A Further Look at the Elimination Show

We posted a story about the most important happenings on the first elimination show last night. If you didn't get to read it, check the posting right after this one. Here are some other details, plus some thoughts.

Ryan Seacrest told us nearly 32 million votes were cast over the two nights, yet Sundance Head and Antonella Barba were left standing. Were you surprised? If you were, you haven't been reading this blog. If we had any doubt about the role that VotefortheWorst.com might have played in Idol's first Season 6 voter-elimination round, it dissipated after we read the following, posted on Thursday on the VFTW home page:

"There won't be a False Idols this week for the females, and we apologize for the down time on the site! We couldn't anticipate the over three million hits to the entire site we received in just two days, and now we're on a much bigger server to handle the ever growing popularity. Thanks to all who voted for Sundance and Antonella, hope that they're safe tonight!"

If that site received over 3 million hits in the two days of voting and only some of the people who visited voted multiple times, it definitely could have had an effect on the outcome. Now, while we realize that a lot of people probably visited VFTW to oogle Antonella's bare breasts or see her sitting on her porcelain throne, we can't discount that these same people might have called in votes. The site also said: "Thank you SO much to everyone who voted, but don't rest on your laurels. We must vote even harder next week because America will be that much more pissed off. So vote twice as hard for both next week, let's get them to the top 12!"

We say its time to take back our program! This might have seemed amusing at first, but enough is enough! Vote early and vote often next week. Vote! Vote! Vote! Vote for anyone except Sundance and Antonella. Let's put VFTW to shame and eliminate those two. Power to the People!

Meanwhile, another site, IDontLikeYouInThatWay.com, has now posted much larger versions of some of the pix that appeared on VFTW, plus a couple of new ones, including their piece de resistance, one we'll call "American Booty." But the Antonella Barba photo mother lode is located at PhillyBurbs.com. Click on any of the photos there and it'll bring up the entire photo album, which you can then scroll through by using the "previous" or "next" buttons on the top right.

And has anyone else noticed that Antonella's BFF Amanda Collucio is nowhere to be found in these now dozens of pictures? So we couldn't help but wonder: Did she take the photos? Or was she perhaps instrumental in their appearance on the Internet? Just asking.

But back to the show ... Randy told us this was now a girl's race to lose, though Simon said he had seen two of three guys with potential. We suffered through the first first group number, Tears for Fears' "Sowing the Seeds." Perhaps it didn't sound as bad as others from the past (we seem to recall Season 4 as a particularly egregious dog-howling-at-the-moon one for group sings). But can't the executive producers find anything better to fill the unneeded and unbearable 50 extra minutes of each results show they force us to sit through so they can collect an ungodly amount of commercial revenue? We bring them that money and we deserve better.

And speaking of deserving better, here's another pet gripe: Why must we be tormented by a repeat performance by the week's worst instead of the week's best? CBS' "Rock Star" understands that concept. On that show, the singer whom the judges deemed the best each week (this could be done on Idol by the contestant with the highest vote total) performed an encore. Wouldn't you have rather seen LaKisha Jones or Melinda Doolittle again, rather than Paul Kim or Amy Krebs? Isn't it humiliating enough to be told in front of the nation that you sucked the most last night? Must you then have to tearfully repeat your sucky performance (we actually felt pretty bad for Paul Kim. Geez this show is now even bringing the guys to tears).

And one of our faves, Chris "Dead Man Walking" Sligh was forced to eat a little humbe pie when Ryan asked him if he was worried about the results. The usually cocky Sligh admitted he was a bit nervous because he feared that what he called his "banter" with Simon Cowell Tuesday night, had been misunderstood by America -- he was afraid it got taken as disrespect (duh, really?). Sligh said he really loved Simon and Ryan told him to tell America that. So he addressed the viewers with "America, I love Simon!" Uh-huh. And Chris, Simon loves, you, too. And readers, if you believe that, we have a bridge we'd like to sell you. Though Simon's voice could be faintly heard in the background saying, "I like this guy." Guess we'll see whether Simon treats him more like Taylor Hicks or Katharine McPhee in the future. Then we'll know for sure.

We also noted that Ryan was extremely rude to Quincy Jones, who was introduced in the audience as the producer of "The Color Purple" during the Fantasia segment. Ryan inquired whether Fantasia was ready to bring it to the show, and Quincy answered certainly, then began to say something about the show but was immediately cut off by Ryan as the camera was pulled from Jones' face. Hey, could Quincy plugging the show have been any worse than the group sing? Why ask him a question if you really didn't want him to talk? Or was putting him on part of the deal to get Fantasia on the show?

CAMP IDOL

Well, it might not be as much fun as "Meatballs," but FremantleMedia (co-producer and licensor of American Idol) in conjunction with show creator 19 Entertainment has announced the inception of Idol Camp, a noncompetitive performing arts summer camp for kids between the ages of 12-15 based on "American Idol."

Idol Camp will include master classes from surprise celebrity performing artists, former "American Idol" contestants and other top industry professionals. There will be daily instruction in a variety of classes, from singing, dancing and acting to songwriting and audition techniques, as well as traditional camp activities such as swimming and field sports. Idol Camp is located in Northfield, Mass.

FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment will reward a certain percentage of students with fully paid scholarships, based on financial need, in an effort to reach a wide range of the country’s most eager performers. Scholarships are available to students from households with a gross income of $50,000 or less.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance to Idol Camp, which will be based on limited enrollment of applicants demonstrating enthusiasm, dedication, a desire to perform and a passion for the arts. It is not audition-based. Applications must be received no later than April 18, but application acceptance may be stopped prior to that date if all places at Idol Camp have been filled. Enrollment does not guarantee admission into the "American Idol" TV series competition, nor will it provide inside information or any other advantage in the "American Idol" audition process.

There is a nonrefundable $35 application fee and tuition is $2,900 per session. The tuition fee includes camp registration, all programs of instruction, accommodation and meals, T-shirt and cap and transportation to and from Bradley International Airport.

Click here to learn more about Idol Camp.

WHO DRIVES CLAY AIKEN

Here are a couple of videos of Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken's appearance on "The Morning Show With Mike and Juliet" yesterday (thanks Peggy L). Click here for the first clip, in which Clay visits a local bar to judge karaoke with M&J, and then meets his fan Diane “Cookie” Knappenberger, who shows her favorite American Idol her Clay-decorated Saturn. In clip 2, here, Clay and “Cookie” go head-to-head in a (lame) Clay Aiken trivia contest.

And Season 5 finalist Paris Bennett was a guest on Wednesday's show, where she discussed the men's performances from the previous night. You can catch a video clip of her opinions here.

IDOL RATINGS DROP

TV Week reports that “American Idol” hit a season-low on Tuesday night (the night of the sucky guys' show), but still dominated keeping competitors on the defensive. “Idol” (11.7) was down 10 percent from last week and at its lowest all season. Overall the current season is still tracking higher than last year's.

... If you have a question for Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, you could pose it in person on TVWeek.com's Backlot Talk. Email your question to chuckross@tvweek.com and if it's selected, you will be contacted with the date and time of the recording. Visit the Web site for all the information you need to include in your e-mail. And check the site on Fridays at 4:30 p.m. EST for the week's new podcast when they'll discuss this week's Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Idol broadcasts. There are also transcript and audio archives on the site of previous interviews with Lythgoe.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

First 4 Semi-Finalists Eliminated

Ronnie Gill in Newsday writes:

The first cut should have been the deepest, but wasn’t. In fact, it didn’t even separate the wheat from the chaff.

Four semi-finalists were eliminated from “American Idol” tonight, and they weren’t even the worst of the lot. Ending their journeys to the Season 6 title were: Paul Kim, 25, who the judges found pitchy and very ordinary; Amy Krebs, 22, who was warned by Simon Cowell that she didn’t stand out; Nicole Tranquillo, 20, whose song Cowell said sounded over-rehearsed; and Rudy Cardenas, 28, whose performance was called corny by Randy Jackson.

Some would argue that VotefortheWorst.com, a Web site that encourages the public to vote for contestants it deems as "the worst," had an effect on the outcome of this week’s voting. It’s two “nominees,” Sundance Head and Antonella Barba, had received fairly scathing critiques from the show’s judges, but survived.

During the course of the show, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that this season’s finalists would be working with a list of all-star mentors that will include Diana Ross, Jon Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez (April 11), Gwen Stefani (March 28), Tony Bennett, Martina McBride, Lulu, Peter Noone and Barry Gibb. Seacrest also introduced a new contest in which entrants could win cash or a trip to Hollywood by giving the correct answer to a multiple–choice question via text-messaging or online.

Season 3 champion Fantasia Barrino made a guest appearance and announced that she would be assuming the role of Celie in the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” on April 10. She then sang “I’m Here” from the show.

More in the morning ...

A League of Her Own

"I am very tempted to say to 23 people book your plane tickets home." -- Simon Cowell, speaking after LaKisha Jones performed "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"

Oh, yes, we agreed. In what was the only true show-stopping performance of the competition so far, LaKisha Jones, who we already liked, became our hero. We even relistened to Jennifer Hudson's version of the song afterwards, and it paled next to LaKisha's, whose lush vocals, emotion and power blew us away. Awesome, just awesome. And we were also bowled over by LaKisha's incredible humility. We really don't think that she yet understands what an amazing national treasure her voice is.

And LaKisha wasn't the only great performance. The girls definitely rule after Wednesday night. Their song choices as well as their performances were better. Instead of just standing on the stage singing, most of the women truly connected with their audience. As Randy rightly put it, if the 12 finalists didn't have to be an equal number of males and females, at this point he would select 8 women and 4 men, just about the numbers we came up with.

But once again, it appears VotefortheWorst.com's insidious plans will affect tonight's elimination. Not surprisingly, they selected Antonella Barba as their female counterpart to Sundance Head. This girl really needs to go home. Vocally, she is a lightweight compared to most of the other ladies, and if not the worst performer of the night, she was definitely in the bottom two. Yet, according to DialIdol.com, she placed second in number of votes received. If true, it's not funny anymore. We realize that VFTW is skewing the results more dramatically now because, compared with the finale, fewer people vote in the early rounds (although we actually had a lot of trouble getting through to LaKisha's line last night). Long-term, the true fans will wrest back control of the results. But it is disheartening to see failure on the stage being rewarded because of nefarious forces. Plus, we really don't want to be subjected to another week of singing by the worst.

The evening started and ended with strong performances, with many others sprinkled in between. First up was Stephanie Edwards, who gave us chills as she belted out "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore." "How could this be?" we thought. Already the first lady was better than all of the men had been the night before. Randy noted that the performance was pitchy, but that Stephanie sang it with conviction, while Paula called her a star and a wonderful performer. Simon said the song choice was good, the performance was terrific and a million times better than anything the boys did the night before, adding that Stephanie looked like she came out and said she wanted to win "American Idol."

Stephanie was followed by two of the evening's more forgettable performances. Amy Krebs didn't do justice to Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," and the arrangement had a really bad ending. The phrasing has to be done just right to make this song work, whether sung by a man or woman; i.e. George Michael has done a great version of it. Randy termed it a medium middle-of-the-road performance that was a little too safe and Paula agreed. Simon cut deeper, telling Amy, "When you sing you have the personality of a candle" and that unless she did something to stand out, "two singers later I'm going to forget you" (he was right). Perhaps he went a bit overboard when he said even her hair and outfit were forgettable. She looked fine, it was totally a singing issue.

Dog-walker Leslie Hunt didn't fare much better with Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Hunt has an interesting voice but is not a powerhouse singer, but you don't need to be Aretha to make this song work. Carole King, who wrote the song, does a great version, but invests it with a lot of feeling, and Leslie didn't. Again, it all comes down to phrasing. Randy thought the song was too big for Leslie, but Paula thought she did a great job. Simon said it wasn't great and that Leslie looked embarrassed and ungainly when she performed. When booing ensued, Ryan, saying he understood what Simon meant (is that a first?), clarified that Simon felt Leslie appeared to be out of her comfort zone.

Sabrina Sloan was a nice surprise with Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," in a performance that built strength as the song progressed. Never mind Amy and Leslie, was Sabrina already making us forget Stephanie Edwards? (Sadly, Sabrina is third from last on DialIdol's talley and is definitely in danger of being eliminated tonight). Randy excitedly told her "That's the way to sing, that's the one to beat. That was hot," as Paula gave her a standing ovation. Simon declared the performance the best one so far.

And then disaster struck. Antonella Barba offered a weak, pitchy version of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." Forget Aerosmith, Barba's no Lindsey Cardinale, the Season 4 finalist whose smoky voice did this song so much more justice. We don't even think Barba knew how bad she was until Randy asked her what she thought he was going to say. You could almost she the light bulb go on over her head as she realized she was in trouble and said, "You felt my nerves?" In what is becoming his trademark Season 6 gesture -- as if it pains him to criticize the contestants -- Randy sighed, then head in hands leaned down toward the desk, before straightening up again and telling her, "It just wasn't good" and that it was pitchy and bland. Paula, sensing Antonella was about to start crying, tried to shore her up with "It wasn't bad, you had some pitch problems," then went into her "you're an amazingly beautiful girl" routine (ahem, who can't sing worth a crap).

Never afraid to step on feelings, Simon jumped in with: "The good news is you're attractive" (uh-oh). "The bad news is it didn't work. It was way, way, way too big for you." Antonella's smile was beginning to waver now and we saw a shot of her parents in the audience. Her father, who didn't seem to get what was about to happen, had an idiot smile on his face, while the pasted-on smile on her mother (who is even better looking than Antonella and looks like her sister) was beginning to melt and droop, as Simon told Antonella "You've seriously damaged your chance of staying here another week." Antonella looked shocked and incredulous, with saucer-sized eyes. Incredible! She never saw it coming. But, fortunately, it looks like VFTW will prove Simon wrong. And, if she does survive, we're sure Antonella won't realize it's because she's become a national joke.

Thankfully, Jordin Sparks was up next. We just adore this 17-year-old from Seattle with a big old voice and bigger, bubbly personality. In the past Simon has criticized her for being too sugary, and, before singing, she told Ryan that maybe there will be one or two less lumps tonight. She was so spirited and fun we wanted her to succeed and she didn't disappoint with Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," an interesting song selection. Randy wanted her to challenge herself more, telling her that her voice is so big that there is probably no song that is too big for her. Paula thought the song selection was great and that Jordin should "Go for it, go for it, go for it." Simon said she has a very good voice and advised her to "Push yourself and you may surprise a few people in this competition."

Nicole Tranquillo, who has had very little face time, was an unknown quantity coming into this round and might remain so if she goes home tonight. She has a powerful voice, but her version of Chaka Khan's "Stay" was a nasally mumble that didn't work. Now and then her voice would poke through the mess she was singing -- or screaming -- but it was not enough to redeem the performance. Randy told her it just wasn't working and was too rough for him (and us, and the world), but Paula felt she could really sing and had great range and control. Simon said "It was indulgent, it was aggressive, it looked unnatural, it looked fake," adding "It looked like you'd been over-reheasing it" and telling her that song choice was very important and "that wasn't you."

Next up was Haley Scarnato, who we've had doubts about since she got her Golden Ticket in San Antonio. She sang Celine Dion's "All Coming Back to Me Now," and it was far too vibrato for our taste, although Haley looked great (oh god, we're beginning to sound like Paula). It was "just OK" for Randy, who said it was a good song choice for her because she had a Broadwayish voice, but added that he had wanted to be wowed a little bit more. Paula thought Haley did a nice job but was disappointed that she chose to sing the same song she sang during the Hollywood rounds. Simon asked her age (24), then told her she "sounded 40" and that "Everything about you tonight is old. It was a little boring, I thought." And forgettable, too, we'd add.

Melinda Doolittle, who will never have to go back to being a backup singer after Idol, should make it to the final five. In fact, we think she and LaKisha could be battling it out for the top spot (why is it that the two best singers in this competition are also the two most humble?). But there was no shyness when Melinda sang Aretha Franklin's "Since You've Been Gone." Hello, did anyone sing earlier in the evening? We can't seem to recall anyone prior to Melinda! She did an AMAZING job. Randy said she blew it out of the box and that she was da bomb, while Paula called her a front-runner and firecracker. In what might have been a shot meant for Chris Sligh, Simon said "It's interesting that over the last two nights we have seen some people with little talent and a huge amount of arrogance, and you are the opposite." Cowell, who has been taken with her (as he is with LaKisha) since her audition, added, "You are an incredible singer, you have a fantastic story, you're a fantastic person. I really hope you do well."

For the woman who weeps all the time because she's "emotional and passionate," Alaina Alexander 's performance was a crying shame. It would have been the perfect time to take a bathroom break. It's never a good idea to be boring, bland and occasionally pitchy, but to do that to The Pretenders' "Brass in Pocket (I'm Special)" following someone as good as Melinda Doolittle will probably prove lethal. Randy said Alaina really wasn't great and a little pitchy, while Paula said she didn't feel it and thought that Alaina really didn't make the song her own. And Simon, bless his soul, pointed out to Alaina that "You kept singing that line 'I'm special' and it wasn't. I think you lost it halfway through." In an odd turn, when Ryan asked what Alaina could do to get better, Simon asked Ryan if he was trying to date Alaina. As Alaina stood there looking stunned and confused, Ryan answered that it didn't deserve a comment, which Simon said meant "Yes." Hello, what was going on there? It certainly was more interesting than Alaina's performance.

Gina Glocksen was next with "All by Myself," which started a bit weak, but ended strongly. Gina told Ryan that before her performance she would have rated her confidence as a "6" out of 10, but afterwards it was "12," because she hit the final note that she had been having trouble with in rehearsal. Randy said "Big girl, big voice, big song," adding that it had a nice quality, and Paula said she chose the right song to sing. Simon said he didn't "think you hit that big note though, but we'll see."

In the pimp spot, and deservedly so, was the wonderful LaKisha Jones, who you already know was great. Interestingly, Ryan, going into a commercial break prior to her performance, said "We'll be right back with a show-stopper from LaKisha Jones." A little editorializing prior to the performance? Hmmm, have the producers already picked the winner? And, thank you LaKisha, finally someone had the lyrics right. We kept hearing LaKisha sing "You're gonna love me." And we did.

Best of the Evening (in descending order): LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Sabrina Sloan, Stephanie Edwards, Jordin Sparks

Worst of the Evening (in descending order): Alaina Alexander, Antonella Barba, Amy Krebs, Nicole Tranquillo

Mediocre and Forgettable (in any order): Gina Glocksen, Leslie Hunt, Haley Scarnato

Should Go: Alaina Alexander, Antonella Barba
Will Go: Alaina Alexander, Amy Krebs

e-mail Idol Addict
© 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."

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007