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November 2008
‘Idol’ ads hit the air
Happy Turkey Day!
As you flip channels this Thanksgiving, you’re bound to come across a commercial or two for Season 8 of “American Idol.” Fox rolled them out just this week.
If by some miracle you manage to miss ‘em — or if you just can’t wait — we’ve posted a couple for your viewing pleasure.
Enjoy.
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Dueling Davids: Cook sells more CDs than Archuleta
Maybe the voters were right.
In its first week in stores, Season 7 “American Idol” champ David Cook’s debut album sold 280,000 copies, according to figures from Billboard. That’s good enough for the No. 3 spot, behind Beyonce and Nickelback.
A CD from runner-up David Archuleta, which came out days earlier, only managed to sell 183,000 copies in its first week.
Not even close. Kinda like that 56 percent to 44 percent vote that gave David C. the “Idol” crown back in May.
Idol chatter …
- Ford and the rest of the Big 3 are in a bit of a cash crunch these days, but that’s not stopping execs from pouring more moolah into the “American Idol” franchise.
The automaker coughed up $78 million last year to sponsor the show — and it has signed on for the show’s eighth season, which begins this January. Since “Idol” began, Ford has spent $328.5 million on ads.
That’s a whole of F-150s.
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Idols fare well at AMAs
Jordin Sparks promptly jetted off to Los Angeles after her weekend performance at The Domain.
Sure, a leisurely weekend in Austin would have been nice, but it looks like she made a wise move.
In La La Land, the 18-year-old Season 6 “American Idol” champ snagged the trophy for favorite adult contemporary music artist at Sunday’s American Music Awards ceremony.
Two other alums also took home some hardware. Daughtry, the band fronted by Season 5’s Chris Daughtry, was named favorite pop/rock music band, duo or group award. And Carrie Underwood won best country album.
Season 7’s dueling Davids — David Archuleta, who presented an award, and David Cook — were on hand, as well.
AMA winners are determined by folks like you via online voting. Click here to see our photos from the red carpet, and here to see shots of winners and performers.
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Jordin Sparks kicks off the holidays at Austin’s Domain
Jordin Sparks.
In Austin.
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Thousands of Central Texans turned out tonight to watch the Season 6 “American Idol” champ ring in the holidays at The Domain, jamming the North Austin shopping center and prompting Austin police to issue a warning alerting drivers to major traffic delays in the area.
The headaches were well worth it, though.
Jordin, looking lovely in a black, red and white ensemble, took the stage after performances by Austin’s own Dan Dyer and a pair of local choirs. The bubbly 18-year-old treated the screaming masses to five songs: current hit “One Step at a Time,” a trio of Christmas tunes and “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown. Since Chris was nowhere to be found — drats! — Jordin relied on the audience to sing many of his lines.
After delivering the obligatory thank-yous and holiday wishes, Jordin then stepped aside for the real star of the show: the Macy’s Great Tree, which will be illuminated each night all season long, and an amazing fireworks display that put the annual July 4 extravaganza at Auditorium Shores to shame.
Happy holidays, y’all!
Photo courtesy of B Keith Ingram
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Record label dumps Phil Stacey
Phil Stacey is the latest “American Idol” alum to lose his record deal.
Why? His debut album sold sold a paltry 36,000 copies, according to figures from Nielsen. Two of his songs managed to snag airtime on country radio stations around the nation, but that wasn’t enough to boost either into the all-important Top 25.
A ex-Navy stud, Phil appeared on Season 6 of “Idol,” making it to the top six. He joins a long, long list of alums who’ve been shown the door in recent months by record labels, including Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard.
Idol chatter …
- Chris Daughtry can sing and act.
He appeared on last night’s “CSI: New York,” playing a man named Mac Taylor hoping to avoid a serial killer … targeting men named Mac Taylor. Didn’t see that one coming, did you?
Actually, it sounds kinda hokey if you ask us. But you didn’t. So just hush up and watch the YouTube video below to get a taste of what you missed.
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In stores today: David Cook’s new album
Since we rounded up reviews for David Archuleta’s new album, it’s only fair we do the same for David Cook, whose self-titled CD hits stores today.
So, here we go …
Baltimore Sun: “David Cook, the grand champion of ‘Idol’s’ ho-hum seventh season, loves the soaring alt-rock of the 1990s. His self-titled debut, in stores today, could have come out in 1996. Cook belts booming anthems of undying love and bruised feelings that crawl then surge then crawl again before fading out on a sustained note. The production throughout is glossy and bombastic, the lyrics sometimes sappy. The album is hopelessly predictable.”
Billboard: “Much like his predecessors’ quick-turnaround debuts, Cook’s is fairly generic, but its rock edge is dirtied up with crunching guitars and the artist’s tuneful growl. There are a host of big, anthemic choruses that highlight the power of Cook’s voice, namely the soaring ‘Declaration’ and Chris Cornell/Brian Howes-penned ‘Light On.’
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “The Houston-born David Cook, who this year beat out cherubic moppet David Archuleta to win the show’s seventh season, stands to have the best chance at breaking out of Idol’s pop ghetto, aided by a willingness to embrace the sort of white-bread rock music that inexplicably soothes the souls of the modern masses.”
Huntington W.Va., Herald-Dispatch: “ ‘David Cook’ tries really hard to strike the balance between rock and radio-friendly and for the most part it does with both solid rock songs and solid radio singles. But if you’re looking for catchy pop, you’re not going to get it here …”
Long Island Newsday: “Like most ‘American Idol’ champ debuts, ‘David Cook’ (19/RCA) won’t go down as the rocker’s best album. It’s uneven, sort of rushed and slightly schizophrenic, held together mainly by his charming growl and producer Rob Cavallo’s rockish gloss.”
USA Today: “David Cook was one of ‘American Idol’s’ most appealing contestants in years, thanks to an unassuming, witty personality and a penchant for novel arrangements (some borrowed) of familiar songs. He was also Idol’s most convincing rocker since Chris Daughtry, whose 4-million-selling shadow looms large — too large — over Cook’s first major-label album.”
Stop by later today and let us know you think, oh wise one. We’ll be here, as always …
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Jordin Sparks speaks!
Jordin Sparks is rarely home for the holidays.
Not by choice, mind you.
The daughter of a former NFL player, her family was often on the road when Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s rolled around.
“Our lives have been kind of unconventional,” she said via phone from her Phoenix home, just hours after having all her wisdom teeth yanked.
And, now, after winning Season 6 of “American Idol,” the 18-year-old is busy crisscrossing the country, singing at venues big and small and promoting her self-titled album, which hit stores a year ago this week.
One of those stops: Austin. She’ll be in town Saturday to perform at this year’s tree-lighting ceremony at The Domain in North Austin.
Jordin is “pretty sure” she’s been here before — her family lived in Plano when dad Phillippi played for the Dallas Cowboys — but the singer isn’t altogether certain of that. She has heard lots of good things though.
“I’ve heard it’s huge,” she said. “I’ve heard everybody’s very, very sweet and all the guys are gentlemen. So I’m excited to go.”
Those throat problems from earlier this year? They’re long gone, thankyouverymuch. So expect the full Jordin Sparks experience.
“Everything’s good. Everything’s A-OK. It was definitely very, very scary, but I got over it. I stayed in my room for about three weeks straight not talking to anybody. Used the computer — that’s basically how I communicated. It was crazy.”
In fact, Jordin is set to rejoin Alicia Keys’ tour next month. (She’ll take time out to be a bridesmaid in “Idol” pal Gina Glocksen’s wedding on Dec. 31.) After that, she’s due to start work on a second album.
“Right now, we’re getting new songs pitched to us. We don’t have anything in mind yet, but we’re working on it.”
With musical tastes all over the map — Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, Kanye West and T.I., Nat King Cole and Patsy Cline — the possibilities are endless.
“I don’t really know what kind of sound I want for my album, or how many songs, or what kind of look I’m going to do. I’m so confused. I don’t know.”
One thing she does know: the importance of her many supportive fans. And she’s thankful. Very thankful.
“I just want to say thank you to the people who voted for me on the show. And thank you for requesting my songs on the radio and sticking with me. And I hope when I put out my new album that it will be just as good — or even better — than my first one. Just stick with me because I’m definitely trying.”
Click here to hear our interview in its entirety.
The Domain Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree presented by Cadillac
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: North entrance to Macy’s at The Domain, 11701 N. MoPac Expressway
Performers: Jordin Sparks, Dan Dyer, Christian Life Church choir
Cost: Free
More information: 795-4230
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Gap sticking with Jennifer Hudson for holiday ad campaign
After much consulting with Jennifer Hudson, Gap has decided to stick with its holiday campaign featuring the “American Idol” alum.
Shot this summer, the ads — showing a smiling Jennifer in a red sweater — hit billboards, magazines and TV airwaves just weeks after three members of the singer’s family were murdered. A suspect is in custody, but charges have yet to be filed.
“She said she wanted to be a part of it and that we should move forward,” a Gap spokesperson told E! News.
Others famous faces featured in this year’s ads include Ashanti, Jason Bateman, Milla Jovovich, Mila Kunis, Mary-Louise Parker and Rainn Wilson.
Jennifer and her family, meanwhile, are reportedly holed up at Donald Trump’s posh Chicago hotel, according to MSNBC.
“They are safe,” The Donald said. “She’s a great girl and we’re protecting them well.”
“She is still in shock,” added an unnamed source. “She hasn’t gone out much at all and has a lot of security around her.”
Image courtesy of Gap Inc.
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Another award for Carrie Underwood
She’s done it again, ladies and gents.
“American Idol” sweetheart Carrie Underwood snagged Female Vocalist of the Year honors for the third consecutive year at tonight’s CMA Awards.
Carrie also served as co-host for the ceremony, sharing duties with Brad Paisley.
“I got here in an unconventional way,” she told the crowd, “and you guys didn’t have to accept me at all.”
One of the night’s most moving moments came when Carrie sang “Just a Dream,” a song about losing a loved one in war. The No. 1 hit — introduced by Leslie Ponder, whose husband was killed in Afghanistan — brought Carrie’s mother to tears. (Countless viewers, too.)
“It’s real hard to sing when you’re in the second row crying,” the singer told her oh-so-proud momma.
Congrats, yet again, Carrie. We love ya. But you already knew that …
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Fan kills herself in front of Paula Abdul’s home
A woman police say was infatuated with Paula Abdul was found dead Tuesday night in a car parked in front of a Los Angeles home owned by the “American Idol” judge.
The unnamed fan apparently took her life by overdosing on drugs, according to “The Insider.” An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. (Update: People reports the car is registered to former “Idol” contestant Paula Goodspeed, shown in the video below.)
Paula wasn’t home when officers made the discovery, but a rep said she has had previous run-ins with the woman.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by what transpired yesterday,” Paula said in a statement. “My heart and prayers go out to her family.”
Idol chatter …
- This year’s “Idol Gives Back” extravaganza brought in a jaw-dropping $64 million for charities around the globe.
The Associated Press reports recipients are:
The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria;
Malaria No More;
Children’s Health Fund;
U.S. programs of Save the Children;
Children’s Defense Fund; and
Make It Right, Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.
That cash means a lot of good for a lot of folks. But don’t count on another “Idol Gives Back” blowout this year.
“I would like to take a break, personally,” showrunner Cecile Frot-Coutaz said. “In the U.K., they do ‘Comic Relief’ every two years. I think that’s the right amount of time. I don’t think you should go back to the country and ask them to donate every single year. I think it’s too much. Every two years to me feels right.”
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Jennifer Hudson update: Suspect will stay behind bars
The prime suspect in the slayings of three members of Jennifer Hudson’s family will remain in jail following a parole hearing this morning.
William Balfour, the estranged husband of the singer’s sister, was taken into custody late last month but has yet to be charged in connection with the murders. Illinois parole officials opted to keep the ex-con — he served seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle — behind bars based largely on testimony from his girlfriend, who claimed she saw him with a gun that resembled the weapon used to kill Jennifer’s mom, brother and nephew.
Another parole hearing has been set for Dec. 3.
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Reviews out on David Archuleta’s new CD
Tuesday’s the big day.
David Archuleta’s self-titled debut CD hits stores then, but the reviews are already starting to trickle in. As you might expect, they’re very middle-of-the-road … not great, but not terrible, either. Just like David.
A sampling:
Daily Californian: “David Archuleta” is going to top the charts and not only because of the masterful way it appeals to young girls. Archuleta is an extremely talented singer with a voice that defies his age, height and personality. From album-opening single “Crush” to the several ballads for which he is revered, every song shows off Archuleta’s flawless clarity and diction.
Entertainment Weekly: On “American Idol’s” seventh season, David Archuleta had some personality — something you’ll struggle to remember while taking in this bland, amnesia-inducing collection. Problems arise immediately with the single, ”Crush,” which declares youthful longings yet has him sounding several passionless decades past the point of teenage heat.
Huntington, W.Va., Herald-Dispatch: So if I had to sum up David Archuleta’s CD in one word it would be … catchy. Just as they did with Jordin Sparks, the people at Jive have produced a CD full of catchy pop numbers that are destined to be radio hits.
Sacramento Bee: Singing wistful, introspective ballads, Archuleta seems comfortable in his skin — which is to say that the songs here, both musically and lyrically, are just like Archuleta: sweet, engaging and lacking any bite.
The New York Times: The music, made by many producers and songwriters, averages out different forms of radio-format blandness, with tinges of Coldplay and Shania Twain, and a few dollops of good writing: “Don’t Let Go,” co-written and co-produced by the former ’N Sync singer J C Chasez; and “Crush.” But the persona remains intact, ready for more. “Show me that good things come to those who wait,” Mr. Archuleta sings at the end of “You Can.” He sounds as lost as ever, yet this is a mark of absolute assurance.
Salt Lake Tribune: Archuleta’s rich tone, warm timbre and seeming inability to sing in the wrong pitch are created, of course, by endless takes in the recording studio. The harshest criticism for Archuleta during his weekly televised crucible was that while his voice was perfect, his youth and lack of life lessons made him unable to connect emotionally to what he was singing. While that is still his biggest challenge, he sounds invested in many of these tunes.
Judging by sales figures for “Crush,” Archie’s first single, this album’s likely to soar to the top of the charts — regardless of what critics think. More than 800,000 folks have downloaded the tune so far — four times as many downloads as David Cook’s “Light On,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
But what do you think? Log on and let us know once you get your hot little hands on a copy of “David Archuleta.” We’ll be here, waiting …
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‘Idol’ returns Jan. 13
Mark your calendars for Jan. 13 and 14.
That’s when “American Idol” returns to Fox for its eighth season, with two-hour episodes planned both nights.
It’s also the first time we’ll get a glimpse of new judge Kara DioGuardi in action.
To make room for “Idol,” “House” will shift to Monday nights at 7 effective Jan. 19.
Also moving:
“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 15;
“Hole in the Wall,” 6 p.m. Sundays starting Jan. 18; and
“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” 7 p.m. Fridays starting Feb. 13.
Two new shows are also on tap:
“Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Wednesdays starting Jan. 21; and
“Dollhouse” 8 p.m. Fridays starting Feb. 13.
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Splitsville for Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell and longtime gal pal Terri Seymour have called it quits.
A difference of opinion on kiddos — she wanted them; he didn’t — apparently put an end to the relationship, which lasted six years.
“Terri phoned Simon and finished it in September, about six weeks ago,” Mr. Mean’s rep told People magazine. “They are going to remain close friends. Simon thinks the world of Terri and that isn’t going to change. He also understands her reason for ending it.”
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Jennifer Hudson update: Services held for 3 slain family members
Services for the singer’s mom, Darnell Donerson; brother, Jason Hudson; and nephew, Julian King were held at Chicago’s Apostolic Church of God, drawing more than 2,500 mourners.
From the Chicago Tribune:
Hudson went first to Julian, 7, who was dressed in white to match his casket.
She then moved to her mother, the matriarch who encouraged her to try out for “American Idol” and wouldn’t leave her Englewood home despite her younger daughter’s fame. The actress lingered at her mother’s light pink casket and gently touched Donerson before leaning down to kiss her goodbye.
Hudson paused at her brother’s blue casket before returning to her seat, where she joined her fiance, reality-TV star David “Punk” Otunga, and her sister, Julia. Hudson’s composure amid the heartbreaking goodbye became the day’s defining moment for many mourners.
“Jennifer is the pillar,” family friend Glover Lewis said as he left the Woodlawn church. “It’s obvious she’s holding the family together.”
Only invited guests — no members of the media — were admitted to the church. Celebrity attendees included “Idol” alum Fantasia Barrino, music mogul Clive Davis, Missy Elliot, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Queen Latifah and Oprah Winfrey.
More from the Tribune:
The emotional crescendo, however, came halfway through the service when Barrino, who beat Hudson for the 2004 “American Idol” title, sang the classic gospel song “Your Grace and Mercy,” mourners said. After losing to Barrino on “Idol,” Hudson beat her out for the coveted role of Effie White in “Dreamgirls” and went on to win an Academy Award.
Calling the Hudsons “my family,” Barrino walked off the stage and into the aisle, where she took Hudson’s hand and sang directly to her.
“I think it healed Jennifer’s soul just then,” said family friend Lisa Allison.
Another Idol finalist, George Huff, followed Barrino.
No one has been charged as of yet in connection with the murders. Suspect William Balfour, estranged husband of Jennifer’s sister, is being held for violating terms of his parole, and police are looking for another, unnamed “person of interest.”
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Carrie Underwood in Austin, David Cook on ‘SNL’
The lovely and talented Carrie Underwood spent Halloween at UT’s Erwin Center, one of Austin’s favorite haunts.
While she wasn’t wearing a costume, many in the crowd were. Our Liz Defee spotted Elvis and Priscilla Presley, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe and, of course, a few dozen Tony Romos. (Get with the times, folks … that relationship’s history!)
Carrie was “tirelessly energetic,” according to our observer, breezing through 19 straight songs. Heck, there was even a confetti-filled encore.
Next up for our gal: the cover of Elle magazine.
Idol chatter …
Season 7 “American Idol” champ was also busy this weekend.
He was the musical guest on an all-new “Saturday Night Live” hosted by Ben Affleck.
Fans were treated to “Light On” and “Declaration.” Both are from Dave’s new album.
Missed “SNL”? Check out the YouTube clips below to see both performances, plus a funny promo for the show.
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Battle erupts over Josiah Leming’s CD
Remember Josiah Leming?
Sure you do. He’s the homeless kiddo from Tennessee who came this-close to making the Top 24 last season on “American Idol.”
Well, Josiah beat the odds and managed to get a record deal anyway. His album’s due out early next year. That’s the good news.
Now the bad news: the folks at “Idol” are peeved and just might file suit to scuttle the project.
It seems Josiah didn’t follow terms of the show’s contract, which requires contestants to sign with preferred label Sony/BMG. His deal is with a division of Warner Bros.
Oopsie.
Work continues on the album for the time being, but there’s a very real chance we may never get to hear it anywhere other than on his MySpace page.
“He has personal reasons for getting his music out, threat or not,” an unnamed rep told the New York Post.
For starters, his mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“Nothing is going to stop him from getting his music out while she is alive to share it,” added the rep.
The fact that Leming recently said some not-so-nice things about “Idol” certainly doesn’t help matters.
“The real story is that the producers didn’t like me,” he told the Los Angeles Times. ” ‘Cause I wanted to do my own songs, and I wanted to have complete control.
“The producers pretty much control everything. You know, it’s all kind of rigged, and hands are coming in from places you don’t see. You just see the hand. It’s a dirty hand. And you don’t want to eat the food that that hand touches.”
Not very smart, guy.
