The Train Wreck that is American Idol - Page 10

tboy · April 7th, 2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Califiddler

Baker seems to be saying that, in this era of decline of the major labels...

Majors are not actually in any serious decline. The big four now control about 80-85%+ of music sales worldwide. It's an oligopoly, not a decline. They're selling a bit less music these days overall, but that's because of attention shifting and diversion, not a result of artists threatening the majors by promoting themselves on CD Baby. Very optimistically, personal promotion might account for 10th of 1% of the current world music market.

Califiddler · April 7th, 2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tboy

Majors are not actually in any serious decline. The big four now control about 80-85%+ of music sales worldwide. It's an oligopoly, not a decline. They're selling a bit less music these days overall, but that's because of attention shifting and diversion, not a result of artists threatening the majors by promoting themselves on CD Baby. Very optimistically, personal promotion might account for 10th of 1% of the current world music market.

Well, according to this article from Rolling Stone, entitled "The Record Industry's Decline", they are. Even if your 80-85% figure is correct, it is slice of a much smaller pie. People are not buying as many CDs, and aren't buying online to make up the difference - they're pirating instead. The article states that "Digital sales are growing -- fans bought 582 million digital singles last year, up sixty-five percent from 2005, and purchased $600 million worth of ringtones -- but the new revenue sources aren't making up for the shortfall."

Anyway, the decline of the record industry was not the main point of my post.

Califiddler · April 7th, 2008, 08:08 PM

Forgot the link:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/sto...trys_decline/1

tboy · April 7th, 2008, 09:31 PM

Point taken

emu! · April 8th, 2008, 08:05 PM

Well, the dreadlocks guy playing the uke reminded me of Tiny Tim.

Brooke looked good but I think she is going next.

Fendrcaster · April 8th, 2008, 08:10 PM

I think Carly should go unless she starts wearing long sleeves and leaves her husband at home. I'm getting a little tired of Enchilada, too.

odiemann · April 8th, 2008, 08:34 PM

David Cook showed his limitations.

blue water girl · April 8th, 2008, 08:37 PM

Tonight was an odd night for song choices.

I thought Michael Johns did a very good job tonight with Dream On.

David Cook had to sing in a really low register during part of the song he chose which I did not care for too much, but I liked his white jacket that Simon said was pompous and overall I still like him very much although this wasn't a good night for him. I hope the public isn't fickle and he ends up in the bottom three because he is consistently good every week.

Carly picked a surprising song too, but as always I think she sings the heck out of anything and everything and she is my favorite followed by David Cook. I do wish she would cover the tattoo now and again, but maybe she is just putting it in everybody's face because what you see is what you get, no surprises later kind of a strategy. It would be shocking if she had covered it up all season and won and then showed up with that big face on her arm and her husband covered in tattoos after the fact!

At if she wins she wins as herself with nothing to hide or be ashamed of later.

Okay Getbent - Kristie Lee looked very pretty tonight and didn't do a horrific job on her Martina song either, she flip flopped from flat at the beginning to sharp, although when she hits her high notes she does fine, it's the low notes where she is pitchy, but tonight she definitely did well enough to not find herself in the bottom three IMO.

Its hard to say who will be in the bottom three this week - I predict Brooke will be one that will be there, but Jason really has alot of fan support, hard to tell with him, Syesha will probably find herself there and the third person could really be anyone this week!

My guess is that Brooke will be voted off this time.

StuH · April 8th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Wow some real good performances by the one's I thought were weak.

KLC was really darn good tonite and looked very very attractive. Thought her and Dreadhead stole the show tonight. Man if Dreadhead would have had the band come in in a rocking sort of way about 2 measures in that rainbow song it would have been real cool.

Man Carly really picked a terrible song way too 80ies and really unforgettable but she kinda looked hot in a weird sort of way to me. Would hate to see her go I really think she is phenominal.

Nice to see Archuletta's dad isn't picking his songs anymore, the kid has a big future and doesn't need the added stress from dad.

Brad Miller · April 8th, 2008, 09:36 PM

I am gad you guys are giving me the recap because I fell asleep after the first 2 performances.

Mark Davis · April 9th, 2008, 12:16 AM

KLC was the best she has ever been tonight . David Cook was the worst he has ever been so far. Wouldnt surprise me if Cook wasnt in the bottom 3 thursday night.

FirstBassman · April 9th, 2008, 09:07 AM

David Cook and tattoo lady were horrible.
KLC was in her element.
Dreadhead (I like that) was pretty good.

hekawi · April 9th, 2008, 11:50 AM

Prediction for tonight:

bottom three:

Syesha, Carly, and either Brooke or Michael Johns

going home:

Carly

FirstBassman · April 9th, 2008, 12:16 PM

Speaking of which -
I read that Randy was one of the A&R guys at Sony that signed Carly to a contract.

Bit of a conflict-of-interest wouldn't you say?

Though it was a few years ago and they dumped her after one CD.

Cheesehead · April 9th, 2008, 01:20 PM

Jason was great. He did the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version of that song, which is pretty cool.

mudbean · April 9th, 2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hekawi

Prediction for tonight:

going home:

Carly

No, Chief! Say it ain't so!!

mud

Cheesehead · April 9th, 2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hekawi

Prediction for tonight:

bottom three:

Syesha, Carly, and either Brooke or Michael Johns

going home:

Carly

I agree with Syesha, Carly, and Brooke in bottom three.
Going home: Syesha

Mark Davis · April 9th, 2008, 01:36 PM

My guess for bottom 3 are.

David Cook
Syesha
Carly

I predict a girl is going home probably Syesha or Carly.

pchilson · April 9th, 2008, 04:33 PM

Bottom 3

Brooke
Syesha
Michael Johns

Brooke cries

Capel · April 9th, 2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstBassman

Speaking of which -
I read that Randy was one of the A&R guys at Sony that signed Carly to a contract.

Bit of a conflict-of-interest wouldn't you say?

Though it was a few years ago and they dumped her after one CD.

FYI (thank you www.votefortheworst.com & www.blender.com)....

Carly Smithson, nee Hennessey has indelibly placed her stamp on pop music history. She reached #15 on Blender magazine’s list of Worst Recording Industry Blunders….

#15 MCA’s teen-pop calamity
How sure was MCA that slinky Irish teen Carly Hennessy was going to be a gargantuan pop star? So sure that in 1999 they staked the former Denny’s sausage spokesmodel with a $100,000 advance, $5,000 a month in living expenses and an apartment in Marina Del Rey, California, spending roughly $2.2 million in all on her 2001 debut, Ultimate High. How wrong were they? In its first three months in stores, Ultimate High sold a whopping 378 copies, putting the label’s investment somewhere in the order of $5,820 per copy sold. Last seen, Hennessy had resurfaced—still looking for her big break—on season seven of American Idol.

Carly was signed to MCA records during the same time period that Randy Jackson was the senior vice president of A&R. Carly was at MCA in 1999. Randy started at MCA in 1998 and was there for 4 years. Should this mean an automatic disqualification for Carly? We think so! An American Idol wikipedia entry says that Thomas Lowe was disqualified last year " because it was publicized that he had been signed to BMG while Cowell was at the label, which is against Idol rules."

blue water girl · April 9th, 2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capel

FYI (thank you www.votefortheworst.com & www.blender.com)....

Carly Smithson, nee Hennessey has indelibly placed her stamp on pop music history. She reached #15 on Blender magazine’s list of Worst Recording Industry Blunders….

#15 MCA’s teen-pop calamity
How sure was MCA that slinky Irish teen Carly Hennessy was going to be a gargantuan pop star? So sure that in 1999 they staked the former Denny’s sausage spokesmodel with a $100,000 advance, $5,000 a month in living expenses and an apartment in Marina Del Rey, California, spending roughly $2.2 million in all on her 2001 debut, Ultimate High. How wrong were they? In its first three months in stores, Ultimate High sold a whopping 378 copies, putting the label’s investment somewhere in the order of $5,820 per copy sold. Last seen, Hennessy had resurfaced—still looking for her big break—on season seven of American Idol.

Carly was signed to MCA records during the same time period that Randy Jackson was the senior vice president of A&R. Carly was at MCA in 1999. Randy started at MCA in 1998 and was there for 4 years. Should this mean an automatic disqualification for Carly? We think so! An American Idol wikipedia entry says that Thomas Lowe was disqualified last year " because it was publicized that he had been signed to BMG while Cowell was at the label, which is against Idol rules."

This came out right about the time American Idol released the top 24 contestants, over two months ago. It seems that Carly is the only contestant who has had any sort of connection before the show with one of the three judges. BUT Kristie Lee Cook has had not one but TWO record deals which have both flopped and until a few weeks ago you could buy her albums on itunes. David Archuletta was on Star Search and not only was he on it, he won! His main competition was one of the other top 24, Alexandra(not sure about her first name) Lushington, don't remember where I read it but Michael Johns supposedly had a deal and has been professional for several years, and I think there are more stories like that. The original concept of the show has become tainted but it's entertainment nontheless I suppose.

getbent · April 9th, 2008, 09:49 PM

None of this stuff feels like a conflict of interest since the judges don't vote and their opinions have a range of outcomes on the voters. Only Simon probably has a plus/minus effect... so, their previous relationship doesn't matter to me. I'm not a fan of the tattoo girl, but she has a fine voice and belongs in the group she is in.

As for folks having had deals before... I remember some of the girls from last year had worked as professional singers (cruise ships, wedding bands, background session singers etc, several had toured and been in bands that played big venues etc) and entertainers... so what? None had 'made' it.

If Beyonce tries out, okay, I'll get all upset about it... wait, no I won't, that would awesome! If Travis Tritt tries out, I'll dig it! This is kind of like complaining about pro basketball players trying out for the olympics...

The show is fairly entertaining although this year I think I've been distracted... so, not as much. I thought dreadlock guy did a really nice job last night... but, all the talent this year is 'derivative'.

I dug Camile Velasco because she was original and real...

I'm rooting for KLC because she seems like a good girl and (because I'm a moron) I actually believe that if I could manage her or produce her record.... she could make it...

Here is a weird phenomenon I have noticed. In major league sports fans can scream at players and tell them how lousy they played. The radio guys go on and on ragging on sports guys.... but, it is considered bad form to make the same comments about kids, amateurs and minor leaguers...

How different it is here on the ol TDPRI! Here we can just BURY an amateur or a semi pro, but if anyone questions any performance by a pro everyone scurries for cover....

Life. It does present some weird realities.

FirstBassman · April 9th, 2008, 10:07 PM

I agree that AI has changed and it is attracting more contestants that have professional experience. It is somewhat of a grey area.

But I disagree with your statement:

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

None of this stuff feels like a conflict of interest since the judges don't vote and their opinions have a range of outcomes on the voters.

The judges absolutely have a vote. The final 24 is selected by the judges!

whodatpat · April 9th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Idol Gives Back is a teribly misleading name. Idol isn't giving anything away.
Idol gets fans to give more while bloating there own egos and reputation as sumeritans. They improve the value of their franchise and the artists who appear get plenty of great pub. (Increasing their own billable value.) While we the public do the actual giving.

I think its a great cause, but the name really pisses me off every time i hear it.

Patrick

April 7th, 2008, 08:08 PM	#363 (permalink)
Califiddler Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 884	Forgot the link: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/sto...trys_decline/1 __________________ "In the fiddler's house, all are dancers."

April 8th, 2008, 08:34 PM	#367 (permalink)
odiemann Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Age: 41 Posts: 1,406	David Cook showed his limitations. __________________ It just got better, I think

April 8th, 2008, 09:26 PM	#369 (permalink)
StuH Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yukon, Canada Age: 38 Posts: 1,445 12 Photos	Wow some real good performances by the one's I thought were weak. KLC was really darn good tonite and looked very very attractive. Thought her and Dreadhead stole the show tonight. Man if Dreadhead would have had the band come in in a rocking sort of way about 2 measures in that rainbow song it would have been real cool. Man Carly really picked a terrible song way too 80ies and really unforgettable but she kinda looked hot in a weird sort of way to me. Would hate to see her go I really think she is phenominal. Nice to see Archuletta's dad isn't picking his songs anymore, the kid has a big future and doesn't need the added stress from dad. __________________ My music page http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...?bandID=561926

April 8th, 2008, 09:36 PM	#370 (permalink)
Brad Miller Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kokomo, Mississippi Age: 34 Posts: 619 8 Photos	I am gad you guys are giving me the recap because I fell asleep after the first 2 performances. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/cbm1973

April 9th, 2008, 12:16 AM	#371 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 57 Posts: 12,258	KLC was the best she has ever been tonight . David Cook was the worst he has ever been so far. Wouldnt surprise me if Cook wasnt in the bottom 3 thursday night. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

April 7th, 2008, 09:31 PM	#364 (permalink)
tboy Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 532 7 Photos	Point taken

April 8th, 2008, 08:05 PM	#365 (permalink)
emu! Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Runnin' from the law Posts: 924	Well, the dreadlocks guy playing the uke reminded me of Tiny Tim. Brooke looked good but I think she is going next.

April 8th, 2008, 08:10 PM	#366 (permalink)
Fendrcaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Milledgeville, Georgia by way of Md. Age: 58 Posts: 399	I think Carly should go unless she starts wearing long sleeves and leaves her husband at home. I'm getting a little tired of Enchilada, too.

April 8th, 2008, 08:37 PM	#368 (permalink)
blue water girl Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: nashville, tennessee Posts: 978	Tonight was an odd night for song choices. I thought Michael Johns did a very good job tonight with Dream On. David Cook had to sing in a really low register during part of the song he chose which I did not care for too much, but I liked his white jacket that Simon said was pompous and overall I still like him very much although this wasn't a good night for him. I hope the public isn't fickle and he ends up in the bottom three because he is consistently good every week. Carly picked a surprising song too, but as always I think she sings the heck out of anything and everything and she is my favorite followed by David Cook. I do wish she would cover the tattoo now and again, but maybe she is just putting it in everybody's face because what you see is what you get, no surprises later kind of a strategy. It would be shocking if she had covered it up all season and won and then showed up with that big face on her arm and her husband covered in tattoos after the fact! At if she wins she wins as herself with nothing to hide or be ashamed of later. Okay Getbent - Kristie Lee looked very pretty tonight and didn't do a horrific job on her Martina song either, she flip flopped from flat at the beginning to sharp, although when she hits her high notes she does fine, it's the low notes where she is pitchy, but tonight she definitely did well enough to not find herself in the bottom three IMO. Its hard to say who will be in the bottom three this week - I predict Brooke will be one that will be there, but Jason really has alot of fan support, hard to tell with him, Syesha will probably find herself there and the third person could really be anyone this week! My guess is that Brooke will be voted off this time.

April 9th, 2008, 09:07 AM	#372 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,020	David Cook and tattoo lady were horrible. KLC was in her element. Dreadhead (I like that) was pretty good.

April 9th, 2008, 11:50 AM	#373 (permalink)
hekawi Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: greenville, sc Posts: 1,914	Prediction for tonight: bottom three: Syesha, Carly, and either Brooke or Michael Johns going home: Carly __________________ ____________________________________________ "Rule Number One: Obey All Rules" - Barney Fife

April 9th, 2008, 12:16 PM	#374 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,020	Speaking of which - I read that Randy was one of the A&R guys at Sony that signed Carly to a contract. Bit of a conflict-of-interest wouldn't you say? Though it was a few years ago and they dumped her after one CD.

April 9th, 2008, 01:20 PM	#375 (permalink)
Cheesehead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Age: 44 Posts: 1,003 6 Photos	Jason was great. He did the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version of that song, which is pretty cool. __________________ "This is blues power!" Albert King

April 9th, 2008, 01:36 PM	#378 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 57 Posts: 12,258	My guess for bottom 3 are. David Cook Syesha Carly I predict a girl is going home probably Syesha or Carly. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

April 9th, 2008, 04:33 PM	#379 (permalink)
pchilson Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Loveland, Colorado Age: 50 Posts: 660	Bottom 3 Brooke Syesha Michael Johns Brooke cries

April 9th, 2008, 09:49 PM	#382 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 9,132 37 Photos	None of this stuff feels like a conflict of interest since the judges don't vote and their opinions have a range of outcomes on the voters. Only Simon probably has a plus/minus effect... so, their previous relationship doesn't matter to me. I'm not a fan of the tattoo girl, but she has a fine voice and belongs in the group she is in. As for folks having had deals before... I remember some of the girls from last year had worked as professional singers (cruise ships, wedding bands, background session singers etc, several had toured and been in bands that played big venues etc) and entertainers... so what? None had 'made' it. If Beyonce tries out, okay, I'll get all upset about it... wait, no I won't, that would awesome! If Travis Tritt tries out, I'll dig it! This is kind of like complaining about pro basketball players trying out for the olympics... The show is fairly entertaining although this year I think I've been distracted... so, not as much. I thought dreadlock guy did a really nice job last night... but, all the talent this year is 'derivative'. I dug Camile Velasco because she was original and real... I'm rooting for KLC because she seems like a good girl and (because I'm a moron) I actually believe that if I could manage her or produce her record.... she could make it... Here is a weird phenomenon I have noticed. In major league sports fans can scream at players and tell them how lousy they played. The radio guys go on and on ragging on sports guys.... but, it is considered bad form to make the same comments about kids, amateurs and minor leaguers... How different it is here on the ol TDPRI! Here we can just BURY an amateur or a semi pro, but if anyone questions any performance by a pro everyone scurries for cover.... Life. It does present some weird realities. __________________ Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.