Canadian Idol Fans Watching American Idol

[ross 1]

Sorry for the rant - it''s a slow news day, I guess.

I don't know why we expect overnight success for any of these folk. Even Kelly and Carrie had to work at it... and hey they've been doing it for years now, no wonder they're more successful. Is this a hard concept to follow?

Show/music biz is totally unpredictable. It's not law school. It's breaks, luck, connections, work, experience - plus a lot of other weird variables. I don't know where Carrie will be in ten years - maybe in rehab, her life and career in shreds. lol. I hope not.

Are you old enough to remember how John Travolta had years of career doldrums, before getting a second chance? And some people don't even get lucky enough to have doldrums. lol (Back when he was on Welcome Back Kotter, he and his sister were in a summer stock production on the Cape. The Boston Globe reviewer ended his review, "Travolta is revolta." Guess people disagreed.)

And yes, I'm excited about the two songs Kris has sent out into the world to fend for themselves. :icon_smile: :icon_smile:

A frequent poster on a certain site thinks Adam's future is as a singer-songwriter-performer, and Kris's is only as a songwriter. What can I say? Seems he's still singing, performing - and songwriting. People usually seem not to hate any of it. Not going away soon. Speaking of which, I notice The Ready Set will also be at the Spartanburg festival with Kris. As well as a good band from Florida I can't remember (the name of) right now.. I'll try. Also, the Kentucky Derby news is interesting. Kris is wild. Not everyone can play The Viper Room and also one of the big, dressy parties at the Derby. And sing the NA with schoolchildren.

 

[missaddicted]

Very interesting interview with David from AINow (it's audio, but they summarized it on their site):

Exclusive Interview With David Cook

He wrote about 80 songs for the record, then narrowed it down to a final 11 or 12.

No wonder it took two years to record this album!!!

 

[ross 1]

That was a good interview. I don't know if everyone writes that large a number of songs. I know Kalan Porter wrote something like 80 songs for his last album, as well. I'm curious what other people do.

Did you guys see this PopWrap thing about the lack of originality or moments this season?

'Britain's Got Talent' - Edward Reid, Nursery Rhymes Audition - PopWrap

Well - thinking about this season's contestants, I would have to say that Naima had creativity. But she didn't have a moment. Even if you don't necessarily create a moment, though, the creativity should work.

This is a post I just read *somewhere*.

I don’t miss “moments”. For me, strong performances are enough. This season Haley, Lauren and Scotty all gave several good performances. I don’t need to see any special “originality”. It’s American Idol, karaoke show. It’s really not that deep. What we need are strong performances. I don’t need to see big rearrangements, versions close to the original will do fine.

I don't think big rearrangements are the point, do you? What's the thing we don't hear a lot about, this season? Artistry. I think artistry creates moments more than any other thing.

I don't know what constitutes a "strong performance," but it doesn't sound very exciting or extraordinary. Supposedly the kids want to be stars - or at least professionals - they aren't gonna get a lot of followers in the real world by giving strong karaoke performances. If you go to a concert you want more than strong perfpormances and hopefully you feel wowed, thrilled, enthralled, wiped out, or all of the above.

Info on Kris's (and Jordin's) Kentucky Derby appearance. "Cute crooner" - don't you just hate it?? BTW, Jordin beat fan favorite Blake Lewis, but we don't have to read about it all the time.

American Idol winners Kris Allen, Jordin Sparks, actress Jennifer Tilly to attend 2011 Kentucky Derby Mint Jubilee | Today News Trends

ETA: This M. Morrison song has proven to be good publcity for Kris.

95.5 PLJ - New York Radio - Today's Best Music

And CapsuleNeo, it finally looks as if Adam is going to play Moscow.

And the Idol news:

Idol Round-Up - Show and Alumni News - American Idol

 

[missaddicted]

That was a good interview. I don't know if everyone writes that large a number of songs. I know Kalan Porter wrote something like 80 songs for his last album, as well. I'm curious what other people do.

I guess it depends on the artist, but I've often read artists saying they had like 20-25 songs they had to cut down to 10 or 12 for an album. I've also read that some wrote up to 40 songs, but I've rarely seen someone say 80 songs for one album!!

I agree about the lack of "moments" this season. It was a bit like that last season as well, no? Strong performances are fine, but I agree that it's not very exciting.

 

[ross 1]

Yup, I was thinking the same thing. Kind of weird. It's always somewhat subjective, but I think there are times when most people argree on a contestant having a moment. And the media talks about it, writes about it, etc. That really hasn't happened. All last season, and now this season. I guess it's why I'm not interested in anyone very much.

Some people thought Falling Slowly (duet), last season, was a moment, though. Like some duets this season. (But not on performance nights). But what about individual performances?

I guess it depends on the artist, but I've often read artists saying they had like 20-25 songs they had to cut down to 10 or 12 for an album. I've also read that some wrote up to 40 songs, but I've rarely seen someone say 80 songs for one album!!

Oh, yeah - I know! I just mentioned Kalan because the number rang a bell - and I remembered he said he wrote 80 songs. And he posted a picture of all these piles of notebooks. Seems crazy, doesn't it?

I wonder what happens to those other songs David wrote? I guess only he and a few other people will ever know what they sound like.

 

[SleepinIn]

I listened to Lights do an interview on ustream once and she talked about getting her manager, and he basically made her write a song a day and submit them to him (she was a teenager at the time) until he finally agreed to be her manager. I think the number of songs they write can really vary. I'd think that most artists have songs that will never see the light of day simply because for some reason or other they get stuck on the song and it just doesn't get finished. Then after they have finished songs they need to have enough that they are picking and choosing from material to make a cohesive album. Not every song works on every album.

Hedley for another example have that damn Red Piano song that they've never released.. that I really want. But it's probably never fit on their album, due to the band, producers, and label having to agree on the material and direction of the album. I think there are so many factors.

Moments.. My only real moment this season was Haley's Moanin'. Maybe Blackbird with Paul and Kendra..I floved those. But yeah, Individual performances haven't really had that spark to them yet for me.

Matt Morrison talks about the song Kris wrote for him Still Got Tonight. (for the sound impaired..he basically he says it's one of his favourites and he can't wait to sing it on tour, he also mentions that one of the reasons he loves it is because while he comes from Broadway - he says it BROAD-waaaay - lol) he wants to rock out to this song.. (such a rock song, lol)

Also .. Kris and Matt are now BFF's.. He brought Matt Morrison to Jim's chat.. lol - Kris rules.
Matthew Morrison : Latest Videos

 

[ross 1]

I've said before (and still think about it) - Kris should spend at least some of his time in LA. He seems to have a much higher media profile when he's there, is more connected to the industry, and more people. Today, for ex. If he wasn't in LA, he couldn't have dropped by the set, and gotten Matt to be in that interview. I understand why he wants to live in Arkansas and I totally don't blame him, but I hope he thinks about the value of spending time where the industry he works in is located. Just a thought...

 

[missaddicted]

Hee! I still have to listen to Still Got Tonight. I grabbed a link earlier today, will try to listen to tonight... if I manage to get through the hockey game, the 90-minutes Glee episode and the premiere of The Voice. (Will you guys watch The Voice? I have a feeling that SleepinIn will! I'll at least watch the premiere.)

Just managed to watch David perform on Ellen (before the hockey game started!) and he sounded great, better than on Idol.

 

[ross 1]

No, probably won't watch The Voice. I'm not that into reality TV - just watch this one little Idol thing. But I might...

 

[SleepinIn]

I am going to watch the Voice I actually wasn't going - soooo many music show- but Lukas Rossi is on at least one episode, so I'm tuning in to see him...plus ADAM LEVINE We'll see if I stick with it. kinda dislike Christina tho...

LA does bring so many more opportunities in the entertainment biz, so yes I'm glad Kris has spent so much time there lately. He loves his community and family in Arkansas tho. plus it's nice to have a place to recharge your batteries.

 

[ross 1]

LA does bring so many more opportunities in the entertainment biz, so yes I'm glad Kris has spent so much time there lately. He loves his community and family in Arkansas tho. plus it's nice to have a place to recharge your batteries.

Hm, very judicious answer, SleepinIn, but I'm not sure if you're agreeing with me or disagreeing! Or none of the above.

I guess I just think that logically you need to go where the work and media attention is. Kris could probably be doing better in this business - and I don't get how someone can be aggressively seeking a career in music, while living in Conway, Arkansas. I just think he seems to get more opportunities when he's in LA. If he wants to recharge his batteries he can always go home for a vacation, right? But what do I know? It's not up to me.

 

[SleepinIn]

I'm doing both. . I agree for business Kris is better served by being in LA more, but for him personally as a well balanced human I think he needs Arkansas right now. I watched a lot of artist interviews from Coachella and they asked the bands the same question...could you live without music? Most bands said no, but Arcade Fire being really literal said that yes, they could, they wouldn't be as happy but yes they could survive.

I think there are sacrifices you make when you aggressively pursue something. I don't think Kris is willing to sacrifice his family in pursuit of his music, they're both important to him. so yes, I do think his career would be going along stronger if he was in LA fulltime but he'd be sacrificing something he might not be willing to do right now.

Who knows they may end up with homes in both places, because I think Kris WILL be spending a lot of time there regardless.

 

[missaddicted]

Okay, I'm finally listening to Still Got Tonight. Honestly? I'm glad that Matt has this song and not Kris. I don't like it, it's cheesy as hell.

Didn't have time to watch The Voice. I wanted to have time to watch Idoloonies (which I still have to do). I've read good comments though and it's still on my DVR, so I'll probably watch eventually!

 

[missaddicted]

Awwwww...

OK all you @KrisAllen fans you have been waiting here it is m... on Twitpic

 

[ross 1]

Thanks! That's a great picture of Kris - and his "son." Zorro makes me laugh. He's so indifferent. lol

I had a link to the video of the photo shoot - but I lost it. Still looking...

Here:

YouTube - Kris Allen final high res2.mpg

A bit of Kris-Matt:

Exclusive: Kris Allen And Matthew Morrison Talk 'Still Got Tonight' Collabo - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV

Part of a post from MJ's about Cook:

David has the best lips I’ve seen on a man anywhere. IMHO. I think the beard could go and it would highlight the lips. Or does he have a weak chin? Honestly can’t remember. Anyway, very nice lips. And his eyes are unique also. Almost oriental in a way. Interesting.

Am I going to be reading a lot of sh*t like this about Cook, now? First, Adam, now this? Gawd. Tards , please lust in private. lol

Re Kris living in LA vs...not living in LA:

I don't care where he lives, it's none of my business, I guess - but he needs to spend way more time in LA., however he ends up deciding to do that.The difference in the amount of buzz is unbelievable. But Kris's buzz usually has a frustrating, start-stop-start-stop feel. He gets some, then he doesn't hang around long enough for it to build.

I think there are sacrifices you make when you aggressively pursue something. I don't think Kris is willing to sacrifice his family in pursuit of his music, they're both important to him. so yes, I do think his career would be going along stronger if he was in LA fulltime but he'd be sacrificing something he might not be willing to do right now.

Success is more important than anything! Even if it makes you miserable! Everybody knows that!! You're obviously not American.

Seriously, I don't think persuing a music career full speed is going to cause him to sacrifice his family. He's a married man - for three years. Does he really need to live near his parents? If he makes enough money, he can fly them and all his friends to LA every month. I'm being kinda flippant, but I'm also serious.

You can rarely go both ways at once, you have to sh*t or get off the pot. If he had to go in the Army, he'd have to leave his family behind for a few years. They'd survive and so would he. Same thing with this. He has to do what he has to do. I don't think it's such a sacrifice - he's not really giving up anything, he still has his family.

Meantime - I see your point and I'm sure you see mine, and Kris is gonna do whatever he wants.

I do totally understand what you're saying. Plus I think a lot of artists seem to go through this adjustment phase - trying to have what they used to have, and also what they have now. But, you know, I think they need to make that choice, I really do - and they usually reaalize it, too. It's hard.

MILEY CYRUS again. You know this means they'll probably have Adam back to mentor again before long. Remember you heard it here first.

What happened to Bruce Springsteen - I thought I heard he stopped by?

I'm typing with my back to the TV and Lauren sounds pretty good. But she's not a great singer or a musical genius or anything. It's clear the show wants to find them another Miley! One is enough - that's what they don't get.

What did Lauren "go for" that showed she was out to win it all? Or whatever Randy said. That was a very bland, regular, nothing performance. I'm not drinking any of this. Sorry.

Hey, Randy - - "turn the other cheek" doesn't really mean what you seem to think it means.

This is a pretty good show tonight. Even though this season has a lot of sauce, but very little meat, to me. I don't know if that makes any sense.

 

[SleepinIn]

That's an awesome picture of Kris and Zorro.. and it's in the William and Kate get married issue.. lol.. yay. and the VIDEO.. I ADORE it. little tiny Zorroo.. I want to squeeze him.

Success is more important than anything! Even if it makes you miserable! Everybody knows that!! You're obviously not American.

HA! This made me LOL I wonder if that's part of my attitude about it..? Canadians are typically laid back in general as a country (unless there is hockey involved)-- and I'm pretty laid back myself I have to say -- and Kris is pretty laid back -- so yeah Probably true. Maybe Kris is secretly Canadian and wants to be happy?

This week on Idol.. dun, dun, dun..

Baby face is working with them, as the non-mentor this week. *sigh* :roll:

Duets.....omg...I'm having a gokeyflashback :saveme:

Jacob - Jimmy - no we don't want riffs...we really don't. No no no. Jimmy I have hate in my heart for your suggestions.

Also no. Okay it wasn't horrible... I just didn't like it.

Lauren

Miley ...aw bonding moment..

Started shaky I think this song is a bit old for her. The boy on stage was cute with Lauren.. he had hearts in his eyes. They were cute at the end. She finished strong.


Haley and Casey ...so no change ups I guess? I really wish they would change up the duet partners. I know Scotty and Lauren and good together and Haley and Casey are good together.. but.. Jacob and James.. are being left out in the cold. I'd like to see them all with other partners.

Chemistry...lol. They have it. Don't like it as much as I did moanin'... Really good, solid performance but doesn't hit the heights of their previous one.

Reallly pretty last note.


Weird beard.... Lmao.. (so Steven is never going to judge right..?)

Scotty

Scotty always sounds like Scotty. Love him or hate him, but he put some emotion into it. I liked it.


James

Really nice. very, well done. Made some changes. Little shouty in places but overall really good.

BUT I feel that nothing seems current tonight.

Lauren and Scotty. Up on The roof

Beautiful tbh I like them better together I can't wait to check back in on these country kids in 10 years. I could see them doing an Idol reunion show or something.

Lauren likes to torment SCotty. Lol I kinda love her for that.

Casey -

Casey...thriving on the edge of creativity..good job...but boring me honestly.

Haley -

Steven saw god, and I was...
Bored...


James/Jacob...still bored....

Ugh this episode..

This is a pretty good show tonight. Even though this season has a lot of sauce, but very little meat, to me. I don't know if that makes any sense.

LOL you liked it.. I'm ready to bang my head against the wall.. what is this world coming to? I agree though they were all at the very least good. I just want.. great.

So I like James the most tonight -- liked Casey and Haley's duet, and Lauren and Scotty's duet.

Going home... dare I say... Jacob? (or will that jinx it?)

 

[ross 1]

LOL you liked it.. I'm ready to bang my head against the wall.. what is this world coming to? I agree though they were all at the very least good. I just want.. great.

Eh, I said it was "pretty good." My like - not love - for it was mild. Carole King is a good songwriter, so that was a plus. I'm not ready to bang my head against the wall because I never thought any of these people were great. So I guess I don't expect anything from them. I'm kind of in acceptance mode.

I can't believe they put the same people together again for duets. One of the things wrong with this season is they're playing everything safe. Something worked once? Do it twelve more times. So boring.

 

[SleepinIn]

I can't believe they put the same people together again for duets. One of the things wrong with this season is they're playing everything safe. Something worked once? Do it twelve more times. So boring.

YES!!! They're playing so safe, I actually want to see what mixing up the duet partners would do. If they're going to do them, might as well go all the way.

 

[ross 1]

Yeah, I don't think they care about entertaining us. They just don't want to make any false moves. They're so busy "saving" the show but they aren't saving the show for ME, anyhow.

Some of my observations...

I liked" James, though his voice is not *all that* - I like him. Not that I'm going to want to listen to him for the rest of my life. Or stay up listening to cell phone broadcasts of him on the tour, in Ohio, or somewhere. The minute he's done, I'm done - I forget all about it.

Scotty is a pretty good singer - I think he brought some real emotion to his singing tonight. But why the audience goes so NUTS for him, I honestly don't know. This show is so weird this year. SO weird.

I actually kinda liked James and Jacob, until they did the cheesy thing with JLo. James had the jacket with the piping - suggesting he is the next American Idol, if Kris and Lee's clothing choices are any indication. The IDOL JACKET was WORN by JAMES. Take note.

Haley...I was willing to give her a listen tonight because you guys like her a lot. Well - I think this wasn't her night. I think she has talent. I don't think she's great. She's very good. Not sure I care.

James was kinda good if only he didn't have to sing.

(He has a big voice, it's always kind of amazing when people have that. But - singing style. So OTT. I guess I have a certain gene that makes me ignore that kind of singing, or something. I just want it to stop. Much as I admit it's a gift.)

Looks like we're going to have a "controversial" Gaga performance next week.

 

[SleepinIn]

Looks like we're going to have a "controversial" Gaga performance next week.

Bruno Mars and Crystal ftw. I'm done with controversial to be honest. Lady Gaga has talent but it's getting lost in the show. When you keep trying to top yourself where do you go next?