"AI" news 'n' notes

Hello,

I am writing this with my daughter on my lap. Hi Madison!

The following comes from the Fox's President of Alternative Television, Mike Darnell. (Can you believe they have such a thing?) When the contestants get to the Final 12, they will all be moved into a house. So along with the normal singing competition, we will have all the drama associated with strangers living together in a house. I think this is a stupid idea. This show isn't "The Real World", it is "American Idol". So "AI" producers please focus on those things that make "AI" such a great show. Let's let the contestants sing the whole song for instance. BTW Darnell's interview is out there on the web, but don't bother tracking it down as it is very boring.

There will be a big surprise when we reach the Top 12. I have no idea what this could be but I am frightened it is going to be something stupid. Also due to the economy, there will be no "Idol Gives Back" this season. When the economy is really bad, it seems like that would be even a more appropriate time for "Idol Gives Back".

Here are some sales updates for last season's Top 2 contestants. David Cook's debut CD has sold 892,000 copies. Meanwhile David Archuleta's debut CD has sold 597,000 copies. It does not surprise me that Cook's CD has sold more, but it does surprise me that Archuleta's CD has sold so many. The economy seems not to have hurt babysitting financially.

For comparison sake, Daughtry's CD has sold 4.4 million copies and he didn't even win "AI"! Remember Daughtry finished in fourth place, behind Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee and Elliot Yamin. Both Hicks and McPhee later were dropped by their labels. In fact Taylor Hicks is the first "AI" winner to not sale at least 1million copies of his first CD. themusicaddict quite enjoys McPhee's new CD. She is also one of the most gorgeous "Idol" contestants ever.

Do you remember the homeless "AI" candidate from last season? He was living in his car. He auditioned and got through to Hollywood but did not make the Top 24. His name is Josiah Leming. Anyway Josiah Leming has new music out, the name of the song is "Arctic Outcry Wind". I was prepared to hate this song, but I actually liked it quite a bit. It is from his CD "Angels Undercover".

Kelly Clarkson's new CD has been moved up a week- it will now be released March 10th. I look forward to "All I Wanted" being released. Of all the "AI" contestants so far, I think she has been the most consistent. When they have an all-stars "American Idol", I think she will win that competition as well. She has such a fantastic voice. Can you believe this is already her fourth CD?
Also ew.com's "Idolatry" on Friday was a 9 minute episode. That dealt with the auditions from last week. They also have a new edition up today with Michael Slezak interviewing the great Melinda Doolittle. (It is so crazy she finished third to Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks on Season 6. Blake Lewis?) Her new CD, "Coming Back To You" is out February 3rd. On tomorrow's "Idolatry" I believe Ms. Doolittle will be singing us a song. It sounds like it is going to be a great CD. Once I can afford it I am going to buy it and will review it here.

Finally the preeminent "AI" website is mjsbigblog.com. Today she has hot tips about the second single off the new Kelly Clarkson CD. (Katy Perry?) She also has news about a song that may be coming up on an upcoming episode of "AI". By far that is the best "AI" site. It has coverage of everything Idol, warts and all. On the other hand one of the most worthless "AI" sites is americanidol.com. I rarely go to their site as it is so devoid of useful information. It is a website designed by a corporate America drone, so what do you expect?

Two other sites of note 1)votefortheworst.com- although it has become a lot less funny and a lot more bitter as of late. 2) joesplaceblog.com This has the most current information on who possibly is in the Top 50 this season. It also has links to the prospective Top 50's facebook, myspace and other assorted websites. If you want to find out as much about each contestant as you can this is the site to go to.

Have a great Monday, themusicaddict