Attention American Idol 8 Fans!

Click here to be redirected to our new site.

Major Announcement

As all of you know, we've been looking for a new host. Well, we've found one!

We've had a great ride on Blogger for the past two years, but it's time to move onward (and upward). Our new site (already up, by the way) has all of the commentary and footage you've come to expect from American Idle. And we expect season 8 to be our best ever.

As of December 15, all of the content on this site will be moved to:

http://www.americanidle.today.com/

Thank you again for your continued patronage.

- BJ

Lots Of Changes Coming To American Idol 8 - American Idol 8

Apparently we haven’t seen anything yet when it comes to changes on American Idol. The eighth season will have the most thus far, taking hints from their neighbor up north as well as borrowing ideas that seemed long over but are now renewed.

Here is the breakdown, according to another Idol blogger:

American Idol will be sticking to its Tuesday/Wednesday schedule - Not a surprise
There will be 3 weeks of auditions, down from 4 the past few years - YES!
Four weeks of auditions, particularly with the bad singers taking up the bulk, had become interminable.
There will be a Top 36, rather than a Top 24 - Hm…
The Wild Card Week will be re-introduced- Hm…
No Thursdays planned- and Hm…
There will be 2 weeks of Hollywood Rounds - In the past, there would be at least 3 episodes of Hollywood, which made for some really compelling TV.
I think the show really suffered when they cut these back to shoehorn in more crappy auditions. This is good news
There will be a Top 12 as in previous years - Just as it should be.
Promotional thrust will have fewer bad singers and more ‘aspirational’ singers. There will be no Idol Gives Back. - Fewer bad singers? Hallelujah.

First off, a few thoughts of my own here. Back-to-back days works better in my view and draws more viewers. So hurray for that. But only three weeks of auditions? Granted, all the singing wasn’t that great…but that’s not the point of the show, anyway. The point of the show was for all of America’s singers to be showcased, good or bad. I think this is a bad move from a marketing standpoint and is one that Idol will regret. Obviously the death of Paula Goodspeed had A TON to do with their decision here. The Top 36 idea has been essentially stolen from Canadian Idol. Whatever.

Other than that, the fact WildCard week is being reintroduced is good, because it will always leave us viewers on the edge of our seat wondering who’s coming back. I’m gonna throw out a name and that person is…David Osmond. While it may be true that Osmond is cut during Hollywood Week (and nobody seems to know for sure) I could see Idol trying to spruce up their ratings (and gain Mormon viewers). While you may well hear somebody tell Osmond he’s not good enough, in TV land that just means “Go back and we’ll call you when we’re ready.”

Finally, thank God somebody finally listened to me about Hollywood Week being too long (lol). Actually I don’t have that kind of pull. But I’m glad we don’t have to see what amounts to pithy soap operas with more editing than a porn film. It’s ridiculous and Idol knows it. It’s somewhat disheartening that Idol Gives Back is not gonna be a part of our viewing, but companies are cutting back, you know.

Amanda Overmyer Performs “Dude Looks Like A Lady” - American Idol 7 - Amanda Overmyer

I don’t know if Amanda Overmyer believes in self-fulfilling prophecies but she must if she has the cojones to perform “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” since the comparison has been made before.

LOL Anyway, in support of her new album “Solidify” Overmyer is performing at Chicago’s Elbo Room and it comes courtesy of Dave from Vote For The Worst. Thanks Dave. It's dark (per usual in a nightclub) but it's there and you can kind of make out Amanda's face. Sort of.

Now seriously, go out and pick up “Solidify;” it’s a good album with some excellent songs, and even though I like to tease an Idol every now and again, Amanda Overmyer is the real deal.

“American Stars” Holiday Tour Having Issues - American Idol - David Hernandez, Kimberley Locke, Chikezie, Vonzell Solomon, Diana DeGarmo

Remember how we told you the “American Stars In Concert For The Holidays” tour starring David Hernandez and Chikezie and others was in gear? Well, it is, but reports it’s been successful are premature. One newspaper is reporting that their local theatre slashed prices for its concert from $50 to $25.

But of course, in true PR fashion the person in charge of ticketing at the theatre said it was because of a weak economy. Yeah, whatever.

The tour itself is garnering mixed reviews, mostly good.

Michael Johns Sings “Another Christmas” - American Idol 7 - Michael Johns

We have some video of Michael Johns’ soon-to-be-released song “Another Christmas.”

Warning: It’s somewhat annoying because the first 50 seconds are comprised of the “filmmaker” yapping on her damned cell phone. Stop already and let us listen to the song. After the 50 second mark, you can hear the song and it sounds well constructed, with a clear message. I think it’s the modern version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

From what I could gather, the song sounds great and Johns may have a nice Christmas hit on his hands. He performed the song at Legoland in California recently during their annual tree-lighting. Looking festive in his Santa hat, Johns let his voice do the talking. Amen.

Nadia Turner Speaks Out On World AIDS Day - American Idol - Nadia Turner

Wow, it’s been a LOOOONG time since the ex-Miami Dolphins cheerleader has had her name in the spotlight. But on World AIDS Day, guess who’s back in it? If you said Nadia Turner from season 4, I’d call you a liar.

But here she is, talking to her friend (um, fellow actor) about keeping the glove on your man’s love handle when you’re doing the nasty. In other words, safe sex is the best way to avoid contracting AIDS, or the virus that causes AIDS.

Turner returned from a USO tour in Afghanistan in August and is currently recording tracks for a new album. So look for something from Nadia sometime soon!

Daughtry On “CSI: New York”? Yes, It’s True - American Idol - Chris Daughtry

Daughtry’s done a lot of things in his music career, gone platinum, won numerous awards and played sold-out arenas. One thing he’s never done, to my knowledge (if you wanna check on this, my mighty readers, go ahead) is star on a hit TV show.

He may get more work after playing a certain “Mac Taylor” character, one of 23 such Mac Taylor’s in the hit TV episode. He’s basically playing a jerk, but that’s the way things go in “Actorland.” He even gets into a shoving match with a different “Mac Taylor!!” (FYI it’s Scott Wolf from the hit FOX TV show “Party Of Five” from way back when.)

What’s more is he’s never played a bad guy to my knowledge, so it’s somewhat refreshing to watch him do a bit of a star turn on something other than picking up a microphone and screaming into it. He may be on to something here.

David Cook Discusses New Album On “Wal-Mart Soundcheck” - American Idol 7 - David Cook

With his new album out in stores today David Cook is on a promotional tour trying to get the word out about his self-titled gem. It's great! I already have it!!

You can also buy it here

He does so on Wal-Mart Soundcheck, which is geared toward having more knowledge of the making of the album, as well as the meaning behind some of his songs. For those who want the full experience, you can go to the site directly

David Cook's performance on Soundcheck
by soundcheck2008

Elliott Yamin Has A New Song “Be Apart”? - American Idol - Elliott Yamin

Word on the street (it’s a short street…okay?) is that Elliott Yamin is gearing up for a new album. For fans of his, that’s great news.

In lieu of the news, somebody has leaked what may be a new Elliott Yamin song entitled “Be Apart.” I like it! It’s got a nice, soulful approach to it, without being too overbearing.

Elliott has always been one of the best artists Idol has ever had on its show and so it’s nice when I get news about him. Hopefully there is more on its way. Look for the completed album for sale on this blog in the near future.

Paula Goodspeed 1978-2008

Paula Goodspeed - Proud Mary!
by Mr-Tee

After hearing about the awful events that transpired in front of Paula Abdul's house yesterday evening (an apparent suicide from somebody infatuated with Paula Abdul), I don't really feel like writing about anything pertaining to American Idol today.

I will say this though: It's about time somebody puts an end to Idol judges treating these singers like they do. Perhaps this was a wake-up call to them and to 19 Entertainment.

I understand the bottom line of the show is that, in fact, it is "show business," but there must be a line drawn so we don't see this happen again. I have been known to have fun with these individuals as well, and for those of you I offended, my sincerest apologies. It's been a wake-up call to me also.

The truth is there are some singers who simply haven't been blessed with the tools to be able to sing. I don't think that necessarily means anyone has the right to ridicule them.

The only reason I started this blog was to help Jonathan and Kenny, two auditioners from Seattle who were being harassed by an individual who didn't understand they were special needs individuals and resorted to attacking them on their MySpace pages.

Initially I covered those who auditioned for Idol who didn't necessarily make the spotlight, or who weren't portrayed in a positive light. William Hung was special, and so were Jonathan and Kenny. James Lewis was and is my all-time favorite singer in the competition. It had nothing to do with their singing. It was more than that.

Idol reminds us that America is beautiful, no matter where you're from or who you are. The common denominator of the show is that anybody under the age of 28 has an opportunity to try out and to make it. I was and still am more interested in the show's auditions than I am the Hollywood portion of the competition.

For that very reason the death of Paula Goodspeed is more than a death; it's a death of an idea, so to speak. I think that's what makes it so sad.

There is obviously something we can learn from these so-called less talented individuals. Please enjoy her audition tape, her one opportunity in her heart to make a difference in this crazy world we live in. - BJ

David Archuleta Fans Would Seriously Die For Their Man - American Idol 7 - David Archuleta

If ever there is a case for Secret Service agents to follow former Idols around like lost puppies with machine guns, the reasoning for it may come to you after you watch this video above.

Captioned “The Most Horrible Day Of My Life,” the video begins the way one would expect the American Idol 7 finale to have gone, the announcement and then a classy retort.

Uh, no. Not really. If you really wanna see why pre-teen America is going nuts for their Archie (and some other “anonymous” freaks) watch this video. But be warned: It may cause you to throw something at your monitor.

None (and I mean NONE) of the other blogs have the balls to say what somebody should really emote:

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA!

BEH! (Choking)

Are you people serious? I BEG you to reply to this video. I would LOOOOVE to hear your reasoning for crying about a person losing a game show. Not only a game show, but also a KARAOKE GAME SHOW.

I know I’m not gonna get comped for saying the video is stupid, unlike other “bloggers,” and I could care less. And that’s the truth. Grow up, kids. Life only gets more difficult from here on.

David Archuleta Video Blog On Eve Of Album Release - American Idol 7 - David Archuleta

Instead of blogging on video, David Archuleta has been writing. If you’ve had an opportunity to read his liner notes in the jacket of his new album, you know that, LOLZ

Anyhow, here’s David talking about what he did this past weekend in Utah. He’s in NYC now preparing for the release of his new album and that drops tomorrow.

The Two Davids' Early Album Radio Debuts Were In Plans For Awhile - American Idol - David Archuleta & David Cook

Remember how we couldn’t figure out why David Archuleta’s self-titled debut album was being played on radio stations across the country, even though the album doesn't come out until Tuesday, November 11? Well, it turns out the whole thing was planned.

Both of the singers’ record companies (and 19 Entertainment, obviously) cooked up a deal with Clear Channel.

First you heard Archuleta’s album, which wraps up today and next week David Cook’s album may be listened to in its entirety on 100 Clear Channel radio stations.

And you can listen to both artists for a limited time, with Cook's album available on November 13.

Blake Lewis New Song “I Ran” - American Idol - Blake Lewis

Well, look who’s back! If it isn’t Blake Lewis, and just in time for the deluge of former Idols and their album releases.

The last time we saw Blake Lewis he was kissing on Haley “The Mole” Scarnato and generally annoying his neighbors with loud music. You know, the kind of stuff that gets headlines.

I’m gonna make a prediction. This song, a cover of the Flock of Seagulls classic, will be popular in the clubs with its techno sound. That’s a given, considering Lewis’ new tune is already getting as much or more airplay than the top dogs from season 7.

Could Blake Lewis be the breakout star?

Kellie Pickler Has An Interesting Hairdo - American Idol - Kellie Pickler

Even though Kellie Pickler’s new ‘do looks like she went for the quick-fix stick-your-finger-in-a-light socket instead of hairspray and gel, it’s got pizazz, with a lot of z’s. LOL

Her interview with Access Hollywood also had a lot of spunk. She should talk more often. See it below:

Check Out My New American Idol Blog! All New Content!!

I have a new blog, also called American Idle, on another blog host! It has fresh content that you won't find here and a decidedly more opinionated feel!

Check it out by clicking on the widget to your right or just click here.

Listen To David Archuleta’s Entire Album Before It’s Released - American Idol 7 - David Archuleta

In a move that probably isn’t doing much for Jive, the record company that recorded David Archuleta’s first album, several radio stations are playing the album in its entirety. And one of David’s many fan sites (click on the link here) has a streaming player of the songs for you to listen to.

You tell me; is this going above and beyond what David Archuleta should do for his legions of fans? Or is this just a sign of the times? And who is responsible for leaking this, his people or his fans?

Jason Castro Has A New Song: Listen To “Sweet Medicine” - American Idol 7 - Jason Castro

Alright, finally a new song from Jason Castro! The only thing I thought this guy did was take hits from a bong. Just kidding. Anyway, the tune is nice, not overbearing and if this is any sign of what’s to come, me likey! One thing, though: the chorus does go on for what seems like forever. So perhaps we shave off about 1:30 of the chorus? No excuses, man.

David Cook’s “Light On” Preview Is Woefully Short - American Idol 7 - David Cook

What in the hell were Cook’s handlers, um, record company honchos thinking when they decided to tell the world they were releasing a preview of Cook’s video? I mean, the preview is 15 seconds! What kind of knowledge can one glean from a paltry 15 second snippet? I mean, this aint the porn industry.

Anyway, judge for oneself and have at it! The video, she is below. But the full video, well, you have to wait until tomorrow for that.