From the category archives:

David Cook

Clay Aiken

Snakes, sharks, spiders, Clay Aiken’s fans. These are four things that strike fear into my heart. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of the three – they simply scare me because I fear that, if crossed, they could easily (and without regret) end my very life.

So, you’ll understand if I – right off the bat – say that I respect Clay Aiken and find him to be a very talented and likable young man. When he guest starred on America’s Next Top Model, it occurred to me that he could carry his own reality show.

And I’d watch.

So, don’t think I’m gunning for him, Claymates. And don’t hit me in the head when I’m not looking. The thing is, I’m like the biggest Adam Lambert fan on the face of the earth, and Clay’s recent comments (while thoughtful and well-articulated….) don’t make me all kinds of happy.

In a recent post on Clay’s blog – one you have to pay to even read (what’s up with that?) – he had the following to say about my dear, talented, beautiful Adam:

“The minute that Adam Lambert was singing ‘Ring of Fire’ … at that moment, (I) thought my ears would bleed. Contrived, awful, and slightly frightening! I wasn’t really a fan and found myself surprised whenever folks told me that they liked him.”

You. Don’t. Say.

Clay went on to say that he feels like Adam Lambert was pushed down viewer’s throats. Did he even see the shoveling job done with David Archuletta last year? Now, that was serious shoveling.

Speak, Clay:
“I think many voters got sick of being “told who to vote for”. I think many were turned off by the blatant favoritism shown towards one contestant. Therefore, on that last night, they used their votes against a contestant that they were tired of hearing about and for the contestant who had been written off. And, at the same time, I think they voted AGAINST an ‘American Idol’ that has, for four years now, been more about the slick productions and polished contestants than it has been about finding the raw talent that it did in its first three seasons.”

Okay. Okay. When it’s week one of the competition and one or two judges announce, “We’ll see you in the finale…” it’s unsettling. Honestly, I don’t like when they seem to clear the path for one contestant either. I didn’t like it when they did it with Carrie Underwood, David Archuletta, Fantasia, or Melinda. It’s a turn off for one thing – but for another, it simply isn’t fair.  But the reason I think it isn’t fair is different than you might suspect.

I don’t think it’s fair to their chosen performer. Only two that they’ve taken this approach with have actually gone on to win.

Think about it – it sets them up each and every week. They’re looked at under a magnifying glass and, thereby, held to a higher standard than the rest. It gives them added pressure in what’s already a pressure cooker.

But I understand where the judges are coming from. HELLO! They don’t want another tragedy like Taylor Hicks. They have a great deal of pride in their competition and want its winners to be deserving. Each winner represents the show, the brand, and to an extent them. Of course they want the best standing at the end.

As humans who are passionate about what they do, it’s probably hard not to get completely worked up. If I had a wish, however, it would be that they would not even mention “finale” until there are only a handful of contestants left. Imagine how it makes the rest feel.

Personally, I think two of the best were the last two standing. As much as I adore Adam, I think Kris Allen fought hard to win and deserves everything he gets. Not MORE than Adam, mind you, but as much. The guy is wonderfully talented – he plays instruments, sings his butt off, and seems like a very cool person. Adam seems to adore him and they have a great friendship going on. I heard Kris singing No Boundaries on the radio yesterday and he sounded incredible. It’s my favorite first song by a winner.

I can’t wait to hear it again. I also can’t wait to hear what Adam puts out. Do you know how fun it’ll be watching Adam Lambert bring “theatrical” back to music?! KISS, David Bowie, Queen, Cher, Madonna.. he’ll be keeping something very special alive, and he’s just the guy to do it.

The only thing that really bothers me about American Idol any more is some of the fan bases. They get unbelievably mean toward other contestants. This year alone found some scumbags lashing out at Danny Gokey because he’d recently lost his wife. The immature twits suggested he was going for the sympathy vote. That’s right, guys, it was the ultimate set up and his wife was a real trooper. Snap out of it!

If your favorite deserves to be there, let them prove it on the stage. If you think you need to harass other contestants or fan bases, apparently you don’t have much faith in them. You’d be better off picking a new contestant.

One local disc jokey even made a snarky comment about a time, later in the season, when Danny wasn’t wearing his wedding ring. I e-mailed the station to complain, but when you’re fighting against a lack of class, it’s a tough battle. The classless aren’t smart enough to realize just how uncool they are.

Anyway, Clay Aiken finished off with what I thought were just odd words. Odd – that’s all.

“I feel that Ruben and I were fairly matched. We both had our detractors and negatives, but I feel we were both very worthy of being on that stage in that moment, and either of us would have been worthy of winning. The show was different then, and folks made it in seasons 1-3 because they were “real” people who happened to sing/entertain well. But, somewhere along the way, ‘AI’ stopped being about real people.”

I guess this would be me signing off to spend the rest of the weekend wondering how Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, David Cook, David Archuletta, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, Katharine Mcphee, Taylor Hicks, and Blake Lewis aren’t real. How could I not have noticed?

Oh, btw, I don’t pay to read Clay Aiken’s thoughts. Someone copy and pasted the information. It has actually shown up several places online.  The word is spreading fast – and I can just picture the Claymates (his extremely loyal and devoted fanbase cleverly calls themselves Claymates) getting on their war gear… determined looks on their faces ready to fight to for their guy!

Please don’t let me be in their line of fire… Please don’t let me be in their line of fire…. Please don’t let me be in their line of fire…Please don’t let me be in their line of fire…



American Idol Winner David CookWell, it doesn’t get much better than this.  Arguably American Idol’s most talented winner, David Cook, and arguably the hottest female artist of the moment, Lady GaGa will both make live appearances at the result show of “American Idol” on Wednesday, April 1.

David Cook is set to sing his new single “Come Back to Me”, while Lady GaGa is scheduled to delivered her smash dance hit “Poker Face”.  Along with “Heartless” by Kanye, Poker Face is absolutely my favorite song of the moment.

A sneak peek of David Cook’s  music video for “Come Back To Me” will be aired during a commercial break of the American Idol result’s show.

“Come Back to Me” music video is directed by Gavin Bowden, the same man who helmed Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lifehouse and Jason Mraz’s videos.

Filmed at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 5, it will have Sarah Roemer landing the part as David’s love interest.

As for Lady GaGa, she has been touring across America to promote her debut album “The Fame”.

The Fame is one of the funnest, most entertaining, packed, powerful, and deliciously sexy cds I’ve ever heard.  Every song could be a hit and it seems like it’s headed in that direction.  She’s also leaving her fierce mark on the fashion world.  I’ve seen tons of Lady GaGa-ish sunglasses popping up in stores.

Love her.  She’s spirited and completely original.

Lady GaGa

Apple iTunes

People reports that David Cook and Kimberly Caldwell have parted ways – but they’re doing so amicably.

Kimberly’s representative said, “Kimberly and David ended their relationship just before the holidays. The couple remain good friends and being very private people, appreciate their privacy at this time.”

David Cook Fans, Show Your Love

by Joi on December 9, 2008

Apple iTunes

Big enough image? Fellow David Cook fans, show your love for our guy by supporting him on iTunes. Help him move up (waaaay up) the list… and pass the word along.

Michael Johns Video and News

by Joi on November 19, 2008

Here’s a video of Michael Johns (one of the most talented Idols ever) singing a song from his upcoming album.

Can you believe just how talented the contestants last season were? Michael Johns, David Cook, Carly Smithson… If they’re cds and publicity are handled well (more about Kelly Clarkson in a minute – *cough cough*) these three will be the superstars they deserve to be.

I can’t wait to see and hear what each comes up with.

David Cook

Skechers has signed American Idol winner David Cook to endorse the brand globally. Smart move, I’d say. He’s nearly as popular as Daughtry right now and should have the sort of success Chris Daughtry has found.

Like Carrie, David will prove to be a perfect spokesperson. They’re both hugely popular, likable, mega-talented and can bring in droves of fans. Also, unlike Taylor Hicks, they won’t prove to be jokes played on the AI audience by the AI audience.

Don’t you know American Idol would love to purge him from the list of winners?

I’m surprised Jordin Sparks hasn’t gotten any endorsement deals. She would be a perfect make-up model, or a spokesmodel for Candie’s. She’s a ridiculously beautiful girl. She’s also very sweet, likable, and friendly.

 

Deserved “American Idol” winner David Cook recently attended the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s annual Taste for a Cure Benefit in Beverly Hills. He said he was very glad to support cancer awareness because it has affected his family. His older brother, who just celebrated his 37th birthday (Happy Belated Birthday!), has cancer.

David and the rest of the “Idol’s” are getting ready for the show’s summer tour which begins July 1. He said he is looking forward to it because, “I get to hang out with nine of my best friends.”

He said that he and his girlfriend, Kimberly Caldwell, will keep in touch while he’s on tour. “Text and email will be my life the next few months.”

It Must be a Full Moon

by Joi on May 10, 2008

American Idol JudgesThe music industry has gone mad.  FIrst, we had Miley Cyrus posing in a come hither type pose for a Vanity Fair cover – a pose that is decidedly inappropriate for a 15 year old.  Accusations are flying around everywhere about who’s to blame, but I’m wondering why there’s any question.  Everyone’s to blame.  Miley, the photographer, the magazine that’s printing the picture and benefiting from publicity resulting from exploiting a child, and anyone that was on the set when she was being fitted for a sheet.  They’re all to blame and I hope people will let their disgust be known by never buying the magazine again. 

It tanked it’s reputation.

Marie Osmond has taken it upon herself to point her finger at Miley’s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.  According to People Magazine, Billy Ray wasn’t on set while those pictures were being taken and everyone close to the family says that he wouldn’t have allowed them.

Another star who’s pointing fingers and throwing out barbs is John Rich.  He stated that American Idol’s ratings were ”going down the toilet” because (in his words) the show’s scripted.  I don’t think it’s exactly scripted – but I DO know they push certain contestants down our throats. (More about David Archuleta later.)

Speaking of Paula, he weighed in on a big blunder that recently had all of us scratching our heads:

“‘American Idol’ infuriates me as an artist,” he told reporters. “They’re being fake about it. When you can’t make a cognizant comment about someone’s performance and you’re commenting on something that happened the day before, why don’t you just walk up on stage and slap them right across the face while you’re at it? As an artist, I would just flip them the bird and walk off the stage. She wasn’t even paying attention to what was going on.”

I have no idea where Paula’s head was that night, but his criticism is pretty unfair. She cares a lot about the contestants and I’ve never heard of anyone having a negative thing to say about her. All contestants, past and present, always talk about how sweet she is, how much she tries to help them, etc.

Granted, this year, the obvious propping of Archuleta and the unnecessary bashing of Jason Castro has turned even a die hard fan like me off.  In fact, if David Cook weren’t still in the race, I’d turn the show off and never turn it on again.  It was THAT uncomfortable to watch how they treated Jason.  It’s kids like him that allow the three judges to even have this show and lifestyle.  To belittle him and disrespect him like that was uncalled for. We all knew they wanted him out of the way for DA – just like they wanted Michael Johns and Carly Smithson out of his way.  Why does this show NEVER want the most talented people to be the last ones standing?!?!

 I’ve been a loyal fan of AI for years now – to the point of dropping EVERYTHING when it comes on.  I literally count the weeks until it returns when it’s on hiatus.  But this season has me thinking that next season will find me with better things to do.  I’ve grown tired of watching the show prop their favorites at superior singers’ expense.  When Simon stated that Archuleta “crushed” the competition, I spewed my Diet Dr. Pepper everywhere.  I’m not saying DA doesn’t have a really good voice – he does.   But, come on, he most certainly didn’t crush David Cook!  No way, never, nu uh.

Now the really weird news: David Archleta (a.k.a. The Chosen One) apparently has a stage father that puts all stage mothers to shame. The guy must be a real ass!

From TMZ: “Idol” sources tell TMZ Jeff has been a complete pain in the ass, interfering with the entire production. He has badgered producers, the band, vocal coaches and even other contestants. The final straw came this week, when Jeff wanted to change the lyrics to David’s first song, “Stand By Me.” Jeff insisted on adding a verse from Sean Kingston’s hit, “Beautiful Girls.” Producers sent him an e-mail telling him the lyrics could not be changed. They were beyond pissed when David sang the song with Kingston’s lyrics during the live show.

We’re told by changing the lyrics, it created problems with the song’s publisher and cost “A.I.” a lot of money.

Jeff was ordered to sit with “A.I.” lawyers on Wednesday, who told him he was “banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs.” It’s “Idol’s” position, since David is 17, he does not need a guardian — just a teacher. Jeff will be allowed to sit in the audience during the live show but he’s 86′d from anything backstage. Sources say the other contestants were fed up with Jeff and didn’t want him near them. Now they have their wish.

All in all, sources say Jeff is the stage dad from hell. BTW, he was banned on the set when David did “Star Search” a few years back.

Poor kid!  Dad needs to cool his heels before his son tells him to use them.

American Idol Does it Again

by Joi on April 11, 2008

When will I STOP being surprised?!

Last night, one of the three best singers in the competition was sent home while far less talented people stayed. I was kind of worried that (after Simon and Randy worked their mojo) he’d be in the bottom 3, but I had no idea he’d be sent packing. His performance was SOOOO much better than everyone else’s – except for Jason Castro.

They kind of set him up for failure, though, by not only having him go first – but also by Randy and Simon ridiculously attacking him. Randy was nastier than I’ve ever seen him. The theme was to pick a song that inspires you, and yet both of them criticized him for song selection!!! DUH – he chose the song that inspires him…what was he supposed to do, lie about it and sing another song.

Besides, he totally nailed the song – perfect as always.

Riddle me this, Batman – why in the blazes (as if I didn’t know) does The Chosen One never have to go first? He won’t have to until the contestants are so few that it won’t come into play. It’s a trick the show uses to further their little chosen ones and it’s so obvious it makes my head hurt.

With or without the title, Michael Johns will be a success – just like Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry. He has the makings of a PERFECT lead singer, if there’s a band anywhere interested in the type of success Daughtry has had.

It’s such a weird relationship I have with American Idol. They drive me crazy sometimes, but I love the show to distraction. I just wish that the viewers would catch on to the tricks and actually vote for the BEST singers for crying out loud. NOT the one(s) the show/judges prop – the ones who are actually the best in the competition.

This season should have come down to Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, and David Cook. What an amazing final four that would have been – certainly the best the show has EVER produced. But, nooooo, we’re going to be short changed. Again.

Why do they set themselves up to have the weakest top 4 every season?

Ack.

After the jump, below, is Michael John’s Performance. It was perfection.

[click to continue…]

David Cook and Michael Johns were nothing short of amazing last night.

I was so impressed with their vocals – and I LOVED the arrangement with Billie Jean.