I’m embarrassed to use the word “drop,” but I’m told that is the correct lingo. Anyways, I wasn’t a huge fan of Jason Castro’s on ‘American Idol,’ but I am now. His full album comes after the release of his ‘Love Uncompromised EP.’ I love the song ‘You Can Always Come Home’ off his EP, so I am extremely excited for the album. Listen below.
Category: Music
Paula Abdul not Joining Broadway’s ‘In the Heights’
I spoke to soon. The good news is, I can continue bashing Abdul’s new management team. A representative for the Broadway Production ‘In the Heights,’ has said that the rumors about Abdul taking on the role of Priscilla Lopez aren’t true. I’m not sure why there are so many announcements about Abdul’s career choices that prove to be false. So far she has been rumored to be a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘X Factor,’ a host of a resurrected ‘Star Search,’ and then a cast member for ‘In the Heights.’ I’m don’t know what is going on with her, or when any of the rumors surrounding her next career step will prove to be true. I do love Paula though, and I’m still holding out for her to sit next to Simon on ‘X Factor.’
Simon Cowell Will Receive Honorary Emmy
Simon Cowell is receiving an International Emmy Founders Award for “having reshaped 21st century television and music around the world.” According to Bruce Paisner, President of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Cowell has “changed the face of TV around the world.” Wow, that is quite the honor. Although ‘American Idol’ has been very successful, let us not forget that that show was Simon Fuller’s idea and not Simon Cowell’s. It began as ‘Pop Idol’ in England. Furthermore, ‘X Factor,’ is Cowell’s ripoff of Fuller’s idea, which Fuller later sued him for. The matter settled out of court and now Fuller is credited as a creator on ‘X Factor.’ I’m not saying he isn’t worthy of the honor, but lets not sit around and pretend the guy is Aaron Spelling. I think he’s more of a Television personality than he is a series creator.
Prince Ordered to Pay 3 Million Dollars
Looks like Prince is finally paying the price for his diva-tude. He was ordered to pay 3 million dollars for canceling a concert just three days before the event. The lawsuit settled out of court, but the matter was brought back to court after Prince refused to pay the settlement money. Prince’s representatives (who he blamed for the concert cancellation) were not ordered to pay anything. Let’s see if he actually pays up this time.
Demi Lovato and Boyfriend Joe Jonas Sing ‘Make a Wave’ on ‘American Idol’
Lady Antebellum is #1 Again
Lady Antebellum’s album has already sold 93,000 copies, and their single, ‘Need You Now,’ is #1 on the Billboard charts. That is a pretty big deal, considering their album has been out for 8 weeks now. Times sure have changed in the music industry though. Years ago, selling 93,000 records was nothing to write home about. To put things in perspective, Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album sold 110 million copies. I realize he is the best of the best, but Britney Spears’ debut album sold 25 million copies. How’s that for some perspective? See them perform the song at the Country Music Awards below.
‘American Idol’ is Horrible this Season – And it’s all the Judges’ Fault
The top twelve contestants this season are painful to watch, and since the judges picked the top 32 to choose from, I place my blame exclusively on them. It’s not as if America voted the wrong person off. They’re all wrong! Thank goodness Simon Cowell is jumping ship just in time to keep his brand intact. Also, Kara DioGuardi makes me want to throw something at my television. Did she actually tell a contestant that he hasn’t reached a level yet where he can high-five people? Please Kara, tell me at what point, using all of your expertise, that it would be appropriate to high-five. In fact, I am giving you one big virtual high-five right now. High-five yourself out of the judging panel, and bring Paula back! I’m posting a pic of 1950’s teen idol Bobby Rydell because I could not think of anything to post related to ‘American Idol’ that wouldn’t irritate me.
Steve Lillywhite Continues his Pathetic Plea to Replace Simon Cowell on ‘American Idol’
Does anyone ever get a job this way? And by “this way,” I mean posting pathetic videos over the internet that encompass old school groveling. Steve Lillywhite, the music producer behind the first three releases from ‘Dave Matthews Band’ (back when Dave Matthews was actually listenable), wants to be the next ‘American Idol’ judge. Sure he might know his stuff, but these online videos might actually work against him, as he is absolutely painful to watch. When asked about Steve Lillywhite as a possible replacement, Simon Cowell gave a far less wordy critique than mine, by basically calling him ugly. Watch the cringe-worthy video below.
Lady Gaga’s Former Mentor Sues her for $35 Million – Gaga’s People Respond
Lady Gaga and music producer Rob Fusari signed a deal back in 2006 before anyone really knew who Gaga was. Fusari claims that he was instrumental in getting her signed to a record deal after discovering her at an open mike night in New York. He also co-produced her debut album, ‘The Fame.’ Things went bad between them when Gaga dumped Fusari, after he disapproved of where she was taking her image. Gaga’s camp has responded to the suit by claiming that her contract with Fusari was illegal, as Fusari was acting as an unlicensed talent agent, and he “took advantage of an inexperienced recording artist.” My take? I think Gaga’s in hot water. Her response to the lawsuit sounds desperate, and something tells me this contract was perfectly fine. She signed a contract giving Fusari a part of her earnings when she was a nothing, he got her famous, and she dropped him and doesn’t want to pay up. Furthermore, it’s ridiculous to say he was acting as an unlicensed talent agent. He can just claim he was acting as a manager (managers in Hollywood don’t need a license). This will definitely settle out of court.
The Dixie Chicks are Reuniting on Tour
The ‘Dixie Chicks’ are back! The group hasn’t released a new album since their successful 2006 album, ‘Taking the Long Way.’ Fans feared the end of the ‘Dixie Chicks,’ when Martie Maguire and Emily Robison formed a new group without lead singer Natalie Maines, called ‘Court Yard Hounds.’ Fear not! Their tour begins in Toronto on June 8, 2010. The Eagles and Keith Urban will also be joining them. No word yet on whether the group will start recording new music anytime soon.
[Left to Right: Emily Robison, Natalie Maines, and Martie Maguire]