In the final round of IDOL LIVE's poll of the week champion series, David Archuleta reigned supreme as the preferred finalist of all time, just like he has done in the past.
After trouncing his peers in the runner-up competition four weeks ago, Arch once again demolishes the field here, earning 745 of the 820 votes cast, or 90%. The only other contender who finished with a respectable total was Carrie Underwood, who had 58 votes (7%).
The fact that six finalists failed to receive a single vote says a lot about the people who voted to get them into the finale round.
To all of you who have cast votes in the champion series rounds over the past few months, thank you very much for your efforts!
Carrie Underwood 58 (7%)
David Archuleta 745 (90%)
Melinda Doolittle 1 (0%)
Chris Daughtry 13 (1%)
Brooke White 2 (0%)
Kellie Pickler 0 (0%)
Jennifer Hudson 1 (0%)
Michael Johns 0 (0%)
Ramiele Malubay 0 (0%)
Chikezie Eze 0 (0%)
Alexis Grace 0 (0%)
David Hernandez 0 (0%)
Total votes: 820
Showing posts with label michael johns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michael johns. Show all posts
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Poll of the week: Arch still favorite contestant in 'Idol' history
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Poll of the week: Michael Johns keeps the S7 streak alive
Season 7 ruled supreme for the second week in a row as its entrant in the most recent round of IDOL LIVE's 2010 edition of the poll of the week champion series was victorious.
Michael Johns garnered the most votes of all Idol alums that placed eighth, with 17, or 60% of all 28 votes cast for the week, No other alum came close to this take, with Season 8's Scott MacIntyre grabbing four votes (14%) and Season 9's Katie Stevens three (10%).
In the next round, readers will be asked which 7th-place finalist is their favorite of all nine seasons. Voting will be open for exactly one week.
A.J. Gil 0 (0%)
Rickey Smith 0 (0%)
Jon Peter Lewis 1 (3%)
Nadia Turner 1 (3%)
Bucky Covington 1 (3%)
Haley Scarnato 1 (3%)
Michael Johns 17 (60%)
Scott MacIntyre 4 (14%)
Katie Stevens 3 (10%)
Total votes: 28
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 4 Perform (5/11/10)
It seems that Season 9 has dragged on for ages by now, but at long last were are down to the Top 4 finalists. They may not necessarily be the best vocalists, but they have earned their spots due to appealing to the widest audience possible. Tonight we see how actor and sometimes singer Jamie Foxx helped the remaining contestant tackle their choices for songs of the cinema.
Plus, we get the bonus of seeing the contenders duet for the first time this season, and predictably, Crystal and Lee will pair up while Mike and Casey will be forced to perform with one another. Grab the popcorn because it's gonna be a fun ride!
As always, please feel free to add your two cents throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Bo Bice, Daughtry, Diana DeGarmo, Kellie Pickler and Michael Johns.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 5 Results (5/5/10)
Before the night is through, we will have our final four contestants of Idol's ninth season. Can't you feel the excitement? Regardless of what you thought of last night's performances, it shouldn't be taken for granted that they were at least given a knowledgeable mentor to help guide them through Frank Sinatra's catalog of songs in the form of Harry Connick Jr. (I'm talking to you, Miley Cyrus).
In terms of guest performers, other than HCJ we get to look forward to a high profile, over the top showing by none other than Lady Gaga. She will perform her new single "Alejandro."
To see who I predict will be leaving tonight, see here. And as usual, please feel free to add your two cents throughout the one-hour blogcast. Coverage starts just prior to 9 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Kady Malloy, Kelly Clarkson, Melinda Doolittle, Michael Johns and Ruben Studdard.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog: 'Idol Gives Back' (4/21/10)
If you thought last night was a star-studded experience, be prepared to be blown away tonight by lots of guest performers and celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Ben Stiller, Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood, Elton John, Jim Carrey, Jonah Hill, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige and many more.
To see who I predict will be leaving tonight, see here. Please feel free to add your two cents throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Danny Gokey, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Diana DeGarmo, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Michael Johns.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
HITS predix: Jason Castro's 'Jason Castro' to debut with 15-20k
This figure is just a tiny bit higher than my original prediction of 13k copies. Be sure to be back here next week when official sales data will most likely be available courtesy of Billboard.
Monday, April 12, 2010
30 'Idol' alums to partake in Feeding America initiative
Ahead of next week's Idol Gives Back special, FOX today issued a press release with a who's who of former finalists that will be taking part in activities that support Feeding America’s local food banks.
As many as 30 past contestants have signed up to participate in the initiative to sort and prepare food donated to local food banks across the country beginning tomorrow. Below is a full list of scheduled appearances:
TUESDAY, APRIL 13
THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK, LOS ANGELES – Kimberley Locke, Didi Benami, David Hernandez, Amy Adams, Chikezie, Mikalah Gordon, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, Michael Johns, LaToya London and Brandon Rogers will pack food in boxes for senior citizens and young children in need at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
UTAH FOOD BANK, SALT LAKE CITY – Megan Joy will assist a group of 30 volunteers who will sort through food-drive donations, divide them into categories and prepare food boxes.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14
GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY, CHICAGO – Gina Glocksen and Amanda Overmyer will join a group of volunteers to pack disaster relief boxes for Feeding America.
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE –Lacey Brown, Bucky Covington, Melinda Doolittle, Bo Bice, Phil Stacey and Mandisa will work with other volunteers to pack disaster-relief boxes for Feeding America.
FOOD LIFELINE, SEATTLE – Blake Lewis will assist a group of volunteers in sorting and repacking products to be distributed to families in need.
THURSDAY, APRIL 15
JAN HUS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK – Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo, Jorge Núñez, Julia DeMato and RJ Helton will lend a helping hand to hungry New Yorkers by delivering food with City Harvest.
HOUSTON FOOD BANK, HOUSTON – LaKisha Jones will be working with a group of volunteers who will inspect donated food and prepare it to be re-distributed to 400 agencies.
FEEDING AMERICA TAMPA BAY, TAMPA – Melissa McGhee will spread hope to people in need by working with a group of volunteers to sort and package food.
FRIDAY, APRIL 16
UNITED WAY COMMUNITY FOOD, BIRMINGHAM – Ruben Studdard will label cans and pack boxes.
THREE SQUARE, LAS VEGAS – Danny Gokey will assist a group of volunteers to sort through donated food that will be used to feed local families in need.
The two-hour Idol Gives Back special airs Wed., April 21, and will feature appearances by President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, P!nk, Céline Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller and more.
IDOL LIVE predix: Jason Castro's 'Jason Castro'
Jason Castro, which comes to us courtesy of Atlantic Records (the first album from an alum to sign with the label), features songs crafted by Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Gregg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting), Zac Maloy (David Cook), Espionage (Train) and of course Jason himself. There are covers of classics that Jason has undertaken in the past, including "Hallelujah" and "Over the Rainbow," as well as brand new tracks like "Let's Just Fall In Love Again," "This Heart of Mine" and "If I Were You."
On the promo side of things, Jason will benefit from his mostly small scale tour, which begins Sat., April 17 at The Loft in Dallas, Tex. He has also been getting some press, mostly in the form of album reviews by People magazine and Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly. But his next big television appearance won't be until April 22, when he performs on Ellen, so first week sales will not be helped out on that front.
There are also a few underground promo campaigns going on, like the photo competition being held on IBeatYou.com in support of Jason's latest single, "That's What I'm Here For." But these kinds of promotional efforts are not really dependable for moving CD units.
As a result of the above reasoning, I see Jason Castro fit for an opening of around 13k copies, which would be a pretty good feat for a debut entry with little promo. This would be above where fellow Season 7 alums Brooke White (High Hopes and Heartbreak, 10k) and Michael Johns (Hold Back My Heart, 7k) saw their post-Idol releases open at.
Jason Castro is now available to pre-order at Amazon.com
.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 10 Perform (3/30/10)
Tonight the Top 10 finalists try to recover from last week's embarrassing showing and turn to songs from the R&B/Soul catalog (they got to choose from around 100). Usher serves as the guest mentor, which is a few steps above who they had to turn to for advice one week ago.
Please feel free to add your two cents throughout the two-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Adam Lambert, Chikezie, Diana DeGarmo, Gina Glocksen, Jason Castro, Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen, Melissa McGhee and Michael Johns.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 8 Guys Perform (3/10/10)
Tonight we blog during the Top 8 guys' performance episode as those remaining in the competition duke it out for one of the six coveted spots in the finals. If we don't see at least half of those performing pull off something special, the men could be in for some trouble beginning next week, especially considering how the girls did last night.
Please feel free to add your input throughout the one-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 9 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Adam Lambert, Chikezie, David Cook, Michael Johns and Scott MacIntyre.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
IDOL LIVE Blog - Top 12 Guys Perform (2/24/10)
After last night's live performance show kickoff by the Top 12 girls, it's time for their male counterparts to show America what they have to offer when they too take on songs that have grace Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Who will surprise? Who will falter? How did Ellen do in her first live showing?
Please feel free to add your two cents throughout the two-hour blogcast, with coverage starting just prior to 8 p.m. ET.
Tonight's blogcast features the music of Adam Lambert, Chris Sligh, Daughtry, David Archuleta, David Cook, Elliott Yamin, Jason Castro, Kris Allen and Michael Johns.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Free tix to 'David Foster & Friends' show featuring Ruben, Michael and Ayla
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Idol Season 5 Top 16 semifinalist Ayla Brown announced she has a limited number of free tickets available to give away to fans to tonight's David Foster and Friends show at the Agganis Arena in Boston, Mass., at 8 p.m.
The show features fellow alums Ruben Studdard and Michael Johns as well as veteran artists Peter Cetera, Philip Bailey and Deborah Cox and newcomer Charice. The tour's principle ringmaster, producer David Foster, accompanies the singers during the show. Below is a synopsis of the show:
Famed musical showman, producer and songwriter David Foster, whose PBS Great Performances Special "David Foster and Friends" was one of the highest pledged PBS shows in history, will be embarking on a l0-city tour. Foster will perform with some of his talented friends the hits that have paved the way for the many artists he has worked with over the years including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Chris Botti, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Chaka Khan, Madonna and Chicago.To score the free tickets, contact Wayne Laako, president of Ayla's record label Double Deal Brand Records, at wayne@double-deal.com. The deadline to place your name on the list is late this afternoon. Unless you hear back that tickets have been sold out, you will be guaranteed a free ticket if you e-mail by the deadline.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Poll of the week: David Archuleta defeats all competitors in champion series finale
After fourteen weeks of competition, IDOL LIVE's annual poll of the week champion series edition has come to a close, with David Archuleta taking the top spot following a two-week voting period finale that consisted of a whopping 10 alums from the series' seventh season.
As expected, Arch took the cake with 11,595 votes, reeling in 64% of the total votes cast. Arch's only real competition was David Cook, who netted 6,257 votes, or 34% of all votes. These results are flipped in comparison to last year's results, when Cook took in 82% and Arch was able to amass only 17% of the votes.
Not surprisingly, none of the other Idol alums that were up for voting from the semifinal rounds were able to take in a single percentage of the votes cast, with Kellie Pickler finishing an extremely distant third with 90 votes.
After all these months of voting, it should be recognized that all the contributions from readers that have participated in these polls are truly appreciated and it is hoped that this participation will continue to shine through as we carry on with regularly scheduled polls of the week. In this week's edition of the poll of the week, readers are asked which celebrity guest judge would they prefer take Paula Abdul's spot if the spot is to be filled. You have exactly one week to vote.
David Cook 6,257 (34%)
David Archuleta 11,595 (64%)
Syesha Mercado 10 (0%)
Chris Daughtry 9 (0%)
Brooke White 10 (0%)
Kellie Pickler 90 (0%)
Kristy Lee Cook 1 (0%)
Michael Johns 2 (0%)
Ramiele Malubay 1 (0%)
Chikezie 30 (0%)
Amanda Overmyer 1 (0%)
David Hernandez 6 (0%)
Total votes: 18,012
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Poll of the week: Arch winning at halfway point
It's the halfway point for IDOL LIVE's poll of the week champion series, and it has predictably come down to a battle of the Davids for the second straight year. The difference between now and the same poll last year is the Archies seem to be taking the poll more seriously than their Word Nerd counterparts.
David Archuleta is currently in the lead with nearly 9,000 votes, compared to David Cook's total thus far of just over 6,000 votes. Although things started with a bang in the first few days of voting, it seems that the fans' fingers have slowed down in recent days. Maybe everyone is soaking up their last few weeks (or in some cases, days) of summer vacation?
One point that should be reiterated is that each visitor of IDOL LIVE should only be able to vote once per day. However, this does not mean there aren't ways around this restriction. This Idol poll veteran is very well aware of the whole cookie-deleting process that is often used in these polls, and if that works to your advantage, then great. If not, that is out of my control.
So with just one week left to vote before the poll closes, here's to hoping the fan bases of finalists other than the Davids find this poll and continue to make things interesting.
David Cook 6,108 (40%)
David Archuleta 8,743 (58%)
Syesha Mercado 6 (0%)
Chris Daughtry 8 (0%)
Brooke White 3 (0%)
Kellie Pickler 87 (0%)
Kristy Lee Cook 1 (0%)
Michael Johns 1 (0%)
Ramiele Malubay 1 (0%)
Chikezie 26 (0%)
Amanda Overmyer 1 (0%)
David Hernandez 5 (0%)
Votes so far: 14,990
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Free downloads: Brooke White's "Follow Me," Michael Johns' "Heart On My Sleeve"
Following in the footsteps of Phil Stacey, two other Idol alums are featuring singles of theirs as free downloads available on Amazon MP3. Brooke White's song "Follow Me" from her debut album Songs From the Attic and Michael Johns' current single "Heart On My Sleeve" off his new album Hold Back My Heart are now available to download on the digital music retailer.
There is little doubt that the fact that the songs are free is for the purpose of generating interest in the two seventh season finalists' albums, as Brooke just released her sophomore effort High Hopes & Heartbreak a few weeks ago. So far, things seem to be working, as "Follow Me" is currently #3 on Amazon's Top Free Songs chart and "Heart On My Sleeve" is listening to the former's title, as it is right behind at #4. Back when Phil's single "You're Not Shaken" was available to download free of charge, it managed to get to #2 on Amazon's Top Overall Songs chart.
Regardless of whether or not these freebies result in higher album sales, they should bot be passed up by Idol fans at any cost (unless, of course, you already own the albums these songs appear on).
Sunday, July 12, 2009
'Idol' BB 200: Season 8 Walmart exclusive #34 (7/18/09)
For the first time in a very long time, an solo album by an Idol alum did not hold the title of top album representative for the franchise on the Billboard Top 200 chart for the chart week of July 18.
Instead, it was the Season 8 Walmart exclusive album that took on the title for the most recent chart, as it debuted at #34. Unfortunately, sales were not available for the entries for the second week in a row.
Next up was Kelly Clarkson and her fourth studio album All I Ever Wanted, which slid seven spots to #65. Carrie Underwood's Carnival Ride followed at #74, down 15 spots from the previous week.
The other major country star to come out of Idol, Kellie Pickler, saw her self-titled sophomore release fall #76-78, while David Cook's self-titled album held steady at #87 for the second straight week.
Two weeks before seeing its sophomore effort released, Daughtry witnessed its debut album fall 14 spots to #105, as it still will not leave the chart. Look for it to increase over the course of the next two weeks thanks to Tuesday's launch of Leave This Town.
And in its second week of release, Michael Johns' post-Idol album Hold Back My Heart fell nearly 100 spots, collapsing #97-199. Expect it to disappear on next week's chart.
Full chart positions courtesy of 2m on Pulse as follows:
034 --- Various Artists - American Idol: Season 8
065 058 Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
074 059 Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride
078 076 Kellie Pickler - Kellie Pickler
087 087 David Cook - David Cook
105 091 Daughtry - Daughtry
199 097 Michael Johns - Hold Back My Heart
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Poll of the week: MJ doesn't hold back in champion series
Unsurprisingly, another seventh-season finalist was crowned as the winner of IDOL LIVE's poll of the week champion series when readers were surveyed on which eighth-place finalist of all eight seasons they prefer.
Michael Johns, who saw his post-Idol album Hold Back My Heart hit store shelves yesterday, took home 40 of the 62 votes cast in all, good for a whopping 64% of the total vote count.
Following was behind in second place was Bucky Covington with seven votes (11%), who is the most successful eighth-place finisher to date. And this past season's Scott MacIntyre was only able to nab six votes (9%).
In the next installment of IDOL LIVE's poll of the week champion series, readers are asked which 7th-place finalist is their favorite of all eight seasons. Voting will be open for exactly one week.
A.J. Gil 0 (0%)
Rickey Smith 1 (1%)
Jon Peter Lewis 6 (9%)
Nadia Turner 0 (0%)
Bucky Covington 7 (11%)
Haley Scarnato 2 (3%)
Michael Johns 40 (64%)
Scott MacIntyre 6 (9%)
Total votes: 62
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Out today: Michael Johns' 'Hold Back My Heart'
Today marks the day of the fourth post-Idol release of an LP for a Season 7 alum, as Michael Johns' Hold Back My Heart hits shelves and online music retailers' sites nationwide. The album, which is released courtesy of Downtown Records, features 12 songs including the James Morrison-penned "Heart On My Sleeve."
Also out today is Brooke White's second single "Radio Radio," which is off her forthcoming album High Hopes & Heartbreak, due out Tues., July 21.
Links to purchase the aforementioned can be found below:
Albums
Michael Johns, Hold Back My Heart
Amazon.com - ($11.99) - Buy
Barnes & Noble - ($10.49) - Buy
Best Buy - ($13.99) - Buy
Buy.com - ($10.99) - Buy
iTunes - ($9.99) - Buy
Overstock.com - ($13.29) - Buy
Target - ($11.99) - Buy
Walmart - ($10.00) - Buy
Singles
Brooke White, "Radio Radio"
iTunes - ($0.99) - Buy
Michael's single "Heart On My Sleeve" is currently nearing the Top 20 at Adult Contemporary radio and he will perform a set at the Central Courtyard at Hollywood & Highland on Thurs., June 25 at 7 p.m.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Album review: Michael Johns' 'Hold Back My Heart'
Australian-born soul/rock artist Michael Johns becomes the fourth ‘Idol’ alum of the show’s seventh season to release a full-length album since wrapping up the competition. This album, titled ‘Hold Back My Heart,’ is a collection of soul/rock fusion that is something many fans have been longing for every since Johns was eliminated in eighth place.
Not to miss out on a chance to kick off the disc with a commercial appeal, Johns introduces audiences to ‘Heart’ with “Heart On My Sleeve,” the album’s first single. The life and soul poured into the James Morrison-penned tune is undeniable, and there’s a sense of catchiness that gives it a current feeling.
On the rousing “Feeling Alright,” Johns does a great job on making lyrics fit the musical accompaniment to a T. The use of subtle background vocals throughout the track complement his own distinguished vocals and give the song a three-dimensional feel. Another up-tempo track, “Fire,” is a platform on which Johns is able to incorporate the soul of yesterday, only everything is ratcheted up on the groove scale.
“Little Bear,” also in the throwback soul vein, similarly uses brass instrumentation to add intensity to the song, and it echoes in the memory of memorable hits like Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”
Johns also tries his hand at the art form of covering, as his rendition of The Bee Gee’s “To Love Somebody” finds itself on ‘Heart.’ The throwback soul sound meshes surprisingly well with the rest of the album’s tracks. Another ballad, “It’s Too Late,” has a certain radio-friendly sound that gives it the possibility of working as a single in the future.
On “Mountains,” Johns uses imagery and symbolism in the lyrics to stress the song’s story (“I got high in your mountain / I was lost in your valley / I was washed into your ocean / and the tide rolled up I feel my heart stop beating”) and he brings out a signature growl beginning in the pre-chorus and staying with the rest of the song.
The album’s title track, “Hold Back My Heart,” is a relatively low-key R&B ballad that doesn’t really go anywhere until the bridge, where an emotional guitar solo totally breathes life into the song and pushes Johns to gush more effort into the vocals as well.
The weakest track on ‘Heart’ comes in the form of “This Is Goodbye,” as the ballad is nice and sweet but pretty lifeless and sounds like it could have appeared on Matchbox Twenty’s latest album. Another song that is on the dull side is “Heart Is Weak." Even though it builds to an inspiring finale, it feels a bit unoriginal when compared to the rest of the album’s tracks.
But the album‘s highlight does not come until its fifth song. “Fool’s Gold” is a more relaxed sounding, classic R&B track that allows Johns’ weathered vocals to impact the listener as if they were to just hover over the patrons of a lonely bar like a cloud of cigar smoke. The ending of the song is the icing on the cake and really brings out a rock edge, turning “Gold” into a completely different animal.
To finish off ‘Heart,’ Johns gives a heartfelt performance on “Turn to You” and relies heavily on an acoustic sound to support the story of a girl that helps him make it through the day. This is the ideal way for him to close the door on this chapter of his career.
Although the style of music found on ’Hold Back My Heart’ is not exactly what some fans pictured it to be, Michael Johns does not disappoint with the variety of material he has come up with here.
Hold Back My Heart can now be purchased at Amazon.com.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
IDOL LIVE predix: Michael Johns' 'Hold Back My Heart'
Following in the footsteps of David Cook, David Archuleta and Kristy Lee Cook, Season 7's eighth-place finalist Michael Johns will release his first post-Idol LP, Hold Back My Heart, on Tuesday.
Although Michael is a veteran of the music industry and has had to deal with many of its aspects, both positive and negative, this is without a doubt the most crucial release of his career to date. Therefore, the 12-song Soul/Rock album courtesy of Downtown Records will see its performance on the charts be subjected to a good amount of scrutiny.
But in this era of poor CD sales, Michael should not put too much thought into his album's first week numbers, and should instead focus on touring and spreading the word about his music. But without any major television appearances planned nor a substantial amount of airplay for his current single, "Heart On My Sleeve," it appears that a debut week take of 16k sounds about right for Michael. This will earn him somewhere around #22 on the Billboard 200 chart.
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