American Idol 6 News (Page 6)

American Idol piled up more gargantuan ratings in its third week and helped make the Fox network medical drama House the most-watched scripted broadcast on U.S. television this season.

Tuesday's episode of American Idol, featuring auditions of pop star wannabes in Alabama, drew 33.7 million viewers, once again dominating the prime-time schedule and giving a hefty lead-in to House, Nielsen Media Research reported on Wednesday.

The hospital drama starring British actor Hugh Laurie as a cranky but brilliant physician averaged 27.3 million viewers, its largest audience in three years and the biggest for any scripted TV show on any network during the 2006-2007 broadcast season.

But American Idol, the smash hit talent competition that has produced several chart-topping recording stars since its launch in 2002, remains the principal ratings engine for the Fox network, a unit of News Corp. and the most watched show overall on American television.

Ratings should only increase, also, as we head to Hollywood and hopefuls such as Sundance Head, Jory Steinberg and Brandon Rogers have a chance to shine.

There's a reason why rival television executives not-so-fondly refer to Fox's American Idol as the "death star."

The talent show, which attracted more than 32 million viewers for each of its audition episodes, eclipsed everything in prime-time TV last week and was particularly cruel for the shows unlucky enough to air at the same time, Nielsen Media Research said on Tuesday.

ABC's new comedy Knights of Prosperity (3.6 million viewers), NBC's critical favorite Friday Night Lights (5.7 million) and CBS' dead-on-arrival reality show Armed & Famous (4.2 million) are some of the programs that wilted last week in direct competition with American Idol.

One of the few shows that seemed impervious to the Fox phenomenon was Univision's Spanish-language soap opera, "La Fea Mas Bella," which had more viewers at 8 p.m. Wednesday (6.3 million) than anything NBC, ABC or CBS had to offer.

We'd take Paula Abdul drunk over Courtney Love sober.

For some reason, American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has reportedly contacted Kurt Cobain's widow and asked her to appear as a celebrity judge on the show.

"He called," Love tells Us Magazine. "He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant."

Is FOX lining up a replacement for slap-happy Paula Abdul? Or just looking to spice up the show with the always-entertaining, often-insane rocker/actress?

Love, who is currently in L.A. recording a solo album, declined to reveal any more specific details. Allow us to go on record as being very frightened, however.

Last week, American Idol experts Kimberly Caldwell and Rosanna Tavarez reviewed the opening week of the show.

Today, they're back for more. Read on for their recap of the Memphis and New York City tryouts.

TVGuide.com: Who are you liking from Week 2? I have a good feeling about "Sundance" Head, the blues guy....
Kimberly: Sundance Head is my favorite as of right now.
Rosanna: My favorite is 16-year-old hippie girl. I loved her.

Kimberly: Oh, my god... she could do every single type of music, she was so versatile. I think we are all going to be super, super surprised about what comes out of this girl. I think everybody thought that she was just going to be a character and a joke, but this girl really has something special. The fact that she is so unique and so out there is really going to work in her favor.

TVGuide.com: At this early stage, how big a factor do you think the ultimate marketability of the singer is? It sometimes seems like a gal with merely "promising" pipes but in a pretty package can coax a yes out of Simon.
Rosanna: I really think that first it's the voice, second it's the stage presence, and third is how you look.
Kimberly: Yeah.
Rosanna: If you happen to look great, it's to your benefit, but I really think the first two are the priority.
Kimberly: You don't have to look like Britney Spears to be an American Idol. Take Ruben Studdard: You wouldn't look at him and go, "Yeah, he's going to win American Idol." Or Clay Aiken... they don't look like typical pop stars, and I think that's why people fall in love with them.

TVGuide.com: Week 1 gave us the brother and sister going to Hollywood, and Week 2 gave us two girls who are best friends. Is there real value in such "Awww" factors, or is it simply not going to save their bacon at the end of the day?
Kimberly: No, it's just part of the reality show, and that's pretty much it.
Rosanna: Right. I think they're all good singers, as well, but probably one of them will wind up going on, and the other will be sent home. That's always the "dramatic twist."
Kimberly: The one [of the Week 2 BFFs] without training, I think, will definitely wind up in the top 12, and the one with training will wind up going home.

TVGuide.com: My wife was commenting on how the song choices can veer toward the obscure. Because of music-rights issues and what not, is there a set list of songs an auditioner has to choose from?
Kimberly: There's a list of songs that you can choose from. During the first audition, it's really large, and the third time you go in front of the judges, they give you another list that's shorter.
Rosanna: I was definitely thrown off by the Jets song, circa 1985, that was thrown in there! I think it was, like, "You Got It All over Him." The Jets were a group from Hawaii, there were about 12 of them, and they were one of my favorites in the '80s. It was a weird song choice, and yet it was there.
Kimberly: There are copyright issues, so if you choose to sing a song not on the list, you're less likely to get on television.

TVGuide.com: I'm a bit surprised by the lack of Chris Daughtry-esque rockers so far this season. Are you?
Kimberly: I'm actually pretty surprised that there aren't more rockers, but at the same time we have to understand that a lot of people don't get shown. We've seen all the really, really, really bad people, and then we've seen maybe five awesome people.
Rosanna: It's nice that they're not playing by the same token roles: the rocker, the country, the pop girl.... It's nice that we're skipping over the rock thing, at least maybe for a little bit.
Kimberly: But I know who I do have my eye on: His name is Chris Richardson. A 22-year-old little Justin Timberlake look-alike and sing-alike.
Rosanna: [Laughs] Are you always looking for a date?!
Kimberly: Yes, I am.

American Idol has been solid so far this season. But MTV.com recently talked to a few insiders on how it could be even better ...

Taylor Hicks, season-five winner: "I would probably allow people to play instruments. For me, there's a couple different aspects to my entertaining, two of them being harmonica and guitar. That could be a cool possibility."

Randy Jackson, American Idol judge: "I could definitely live without [the celebrity guest judges]. I mean, the show works because it's the three of us on the panel, and what we do and how we interact. I think when people come into the arena that we judge in, it's often a little awkward and a little hard for them. I think people look at the show as a fan and go, 'I could do that. I'd love to be there.' It's almost like saying, 'I could be a pitcher.'

Actually, I couldn't. I don't even know if I could pitch Little League. I mean, yes, you could do it, but is it going to be great or are you just there for the TV face time?"

JoJo Wright, on-air personality at KIIS-FM, Los Angeles: "Give out a William Hung Award [to the worst singer] at the completion of the audition process. Perhaps have William Hung present the award, himself."

Paris Bennett, season-five finalist, pictured: "I love that people can call in and vote, but that is very, very controversial. So I'd redo the voting thing. And the genres they pick — our show was good, but we had these slow weeks, love-song week, and sometimes they're stupid."

Bryan-Michael Cox, songwriter/producer (Mariah Carey, Chris Brown): "I would focus more on the positive in the beginning. We think the negative stuff is hilarious, but when you're in the process of launching careers, you shouldn't take the seriousness out of it. You know, William Hung got a record deal, but that could have gone to someone with talent who could be building a career right now."

Todd Brabec, executive vice president/membership, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP): "It would be great to integrate contemporary songwriters into the show who can help write original material specifically suited to the finalists. They could show a behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process and how it helps to shape the artist. I understand the producers are introducing a national songwriting competition into the mix this year, and that is a step in the right direction."

Ace Young, season-five finalist: "I'd change the food they gave the contestants. We didn't get much for breakfast, it was all crescent rolls and fruit. And I'd change the sleeping arrangements. We slept on beds smaller than a twin mattress and I shared a room with Chris [Daughtry] with my feet hanging off the bed. That was the worst thing about the whole deal."

Greg Wells, producer (Deftones, the Pussycat Dolls): "If I ran American Idol, I would immediately ban all Broadway show tunes from being performed."

Cingular Wireless - now the new AT&T - has renewed its deal with FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment to provide American Idol fans with mobile access to memorable moments from the show’s auditions.

For the next three weeks, the Cingular Video library will feature up to ten bad American Idol audition clips. To access the clips, consumers need to have a 3G phone and must sign up for the $19.99 MEdia MAX Bundle, which includes unlimited Cingular Video.

In addition to video content, ring tones are also available.

Throughout the season, AT&T’s wireless unit will be introducing new American Idol-themed content, as well as returning favorites such as IDOL Chat, IDOL Trivia and Live IDOL Tones, just to name a few.

The show’s last season generated more than 64.5 million text messages.

Last week, we reported on Entertainment Weekly's early Season Six favorites.

With new American Idol auditions having taken place since then, here's an updated power poll:

1. Jason ''Sundance'' Head (new this week)
Burly, genial son of '60s hitmaker Roy Head was a bluesy delight delivering ''Stormy Monday'' in Memphis, inspiring Simon to predict likely passage to this season's finals.

2. Porcelana Patino (new this week)
With her bleached tresses, cheap bracelets, and brash personality, Porcelana is a lot to hande, but that husky, heartfelt rendition of Mary J. Blige's ''Love No Limit'' was just right.

3. Sanjaya Malakar (last week No. 2)
Younger half of a potent brother-sister combo tackled Stevie Wonder without sacrificing melody for melisma,; with the help of a stylist, there's no telling how far he'll go.

4. Melinda Doolittle (new this week, pictured)
It'd take a Grinch not to root for this 28-year-old backup singer, who fought off a mean case of the nervous shakes before her home-run audition of ''For Once in My Life.'' Still, lack of confidence may not look so cute in front of a live audience.

5. Antonella Barba (new this week)
Untrained half of last week's ''Jersey girl'' duo proved to be a surprisingly powerful vocalist with a great sense of rhythm on Denise Williams' tricky ballad ''Free,'' but is there enough genuine fire beneath that low-wattage facade?

6. Jenry Bejarano (new this week)

What's this? A 16-year-old who looks like Tyson Beckford's far hotter younger cousin? And who delivered an above-average version of Gerald Levert's ''I'd Give Anything to Fall in Love''? Yes, people, God does indeed play favorites.

7. Sarah Krueger (last week No. 1)
She's pretty, she's unassuming, and she gave a knockout rendition of ''Somewhere Over the Rainbow'' at her Minneapolis audition. But did her song choice (and delivery) make her look like a copycat of season 5's Katharine McPhee?

8. Rudy Cardenas (last week No. 3)
Watching Paula Abdul drool (and Seacrest go in for a half-hug) over the 28-year-old Venezuelan-born hunk was high comedy, but the guy's mighty fine rendition of Journey's ''Open Arms'' proves his Idol aspirations are no laughing matter.

9. Nicholas Pedro (new this week)
Yet another chap who had Paula salivating like one of Pavlov's dogs, but his ''Fly Me to the Moon'' proved he's more than a handsome face. Still, after botching his lyrics and bailing during last season's Hollywood round, his guts remain a question mark.

10. Shyamali Malakar (last week No. 4)
Sure, her jazzy take on ''Summertime'' wasn't at Fantasia Barrino levels, but at least she did it her way. Not only that, Sanjaya's sister is sassy without being mouthy, and her success would leave Simon regretting that ''nothing unique'' critique.

11. Rachel Zevita (new this week)
This hooky-playing high schooler brilliantly neutralized Simon's accusation of musical schizophrenia by pointing out that Idol wannabes need to tackle different themes each week. But while she aced the rock, AC, and opera genres, she desperately needs a tutor in Style 101.

12. Jory Steinberg (new this week)
Her plunging neckline grabbed Simon's attention, but it was a polished interpretation of Tina Arena's ''Chains'' that held it. Still, is this Canadian beauty who once sang for the queen of England just a pageant contestant in pop-star's clothing?

13. Matt Sato (last week No. 5)
This 16-year-old's tearful phone call to mom was the emotional highlight of Idol's first week, but if we're being honest, his compelling backstory upstaged a good, but somewhat oversung, rendition of ''California Dreamin'.''

14. Blake Lewis (last week No. 6)
Human beatbox with insanely spiky hair scored a ticket to Hollywood — bringing his dad to tears — with a crazy-skillful rendition of Seal's ''Crazy,'' but Simon had a point that the guy may not be quite as good as he thinks he is.

15. Denise Jackson (last week No. 7)
Her ''And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going'' had power but lacked subtlety — much like her hooched-out red minidress and black crocheted sweater. One also has to wonder, was that ''crack baby'' revelation too much too soon?

16. Chris Richardson (new this week)
The judges dubbed this 22-year-old Virginia native a Justin Timberlake look-alike (and sound-alike), but his overwrought take on ''A Song for You'' paled next to Elliott Yamin's version, to say nothing of Donny Hathaway's original.

17. Jordin Sparks (last week No. 8.)
Clearly has The Voice, but not sure this 16-year-old daughter of an NFL star has the emotional depth to go with it. Seriously, choosing a Celine Dion power ballad as audition material? Yikes. Could be this year's answer to Lisa Tucker.

18. Kia Thornton (new this week)
This 27-year-old seems inherently sweet, and her booming rendition of Aretha's ''Ain't No Way'' recalled early Faith Evans. As Paula pointed out, however, there's magic in knowing when to hold back — and that's not Kia's strong suit.

19. Perla Meneses (last week No. 13)
Her ''Call Me'' was middling, but a last-minute Shakira imitation, complete with come-hither jiggle, stamped her ticket to Hollywood. We'll be shocked if this hottie cracks the top 24, but a decent showing in our week 1 reader poll keeps her ranked — for now.

20. Sean Michel (new this week)
It takes chutzpah to introduce yourself to America by pointing out your resemblance to Osama bin Laden, Jesus, and Fidel Castro, and while his ''God's Gonna Cut You Down'' didn't please my ears, the dude is, at the very least, hard to forget.

Associated Press Writer Solvej Schou has been singing since childhood and performs professionally.

Last summer, she auditioned in Pasadena, Calif., for this season's American Idol - not as a reporter but as an aspiring contestant along with 10,000 other first-rounders. Here's her report ...

I've been singing since I was 4 and performing in bands since 15. Nothing, however, could prepare me for auditioning for TV's hit competition American Idol.

It was a chilly morning in August.

I slept through my alarm, set to 3:30 a.m. A friend's call half an hour later woke me out of my nervous sleep. After quickly shimmying into a bright red vintage dress, I rushed over to the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena for the Los Angeles area audition (airing on FOX on Jan. 31 at 9 p.m.).

Bleary-eyed and shivering in the pre-dawn darkness, I took a place in line along with 10,000 other aspiring contestants - from teenagers to those like me in their late 20s.

People brought their mothers, fathers, best friends and aunts. One read "Idol" judge Simon Cowell's "I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But..." Some piled on makeup. Others rehearsed their songs - loudly or whispering. Most everyone yelped and screamed at the FOX cameras twirling past.

I came alone (it was too early for everyone I knew) and murmured lyrics under my breath. Friends called to keep me company. My feet started to hurt.

I'm a blues-singing garage rocker at heart, not someone prone to trying out for a commercial endeavor such as Idol. Yet prodding from friends and family prompted me to give it a chance. Even my bandmates said, "Hey, why not? Go for it."

The song I chose to audition, "Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin, was a favorite — soulful, sassy. Not as ubiquitous as "Respect," but still bold. I felt committed. I had already been wearing my Idol audition wristband for two days.

Once inside the stadium, after hours of waiting for the gates to open and then that mad dash inside, I found my seat, surrounded by a mix of saucy trash-talkers and shy couples.

Mostly, the tension was palpable — somewhere between wide-eyed hope and crushing anonymity. But there was also something else in the air: a joyful love of music. It felt easy to get caught up in that rush, regardless of the odds.

Questions looped through the crowd.

"Are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul here?"

"No they're not."

"I heard they are!"

It turns out they weren't — by a long shot.

Continue Reading...

Don't look for Joss Stone to be judging any American Idol auditions in the future.

The singer has revealed that she turned down an offer to appear as a guest judge on the show.

The 19-year-old singer was invited on the show by Simon Cowell, but refused because she is opposed to the "cruel" nature of TV talent searches."I find these shows far too cruel," Joss said. "Music should be allowed to develop naturally."

Stone's third album, Introducing Joss Stone, will be released in March. We'd pretty sure she'd have agreed that Sundance Head has a big future, though.

We've already reported how traffic across search engines has taken off on terms such as "American Idol auditions" and "Paula Abdul drunk."

Now, American Idol Six hopefuls that have made it to Hollywood are jumping on the online bandwagons. The following contestants have had domain names registered already, as they plan ahead for future websites:

• Sundance Head
• Amanda Coluccio
• Antonella Barba
• Jenry Bejarano
• Porcelana Patino
• Rachel Zevit
• Anna Kearns
• Sanjaya Malakar
• Shyamali Malakar