By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, May 21, 2015
I am taking a break for a few days to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend in the North Georgia mountains. But I'd like to leave a spot for you Idol regulars to gab. So here ya go with a few news tidbits to tide you over.
"The Voice" had its worst season finale ratings ever last night. Its 18-49 rating of 2.8 is down from 3.3 last spring and this past fall. It finished with 11.3 million viewers, far higher than "American Idol" last week (7.7 million and a 1.6 18-49) but down from 12.9 million last fall and 11.7 million a year ago.
For amusement's sake, here is Christina Aguilera pretending to be Sia, Cher, Lady Gaga, Shakira, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, et al trying out for "The Voice":
And here's Kelly Clarkson singing with fourth-place finalist Koryn Hawthorne for the Etta James classic "I'd Rather Go Blind."
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
I forgot to mention a few weeks back that Justin Guarini is the star of Diet Dr. Pepper ads as the chipper but honest "rock god" Lil Sweet character. He's smaller than regular size because he's hawking a sweet drink minus the calories. I found two. I'm not sure if Diet Dr. Pepper is planning to do any more.
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Carrie Underwood is making her first TV performance at the CMTs since she had her baby in late February. The live show is set for June 10.
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This sounds like a very modest deal but I guess in this day and age, "Idol" winners will take what they can: Nick Fradiani's "Beautiful Life" will be used by FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015.
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Adam Lambert has penetrated the top 40 with his song "Ghost Town," which is on the Mediabase 24/7 top 40 chart. It's been awhile since his biggest hit in 2009 "Whatya Want From Me." It's also up to No. 29 on the Hot AC chart.
Lambert is doing major press right now, including Bravo's 'Watch What Happens Live" and VH1's "Morning Buzz."
Carrie Underwood's "Little Toy Guns" is at No. 7 on the country chart, still gaining airply.
Danny Gokey's "More Than You Think I Am" is at No. 15 on the Christian AC chart.
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And here's Michael Slezak and Melinda Doolittle's take on the "Idol" finale results. They are in denial that "Idol" is coming to an end next year!
Slezak was not a big Nick fan but ultimately was okay with the win. They both noted he had a much better coronation song. Clark performed like it was any other week on 'Idol," Slezak said. But Nick came to win. "He was so alive. His face, his energy, his body language," Slezak said.
"Nick definitely fought," said Melinda, who was on the Clark train. "I wanted [Clark] to fight more." She said he did come to life on the finale with Michael McDonald.
They also thought Jax was "unceremoniously dumped," Slezak said.
"That was the worst opening I've ever seen in my entire life," said Melinda, who usually tries to hold her tongue.
"The feel back moment of the season," Slezak said.
Slezak said he enjoyed the season finale - even J. Lo! "They Stockholm Syndrom-ed us!" he said. Exception: Chris Brown lip-syncing. Highlight for both: Jamie Foxx and Rayvon Owen. Also: Jax "threw herself out there on the stage" with Steven Tyler.
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