American Idol Blog

Boys Perform on American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:54:00 +0000

So... who do you think did well tonight on American Idol?

Personally I like Lee -- the tone of his voice, style, etc -- but he does have some pitch issues at times. I think once he gains a bit more confidence and gets used to the stage he will shine. I also like Big Mike - his personality is so cute. But I didn't get all of the ballads from tonight. There didn't seem to be much spark or fun in the whole show. Casey played his electric guitar but his vocals were not good - but other than that it felt quite slow and a bit boring overall.

Was I the only one who felt that way tonight? I'd love your thoughts.

David Foster to Replace Simon Cowell on American Idol?

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:33:00 +0000

Okay so I'm not really making an announcement on who will replace Simon Cowell on American Idol, but I personally think David Foster would be a top choice. He's got the background, has helped develop so much talent in the industry, could be very honest and give great criticisms and feedback, and I think would be a great addition to the show.

I've heard other rumors of replacements for Simon, but most are simply celebrities who have not truly developed and nurtured talent in the music industry - we have one of those with Ellen (who I really like), but a replacement for Simon needs to be someone with credentials and true critique of the musicality and technique.

Anyone else have suggestions or thoughts?

Hollywood Week begins at American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:53:00 +0000

Hollywood week has officially begun at American Idol. Not only are we able to enjoy a bit of comedic relief with new judge Ellen Degeneres, but we also have been able to see a few of the standout contestants move forward another day.

A few of those who stood out for me are:

Michael Lynche "Big Mike" whose wife went into labor during Hollywood week. Mike has a smooth groove in his voice and is definitely charming. I hope he continues to do well.

Casey James. Casey brought his guitar and played a blues song. Really stood out for me as someone to watch.

Andrew Garcia played a unique rendition of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" some. I liked the version as it seemed like it he made it his own. I like him, but the preview for tomorrow's show made it seem that he might not make the next round.

Didi Benami - I loved her version of Kara's "Terrified". This waitress certainly has talent. Her voice was pure and reminded me a little bit of Taylor Swift. I could see her going far and even potentially becoming the next American Idol.

Crystal Bowersox did a great version of "Natural Woman" with her guitar. She seemed to be liked quite well by other contestants and the judges. She comes across as being down-to-earth and "real". I think if she continues on, it will be interesting to see if she gets a makeover or comes up with more of a "style" or "look" for herself.

I also liked Lilly Scott with her Ella Fitzgerald song. Her voice was clear and nice but I was a little distracted by her white/grayish hair.

Tim Urban reminded me a little bit of a teen idol or one of the Jonas brothers - I think he'd get a lot of young girl fans. I didn't love his song, but he was cute and pretty good.

Kind of sad about our Utah voice teacher, Justin Williams (cancer survivor). He was eliminated from the competition. I didn't actually like his song - it was too much in the high ranges for me rather than pleasing, and he came across as a little bit too confident rather than feeling "real" and connecting with the audience. He's talented and some of my friends know him, so I was cheering for him, but he didn't stand out as much as some of the others.

Looking forward to the group round tomorrow night at American Idol ... but also feel bad for those who end up with groups that can't work together or have tons of conflict. Their destiny ends up being influenced by their group rather than their own talent - but it certainly does showcase personality traits and if they would be difficult to work with.

Good luck to all!

Simon Cowell "A Drama Queen?"

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:03:00 +0000

I simply had to laugh at the antics of Simon Cowell last week during the audition process. One potential contestant on American Idol represented her dramatic personality through her audition, and Simon mocked her by doing his own rendition of being a drama queen.

Who knew that Simon had it in him? Hil... and might I say... arious!

Did anyone else catch it? Did you think it was funny or was it another way Simon was "not being rude?"

American Idol Auditions - I Mean ... Really?

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:12:00 +0000

If you have been watching the American Idol auditions, you may be like me and wonder "Where do they get some of these people?" I mean, really, bikini boy? Really? Did he seriously think he was going to make it to Hollywood, or was he just seeking his few minutes of fame... um.. yeah.. not sure it was worth it guy... what will you tell your kids in the future?

When American Idol producers parade the strangely dressed, obviously having issues, wannabes across the stage, they only encourage this type of participation and awkwardness. Yes, granted it can be entertaining to see that there are people in the world who are stranger than ourselves and shake our heads... but does it serve them... or us... to watch and encourage their humiliation?

I wonder if any American Idol audition has given people the idea that if they dress up like a crazy person, that the judges will overlook their tone-deafness and put them through to Hollywood.

Posh Spice gave some insightful commentary when she critiqued contestants "fashion and beauty" along with their vocal abilities. Yes... American Idol IS about looks as well as talent. I mean, really, is America going to pick up the phone for a troll? Not likely. Too bad though, since I truly believe some who may not be "easy on the eyes" can be amazingly talented. Perhaps they should include an "incognito" round... where contestants sing without being seen... and allow America to vote on ability alone, rather than looks...

Hmmm.. that actually sounds quite interesting...
Any thoughts?

American Idol without Simon Cowell?

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:14:00 +0000

What will happen to American Idol without Simon Cowell? I've heard both positive arguments for the change, as well as horrified fans who think the show will be ruined without the caustic judge.

Personally I can't imagine the show being the same without Simon, but I'm also anxious to see how things have changed with the addition of Ellen DeGeneres. I'm certain the chemistry will be different without Paula - and I'm curious to see how Simon responds to Ellen as a judge. I've seen him on her show and they seem to genuinely like each other, but it's a different story to have them side by side as judges. This is Simon's domain - how will he respond if he gets overshadowed by another judge? Hmmm... I guess we will see.

What are your thoughts?

Will American Idol survive without Simon?

American Idol Wins People's Choice Award

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:53:00 +0000

American Idol and Carrie Underwood Win People’s Choice Awards
(News announcement from AmericanIdol.com)

Last night, the 36th People’s Choice Awards were held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, home to the last two Idol finales. Fans had the opportunity to vote over the past few months, and the results were announced live on TV. People’s Choice recently cited that a record breaking 60 million online votes determined the winners.

American Idol won the award for Favorite Competition Show. This is the fourth PCA win for Idol, who also brought home the crystal trophy in 2007, 2006, and 2005.

Also no stranger to the People’s Choice Awards is this year’s winner for Favorite Country Artist, the Season 4 American Idol, Carrie Underwood. This honor makes Carrie an impressive six-time People’s Choice winner! She was so excited to receive her award that she stumbled on the way up to the stage and joked about it in her acceptance speech. At the end of her speech, Carrie encouraged her fans to come see her on tour.

Now with 11 #1 singles and more than 11 million in album sales to her credit, including her recently released third album, Play On, Underwood has become a consistent fan-favorite who is also the reigning fan-voted Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year. Carrie closed 2009 with another fan-driven honor, as GAC viewers flocked to her #1 blockbuster, “Cowboy Casanova,” voting it their #1 video of the year, with the results revealed during GAC’s airing of their Top 50 Videos of 2009 special.

New American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres was a presenter at last night’s award show and also took home a People’s Choice Award for her talk show.

Kris Allen's Performance on New Year's Eve

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:33:00 +0000

Hey everybody - if you missed Kris Allen's Performance for New Year's Eve... here it is for you to enjoy.

I can't wait for the new American Idol season to begin this week. :)

American Idol - Brooke White's Debut Album

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:25:00 +0000

By Scott Iwasaki
Deseret News

Brooke White, who placed fifth in the seventh season of "American Idol," recently released her debut album, "High Hopes & Heartbreak," and will perform at a Salt Lake concert this weekend.

"It's finally out," said White during a telephone interview from her Los Angeles home. "And we're getting ready to go on tour."

The last time White spoke with the Deseret News, she was on the "American Idols Live" tour in 2008.

During that interview, White said she was looking forward to making an album.

Now that it's been released, White reflected on the planning and recording process with fondness.

"I didn't overthink it," she said about the songs she wrote for the album. "I really started to get ideas when I was off the tour.

"I had time to unlock what I wanted after that. I have a hard time just sitting down and writing. So, I thought I would do some collaborating."

She hooked up with producer Dave Cobb who, initially, was only going to be a writing partner.

"Dave and I clicked musically," White said. "And after we wrote a few songs, he called and told me that he'd really like to produce. He said he had a good idea of where I wanted to go musically and he could help."

The two wrote the lead single, "Hold Up My Heart," and recorded it in five hours.

"That's the way it was with the whole record," she reported, saying the process was "natural" and "ongoing."

"I don't like to use the word 'easy,' but that's kind of what it was," she said. "We played all the songs as a band together, and it was in real time. Everything happened simultaneously when it came to the recording."

With Cobb on as a formal producer, it was "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson who gave White some tips in his role as executive producer.

"We took songs to Randy," she said, "and he would give us suggestions outside the studio. He was on the outside looking in."

White was in Salt Lake City in August to do radio spots and an in-store performance at a Barnes & Nobles store.

"That promo tour was crazy," she said. "I was on a plane every day and was so tired when it was over."

White is grateful to her husband, David Ray, for being her main support.

"My whole family is really supportive, but he is always there, even when I'm sure he gets tired of it, or when I get tired of it," she said.

After looking at the tour schedule, White said she found herself abuzz with excitement about coming to Salt Lake City.

"It was like when I was there for the 'Idols' tour," she said. "Utah audiences are so enthusiastic. I'm excited to come and do a real show, and I want to see everyone there."

What: Brooke White, Michael Johns, Benton Paul

Where: Murray Theater, 4916 S. State

When: Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.

How much: $20

Phone: 801-467-8499,800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

Check out Kris Allen's first single.

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:53:00 +0000

This is just a small clip of American Idol winner Kris Allen's first single "Live Like We're Dying."

David Archuleta's Performance at the ALMA awards!

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

David Archuleta's performance at the ALMA Awards, Friday, September 18th! Here is the performance. Beautiful!

David Archuleta Performs at the US Open

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:23:00 +0000

This is an amazing performance by David Archuleta at the US Open. "America the Beautiful"

American Idol's Adam Lambert Announces Album

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

American Idol's Adam Lambert Announces Album -- how's that for a lot of "A's"?
So Adam Lambert's debut album will appear in stores on November 24th. (One week after Idol winner Kris Allen's album). Just in time for Christmas. I likely won't be buying Adam's album as his style of music is too edgy for me - but I'm looking forward to seeing what Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, and Allison Iraheta come up with. Cheers!

Ellen Discusses her new American Idol Gig...

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Check out what Ellen has to say about her new American Idol job as judge.
Ellen Talks about American Idol

Ellen and Ryan Seacrest Talk about Ellen's 'American Idol' News! - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Ellen and Ryan Seacrest Talk about Ellen's 'American Idol' News! - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

There are lots of people who do not support Ellen DeGeneres as a judge on American Idol - replacing Paula Abdul.

I have always found that change can be easy to resist - and most of the time we anticipate change as being bad. However, I think there is potential for Ellen as a judge. I think she will have strong opinions (if anyone has watched her daytime show - she does critique performances fairly well). I do think she will fill the role of Paula in being supportive of contestants as she comes across as being a caring person who wants to be softer in her critiques.

My opinion is that we should watch and see what happens. I think it will likely take a few weeks for Ellen to gain confidence in her responses. Who knows? It could be a train wreck - especially for all of the Paula Abdul fans who will compare the two. But I, for one, would like to give Ellen a chance - to see what she can do and if she can be a judge rather than talk show host or comedian. I believe she has it in her and she does seem quite excited about the opportunity.

Breaking News: Paula Abdul's Replacement for American Idol... It's Ellen!

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Well -- I cannot believe it. Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol. I love American Idol and have been curious as to who would replace Paula - but I never dreamed the replacement could be so great. Ellen has perfect comedic timing and is so much fun. I think her banter with Simon will really be something to look forward to and I actually think people will tune in to American Idol - just to hear what Ellen has to say. Great news!

(CNN) -- Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges' panel on "American Idol" for the show's ninth season beginning in 2010, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience to her role.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience to her role.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres said Wednesday. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."

The popular comedian and entertainer will fill a seat left vacant by Paula Abdul, who announced she was leaving the show in August after eight seasons.

DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after auditions are completed for the popular talent show, which starts in January. Until then, guest judges including Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris will fill the empty slot, Fox said.

"We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the "American Idol" judges' table this season. She is truly one of America's funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it's like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day," said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox.

"We feel that her vast entertainment experience, combined with her quick wit and passion for music, will add a fresh new energy to the show."

DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience as the host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," now in its seventh season, and the host of the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

In her new role, the Emmy Award-winning talk show host faces the task of winning over Abdul's supporters, who lamented that her departure would irreparably alter the show.

The singer-dancer turned "Idol" judge was known for her positive comments to the singers participating in the shows. She was also known for her on-camera run-ins with Cowell and other judges in the show.

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon," a statement on Abdul's verified Twitter account said last month.

Ellen - The New Judge on American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:39:00 +0000

Well -- can you believe it? Ellen is going to be the new judge on American Idol. Check out the announcement.

Video of the Day: An Announcement from Ellen - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

American Idol Finalist Danny Gokey Gets Record Deal

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:04:00 +0000

Danny Gokey, one of the American Idol finalists from the most-recent season, has signed a contract with 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville, furthering his dream of becoming a country artist. Danny, who finished within the top-three, is expected to release his debut album sometime next year. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Danny is currently touring with other finalists on the "American Idols Live! Tour 2009." Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler both have joint contracts with 19 Recordings and Sony Music imprints, which feature RCA Nashville, BNA, and Arista Nashville.

American Idol winner Kris Allen Bright Lights performance

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Excellent performance by American Idol winner Kris Allen.

Paula Abdul: New Job?

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Since Paula Abdul is no longer going to be a judge on American Idol, we have heard rumors about what her new job will be. She has been entertaining offers to be a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance"... please, oh please ... I hope she replaces Mary as a judge!!!!

She has also been approached to participate as a dancer on Dancing with the Stars.

Does anyone else have suggestions on what Paula's new job should be?
And will you still watch American Idol if Paula is not there?

Follow American Idol on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:53:00 +0000

There are so many fake twitter accounts... so how can you tell which American Idol contestants are on Twitter and which account to follow?

Look no further :)

Here is a list of the latest American Idol twitter accounts.

American Idol News: @idolNews
Kris Allen - @KrisAllen4Real - Confirmed By Ryan Seacrest's Twitter @ryanseacrest
Adam Lambert - @therealGlambert - Confirmed By Ryan Seacrest's Twitter @ryanseacrest
Danny Gokey - @dannygokey
Allison Iraheta - @Allison4Realzzz
Matt Giraud - @MGiraudOfficial
Anoop Desai - @AnoopDoggDesai
Michael Sarver - @michaelsarver1
Jasmine Murray - @Jasmine__Murray
Alexis Grace - @agcruc
Megan Joy - @Meganjoysings
Scott Macintyre - @IdolScott

Happy following!

David Archuleta's new "Touch My Hand" music video

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Just released: Watch David Archuleta's new live music video of "Touch My Hand" http://tinyurl.com/mrxmng

Kris Allen's Tribute to Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Kris Allen's tribute to Michael Jackson - "Remember The Time". http://tinyurl.com/nx5d32

Adam Lambert's Tribute to Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:49:00 +0000

American Idol's Adam Lambert does "Black or White" - a tribute to Michael Jackson http://tinyurl.com/kk2cvp

And we have a winner! A New American Idol is crowned....

noreply@blogger.com (RoMay J. Allen) — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:23:00 +0000

Well, I have to say some of the performances tonight were utterly painful but I won't name any names. I was surprised to see how many great stars were included in the duets and it was fun to see who former contestants were paired with.

And for those who didn't want to see the spoiler in the first paragraph....

Our new American Idol winner is ...

Kris Allen!

I was actually very surprised as I thought Adam Lambert would win - since he's become such a media darling... but personally I was happy to see Kris Allen become the new American Idol winner. Please don't send me hate messages -- I know many of you are adoring fans of Adam... but I think Kris will fill the "main stream" audience (ie country, pop) and Adam will go on to do great things for the rocker and alternative music fans.

Was anyone else surprised?

(Note: I think the Danny Gokey fans probably voted for Kris - which put him over the top.)

I also have to add that I'm totally and completely psyched for the new "So You Think You Can Dance!" The talent there is utterly amazing and I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!!!