After more than two and a half years of regularly blogging about all things Idol, I am announcing that IDOL LIVE will be put on hiatus indefinitely. Considering my love for this show has been waning ever since Season 5 and I am just starting my final, most challenging semester of college, I don't have the time, nor the drive, to continue with my regular blogging duties.
The quality of this past season didn't help matters, as I almost ended IDOL LIVE immediately following the end of the season, but decided to carry on in case anything interesting happened (and technically, the Fantasia episode warranted my decision to stick with it). But as Idol enters its 10th season as a shadow of its former self, I think it's better to stop now rather than sit and watch the Titanic's deck chairs rearranged one last time.
Who knows, maybe by the time Simon's The X Factor debuts next fall I will be back on the blogging bandwagon? But for now, I'll be sitting on the sidelines and observing from a quieter perch. To all of you who have read my posts, commented and contributed your own material over the years, I sincerely thank you for your interest. You are what kept me going.
I can still be reached at idollive.net@gmail.com, if necessary, and I will continue to monitor IDOL LIVE's Twitter account, but will not be publishing new material.
And with that, I will leave you with the chorus of Carrie Underwood's "Wheel of the World," one of my favorite tracks of hers:
It's the wheel of the world
It's the wheel of the world turning around
In the blink of an eye
It can change your life
And it never even slows down
It's the wheel of the world
Thanks again,
-Mike
Showing posts with label carrie underwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carrie underwood. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
"It's the wheel of the world"
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Poll of the week: Arch still favorite contestant in 'Idol' history
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
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Back to Me' #5 w/ 39.4k
Fantasia kicked things off with her two-week old Back to Me, which tumbled a hefty 68% in sales to 39.4k copies. On the chart front, it was off three spots and remained in the Top 5.
And making a surprise return to the Top 50 was Carrie Underwood, whose Play On landed at #38 with 9.1k copies.
Don't forget to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Friday, September 3, 2010
'Idol' odds 'n ends: Season 10 auditions adds last-minute Los Angeles stop
The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:
Sources connected to the negotiations tell TMZ ... contrary to some news reports ... there has been no drama and no diva demands. As one source puts it, "It's been typical negotiating."Well, I guess TMZ has been at the forefront with all the replacement judge drama, so this bit of info is probably as reliable as anything else out there. As to whether or not J. Lo is "the key to re-energizing the show," that is certainly still up to debate.
Still, it's good to know Carrie received more nods than Taylor Swift, who is only up for one category - FVotY. The 44th annual CMA Awards will air live on Wed., Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. on ABC.
>Just as the disappointing Season 9 Idols Live! Tour concluded on Tuesday, Season 10's auditions have been extended to later this month when auditions will be held at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Wed., Sept. 22. Per Idol's website:
For the milestone 10th season of American Idol, we just couldn’t stay away from Idol’s hometown, Los Angeles, CA. In fact, this is the show’s sixth time holding hometown auditions in L.A. The goal during hometown auditions is to get a ticket Hollywood, and successful singers in L.A. won’t have to travel very far for the final round of auditions. Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Andrew Garcia are among the talented Idol stars from the City of Angels. L.A. is where the Idol finalists reside while competing for the prize, and it’s the place many Idol alumni settle to pursue their music career.It's pretty interesting that the producers think adding a last-minute stop in LA of all places will help ensure we don't get another Season 9, since LA is one of the blandest, most uninteresting places to find talent. But whatever, if they want to attract teens from skipping school for the day, they're certainly free to do so.
The trio will join the recently announced Sinqua Walls, Chris Carmack, Alyssa Diaz and Joel David Moore in the 3D horror movie.Well, at least it's not Piranha 3D. But Kat, is this really the best you could do? Shark movies never hold a candle to Jaws, and 3D is getting pretty tiring by now. Still, it's good to see she's continuing to get roles.
The Final Destination and Snakes On A Plane helmer David R. Ellis is behind the camera for Shark Night, which centres on a group of people who are attacked by sharks while on vacation in the Louisiana Gulf area.
"Thank you so much to everyone who came tonight. Sorry I couldn't sign. :( It's hard to stand/walk. Hopefully the physical therapist can fix me! :)Jordin is now back in tip-top shape and said she is "so attached to the cast & show already!"
"If you'd like, you can send your playbills/tkts/pics w/ a stamped return envelope to the theatre & I'll get them back to you. Thank you for understanding. It means the world. Love you guys. <3"
Thursday, September 2, 2010
'Idol' Hot 100: Adam Lambert's "If I Had You" #32 (9/11/10)
Seeming to take a breather this week was Adam Lambert, whose "If I Had You" held steady at #32 for the second week in a row. Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" continued its downward trend, however, as it was off five spots to #61.
Fantasia's "Bittersweet" started to make more headway after falling back a few spots last week, advancing #82-74. And Daughtry's "September" moved ahead five spots to #80.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
32 32 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
61 56 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
74 82 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
75 80 Daughtry, "September"
Poll of the week: Carrie Underwood is champ of choice
After months of exciting competition, IDOL LIVE's poll of the week champion series for 2010 is finally coming to a close. Per usual, the second-to-last round consisted of the champions from all nine seasons matched up against each other, and the results were among the closest of all rounds this year.
Considering she is probably the most popular winner to date, it's not unheard of that Carrie Underwood would take the title here, as she nabbed 29 of all 94 votes, good for 30% of all votes cast. With this win, Carrie will represent all winners in the finale. Coming up behind her was Jordin Sparks, who took in 17 votes (18%), followed by Kelly Clarkson with 15 votes (15%).
Even David Cook reeled in 13 votes for 13%, and Kris Allen took in 10 votes for 10%. Not surprisingly, the less popular winners didn't do so well in this poll, as Lee DeWyze (4%), Fantasia (4%), Ruben Studdard (1%) and Taylor Hicks (1%) each amounted vote totals in the single digits.
Now that we have had finalists from all nine seasons of all finishing positions square off against each other, it is only fair that the victors from each round take on each other in the finale of the champion series. In this final round of voting, readers will be asked which top-ranked finalist from each placing is their overall favorite of all nine seasons. Voting will be open for not one, but two weeks. Happy voting!
Kelly Clarkson 15 (15%)
Ruben Studdard 1 (1%)
Fantasia 4 (4%)
Carrie Underwood 29 (30%)
Taylor Hicks 1 (1%)
Jordin Sparks 17 (18%)
David Cook 13 (13%)
Kris Allen 10 (10%)
Lee DeWyze 4 (4%)
Total votes: 94
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Back to Me' #2 w/ 122.1k
Fantasia's Back to Me opened at #2 with 122.1k copies, marking her highest debut on the Billboard 200 chart despite her lowest sales open to date. When putting into consideration the fact that it's been nearly three years since Fanny released a CD, this opening week take is pretty impressive, even though it most likely would have been much lower had she not been in the public eye due to her recent suicide attempt and ensuing media appearances.
While Fanny appeared on the chart, Carrie Underwood disappeared this week thanks to sliding sales of her Play On. Don't be surprised if the album finds its way back into the Top 50 over the next few weeks.
As usual, be sure to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
'Idol' Hot 100: Adam Lambert's "If I Had You" #32 (9/4/10)
Adam Lambert once again saw his latest single "If I Had You" gain ground on the chart, this time by 10 spots to #32. Carrie Underwood's "Undo It," on the other hand, was off by 11 spots to #56.
Daughtry's "September" saw the opposite come true, with a #91-80 jump, while Fantasia's "Bittersweet" was down slightly, #79-82.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
32 42 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
56 45 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
80 91 Daughtry, "September"
82 79 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Play On' #46 w/ 8.7k
Carrie's Play On was actually up this week sales-wise, climbing 5% to 8.7k copies. It was down on the chart side, however, slipping #41-46.
As usual, be sure to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Flashback: Judd Harris's "Travelin' Band"
Idol's fourth season was virtually a wash thanks to the superstardom of Carrie Underwood, and it shows when you look at the crew that was left in the dust, especially in the semifinals. Judd Harris was one of those contestants who tried his best but fell short. Watch him perform Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band" during Top 24 week below:
The judges' generic, neither good nor bad comments didn't help Judd's cause, as he blended in with the rest of the 11 guys who performed that night. Despite a good vocal showing, the song choice was completely wrong, and thus Judd had to disappear into obscurity following his elimination.
'Idol' Hot 100: Adam Lambert's "If I Had You" #42 (8/28/10)
Adam Lambert's latest single "If I Had You" finally surpassed Carrie Underwood's leggy "Undo It," as the former rose 12 spots to #42 while the latter slid nine spots to #45. This is the first time since the week of June 12 that "Undo It" has not led artists from the franchise.
Continuing to make strides thanks to recent publicity was Fantasia's "Bittersweet," which was up #90-79 ahead of her album release today. And Daughtry's latest single "September" was up three spots to #91.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
42 54 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
45 36 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
79 90 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
91 94 Daughtry, "September"
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Play On' #41 w/ 8.3k
Carrie Underwood's Play On continued its downward trend on the chart, as its sales were off by 17% to 8.3k copies for the week. Chart-wise, it was down #34-41, which suggests the end could be near for its Top 50 staycation.
As usual, be sure to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Monday, August 16, 2010
'Idol' Hot 100: Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" #36 (8/21/10)
It was no surprise that Carrie Underwood once again led the charge, with her single "Undo It" sliding 10 spots to #36.
The single that looks to be the heir apparent of "Undo It," Adam Lambert's "If I Had You," inched ahead two spots to #54. Fantasia also saw her current single make headway up the chart, possibly due to her OD controversy last week. "Bittersweet" was up #94-90.
To add to things, Daughtry's "September" debuted on the Hot 100 at #94.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
36 26 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
54 56 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
90 94 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
94 -- Daughtry, "September"
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Play On' #34 w/ 10.1k
For the xth week in a row (too many to count now), Carrie Underwood's Play On was the only album from the franchise to make the chart with another 10.1k copies to add to its already multi-platinum total. It was off 9% sales-wise and down three spots on the chart to #34.
For the rankings that actually matter, be sure to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
'Idol' Hot 100: Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" #26 (8/14/10)
Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" finally cooled off this week as evidenced but the track's two-spot drop to #26. Adam Lambert, on the other hand, saw his "If I Had You" spurt ahead 13 spots to #56 on the heels of increased airplay.
Fantasia's "Bittersweet" seems to be following in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson's "All I Ever Wanted," as the former rose just one spot to #94 on the chart. Expect it to start going backwards relatively soon.
On the Bubbling Under chart, however, Daughtry held on with an 11-spot jump to #2 for latest single "September." Expect a debut on the main chart by this time next week.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
26 24 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
56 69 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
94 95 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
Bubbling Under
02 13 03 Daughtry, "September"
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Play On' #31 w/ 11.1k
Carrie's Play On once again was the franchise's sole representative entry, as it inched ahead eight spots to #31 on the heels of an 8% sales increase to 11.1k copies for the week.
For the more important data, be sure to check out Billboard for official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Flashback: Alaina Whitaker's "More Today Than Yesterday"
Season 7 was the season of talented female contestants that stumbled in the semifinals. One of the most notable cases of this trend was Alaina Whitaker's exit during Top 20 after singing The Spiral Starecase's "More Today Than Yesterday" the previous week. Watch the performance below:
While Alaina was compared by many to a young (read: young) Carrie Underwood, her inexperience is surely what got the best of her. That and the fact that she looked way too much like Carrie, and that's never a good thing when you're gunning for the same title she took only a few seasons prior.
Sony Music Group responds to the end of its relationship with 'Idol'
With all the hullabaloo going on around the judges that will be pulling up a chair at the table next beginning at auditions this month, many have been overlooking the developments on the music release and distribution front, which for Sony Music Group ended abruptly following an eight-year relationship.
After letting Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment do most of the talking on the issue, Sony had the following to say:
"After enjoying a successful relationship, Sony Music Entertainment wishes Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment well in this transitional period for the 'American Idol' franchise. We look forward to continuing our relationships with the many artists on the Sony Music roster who have graduated from the 'American Idol' system, including Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, David Cook, Adam Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta among others and we are excited for the upcoming albums later this fall from Season 9's winner and runner-up Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox."
I guess Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta were either dropped or they're covered under "among others." It's not surprising the quote didn't name Blake Lewis, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Diana DeGarmo, Justin Guarini and Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks.
As for the beneficiary of SMG's demise, Universal Music Group, they understandably seem to be singing a happier tune at the moment:
"We like delivering hits and new artists...UMG and 'American Idol' is the right combination at the right time. Pairing the renowned expertise of Simon [Fuller] and Jimmy in developing and marketing musical talent creates a truly winning combination that will allow 'Idol's' artists to realize their fullest potential."
But is this a good bet on Fuller/19E's part? True, it's probably a cheaper deal for them in the long run, but Geffen, Interscope and A&M, while each having their own heavyweights, haven't always been at the forefront of major releases. Time will tell if this deal works in favor of next year's Lee or Crystal.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
'Idol' Hot 100: Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" #24 (8/7/10)
Carrie Underwood once again held steady at #24 with her latest hit "Undo It." Adam Lambert's latest release, "If I Had You," followed this trend, as it stayed put at #69.
Fantasia was the only alum to see her track change places from last week's chart, as her "Bittersweet" was off three spots to #95.
Full chart positions courtesy of Billboard are below:
Hot 100
24 24 Carrie Underwood, "Undo It"
69 69 Adam Lambert, "If I Had You"
95 92 Fantasia, "Bittersweet"
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
HITS estimates: 'Play On' #39 w/ 10.3k
For example, Carrie Underwood continued to be the only alum to have her album appear on the chart, and based on the past few months, this fact continues to be emblematic of the idea of being "consistent." Her third studio effort, Play On, was down three spots to #39 on the heels of a 10% drop in sales to 10.3k copies. Although it seems that the album could slip below the 10k threshold in the near future, it's important to remember summer usually isn't the kindest sales period for months-old music, so all things considered its 1.658 million total to date looks pretty good after not even a year on the market.
As per usual, Billboard will have official positions available for the Billboard 200 on Thursday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
