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« The Great American Idol Blog
Idol Boss Talks Shocking Exits, Sliding Ratings
The Britweek Launch, held Thursday night at the home of the Consul General, was a little like a ball: Nearly everyone, including the five American Idol contestants had a curfew— but forget the Midnight curfew like Cinderella had — the AI gang had to be out by 8:30!
None of the Idol contestants are allowed to talk to the press until after they leave the show, so all they could do for the press was smile politely and pose for photos. Off-camera, one journalist asked Jason Castro how long it took to get his dreadlocks. The answer: 15 hours for the initial process (for real?) and a few months to let it all develop. He said he was excited to be doing Neil Diamond songs next week and that no, he wasn't planning on singing "Memory" again any time soon.
Inside the garden party, where guests dined on fish and chips, Syesha chatted with friends and was overheard to say, presumably about her fate on the show, "Whatever happens, it's all good."
American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe has no such gag order, however, and gave us his thoughts on Carly's shocking early ejection the night before. "I was very sad," he admitted. "I think Carly is extremely talented, a brilliant voice. I was sorry to lose Michael and I was certainly sorry to lose Carly." He dismissed the idea that Michael, an Australian, and Carly, who is Irish, were ousted due to having been born abroad. Carly was in the top four last week," he pointed out. "Most times, America votes for the best performance of the night. I think this week, we saw America getting behind people they've supported over a series of weeks."
He expects more shockers to come, since everyone left is a strong contender. "This is the season that everybody said David Archuleta's won and now here we are going, 'Ooh, what's happening?'"
He got a bit peevish when asked about Idol's lower ratings this season. "We're the number one show, we're the number two show, and when we have three shows in a week, we're the number three show. I don't want to talk about ratings. We're the biggest show in America," he insisted, pointing out that TV ratings as a whole are down from last year. — Sharon Knolle
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Apr 25, 2008 4:07 PM
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I wish Nigel would shut the eff up already. He made it clear elsewhere he wanted Jason to go this week and they did just about everything in their power to run the bus over him this week.
I'm not saying Jason was good this week nor am I defending his performance, but I'm supposed to be shocked that he can't sing ALW? At least he didn't mess up his words and have to stop a whole band in the process.
Sorry, but producer manipulations bug. It was a bit much for them all to have to prop up Brooke despite the fact that she hasn't had a good performance in weeks. Simon and ALW praised her for being brave. But Jason screws up one week after three good ones and he's suddenly Sanjaya 2.0.
Oh, and Webber is an ass too.
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Apr 26, 2008 12:25 PM
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I want to comment on the Cheer in TV Guide the other week about Kristy Lee Cook.
I agree that they should listen to her beautiful voice.
But to call her a "Bland Blonde". Don't you recognize natural beauty? She is the type of person that doesn't need multi colored hair, or tatoos.
She doesn't need a gimick. She simply stands there as herself, and sings beautiful music. The worst performance she gave was when she took the advice, and tried to come out with a gimick. The best performances she gave were when she sang from the heart.
She may not be "American Idol" material, but like many before her, she could very well be on the Country Music Charts in the near future, because you don't need a gimmick there, just talent.
If the ratings are sliding, it is because in the past few weeks we have lost some of the biggest talents.
Also, has anyone thought of the fact that the Reality shows picked up viewers due to the strike, and now that the regular shows are back on with new episodes, many viewers are going back?
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Apr 26, 2008 2:01 PM
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Right on, I agree Redragtop.
I've been wondering whether the producers, judges, the people running the show, had anything to do with who stays and who goes. I mean nobody tells us how many votes the last vs first place person gets.
Yet if that's the case, we all wouldn't be bumbed out (most of us anyway) with Michael and Carly being ousted and Syesha and Brooke being still there. Like both of their voices, and like Brooke's best when she stops back-talking and FINALLY she's quit that, but yet with all of that I don't think either one is good enough to be number one.
Not a teen, but finding it hard to pick one David over the other. Lately have been going back and forth. Feel though that no matter who wins, as is the past, the ones NOT winning will still make it and maybe even better or quicker than the finalists.
Now I'm taping AI and watching one of my returning favorites. Ditto DWTS but BB & Survivor still have me glued to the first airing.
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Apr 26, 2008 3:45 PM
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Why doesn't Nigel Lythgoe do something about replacing Paula? Please.... do something about replacing Paula. She can't even talk in whole sentences. I am sure Nigel could get a really respected replacement.
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Apr 26, 2008 4:07 PM
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Bhanshaw you have something there about replacing Paula. I like Paula OK, but it would be interesting to have a different judge or two or change something in the whole judging thing! Maybe they should have guest judges like they have guest coaches, etc. Let's face it, the judges ARE NOT the reason we watch the show. Except for Simon--I always want to hear what he has to say.
Frankly, this is the first season that I have ever caught the AI fever, or whatever this is. And it is all because of David Cook. I happened to catch the end-of-show recap of Lennon-McCartney night, having missed most of the program. I saw that short clip of him singing "Eleanor Rigby," and I felt a little stunned by his performance. I thought, "Who is he and how can I get more of him!" I haven't reacted like that to a singer since I first heard Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" in 1976! Consequently, I've become an AI addict, postponing dates so I don't miss the show. I hope he doesn't get cut. I hope he makes it to the finale. Anyway, that's me.
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Apr 26, 2008 5:09 PM
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I know Paula is Paula, but I would actually replace Randy first. Paula was the only one to actually call out Brooke this week on her unprofessional behavior of stopping and restarting. Which if it had been Brooke's first time, it would be one thing--but she's done it 3 times now. Randy and even Simon gave her a pass on it.
Randy says nothing of use. At one time he was decent, but now? I'd take Paula anytime, which is a scary, scary thought.
I also might be the only person on earth who didn't find Carly's exit shocking. I liked her okay, but she had a decent performance so people probably thought she was safe. She's never had the strongest fanbase and the JCS song might have turned off some people. Throw in the fact that Jason and Brooke fans were powervoting to save them (and they both have stronger fanbases), then voila...Carly or Syesha were getting the boot.
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Apr 27, 2008 12:09 AM
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If David Cook doesn't win American Idol this year, the show will lose all credibility and turn into nothing but a joke.
His caliber is far above the other amatuer contestants. David Cook appears like a special guest on this show opposed to being a contestant. He has proven he has what it takes to win. He had a #1 CD called Analog Heart which beat Mariah Carey, he was the #1 BEST Artist, he has the most downloaed songs on Itunes and he is the most watched on You Tube.
Do your homework American Idol. David Cook is a rare find...don't lose this one.
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Apr 27, 2008 2:13 AM
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American Idol is nothing but a joke now. It is obvious who is doing most of the voting when the only adults (sic) are voted off and teenybopper heartthrobs are still there, with or without talent. And Randy??? where did they find HIM??!! I notice he has learned a new word- "PITCHY" it didn't take long to tire of that one too did it?? Well I found a very good show to watch in that time slot so I don't care any more. Good luck Carly and bless you. Michael will make it anyway, like Paula said.
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Apr 27, 2008 2:15 PM
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