, songwriting, performing, whatever, would get more recognition… i know some young people who are star quality, but who don’t have quite the right …. luck? contacts? money? whatever…to be SEEN … and there are so many of them… it’s unlikely a lot will ever be more than local …
i’m rambling. blame the benedryl.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Tired…you want to know what my reality is….an 87 year old mother who can barely walk and relies on me for EVERYTHING. The one thing she still enjoys is her favorite TV shows. Idol is one of them.
Now get off your ‘holier than thou’ chair and join the real world where everybody’s ‘reality’ might not suit your aesthetic!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
There are many, many, talented people with wonderful singing voices who never “make it” in the music business. The stars have to be aligned just right. That is why this venue of Idol is so wonderful and has worked out so well for even the “losers” on the show. Many folks who are just as talented as the present contestants just never get the exposure to the powers that be.
By Rick
April 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
War Eagle,
I only hit the “Post” button once. Honest!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
YAAAAYYY, Dierdre!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Tired - some of us have incredibly full — and even sometimes fulfilling — lives. Watching something like AI, or Dancing with the Stars, or So You Think You Can Dance, is our time to wind DOWN, relax, and enjoy someone ELSE’s efforts to achieve.
D, for example, had a career and has retired (for lack of a better word) to do something different — because she NOW is a caregiver for her mother. I’ve been (and still am) in the workforce as a legal secretary-assistant-paralegal and sometime student for over 30 years — I’ve raised 3 children and helped to raise a handful of others in need of help (not officially fostering, but essentially fostering without government input or reimbursement, lol) — i’ve been a youth counselor at a mega church (did that for 12 years) and still work with youth when i can.
the fact that i enjoy watching some television does not make me a lesser person. i think i’ve EARNED the right to sit back and enjoy someone else’s efforts, or just something for plain ol’ entertainment, by now! doesn’t mean that’s ALL i do!!!
My question to critics of AIers is this: What do YOU do when you want to wind down from a busy day? Is it ANY more meaningful than watching an hour or two or even four or five, a week of so-called “mindless” entertainment? Do you stop and have a beer with the guys? Go to the local watering hole hoping to meet up with friends? or someone new? Go for a jog? Play with the kids? Read a book? hop in the hot tub? paint? draw? write? Do yard work? go to a movie? Throw a football around with ‘the guys’? Shoot some hoops? Hit a tennis ball around for a while? Bake cookies? Sew? put on music and dance around your living room?
some are productive…some are just self-indulgent. the thing in common? they are individual choices for winding down after a hard day, or week, or night, or whatever.
just saying, Tired, that you border on critical comments about people you know NOTHING about … i don’t judge YOUR choice of relaxation, and all i ask is that you think about it before you go and criticize mine! LOL.
By Rick
April 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
War Eagle,
I only hit the “Post” button once. Honest!
By sharon
April 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with everything in Neg’s 8:33pm post except number 3.
By Rick
April 29, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
War Eagle,
I only hit the “Post” button once. Honest!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
YAAAAY, Linny!!!
By sharon
April 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I agree with everything in Neg’s 8:33pm post except number 3.
By AP Buch
April 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Replace Simon with someone else that has a little more compassion and personality!
By DawnH
April 29, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
On Wednesday night, I turn AI on about 5 minutes before it ends. I watch to see who is in the bottom and who goes. I don’t want to hear singing by someone leaving that I probably didn’t want to hear competing, or through teary eyes and a quivering voice. I don’t watch in the beginning to avoid the Brandy Brunch group sing, which I usually find embarrassing for the contestants and everyone involved. Don’t watch the middle because I can’t remember the last mentor that I wanted to hear perform.
I do watch on Tuesdays. Like Deirdre says, it is usually entertaining in some way - even when the performances aren’t that great.
Deirdre, my heart goes out to you and your mom. I realize how great the responsibility is for you. There will be a day when you will look back and be glad you were there for and with her.
NOW - EVERYONE… A GROUP HUG FOR DEIRDRE. She truly deserves it. And a prayer or two wouldn’t hurt.
By Tired
April 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
As I previously stated; Deirdre, I can at least appreciate your honesty in the situation; It is completely understandable for an 87yr old. The rest however, will not get a pass. Luckily, MY reality has not been reduced to a 32 inch screen….yet. ;-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Newbie Posters — a Hint
Once you hit the Post button wait to the count of 10 and then hit “refresh” on your toolbar — that will clear the buffer and HELP the system to not hiccup so much, LOL!!!
the “mushblog” system takes so long to clear your buffer that sometimes you accidentally hit the button that reads “please wait” (which said “post” originally), or you inadvertently tap the button while moving the mouse, or whatever — the system sometimes re-posts on its own … but the above “hint” helps avoid it.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Hmph. Tired, I‘m “tired” too — tired of your judgmental attitude, frankly. If you’re so into your own reality WHY are you bothering to post here????
hmmmmmmmm?
By War Eagle
April 29, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
No problem Rick, it happens all the time.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Now you’re really pizzing me off, Tired. How dare you assume that everyone sits in front of their tv’s all day just because they choose to watch a show you don’t like.
How dare you make judgments about people based on the fact that they chat on an American Idol blog.
Your reality seems to be telling everybody else what they should and should not be doing. Are you this sanctimonious with your friends who watch tv or do you just go after strangers?
Watching tv doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. People can have active lives and still, OMG, enjoy tv. Well rounded people can do a variety of different things…including watch television…without their minds turning to mush.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
{{{{{{{{{{D}}}}}}}}}
you go girl!!!
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Spoiler Alert
Jason Castro is said to be singing Forever in Bluejeans and September Morn.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
You, too, linny! :-)
Another *Spoiler Alert
Archie may be singing Coming to America and I’m a Believer(the Monkees hit that Diamond wrote)
Also, people are suggesting that Diamond covers may be allowed since Carly did a cover from Mariah.
If that is the case, everybody is hoping David Cook sings He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother…which just might put the entire Idol audience in tears.
By DawnH
April 29, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
So, they ARE doing 2 songs. Great! I do like Neil Diamond (realize I’m in the minority). Keep the spoilers coming. I’m just glad Dolly Parton night wasn’t a 2 songer.
By negativo
April 29, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
“Tired” is right about us. We really do need to stop wasting our lives on this American Idol drivel and become more productive. After all, with so much top quality internet porn for us to be streaming by the gigabyte, there is really no excuse for us to be wasting away on some brainless talent show.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
There are claims now that the Archie spoilers are not accurate.
People are still hoping for He’s Not Heavy from Cook….nobody knows for sure yet.
By negativo
April 29, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I’d love to see DC belting out “Holy Holy”. That would be intense.
By Tired
April 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
linny, I post here because it’s evident (by the ruffled featherd responses) that folks take this stuff waaay too seriously. If someone bashes the NFL (which I love), I don’t take it PERSONALLY. See what I mean? OMG, he doesn’t like IDLE, off with his head!! Funny folks…
By War Eagle
April 29, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Tired, don’t take anything here personally. The ladies have been in a foul mood since Michael Johns was given the ole’ heave-ho.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
But…Tired..honey…you were bashing US…not Idol. You were telling US to basically ‘get a life’…without actually knowing whether or not we already had one. You were implying that we don’t have a life because we watch Idol. To quote:
“CREATE your own ‘reality’ folks, get off the sofa! Haven’t you realized by now that TV is mostly bad for you?”
“The rest however, will not get a pass. Luckily, MY reality has not been reduced to a 32 inch screen….yet. ;-)”
It WAS personal.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Plus…I’ve really been in a foul mood since Michael Johns was eliminated!
By flats
April 29, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
LOL @ LINNY @ D!!!Yall are a trip.Starting to run a few folks off these days?
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Just one, flats. linny and I would never be able to match your record.
By Tired
April 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, I gots nothing but LOVE for ya, babe!! My only point was this: never let ‘entertainment’, replace ‘life’. Plus, I really HATE all ‘reality’ shows. I know…it’s something I’m working on with my counselor. Why, oh why can’t I just be NORMAL like everyone else??
By flats
April 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Tired..hang around and add some flavor!!!!
By dolfin
April 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Touche D! Tired - so you like NFL and we like Idol. Different strokes, different folks. Doesn’t mean we or you need to “create a life”. Be nice or go away.
By flats
April 29, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
sorry D…I’m very proud of my record.
By JTesla
April 29, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Tired, perhaps you can define what you mean by “life”, because I’m a little lost when you advise me to get one. So far having a “life” seems to involve trolling reality show blogs, doesn’t seem like much of a “life” to me, but that is just my humble opinion.
By flats
April 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
LO @ TIRED!!!!Dude your off the chain going insane man!!!!!!
By Tired
April 29, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Flats, since I’m not wanted here :-( I’m going back to ESPN.com, where it’s much SAFER! It seems sports fans are less fanatical than these Idle folks…Hey, perhaps Mr. Ho can create a hater alert that will only allow positive posts on this blog? If the war in Iraq is not about protecting our FREEDOMS, then why are our soldiers over there anyway? Oh well, I guess that’s for another blog..
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
T, your assumptions are so “out there,” I cannot believe it. Anyone who reads these posts can tell what the level of intelligence is here, and I mean high, not low. Even in a blog setting, intellect shines through. Just because we all enjoy an escape from reality by watching Idol does not mean we don’t have an alternative way of looking at life. We are not totally consumed, but rather entertained. There is a difference that you don’t seem to get. We are not mindless morons, staring in glassy-eyed wonder at the tv screen all night and day. And, I work in higher ed all day, so I really enjoy seeing things with a view from other than the ivory tower.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Sorry….I was talking to my kid on the phone.
Tired..I LOVE it when you call me babe!!!!
Stick around…if the good folks here can’t lead you toward the road to normalcy, nobody can!
Entertainment is one of two things…an escape from ‘life’ (cuz life ain’t always good…you know what I mean) or it enhances life, like sky diving or roller coasters or a really could dinner with a bunch of friends….and just like everything else, when indulged in with moderation….it does no harm.
By flats
April 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Tired…we go in all different directions on here.Hang in they’re.
By War Eagle
April 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
harrietth, Thanks for the high intelligence compliment.
By flats
April 29, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
LOL @ D!!!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
You’re welcome, WE. I meant it.
By Tired
April 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
JTesla, I’m at work, whaddya expect me to do all day? Work?? Besides, I’ve already resolved my issues with the Idle police, so we’re cool now, ok? As I said, I’m going back to ESPN.com, it’s much SAFER over there… Ms. Deirdre, glad to see u have a sense of humor, we can chat anytime!! byefolks…
By flats
April 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Yep Harrietth,thanks alot for all that.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Hey!!! What happened to ‘babe’!!??? :-)
By JTesla
April 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I’m always amused when someone cries because they feel that their freedom is being restricted. Yet in reality we are simply using the same freedom that they are. It seems that Tired’s argument is that they are free to state their opinion, but we are not free to state ours.
Tired, freedom to speak your mind comes at the cost of allowing others to speak theirs. Oh, and if you think that the sacrifices being made in Iraq are done so you can tippity tippety on an AI blog then give me your address and I’ll mail you a quarter, hopefully you can use it to buy a clue.
Have a good time at ESPN, come back anytime you wish to exchange opinions.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Tired don’t go!!!!! Nothing like good debate to keep the mind stimulated!!!! grin and hey! you called D “babe” … what am i, chopped liver?!?!?!?!?
~¿@
wait. i may not want you to actually ANSWER that question!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
noooooooo don’t goooooooo! we need you!!!
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t remember whether I hit post or not…..I’m going to get my teeth cleaned…I’ll be back soon….if I already posted this info to you, just ignore me…I’m losing my mind!!!
By Tired
April 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Everytime I try to get OUT - they pull me back IN!! Ya’ll r funny. SOME seem to get it, of course others don’t. Linny says I’m stimulating her…mind? Oh, oh, this thing may be heading in another direction! But no, you are NOT chopped liver. D & L, I’ve enjoyed the 3way, lol!! Flats, I’m good, juss funnin’ w/the locals.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
whew we work hard to be entertaining, T… (see you’re now part of the gang … you get your initial! and obviously the use thereof, LOL)
if your verbal parries are timed the way your … print ones are, you’re probably the right kind of wit to wit’her away the time with
uh oh, time for more benedryl…bbiab!
By Mike S
April 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Hola Mushbloggians
I bought the new PHIL STACEY album at lunch today, and it is excellent!!! Very very impressed. Phil sounds awesome.
Not sure if thier are any BIG hit songs on it, but every song is solid. No filler songs at all.
If I had to rate it with other AI Country albums. I would say it rates right with Bucky and a little ahead of Kellie and Josh. Nowhere near Carrie Underwood level, but a very good first album.
By Making Sense
April 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Just an FYI, Tired, it’s “IdOL”, not “IdLE”.
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
I echo what D and L say, T. It always adds spice to the day when someone strikes a nerve the way you did.
By Mike S
April 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Here is how I would rank all the Idol albums I have purchased
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Mike! how lovely to see you again! Thanks for the recommend on Phil… i think he’s doing quite well for himself, and he seems to have grabbed the brass ring without giving up his life (wife, baby, etc.) Since i like Bucky’s i’ll definitely give Phil’s a listen!
MS - lol… i was overlooking that one, because i wasn’t QUITE sure if he did that on purpose or not grin … besides, we’d picked on him enough already! (ok, i’m assuming male persona for Tired because of the NFL/ESPN references… but i could be wrong and if i am … apologies offered in advance, LOL!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
I literally threw away my Taylor Hicks CD. I have never been more disappointed in an artist in my life. And, I voted for him the entire season.
By Lolo
April 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t hold the contest every year. Hold it every 18 months or every other year. It’s less special because it comes on too often.
By Hacker
April 29, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I have always said that America should be voting the worst person off the show for that week (instead of their favorite). If they do that, then Chris Daughtry wouldn’t have gone home so early and I bet Taylor Hicks wouldn’t have won. It just makes more sense to vote the worse one off the show, rather than the best one for that week because the middle people could not get enough votes, when truly the only thing that matters week to week is the worst one…
By Hacker
April 29, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I have always said that America should be voting the worst person off the show for that week (instead of their favorite). If they do that, then Chris Daughtry wouldn’t have gone home so early and I bet Taylor Hicks wouldn’t have won. It just makes more sense to vote the worst one off the show, rather than the best one for that week because the middle people could not get enough votes, when truly the only thing that matters week to week is the worst one…
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Hacker, interesting thoughts, but i think the idea of voting “off” the worst as opposed to “supporting” the “best” (or your idea of “best” rather) was too negative, and they wanted to promote a positive approach. Nashville Star had limits i believe on the number of votes you could cast; Dancing with the Stars has a vote upper limit each week. Even So You Think You Can Dance has a different focus: the bottom 2 or 3 vote getters (i think it’s changed a couple of times) are then asked on the “results” show to dance “for their lives” and the judges then select the one who has impressed them the most. I personally like THAT approach — and they don’t just re-dance their routine, they have to do a separate choreography for the dance-off. With singing, perhaps they could be given a short list to choose from “Learn this in case you are in the bottom 2 (or 3), and the bottom 2(3) will have a ‘sing-off’ from which the judges will have input to pick the one to leave.”
it puts more serious involvement back on the judges, doesn’t leave the departee completely to public whim… and it would give a lot more meaning to the hour-long results show!
just a thought…
By flats
April 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Why’s it uncool for a man to wear panties?
By IAMADOGPERSON
April 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
IT IS TIME FOR AMERICAN IDOL TO GO !
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ! ! ! ! !
By JTesla
April 29, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
It’s not uncool for you flats, now take your panties to the new thread.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
I love when I walk back in just as flats has asked a question like that!
OK..teeth are sparkling!
Tired…on the ‘idle’/idol thing…I got…linny got it and I’m pretty sure a lot of others got it!
I go in search of spoilers…be back soon!
By Tired
April 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
No, Making Sense, I believe I got it right it’s I-D-L-E. Yep, I’m sure of it.
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
New thread is up on which I posted the latest Syesha spoilers….and I forgot to do the Spoiler Alert sign so be careful if you don’t want to read them.
By Making Sense
April 29, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Tired - My bad. I get it now. (A little slow. It’s only Tuesday! UGH!)
By Deirdre
April 29, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
See, Tired…we all have a sense of humor around here. My fault…I was the one who started the anti-Tired rant…who knew you could be fun! :-) You will be welcome here no matter how snarky you get…just expect to get some snark thrown back atcha!
By harrietth
April 29, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
D, thanks for the spoilers. Always enjoy them. I am gone for the day now. Will look forward to everyone’s posts after the show. As usual, I won’t be able to post until morning, but I will be lurking anyway.
By Jan
April 29, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
How to “improve” the show??
CANCEL IT!!!
It’s always been third-rate summer-camp-talent-show crap!
I can’t believe how many of my co-workers spend most of their day gossiping about such lame junk!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
April 29, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
and Jan i am ABSOLUTELY certain that you NEVER discuss anything trivial or do anything “lame” … (said with tongue in cheek) like go to American Idol blogs and post something!
(Just teasin’ ya hon…. welcome to the nuthouse!)
By GRACE
April 29, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
With the exception of Simon, AI need a total makeover. I am tired of watching an over medicated Paula give her opinion when she can’t sing in the 1st place. I know Randy was a producer but they could have a more well known producer with speech skills. He is tiring to look at. Ryan has become predictable & boring. I personally stopped watching cause I just don’t enjoy the music anymore. It’s gone from pop & R&B to rock & country. The mentors are old & out of touch. Dolly Parton…..GIVE ME A BREAK!
By Tired
April 29, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Whew!! Thank God for Jan, now they can rake YOU over the coals for a while ;-) Watch out though, some of ‘em have TEETH and do take this stuff quite seriously…Anywho, it’s been FUN - 1730 hrs & I’m OUT!!
Linny, D, Flats, MS, be well, ya’ll!
By Susan Allen
April 29, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
How can Idol help their ratings??Stop booting off the good talent like Michael Johns and Kristy Cook,Carly and get rid of the guy with the dredlocks,David Archuletta, etc. Those two have as much chance of me buying one of their records as I do making it as a supermodel. I have been singing Kristy Lee Cooks’ version of Mariah Carey’s song since she sang it on Idol…what does that tell you???Same with Michael Johns…plus last years show talent wasnt too hot, much better this year, much more interesting….Too much time spent on the “supposed friction” between Ryan and Simon, stop drawing out the bottom three, let them all sing again…this is a singing contest not a Ryan Seacrest talking contest!!!Also that whole promotion thing with Jim Carey…what a waste of time….like Jim Carey cares about Idol…go out and find some real Hollywood stars that actually watch Idol with their kids, give em tickets, the week with Andrew Lloyd Webber was probably a bust, no one under 40 probably knows his music (i do and i love his songs but he’s not actually that popular with the younger crowd) move Idol from Hollywood to a different ending venue (Atlanta for example)
I think those are some pretty good suggestions!!!!
By Leelee
April 29, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Change voting so viewer’s vote off the worst performer, and maybe they’ll get it right! Or closer, at least.
Spare me the mentors. For crying out loud, Dolly Parton, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. Is this show’s target Miami nursing homes? I was around when this music was contemporary but even I don’t want to revisit it. I’d make exceptions for Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Sting, however.
Stick to contemporary music (of all kinds). I’ll listen to the Beatles when I want to hear them (and I do).
Ban all mentions of Whitney Houston.
By John
April 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s blunder by Paula brought even more question to the “judgemental” comments by the three “judges”. Paula could not remember that Jason had only sung one song and yet she commented on a second song. The simple truth is that the judges should provide constructive unbiased criticism about the performance. Even more important is that if they want the contestants to be original then stress their originality on their own songs rather than encouraging them to rewrite/recompose the songs of popular artists. I am tired of some of the performers being praised for their originality when the truth is that they are simply attempting to cover their faults by not being able to reach certain notes or other aspects that might have made the songs distinctive and popular. “Archie” and David Cook have done this many time this season and quite honestly it is very distracting and at times disrespectful to the original artists. While trying to avoid a karaoke contest, stress the true talents, voice and musical skills. Allow the final 4-6 finalists to show their originality with either new songs or their own personal compositions. After all, the competition is American Idol and at some time they should have to show what America might expect when they do actual go solo and release a record.
American Idol is becoming stale because it is becoming quite predictable and the opinions of the judges have become more biased. Why don’t they ever show the actual numbers of the voting per finalist?
By John
April 29, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s blunder by Paula brought even more question to the “judgemental” comments by the three “judges”. Paula could not remember that Jason had only sung one song and yet she commented on a second song. The simple truth is that the judges should provide constructive unbiased criticism about the performance. Even more important is that if they want the contestants to be original then stress their originality on their own songs rather than encouraging them to rewrite/recompose the songs of popular artists. I am tired of some of the performers being praised for their originality when the truth is that they are simply attempting to cover their faults by not being able to reach certain notes or other aspects that might have made the songs distinctive and popular. “Archie” and David Cook have done this many time this season and quite honestly it is very distracting and at times disrespectful to the original artists. While trying to avoid a karaoke contest, stress the true talents, voice and musical skills. Allow the final 4-6 finalists to show their originality with either new songs or their own personal compositions. After all, the competition is American Idol and at some time they should have to show what America might expect when they do actual go solo and release a record.
American Idol is becoming stale because it is becoming quite predictable and the opinions of the judges have become more biased. Why don’t they ever show the actual numbers of the voting per finalist?
By TP
April 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
I would like to see all the idol artists perform at least 1 song in their underwear. That way we viewers can make an informed choice on who really deserves to be the next American Idol + I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt the ratings at all.
By Jason
April 29, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
How to improve American Idol:
Step 1- Take it off the air. Step 2- Put 24 back on. Step 3- Enjoy.
By Rachel Chase
April 30, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Jason Castro sucks!! Brooke White is close behind. David Archleto has a great voice but he is not entertaining to watch. David Cook should win this competion but with the teeny bopper girls voting for Jason and David A it will be tough. When are people going to vote for talent!!! I think they should do it like Dancing With The Stars and let the judges count 50%.