Mandisa Relies on Her Own Strength

Season 5 finalist Mandisa recently did a QNA with BlogCritics Magazine . The singer is the author of "IDOLeyes" and her debut album, "True Beauty," drops July 31. She currently has a single, "Only the World," out. Here is what she had to say:

What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is to have a life on purpose, to make a difference. I’d like to be an example to those living with no reason.

What do you want the world to know most about you?

I serve a God who has saved me, redeemed me, and given my life purpose. I want to show people the joy that comes from living a life serving Jesus.

Your book, "IDOLeyes," and your upcoming album, "True Beauty," both send the world two messages. The first is that your struggle with weight has been the biggest struggle of your life. And the second — your faith as a Christian has taken you out of a comfort zone and put you into the ring of light. In what way do you wish to impact the world of overweight women?

My message is twofold: Our bodies are temples, and we have to take care of them. This is a day to day struggle for me, and I overcome it meal by meal. It took me 30 years to get to this point. My weight will not disappear overnight. Whenever I face temptation, and overcome it, this allows me to overcome further temptation.

Second, we will not allow society to dictate who is beautiful. My beauty comes from within, and I will not put my life on hold until I’m a size 5. I live my life full force every day.

As a Christian artist in the 21st century, what lions are you facing?

There have been many who have come before me that have represented the Lord and who have condemned others. I have a relationship with Jesus, I don’t judge or condemn. We’ll all face a judge at the end of life. His name will not be Mandisa. He has given me joy, and it’s been amazing. I want them to know what I know — God is good all the time.

How does your faith help you overcome your weight issues?

When I face temptation, I rely on strength not my own. I quote Scripture when driving by Krispy Kreme. God provides a way out when tempted, through His word and prayer. He gives me the ability to get through this struggle.

Do you have a trainer?

No, but I have an exercise room in my house.

What do you eat?

I’ve been on many diets; I know what to do, fruits and veggies, no white flour or sugar. During some situations I choose poorly. I’m an emotional eater — it absolutely is an addiction. My substance is food. For others it’s drugs or alcohol. My automatic propensity is to turn to food. Now, I turn to the Comforter instead.

Where do you wish to be in five years?

I love where I am right now. My life has purpose, I love my friends and family. In five years I’d like to be the picture of health. I’m thirty years old, I’d like this to be reflected on the outside as well.

Do you have a special man?

No, I’m Super Single — I’m busy. There’s so much going on, that I don’t know how he would fit in. He’s out there somewhere though.

If you could change today’s world, what one problem would you fix?

Hmm ... hate. If we would eliminate that, we would eliminate many problems. The answer to hate is tolerance. I believe we can still love each other, but still be able to disagree.

How did the rape [she discusses this in her book] you endured hurt you emotionally?

I think so many women have been violated or forced to do something that they didn’t want to do. I’m a stronger person today because of what happened. I have mercy on the guy who did this. I want people to know that you can move past this. At a point, you must forgive, it’s not for the other person, it’s for yourself. It freed me, and released the bitterness and rage from my heart.

AJ TABALDO CLOSES POPS SEASON

The Lompoc Record reports that Lompoc’s very own Pops Orchestra will wrap up its 10th anniversary season with a sensational finish on tomorrow evening, June 18, at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, in Lompoc, Calif. Soloists include Season 6 "American Idol" semi-finalist AJ Tabaldo, 22, from Santa Maria.

Tabaldo, who likes to refer to himself as an ethnic "mutt" because he's a proud mix of Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian and Chinese, will sing his moving version of "God Bless The USA."

Expected to be a sellout, patrons should arrive early — curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 217 South L St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger and full-time students of all ages are with identification. For additional information and ticket reservations, call 805-735-6463.

DAUGHTRY TO PLAY S.C. STATE FAIR AND MONTANAFAIR

South Carolina's TheState.com says don’t take it too hard if you were shut out of "Ameri-
can Idol" finalist Chris Daugh-
try’s sold-out show at Headliners on May 29. Daughtry will be one of this fall's headliners at the South Carolina State Fair, which runs Oct. 10-21. Concert tickets, from $10 to $15, go on sale Aug. 1 online here. The grandstand, which holds 5,000, will be all reserved seating. Daughtry will appear on Oct. 11.

Meanwhile, The Billings Gazette reports that country-music hit makers, rock stars, arenacross, bull riding and Championship NRA Rodeo are coming to Billings during MontanaFair on Aug. 10-18.

MontanaFair will kick off Aug. 10 with country-music artists Phil Vassar and Josh Gracin.

Gracin made the Top 10 in the Season 2 of "American Idol" and was the first finalist to bring country music to the pop-oriented hit show.

Tickets for their fair concert cost $32 for reserved seating and $27 for general admission. Showtime is 7p.m.

At 7 p.m. Aug. 11, the main act is Daughtry, the five-man rock band fronted by Chris Daughtry, the fourth-place finisher from Season 5. Daughtry's self-titled debut album spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Hits include "It's Not Over," "Home," "Gone" and "What I Want."

A post-grunge band, 12 Stones, will open the show. Tickets cost $37 for reserved seating and $32 for general admission.

For $60, you can get general admission into all seven nights of entertainment with the MontanaFair Discovery Pass. The pass can be shared with family and friends, and fair gate admission is free with the pass on the event days, which are every day except Aug. 13 and 15. Discovery Pass tickets may be upgraded to reserved seating.

Tickets are on sale at the MetraPark Box Office, Rimrock Mall Customer Service Counter, four local Cellular Plus stores, online here and here and by phone at 800-366-8538.

SEACREST SATIRIZES HIMSELF

The Associated Press says that Ryan Seacrest is known as a lot of things -- slick "American Idol" ringmaster, hotshot radio deejay, ubiquitous E! channel host -- but funny guy's not one of them. Which makes his scene-stealing cameo in "Knocked Up" such an amusing surprise. Even more so because he's the butt of the joke.

Seacrest sends up his pompous image in the Judd Apatow-directed comedy about an ambitious entertainment reporter (Katherine Heigl) whose life is flipped when she learns she is pregnant. She takes her job seriously at E! Entertainment Television -- but not as seriously as the film-version Seacrest, who launches into a riotous rant during a scene that lasts barely two minutes.

Seacrest, playing himself, becomes ticked off on the set when Jessica Simpson throws off his busy schedule by arriving at her leisure for an interview.

He angrily suggests that maybe he'll retaliate by asking for her thoughts on an "exit strategy" in the Middle East.

"I don't understand the young talent in this town," the movie Seacrest goes on. "It doesn't make any sense. I got four jobs - hell, I'm more famous than half the people we talk to anyway!"

The rant then escalates into an R-rated diatribe with Seacrest dropping the F-bomb and denouncing the superficial workings of the entertainment industry. The apoplectic host finally has to be ushered into the green room with a promise of a cookie in an effort to calm him down.

Seacrest is not nearly as divalike in real life. ... Or is he?

At the beginning of a recent telephone interview with the Associated Press, the 32-year-old took a moment to jokingly exercise his authority: "Hang on one second - "Linda, WHERE'S MY LUNCH?! ... Sorry, just kidding," he deadpanned, back on the phone.

Seacrest, whose poker-faced demeanor during those ominous "Idol" elimination shows was spoofed on "Saturday Night Live," said he relished exposing his not-so-serious side in "Knocked Up."

"Oh, I love it! I don't mind being the butt of the joke. ... It doesn't really bother me. I quite enjoy it," said Seacrest.

He even suggested a headline for this story: "He's funny and YOU don't know it!" In the movie, he makes another statement: He can laugh at himself.

"I believe that one of the things I've tried to do is work hard and take the business very seriously. ... But, at the same time, you can't take the [TV personality] role too seriously. Then you really begin to lose it."

When it came time to film the scene, Seacrest -- nervous about how he'd be "received by the movie world" - was delighted to "have fun and ad lib" with Apatow ("The 40 Year-Old Virgin"), who is big on improvisation and collaboration.

"I'm not used to a script," Seacrest said. Apatow, he related, asked him: "Hey, can you use a bad word and make fun of a couple people and, at the end of this whole scene, really make sure you make fun of yourself?"

His response: "Absolutely, let's roll."

"This was a very therapeutic exercise," he said. "I mean, I didn't want to stop that day. It's a shame I only got to do it for however long I got to do it."

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

Sundance Roars Back

Last night was "Dedication Night." What did that mean? Well, mostly nothing. The guys chose their songs then did a film clip dedication to air just prior to the song. Of course, most of the dedications went out to wives and girlfriends, parents and grandparents. It was all kind of mushy stupid -- the kind of thing we think Nigel Lythgoe loves -- and much better suited to a Valentine's Day program. In fact, the contestants who got into the most trouble with the genre -- Brandon Rogers and Sanjaya Malakar -- did so because they were more concerned about doing a dedication and song from the heart than picking a song and singing it in a way that would score contest points with viewers.

And so the surprise of the evening was Sundance Head, performing in the pimp spot, who dedicated "Mustang Sally" to his 2 1/2-month-old son, Levi. More concerned about making a connection with the judges and the viewers than a lyrics connection to his son, he really made that song ride, Sally, ride. It was a rousing, growly, bluesy rendition that suited Head perfectly and finally got us revved for the first time all evening. The judges, especially Randy, were ecstactic and Jackson welcomed Sundance back, while Paula told him she didn't know he had that range and that it was his best vocal yet. Simon was not quite as effusive (no surprise) but said he was glad the Sundance they like was back, that he's a good singer, but that he can do better. In a cute moment, Ryan discussed with Sundance how he missed Levi, then they put up a slide of Levi with a drawn-on beard that looked like Sundance's, telling Sundance, "See what can happen when you don't see him for a month?"

The show opened with Phil Stacey, a consistently pleasing performer who we think will make the finals, but doesn't have a chance to win. We also wish he'd go back to wearing a hat when he performs. Some guys look better with a shaved head than others, and he's not one of them. With his long, gaunt face and large ears, he looks too much like an alien for us. He dedicated John Waite's "Missing You" to his command, Navy Band Southeast. We love this song, and Stacey sang it OK, but it has a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g intro and by the time he got to the chorus -- where the song really starts getting good -- he ran out of time and had to end it, so it sounded just too karaoke for us. We thought he would have benefitted greatly starting the song at the first chorus or even the following stanza and ending it at a much more powerful point. Randy, however, said it was hot and Paula told him she loves the tone of his voice and that she could hear him right now on the radio. Thank goodness for Simon, who said he was a nice guy but that his voice is completely unoriginal and that it was like a good karaoke singer.

Jared Cotter was up next. We're prejudiced because Cotter is our hometown contestant, but we really do like both his looks and pleasing voice. We do think, however, that so far his personality has yet to shine strong enough. He needs to keep turning on that charm if he's going to stick around for the finals. Because of last week's critique, he said he wanted to be more adventurous, and dedicated Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" to his parents. The opening was shockingly strong and very reminiscent of Gaye and the rest was pretty good also. Cotter's sexy style enabled him to carry off the song well, though a weird hand over the face move at the end seemed a bit too contrived. But the judges seemed to be unduly harsh on him. Randy said it was pitchy in spots, then Paula started saying he didn't have to push it, got embarrassed and covered her face, so Simon bulldozed his way in saying it was a family show. He said it reminded him of "The Love Boat," and said "I'm kind of imagining if they had a cabaret singer on 'The Love Boat,' I think we would have seen something similar to that, because it was a bit corny in parts." Smartly, instead of sassing back at Simon, Jared demurred, "Wow, that would have been a great 'Love Boat' episode," which not only defused the criticism, but even made Simon smile.

AJ Tabaldo sang "Feeling Good" and dedicated it to his parents in the audience. Tabaldo is very likable and has nice tonal quality and range to his voice, but to us, it was a strange selection and didn't work. We found his performance last week more satisfying. Here, again, we were at odds with the judges, because Randy thought it was a lot better than the week before and Paula thought it was very nice. Even Simon thought it was "actually nearly very good" and said that he liked that AJ's personality had shown through. For us, it was just bleh.

Up next, the biggest disaster of the evening, and no matter how much we say that, he'll be snug as a bug in a rug if DialIdol's stats are right. Sanjaya Malakar once again proved he's too immature to be in this competition. At times he nearly whispered or talked his rendition of "Steppin' Out With My Baby," dedicated to his deceased grandfather. It was all very touching that he wanted to sing this for his grandfather, but it was a wholly inappropriate song for him, he performed it poorly with a paper-thin voice, and, yet again, seemed on the verge of tears (though less so than last week) when he was critiqued. At least we were in sync with the judges on this one. Randy said it was like a bad high school talent show, was weird and didn't work for him, while Paula mumbled something about old souls to avoid knocking the kid. Simon agreed with Randy, adding "It was like some ghastly lunch, where after lunch your parents have asked the children to dress up and sing." He also mentioned that halfway through Sanjaya was whispering.

We always look forward to Chris Sligh's performances and were happy to learn that his band, Half*Past Forever, is about to release their first CD, "Take a Chance on Something Beautiful." You can download it from the band's Web site starting today, or pre-order it on Amazon.com (it drops March 8). Sligh dedicated "Trouble" to his pretty, blonde wife in the audience. It was a good performance, but we thought Taylor Hick's bluesy version was better last season. But it was a still a very respectable effort by Sligh. Randy thought he was better than last week, and Paula told him to watch his pitch. Simon told him, "Chris, the reason we put you through to this round is actually we thought you were a very good singer, and tonight you were a very good singer."

The other bleh moment of the night for us was Nick Pedro singing "Fever" to his pretty girlfriend, Caitlin. He was trying to to return to that "Fly Me to the Moon" vibe that got him his Golden Ticket to Hollywood, but it just didn't work for us at all. This deadly dull rendition gave us fever all right, but not in a good way. We even thought the band was better than Pedro (and, indeed, Simon mentioned the drummer in his critique). Pedro is really too cabaret for a pop competition and seems stuck in the '50s. Although he and Phil Stacey can be compared somewhat in style and type of music they've chosed, Stacey has a much richer voice. We think this will be Nick's final performance. Randy thought it was pitchy but liked that Nick returned to his cool vibe, while Paula loved the tone of his voice. Simon thought it was good, but lacked charisma.

It's amazing how someone can turn you around. We originally disliked beatboxer Blake Lewis from his audition and even the Hollywood rounds. Now we think of him as a breath of fresh air and wait with anticipation to see what he will bring to the competition each week. Again, he did not disappoint with Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity," which he dedicated to his parents. There was good singing, a little scatting and some beatboxing to boot, but not so much that it got on our nerves. We're confident that Blake will make it to the finals without a problem. Of course, Randy loved the performance and Paula said the choice was smart. Simon said Blake was terrific, but "Other than the middle section of the song, I actually didn’t see any originally from you this time. I actually saw a copycat performance." When Ryan tried to dissect his review, Simon got defensive with "I'm sorry I have an opinion."

Brandon Rogers may be the biggest disappointment for us in this competition. He's got a great voice, he's easy on the eyes and has a good personality, but has just not been bringing it since the semi-finals began. He got stuck in the same trap as Sanjaya when he dedicated "Time After Time" to his grandmother. His version just laid there and died. This song is not a great competition song to begin with -- it, and her mohawk, killed Nadia Turner in Season 4 -- and was an especially poor choice on a night when Rogers really had to step it up. It was a soft, boring and forgettable performance. Randy thought it was boring as well, but of course Paula felt his heart. Simon said he loves grandmas but it's a singing competition (thank you, Simon), adding "You have got to come out here Brandon when you're as talented as you are and do what four or five of these girls did last week and make a wow impact."

Chris Richardson we don't get at all. The judges seem to love him, while we just find him annoying. We just want to smack him upside his head when he performs; he hyperactive bouncy body makes us seasick. He dedicated Jason Mraz' "Geek in Pink" to his grandmother, and we barely understood a word he sang. Therefore, we nearly keeled over at the unanimous and profuse praise bestowed on him by the judges. Randy said he was better than the original. Paula loved it and loved that he dedicated that song to his grandmother asking, "Does your grandmother know what 'Geek in the Pink' is?" Simon answered with his weak (but funny) attempt at an American country-bumpkin voice "Wat wuz that song?" When it was his turn up, however, Simon said he thought Chris was the best tonight by a mile (?!).

All in all, it was a night when we frequently disagreed with the judges on the bad ... and the good.
Top 5 in descending order: Sundance Head, Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh, Jared Cotter, Phil Stacey

Bottom 5 in descending order: Sanjaya Malakar, Nick Pedro, Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, A.J. Tabaldo

Should go: Sanjaya Malakar, Nick Pedro
Will go: Nick Pedro, Brandon Rogers

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

The 12 Guys

Be scared America -- be very scared. And for so many reasons. We sat through weeks of Idol auditions, the good and the bad (mostly the bad). We sat through a mercifully short week of Hollywood sessions. We waited with anticipation for the real competition to begin. And, like the judges, we were terribly disappointed with the men on Week 1.

Of course, it would be impossible to be more disappointed than the judges, because nearly everyone, with the possible exception of Blake Lewis, took a beating. Have the judges always been this critical on Week 1? Even Paula? Paula!!! Don't think so. They were tough to please indeed. Even the contestants we thought did well received only a pittance of praise -- if any at all.

But what scares us even more, are this morning's results on DialIdol.com, a service that has viewers vote through its phone lines to predict the outcome of the ballotting. Last season, much to the consternation of Fox and "American Idol," the service proved to be fairly accurate. By the end of the competition we felt confident we knew the results way before they were announced on the show, and we were rarely disappointed. DialIdol.com watchers were probably the only Idol fans in the country that weren't shocked when Chris Daughtry was eliminated and Katharine McPhee wasn't. We knew the numbers said there was a good likelihood it would happen. We also knew, with smug certainty, Taylor Hicks was safe when he went up against McPhee and Elliott Yamin, and that there was no way McPhee could win after she went head-to-head with Hicks in the finale.

So why are we worried? Because topping DialIdol.com's performance list for Tuesday night -- the person who ostensibly is the safest of the safe -- was one of the worst of the worst. His name is followed by another on our worst list, and the third name on the list is someone who only gave a mediocre performance. If you trust the stats, the only three male performers who are absolutely safe from elimination Thursday night are Sundance Head, Sanjaya Malakar and Chris Richardson. Excuse us while we get sick.

The only people doing the dance of joy today, outside of Sundance and his family, are the folks at VotefortheWorst.com. The site that brought us those dazzling photos of Antonella Barba on the throne could now put this whole competition in the toilet by advising its users to vote for the contestant they call "ManBearPig," with the slogan "Bad Head is better than no Head!" We've got to believe that that is the reason Head is in the lead -- and not that America actually thought his performance was good.

Here's how the night played out:

Rudy Cardenas kicked off the guys with the Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride," which apparently also describes what Cardenas got to the semi-finals. Question? Did anyone understand a word that he sang? He mumbled the entire song. Or, we think he did: We were so bored with the performance we weren't listening that closely. Randy thought it was corny, and we totally agreed with Simon's appraisal that Cardenas does not have a distinctive voice and that he would get lost in the mix. So, Simon, exactly why was he put through to the semi-finals?

Brandon Rogers, one of the two pro backup singers to make the semi-finals, did a fair rendition of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You." The beginning of the arrangement was slow and interesting, but it became more pedestrian as it proceeded, a pleasant performance that was also extremely forgettable. But Rogers has a likability that should keep him safe this week. Randy felt the performance was pitchy and weird, and both he and Paula wished there had been less runs -- that Rogers was singing the song more as a backup singer than as a lead. Simon declared that Rogers was better than the material and that the performance was safe and predictable.

Sundance Head, whom the judges said they originally liked because of his bluesy voice, massacred the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin." His dull karaoke version, employing theatrically outstretched arms, was hardly ever on pitch. Randy said he didn't think Sundance was on pitch the whole song and Paula agreed, saying the pitch was all over the place. Simon jumped in with "You were like a dad at a wedding ... very old-fashioned, very uninspiring," and told Sundance that if he had sung this at his audition, they would have never put him through. Cowell ended with "I didn't like you tonight."

Paul Kim, barefoot or not, in our opinion is one of those guys who inexplicably got through to the semi-finals without the goods. We winced our way through his version of George Michael's "Careless Whisper," a song we really like, wanting him to stop with every note. This wasn't even good enough to be karaoke. Randy thought it pitchy and weird and that the falsetto didn't work, while Paula thought he oversang the song and didn't find his center. Simon suggested Paul put his shoes on next time he sings and called the performance a very ordinary attempt to copy George Michael, labelling it a third-rate version of the song.

Chris Richardson is one of those happy, peppy guys who reminds us of a 5-year-old trying to be a grown-up when he performs. He was out of his element with Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want to Be," a song that was bigger than him ... especially after you've heard Bo Bice sing it (we actually like Bice's version even better than DeGraw's). Randy said "You made it kinda work," and Paula thought it was a great arrangement (a bit too hyper for our taste). Simon thought Chris' voice sounded very small and said if he was judging it on the vocal, he thought it was substandard. But he said the girls will vote for him, and apparently he's right.

Nick Pedro should have done OK with Richard Marx's "Now and Forever," but the spark he carried into his audition with "Fly Me to the Moon" was gone. We thought he would at least melt the little girls' hearts with this song, but he's dead last on DialIdol.com's list and will likely be eliminated Thursday night. Randy found him pitchy and boring and said "It just wasn't good for me." Paula said the magic fell flat. Surprisingly, Simon was kindest of all, telling Nick that he missed his liveliness and confidence, but that his voice didn't sound bad. He also told Nick he's a very charming guy and that he thought he'd be back next week. But we doubt it.

Blake Lewis was the stunner of the evening. Up to this point, we couldn't even remember him singing, only beatboxing, which got tired real quickly. This is, after all, a singing competition. But, Blake, whose looks remind us of Sting (not in this picture, but while he was performing), knocked our socks off with Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know." A great song choice, a great voice and the first performance of the night we totally loved. And it was from Blake, someone we had written off as a one-trick pony. We've totally revised that opinion and now predict he'll land in the Top 5. Go, Blake, go! Sadly, Randy only kinda dug it and missed the beatboxing (idiot!), while Paula told him his vocals were spot on and that he brought a contemporary vibe. Simon said he was the first person that night who came out and sounded like 2007, declaring it "the best performance we had tonight." And we agree!

Sanjaya Malakar is a nice kid -- with the emphasis on KID. This 17-year-old does not have the professional or emotional maturity to sing Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet," a song he really mucked up. It was sung much better by Elliott Yamin last season. And let's not even talk about the Luther Vandross version, which just melts us. And, Sanjaya, never sing a song with a lyric such as "I don't want to bore you," when you are doing just that. Every time you sang it, we laughed. Sanjaya said his sister, who was eliminated from the competition in Hollywood, picked the song for him. Not the best advice, Sanjaya, plus we think you need to stop playing the sister card. Randy trashed him so much we thought he would cry, telling him "I didn't think it was very good, dude. It wasn't even remotely close." And Simon named it "The most dreary performance we had all night," saying that it sounded like it took an hour and calling it "A waste-of-time performance."

Chris Sligh was someone we were anxiously waiting to hear. We love the music he does with his band. He chose "Typical" by Mute Math, neither a song nor a group we had ever heard of, but he made it work. Randy told him he's a Chris fan and that his voice was on point; Paula thought the song choice was great, though both Randy and Paula told Chris he was singing a bit ahead of the music. Simon said he liked Chris, but added that "I kind of felt I was at some weird student gig." This led to an exchange between Simon and Ryan.

And then the trouble started. Chris told Simon that the audience seemed to like this music and that "I don't sing Il Divo or The Teletubbies ..." (hey, were we the only ones in the world unaware that Simon was responsible for the Teletubbies?), a remark that had Randy and Paula hooting and clapping. Simon tersely remarked that Chris could sing for the latter, meaning The Teletubbies. Sensing he was treading dangerous waters, Chris then told Simon, "You know I love you." Simon said he liked Chris, too, but that his performance was not outstanding and that was all he was trying to say. But you could see that Simon was pissed, way pissed by the shot Chris had taken at him.

Then Ryan jumped in to add fuel to the fire saying that Chris had made Simon feel bad, which pissed off Simon even more. Simon told Ryan that he had made things very uncomfortable. Simon's jaw was set so tight, we thought he'd crack a bone. He kept his face turned to the side and he wouldn't even look directly at Ryan or Chris on the stage. All we can say is "uh-oh" and stay tuned for the fireworks next week (if Chris, or as we now call him, Dead Man Walking, even survives to next week).

Jared Cotter is a native Long Islander and we're rooting for him to move on. We thought he did a very respectable version of Brian McKnight's "Back at One." He sounded good, had a relaxed demeanor and exuded charm. Randy thought he was pretty good, but didn't like the way it ended, while Paula would have preferred a more up-tempo song. Simon found Jared very unadventurous and told him he sounded a bit nasally, but said he looked good. Don't know if looks alone will carry Jared to next week, though he certainly deserves to move on to the next round.

AJ Tabaldo, like Jared, has received very little face time so far, so we were surprised and pleased to hear and see his version of Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much." It was a good upbeat choice and he performed it well. Randy said vocally it was pretty good and that AJ had worked it out. Paula told AJ he could sing and did a great job. Simon rebutted that, saying it was good, not great, not terrible. He then called it a theme-park performance that was very safe and very predictable.

Phil Stacey, whose wife gave birth to their second daughter the morning he originally auditioned, wound up tied with Blake for best performance of the night. Maybe it was the fact that his wife was in the audience beaming up at him or the fact they showed a clip of him with his new daughter, but this sailor (he's in the Navy) touched our hearts with his rendition of "I Could Not Ask for More" by Edwin McCain. Yes, it started out weak, but it was all uphill after the chorus and he brought it home. Randy gave it the best vocal prize of the night, but Simon, after saying the beginning was monstrous, said it was just OK, especially compared to singers such as Chris Daughtry. We still thought it was much better than OK.

Best of the Evening (in descending order): Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, Chris Sligh, Jared Cotter, AJ Tabaldo
Worst of the Evening (in descending order): Paul Kim, Sundance Head, Rudy Cardenas, Sanjaya Malakar
Mediocre and Forgettable (in any order): Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, Nick Pedro

Should Go: Paul Kim, Sundance Head
Will Go: Paul Kim, Nick Pedro

Observations
We really can live without the hyperactive parents rooting their kids on. Last year we suffered through Katharine McPhee's witchy mom and bawling dad. This year we have Chris Richardson's red-faced dad attempting (that being the operative word) to dance to his singing, or as Paula put it, when Chris was on the upbeat his father was on the downbeat.

AND THIS JUST IN ...

Fox has announced that "American Idol" executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been named the executive producers for the "59th Primetime Emmy Awards" which will air on Fox on Sept. 16, live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The announcement was made jointly today by Dick Askin, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy, and Peter Liguori, president of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. “Nigel and Ken have consistently raised the creative bar with their innovative work on "American Idol" and we believe they will continue to do so during their first Emmy telecast,” said Liguori.

"Nigel and Ken are terrific producers, and their expertise in live event programming will be a major asset to this year's Primetime Emmy telecast," said Askin.

“The Emmy Awards not only celebrate excellence in television, the Emmy Awards are excellent television. Star power, production values, drama, suspense, tears and euphoria, just like an 'American Idol.' While appreciating the traditional and maintaining the high standards of past Emmy Award ceremonies, we will also be recognizing the ever-changing landscape of today’s successful television. It is a great honor and a wonderful challenge,” said Lythgoe.

“I am thrilled to be invited by the Television Academy to produce this year’s Emmy telecast. Shows with the prestige of the Emmys are a producer’s dream, so I am really looking forward to the challenge and am confident we will produce for Fox the best Emmys to date,” said Warwick.

... Fantasia is the special guest star on tomorrow night's results show. We voted for Fantasia during Season 3, but hated her last Idol guest appearance two years ago, when she screamed her song. Let's hope it's better than that.

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© 2007

Getting to Know the Top 24: Part 1

Part 1 of a series of profiles and videos of the Top 24 semi-finalists:

AJ TABALDO
Age: 22
Hometown: Santa Maria, CA
Audition City: Los Angeles
Details: He is a supervisor for a shipping service
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Brian McKnight, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder
Favorite female pop artists? Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson
Formal singing training? No
Other talents? I cut my own hair.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Keep on keepin’ on—keep pursuing music
Personal goals? To have a successful music career, get married and have kids.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Josh Groban
Your American idol? My mom and dad.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Pray and relax.
Most embarrassing moments? Forgetting the words to the National Anthem and humming the rest of the song.
Proudest moment? Making it on American Idol and being one step closer to my dream.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who is talented, makes an impact on the world, and is HUMBLE.
Favorite judge and why? All of them are my favorite.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m an ethnic mutt! I’m part Filipino and Portuguese with Spanish, French, Italian and Chinese.
How has this changed your life? It hasn’t quite yet—I’m still the same ol’ dude.
Lucky charms? No
Heroes? My parents…they have molded me into who I am today. They are great!
Toughest obstacle? Losing a loved one.
Was the audition process fair? Yes … but there were a lot of good people who didn’t make it.
If you win, who will you thank first? God.

ALAINA ALEXANDER
Age: 24
Hometown: West Hollywood, CA
Audition City: Los Angeles
Details: Has been pursuing a career in music but almost gave up her dream until she made it on Idol.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Beatles
Favorite female pop artists? Mariah Carey
Formal singing training? I did choir in high school for one year.
Other talents? I’m also a songwriter and I can burp really good.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? aybe go to school, I don’t really know.
Personal goals? To be happy, healthy and live life to its fullest.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Michael Bublé
Your American idol? My mama
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Jump up and down and say a prayer.
Most embarrassing moments? Every time I fall in front of people gets me embarrassed. I’m clumsy.
Proudest moment? Making it this far on the show.
Your definition of an American Idol? Honest, humble and talented.
Favorite judge and why? Simon 'cause he keeps it real.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m pretty mellow.
How has this changed your life? Well nothing too crazy has happened yet.
Lucky charms? A guitar charm necklace KT my best friend got me.
Heroes? My mom and boyfriend.
Toughest obstacle? Getting over insecurities.
Was the audition process fair? I don’t think a lot of it was fair, but life in general isn’t really fair.
If you win, who will you thank first? My family.

AMY KREBS
Age: 22
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Audition City: Seattle
Details: Attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City; she is fluent in German and lived in Germany for three years.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Gavin DeGraw, John Legend, Justin Timberlake
Favorite female pop artists? Mariah, Christina Aguilera, Corrine Bailey Rae
Formal singing training? AMDA – musical theatre training in New York
Other talents? I dance (kinda), act, play basketball and volleyball
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Keep working on getting an album put together
Personal goals? I’d love to own a women’s clothing boutique and work with adoption centers and homes for girls.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Spice Girls, LOL
Your American idol? My mom
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I get really quiet and go over the song in my head.
Most embarrassing moments? I trip ALL the time.
Proudest moment? Moving to New York right out of high school
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who has a killer voice, great onstage presence, is personable and who America likes.
Favorite judge and why? Paula. She makes you feel confident and supported on the stage.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I lived in Germany for 3 years and speak German.
How has this changed your life? It’s made all the school and sacrifices WORTH IT!
Lucky charms? Faith
Heroes? My mom and dad
Toughest obstacle? Moving to NY and having to live on my own without knowing anybody there.
Was the audition process fair? Yes
If you win, who will you thank first? God and my mom.

ANTONELLA BARBA
Age: 20
Hometown: Point Pleasant, NJ
Audition City: New York
Details: Attends Catholic University in Washington, D.C., pursuing an architecture degree; once toured with the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in England.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake
Favorite female pop artists? Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, JoJo
Formal singing training? No
Other talents? Violin, piano
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Finish school
Personal goals? Be happy, no matter what I end up doing.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Josh Groban
Your American idol? Amanda, cuz she gave me the encouragement and support to get here
Any rituals or things you do each time before you perform? Pray
Most embarrassing moments? Saying the wrong things before I think
Proudest moment? Making it through the first cut, the biggest cut so far, with my best friend
Your definition of an American Idol? A role model for talent
Favorite judge and why? Simon. He tells it how it is, but only if you set yourself up for it.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I win eating competitions.
How has this changed your life? This is the first time I haven’t been in school ever.
Lucky charms? Only with milk.
Heroes? Walt Disney
Toughest obstacle? Defeating stereotypes
Was the audition process fair? Not entirely, come on, it’s reality TV.
If you win, who will you thank first? God

BLAKE LEWIS
Age: 25
Hometown: Bothell, WA
Audition City: Seattle
Details: Began “beat boxing” in his senior year of high school; was a member of a youth choir group that traveled to Europe.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Robbin Thicke, Jamaroqui, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, U2, Gnarls Barkley, Half Past Forever, Michael Jackson, Prince, Sting, Eric Benet, Martin Sexton, Duncan Sheik, M-Pact
Favorite female pop artists? Bjork, Fiona Apple, Imogen Heap, Estmerd, Jill Scott, Tori Amos, Ella Fitzgerald, Sade
Formal singing training? Yes
Other talents? Photography, songwriting, producing, characters kisser.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Music-perform.
Personal goals? Tour the world, play SNL.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? K-Fed.
Your American idol? Chris Sligh, Rudy Cardenas
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I go pee, stretch out.
Most embarrassing moments? Ripping my pants (crotch) on stage.
Proudest moment? My first steps.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who is a great talent and who communicates well with the audience.
Favorite judge and why? Randy: he’s the musician.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I have many tattoos.
How has this changed your life? Ask me again in a year.
Lucky charms? 2 of them.
Heroes? Mom and Dad.
Toughest obstacle? The obstacles of life.
Was the audition process fair? Yes.
If you win, who will you thank first? Mom and Dad.

BRANDON ROGERS
Age: 28
Hometown: North Hollywood, CA
Audition City: Los Angeles
Details: Spent six years in Dallas; works as a voice coach, wedding singer and background singer. His mother is a published songwriter.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder
Favorite female pop artists? Beyonce
Formal singing training? Lessons in college.
Other talents? Play piano, XBOX racing games.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Keep going after my dreams.
Personal goals? To make great music and a difference in the world and my community.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Cherry Poppin' Daddies.
Your American idol? My parents.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Take a deep breath, look up, and exhale.
Most embarrassing moments? n/a
Proudest moment? Finishing my CD.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who represents the American dream of anything can happen through hard work and risk.
Favorite judge and why? Randy -- true musician who knows good and great.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I love Country music.
How has this changed your life? Given me access to more people than I ever thought possible.
Lucky charms? Nope.
Heroes? My parents.
Toughest obstacle? Getting back on my feet after my boyband disbanded.
Was the audition process fair? As fair as any show can be.
If you win, who will you thank first? Mom and Dad.

THE BIGGEST THING EVER ON IDOL

In an interview with TV Week Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said that there will be a major announcement to the press regarding Idol within the next couple of weeks:

" ... please, please look towards a major news announcement in the next couple of weeks. ... It's the biggest thing that's happened to "Idol" in five years. But it does include "American Idol" and it does include America."

What's your guess? We think it'll have something to do with Paul McCartney.

Commenting on some of this year's semi-finalists, Lythgoe said:

"Well I think we've got some great characters again this year. I think Chris Sligh has got a lot of humor…I think our little beat boxer [Blake Lewis] is very talented, not just in beat-boxing, but in singing as well. Sundance [Head], I think, did not show his best in Hollywood and I think the judges forgave him a lot, in truth, and sort of remembered him from his first audition. It's a shame they didn't do that with Bailey [Brown]."

Lythgoe also quashed speculation that Michael Jackson will be appearing on the show this season:

"No. It's not true, is what I can say, just not true. ... No, we won't be seeing him. ... I much prefer, rather than teasing anybody with it, that the fact is he [Michael Jackson] will not be on "American Idol."

IDOL'S TOP DIVAS

MSNBC reports that Star Magazine is calling Taylor Hicks "American Idol's" newest diva. "The minute Taylor made the top 24, he became difficult and he seemed to get worse over time," a source told the tab. All the male contestants on the show became friends — except Hicks. "He was conceited and cold," according to the insider. "Once he was in the top eight, I think he no longer wanted to be on the show."

Some examples cited by Star: When in the top 10, Taylor didn’t want a bodyguard to accompany him to the men’s room as required and reportedly told one to "[bleep] off"; Hicks refused to go to photo shoots and he wouldn’t speak to others in the show’s green room.

But Star says Taylor still doesn't out-diva Paula Abdul, whose antics include being followed around by three hair stylists and periodically having one of them carry her pampered pooch, as well as and going through a slew of assistants. "She seems really difficult," an "insider" told Star. "She’s had a ton of assistants in five seasons."

TRISTATE IDOLS

Fox/5 News in New York interviewed semi-finalists from the New York tristate area after Wednesday night's show, including Jared Cotter (Coram, N.Y.), Antonella Barba (Point Pleasant, N.J.) and Sabrina Sloan (a native New Yorker now living in Studio City, Calif.). You can watch the video here. Select "Idol Chatter: Tristate 'Idol' Contenders."

IS FANTASIA'S COLOR PURPLE?

According to Celebrity Spider, Season 3 Idol-winner Fantasia Barrino is taking steps to join the Broadway cast of "The Color Purple." Sources claim Barrino is in negotiations to play Miss Celie in the stage production, the role portayed by Whoopi Goldberg, who received an Academy Award nomination, in film. Barrino is touted to replace LaChanze, who won a Tony Award for her part in the Oprah Winfrey-produced stage show.

It's somewhat surprising if true, as critics decried that Barrino wasn't even convincing portraying herself in the nevertheless ratings-grabbing 2006 Lifetime cable film "Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story."

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© 2007