Music – Page 19 – The Dishmaster

American Idol Does Hollywood — Ratings Climb

American Idol is up in the ratings, and all the credit goes to the current judging panel, who traded the word “pitchy” for a vocabulary full of other critiques, with Harry Connick Jr. leading the pack. When one contestant asked for a reason he got axed, Connick clarified Jennifer Lopez’s very generic feedback to explain how the contestant, “Looked at the floor the entire time.” As for another group who felt they killed it, Connick squashed their hubris with a very heated critique, explaining that ‘Say My Name’ by Destiny’s Child has “no melody.” Ouch! I wonder what Beyonce will say. Watch a few of my favorite moments below.

3 Mo Days – Group Round – American Idol 13 by IdolxMuzic

Terrica Carmen Emmanuel – Group Round… by IdolxMuzic

Jessica, Nica, Stephanie & Cara – Group Round… by IdolxMuzic

Jack Johnson announces summer headline tour

Debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has announced his 6th studio album titled From Here To Now To You headlining a world tour including performances in South America, Australia and Europe. Throughout the tour, Johnson will be joined by artists such as Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Amos Lee, Michael Kiwanuka, ALO, and Bahamas. Since founding the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation in 2008, Jack Johnson has offered solutions to support sustainable local food systems as well as plastic free initiatives by collaborating with over 125 community groups across North America through his All At Once campaign. With this campaign, Jack Johnson had offered to match donations up to a total of $2,500 per group. Concert-goers can also participate in his global green effort by taking environmental action with local non-profit organizations, sharing environmental commitment photos, and can even enter to win a chance to watch Jack Johnson’s performance the from the stage. For more information about his green efforts or to buy tickets to see it all in action, visit jackjohnsonmusic.com for more details.

Super Bowl Shocker: Red Hot Chili Peppers Played Air Guitar?

Just when you thought the state of the music industry couldn’t get any more absurd, Flea confessed to miming the rock group’s Super Bowl performance to a pre-recorded track. According to flea, he “Understand[s] the NFL’s stance on this, given they only have a few minutes to set up the stage, there a zillion things that could go wrong and ruin the sound for the folks watching in the stadium and the [television] viewers. There was not any room for argument on this, the NFL does not want to risk their show being botched by bad sound, period,” He also insists the vocals were live. As for my personal stance, I think the entire thing is more than ridiculous. I realize it’s a huge event, but figure it the f*ck out. I don’t blame the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I blame America. The culture of music has become so used to pre-recorded perfection we’ve lowered our tolerance for mistakes. Watch below to see Flea play air guitar.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/04/showbiz/super-bowl-red-hot-chili-peppers/

Jennifer Nettles Releases ‘That Girl’ — HOW’D SHE DO?

Whenever an artist of a popular group goes solo, I assume it’s money motivated. Everyone knows that true “bands” split their tour proceeds, and in the case of Sugarland, 100% of the intake is far higher than 50%. Plus, lead singers have the unique advantage of ditching their band-mates who are far less likely to last without the face of their group. And while Jennifer Nettles might have pure intentions, I’m curious what Kristian Bush thinks. As for whether her solo album, ‘That Girl,’ can stand up to her Sugarland tunes, it’s difficult to compare. Sure she has Zeus on her side (also known as powerhouse Producer Rick Rubin), but the record is slightly schizophrenic. The up-tempo tracks that have become Sugarland’s staple are gone, in favor of sweet yet forgettable songs that feel slightly dated. There are certainly gems sprinkled throughout, but there just aren’t enough of them. Perhaps she didn’t stand a chance with The Dishmaster, given my love for Sugarland, but when you’ve already struck gold, why change your tools? Listen to one of her better tracks below.

Beyonce & Jay-Z Are ‘Drunk In Love’ — Open Grammy Night

She was wet, she was wild, and she has her beau by her side. In a daring performance of ‘Drunk in Love’ Beyonce challenged Clint Eastwood’s reigning chair-master title. You have to hand it to Bey Bey, when she’s asked to deliver, she defies your expectations. Watch her very sexy performance below.

American Idol Does Detroit — How’d it Go?

If you’re not watching this season of American Idol, you must start. For the first time in the show’s history, the judges are actually giving constructive criticism with words other than “pitchy.” I give Harry Connick Jr. sole credit for the drastic change, with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban following in his footsteps. And JLO’s great sense of style is certainly welcome eye candy. Watch a few of my favorite videos from last night’s show.

Liam Newberry – The Way You Look Tonight… by IdolxMuzic

sara by mjsbigblog

William H. Macy Hates One Direction

It’s always the kindest ones that have the biggest bite. William H. Macy visited Kelly and Michael to promote Rudderless, and he ranted about One Direction instead. In a hilarious summary of his daddy duties, Macy recounted his experience at a One Direction concert with his daughters, which entailed watching Harry Styles eat a sandwich on stage, among other things. Watch below and enjoy.

American Idol Premieres: New Judges, New Look

It takes a sharp eye to discover the subtle changes in this season’s American Idol, but it’s enough to elevate the show to its former powerhouse status. For years, the show felt dated. It felt as if the producers were stuck in time, and they rested on their laurels in an attempt to use nostalgia as edge over it’s competitors. Its only attempt at redirection was the Mariah Carey/Nicki Minaj experimental panel, and we all know how that ended. But this time, they got it right.

This year’s panel of judges includes Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. While Jennifer Lopez is a key component for the show’s classy, contemporary status, Harry Connick Jr. is the new star. His musical knowledge is immediately apparent, and he’s less inclined to favor the vocal acrobatics that has become the show’s enduring staple. Plus, it sure is nice to rid American Idol of Randy Jackson’s infamous “pitchy” critique. This is a singing competition, and it finally feels as if the judges have something to offer the contestants. To see their chemistry in action, watch the judges on Ellen below.

Linked In — This Week’s Celebrity Gossip

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are at it again. PEOPLE

Chad Michael Murray rebounds fast. Us Magazine

‘Mean Girl’ Lacey Chabert got married. WetPaint

Jennifer Hudson bought her assistant a house. Huff Post

Charlize Theron and Sean Penn might be dating. E! Online

Fashionista Olivia Palermo is engaged. Contact Music

Eve got engaged to the Gumball 3000 founder. Digital Spy

Ricky Martin is single. Los Angeles Times

Michael Douglas and Katherine Zeta Jones might have reunited. Mirror

Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union have some baby mamma drama. Miami Herald

Does Mariah Carey sing for dictators? Guardian

Shia LaBeouf & Lena Dunham are in a twitter war. Just Jared

NASA V. BEYONCE: Is Queen Bey Disrespectful?

Can art ever intersect with tragedy? Is it possible to remind others of a devastating event while simultaneously boasting of beauty? If you’re Beyonce, the answer is yes. Queen Bey released ‘XO,’ which samples a heart-wrenching recording from NASA’s Steve Nesbitt, during the moment of the 1986 space shuttle Challenger explosion, where all seven crew members lost their life in the second minute of liftoff. Though I was only 4 years old when this happened, I spoke with someone once who recounted his shock, explaining he was just a child watching beside his classroom peers with excitement as the shuttle ascended, and he vividly remembers the horrific result. NASA predictably pounced on Beyonce, calling her “inappropriate,” and demanding an apology. While this heartbreaking event should be treated with care, kindness, and sensitivity, it still begs my original question. Beyonce brought attention to a tragedy that can incite dialogue for generations of ignorant youngsters. Though one might argue her method was disrespectful, it it possible to gain anything positive from her move?