Category: Music

Mike Doughty Re-imagines Soul Coughing Songs — New Album

When I interviewed Mike Doughty, I was careful about the Soul Coughing questions. He’s been clear that his experience with his former band was less than stellar, and he’s since maintained a successful solo career. Having said that, Soul Coughing has a special place in my heart beside my teenage-angst years, and I’ve always held out hope for Mike to play those songs again. So you can imagine my elation upon discovering his Pledge Music page, where he’s raising money to rework those songs. The project makes sense, considering at the time of our talk, Mike explained that the desire to appease his band-mates ultimately sacrificed his original vision. With this new project, his vision will now be restored.

Though he’s already reached his Pledge Music goal, you’ll still get lots of goodies if you contribute, including ten video performances that are exclusively available to pledgers.

Get excited. This is gonna be good.

Mariah v. Nicki — You’ve Never Had a #1 Billboard Single

The only way to describe the Nicki/Mariah feud is sad, unprofessional, and inappropriate. But here at The Dishmaster, I take sides, and I have to fall on Team Mariah, though it’s a close call. First, Nicki Minaj should not have been hired. Mariah was pitched the show as a three person panel with her as the star, and only found out about Nicki’s addition after she signed on the dotted line. We’re not in high school anymore, so we don’t have to play with people we don’t like. Had Mariah known about Nicki, perhaps she would have chosen another playground. That being said, Nicki not only initiates the taunting, but she’s also detracts the spotlight from the contestants with her over-the-top antics. And when Mariah disengaged, she received Producer-heat for her backseat approach to a front-seat job. I predict a complete overhaul next season — though I think Keith Urban will stay.

 

JLO Talks Replacing Mariah: “I Don’t Have Much to Say”

Jennifer Lopez reigns supreme on my girl-crush list, and that’s a shocking revelation considering I bashed her in the early days. When rumors swirled that American Idol attempted to snag her mid-season in place of Mariah, I believed it immediately. The ratings are tanking, and the producers are desperate. Also — she was a popular addition whose absence has had a profound impact. Watch the curvy goddess address the rumors, and notice how she doesn’t deny it. Silence is compliance — at least in my world.

American Idol Wanted to Sack Mariah for JLO?! Say It Ain’t So!!!!

20130405-155445.jpgA new report from The Hollywood Reporter indicates that American Idol producers recently scrambled to oust Mariah Carey mid-season and replace her with the recently departed Jennifer Lopez. I find this particularly interesting, especially considering the real ratings threat comes from Nicki Minaj, but perhaps the producers feel the opposite. And since Mariah comes with a hefty cost, I suppose it makes sense to can her. That being said, she’d still have to be paid out for the remainder of the season, so cost-cutting can’t be the real motivation. Perhaps she is in fact a behind-the-scenes diva and they’re done with her? Given her recent comments about “the powers that be” over at FOX, it’s not a shocking theory. Whether it’s true or not, that show better act fast. Because star-power is clearly not what’s missing.

Khloe Kardashian Axed From X Factor

Despite her status as America’s favorite Kardashian, it appears her bubble has burst and Fox didn’t renew her contract. There’s a lesson to be learned here. First, fame and talent don’t always coincide. Second, this is the beginning of the end for the Kardashian klan, whose fame train began to derail after Kim’s 72 day marriage. Fear not, though. The robot-inspired Mario Lopez is set to return.

–

Lazaro Arbos Gets Skewered by American Idol Judges

I’m not completely caught up on this season of American Idol, but it appears I tuned in just in time. First, Mariah Carey has lost an astounding amount of weight since the show began. Second, she completely changed her judging style to accommodate “the powers that be,” who apparently lectured her on her boring backseat approach to the panel. Watch the very harsh (and well deserved) criticism of Lazaro Arbos, whose sweat-fest mid-song tells me he knew it was coming.


Lazaro Arbos – Close to You – American Idol 12… by IdolxMuzic

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.

Tabloid Rundown — Week-in-Review

 

  • Diane Lane filed for divorce from Josh Brolin. SheKnows
  • Erin Andrews doesn’t want to kiss 50 Cent. Inquistr
  • Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren are friendly exes. LA Times
  • Taylor Armstrong debuted her new boyfriend. Starcasm
  • Kim Kardashian & Kanye West are expecting a girl. MTV
  • Chelsie Hightower got axed from Dancing with the stars. NY Daily News
  • Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson might be broken up . . . again. The Stir
  • Elton John is getting married. Wet Paint
  • Katie Price (A.K.A. the British Pamela Anderson) is pregnant. Daily Mail
  • Fergie is pregnant. People
  • Kelly Clarkson and Clive Davis are dueling divas. Rolling Stone