The staff at Reality TV Magazine has been super-sleuthing to help determine who might make it to the top 40 in Hollywood. They first announced that Sanjaya Malakar, Shyamali Malakar, and Anna Kearns had domain name registrations that coordinated with the Hollywood cuts. Since then they have come up with the following contestants as advancing further in the Hollywood rounds; Jason “Sundance” Head, Amanda Coluccio, Antonella Barba, Jenry Bejarano, Porcelana Patino, and Rachel Zevita. If this is the case then I’m going to have to eat my words as I predicted that both Barba and Coluccio would have short stays in Hollywood. I will be the first to admit I’m wrong; the Hollywood rounds start on February 13.
Right now I’d have to say that the front-runners, in my non-professional opinion, are Jenry Bejarano and Jason “Sundance” Head. If I was a betting woman, okay well I am a betting woman, I’d put my money on a male winner of American Idol season six as of this point in time. We still have auditions in Birmingham, AL, San Antonio, TX, and Los Angeles, CA so I reserve the right to change my mind.
The world has gone completely insane. Before I started writing for Idolwire, when I would see stories like these, I would simply change the channel, close the page, etc. Unfortunately, I had to change my address from “Happy, Oblivion” to “What the Hell?, Real World” in order to report the news - and I use that term very, very, loosely.
I was wondering how long it would take and what lengths people would go to mutate the “feel-good story” of the year - Jennifer Hudson’s Cinderella story from booted Idol to Oscar-worthy star - into a national scandal. You can read the story here, here, and here. I’m too disgusted to summarize for you.
It’s almost like we can’t stand to have anyone too happy for too long. “Jennifer Hudson steals the movie! She’s on her way to superstardom! Her performance is like a religious experience! Let’s rip the bitch to shreds! C’mon! Who’s with me!” It’s crazy - how does making Jennifer Hudson look bad make anyone else look good? How does making Jennifer Hudson feel sad, depressed, and hurt make anyone else feel better? I don’t get it.
It’s not just Jennifer, either. In just the past few weeks we’ve had such made up, twisted, and exaggerated stories as Taylor Hicks is ungrateful to Idol, a rehashing of the Kelly Clarkson didn’t thank Idol at the Grammy’s, Fantasia calling JHud a heiffer, and the Beyonce feud. The most disgusting display of this sickening “reporting” was Clay Aiken’s sour note at a Christmas concert. It was everywhere for days. I don’t always agree with the Claymates’ tactics when it comes to supporting Clay, but they were dead-on justified in their campaign to have those videos removed. In my opinion, posting that video wasn’t “good-natured, all in fun ribbing” - it was just plain mean. These celebrities are successful for a reason - they’ve earned it! Go earn your own damn success and stop trying to destroy theirs.
It’s not easy being the kinder, gentler American Idol site. I’m trying - really I am - but, boy am I homesick for Oblivion.
When I was nine years old, I had a gigantic crush on Donny Osmond. Everything I owned was purple, right down to the wall-to-wall carpeting in my bedroom (for which I am eternally grateful – it was awesome!). I had two Donny and Marie records that I played over and over and over again - I swear I still know all the words - causing my family to run for cover when it was my turn to use the stereo. The day my Tiger Beat arrived in the mail was the highlight of my week – I would spend hours poring over the pages, staring at the pictures, and carefully cutting out the posters and the iron-ons. At night, I’d lay awake in my ridiculously cool purple bedroom and dream up all kinds of crazy stories - “The Adventures of Donny Osmond”. Alas, the yearning for my Donny was mine alone to bear. My friends didn’t share my affections, so the only conversations I ever had about my dearest love was my big sister yelling, “Mom! Tell Laurie to stop talking about Donny Osmond!” – I hardly think that counts. One Friday night, my parents had to hire a babysitter because I refused to leave the house – “But, Daddy! I can’t go – the ‘Donny and Marie Show’ is on!” Clearly, my predisposition to fanaticism surfaced at an early age.
Fast forward 30 years (slow down over my 20’s – they were fun) and imagine my joyous discovery of the world of internet fandom. Uber-fans UNITE! Enclosed within the hallowed forum walls lies a fairytale world for the celeb-stricken: news, videos, audio, pictures – anything you can imagine is here! The message boards bring fans together in ways never before possible – think of it as a year-round, always accessible Trekkie Convention. The best part is admittance is guaranteed – uber-fans can be young or old, married or single, working or going to school, or be of any nationality, race, color or creed. As long as you feel the love, you’ll be welcome for life. Is there anything better than sharing the thrill of a new CD or bit of information with your like-minded buddies? Feeling a sudden surge of love for Elliott Yamin? Jump on the board at the E-Train and share your mushiness with the equally afflicted. Did you just run into Constantine Maroulis at the neighborhood deli in the Bronx? There are hundreds of people at Greek Speak who are dying to hear your story! “What was he wearing? Did he pout for you? You know, did he make ‘the face’?” Are you a Carrie Underwood fan who just happens to live in Siberia? No matter. Lose the parka, grab a bottle of vodka, and belly up to the forum at CarrieFans.com – the place where everybody knows your (screen)name and they’re always glad you came.
When I was a girl, no one wanted to hear the story of how my beloved Donny saves me from a burning building: “Cradling her in his strong arms, Donny bravely dodged the flames and fled the towering inferno. Choking on smoke and tears, he looked down at the light of his life fading away. ‘Don’t leave me! I love you!’” Yeah, well…not so sure anyone wants to hear it now either, but that’s not my point… Today, I could post my stories in the fanfic section of the board and get immediate feedback: “Awww…that’s so romantic!” or “Gosh, that’s a little creepy coming from a nine-year-old.” The artists among us 
upload their drawings, wallpapers, banners, and blends to share their creative vision. I have several pieces of Kelly Clarkson fan art hanging in my office – at my age posters are simply not acceptable, but a beautiful black and white sketch is perfect! (Jess (awesomeaussie) at the KC Express - you rock!) I am always amazed when I read through the creative threads on boards and see all the poetry, songs, artwork, and stories. Uber-fans don’t only invest their time and money, they invest their passion.
And passion, my fellow fans, is the key. It’s the force that creates a Claymate from a mere Clay Aiken fan. It’s the magic that transforms an occasional Taylor Hicks listener into a Soul Patroller. It’s the fire that forges a Louisiana wife and mother into a Hot Damn! 10,000+ poster on the Kelly Clarkson Express. It’s what keeps the career fires burning for Bo Bice until he can make a full recovery. It’s what drives Highrollers to raise over $30,000 in 30 days. At its best, passion is love in its purest form - at its worst, a dangerous obsession. This Christmas season, celebrate your passion in its purest form with your nearest and dearest. It is a remarkable gift to share, for a life without passion is simply a long, dark road.
Fourteen years passed before I finally saw Donny Osmond in person. He was performing the National Anthem before a BYU football game and I thought, “I have never been happier than I am right this very second.” And they called it puppy love…whatever.
Listen to Fantasia’s album here:
I’m having a great day here at my desk. Not only have I listened to Taylor’s entire CD (without interruptions) three times now, I am currently listening to Fantasia’s soon to be released sophomore album (with interruptions). Not that I have one single credential that would make this review “meaningful” in the grand scheme of things, but here it is. Take it for what it’s worth.
I had already heard “Hood Boy” and seen the video, but I listened anyway -I’m still not crazy about it, but then again I didn’t like “Since U Been Gone” for a month either. Go figure…
I had also heard “When I See U” and loved hearing it again. Fantasia has the ability to go overboard without trying very hard, but for me, she is at her very best when she is a bit more subdued.
Which is probably why I like “I Nominate U” - great vocals and I like the lyrics, too. God, how I would love to dedicate that song to someone.
Other thumbs up: “Baby Makin’ Hips”, “Only One U” (I counted 4), “I Feel Beautiful” and “I’m Not That Type”.
I like this whole album. There is definitely a theme here, and the theme is “Fantasia”. She really spills her guts on this one. She’s looking for love on her terms, she’s become a confident, not-willing-to-settle woman, who but hasn’t lost her romantic notions. I probably couldn’t listen to it over and over again, but it has certainly earned a spot in my CD rack.
If you haven’t visited Idol Waves radio - please, please do. It opens in a new window, so I love to play a little game and try to guess who’s singing before I look at the screen. I’m easily amused…
Well, I wasn’t going to post about this because generally my rule is “If you don’t have something nice to say…”, but here goes:
I watched the first ten minutes of Clay’s co-hosting gig on “Live with Regis and Kelly” Friday morning. I don’t watch the show, but Clay was on and his interviews are always entertaining, so I tuned in. The first few minutes were fine - they did the Halloween thing, Clay reacted like anyone would who had been lampooned - no problem there. But he wouldn’t let it go! I couldn’t believe how rude Clay was to Kelly - honestly, I felt like the real Clay had been kidnapped and this was some snarky, immature, NOT funny impersonator. Clay has quite a quick wit and comes up with some great zingers, but there’s a time, a place, and a LIMIT! Sometimes, If you if you just keep the zingers coming for no reason, you move into “just plain rude” territory and in my opinion, Clay crossed the line. I started to become very uncomfortable with the whole thing and embarrassed for Clay, so I just said “Enough!” and turned it off.
Good thing I did as it appears the confrontation continued…all the way up to today’s show. Why, oh why did Kelly have to bring it up? If she had a beef with Clay, she should have taken it up with him IN PRIVATE, not on national television when Clay wasn’t there to defend himself or apologize. I didn’t disagree with her - he was disrespectful and hostile (although not overly) - but talking about it this morning was also disrespectful and hostile (although not overly) and very unprofessional.
And what about the Claymates? Clay made the reference (to Kelly) “They’re going to mob you” and Kelly said she’s been wearing a bulletproof vest since the Halloween parody. As a Clay fan, I didn’t appreciate the comments from either of them. I’ve been on the Clay boards today and the vast, vast majority of the fans on those boards are advocating NOT sending hate mail and NOT behaving like lunatics. A few (a very few) even agreed that Clay putting his hand over Kelly’s mouth was not a good move. Yes, Claymates are dedicated and yes, they see him through rose-colored glasses (as all fan bases view their celebrity) and yes, they are the most vocal and organized of the bunch, but to continue this image of “unstable housewives” isn’t fair and it can’t be helping Clay’s career. Why didn’t Clay say, “Oh, come on? A bullet proof vest? My fans are devoted but they are the sweetest people ever - they would never hurt anyone.” Why wouldn’t he defend his fans? What does he know that I don’t? Am I giving the ‘Mates too much credit? Do the “fringe loonies” really outnumber the casual to simply rabid fans? If they do, that’s really too bad…
Not that I expect it to, but hopefully this will all blow over in the next few days. Clay certainly doesn’t need more bad press and Kelly shouldn’t have to fear for her life because she overreacted. I think maybe a fun and fabulous interview on Wednesday’s Tyra Banks Show is just what the doctor ordered…
Please feel free to agree or disagree, but please keep your comments civil and respectful or they will be deleted. Thank you.
Finally! A ray of hope! Thank you to rori was wrong for letting me know that Constantine Maroulis is back in the fold, and thanks to all who enjoyed the article. It’s nice to know my obnoxious righteous indignation is appreciated. I am just thrilled for the board members and for Constantine. It takes a whole lotta energy to stay angry, isn’t it better to just kiss and make up? I’m cracking open a fresh Diet Coke and toasting to your continued lovefest… Now, back to the soapbox pulpit…
Maybe I was wrong and the world isn’t going to implode from the weight of the hatred that’s been thrown around recently. It’s true - I am utterly, completely, and proudly melodramatic, but this has not been a good week for me and my tendencies toward moral outrage. The Carrie Underwood/Faith Hill flap will just not go away and it is making me crazy.
Have you seen what people are saying about Faith Hill? She is an “over the hill diva”, “past her prime”, “bitter”, etc. Even on her Myspace page, her supposed fans are saying horrible things! Can you imagine being Faith and waking up to that? I’d be thinking, “You ungrateful bastards! I’ve been working for 20 years to make you people happy? I’ve given up my privacy, lived on a tour bus, signed a million autographs, performed sick and in the rain, touched a thousand hands, and smiled as though my life depended on it for this?” Certainly years in the spotlight have hardened her to criticism, but this whole incident must have hurt her deeply. Yes, she is rich and famous and that has certain perks, but she’s also earned it! She’s earned it by making people happy not because she was robbing banks or scamming seniors.
In the land of the “haves” and “have nots”, the “have nots” are so incredibly jealous of the “haves” they are just itching to see someone, anyone, with money and fame get their ‘comeuppance’. Aren’t these the very same people who gladly shell out $50 for a concert ticket? Aren’t the “have nots” responsible for creating the “haves”? Is it logical then to begrudge them for their fame and wealth? I don’t understand why it is socially acceptable to take so much pleasure in another’s downfall simply because they are rich and famous. I don’t understand why it is socially acceptable to talk smack about another simply because they are rich and famous. Faith Hill doesn’t deserve the rudeness, cruelty, pettiness, and judgement from the small-minded, small-hearted, envious people of this country. All she has ever done is entertain and brought joy to millions of people. Can’t we all take Constantine’s lead and kiss and make up? Please? My righteous indignation can’t take much more…
Has America completely lost their sense of humor? In a country where George W. Bush is still the President, how could that possibly be? This firestorm of controversy surrounding Faith Hill’s reaction to Carrie Underwood’s win for Best Female Vocalist of the Year is utterly ridiculous. Faith Hill is a seasoned professional, a notorious goofball, and by all accounts, an extremely kind and loving woman. I didn’t see her reaction live - I “read” it on the boards - and I admit to being shocked and incredulous that Faith would behave that way. When I finally had the chance to see the “incident”, it was SO obvious she was joking, I couldn’t believe it was ever an issue.
In what has to be the Biggest Bonehead Move of the Year, LeAnn Rimes posted this on her website, only to remove it an hour later:
Ok, I usually keep quiet on topics like this but I feel I need to stand up for my friend, Faith. She was just being honest and emotional like