McPheever loses out to Norah Jones Debut

Darn it. Poor Katharine. But hey, #2 isn't bad.

Here is the article.

And here she is singing the song, "Over It." Dang, she's beautiful.

Various and Sundry

So, here's some AI gossip that might interest one and all. Oh, but first. Have I mentioned "THANK GOODNESS Hollywood starts this week!"? Ah, Hollywood. I remember that's where it really started to be all the more obvious that ELLIOTT was a leader among the masses. Remember when Elliott Yamin was up against that pushy, obnoxious Brittenum twin and a couple of other guys? And the twin fudged the lyrics and then gave a big, huge speech saying that he sang better than the others and that it's their fault he didn't do well because they didn't want to rehearse? And then Randy said something like, "Dawg, you wanna know who sang the best? That boy right there!" and he pointed to Elliott who humbly smiled and bowed like he does and went on to the fame he deserves (not enough fame--yet, in my opinion). I *love* Elliott!

Anyway, on to the gossip! I've got information about AI Alums and current contestants.

AI Alumni News

Chris Daughtry tells his fans to "Get over it." I'm happy for him and I really like him, so I mean this sincerely and not as a slam--I hope his marriage is really solid. His wife championing his cause was so heartwarming (I shed a tear) and with the schedule he must keep, I really do hope his marriage and family are solid. I imagine that it must be difficult to have that kind of success and schedule with both his career and his home life.

Katharine McPhee is savouring her success and appearing on magazine covers! She really is so beautiful.

Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson blasts 'Idol' as abusive and brainwashing.

Poor Jessica Sierra was being stalked after her stint on American Idol. Her stalker has been arrested.

Current Idol Contestants

Porcelana Patino (think "Rocky"--that girl who worked out and wore REALLY low-riding pants to her audition?) missed her TV airing to be by her dad's side at the hospital after he was involved in a hit-and-run.

Here's a VERY interesting (and perhaps surprising) interview with early favorite Sean Michel (think Fidel Castro)--I highly recommend reading this one!

Jamie Lynn Ward (the 17-year-old who cares for her paralyzed dad who shot her stepmomma when he caught her cheating?) -- apparently her family is speaking out about Jamie's recounting of events (apparently they have a different story) and for bringing up the past in her audition. Geez, I hope she doesn't get grounded.

Chris Sligh, Funny Guy. Here's a link to his blog. And here's a link to his MySpace page -- his music is SO good, much better than his audition. I hope he goes far.

Judges

Paula Abdul is NOT being replaced by Courtney Love -- apparently it was a hoax.

Early Favorites

Here is an article that lists early favorites including Chris Sligh, Sundance Head, Sean Michel, Sanjaya Malakar, Melinda Doolittle, and more. Vote for your favorite! Better yet, I'm making us our own poll! Be looking for it . . . them . . . I'm making several. :P

List of Past American Idol Contestants

Here is a list of past American Idol contestants and their elimination dates. Who are some of your favorites who got eliminated early? Stories to tell? Memorable moments? After the list, I post mine.

Season 1 (2002)

Kelly Clarkson Winner
Justin Guarini 4 September
Nikki McKibbin 28 August
Tamyra Gray 21 August
RJ Helton 14 August
Christina Christian 7 August
Ryan Starr 31 July
A.J. Gil 24 July
Jim Verraros 17 July
EJay Day 17 July

Season 2 (2003)

Ruben Studdard Winner
Clay Aiken 21 May
Kimberley Locke 14 May
Joshua Gracin 7 May
Trenyce 30 April
Carmen Rasmusen 23 April
Kimberly Caldwell 16 April
Rickey Smith 9 April
Corey Clark Disqualified
Julia DeMato 26 March
Charles Grigsby 19 March
Vanessa Olivarez 12 March

Season 3 (2004)

Fantasia Barrino Winner
Diana DeGarmo 26 May
Jasmine Trias 19 May
LaToya London 12 May
George Huff 5 May
John Stevens 28 April
Jennifer Hudson 21 April
Jon Peter Lewis 15 April
Camile Velasco 7 April
Amy Adams 31 March
Matthew Rogers 24 March
Leah LaBelle 17 March

Season 4 (2005)

Carrie Underwood Winner
Bo Bice 25 May
Vonzell Solomon 18 May
Anthony Fedorov 11 May
Scott Savol 4 May
Constantine Maroulis 27 April
Anwar Robinson 20 April
Nadia Turner 13 April
Nikko Smith 6 April
Jessica Sierra 30 March
Mikalah Gordon 24 March
Lindsey Cardinale 16 March

Season 5 (2006)

Taylor Hicks Winner
Katharine McPhee 24 May
Elliott Yamin 17 May
Chris Daughtry 10 May
Paris Bennett 3 May
Kellie Pickler 26 April
Ace Young 19 April
Bucky Covington 12 April
Mandisa 5 April
Lisa Tucker 29 March
Kevin Covais 22 March
Melissa McGhee 15 March

We caught part of Season 1 of this show in Richfield, UT doing some "away" medical school rotations and got hooked (after the initial confusion of "Wait, it's on again? Tuesdays? Wednesdays? This isn't a repeat though. Wait. Two times a week? They sing and then people vote? What?"). We love this show!

Season 1 -- Not having caught the season in its entirety, we like both of the top 2 and no question that Kelly is amazing.

Season 2 -- Okay, I have a lot to say about this season--one of my favorite seasons to watch! REALLY wanted Clay to win, but we do like Ruben, too. This was the season I learned about online forums. :P I never really liked Kimberley Locke (still don't think she's all that). I always resented Simon trying to play her up so there'd be some drama about the top 2 and 3. AS IF we didn't all know it would be a Clay-Ruben finale. I was amazed how many people jumped on Simon's bandwagon thinking she could actually give either one of those 2 amazing guys a run for their money. She's good. She's not that good. I'm glad the 3 of them are friends, but no question, Clay and Ruben are tops.

Didn't ever care for Josh Gracin. He's cocky and weirds me out when he sings for some reason. Decent voice, but I'm not a country fan. And that was weird when he switched all of a sudden to a twangy voice. Very strange. I can do a mean Trenyce impersonation. :P Didn't ever like Kim Caldwell (still don't). Not my style at all--she's too "harsh" and abrasive. I liked Carmen okay, but didn't think she was all that, though it's admittedly fun to have an LDS competitor to watch.

I LOVE RICKEY Smith!! Hercules! Hercules! Hercules! He's one of my favorites. Love his Brian McKnight sound!

Corey Clark was always annoying. Couldn't stand him. His disqualifiation was interesting and cool that they didn't eliminate anyone and did a show anyway.

Julia DeMato. When I saw her perform "Son of a Preacher Man" to try to get in the top 12, I voted for the first time. I didn't know that you get multiple votes, so I called once and voted and figured that was it. :P

I LOVE CHARLES GRIGSBY! And I'm still annoyed that they cut him off during his farewall song for some sort of national news.

Season 3 -- quick blurb for some of these as this season wasn't that interesting since Fantasia really had no competition. She's amazing. I love to watch her perform whether or not it's my style of music.

Diana DeGarmo - Such a cute girl, I cringed and slept horribly the night before the finale. She hit a REALLY sour note and I really, truly *ached* for her. She's amazing at such a young age, too!

LaToya London-- too snobby for me to ever get into her nice voice. She's amazing, but not unique. She blew it (and I predicted it) when she interviewed with Ryan after a performance and actually said she didn't need the show to go places. See ya! Duh.

George Huff -- very, very fun to watch. Reminds me of Tennessee Ernie Ford.

John Stevens-- love the crooners!

Jennifer Hudson-- she's always weirded me out when she sings, but she IS amazing. I still think it's INCREDIBLY exciting that she's got a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination (so far)!

Jon Peter Lewis-- LOVE him, love his album, love his style, another fun LDS one

Matthew Rogers-- annoying as all get out, cocky

Season 4 -- My favorites are Constantine and Bo. I'm not really a "rocker," but I love how true they are to their own respective styles. And I have a great deal of respect for Constantine's chutzpa on the show with EVERY SINGLE ONE of his performances, particularly Queen's, Reba's, and The Partridge Family's. "I THINK I LOVE YOU!!" I was so upset when he got booted.

Not a big Carrie fan, though she's undoubtedly amazing, too. Again, not a country fan. And she was too aloof for my liking. I like some personality.

I liked Anwar until he hit the big stage. It was too much for him. Too bad.

I liked Nadia but she did weird things with her hair.

I LOVE NIKKO!! That guy was PHENOMENAL and should've advanced SO MUCH MORE than he did. He got eliminated after a stellar "West Side Story" performance, I might add. LOVE NIKKO. Was so glad when he got Mario Vasquez's spot.

Mikalah Gordon-- so annoying I almost don't even want to mention her

Season 5 - GREAT seaon, so many good and great performers. I'm fine with Taylor as the winner, because he's amazing. I think the final 2 would've been FAR more interesting as an all-male finale. Katharine is GORGEOUS and very good, but a no brainer runner up to at least 3 of the guys on the show that season. Taylor-Chris or Taylor-Elliot would've been a fantastic edge-of-your-seat finale. Taylor-Katharine was fine, but we always knew Taylor would win it, so it wasn't as exciting. Though, she looked amazing and sounded great.

I LOVE ELLIOTT!! That guy chose difficult songs and always nailed them time and time again. He's extremely likeable, so genuine and kind hearted, such a good sport, and SUCH a great singer! His "Moody's Mood For Love" is one of the most challenging songs to sing and he did it and nailed it and earned his way right into the top 12. I would've loved to see him in the finale. I love Elliott!! EVERY song he sings has HIS OWN STYLE and his fantastic voice. He can sing anything and I love, love, love his style. Can hardly wait for his album. My favorite of the season.

Chris Daughtry--AMAZING! Shocker of an elimination, no question. He should've stayed longer, too. This is the season I wanted 3 winners as a tie. :P I think he's phenomenal, but I did find his attitude to be very poor when he got eliminated and came up with lots of excuses for his elimination but never ONCE was gracious enough to say, "I'm up against great singers and they deserve this, too" or something to that effect anyway! Anything.

Ace was amazing on the tour--one of my favorites after the fact. And I have always loved his falsetto. "Butterflies" is one of my favorite performances by him.

Mark does a mean Bucky impersonation in so many formats! LOL!

The others, a mix of okay, not my thing, etc.

So, basically, my favorites are Kelly, Charles Grigsby, Rickey Smith, Nikko, Clay, Fantasia, JPL, Bo, Constantine, Chris Daughtry, Taylor, and Elliott. Hmmmm, I really love the guys, eh?

Kellie Pickler Gets Emotional on The View

What a touching, genuine performance. Grab a hanky . . .

Chris Daughtry Sings the National Anthem

Man, doesn't he look cold?? Great job!

And just because we love Elliott . . .

Here are two of my favorite Elliott performances:

"Song For You"




"Moody's Mood For Love"

Taylor Hicks Goes Platinum . . .

. . . before even releasing his first single!! AMAZING!! We've heard nothing but good about his album. The reviews are truly phenomenal. We've heard that NPR has had interviews with people who have said that his original songs (he's written many of them) are better than the others! His songwriting and style are highly praised. We've ordered a copy for ourselves. :) We can post a review once we listen to it.



Here's the very short article that highlights Taylor going Platinum:
http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=29847

American Idol Concert Recap

Well, I'm back! OMIGOSH, it was so much fun! It was FANTASTIC!! I've lost my voice! Yep, I had a GREAT time! 17 rows back, too! Row 17 -- right in the middle!! When I showed the lady my ticket and asked if she could tell me where to go, she led me to my seat. And she kept walking closer and closer and closer. I kept suppressing my impish grin that kept creeping to the corners of my mouth the closer I would get to the stage. I was trying to act all calm and confident like "Oh yes, right here, row 17, but of course. Thank you very much." It's like when you're at a really rich, fancy place and you're bubbling with excitement inside at being at such a posh location, but yet you act totally calm and as if it's the norm--"Oh yes, Holmes, right at the door is fine. Thank you. Yes, Charisse, a port wine with the caviar would be splendid!"

It was a wonderful concert. I was absolutely giddy. I was drunk with giddiness. I kept shrieking the obvious to Denise and Robynne. I don’t know how many times during the concert I hit them on the arms and squealed, “They’re RIGHT THERE!” while pointing to the stage! I mean, you watch them on TV week after week and then they’re RIGHT THERE!!

Okay, but you want to hear about the show and not my gushing, right? You know, I found a review of the show in the Patriot News. I could post it and simply say, "I think pretty much the opposite of most everything this guy says." But this is more fun. He was such a wet blanket! Bleh. Must be rough to be PAID to attend American Idol concerts and write about them. How have I not gotten that job??

If you're really interested to see what they look and sound like in concert, check out youtube.com. Look up "American Idol Concert" and enjoy!

Mandisa started it out REALLY well. She blasted out on stage and got the audience all geared up (as if we needed much help—they showed pictures of the idols on the big screens before the concert and everyone cheered like mad). Boy, she can work the stage. And I think she's very pretty and she sounds better than ever. She sang "I'm Every Woman" and then she sang "If I Were Your Woman" (I think) and then she encouraged all the young people in the audience to dream big and reminded everyone that someone up there (pointing to the sky) has big plans for each and every one of us. Then, (swoon), Ace joined her on stage and they sang a lovely duet of "I'm Your Angel." I wasn’t a huge Ace fan during the season, but I did like him and he won me over even more during the concert. Ace sang and looked unbelievable! I mean, he really sounded great! Better than on the show. He sounded pretty darn fantastic. His smile lit up the entire stage and he took time with as many fans as he possibly could whenever he sang or was between songs. Very sweet. He kept waving, smiling, and pointing at the audience. He was so personable and so genuine. Oh, and he’s apparently been working out, too. But that's beside the point, isn't it? His voice! Yes, his voice. He did a great job! (Rachelle, I didn’t see his brother anywhere!).

Ace sang "Father Figure." My, it was sultry. He kept taking off clothing every time he said "warm and naked." (Don’t worry—all in all, it was a family show). After the second time (and after having disrobed 2 items of clothing), Denise said, "I hope he doesn't say 'warm and naked' again!" ROTFL! He did a great job and then he sang Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe" which was a lot of fun. He was ALL over the stage and kept leaping in the air from side to side. It looked like he was jumping INTO the audience. He was great fun. I really enjoyed his stage presence. I think it’s safe to say he was Robynne’s favorite. :) (Though she might've enjoyed him all the more if she didn't have the ONE obnoxious fan who decided to stand THE ENTIRE TIME including during speeches and slow songs—she might've been a little slow. She seemed to think her beer was a candle.)

Lisa Tucker, who I didn't really care for on the show, I have GOT to say was phe-nomenal! She sang beautifully, wasn't snotty at all, looked great, and sang (I LOVE THIS SONG) "Your Song" (Elton John--the Moulin Rouge version) while playing the keyboards very well herself! It was great! She also sang "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." (She must be a big Elton John fan). She did a really great job. I liked her a lot. Then she brought out "her best friend" Paris and they sang together a bit (oh, what was the duet—Waterfalls). Paris had an odd entrance and was my least favorite of the whole evening, but I still enjoyed her. Paris did more dancing than singing (man, can she shake)! She did okay, but it's a shame she doesn't sing more of the jazzy old stuff. She sang "Midnight Train to Georgia" though and that was great as always.

Bucky sang and did quite well. Still mumbles a bit—Denise and I got a good chuckle laughing about Mark's really great impersonations of Bucky (me re suma nishus)--, but still very good. Oh, he played guitar, too. Very smiley. He sang "Superstition" (they all sang their songs from the AI5 album). Then he sang "Drift Away." Then he sang a duet with Kellie Pickler ("You’re The One That I Want Oooh Oooh Oooh") a la Grease. It was cute, if a bit cheesy and off.

I like Kellie Pickler, but more for her personality than her singing. I think she's probably the weakest of the bunch, but she's still very likeable. She was very good and sweet and funny in her interactions with the audience. She asked for lights so she could see everyone, which was sweet. And she mentioned how fun it was to (you are reading this with a southern drawl, right?) get a 5 lb. bar of Hershey's chocolate in her dressing room. She did okay. I'm not a big fan of her singing--but I'm not big into country music either and she is twangy! She does look less nervous on stage. She sang "Walking After Midnight," "People Are Talkin'," and maybe something else. I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just bitter. She mentioned her single on the radio; she has a record deal. How in the WORLD does she already have one and Elliott not yet have one?? Mark says it's the country aspect. Sigh.

They all did shout outs for Hershey, PA! LOL! That was fun!

--And then it was intermission-- (This is where Robynne and I got a workout bolting for the car to get our camera and my poster (yes, I made one) because when we parked, they said you couldn't have either of them, but then there were a million cameras there anyway, so we went and got them and snuck them in my windbreaker and walked back in all casual like. That was fun, too, in a rebellious sort of way. I was SO excited to hoist my banner high in the air for MY BOY ELLIOTT! Oh, I’m getting ahead of myself.

And then Chris ROCKED THE HOUSE. I couldn't even hear the first SEVERAL notes of his song because people went absolutely WILD with cheers. It was UNreal!! Taylor didn't get that much volume. He was good as always. He played guitar, too. I like him, but he does strike me as a bit full of himself and even reminded the audience to see HIM on his own tour next year. (Roll Eyes). He sang some songs ("Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Renegade"). He might've sung something else by himself. I'm not sure. But THEN . . . Yes, you guessed it! Are you on the edge of your seats? I WAS! Quite literally. On the edge of my seat. With my FEET. I couldn’t stand still!! I knew he was coming out next!

And then—I'm building suspense here, can you tell?—And then, OMIGOSH OMIGOSH OMIGOSH (I told you I would melt into a squealing fan) AND THEN (and here's where I yelled so much and could hardly stand still. Yes, I did jump up and down screaming and my voice is quite strained), ELLIOTT (MY BOY ELLIOTT!!) joined Chris on Nickelback's "Savin' Me" and it was PHENOMENAL! PHENOMENAL! They sound GREAT together!! (Swoon, swoon, swoon). I leapt to my feet (on the chair briefly) with my sign up in the air—BOTH hands! I didn’t go so far as to scream "I LOVE YOU ELLIOTT" but I did cheer wildly! I couldn’t care less how I looked or came across. I fully enjoyed the moments of cheering for my favorite Idol and letting him know that "I POWER DIALED 4 U!" (Yes, much to my academic dismay, there wasn't sufficient space on the poster for "FOR YOU" and I resorted to –ugh—textspeak. I’m so ashamed. :P) And then Elliott sang (I LOVE THIS SONG, TOO) "Moody's Mood for Love." There I go, there I go, there I go. Pretty Baby, you are the soul who snaps my control! Ohhhhhhhhh, it was wonderful! Elliott is soooooooo good!! Mmmmmmmm. Love it! He also sang "Trouble" and "Never Too Much" and did a GREAT job!! I was a dancing and singing fool right along with him! He did look tired and I wonder how he does it all with his diabetes, but he did a wonderful job nonetheless and I hope he saw my sign! :P

All the boys (except Taylor) sang Guns-n-Roses "Patience" which all 3 of us girls agree was the best part of the entire evening. WOWWWWWWWWWWW! They harmonized on some notes together that gave us CHILLS!

Katharine was there (it's their 2nd show in Hershey and she missed the first one because of her laryngitis) and she looked FABULOUS!! WOW! She had on a stunning black dress and was absolutely classy. She sounded terrific! She started out by yelling "2! 3! 4!" in the dark, the lights came on and she sang "Black Horse and A Cherry Tree" (which I really like by her) and "Think" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (she struggled a bit with the high notes—seems her laryngitis might've been acting up a bit, poor girl, but all in all you could hardly tell though she more often than not chose lower notes when she could) and other stuff, too. She was GREAT! I have a great deal of respect for her for going public about her battle with bulimia. I go a little crazy when people are SO private with their struggles that others aren’t able to benefit from knowing that hey, we're not all perfect--wow. So, go, Katharine!

Taylor came out down the stairs and through the audience, which was a big hit. He was CRAZY and a lot of fun. He puts himself into his performances, body and soul. He played guitar, harmonica, and tambourine! He was awesome! He came out singing, "Jailhouse Rock" while making his way to the stage among screaming fans of ALL ages (we overheard a rumor later that one of the security guards broke his arm escorting him in, Eek!). He also sang "Do I Make You Proud" (of course) and "Takin' It To The Streets" and "Livin' For the City." He did a good job! It's so fun to watch him perform. Then he left the stage. And you'd THINK the show was over, right? WRONG! Ha! Fooled you!

ALL the idols sang together for several encores. And it was great! They sang Queen—We are the Champions. Yes, my hand was swaying side to side with everyone else's. Proudly. Cause we are the Champions . . . dum-dum-dum! . . . of the world!! And then they all sang "Living in America!" while dancing around the stage and yelling out various cities. Of course the crowd went wild with HERSHEY!! They held hands and bowed repeatedly and we all cheered to let them know that WE LOVE OUR IDOLS!

Well, I'm not sure if I'm forgetting anything. I LOVE this show. It was so fun to see them up close like that. It was so fun to enjoy it and get into it and I am both sore and hoarse and loving it! SUCH a treat! I've had a wonderful evening.