Tag: American Idol

American Idol Recap: The Show Rocks Out to its Roots

WRITTEN BY DEVIN CARBAUGH, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

20130405-155445.jpgSince its 2002 debut, American Idol has been a household name and a ratings juggernaut. I first learned of the show months before it aired because I was part of the production crew that handled the Dallas, Texas auditions. Back then, we actually had to convince people to try-out. In fact, I was fortunate to have Kelly Clarkson in my audition group. I pre-interviewed her before she sang for the producers, and I immediately knew that she had something special; she was quick-witted and sassy and we hit it off right away. She hilariously asked that I hold her purse and answer her phone if it rang while she auditioned. The rest, as you know, is history.

Eleven years later, another small-town girl from Woodville, Texas is a top seven “American Idol” contender. Her name is Kree Harrison. I was also raised in Woodville, which has a current population of 2,574. A few nights ago I got to see her sing live. The entire experience was amazing. It was Rock’n’ Roll night, so the remaining contestants belted out their favorite rock song from the past several decades, even singing duets and trios. My hometown girl sang a Janis Joplin number – “Piece of My Heart,” and Amber Holcomb gave a chilling performance reminiscent of Whitney Houston.

As I sat in the audience that night, I pinched myself at the thought of the show’s trajectory since I met Kelly Clarkson. And though there are many contestants who deserve to win, I’m certainly hoping for a two-time, Texas victory.

TAKE PART

If any fans would also like to take part in the show, now’s your chance! Submit your ideas for an upcoming musical theme, courtesy of AT&T. Just tweet your ideas using the hashtag #ATTIdolTheme. Click HERE for more information.

Heidi Klum Joins America’s Got Talent — Fourth Judge Frenzy

America's Got TalentIn what can only be described as confusing, Heidi Klum has joined America’s Got Talent as its fourth judge. The fourth judge format is completely lost on me. When America’s biggest talent show began with a three-judge format (see American Idol), you’d think every other talent show would duplicate the choice. In fact, even American Idol has violated its original vision.

As soon as the fourth judge is added, the show becomes more about the panel than the talent. Time gets taken, bickering begins, and the contestants fade away into an unmemorable existence. The only explanation for this perpetual failing has to be that the creative teams are insecure about their judge selections, and they hope to assuage a backlash by providing the audience with additional options. If there’s any other reason, I’d like someone to explain it. As for Heidi Klum — though I like her on Project Runway, I’m shocked that she’s not bound to an exclusive deal. Doing this show waters down her brand. Perhaps Lifetime consented because they think exposing Klum to a larger audience will boost their own. Who knows.

Is Angela Miller the Next American Idol?

If you’re a popular singer, that’s great. If you’re a popular singer that also writes your own music, that’s really great. Everyone knows the money is in publishing. Apparently, Angela Miller got the memo, singing an original tune on American Idol to overwhelming ovation. Watch below.


Angela Miller – Solo – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Mariah Carey v. Nicki Minaj — The Digs Continue

My tolerance for this American Idol panel has hit an all-time low. First, Mariah Carey is a legend whose been relegated to taking digs from NIcki Minaj, who executes them at every possible chance. Mariah should be ushered in on a damn throne with minions fanning her and serving her water, not quietly letting Minaj take the reigns on a talent show that’s far past its prime. If I were Mariah, I’d step up not out. I’d do what JLO did and assume my status, not ask for it. I’d walk out like I owned the entire stadium, I’d over-talk Minaj, and I’d demand that the producers let me run the panel by being the first to speak. She’s the QUEEN, and she should be treated as such. Watch Minaj’s dig below.


2nd Group Including Devon, Gurpreet & Cortez… by IdolxMuzic

Nicki Minaj’s Diva Meltdown — Watch Her Storm Off

First she pouts, then she’s pissed, and then she has a childish meltdown. Nicki Minaj’s unprofessional tirade proves she’s not cut out for the job, and the ratings decline I anticipate proves she should be paid-out and pushed-out. It is a judge’s job to guide the contestants, not to get in their way. If you want the spotlight, take the stage yourself instead of stealing it. And furthermore, her unfounded objection made her appear unhinged. The judges are allowed to inquire as to an artist’s identity. That’s an important part of a brand, and brand is everything. Watch below.

Mariah Carey v. Nicki Minaj — Diva Throwdown — WATCH

Nicki Minaj’s level of disrespect toward Mariah Carey on last night’s American Idol was astounding. And here’s some words of advice for Minaj. If you’re going to take digs at Mariah, perhaps you should pick topics that don’t involve her enormous success, considering you’re just a peon in comparison. Watch the clip below, and see how Minaj’s jealousy took over when someone complimented Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas” being “the best modern day Christmas song.” Minaj couldn’t handle it, saying “It sure was wasn’t it,” which led to Mariah rightly responding with, “It still IS.”

The biggest culprits here are the producers, who missed the mark in hiring Minaj after Carey. The idea was to have a gigantic star like Mariah legitimize the show, but with Minaj’s attempt to take Mariah down a peg with “has-been” commentary, it waters down that purpose. It’s a huge blunder.

American Idol Debuts — Did the Dueling Divas Play Nice?

american idolIt took me a solid fifteen seconds to realize the drastic error of combining Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj on the American Idol judging panel. The producers got greedy and thought that adding two power-house players instead of one would get even more viewers. The only problem? These dueling divas cancel each other out. The other problem? Nicki Minaj isn’t deserving of the slot. First, she’s more concerned with her own camera time than the contestants, and second, the true star is Mariah Carey, and Minaj is dimming her light. In fact, I’d venture to guess that she’s intentionally dimming her light out of her own insecurity. Mariah Carey is too good for this, and Nicki Minaj isn’t good enough. I feel sorry for her that she signed on prior to knowing that Minaj was hired, and I’m relatively certain her contractual obligation is the only reason she stayed.

Tabloid Gossip — Get Your Celebrity News Weekend Rundown

  • Is Lamar Odom upset with Khloe Kardashian over X Factor? WetPaint
  • Is Jon Hamm’s lady love putting on marriage proposal pressure? Opposing Views
  • Is Kelly Clarkson close to marriage? Inquisitr
  • Alexis Bledel debuted her new Mad Man. Pop Sugar
  • Whitney Houston’s daughter might be engaged to her “brother.” ICYDK
  • Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are friendly exes. Us Magazine
  • Christie Brinkley and her ex-husband still hate each other. Radar Online
  • I feel terrible for Lindsay Lohan. The Stir
  • Tori Spelling almost died giving birth. E! Online
  • Reggie Bush is having a baby — and it’s not with Kim Kardashian. TMZ
  • American Idol’s Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo are actually getting married. Digital Spy
  • Amber Tamblyn & David Cross got married. Who says age matters? Daily Mail
  • Jack Osbourne got married.
  • Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman are separating. People
  • The Bachelor’s Courtney Robertson is dating The Bachelorette’s Arie Luyendyk Jr. LA LATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicki Minaj v. Mariah Carey — Barbara Walters Weighs In

I’m not sure why the American Idol producers picked Nicki Minaj to judge when she doesn’t get along with their heaviest hitter, and I’m also not sure why Nicki can’t have a little class and keep her mouth shut. At least Mariah Carey had someone less hot-headed speak on her behalf instead of ranting on twitter. After all, if you’re going to have someone in your corner, Barbara Walters is a great choice. Watch Walters recount her conversation with Mariah, in which Mariah alleged that Nicki threatened to shoot her. As for Nicki, she replied on twitter (true to form), saying, “Ironically no camera or mic heard the gun comment tho. Lol @ the struggle. Not even the producers believed u. Say no to violence barbz.”

Nicki Minaj v. Mariah Carey — Diva Throwdown — Watch!

I’m not sure exactly what was said in the clip below, but there’s certainly a lot of childish yelling. And judging by who is doing the yelling, it looks like Nicki Minaj might be in the wrong. I find that he who says the least often looks the best. As for whether these ladies can get it together, my guess is that the only person losing his hair over this is producer Nigel Lythgoe, who likely isn’t pleased with what will probably be a very unpleasant season for him.