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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > July > 15 > Entry
7/15: Don’t expect too many Idol changes next year, Ace Young CD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry. My laptop hard drive started making this grinding sound yesterday so tech is moving all my info onto a new drive. In the interim, I’m using a “pool” laptop and it’s taking me a long time to get access to everything I need temporarily. So I’m sorry if I’m a bit slow today trying to access information. (And I can’t upload photos for some reason on this computer.) Hopefully, I’ll have my computer back by the end of the day.
Anyway, at the Television Critics Association press tour meeting that I’m missing in Los Angeles, Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly confirmed all the info we’ve already heard about “Idol” next season. The same judges and host are back, of course. The network is reverting back to more half hour results shows and there will be fewer audition episodes. We suspect they are going to expand the Hollywood auditions and do more “flashbacks” to the auditions from there. This probably means fewer bad bad singers, which appeals to most of the readers here but honestly, those episodes often bring in the biggest ratings so Fox is taking a risk there.
And given the success of Jason Castro and Brooke White, two contestants we know would not have made the top 12 without instruments, instruments are coming back. No surprise there.
While I tihnk “Idol” lost ratings simply because it’s seven years old and nothing lasts forever, Nigel Lythgoe blamed broader trends: “I don’t believe the ratings dipped for American Idol,” Nigel theorized. “I believe the ratings dipped for network television. And if you balance the whole ratings slide against American Idol, American Idol didn’t slip in comparison to everything else that moved downwards.”
Technically, he’s right. The dropoff in ratings for “Idol” was less than or on par many major shows such as “Desperate Housewives,” “House” and “Lost.” I’d say “Idol” lost about 8 percent of its total audience year over year, a bit more of its younger viewers.
-It’s been awhile since we’ve had a new “Idol” release. Well, season five finalist Ace Young finally has his day in the sun. He’s the ninth contestant out of 12 from that season to release a CD, the most of any season thus far.
He wished he had become successful without “Idol.” (How dare he say such things! :) )
“On ‘American Idol’ you sing other people’s songs and you get criticized for it,” Ace told the Boston Herald. “That doesn’t really create an artist.”
“As a songwriter, I’ve always been an artist first. The hardest thing for me was doing the show,” he said. “It’s a TV show first and a competition second. If I could have a career without it, I’d go that way. You get better support that way,” he said.
Does he think he’d be getting this much press without the “Idol” connection? Embrace it, Ace!
He received a Grammy nomination last year for helping co-write Daughtry’s hit “It’s Not Over,” so obviosuly Ace has some skills in the songwriting department.
And though Ace has the help of songwriter Desmond Child, his album lacks direction and focus, says the Dallas Morning News critic.
A fairly stout debut, but because Mr. Young tackles too much he fails to stand up - or out. Hey, Blake Lewis: You have company.
Here’s a more positive take on the album, courtesy of the Rocky Mountain News.:
His Michael Jackson tendencies - vocally and arrangement-wise - come through most on the single Addicted. He reins it in on the rest of the disc, letting his personality come through on songs like A Hard Hand to Hold.
-And yes, the “Idols Live” tour hits David Archuleta’s home and it’s pandemonium, I tell ya, pandemonium! Check out how much love he gets here.. And here via the Deseret News..
The screaming audience made it impossible to hear Murray’s “American Idol” runner-up sing his version of Robbie Williams’ “Angels.” It was obvious a lot of the 10,000-plus audience members were there to see the “American Idol” runner-up but not necessarily hear him.
-We thought two contestants were going to be canned tonight from “Nashville Star” but only one did after all. The final multi-person group (the lame teen duo Laura and Sophie) was finally eliminated. They will not be missed. John Rich was still angry at one of them (I don’t even know which is which) for rolling her eyes last week while Jewel was talking. I actually thought they did alright tonight with an age appropriate song by Taylor Swift but nobody will miss them except their family and friends.
This is the first night in which all the contestants sang actual country songs! And they were better for it. Ashlee Hewitt, the blonde gal, is like 100 other Nashville blond singers. I see nothing special about her and her “Cowboy Take Me Away” made me think of how great Paris did two years ago with that song during her initial audition. Gabe Garcia, who did a song by Georgia’s Billy Currington, is a virtual lock for final two, given his great voice, but the man simply lacks stage charisma. That won’t change. Coffey has stage presence but his vocals don’t cut it for this competition. I did feel for him as he sang “It’s Your Love.” He really brought some emotional weight to the song thinking of his mom. I enjoyed Melissa Lawson’s take on a great Martina McBride song but the judges thought she was over the top. Shawn Mayer? I couldn’t care less. She did okay with that Carrie Underwood song “Before He Cheats” but added absolutely nothing new to the proceedings. She’d get a good response at a karaoke bar.
Comments
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your time and efforts, Rodney — some people would have just skipped a day while their computer was “down” rather than make the effort you’re making now! And THAT’s why we love you so much!! ~¿@
And your analysis of last night’s NS was right ON!!
But then I’ve made no bones about it, I’m a Melissa fan from the get-go. And i disagree, I don’t think she was over the top at ALL!
By JTesla
July 15, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all the info.
By Menana
July 15, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your efforts Rodney. We appreciate it.
Your summation on last night’s NS was right on the buttom. I personally did not think Melissa went overboard. I think Martina would have been proud that Melissa took the song and made it her own. She certainly has the vocals to do a Martina song.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Dawn, Harmony, someone… we were talking a few weeks back about Coffey’s tremelo (sp?) vocals — what was the word someone used, please? And who was it used to sing like that all the time too… I could ALMOST hear him when Coffey started out last night, but couldn’t QUITE pull the name out of the ol’ brain. Anyone? Throw some names at me, maybe the brain’ll actually react to one, eh?
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Rodney and all. I agree that Gabe does not do much on stage to communicate personality,but IMO he is in the tradition of many country artists of the past in that stage personality was not as important as the song. Now, I know stage presence is important these days, but I think Gabe is a throwback to earlier times in country music. I don’t recall Merle Haggard or George Jones, for that matter, jumping around and doing gymnastics with their guitars, such as Jewel keeps insisting Gabe try. It is not him. He is like the last Latino country artist, Johnny Rodriquez. Can you imagine how dancers, smoke, and other “tricks” of the trade would take away from a song by any of the aforementioned artists?
By texas toast
July 15, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Rodney, thanks for mentioning Ace Young’s CD release and attempting to present balanced reviews. Industry leader, Billboard Magazine, gave it a favorable review which can be viewed here.
I disagree with the Dallas Morning News reviewer in his opinion that the CD lacks direction and focus. I think stylistically it is very cohesive and polished with lush arrangements and production. Lord, knows, without the variety they would have called it repetitious.
Fans lucky enough to have pre-ordered from iTunes got a bonus track of Don’t Go. This one is much more smooth, modern day r&b. I like it very much, but stylistically it wouldn’t have fit on the current cd.
It shows that Ace Young is a versatile writer and performer. Good luck to him!
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Linny, I was saying how one of the contestants from AI’s first season—Christina Christian—had that same vibrato. Sounded like a sheep saying ba a a ah ba a ah. Real quivery and no control over it at all. That is not who you are talking about I know, since it was a man you said.
By texas toast
July 15, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Rodney, thanks for mentioning Ace Young’s CD release and attempting to present balanced reviews. Industry leader, Billboard Magazine, gave it a favorable review which can be viewed here.
I disagree with the Dallas Morning News reviewer in his opinion that the CD lacks direction and focus. I think stylistically it is very cohesive and polished with lush arrangements and production. Lord, knows, without the variety they would have called it repetitious.
Fans lucky enough to have pre-ordered from iTunes got a bonus track of Don’t Go. This one is much more smooth, modern day r&b. I like it very much, but stylistically it wouldn’t have fit on the current cd.
It shows that Ace Young is a versatile writer and performer. Good luck to him!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Harrietth, i remember you saying that. And you’re right, LOL, it was a man, not necessarily a country singer, from quite a few years back, who had a similar sound in his voice. Someday it will come to me, LOL… you know, one of those 3 AM wake up going “BLAH BLAH!!!” then fall back asleep and HOPE someone heard you and asks you why you said “blah blah” … and voila! you remember!
By flats
July 15, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I really hope the party never ends and nobody harms my PRIVATES!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah. One thing I think that occurred last week regarding Nashville Star. I think a lot of people were kind of at least half-way supporting Laura and Sophie, but I think first the tempertantrum turned some off, then even though they came out all friends-made-up again, the eye rolling reminded TOOOOOOO many people of their OWN teenagers, or perhaps even their own teen rebellions.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
ewww
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Linny, I will try to help you by thinking hard myself. Maybe we, or someone else, will think of it.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Double ewwww
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Harrieth, you mentioned earlier about Gabe’s stage presence. Two very successful country artists just “stand there” but sell out every arena they go to. George Strait and Newnan’s own Alan Jackson. If you got the vocals, you don’t need all the other and Gabe has the vocals.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Longtime, most of us agree, for pure country, Gabe is the winner hands-down; however, I’m ornery, and am a Melissa fan — because I so much admire her for doing something about her dream! And her family for supporting her in that! And the gal can SANG!!! Like last year, when I wanted the Hackers to tie for the win, this year would suit me to an absolute T if Gabe and Melissa could pull out a tie and both win — tho, if I knew JR was going to produce my album if i won, i might just sort of mess up a little bit and let the other guy win, LOL!!!
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Longtime, your point is absolutely well-taken. GS and AJ are both in the tradition of the classic country singers. No gimmicks, no glitz—just a good country song.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
And, Linny, you are also right on point with the comment about JR producing the winner. I’d be thinking twice about that one, too!
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Yeah, linny. I like both Gabe and Melissa but just used the example since so much had been said about his stage presence. After last night, it is fairly obvious that the judges want Coffee to win. He sounded like a cat that got his tail caught under a rocking chair and they went on and on about how good he was. Then said Melissa was over the top for doing exactly what JR told her to do.
But what can we expect. JR did pick Julio Iglesias, Jr on his own show and I think I heard that song on the radio twice.
By Deirdre
July 15, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Rodney…thanks for all the good info and I hope your computer is put back together soon.
Re Ace Young…I was not a big fan during his Idol stint, mostly because there were so many other talented people and he came across as kinda cheesy but, that being said, I have no doubt that he’s a great guy with a pretty good voice. I wish him well.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
If this is old news just disregard it but have ya’ll heard that Kristi Lee Cook is releasing her 1st single? She has signed with Arista Nashville. The same lable as Carrie Underwood.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Linny, Longtime mentioned Julio Iglesias Jr. and it occurred to me that his father has that trembly vibrato that Coffey has. Is that who you were thinking of? He has always annoyed me with that “sheepy” vibrato.
By flats
July 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
MR SPARTANBURG is checking out for the day!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
LT (we love initials here, if you haven’t figured it out) i think Rodney posted that a while back, but we’ve not heard much else about it… she’s… adequate, imho. Not great.
I have to go back to your comment about great country performers, you said “No gimmicks, no glitz—just a good country song.” and i had to laugh. When I think of country music in it’s older “pure” form, I think of Porter Wagoner, and if that man didn’t INVENT “glitz” i don’t know who did!!!!! Only Liberace had more glitter than Porter! (grinning here, just couldn’t resist)
Seriously, I do understand — country singers, male AND female, tend more to let the words and music do the “dancing” — it’s all from the heart, all emotion …like… Drove my truck to pick up my momma at the train when she got out of jail and ran over the dog and stuff… so why did you leave me?
ok ok, i’ll stop … i’m in a rather playful mood, here, LOL!
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Carmen Rasmussen from one of the early seasons had a bad vibrato. We called her sheep girl it was so bad at times
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
ooooh harrietth, you may be right. It wasn’t who i had in mind, but… you’re RIGHT!!!! He did have that sound. But there’s someone else out there I’m trying to remember…. sigh .. it’ll come, it’ll come.
and LT, i too was absolutely FLABBERGASTED DUMBSTRUCK BEWILDERED AND BOTHERED when JR chose JI on his show… EVEN bobby-the-drunk would have been better!!!! in fact, lol, i thought it WAS “Bobby in Rehab” and it just got called Gone Country.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
LT, I remember that! squints have you posted here before today?? you sure look familiar… [cyber-ly speaking of course]
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I think the release date for KLC is mid August. Once I hear it, I let you know and what I think about it.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Just a couple times linny.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Original Song Night on Nashville Star SHOULD be coming up soon. I understand Melissa has written some nice stuff. Will be interesting to see/hear.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Linny it is next week. They announced it last night. I am looking forward to that. Although, I keep going back to that great song Chris Young from year before last wrote that we never heard anymore about—“Drinkin Me Lonely,” or something like that.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Harrietth, i must have been fast-forwarding thru commercials (we watched it late) and missed the announcement, thanks!
And I agree, what ever DID happen to Chris Young? He was goooooood!!! And I’m surprised too that we have not heard a peep from Zack, Angela or Zack-and-Angela, Hacker. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them last year. oh and Harrietth, sorry, i forgot to direct my “glitz” comment earlier to you, but i guess you figured it out, LOL
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Chris Young has released the first single from his upcoming CD release. It is doing much better on the charts than his previous releases. He is touring with a big name this year (I think Martina McBride) which should really help boost his name.
By Menana
July 15, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
linny are you perhaps thinking of Freddie Fender? He had the vibrato voice. Just think of his song “Before the next Teardrop Falls” in your mind and you can hear it. There is another who I can’t think of right now, but he has brothers who also sing (not country) and this one has a big mole on his forehead/face. I can see his face but his name won’t come to me.
GS and AJ can stand in one spot (and do) and carry the whole crowd to a high. Been to concerts of both and all they have to do is just walk on stage. Country singers do sing from the heart and let the words carry a song for them.
Also time to head home. You all be careful driving home.
Chow!!!
By Menana
July 15, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
It just hit me. The person that I was trying to think of in my past post, Neville something. Can anyone help me out here?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 15, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
hmmmmmm i’ll have to check that out, Menana, thanks! i’ll see if i can find him online and listen; it’s still not who i am trying to remember tho, LOL. I don’t think he was exactly “country” so it’s making it harder for me…
By Longtime AI watcher
July 15, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Aaron Neville. We have joked (I know it’s mean) over that mole on his forward in the past.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Aaron Neville does not sound “sheepy.” His vibrato is extended, not choppy. It is annoying, too, but it is more like ah ah ah that baaa baaa.
By harrietth
July 15, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
It is about time for me to hit the road. Until tomorrow!
By Menana
July 15, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks harrietth and LT for giving me Aaron’s name. People have wondered why he doesn’t have the mole taken off, but I for one, think it’s his trademark. I love to hear him sing.
On AGT tonight, the man who was in an accident 11 years ago, makes his comeback on stage. According to the previews that have been shown this past week of him shows an amazing talent. Can’t wait to hear him do a whole performance.
Got go and fix some dinner. Chat with you all later.
By Harmony
July 15, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
The man with the vocal chord injury was good and deserved to go to Vegas,I was terrified for him, the audience was being so brutal in the beginning, but he stood there and kept singing and won and tamed that audience.
I’m glad Comfort is getting another chance,I thought she tried really hard and had a great attitude. Will finally gets a new partner!
Menana, I too love to hear Aaron Neville sing.This past week I have seen Joe Cocker on several shows promoting his new CD,I think I want that CD!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Bloggers. Cheer up, its hump day.
On AGT, the last man who had the vocal injury was phenomenal. It took courage to stand and face millions of people the way he did. For that along, I admire him. I am so gald he is going to Vegas. If anyone deserves it, it is he.
Harmony: Talking about AN, when he hits those high notes, he does so with such ease. I could listen to him for hours on end.
By flats
July 16, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
GOOD MORNING MENANA!!!I’m working on a topic for the day.
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Morning!
I watched some of AGT last night. I really liked the last guy. Very nice voice, very emotional story, very handsome, too! :-)
By Lara
July 16, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Good morning blogsters!! Nothing new here…. Still didn’t watch NS. But I watched The Mole. The guy I thought it might be was eliminated - so now I think it is Craig (the big guy).
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
If y’all go to msn.com you’ll find the newest jibjab video about the current presidential campaign. As usual, it’s hilarious.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
mornin’, mushbloggians one and … well almost all.
That last guy on AGT … WOW. Not only did he totally ignore the vicious audience, he turned them completely around, and rightly so! What a rich tenor (classical tenor) … when they were playing the Josh Grobin version afterward, it sounded almost weak (what i call “pop tenor”) compared to this guy!!!
And a nice piece of eye candy made it through, girls, the light-skinned black guy, i believe he’s a dancer actually, but he sang … they only showed him for a few minutes, but from what I saw, he’ll be fun to watch if he makes it into the final group! yum ~¿@
i could have gone all WEEK without seeing the “Dallas Desparado Dance Troup” … whoopee. looked like maybe cowboy cheerleader wannabes?
and the balloon-mascot troup was cute, not finale material maybe but fun!
SYTYCD tonight … looking forward to the pairings — it will be amusing if someone short draws Kherington and they have to do a classical style dance, LOL. oh well, luck of the draw and all…
see you later!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
ok, i was reading the athens paper, right… and i come across this in the “blotter” …
A University of Georgia intern reported someone stole a designer shirt and pants valued at $1,350 from his Reed Hall dorm room, UGA police said.
Now. I just have to say, if you believe that a student who lives in a crappy dorm at UGA has “designer [clothes] valued at $1,350” hanging around in this room, do i ever have a “deal for you”.
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Mom has another spinal shot this morning so I’ll pop back in this afternoon.
Idols have been in Utah for the last two days. You can imagine the love Archie got!
By DawnH
July 16, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Good morning, everyone. I don’t watch AGT, but for those of you who do…. Why was the audience so mean to the guy?
By Menana
July 16, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Want to run something by you all. Since Wednesday is considered the middle of the week, I have officially made it “Joke or Story Day”. I figured by Wednesday, we began to fade away and need a picker upper to help us make it to the week-end. If you all agree, I will post a story/joke today. We can all chip in and post one if we want, as long as it is in good taste and CLEAN. This should be fun and interesting. Let me know.
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
I love the utah air….D,be careful.
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Linny,Rich kids do stay in dorms they’re first year…duhhh!
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
While I’m waiting for mom’s appt.
Dawn, the crowd on AGT Had been booing EVERYBODY…deservedly…so when this guy came out, they started booing him too. However, I’m inclined to believe that the show encouraged the audience to do a boo first then turn around. The guy started off well and just got better so frankly…there was nothing to boo at from the beginning.
Menana….I think Wednesday joke day is a good idea. I know KPH will like it…he loves to tell jokes. I’ll tell one when I get back.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
the point was rich or poor, you’ve got to be pretty UNintelligent to hang a “pair of pants and a shirt” worth over a thousand dollars in a freaking DORM room …. duh back at you.
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Linny,Rich kids do stay in dorms they’re first year…duhhh!
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I approcve joke day.Sounds good.D,we need to get the night crew back.
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Linny….It’s 2008,not 1950!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Menana, i’m with you on the joke or story idea! post away, gal!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
and that has something to do with intelligence??????
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Things are done differntly these days….people wear 2k blue jeans and all that.and please dont multiple question me mark again.
By flats
July 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
your yum reference in your 9:08 post made me sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
here’s one for the books!
as my son said when he sent it to me, be sure to watch the video at the bottom of the news report. What a hoot!
By kellyfan
July 16, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Hey y’all…I just caught up with the blog after checking out for a bit. I cannot wait to hear the new Kelly CD. Here’s hoping it’s out this year.
Heard Shawn Mayer’s version of Before He Cheats. All I can say is “Meh…”
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
kellyeeeeeeeeeefannnnnnn!!!!
where have you been hiding, child???? you’ve been missed!!!! i hope you’re doing well!
LOL, i’m in total agreement with your assessment of Mayer’s attempt to do Carrie… not impressed.
By flats
July 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!
By Longtime AI watcher
July 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Good Morning. Speaking of Carrie, have you heard her new song? It is called “Just A Dream”. Beautiful song but have you a kleenex ready.
By flats
July 16, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
lONGTIME…WELCOME ABOARD!!!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Time Gets Better With Age:
I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t like broccoli either. Age 7
I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 12
I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up first. Age 14
I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advise. Age 24
I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30
I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tommorrow. Age 48
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53
I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
I’ve learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. Age 82
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92
Okay, this is my contribution for Wednesday joke/story day.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 16, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
FRIENDS VS. SOUTHERN FRIENDS
FRIENDS: Never ask for food. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.
FRIENDS: Will say ‘hello’. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.
FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad
FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.
FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just being together.
FRIENDS: Know a few things about you. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that’s what the crowd is doing. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds’ back-ends that left you.
FRIENDS: Would knock on your door. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, ‘I’m home!’
FRIENDS: will visit you in jail SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will spend the night in jail with you !!
FRIENDS: will visit you in the hospital when you’re sick SOUTHERN FRIENDS: will cut your grass and clean your house then come spend the night with you in the hospital
FRIENDS: have you on speed dial SOUTHERN FRIENDS: have your number memorized
FRIENDS: Are for a while. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life.
FRIENDS: Might ignore this. SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will forward this to all their Southern Friends
By kellyfan
July 16, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
LOL, Hey, Linny…just been working and stuff. How’s life been on the blog? And well, that’s all I needed to say about that performance. Bo-ring. I can’t believe they said she killed it. Wait what am I saying? She did…just not in a good way.
AI Watcher, yes, JAD is a tearjerker. I wish she’d release Flat On The Floor as a single. It’s such a fun song. And keeping with Carrie, the girl is everywhere these days. She can’t even take a vacation without being hounded. You know you’ve made it when everyone makes a huge deal about your “bikini pictures.”
When’s the next David Cook single coming out? Time of My Life is ok, but I can’t wait to hear something better.
By Longtime AI watcher
July 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
kelly, if you will notice with Carrie’s releases, she will usually release a serious song (Jesus Take the Wheel, So Small, Just a Dream, etc) with the more fun songs between (Before He Cheats, Last Name, etc). Maybe that will be the next one.
By Menana
July 16, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
LT Watcher: I love your story. It is so true. People from the South do tend to do and know this things. Thank you for contributing.
By kellyfan
July 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that’s been her MO so far. And it obviously works for her…maybe I would’ve chosen You Won’t Find This as a single instead. Not that I don’t like JAD. IMO.
By how to run a car on water
July 16, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I think that Ace Young will have a good career.
how to run a car on water
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I’m back!
Hey kf…good to hear from you again. And Longtime…glad to see you’ve returned!
Carrie seems to turn everything into gold…or should I say platinum.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Carrie sort of snuck up on everyone. On the show, first, then into Country Music… and now… she’s just a star, IMHO. A genuine Star, not a plastic “oh look at me i’m a star” star, but a REAL star. I hope she can manage to keep that delightful way about her! I fear for her in that business, but… maybe she’ll be strong enough!
This is probably just a “girl-interest” question, but have any of you read James Patterson’s Sunday at Tiffany’s? Such a neat book!
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
I agree about Carrie, linny. She seemed so milk-toasty on Idol…wonderful voice, gorgeous girl but hardly any discernible personality. Now look at her.
I’ve read a couple of James Patterson books but not that one…I’ll have to give it a try.
By flats
July 16, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
The nasty DUO!!!!LOL!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Carrie is like Oprah. Everything she touches turns to gold. I have yet to find any fault with her whatsoever. She has the vocals, looks and body plus the shy hometown girl next door quality that appeals to others. She is the whole package.
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Menana…couldn’t agree with you more! I remember when Simon said he believed she would be the biggest thing to come out of American Idol. I think she and Kelly Clarkson are still battling for that position but he was pretty close to right.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
exactly, Menana! and one of the key words that describes Carrie, imho, is “quality”. She’s classy, in a quiet way. But she obviously is fun, and happy. She’s become one of my faves, frankly. i just hope she stays “unspoilt” !!
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Did y’all think that guy last night(the one with the severed vocal cord) was handsome? I thought he was really good looking but with such sad eyes.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
What was neat, D, about that handsome gent, was the way his eyes sort of lost a bit of the sadness by the end of this time on stage… he’d acquired a sort of “wonder” … I’m looking forward to AGT as it begins the elimination process in vegas; apparently they’ve taken some really REALLY hunky guys this year, along with the sexy broads! (did i say that in my out loud voice? broads?!! i must be slipping!)
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
And speaking of handsome…I just saw Batman Begins….have always admired Christian Bale as an actor but….he DID look mighty nice in the batmobile!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’m kinda sad… just read that William Peterson will be leaving CSI during the upcoming season :-(
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
LOL!!! linny…AGT knows how to get and keep and audience.
While we’re talking sexy…I’ve always drooled a little over Will Smith. He’s so gorgeous and so nice..I wish we could just keep him away from the Scientology crap, then he’d be perfect
OHHHHH and speaking of perfect…David Beckham…nuff said!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
He did have a sadness about him. he was emotional and I felt empathy for him. You could see the tragedy in them. I know he said he was hit by a car but I have to wonder just how bad he was injured. Apparently his injuries were internal because outwardly, his looks were really good. Very nice looking. He looked shocked when the judges put him through to Vegas. And, his voice was amazing.
By kellyfan
July 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
She’s got the golden touch these days. Domestically, I believe she’s passed Kelly, but Kelly leads worldwide.
I believe I read somewhere that they are planning to do some promo with Carrie in Australia.
By harrietth
July 16, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Hey! I have had meetings all morning and no time to post. Read and caught up, though, and I cannot agree more about the last guy on AGT last night. What pathos he possessed! He reached out and grabbed you without trying, didn’t he? At least he did me.
And, D, I am watching Batman Begins tonight by way of preparation for The Dark Knight. I can’t wait to see both of them. I have heard good things about BMB. Did you love it?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
linny is sitting at her desk stuffing her fist against her lips, trying not to laugh out loud
girrrrrrrl! Will Smith. What can i say????? nah, not gonna say anything… i’ll just look!!!
passes the kleenex box to D no drooling!!!
seriously…
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
July 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Menana, i believe he said his vocal chords were severed!!!! they told him forget singing, concentrate on learning to talk again!
His wife must be an absolute JEWEL… i doubt he’d have kept the faith in healing if she hadn’t been there every step of the way! and those 3 daughters were precious!
I love the idea of a Tenor who sounds like a classical Tenor but who sings more popular music than opera. Most of the “pop tenors” as i call them are good, but not quite as rich in tone as the classical ones.
One major MAJOR exception was, of course, Roy Orbison. He was classically trained, but chose the non-classical path… boy oh boy could that man SING a song!!! whew!
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
kf, that wouldn’t surprise me. Her handlers should take advantage of her popularity. She has those All-American girl looks and…as unpopular as we are as a nation…many places still strive to be like us.
Re Donald Graswell(the accident victim/singer) Eleven years have passed since the accident. He probably has only emotional scars left.
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I really liked Batman Begins. It’s different than the others. The story is more real, the characters not so cartoonish. I think you’ll like it!
Deirdre thanks linny for the kleenex and passes them on to whoever else may need them
New thread up!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
RO was one of the best. Boy, could he sang a song. Preet Woman walking down the street, pretty woman the kind I love to meet, ooh ooh pretty woman. Oh shucks don’t get me started!!!!!
While we are on the drooling stage, one that could get the juices flowing was none other than Elvis. Talk about the whole package, he wasn’t missing anything. As far as actors, Paul Newman was not hard on the eyes. He has the prettiest and sexist eyes. A pretty shade of blue and a person (I)could get lost in them and go dreamland. Oh, just think about Paul’s eyes and I see stars. Whoa here, I better wakeup fast!!!!!! Okay, I’m back to normal now.
By Deirdre
July 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Elvis never did much for me, Menana but I’m right there with you on Paul Newman!
By Menana
July 16, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
My spelling was wrong on the first pretty woman. Not preet woman.