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American Idol

1/6: Phoenix, K.C. first audition sites to air next week, Sanjaya is back (no!!!)

4:35 pm January 6, 2009, by Rodney Ho

Season eight of “Idol” begins next Tuesday at 8 p.m. with two hours of Phoenix (not far from Jordin Sparks land), followed by two hours of Kansas City (not far from David Cook land) on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

The network has not announced what order the other four cities will be in.

By the way, we don’t yet have the proper plug in to embed video yet. Hopefully, we will before Idol starts.

-AP has a story about the new “Idol” experience at Disney World.

Walt Disney World guests can register to audition in front of a Disney casting director for a chance to take part in the theme park show. Contestants who make the cut must then audition for a Disney producer. Those selected by producers will perform in front of an onstage panel of judges and an audience of park guests who vote on each show’s winners.

Performing guests with the highest votes compete in an end-of-day grand finale show at the attraction. The winner of that competition gets a guaranteed reservation, with no waiting in long lines, for a future regional audition for the real American Idol TV show.

-Did you catch “Superstars of Dance” Sunday night? I watched part of it. Lots of eye candy but very very apples to oranges in terms of comparing Indian dancing with, say Irish step dancing and the Argentinian tango. And the judge seemed generally too easy on the dancers while not providing much in the way of useful commentary.

Here’s a review from the Washington Post.

The judges announce their scores one by one, and the marks don’t vary from one to the other a whole lot, causing me to wonder if they’re all too timid to disagree with one another. Also, once Flatley, a perfectionist who knows more than a little about nailing a routine, has enthused about a just-completed performance, might not the judges be influenced and change their votes before it’s their turn to announce them?

-And I’m pained to report this but Sanjaya Malakar has an EP and a book coming out January 20.

Here’s the product description of the book from Amazon:

One of the most popular contestants ever to appear on American Idol gives his fans an all-access pass to the wildly popular television show — and opens up about how becoming an Idol star changed his life forever
Sanjaya Malakar didn’t need to win American Idol to take America by storm. He was just seventeen when his unique style, soft-spoken demeanor, and memorable song selections on the record-breaking show’s sixth season captured hearts across the country.

In his candid new book, Sanjaya opens up about what it feels like to go from obscurity as a high school student near Seattle to worldwide fame as a top ten finalist on one of the most popular television shows in American history. For the first time, the “People’s Idol” talks about life before Randy, Simon, Paula and “Sanjayamania,” and offers his devoted “Fanjayas” an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the blockbuster show. From going to Hollywood with his beloved sister, Shyamali, to becoming the most highly anticipated performer of season six, to facing the unforgiving chopping block, Sanjaya tells his fans everything they want to know. Finally, he shares how his life has changed since he left Idol, and where his music — and unforgettable persona — will take him next.

I may have to get a copy of this book and try to read it. Can wait!

Want to listen to samples from the EP? Check it here at your risk. (I’m not.)

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43 comments Add your comment

Deirdre

January 6th, 2009
4:47 pm

Thanks for the info on the show. Phoenix and Kansas City…should be interesting.

And, seriously, we can do without the Sanjaya info! :-)

AmyG

January 6th, 2009
4:59 pm

Rodney,
I would hate for you to put yourself thru that torture for us.

Hi D-
I am really looking forward to this year – I hope it’s a good one!
:)

JTesla

January 6th, 2009
5:01 pm

Rodney, never post a picture of Sanjaya again. Ever! Otherwise, thanks for the info.

never ever

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 6th, 2009
5:04 pm

…ever!!

KPH

January 6th, 2009
5:07 pm

The title to Sanjaya’s book is Dancing To The Music In My Head. I wonder if that is what caused his head to sprout those bushes that he sported on the show ? If so he needs to dance to something else or he may poke someones eye out with one of those hairdo’s ! :-)

JTesla

January 6th, 2009
5:38 pm

The title of his book should have been: “I know you want to punch me in the face”

Harmony

January 6th, 2009
7:28 pm

I agree-NEVER EVER!!! I’ve watched some of Momma’s boys, I think those three boys should have already cut the apron strings. I think I may watch some Biggest Loser tonight, I want to see the 19 yr. old who is the biggest contestant they have ever had. I wish him sucess, I think he weighs in the 400 range. I will have to quit all these reality shows next week, afterall this is an American Idol Blog. :-) Catch ya’ll later!

Harmony

January 6th, 2009
7:31 pm

JTesla, I want spoil True Beauty for you, I’ll just tell you that they all have unbelievable egos!

Nana

January 6th, 2009
8:22 pm

Hear! Hear! Please no more Sanjaya……….. But thanks Rodney for the rest of your report.

The 13th is getting closer and I’m getting more excited. It would be great if we all could get together before Tuesday and have a Idol party. Wished it was possible.

Hey Harmony, how is grandmother hood? Have you began to spoil little Asa yet? I bet he’s cute as a button. Give him lots of hugs and kisses from your blog friends.

Did anyone watch the Batchelor last night? I fell in love with Jason when he was on the Bachelorette last season. I’m glad he got dumped by DeAnna. Now we Batchelor watchers can see more of him. He is certainly easy on the eyes.

Have to run and take Memory out, so I will catch you guys/gals later.

Nana

January 6th, 2009
8:50 pm

:-)

Nana

January 6th, 2009
8:52 pm

WooHoo!!! I did it! Finally made a smiley face. Oh yeah, oh yeah, I did it, I did it. :-)

Nana

January 6th, 2009
9:04 pm

Was so excited about the Batchelor and the smileys that I forgot to tell y’all that Memory had her first visit to the vet today. She is 8 weeks old and weights 14.8 ounces. She sounds small but she has grown in the three weeks that I’ve had her. The vet thinks she will weight between 2-3 pounds full grown, if that. He gave her her first shots. And would you believe that I cried? I felt so stupid for the vet to see me do that.

Later………..Hope you all have a great night.:-)

GAgirl

January 6th, 2009
9:31 pm

No, No , NO Not Sanjaya

Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm

January 6th, 2009
9:48 pm

Ok folks, let’s not get carried away with the smiley faces. It sort of looses the effect when everyone does it just because they can. Thank You

Deirdre

January 6th, 2009
9:50 pm

Congrats on the smiley face Nana. Just remember to put a space between it and any other punctuation.

So it’s unanimous….no more Sanjaya!!!!!!!!! :-)

Deirdre

January 6th, 2009
9:51 pm

Hey Willie…welcome back…I think! :-) :-) :-) ;-)

Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm

January 6th, 2009
9:53 pm

Seriously?

JTesla

January 6th, 2009
9:58 pm

Willie!

Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm

January 6th, 2009
10:00 pm

JT, how’s it hanging? Thank’s for no smiley.

Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm

January 6th, 2009
10:12 pm

Dawn, fats and War Eagle still around?

linny at home

January 6th, 2009
10:40 pm

Willie!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
ok no smiley face, how ’bout a wink or two!!!!
thought you’d left us
LOL!

Harmony

January 6th, 2009
10:42 pm

:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) ;-)

Harmony

January 6th, 2009
10:44 pm

Smiley faces :-)

Harmony

January 6th, 2009
10:48 pm

Nana, I haven’t spoiled Asa too much yet! I don’t want to wear out my welcome! Have you totally spoiled Memory yet?

Willie the One Eyed Wonder Worm

January 6th, 2009
10:50 pm

Harmony, good to see that you can post a comment without yellow faces.

Sanjaya Book and EP - Carrie Underwood Fans

January 7th, 2009
1:37 am

[...] Book and EP 1/6: Phoenix, K.C. first audition sites to air next week, Sanjaya is back (no!!!) | American Idol Bl… Here

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
7:47 am

Morning!

What’s up with the post above this one? 1:37am

And Willie, I think War Eagle will be around in the evenings during the season and we haven’t heard from DawnH in quite awhile but she may show up soon.

Were you surprised by your welcome? Please don’t be surprised by the abundance of “yellow faces” We’re like kids playing with a new toy.

Hubby and I are going to see Benjamin Button today.

FLATS

January 7th, 2009
8:18 am

I really want to be first on this new thang so bad my belly hurts on the inside man.Anywhats,good morning to all out they’re in idol land.This year will be so much fun and joyful.

harrietth

January 7th, 2009
8:20 am

D, I will be interested in what you think about B Button. I saw it over the holidays, and I commented that it would have been better with another actor playing the title character, but that is just MHO. I will eagerly wait to hear yours.

I think it will be a long season for Willie–smiley faces are surely abounding and not likely to cease. All about a new toy, as you mentioned, D. ;)

FLATS

January 7th, 2009
8:23 am

good morning H…..Roddy hooked us up on this thang.You’ll love it around here when the season starts and all the newbies swarm the boards.I’ll be good this year and contribute in a great way.

kelly&carriefan

January 7th, 2009
8:53 am

Hey y’all….

Reading Sanjaya’s book? Rodney, the sacrifices you make for this blog! Yikes.

Nana, Memory sounds adorable! I got my own lil furball at home. She’s 7 weeks now, and her name is Kacey. She’s a Jack-a-Poo. Aren’t puppies the best? :)

Lara

January 7th, 2009
8:56 am

Hi peeps!!! They played the first 2 releases from Sanjayah’s cd yesterday – lets just say my ears were hurting for the rest of the day. A book? Are you kidding me? Can we please go back to pretending he never existed????

Q: How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Twenty. One to hold the bulb, and nineteen to drink until the room spins.

Woodpappy

January 7th, 2009
9:05 am

Who the hell is Sanjaya? I’m trying to forget him folks.

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
9:08 am

LOL!!!! Lara!

I’m heading out for a doc appt. About 3 years ago I found an ugly squamous cell cancer on my pale, Irish arm. Since then, I go to the dermatologist every 6 months for a skin check. I highly recommend that, with all the other things we worry about these days, a yearly skin check is a quick and easy way to rest your mind about at least one danger.

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 7th, 2009
9:17 am

i think lara must have the Uncle John’s Bathroom Book of Musician Jokes (have any of you seen those Uncle John books….they are HILARIOUS!)

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

January 7th, 2009
9:35 am

new thread up….

Woodpappy

January 7th, 2009
9:37 am

Believe they are both gonna stay !

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
7:56 pm

OK harrietth, here’s my Ben Button review…I’ll do it in a number of parts so as not to annoy Willie too much.

I LOVED it. That being said, I think to fully appreciate the themes, you have to have lived longer than say 45 years.

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
7:58 pm

As far as Mr Pitt’s performance goes…I thought he was perfect for the role…and here’s why. His 7 year old geezer was both afflicted with the miseries of old age and still entraced with the wonders of life the way a 7 year old would be. His slow de-aging was done very well and believably for me. And that moment when we see him in his full youthful gorgeousness might not have worked with another actor.

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
8:02 pm

Why, you ask? Because Brad Pitt looking his best is like the epitome of the beauty of the young. We should nearly gasp when we first see him youthful and energetic. Well, I did, at least.

I must say that I am not a huge Brad Pitt fan. As an actor, he usually falls short of my expectations. But he’s good in this movie, especially when he’s old.

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
8:06 pm

But that begs the question; how can we watch a movie with a superstar and not see the star. Doesn’t the character being portrayed get lost behind the glow of the superstar? Julia Roberts, for example, is hard to see as anybody but Julia Roberts. ANY character she plays will be overshadowed by her Julia Roberts-tude.

I think the best example of this is Tom Cruise. The minute he fired his original manager(who kept him quiet and out of the public eye) and started jumping on Oprah’s sofa, he lost his ability to be anybody other than Tom Cruise.

Deirdre

January 7th, 2009
8:08 pm

There are exceptions. Jack Nicholson has been nobody but Jack Nicholson for YEARS until The Departed. Then he became as scary a mob boss as I’ve ever seen.

*Harrietth now regrets EVER asking me what I thought of Benjamin Button* :-)

HEATHER

January 19th, 2009
1:13 am

Sanjaya ’s style and integrity,was so popular that it says to the US,we need to clean up our act. We need to have entertainers now and in the future, that have class like Sanjaya.Mentors for our young people who don’t choose to entertain with filthy lyrics and do sing about hope.He has a gorgeous voice and our family cannot wait to hear and see Sanjaya again.WE will definitely buy the book and the music.When will he be on TV again ?

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