A semi ho-hum edition of A.I. failed to inspire me enough to light up Blogger.com very often this year, so with the help of the SusCom Idol Super Pool 2's blog I'll attempt to straighten the whole season out...

• 02/21/07 - Remember Amy Krebs? Man, she got a raw deal.
  
  
• 02/28/07 - Kenny says "I'm voting to axe her (Leslie Hunt) every week even if it costs me the championship." He says it as though he knew the championship was his and only Leslie Hunt stood in the way. She was tossed the next night.
  
  
• 03/08/07 - Randy starts talking about somebody's boots, I think maybe Lakisha's. This fittingly reflects the viewing audience's growing infatuation with contestants' wardrobe and appearance.
  
  
• 03/10/07 - Todd K declares his "new favorite imprecation to be 'Haley Scarnato!'" May I request a more extensive list of favorite imprecations? Oh, and thanks for the new word.
  
  
• 03/14/07 - Haley Scarnato! cries like a baby, which needs to be grounds for an automatic boot in season 7. Much angst is building among SusCom Idol Poolers regarding Sanjaya's popularity.
  
  
• 03/21/07 - My pick to win it all gets a premature send-off. Kenneth Lee takes a lead in the Pool that he will never relinquish.
  
  
• 03/26/07 - Don't hate, prognosticate: MJ and Todd K correctly identify this season's winner nearly two months in advance. Look, I turned the other cheek to the support of Ozzie Smith's son, but I refuse to accept support of Phillippi Sparks' daughter! E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!
  
  
• 03/27/07 - Stefani seemed kind of nerdy.
  
  
• 04/04/07 - It's a good week to be a crooner as Tony Bennett guests on Standards Night. Unfortunately niether Clay Aiken, John Stevens nor David Radford are among season 6's hopefuls.
  
  
• 04/11/07 - SusCom Idol Poolers unite! A nearly unanimous (9 of 11) combo of Phil and Haley are selected to fair the poorest. Well played by most as Haley Scarnato! is sent packing.
  
  
• 04/17/07 - Todd K questions Phil Stacy's country roots all the while wondering if he's the "dorkiest guy ever"?
  
  
• 04/18/07 - That crying girl's life has taken a devastating turn: Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol.
  
  
• 04/24/07 - The much hyped Idol Gives Back show probably was the season's highlight, far out-dazzling the finale. Still not sure what to think about those bed nets though.
  
  
• 05/02/07 - Prior to double-elimination night, Flood mixes a rare comment in with his picks, going the political route with a Mission Accomplished jab.
  
  
• 05/03/07 - I said it once and I'll say it again: I'm convinced one of the following is true: 1) These aren't contestants, they're dominoes; or 2) Cowell was privy to the ribbon show's voting results and shaped his comments accordingly to satisfy his sweltering ego!
  
  
• 05/09/07 - Some are growing tired of Blake's beat-boxing while others are growing tired of awkward, painful performances by past-their-prime entertainers. Additionally, I must admit Idol's honesty with Sparks to close last night's show regained some credibility with me.
  
  
• 05/16/07 - The judging panel's incessant reminders that "this is a singing competition" come one week too late as Doolittle is sent home. Nevermind Allison's gut - eventual Idol Pool bronze-trophy winning Todd K was the only one who saw it coming.
  
  
• 05/22/07 - Blake Lewis delivers an encore performance of his Bon Jovi cover to open the performance side of the finale. Daughtry, who covered Bon Jovi quite successfully last season, closes it.
  
  
• 05/23/07 - The World's Greatest Entertainer Doug E. Fresh challenges soon-to-be runner-up Blake Lewis to a duel... the kind of duel in which only the bravest of men will partake... a reproduction of drum sounds using one's voice, mouth, and nasal cavity duel! I'm disappointed that Rose Radio has yet to give Doug Fresh the post-Idol-appearance love that it has shown others. I wouldn't mind a little "Cut That Zero" or "All The Way To Heaven" today. Oh, did anything else happen on the finale?
  

Labels: AI, MJ wants to be on my blog more, tape-delayed blog

The results are in and Dial Idol has spoken:

Count me as "not a fan" of this outcome. I've never been a Jordin Sparks pep rally attendee because A) her dad was a New York Giant and B) she just hasn't sounded that unique or consistent to me. I won't get too fired up about the result though because it's reasonable to say she probably was the better singer of the final two, and as The Dawg pointed out last night, this is a singing competition.

So what happens to beat-box Blake? History hasn't been too kind to the show's runners-up with the exception of Clay Aiken. Guarini, Degarmo, Bob Ice, McPhee... strugglin'. Can Blake break the curse? Will he be able to assert more of himself and his creativity into an album as a runner-up? Will I soon hear "pfffft, batp, shpoom, poom, batp" on Rose Radio?

Labels: AI

Let last night's bottom two of Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson serve as a reminder of who's Idol this is. I get the feeling the creators of this show, known as "Pop Idol" in other countries, knew exactly what they were doing when they made the name change for the United States version. After all, we're a land of cynics, pranksters and racists... and they were putting us in charge of a talent show?

This call-out isn't a direct response to my AI6 pick getting the boot 10 weeks earlier than predicted. I realize Stephanie has steadily regressed since her round of 24 effort and I have since admitted that she might be hard-pressed to last longer than a 7th place finish. Of course had she not been eliminated before several less-impressive contestants, she might have once again found her groove and began to regain the momentum she had lost. But probably not, since it appeared that she was just a bit out of her league.

Rather my disappointment lies in the fact that the combination of Stephanie AND Chris represented the 2 lowest vote-getters this week. For one or the other to slip through the cracks and potentially be sent home early has become a standard of the show... the bottom 3 has its surprises. But to think that the motley crew of Malakar, Stacy, Scarnato, Sligh & Glockson (get your tour tickets now!) were comfortably seated while either standing contestant wasn't even going to crack the top 10 is a farce. Shame on a country.

The good news is the Wizards are in the middle of a west-coast swing and "all that is right with the world" aired on Comcast Sports Net shortly after Idol. The WashWiz/SuperSonics tilt had its ups and downs, its highlights and lulls. But at the contest's close, with less than fractions of time remaining on the game-clock and the scoreboard's dueling focal points harmoniously exact, Agent 0's floating essay embraced Key Arena's northern window and incontrovertibly caromed through the goal for a two point basket. Wizards win. No strings attached.

Labels: AI, Holy Thesaurus, NBA, WashWiz

10:09 - Just To Feel That Way - Taylor Hicks
Hicks kicks off The Rose's 9-to-5 business radio Idol coverage. This song is a great improvement over "Do I Make You Proud," but I still expect it to be the day's worst Idol offering.

11:03 - I Wanna Be Inside Your Heaven - Carrie Underwood
While her finale-winning single is occasionally spun, The Rose is mum on any of Underwood's award-winning country tunes. I think the adults would bump the twang, hopefully The Rose will reconsider.

11:10 - Waitin' On The World To Change - John Mayer
John Mayer can't be pleased to have this otherwise decent pop tune associated with Sanjaya Malakar. I hope it's a temporary association.

11:21 - Because of You - Kelly Clarkson
The original A.I. gets a play. Her voice hasn't dominated the workplace airwaves as much lately. Either The Rose has cut back on Clarkson joints, possibly due to the arrival of new business radio friendly Idol releases, or I am confusing them with that other highly repetitive station.

11:33 - It's Not Over - Daughtry
The Rose started rocking Daughtry's premier effort just last week. While it pushes the business radio format, it's a nice, fresh addition. Unless Patsy dusts off 'Tasia's "Baby Mama," "It's Not Over" will be the day's best Idol track.

1:24 - Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
I really liked this song the first year it was out, but it's second-wind is wearing me out. Thanks for unveiling it to the adult-contemporary audience Ayla Brown!!

2:10 - Change - Kimberly Locke
Season 2's Locke had a great, underrated debut single with "8th Wonder." I consider newly-released "Change" a sophomore slump.

2:24 - Black Horse and a Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
McPhee's performance of this song down the stretch of AI5 helped her reach the finals. But to a greater extent, it put KT Tunstall on the charts. Throw in solid follow-up "Suddenly I See" and Tunstall is hitting her stride. McPhee? Haven't heard from her (although others have).

3:10 - Street Corner Symphony - Rob Thomas
This song has nothing to do with American Idol. I just thought I'd highlight it as the most horrible song to be played at least twice a day on business radio stations across the U.S.

4:09 - Just to Feel That Way - Taylor Hicks
What? Will Hicks and his lousy ditty be the only repeat Idol performer today? Every Rose has its thorn I guess.

4:33 - Since You've Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
Well, this kind of shoots holes in my earlier KC comment. It's a solid tune at least.

What did they miss?

• I understand that "Sorry for 2004" and "Truth Is" are probably too R&B, too old and never popular enough to find spots on business radio playlists, but I would like to occasionally hear either Ruben or Fantasia's season finale feel-gooders. The other 3 seem to wind their way into the mix from time to time.
  
  
• I downloaded Elliot Yamin's debut single "Movin' On" last week and surprisingly dig it. It would be a clutch addition to the Assault, but it's probably not adult-contemporary enough.
  
  
• It's not that I'm achin' for him, but Clay Aiken was not to be heard from today. Surprising since his new song gets plenty of run and is actually listenable.
  
  
• After thankfully being replaced as the Idol send-off soundtrack, "Bad Day" has been losing some steam. Will Daughtry's "Home" catch on and eventually become a mainstay?
  
  
• "Paula is missing." So said Seacrest last night and so says The Rose today. Her various hits have pretty consistently popped up at least once a day. She'll be featured on "All 80's Friday" I'm sure, but I would've preferred a little "Cold Hearted" today.

Labels: AI, music, tape-delayed blog

After some sub-par guesswork on the fate of last year's Idol crop, I figured I better allow myself at least one performance on the Idol stage before getting all fearless with my predictions. This year's group is unique compared to previous groups due to the fact that they're not really that, well, unique. No rockers. No twangers. And thankfully no crooners. I think the similarity in voice/style among the remaining 20 contestants is what makes this season so difficult to predict. But I'll take a shot anyway by highlighting 6 to watch:

6) Lakisha Jones: Fast start but much was the hype associated with singing last; won't fare as well as most are predicting, probably top 8 but I doubt top 5
5) Brandon Rogers: Slow start but should gain momentum; expect a top 8 finish
4) Jordin Sparks: Could be the most unique female; another top 8 finisher
3) Chris Richardson: If he can get comfortable, expect a top 4 finish
2) Blake Lewis: Probably the most versatile of the males; this season's runner-up
1) Stephanie Edwards: I was most impressed by her in the opening round; she'll stick around longer than any other female and win this thing

Labels: AI, tv

The least interesting American Idol season has finally ended. Taylor Hicks will go down in history as the only gray-haired champion. Good for him... he's okay. But overall, I just couldn't get into this season as much as the last few.

Nevertheless, there was a party. Here's a rundown of some of the highlights of the Bender's AI Finale Party:

• Tamyra Gray makes her 32nd special guest appearance on AI by working the crowds.
• Daughtry and some other dudes... I know I'm supposed to get excited because their from York and all, but what's good about these Live fellas?
• Mark's Berman-esque Taylor "Braxton" Hicks nickname takes life as he sings with Toni Braxton.
• The Brokenote Cowboys put on a pretty good show, out-performing the likes of Meatloaf and Toni Braxton for sure.
• Welcome to the party soon-to-be SusCom Idol Pool winner Sean Kirby.
• Prince's performance is strange... 10 minutes prior to the ending of the show, no Idol sharing the stage, singing something new nobody knows. Thumbs down to the obvious self-promo and alleged ego trip.
• Easy, Mark - it's just Hasselhoff!
• "We're proud of you Taylor Hicks." - MJ

Next up: What will Chris Daughtry do?

Labels: AI, tape-delayed blog, tv

Comparing my top 6 vs. AOL voters' top 6 after 2 weeks...



Click here to vote.

Labels: AI

At work we've started the SusCom American Idol Super Pool where many co-workers submit weekly picks to earn points. I've really been into guessing along with everyone as to who will stay and who will go, but after a recent iTunes Music Store discovery, I'm not sure I have what it takes to continue.

"(He) was my favorite candidate from (and the only reason I watched) American Idol."

"When this album came out, my first thought was... it's about time!"

"(His) sound is simply refreshing."

Who's music are these customers reviewing? John Stevens. His album is titled Red. He covers Frank Sinatra (obviously) and Maroon 5 (wha??). People like it.

Labels: AI, music

Now that American Idol has whittled their contestant pool down to 24, it's time to break out the crystal ball. I'm pushing the limits of my AI prognostication powers by making these picks early, but I'm feeling connected to this group. I think I've got a handle on season 5.

But before the picks, I've got to highlight a few developing situations:

1) One of my favorites has been Taylor Hicks. Seems like an acquired taste so I don't expect him to go too far. Hopefully, I'm surprised.

2) Another crooner has been drug into this thing. I couldn't stand John Stevens 2 seasons ago. How could they do this to us again with David Radford? What if someone like this wins? How can they make a CD? Last time I checked no one has a Dean Martin CD.

3) It was good to see the Brittnam twins removed. But did they really have to show the local news story on their arrests, complete with mug shots and all, on the most watched TV show in the world?

Now the picks:

• Chris Daughtry will win
• Ace Young and Paris Bennett will be in the top 5
• Lisa Tucker, Gedeon McKinney and Kellie Pickler will be in the top 9

Labels: AI, tv

The 5th season of American Idol kicked off last night. Despite the audition show delivering the same-old, same-old, I must admit that I am excited for another season.

Last night's Memorex Clutch Performer: Brandon, the police officer. We should've known we were in for some trouble when he announced he was going to sing the chorus of EPMD's "I Shot The Sheriff", a song with a two line hook. I couldn't help but laugh as he sang the same thing over and over and over.

Looks like we won't be hearing any performances of Kelly Clarkson songs on the show. In a classic case of one-upsmanship, Fantasia announced "Baby Mama" is readily available for any Idol contestant.

Update: After finding her initial decision pitchy at spots, Clarkson changed her tune. For what its worth.

Labels: AI, tv

Another Tuesday means another day of new music on the iTunes Music Store. So as I'm downloading Kanye West's new release, Late Registration, I thought I'd update American Idol fans on past competitor's efforts currently available on the Store.

Available today as a pre-release, the Lauryn Hill sound-alike (Randy Jackson's words, not mine) Camile Velasco offers up her debut single "Hangin On". The 30 second preview doesn't sound too bad, but that's probably because the 80s remake is a familiar tune. "And what's more importantly", no signs of the wristband on the album cover.

Prior to the Velasco release, Latoya London's "Appreciate" was the most recent Idol-alum debut. Despite a nice get on a guest verse from The Roots' Black Thought, the preview sounds like the 2000's formulaic R&B. That doesn't mean it can't be good, but there's only so much room in a shopping cart.

Outside of the compilations from the show, the following is a list of AI alums on iTunes:

• Bo Bice - Inside Your Heaven (Single)
• Camile Velasco - Hangin On (Single)
• Carmen Rasmussen - Photograph (Single)
• Carrie Underwood - Inside Your Heaven (Single)
• Clay Aiken - Measure of a Man (Album); Merry Christmas with Love (Album)
• Constantine Maroulis - Pray for the Soul of Betty (Album)
• Diana Degarmo - Blue Skies (Album)
• Fantasia - Free Yourself (Album)
• George Huff - My Christmas (EP)
• Josh Gracin - Josh Gracin (Album); Stay With Me (Single)
• Justin Guarini - Justin Guarini (Album)
• Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (Album); Thankful (Album)
• Kimberly Locke - One Love (Album)
• Latoya London - Appreciate (Single)
• Ruben Studdard - Soulful (Single); I Need An Angel (Single)
• Tamyra Gray - The Dreamer (Album)
• William Hung - Inspiration (Album); Hung for the Holidays (Album); We Are the Champions (EP)

I think that's it. Sorry, no Jon Peter Lewis. Yet.

Labels: AI, iTunes, music