If it ain't broke, don't fix it: AMERICAN IDOL 8

It starts on Tuesday! I know, right?

Changes:

--New judge, Kara DioGuardi
--There will be 3 weeks of auditions, down from 4 the past few years
--There will be a Top 36, rather than a Top 24
--The Wild Card Week will be re-introduced
--No Thursdays planned
--There will be 2 weeks of Hollywood Rounds
--There will be a Top 12 as in previous years
--Promotional thrust will have fewer bad singers and more ‘aspirational’ singers.
--There will be no Idol Gives Back.

Excited?

I started a thread already, but the title is screwed up and i'm too lazy to fix it:

It's back!

In one week, Idol returns for its eighth season with some major changes:
-Less auditions, more intimate scenes with contestants (“It’s going back to l3tting the kids be more emotional and seeing more of their r3ality, we’re going to allow the public to see a l1ttle more of their emotional state," says Mike D4rnell in an interview with some TV site)
-Because of the recession, no Idol Gives Back.
-Nigel Lythgoe, the gossip-spreading producer, left to work on that shitty international dance show (and continue his work on the much-better "So You Think You Can Dance?"). Supposedly also left because...
-Biggest of all, there's a new judge, Kara DioGuardi, pretty well-known songwriter/A&R girl who judged on THE ONE, which I--and most likely you--never watched...word from my friend? She's like the female Simon (read: bitchy).

As usual, Rickey.org is keeping up with all the contestant rumors and has youtube clips. Feel free to re-post yr favorites here.

― Someone Still Loves You Evan and Jaron (Tape Store), Tuesday, January 6, 2009 11:56 PM (5 days ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

SPOILER:

Like Camile Velasco, but I don't care about her!

Camile Velasco and Asia'h Epperson = most underrated AIs

The only reason they are canceling Idol Gives Back is because people will give but not give as much, so they can't tool their own horn about how impressive their totals are. Whatever, I never watched that episode anyway.

Also, I remember the producers saying specifically years back that they didn't get too much into the contestants' personal lives, filming them at the mansion/hotel etc, because they wanted to respect their privacy and give them space to work. Guess that went out the window as well.

also one thing to potentially look forward too is slightly cooler or at least more contemporary theme weeks. The X Factor had a Britney week!!!

90210/Idol overlap is a little frustrating. I taped the first hour of idol, though, and will report back later tonight (I did flip over once during break and saw that "Barracuda" girl...awesome!).

p.s. LOVED Bikini girl for pointing out that Kara wasn't any better

it's just you and me here, man

I am super bummed that they are going back to the top 36, top 4 from each group or what have you. the best decision this show ever made was moving away from that.

but i am doing so much fucking overtime that i cannot watch this tonight. depressing.

bikini girl reminds me of the hoochie mama outfits from season 1 auditions. again with the return to lesser times.

I don't know, I realllly loved wild card round and wish it had existed for last season (we lost almost all of my favorite contestants before the top 12!)

p.s. this is baracuda girl's band: http://www.myspace.com/gobettygo

hey chris apparently there is a dude from como on tomorrow night, according to his facebook status which i just read. he worked at coldstone when i was there. didnt know he sang tho. he looks like this

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b361/tapestore/ai.jpg

yeah, i know him. :)

my friend 4nne dressed as a cheerleader for him, too.

p.s. those two g1rls should have auditioned

can he sing/does he advance?

lol, ok, i'm suppppppposed to keep this a secret, so i'm only going to answer your first one: think high sch00l theatre program ;)

not the soulful boston public kind either

but i shouldn't knock that program, i saw cedr1c the entert4iner's daughter give a brilliant performance of "River Deep Mountain High" at the same school.

it's just you and me here, man
― miss precious perfect (musically), Wednesday, January 14, 2009 3:21 AM (1 hour ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

oh, i think ramzi might be joining us, btw!

liking the new judge

my favorites were probably:
girl who started the adopt-a-gramfriend
asianish dude in the beginning
bikini girl (ws)

not really feeling:
tattoo girl
boring blonde in second hour i've already forgotten abt
blind dude (zzzzz)

on the fence abt:
goth kid
big dude who was a construction worker or something

lol:
obligatory "rocker" (the one who sang "living on a prayer")
that black dude who "danced"

4getting lot of ppl

yeah, alliance against blind guy, plz

i'm with y'all in spirit but i was too in and out to comment yet, i can't take 2 hours of fucking audition episodes

I really enjoyed this episode! Got tired of seeing the cute rockabilly Heart chick every five fucking seconds, though.

OMG that Von Smith audtion was terrrrrible. It was like the definition of 'oversinging.' How the hell did he get through?

I liked tonight, but I hate that the bad auditions are much more memorable than the good ones. The only person I really remember so far is the tatt'd up girl who sang Barracuda.

^agreed on first point

missed tonight, though i DVR'ed it

my friend 4nne dressed as a cheerleader for him, too.

Is she the one who looks like Maggie Gyllenhaal?

I think you might have your winner in this night's group. Some of tonight's folks were pretty damned good.

no, but i know the mg one, too (my friend was outside the audition room).

oh, and I dig Castro's brother. Obv. not perfect but way more interesting than Jason...

oh yay, it's back!

Idol's biggest Top 24 casualty ever:

I'm sure I'll regret this as things unfold but for now I'm feelin' Emily Wynne-Hughes. I freakin' hate Barracuda, and she hit a duff note early and I was all whoa Trainwreck Alert but from that note on she gave me actual honest to god chills. Just went for broke, doing 100 around the hairpins without a guardrail. A performance like that is worth a boatful of bullshit faux-church Mariah'd-out grace notes.

I looooooooved that adorable college dude singing about bananas. He'd make the top ten easily if I ran the show.

OTM, that was INCREDIBLE

Anup better make the finals, holy shit.

haha, yeah, he totally surprised me...

man, i'm way too hung up on asia'h...stillllll pisses me off

Oh yeah, dug Oz girl (Jessica Furney) and Lil Rounds

looooooool this is my friends cousin: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/gallery/casey-carlson-bikini-photo/

so these auditions were quite promising, a few too many jazzy, weaker singers but there were some great ones coming through.

ones i remember:

-asa (bc he was hot though, singing was not amazing)
-lil
-jason's brother (they sound alike too, don't they?)
-deanna
-the two friends

i feel like i will root for emily the rocker chick but i wish she had sung another song because barracuda is not flattering if you don't do it perfectly.

and yeah, von was singing each note like a diva singing the last glory note of the last song in her last musical. and they told the guy who sang california dreaming that his performance was too affected?

i was lolling during casey's audition: Vanessa Carlton song + cute little vintage-y stylish dress + cute cloth belt + occupation: bubble tea maker

So, here are my picks:

1. Leneshe Young - Sings original song, "Natty," is FUCKING AWESOME
2. Jessica Furney - Oz girl who sang Janis
3. Lil Rounds - Dope, Jazmine Sullivan meets Mary J.
4. Michael Castro - Already prefer him to his brother; compare range
5. Anoop Desai - OK, felt like an annoying, pretentious student, so I wanted to hate him, but he's fucking good
6. India Morrison - Kinda like Lil, fucking looooovve her as a person, wasn't given enough of a chance, want her to do super well
7. Emily Wynne-Hughes - Amazing "Barracuda" girl
8. Deanna Brown - Dope Duffy soundalike
9. Matt Giraud - Yamin soundalike, but he's a GANGSTER
10. Arianna Afsar - Do-gooder, probably super Christian high schooler who sings Corinne whatshername. Wanted to not like her, but she wins
Noticeable drop in enthusiasm starts here (but I'm still v. interested and hopeful about these)
11. Danny Gokey - "Heard it through the Grapevine," music teacher, widower, not attractive, again, wanted to hate him, but his impression was so good
12. Asa Barnes - A nice bookend to the Danny Gokey audition, probably better than Danny, but his song choice (MJ) sucked...I'm rooting for him.
13. Raquel Houghton - Not shown for very long, sings "Son of a Preacher Man," nice tone
14. Alexis Grace - Mom who sings "Dr. Feelgood," a little too anxious, but she's got skill
15. Dennis Brigham - Mad underrated guy who acted all geeky, not a big voice at all, probably a longshot, but he seems to know his limits and he seems to have good taste
??? Ryan Johnson - Is it bad that I dislike him for being in a Christian rock band?
??? Katrina Darrell - Bikini girl, ok, going nowhere, but i loved her for shooting down Kara
??? Joanna Pacciti - already signed to A&M, "Let It Slide" sucks

Anoop!!!!

p.s. MJ's big blog is probably >>>>>>>>>>> rickey.org

srsly no one is gonna mention Seacrest trying to HI-FIVE the blind guy?!

LOL. Blind guy should not progress in this competition; he's not that good! Same goes for Adam Lambert.

okay, I just watched the last two eps...Linesha (sp) is awesome, you could see the $$ in Simon's eyes.

Is Linesha the bikini one?

she was the last one who sang "Natty," which like the judges said was a quite good song. anyway, i could see her having a hit, which is more than i could say for most of the other people i saw, regardless of how good their voices were. i am downloading joanna pancetti's (sp) album, i am curious to see what it sounds like

morelike lamebert amirite xposts

also, kara needs to stop singing. sorry hon, that ship has sailed, those who can't do, judge, etc.

they let the girl with the dog through? good lord she was terrible.

okay, the florida latina girl was not great either, i am worried for this season

He doesn't sound like the Dave Matthews Band but he does sound like Dave Matthews

I mean yeah he doesn't pause for a 5 minute violin solo but Matthews does a lot of "guy strumming his acoustic guitar and singing the song" tours sans band

See: Some Devil for more information.

aka not "DMB"

also, that's still a weak comparison, their voices/vocals are not close

I think the DMB comparisons are dead on. And I really do want to be positive about Kris Allen. But I think the ONLY way he's going to create memorable music is via tight interaction with a band. In my dreams, I imagine a itchy, funky CCR approach or, in my wildest dreams, something akin to Joy of Cooking. But let's face it. That's not remotely what we're going to ever get from him.

But let's face it. That's not remotely what we're going to ever get from him.

jesus fucking christ, thank god

or are you joking???? oh wait, you're an adam fan, lol

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

When Adam loses next week, will you guys cry with your tongues out??

― Banvil! The Story of Banvil (Tape Store), Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:59 PM (1 week ago)

You're a weird dude, Tape Store.

At least with Adam the insufferable twattishness of the fans ends when the performances end.

Kris won, you should be basking in the warm glow of victory, not all bitter and shit. When David Cook won last year you couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a week.

Well, I guess we found the one person on ILX/M who hates CCR.

Really, was that such an outlandish suggestion that Kris would benefit from tight interaction with a band?

And how on earth does my love for Adam dovetail with my love for CCR/Joy of Cooking (wha????)?

All by itself, Kris's performance with Keith Urban was really good. It just had the misfortune of being hugely overshadowed by Adam vs. Kiss (and later Adam vs. Queen). If Kris were to make some upbeat, vaguely country-rockish singalong songs, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

dang how come nobody ever told me adam lambert was so hot

You're a weird dude, Tape Store.

― Mordy, Sunday, May 24, 2009 4:39 AM (9 hours ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

weird being a great thing, obv.

like, really great.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/camille1691/lambertrsxlarge.jpg

A++

Butterfly vs. snake: who rules Adam's cock?

I vote belt

Love

Looks like I'm buying my first copy of Rolling Stone in eons:

American Idol star Adam Lambert has confirmed the worst-kept secret on the show - he is gay.

Gossips have frequently speculated about Lambert's sexuality since he appeared on the U.S. TV talent show earlier this year.

And the singer, who finished as runner-up in the contest last month, has finally 'come out' in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine - and admits most people had already correctly guessed he is homosexual.

Lambert tells the mag, "I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay. I'm proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It's just another part of me... I was worried that (coming out) would be so sensationalised that it would overshadow what I was there to do, which was sing.

"I'm an entertainer, and who I am and what I do in my personal life is a separate thing. It shouldn't matter. Except it does. It's really confusing."

And he is adamant he does not want his sexuality to have a bearing on his music career: "I'm trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader."

http://www.imdb.com/news/ns0000002/#ni0824203

Twitter Trending Topic #2 for the evening of 6/17/09 (after #iranelection)

#gokeyisadouche

omg A+!!!!!!!!

No results for #gokeyisnotadouche

Allison Iraheta is joining Kris Allen (and Britney Spears!) on 19 Recordings/Jive Records, which after Adam Lambert signed with 19/RCA yesterday leaves Danny Gokey as the most conspicious "American Idol" finalist without a label.

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/36343258.html

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt239/ontd_ai/GIFs/69i9zb.gif

I hope all this PAULA'S NOT COMING BACK talk turns out to be true, you guys. And they can send Kara and Randy packing too while they're at it.

Simon + new, coherent judges + filthy rich Ryan Seacrest = Season 9 awesomicity!

Season 9 is Randy's last contract year so he's not gone yet. Only Kara/Paula are running ground game right now. I WOULD like to see them drop a judge, personally I'd much prefer Paula >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kara, but overall the really important changes are in the infrastructure of the show. Top 24 semifinals (with instruments), less biased judging, better songs/themes, and world peace.

And personally I don't think Paula is leaving, I think it's a stunt by her agent/PR people and she'll be back.

Well yeah, all those things. And while we're making a wishlist, I'd like to see far fewer audition episodes and even fewer joke auditions. They could easily wrap all that up in three nights and move on to Hollywood so much quicker.

And even though Megan Joy wasn't really my cup of tea, I'd like to see MORE contestants with weird style and sort of quirky voices this year.

Themes I Want:
1. Stevie Wonder
2. Top 100 Itunes Chart
3. Dolly Parton pt. 2
4. Prince
5. Janet Jackson
6. Birthday No. 1s
7. Beach Boys
8. Phil Spector
9. Dead People
10. Madonna
11. X
12. David Bowie

11. X

As in "Sex and Dying in High Society" and "White Girl" X? I could get with that!

I know there's been at least one Stevie Wonder night, it was the one when Kevin Covais sang "Part Time Lover"? I guess you're lucky if you don't remember it.

I have been praying for a Prince night forever, he appeared on one of the finales so it's not like he's above it. I have given up hope for the top 100 iTunes chart, two years in a row it's been in work and then changed last minute.

How about Britney Spears week? X Factor had it...

A Stevie Wonder night really isn't necessary, because he dominates Motown/soul night every year and often shows up again throughout the season some way or another.

A Phil Spector night had a much better chance of happening before he was convicted of murder.

I'd love to see a New Wave night, which of course would be loosely interpreted.

yes, that x

i like britney as an idea, too!

Prince would be so awesome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SB0L-VNNlI

just read that matt giraud is a judge on an AI-type show based in detroit and brodcast on the internet. way to use AI as a springboard, matt!

very random:

http://media.mjsbigblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/12a-nyc.jpg

UPDATE: FOX is reporting that the Ocean County prosecutors office, of Seaside NJ where Alexis’ body was found, believe it was a hit and run. HERE.

Very sad. Former American Idol wannabe, Alexis Cohen, 25, was found dead early this morning. eta: she was found in seaside, nj, not allentown

Many of you remember Alexis, she was the eccentric, potty mouthed Janis Joplin wannabe who auditioned for the judges in both Season 7 and 8. Not considered a serious audition, she was dismissed both times without a golden ticket.

is she the one who kind of looked like a junkie?

FLEETWOOD MAC NIGHT, PLEASE

is she the one who kind of looked like a junkie?

I think so. Also, she was in close proximity to a glitter bomb as it went off. She was annoying as hell, but this is still sad.

Yes, RIP Alexis.

@PaulaAbdul With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all..Cont'd...
25 minutes ago from web

That's it. I'm done with this piece of shit show. No Abdul, no cred.

I'll be okay with this as long as Randy and Kara act a little more professional from now on, actually making sensible critiques and... oh, who am I kidding. This will be a glorious catastrophe.

Fire Kara, hire that lady from So You Think You Can Dance.

This is v stupid. Worst part is reading stories where it quotes "idol experts" who are excited because Paula's criticism was bad. Well, duh, that's why it was good.

So Ellen DeGeneres is the new fourth judge for the season...can't this show ever learn a lesson? Three judges was okay!!

I'm strangely fine with Ellen coming aboard. Not being a music industry "professional," she may be able to counteract much of the bullshit spewed by Kara and Randy every night. However, it would be better either Kara or Randy was let go altogether.

I have no problem with her at all personally, if she had replaced Randy or Kara I would have been fine, but 4 judges was really a disaster, they could have just kept the three of them and wouldn't have had to admit that four was a mistake.