Monday, April 03, 2006

monday bits & pieces...

I'm a little lax on my news and gossip gathering, because I think last week's show just plum made me sick. But, even with Paris' Fever, I do have some stuff to share.

We all know that tomorrow's theme will be Country, with Kenny Rogers as Wednesday's guest performer. I don't know country music well enough to even begin to come up with song ideas, so if you would like to help, the comment section is all yours!

Seems next week they're planning to hand over the
Queen catalog to the kids, taking bets on whether any of them can turn in a performance as memorable as Constantine's Bohemian Rhapsody. So I guess that's good news and bad news. I do know the music of Queen, but the thought of these kids, who massacred the music of this century, trying to put their own stamp on perfection gives me more chills than a fever ever could.

But at least they're planning a crappy group sing for the final 8. In every dark cloud there is a silver lining. And all that other cliche BS.

Rod Stewart is the guest the following top-7 week, therefore presumably signaling a "standards" theme, considering Stewart's "Songbook" CD series.

And now there's gossip circulating that, in yet another blatant and pathetic CD promotion, the artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as
Prince is on tap to make an appearance, even though he detests the show. Since when did American Idol become QVC?

And Mandisa is making the news this week. See? I told you there'd be a God-Gate, or something like that, after her gospel turn and shout out last week about how our lifestyles, addictions, flu-like symptoms can be overcome with God's help. Simon was visibly critical of her song choice, possibly signaling the season's first de-pimping effort and now the
question is circulating about her views on homosexuality. And here all I thought she might have done was alienate the atheists. Shows what I know.

And that dang Chris Daughtry has done
committed murder. Maybe he can come up with an alternative version of the dearly departed. Now that would be truly original.

Hit the comment section. Got song ideas? Got news? Got Nyquil?

18 Comments:

Blogger lorguru said...

I'm pretty shocked about the upcoming Queen night. I would like to know how on earth they came up with that idea? I love Queen, but it isn't exactly right for everyone, or maybe any one of these performers.
What could the motivation have been?
How can Pickler go from Suds in a Bucket to Another One Bites the Dust?
This isn't even funny, but how about Fat Bottom Girls for...do I even need to say it?
-lauren

10:45 AM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

I think I need to register the trademark on "Screw Your Buddy Night" and sell it to Fox. At least that would be interesting.

I can't imagine Paris trying her hand at "Princes of the Universe" or Bucky having to sing "Bicycle". I think I'd have to stab someone if that happened. Didn't we learn from watching David Radford butcher "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"?

12:00 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

It will forever be known as:

Screw Your Buddy™

12:15 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

Except for hearing one of my favorite groups destroyed, I agree.

I think last year's horrible theme nights were purposely broad because they were pimping two polar opposites: Carrie and Bo. So it was the only way to accommodate both of them.

This year, they are clearly pimping Chris and everybody else is just coming along for the ride.

12:26 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger Sunshine said...

Hey guys! I made a comment last night about my song choices, not knowing that jennifer was going to put up another blog for everyone's opinions. So I figured I would relist them today. I pulled some of my favorite classic songs and matched an AI contestant to it. Here's who I thought would do best at some of my song selections:

Katharine - Stand by Your Man (tammy) or Wild Angels (martina)
Taylor - Mamas Dont Let your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys (waylon)
Chris - something by Montgomery Gentry or Big & Rich ("Gone" is good)
Elliott - Always on my Mind (even though Fantasia ruined the song in s.3)
Bucky - I would love to hear him sing something by Dwight Yoakam (and he can even do dwight's goofy shuffle)
Kellie - too many for Kellie to choose from, maybe a Jamie O'Neal or Carolyn Dawn Johnson song even though we know she's going to try Faith Hill or Martina (in that case give her This Kiss or My Baby Loves Me to stay upbeat)
Mandisa - I Will Always Love You (she would probably do the Whitney version though, not Dolly's)
Paris - I Fall to Pieces (patsy)
Ace - Desperado (even though the eagles were more pop than country, they still fell into the country category when the song was released, which might help ace out this week even though I don't really want him to stay any more)

Let me know what you guys think!

1:00 PM, April 03, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What do you guys think about Mandisa as a gay-hater?? I did not think of that when she talked at the opening of her song, but who knows?!

I want Katharine to sing Allison Kraus. LOVE her even though I don't know much about country. I do, however, love Kenny Rogers since I listened to him w/ my mom growing up.

Incidentally, I would just like to mention that I am glad there are others out there like me who love AI enough to talk about it all week long.

-Cathy

5:05 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

I'm not ready to label Mandisa as a homophobe. I mean, she hasn't come out, so to speak, about her own views, but Beth Moore's opinions on the subject are pretty much a matter of record.

I grew up listening to Kenny Rogers too, first with the First Edition. But he is looking nothing like his old self these days. When will these people learn that surgery ain't the answer?

5:40 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger angelof_mercy81 said...

Kenny Rogers? *gasp* I'm SO excited! I've loved his music since I was a little girl. I'm glad they got him for Idol, although it is a little surprising.

I'm both anticipating and dreading Country night. Will Kellie have more "suds" in her bucket? Will anyone attempt Faith Hill? Will we make it through the episode without hitting the "MUTE" button? Tune in tomorrow night, 8/7 central to find out.

5:43 PM, April 03, 2006  
Blogger DrillerAA said...

I still think Taylor is an odds on favorite to do "Sweet Home Alabama". After thinking about it for awhile, Ace could do Vince Gill. The girls probably need to stay away from Dixie Chicks. Just as "Boy Band" songs usually don't translate will to solo artists, I don't think "Girl Band" numbers will suit the female contestants. Chris could probably do something from Lynard Skynard and be successful. Kathrine could probably do Faith Hill successfully. Pickles should still stay on the honky-tonk side of country and stay away from Faith Hill. I do think Mandisa could do "Independence Day" by Martina McBride and bring the house down. Bucky could try on a little Brooks and Dunn, or tackle an Alabama song. Elliot may want to reach back and do something off the wall. A little something from Hal Ketchum would suit him great. At any rate, it has to be better than last week or I am demanding a "Screw Your Buddy" night...Chris, could you do a little Perry Como for us?

12:26 AM, April 04, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know, everyone (including Simon) thought Mandisa handled herself with grace and poise with her forgiveness speech to Simon. He insulted her, and rather than bite back, she chose the higher ground. But when she sings a song that is meaningful to HER, expresses where that ability to forgive comes from, everyone freaks out because it mentions Jesus. oooooh! big deal! I don't have a problem with the content of her song...I just didn't like the song nor the way she sang it. Just because it's a Jesus song doesn't make it self-indulgent, in my opinion.

Now everyone's freaking out over her pre-song comments. C'mon people! Someone who forgives a man for personally affronting her and calling her fat in front of millions of people (as if America can't SEE for themselves that she's heavy) is not someone I'd say hates anyone...including gay people. Just because someone doesn't agree with the way someone is or lives, doesn't necessarily mean they hate that person. I do not like homosexuality...but that does NOT mean I dislike homosexuals. There's a HUGE difference. And before you nod your heads and say, "Yeah, sure," let me just say I have several gay friends whom I count as good, close friends (not to mention a gay cousin, whom I adore). Do you have friends or family whom you love, but don't necessarily like everything about them? Think... don't answer too quickly. I'm betting you do.

It's possible, people. And in Mandisa's case, I'd venture to guess that she feels the same way as I do. She hasn't made one peep about hating any people group, but she *has* shown herself to be a lover of people even when personally and publicly affronted. I think she deserves the benefit of the doubt, hm?

6:47 AM, April 04, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh...and about the possibility of Queen night. In the name of all that is holy, PLEASE say it isn't true! I love Queen. Imagining the imminent massacre of some of Classic Rock's most beloved tunes is enough to drive me to the fetal position with my binky and blanky. Ace butchers "Killer Queen," Paris "Bites the Dust," and Pickles maims "We Are the Champions." I'm truly frightened about the prospects.

6:58 AM, April 04, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

I totally agree with friedrice's comments about Mandisa and her views.

9:26 AM, April 04, 2006  
Blogger MP said...

Thank you much, I knew I could come here for my "theme" updates :0) Not thrilled w/ Country night...I think it should be better than Stevie Wonder night. Queen..please, no...Constantine YES...that group, NO. As far as Mandisa being a homophobe..who cares???
ps...is Ace gay or what? Any scoop?

9:29 AM, April 04, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

That's why I normally don't comment on the contestants' personal lives/lifestyles, because I don't care what they believe, who they sleep with in their personal, off-camera lives. If Mandisa is a homophobe, she is entitled to that belief, but she also must be aware that she IS on American Idol, and by bringing her faith onto the stage, she IS running the risk of alienating voters and the judges. And of stirring media discussion. But on the flipside, she also has the potential of picking up new fans, new voters.

To me, it's none of our business until she brings it into our homes. Then it is. But I still don't care. I wasn't voting for her anyway.

Likewise, as I didn't comment last season when Anwar was outed, I haven't said anything about the Ace rumors. However, sources say emphatically that Ace is NOT gay. And I tend to believe those sources.

9:57 AM, April 04, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FriedRice, re: your comments about Mandisa. It couldn't have been said better. Nicely done, I totally agree.

10:26 AM, April 04, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

Oh, and on Queen night. I'll betcha NOBODY does Another One Bites the Dust. Can you just see that person singing it as his/her swan song. Too perfect.

Self-fulfilling prophecy if I've ever heard of one.

;o)

10:45 AM, April 04, 2006  
Blogger DrillerAA said...

That's the same reason no one will sing "Here's A Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares" or "Turn Out The Lights, The Party's Over" tonight!!! Those songs will hit too close to home for someone.

11:17 AM, April 04, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

... and I don't usually comment, but AM an avid reader... thank you so much Jennifer!

Anyone who is knowledgeable about Beth Moore, whom Mandisa admires most, knows that she is NOT homophobic. She is noted Bible teacher. Was Martin Luther King homophobic. I think not. A lover of mankind, but a teacher of the word of God.

12:58 AM, April 05, 2006  

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