Canadian Idol Fans Watching American Idol

[ross 1]

I missed the results show and didn't tape it, but, hey, at last Jacob has a ticket back home. (He lives in LA, but you know what I mean.)

So - I know it's way easier to say why you don't like a performer, than why you like them, but why don't you guys tell me what you like about Haley. Since I don't think you've done that, really.

I feel like a real fart saying I don't like any of them, Sorry to be a total killjoy. It's not me, it's them. lol

I thought James might be a shock boot tonight. I kind of feel bad for the guy due to his various problems, but "I leave it all on that stage!" was a little dramatic. He's sincere, so, y' know, I don't actually mind his drama - but he just came across as kind of thinking he's a big star already. But this show must be so high-pressure I can't even imagine it - so I'll cut him slack, I guess. Plus the show does make them into stars-of-the-moment.

Sorry to be annoying, but anything new here? I'll try to listen to this stuff when I get a chance.

http://www.ainow.org/index.php/tour/5453-kris-allen-talks-music-education-with-ai-now

 

[SleepinIn]

So - I know it's way easier to say why you don't like a performer, than why you like them, but why don't you guys tell me what you like about Haley. Since I don't think you've done that, really.

Okay, I'll bite.

Why do I like Haley?

• What you see is what you get. She's being herself on the stage. There's no pretense
• She does have a Janis like voice, there's a lot of power and energy there and it's not that she's hitting pure notes. It's that when she's hitting the notes it's like they're being dragged out of the corner of her being. I can feel them
• She's quirky
• She goes for it.
• Stumbling off a piano, or caught with lipstick on her chin she gets back up and she kills it
• I didn't love all of her performances to be honest but there was always something about her I liked. A turn of a phrase or a note she hit just right.
• So I'm loving that she was so good last night.
  

I feel like a real fart saying I don't like any of them, Sorry to be a total killjoy. It's not me, it's them. lol

LOL.

This person (X-Factor winner from the UK mentioned that the AI person he'd most like to do a duet with is Kris.. things that make you go hmmmm)

Home | The Official Leon Jackson Site

He's good. I wouldn't mind hearing that actually.

But this show must be so high-pressure I can't even imagine it - so I'll cut him slack, I guess. Plus the show does make them into stars-of-the-moment.

It's a soul-crusher. I can't even imagine the pressure they're under. Pick out a song that you love and that suits you from a list of songs that Idol is willing to spend money paying for all the rights for. Learn said new song, with some amazing re-arrangement that you have to come up with in like a week. Try not to wear some goofy outfit that they try to put you into, BTW don't say anything stupid, tweet your fans, new photoshoots and video shoots, Promo shoots.. oh yeah and sing well. Oh yeah and let the public judge and scrutinize your every move, on every blog on the internet worldwide. No biggie.

AI Interview

• The Music Empowers concerts were inspiring, the kids are driven and they get that from Berklee.
• The songs Kris picked for the tour were songs that he thought would show off their abilities.
• Being an Ambassador for Berklee means more to him now post tour - thinks the school is great.
• If there was another orchestral intrument he wanted to play it would be the Sax, Trombone and Trumpet make no sense to him. He thinks he could push the buttons on the sax
• Music was a big part of his life, started Viola in 4th grade.. he was forced. His other friends stopped but he kept it up and it gave him an appreciation for that type of music and taught him how to read music and hear chords.
• Music was first ahead of all the other stuff in school
• Playing in the orchestra gave him confidence .. no one can hear you mess up.
• Music Education - he gets that music is the first to be cut because it's expensive, but Art's in general are so important because they help you learn as a person.
• Music is cool.. who doesn't like music?
• He played the Forrest Gump score in Orchestra and it's one of his favourite movies
• He's more confident in songwriting with other people
• He's still writing
• Not every song is amazing but he doesn't think there is a song that sucks.. they may not be for him,
• He thinks that sometimes he writes songs that don't suit him, and they may be more suitable for others
• He writes in a lot of styles
• He's not a country guy, but there is a country feel to some of his songs
• He understands the process a lot more, and LOVES the production side - he can't wait to do it.
• Mentions timing again (YES - completely agree Kris!)
• If he wants something he's got to be the person to make it happen.(loved this too!)
• He feels that everything is happening right.
• Mentions going to his website to donate to Music Empowers (!)

 

[ross 1]

Wow - hey, thanks SO MUCH. You're so nice to do that, SleepinIn. Seriously. Muchas gracias. (Hey, it's Cinco De Mayo.)

I have a few questions.

He understands the process a lot more, and LOVES the production side - he can't wait to do it.

Meaning - he can't wait to produce for other people? He would be awesome, I'm sure.

Mentions timing again (YES - completely agree Kris!)

I don't know what you mean by that. Would that be timing in terms of singing or in terms of career? Actually I'm clueless. Or do you mean when he will be on Idol? Somehow I think maybe you mean this.

He feels that everything is happening right.

That must be a nice feeling. (I'm not sure I know what that feels like. lol) I'm glad he feels that way and I have to agree - just a feeling I have.

I haven't heard anything about Kris's gig in Texas tonight (not sure of the time zone). Since MJ is not covering this stuff I have no idea where to go for this kind of news now.

That's cool about the X Factor guy from England. The name sounds familiar but I don't really know him.

Thanks for talking about why you like Haley. Makes sense.

 

[SleepinIn]

Seriously, this guy is in for a rough wake up call. Did he say again tonight that "America fell in love with him"? Well, maybe "America" did, whoever she is, but missaddicted certainly did not.

America may have.. Canada did not. I almost fell off my chair, he did look a little relieved to be going at the end there.

Poor Lauren should really have waited a few years before doing this show. You know, a few years to build that self-confidence. You have to be tough to make it in this business.

Yes - it's got to be so tough on her. She's still really young. I want sassy Lauren back.. get her off this show and give a couple years and she'll kick butt.

Meaning - he can't wait to produce for other people? He would be awesome, I'm sure.

More for his own album. But I could see him doing it for other people down the road, I think he has great instincts, but maybe when he's mastered it for himself.. lol

I don't know what you mean by that. Would that be timing in terms of singing or in terms of career? Actually I'm clueless. Or do you mean when he will be on Idol? Somehoe I think maybe you mean this.

Not singing, but career. Having the video come out as the single's coming out, as the promo begins - that kind of timing.

That must be a nice feeling. (I'm not sure I know what that feels like. lol)

Yes, lol - I know what you mean. I watched Idol Party and he talked about how he was happy and it's easier to write songs when you're not happy, but he said he's not perfect, his marriage isn't perfect and there is stuff to write about. He also borrows from the lives of his friends and the things they're going through when he's writing.

Oh! And Casey is hilarious and awesome. Jim asked him about Casey reading the blogs and he said you just have to know how to interpret them. I HATE YOU CASEY = I didn't like that performance. (or something like that) It was pretty funny.

 

[missaddicted]

I don't think I can list all the reasons why I like Haley like SleepinIn did, but I just think there is something that I find appealing in her voice. The quirkiness? The character? I also like the fact that I can trust her voice. LOL. What I mean is that I know that she can do plenty of different things with her voice and that I don't have to wonder if she can reach the notes or something like that. She makes it seems easy. Her singing doesn't feel forced to me and I appreciate that, she seems to be very conscious that she's on TV and all that, but when she's singing, it still feels completely natural. So yeah, I didn't think all of her performances were awesome and I barely remember her first ones on the show, but I do love an underdog growth arc and I appreciate that Haley goes for it, as SleepinIn said, she's a fighter. So, yeah, I love her attitude.

Thanks SleepinIn for the interview summary! I don't have time to watch all those interviews!

 

[ross 1]

Okay, thanks for the answers to my questions, SleepinIn.

Oh! And Casey is hilarious and awesome. Jim asked him about Casey reading the blogs and he said you just have to know how to interpret them. I HATE YOU CASEY = I didn't like that performance. (or something like that) It was pretty funny.

That's funny.

Thanks for your take on Haley, as well, missaddicted.

If I haven't responded to her charisma and voice by this point I doubt I'm going to, so it's nice to know why other people are. Strangely, I have not really watched a lot of the performances in this later part of the season. I've been listening to them with my back to the TV, while looking at other stuff on the computer. For some reason I haven't turned the computer around to face the TV. lol. No idea why.

But anyway try it sometime and you may get a different take on the vocals.

Music was a big part of his life, started Viola in 4th grade.. he was forced.

I don't get why he would be forced to play viola. Of all things. Who forced him?

It's a soul-crusher. I can't even imagine the pressure they're under. Pick out a song that you love and that suits you from a list of songs that Idol is willing to spend money paying for all the rights for. Learn said new song, with some amazing re-arrangement that you have to come up with in like a week. Try not to wear some goofy outfit that they try to put you into, BTW don't say anything stupid, tweet your fans, new photoshoots and video shoots, Promo shoots.. oh yeah and sing well. Oh yeah and let the public judge and scrutinize your every move, on every blog on the internet worldwide. No biggie.

Yeah, it's crazy. The pressure must be crazy - most of these kids are not experienced performers and it's live, as well. But it must be exciting - fun - and for some of them it will be the biggest thing that happens in their life. Their whole life. It's crazy, all right. I think of it a bit like the Olympics - except the Olympics is an honor, and about representing your country, and all - still, it's like the singing Olympics, isn't it? The showbiz Olympics.

It's this young-life experience where you have your moment of fame - and it's a great time in life to have that.

But it must be very hard, too - as you say - soul-crushing - and...well, yeah.

 

[CapsuleNeo]

I think people like James and Lauren are way too weak and fragile to deal with the harsh reality of the music business. I'm not a fan of Scotty’s music style, but I like him now. He is only 17 but he already knows who he is and has quiet confidence. I'd like to see Scotty and Haley as the top 2.

 

[PoliticalNick]

I would have to say Scotty and Haley are the 2 strongest ones left. I am not a country fan but I like the way Scotty hams it up for the audience, my wife is a big country fan and is rooting for him big-time.

I personally prefer Haley, I think she will be able to do a wide range of music and has a voice that is like a combo of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Darby Mills all rolled together. I like the bluesy soulful sounds she gives and think she has a down to earth personality.

I have to agree that Lauren does not seem to have what it takes, she doesn't now who she is as an artist yet and would get eaten alive by producers and execs if she entered the biz right now.

Thank you America for finally getting rid of Jacob!!!

 

[ross 1]

I don't know if being overemotional necessarily means weak. It's one of the bigger ironies that to be a great artist you need vulnerability and sensitivity, but to handle the music business without going crazy, it helps to be tough and thick-skinned.

 

[SleepinIn]

I don't get why he would be forced to play viola. Of all things. Who forced him?

I'm guessing his parents

But it must be exciting - fun - and for some of them it will be the biggest thing that happens in their life. Their whole life. It's crazy, all right. I think of it a bit like the Olympics - except the Olympics is an honor, and about representing your country, and all - still, it's like the singing Olympics, isn't it? The showbiz Olympics.

Oh hell yeah it's fun! I mean look at the people they're meeting and the things they're getting to do. Aside from the soul-crushing.. (lol) it must be awesome. And you're right the Olympics isn't a bad analogy except for the fact that Olympians might have more of an expectation that they will be there on the world stage. I don't think any of them would trade the opportunity no matter where they placed.

Thank you America for finally getting rid of Jacob!!!

Yes. Thanks Ross for not voting And especially not voting for Jacob.

And regarding weakness - I don't know if I think they're too weak for the business but maybe they're just not ready right now. Lauren needs some time to find out who she is, and she'll do that. But I don't know if she can do it this month.

James just needs to harness his emotions in the right way, and use them in his performance, and not let the performance derail in the process.

So I guess at this moment I'm thinking Haley and Scotty in the final as well.. but who knows someone might bust something magical out next week.

Although if Scotty holds that microphone sideways again - I just might reach into the tv to straighten it up for him.

 

[missaddicted]

It's funny. For the first time in two years, I actually feel nervous about next week's shows. Nervous for Haley of course! I got a horse in this race! And it's probably the horse with the lowest odds to win. So, yeah, I'm nervous, thinking "can she do it again?". Because I feel that if she's not the one to bust something magical next week, she's definitely the one in most danger.

*sigh* I like to have someone to really root for, but I didn't think Idol would make me feel nervous like that ever again!

ETA: I still think Scotty is running for this though, so my hopes of Haley winning are really low, LOL.

David singing an acoustic version of TLG for... Perez Hilton's website? Yes, yes, he did:

David Cook: Live & Exclusive! - PerezTV

I should just link to MJ's, she has all the videos at the same place. I still have to watch the other two videos!

David Cook – Acoustic Performances – “Last Goodbye” “Paper Heart” – Behind the Scenes | mjsbigblog

 

[SleepinIn]

It's funny. For the first time in two years, I actually feel nervous about next week's shows. Nervous for Haley of course! I got a horse in this race! And it's probably the horse with the lowest odds to win. So, yeah, I'm nervous, thinking "can she do it again?". Because I feel that if she's not the one to bust something magical next week, she's definitely the one in most danger.

Yeah, I kinda agree. She's got to keep bringing it or the tide will turn on her. I'm nervous too. God this show is ridiculous, I mean that whole episode yesterday was a giant commercial for a million products - But it's so darn fun.

ETA: I still think Scotty is running for this though, so my hopes of Haley winning are really low, LOL.

Well, we can't win em all. And Scotty has been really consistent.

David singing an acoustic version of TLG for... Perez Hilton's website? Yes, yes, he did

I didn't know Perez Hilton had a video site!!! Lots of exposure there. Awesome ! Sounds great too.

Kris is at the Mint Jubilee with some borrowed Band members.

yfrog Video : http://yfrog.com/7hlupz - Uploaded by Bigdaddysays

VIDEO!!! (upside down..tho)

yfrog Photo : http://yfrog.com/h7n2oxpj Shared by Bigdaddysays

Lockerz.com .:. tylersummers's Photos - Kris Allen covering some Garth Brooks.

 

[missaddicted]

Of course, what I meant about Scotty was that he is running WITH this and not FOR this. I should probably go to sleep!

Upside down video just killed my sleepy brain, LOL. What's that Friends in Low Places song?

ETA: Garth Brooks?

Who are the borrowed band members?

 

[SleepinIn]

It's a Garth Brooks song. Kris's first love. Lol

ETA: Garth Brooks?

YouTube - friends in low places

Yes. :| LOL - no matter what I say about Country music not being my thing, some songs are just good. That's a song you can't help but sing along to.

Who are the borrowed band members?

Seems to be band members who played with Jordan too, one of them was https://twitter.com/tylersummers

 

[ross 1]

Right side up video (44 seconds of it, anyhow):

YouTube - Kris Allen covering Garth Brooks' Friends In Low Places at Mint Jubilee 2011 - desktop.m4v

I have to give Kris credit for knowing his audience. Obviously a good song for dancing, and for the Southern atmosphere, the Derby. They don't call it Mint Jubilee for nothing. (And also, it's not just a young crowd - so you have to cater to them a bit. They seem to be enjoying it.)

I hope a video exists for "Superstition," that he sang with the songwriter lady - mom of Lady Antebellum singer? - and the girl from the Glee thing. (Please explain what I mean by that, SleepinIn. lol)

Oh hell yeah it's fun! I mean look at the people they're meeting and the things they're getting to do. Aside from the soul-crushing.. (lol) it must be awesome.

LOL!! That was hilarious. Yes, aside from the soul-crushing - awesome! In fact, all show business is awesome, aside from the soul-crushing. Kind of a bad side-effect of the whole thing.

Yes. Thanks Ross for not voting :wink: And especially not voting for Jacob.

LOL. My pleasure! It's amazing how little I've had to restrain myself from voting, this season. Actually I kind of forgot I can vote.

And regarding weakness - I don't know if I think they're too weak for the business but maybe they're just not ready right now. Lauren needs some time to find out who she is, and she'll do that. But I don't know if she can do it this month.

To me, she's one of the classic types for this business - the Britney type - MJ type - young, already a veteran, with a mom or dad pushing/supporting. These things rarely ever turn out well - lol - but until the drugs, multiple brief marriages, public meltdowns, suicide attempts, and early death kick in, it can be a lot of fun! My advice: learn a trade.

Anyhow, you're right. But to be honest I think it's sort of a fantasy we Idol fans have, that all these people we talk about as needing "another five years and they'll be fine", will actually be fine in another five years. Either they won't improve, or if they do, their big break will have passed them by. Unfortunately.

James just needs to harness his emotions in the right way, and use them in his performance, and not let the performance derail in the process.

Yup, very true. Look at Stefano - his voice tended to bug me but I think he had a lot of control of it. Any other season I think he would have improved, with good advice. But it seems Byrd & Orland (and Iovine) are useless, and the judges - oy. James is like Stefano, in that he needed good advice. Needed work on making his vocals and even emotions more precise. He's sloppy. But he could have improved on that by now. This is the real problem with the show for me this year. The show gives "greatness" a big showcase before we even see any greatness.

So I guess at this moment I'm thinking Haley and Scotty in the final as well.. but who knows someone might bust something magical out next week.

Well, we can't win em all. And Scotty has been really consistent.

Scotty has been too consisitent!! If he wins, it will be the most boring thing ever. Not because he's boring, but because the person expected to win all along, will win. Though he's also boring.

This has to be one of the youngest Top 4's ever, right?

I don't want to go on and on about it, but it kind of amazes me how quickly most of the audience has accepted mediocre as the new excellent. Nobody seems too disturbed that no one this season even comes close to approaching the musicality and creativity of the best perfomers of the past three seasons. Or even some of the not-quite-best. imho

YouTube - Kris Allen mint jubilee red carpet

 

[SleepinIn]

I hope a video exists for "Superstition," that he sang with the songwriter lady - mom of Lady Antebellum singer? - and the girl from the Glee thing. (Please explain what I mean by that, SleepinIn. lol)

Kris sang with this girl's Mom
YouTube - Kris Allen @ Wiltern Theatre - Hey Jude with Lady Antebellum

and a girl from the Glee experience.

yfrog Photo : http://yfrog.com/h2o8pxaj Shared by Bigdaddysays

Kind of a bad side-effect of the whole thing.

Yeah, otherwise it's great.

Anyhow, you're right. But to be honest I think it's sort of a fantasy we Idol fans have, that all these people we talk about as needing "another five years and they'll be fine", will actually be fine in another five years. Either they won't improve, or if they do, their big break will have passed them by. Unfortunately.

When I say fine, I don't necessarily mean that when she figures out who she is she'll be a megastar. More that when she does... she'll be better.

Scotty has been too consisitent!! If he wins, it will be the most boring thing ever. Not because he's boring, but because the person expected to win all along, will win. Though he's also boring.

See!! And this is why you have to vote for Haley ! (LOL!)

This has to be one of the youngest Top 4's ever, right?

I think so, they're all under 25. How old was Blake?

New.Music.Live. - 30 Seconds To Mars - May 5, '11 | Video | New.Music.Live.

30 Seconds to Mars talks about James singing their song on AI. Or basically just acknowledged that it happened. LOL Said it was a compliment if people want to sing your songs and good luck singing the notes he has a hard enough time singing them.

Long ass interview with Reel Big Fish (aka Kris's drummer Ryland's band)

The Towerlight Tigerfest: Reel Big Fish Interview

Tis' hilarious. But, yeah.. long.

 

[ross 1]

When I say fine, I don't necessarily mean that when she figures out who she is she'll be a megastar. More that when she does... she'll be better. :icon_smile:

I knew what you meant. But I was letting my mind wander, or something. I doubt Bieber knew who he was when he was discovered, maybe he still doesn't. I guess I'm saying there isn't that luxury. People have to grab opportunities, and learn later. I know this isn't what you were talking about, though. It's just something I think about.

I think so, they're all under 25. How old was Blake?

I don't know...probably under 25. Anyhow, Scotty the Body (wow, Seacrest, I hate that) is 17. Lauren is 16. James is 22. Haley is 20.

Last season they were on the older side - mid-twenties - and the season before, Danny and Adam were late 20's, Kris early 20's, and Allison 16.

 

[missaddicted]

Aww, poor Mickey!

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/IL...sney-pictures-pirates-20110507-195146-236.jpg

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/9K...sney-pictures-pirates-20110507-195146-189.jpg

 

[ross 1]

Awww! Don't mess with Mickey!!! Big bully. lol

I haven't seen any video surface of the Mint Jubilee ball, but I found these pics on twitter this morning and some of them are awesome. I don't know who took them but they give a much better idea of the show than previous pics, and there are better red carpet pictures, too.

Oh No They Didn't! - Kris Allen hits up the Kentucky Derby eve bashes, wears a bowtie

There are a lot more...

I think Kris's vest is really cool but I can't tell if it's silk or suede - or neither.

I think it's funny how Kris and Cook are dressed almost the same.

Tonight: Kris is at Spartanburg, South Carolina Spring Fling - with We The Kings.

My Derby Weekend of Debauchery: A tale of tassels, hot tottys, and tattles. [Kentucky Derby] | Louisville.com

This is a good online article about the Derby weekend of one guy - it's long - but fun - this section was about the event:

The Palace Theater is amazing, beautifully restored, and the entertainers (Kris Allen, Jordin Sparks to mention a couple) were amazing. Bob Costas was the emcee, and from the balcony I took some really nice pictures realizing this was about as close to him as I was ever (now) going to get to be.

The music was as amazing as the atmosphere. The show began with Bob Costas introducing Jordan Sparks (who sang the National Anthem at Churchill Downs) followed by some country singer who I thought was Faith Hill (the name is lost on me and so was her performance) and the finale was another American Idol star named Kris Allen who I had little expectations for, but put on a fantastic show and explained why he was the finale. I've never seen American Idol, but I gained a lot of respect for the artists on the show.

The guy is also a BNL fan and they were performing at another venue - and one of the guys in the band recognized him from his days follwoing the band as a kid (I guess). Interesting.

ETA: I see Pia has been added to the PBS National Memorial Day Concert Kris is performing at. Wonder how they managed to squeeze her into that?

 

[SleepinIn]

Aw, David why you beating up Mickey? Lol

I loved the shot of the crowd at the ball in all their fancy dress, phones in hand - pretty cool.