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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > August > 06 > Entry
8/6: Audition numbers so far: are they down from last year?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry. It’s been a distracting day with all the upheaval here at the AJC. And I won’t know my fate in terms of what my job will be come August 31 until August 18. I hope I get to do what I do because I do love it. Anyway, upward and onward to “Idol” news!
-Audition numbers are often sketchy and sporadic since “Idol” flacks seldom provide anything but grandiose figures. (They’re stingy with vote totals so why not actual audition figures?) You can count the folks in line but that’s not the true number of people who actually audition. That includes friends and family waiting as well. I was able to sneak into the actual Georgia Dome last year just before the start of the auditions and estimated the number of folks waiting by counting seats. I calculated about 12,000 people inside. I guessed half the people had family or friends with them for support so maybe 8,000 to 9,000 actually auditioned. Even if only a quarter brought buds who didn’t audition, that means 10,000 people max.
MJ checked around and gets the impression “Idol” audition numbers are down across the board so far vs. last year. Factors she cited include a poor economy making it more expensive for folks to travel to auditions and waning popularity in the show period. Those are excellent and very rational reasons. I found a Salt Lake City publication say 6,000 tried out there. The San Jose Mercury News said 7,000 showed up for the San Francisco auditions. Again, I’m not sure if these numbers include friends and family or not. She has more numbers on her site here.. (MJ—you’re working far harder on this than I am!)
Every year, the show throws out “100,000 people tried out” but I doubt they’ll be anywhere near that number this time around (if they ever even were.)
I have not seen any “Idol” official deny the pitiful 300 number out of Puerto Rico. In the New York Times, producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz gave this comment:
Ms. Frot-Coutaz said the producers of “Idol” had expected a small turnout in Puerto Rico because it is an island, but that they went there “to give a different flavor to the show.”
-Entertainment Weekly wrote an interesting thought piece on Nigel Lythgoe’s departure. Since we were not there behind the scenes and the fact he had two other executive producers, it’s hard to say how much influence he had on the show. I suspect he did have a lot to say about the rules (ages, instrument use), themes and guest judges.
He also brought up some interesting ideas to improve “Idol” next year. For instance, how about a live announcement of the top 24? This would stunt the ability of folks to do spoilers the way they did big time this past season. Also, why not ensure the top 24 get a fair hearing by giving all of them some air time. Inevitably, the more interesting stories do deserve the air time, I understand, but it is a bit unfair for some that they have to fight extra hard to avoid elimination in the semifinal round simply because nobody knows who they are. And he thinks the show might improve if there was a bit more spontaneity to it.
-Constantine Maroulis, who was already doing theater before “Idol,” dips his fingers back in the game with an off-Broadway production of “Rock of Ages.” Broadway.com, crediting Variety, has the news here..
Since “Idol,” he has done parts in “The Wedding Singer” and “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.”
“Rock of Ages” centers on a 1980s Hollywood rock club threatened by developers that serves as the backdrop for a romance between a wannabe guitar hero and a small-town girl. The show incorporates music from that era, including songs by Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Styx, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake.
Comments
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 6, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Rodney, we’re pulling for you and hoping you get to keep on keeping on with your career here!!! Thanks for keeping us posted!
Interesting numbers — i’m not surprised to see it going down some in any event. Another factor might be, in part, some of the wannabes who try out EVERY year have been aged out, LOL. maybe? no seriously, a 7-year life expectancy is normal, right? the show has a LOT more competition after the past year of so-called reality shows — and competition shows — used to be just AI, now there’s NS, AGT, Rock Band (the NXS version) and Greatest American Band, not to mention competitions in OTHER entertainment fields, such as Dance. It’s no longer unique, and certainly no longer “fresh” — the changes they made last year, except for allowing instruments (maybe), were NOT flattering to the show — the penthouse band location, the so-called Mosh (or Posh) Pit, the limited genres to choose within for a song… not of those helped, IMHO. And frankly I still believe there is a difference in the broadcast mixing board that makes the band and backup singers sound LOUDER than the contestant. That’s just WRONG, if we out here in TVLand are supposed to be the ones voting!
and i agree, make the top 24 a LIVE show, so no spoilers! and show us more of those top 24 in auditions so we get to see them equally! (while i hate a “fairness doctrine” in this case, it would seem to be a lot more equitable than 6-8 getting HUGE camera time while another 6-8 are NEVER seen until the performance shows, and the middle getting just a wee bit of time each.
By Deirdre
August 6, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Rodney…if there’s anything we can do…letters to the powers that be…begging at the doorstep…to keep you where you want to be at the ajc..let us know. We’re not shy(as you have probably already realized)
By DawnH
August 6, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Rodney, I truly enjoy your reports. Find them informative, professional, and fun. I hope you get to stay where you want at AJC and that you continue to represent AI. As D said, if there is anything we can do as a group, just let us know.
By JTesla
August 6, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Rodney, I’m pulling for you too. Shakeups happen now and then in every industry, with your skills I know you don’t have much to worry about no matter the outcome.
Hey everyone guess what Puerto Rico is an island! Boggling.
So producers “expected a small turnout in Puerto Rico because it is an island” Right… so people can fly long stretches across the country, or to and from Oahu - surprise, an island - in order to reach auditions, but they can’t fly to Puerto Rico for the same purpose? I know that the producers have a show to sell, but don’t treat us like we are dumb. Interest is down, which is fine. However going someplace for only 300 auditions doesn’t make sense in light of the cost associated with having the auditions. Puerto Rico was a loss, an embarrassing one for Idol, but if anyone wants to finance my trip there I’d be happy to run a fact finding mission.
By Dave
August 6, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Lots of changes at the AJC, but I can’t believe they could have you do anything but continue to be the Idol-master. In any event, I’m sure you will be in good shape.
Numbers of auditions may be a bit down. I imagine it is gas prices, but to some extent, it might be just that ones who wanted to do it the most have already done it and have no desire to repeat.
By Nana
August 6, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Rodney, just know that you will be in my prayers and that everything will turn out in your favor. If we need to flood AJC with emails, calls, etc, you know that we will. None of us want to lose you here, as we all depend on you to keep us informed.
Maybe the numbers will pick up for AI as the auditions continue. With the economy the way it is, it may be hard for some to make the auditions, especially if they have to travel any great distance.
Just watch SYTYCD. What a night of awesome entertainment!!!!! All four of the semi finalists did an amazing job. I think my favorite dance was the Russian one with the guys. What a fantasic job both Jousha and Twitch did on it. I was blown away. My pick to win is still Katee. We will see tomorrow.
By Harmony
August 6, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
JT, I would be happy to visit the West Coast and every where else in America when time permits, the economy is good, and I don’t have all the obligations that I have now. I really want to travel alot when the right time comes.
I liked the stories and jokes today. I still want Joshua to win SYTYCD.All the dancers are deserving.I didn’t get why they said the contortionist and dancer were too young to continue, yet they put through the 4 and 9 year old singers.Didn’t seem quite fair to me.
Good luck with your job RODNEY!!!!
Today has been a diffulcult one for me, it started out ok,today would have been my father’s 78th. birthday, he was killed in a auto accident 5 yrs. ago this month. the day got really bad around 10:pm, I found out my youngest cousin was electrocuted on his job yesterday and now is brain- dead and on life support, he is only 24, born the same year as my oldest daughter.His father is my dads youngest brother, he is their only child and their whole world(they had him when they were in their forties) All I keep thinking about is at least my dad will be there to greet him.
Thanks for listening.
By vig rx
August 7, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait until the season starts this year.
vig rx
By JTesla
August 7, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
Sorry Harmony, my prayers are with you and your family.
By Nana
August 7, 2008 5:35 AM | Link to this
Gooood Morning to all!!!!
Harmony, my heart goes out to you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this time of need.
The final four of SYTYCD are the FAB FOUR.
Gotta hit the road and head to the office. Be back to chat later this AM.
By Nana
August 7, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
For all you Kristie Lee Cook fans out there…….
I heard this morning on the radio on my way to work that her CD will be in stores Sept 16. Her first single off of it will be “15 Minutes of Shame”. One track titled “Not Tonight” she co-wrote with Carrie Underwood. Another track, she did a remake of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”.
By kellyfan
August 7, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all….
Rodney, good luck with your job! We certainly appreciate all you’ve done around here!
Harmony, so sorry to hear about cousin. Prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Idol is on the way down, and they need to get back to singing stuff that people know. I mean, go back to the roots. Motown, 80s. People want to relate…and sometimes sing along at home. I really feel that the song selection on this past season was mostly boring. Maybe that’s just me.
Nana, there’s been a back and forth on Carrie co-writing that song. According to ASCAP, there’s a song titled Not Tonight written by Brett James, Lindsey Hillary (who’s written a lot with Carrie, including Last Name) and Thomas Troy. I do know that Carrie has been doing a bit of writing, so it could just be that it’s never been registered.
In other Carrie news, she will be doing a “duet” with Elvis of “I’ll be Home For Christmas.” She won the Teen Choice Red Carpet Award and will be at the Opry this Saturday night, but it won’t be on TV. (Boo). I think that about covers all the Carrie news I know… ;)
And I’m still waiting for a Kelly update… :)
By Lara
August 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Harmony - my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Be strong, you will get through it.
Rodney - I know what it is like to feel like you are hanging out on a limb. If you need us to start a “letter” campaign, we will!!!
I went to see SEVENDUST last night, so I haven’t seen SYTYCD yet. But I hope to catch up tonight. I am way behind on The Mole as my TiVO did not record the past 2 episodes. I am not watching Big Brother this go around…don’t think I am missing anything.
Oh yeah - good morning blogsters!!!
By Nana
August 7, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Thanks kf for the information about Not Tonight. What I heard came from the Nashville reporter, Jimmy Carter, who reports to Kicks 101.5. Maybe his info was misleading to him and he only reported what he was told. Elvis may be dead, but is still in the business and making money. I guess you all heard that Lisa Marie is expecting twins this fall. Elvis would be glad.
By flats
August 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Good morning all!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 7, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
{{{{{{{{{{{Harmony}}}}}}}}}}
Hon, our prayers are with you and your family. On behalf of everyone here, we’re always available for our little family here to vent, cry, scream… we each have our ups and downs, but know that today, everyone is offering your family to Him for support and strength, and you and yours are on many prayer lists as we speak.
By Deirdre
August 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Harmony…so sorry for the sadness. Hope you can be strong and get through it.
kf, I agree with you. One of the many things I like about Idol is hearing familiar songs done with a new vibe. I like to be able to sing along(in my head, otherwise I’d be ordered out of the house). I like to hear melodies, familiar or not, that touch my emotions.
We will be putting a deposit on an assisted living apartment today. Mom is excited and terrified. We’ll try to make the transition as easy as possible. Right now, all I’m feeling is relief…..I’m sure there are other emotions hiding in the corners that will pop out and bite me occasionally.
By kellyfan
August 7, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Hey nana. Yeah, the “Nitty Gritty from Music City.” lol. I catch that sometimes. I believe Jimmy Carter just read that off the PR. I agree on the making money with Elvis, but I have to say, that it could be an interesting project. It’ll also have Sara Evans, Martina, LeAnn Rimes, Amy Grant, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson…I guess they’re all women. ;)
Oh, and another Carrie tidbit: Her video for Just a Dream was released this week. It’s gorgeous…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khHqMntkbQ
By Nana
August 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
D: Good luck with the transition. May it go smoothly for you and your Mom. And, please NO guilt feelings from you after this has been done. Even when the other emotions hit you.
By kellyfan
August 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Good luck with your Mom, D. And btw, Ha! I know what you mean…but I sing along (outloud) anyway. I’m not bad, I just can’t hit the Kelly/Carrie-sized notes. ;)
By Deirdre
August 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Thanks Nana.
And kf, thanks for the Carrie video…you’re right, it’s wonderful.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
August 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Nana, my exact thoughts to D —
{{{{{{{{{{{{ D }}}}}}}}}}}
regardless of what else you feel, please remember that you have done yoeman’s duty with regard to your mom! She would not want you to put aside your whole world to care for her when there are good options otherwise. You’ve blessed her with your love and care, and now it’s time for her to be in a more secure position medically, and for YOU and hubby to live your own dreams — it’s not like you’re dumping her off and leaving — knowing you, you’ll still spend plenty of time with her and for her — but you’ll have your own space to find sanctuary in, which you don’t have right now, right? (even your day off you go away from home to relax. And the assisted living spaces are great from what i’ve seen — a little independence but not “alone” — i think your mom will enjoy that.