2/27: Press conference with Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen & Adam Lambert
Idol had a press conference at 4 p.m. EST today for each of the contestants who made it through last night. (Ratings last night on a Thursday vs. “Survivor” suffered accordingly, at about 20.7 million. “Survivor” and “Ugly Betty” also took ratings hits.)
Allison Iraheta was up first. She’s only 16 years old and it showed. I didn’t learn much beyond the fact she’s Latino and grew up singing Spanish and English. She said she was not intimidated by the fact Carrie Underwood and others had sung “Alone” by Heart before. I asked her if she was a natural redhead. Of course, she’s not. She did say she just wanted to be a redhead but admitted that she might change her mind in two months and go purple. Ah… to be 16!
Adam Lambert was far more engaging and articulate, but he’s much older, too. I asked him if they were singing to backing tracks or a live band. He said a live band hidden behind a wall. He had no clue why “Idol” chose to hide them this year. I also asked him how he felt about being the last person up on Wednesday. “I was honored. I knew closing the show meant I’d be fresh in people’s minds when they voted. I was really really happy.”
On his musical philosophy: “I’m a risk taker. I’m not easy listening. I’m not going to be the most digestible thing for everybody across the board. I like to blow it out of the box. Either you like it or you don’t. It’s important to balance your integrity, what the audience wants and what the judge wants. I’m not planning on wailing at the top of my lungs every week. I’ll vary the mood and style of the songs I’m going to sing week to week.”
On his goth musical style: “I was dressed like that during Wicked. That stuff you’ve been seeing on “Idol” is my daily streetwear.”
On getting a lot of airtime: “It helps. It’s exposed me to people more and more. They get a feeling they know me… I’m really thankful for the producers to feature me this way.”
About being “Broadway”: Luckily, [Simon] didn’t say Broadway. It’s theatrical. I take that theatrical comment as a compliment as opposed to a derogatory statement. When you think about the pop music scene and a lot of artists are going that very theatrical route with a lot of camp and costumes.”
Who does he admire: “David Bowie has been a really realy cool artist. He took a lot of risks visually, lyrically and musically. Vocally we’re very different but I think along those lines. He’s a great model for me.”
His sound: “I’m not going for a Broadway sound. This is finally allowing me to be myself. I don’t listen to showtunes in my spare time. Musical theater was the way I was paying the bills. We have to have a job, right? I get to sing the music now I like to listen to.”
Kris Allen, though, was a bore, not terribly insightful. I asked him about how he felt about doing Michael Jackson just a week after Paula Abdul saying singing a Michael Jackson song is a “kiss of death.”
“It was a little scary,” he said, “but I was really confident about what I was doing. And I was just really really happy I didn’t get compared to Michael Jackson. Glad I accomplished that.”
That was his best quote. He mostly gave us short, dull answers. He said he and his brother both tried out, kind of like David Cook and his bro. He said it took some time to get comfortable singing without a guitar. He plans to use the guitar once he’s in the top 12. His reax to Simon saying chicks will dig him: “It probably helped. I’m not going to lie.” What theme would he love? The Beatles. He acknowledged being shocked he made it through. “I felt really really lucky,” he said.
I will update this blog entry with what info we glean from.
Loading ...Here’s Kris Allen’s “Man in the Mirror” that got him through. So much for Michael Jackson being the “kiss of death,” as Paula Abdul said last week when Stephen Fowler fouled up an MJ song.
Here are my theories on why each person got through:
Allison: She has monstrous potential, a great voice. Although “Alone” has been overdone on “Idol,” as Linny noted to me yesterday, it’s a perfect song to showcase your talent if you have it because it starts slow, then hits it big. Although Allison was shaky at points, she clearly has stage presence, an intriguing look (sure, she’s 16 going on 30 but who cares?) and a voice that can be honed. Downside: She’s only 16 and she acted rather strangely during her interview with Ryan. So how she goes forward is a major question mark.
Adam: He has been pimped big time by the producers. He was given the pimp spot. He has a great voice, a very particular glam rock look. He seems like a nice enough guy. Downside: His theatrics are way over the top. Is this all a big act? Will he grow on people enough that he can gather big vote counts down the road? Or is his appeal too narrow?
Kris: He didn’t get much airtime but made the most of it Wednesday night. Although Kara dissed him, I thought he sang “Man in the Mirror” pitch perfect. He’s a good looking dude, attracted the tween/teen vote for sure. He clearly has talent. Downside: He’s a wee bit bland, along the lines of Chris Richardson or Phil Stacey.
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139 comments Add your comment
harriett
March 1st, 2009
7:55 pm
Time out for a minute. Can anyone give me an update on the snow? How much, etc.? We are expecting it within the next hour here in Columbia, SC. There is to be an accumulation of about 3″.
I really enjoyed the Idol Wrap today on television. Also enjoyed the year 5 Idol Rewind. They showed the Hollywood week for that year’s contestants. Sorry, just had the recent Idol stuff on my mind. Back to your argument/discussion.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
7:56 pm
And Anne, please find and quote where I said you were “out of line” I used the phrase “out of place” in regards to your contention that more African Americans should be included. I later acknowledged(and apologized) that you hadn’t said that exactly and were referring to all minorities.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
7:57 pm
harriett…the snow has stopped at my house…We got about 4 inches here. Most schools are closed tomorrow because the wet and slushy roads are going to freeze tonight.
JTesla
March 1st, 2009
7:59 pm
Year 5 is up on Idol Rewind? That might be worth watching. Do you think they left in McPhee’s wardrobe malfunction?
harriett
March 1st, 2009
8:02 pm
D, thanks a lot for the update. Did it last about six hours? That is what they are saying it will do here. I am bummed not to be able to watch it falling. I have always loved seeing the snow fall. It will all fall and be over by morning. The University will probably be closed, for all the public schools have already announced closings here. Anyway, sorry to interrupt, but I knew I’d find out here. Thanks again!
harriett
March 1st, 2009
8:02 pm
Sorry, JT, I meant year 4.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
8:04 pm
Yeah, about 6 hours of large, wet snowflakes.
I can’t find Idol Rewind anywhere here in Atlanta…can anyone out there tell me when or if it’s on?
GAgirl
March 1st, 2009
8:11 pm
Good gravy what’s going on here???? Hope ya’ll are coping with all the snow. I’m definitely not a snow bunny. D, it’s 81 here today.
Now, I vote for whom I like. Matters not gender or race. The judges have no influence on my vote as I take their comments with a grain of salt.
Ya’ll stay warm and snug.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
8:15 pm
GAgirl…that’s just cruel…and hubby is in Sao Paulo Brazil again bragging about all the sunblock he needed today. I am NOT amused!!!!!
harriett
March 1st, 2009
8:21 pm
Idol Rewind comes on here in Columbia on Sunday afternoon on the TVGuide channel around 5 PM and again around 8 PM, followed by Idol Wrap, during which they discuss the most recent 12 performances and selections. This week is all about season 4. I really enjoyed seeing Bo and Niko’s group during Hollywood week–also Carrie and Vonzell were in the same group. I had forgotten that one.
harriett
March 1st, 2009
8:22 pm
D, just close your eyes and imagine how you’ll feel around July 4.
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
Regarding my post “Anne wrote RACE: NOPE” wihout anymore text, the rest got lost during submission. There are some annoying glitches to this wordpress. It’s better the post was lost since it addresses Dierdre wanting two girls added but she says she took the opposite stance so I must not remember who said it.
Dierdre, I now remember that your issue with me was adressing blacks instead of all minorities so I apologize for calling you the “H” word.
And I apologize to JT too because he has agreed with some negative opinions I’ve expressed about certain popular contestants as has GAgirl. So the Sheeple label was unfair and I will not use it again.
Concerning my use of the term black, I’m really down on African-American, because as linny noted, it’s not even correct since many blacks aren’t from Africa. Oprah, Jesse Jackson, and many other prominent blacks have referred to President Obama as black so how wrong can that description be?
Anyway, I’m feeling verbose at this point so I’ll relinquish the board so you can discuss the snow. I’m here in breezy, sunny Pompano Beach so I can’t relate at all except to say that Hurricane Wilma was a major three week inconvenience and loss of wages.
Happy belated birthday Nana and a get well wish to your Mom Dierdre.
I’m looking forward to group 3 hoping anyone but Drama Queen gets through. He’s more annoying than Tatiana.
harriett
March 1st, 2009
8:48 pm
Actually, Anne, we were discussing Idol, but excuse my interruption. I don’t plan to hang on for a prolonged discussion of the snow, however trivial that may seem, but I simply was asking my friends here for information.
Good night all. I may or may not be on really early in the morning, depending upon closings, etc. Hope you have a great night. And, Happy Birthday, Nana.
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
8:48 pm
Make that “Dierdre wrote RACE:NOPE”
Edit feature please.
They answered a question from someone name Dierdre on Idol wrap. Did you send a question to them Dierdre? The rewind I watched the other day was auditions from last season. I’d love to watch Carrie’s season again so I’ll be looking for it.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
8:56 pm
Anne…Pompano Beach!!!!!!???? Life is so unfair!!!! why can’t I be at Pompano Beach?????
Anne…it was me that said I felt that Idol would want to balance out the genders. I just didn’t say that they “should’, the word I used was “would”.
harriett…I checked the tv Guide channel and found it starting at 9pm…thanks.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
8:59 pm
No…I didn’t ask them a question…I didn’t even know it was on until harriett mentioned it.
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
8:59 pm
Idol Rewind starts in two minutes on the TV Guide Channel. I hope it’s season 4!
JTesla
March 1st, 2009
9:05 pm
Anne24, we are on the same page regarding the Drama Queen. I’d take both Tatiana and Nick over him.
This next week should be a good one for Idol, final 12 and the wild card mess finally cleared up. Next time Idol really should lay out the specifics for how things are going down at the start of the season.
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
9:23 pm
Watching rewind right now and it’s still season 7 on my tvguide channel. Brandy is the guest hostess. I want to see Carrie again.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
9:25 pm
JT…Nadia’s audition is on Idol Rewind tonight.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
9:26 pm
That’s not season 7, Anne. Nadia Turner was on season 4…and Brandi is the guest judge.
JTesla
March 1st, 2009
9:31 pm
Thanks for the heads up regarding Nadia Deirde, but Brandy? I guess I can put up with some of that for a little nostalgia.
everett
March 1st, 2009
9:36 pm
Not snowing here in western Washington. Read that over 100,000 people in Jawja are out of power! Good grief. Hope you all are safe and warm.
Anne24, I worked for a newspaper for MANY years and I am a staunch advocate of freedom of speech. If you have a right to your opinion, I have the same right to mine. In this particular arena I think SINGING talent should be the deciding factor.
And on to Idol….no Drama Queen, PLEASE! I’m looking forward to the next show and I’m looking forward to reading all y’alls comments. The wild cards should prove to be entertaining; their continuation on the show really depends on the upcoming performance.
One late comment…….Woodpappy, you absolutely crack me up!
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
9:37 pm
Deidre, what you experienced last week is not how it is from April thru November. Florida is give and take unless one is a snowbird and lives somewhere else when it’s brutally hot and humid. Summers here are brutal but it is wonderful right now.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
9:47 pm
everett…the snow was that heavy wet stuff…it’s no wonder that some lines(and trees) came down.
Anne…I wouldn’t go near Florida in the summer.
Well, that’s not exactly true…in ‘96 we took the kids to Disney World in August…I know, dumb, but we had fun and made sure to hit the water rides and the air conditioned sites.
Anne24
March 1st, 2009
9:50 pm
JT, I think alot of Tatiana’s antics are an act. Drama Queen is no faker. He really is that emotionally out of control. The way he acted during the group rehearsals was unbelievable. I may be “caustic” as someone said, but you’ll never see me that emotionally unstable.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
9:56 pm
I agree on Nathaniel…he kinda reminds me of Josiah Leming…not quite as out of kilter but definitely on the edge. I can understand how emotional the whole experience must be but there are just times when it’s better to suck it up.
Deirdre
March 1st, 2009
10:10 pm
OK blog buddies, I’m heading for my nice warm bed and my latest Sandra Brown novel. Have a good night!
War Eagle
March 1st, 2009
11:13 pm
WTF?
JTesla
March 1st, 2009
11:37 pm
Hey WE. Busy Sunday.
everett
March 2nd, 2009
12:06 am
Anne24 – A point upon which we can finally agree! The Drama Quing (combination of Queen and King) isn’t a faker.
Oh Dierdre, your comments ring true with me. I think, because of YOUR input, I will not post snarky statements. But I am capable of them, I’m ashamed to admit.
And Nana, one of my favorite posters, had a birthday! Hope it was a great day because she deserves it. Thank you for all the inspiration.
JTesla and linny – I still admire you.
Tell you something about myself…I love to cook. Bake? Naw. But cook? Yeah! Who’s having what for supper on Monday night? (Asked that question because we often get off the subject of Idol on the weekends.)
Want to hear from YOU!
JTesla
March 2nd, 2009
12:34 am
Mondays I’ve been putting in some OT so dinner will be something nuked.
everett
March 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
Yes, I’m still awake and wondering about the upcoming singers…LIL and Arianna and Felicia….think they mostly have a long way to go to beat Alexis. And who is Kendall? Not memorable,IMHO.
Oh my goodness! Does this mean I’m agreeing with Paula, and the men are going to the top this year? Not that that is a bad thing…………
OK, time to sign off and go have an adult beverage. Which I rightfully deserve after such a day.
Anne24
March 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
I fell asleep but just woke up. I drank too much Arizona Ice Tea. I love that stuff. Monday has been salmon and M & C night in my family since I was little. Don’t ask why because IDK but I follow the tradition with one major difference. I broil it with Lawry’s lemon sauce while my Mom fries it in homemade lemon butter sauce. With a side of fresh steamed broccoli, of course.
everett..we agree on another thing besides Drama Quing not faking it. As you stated, the show should be about the singing. But as others have stated, it’s about more than just that. It’s about whatever boosts the ratings which is why Nick lasted so long. I heard on Idol Wrap that the ratings are up!
My choice right now is Alexis. She has it all. A great voice, major soul, and I liked her look in her last two performances, especially the Aguilera deal with the hat. She even sounded like Christina at times during her semi-final performance. And IMO, that is a major plus. I’m also a fan of her pink highlight which is one of those love it or hate it deals.
To answer your “who’s Kendall?”, I believe she is the bubbly blonde from Texas that auditioned in Puerto Rico. The judges really like her.
She has a shot to beat LiL if she makes a better song choice. The lesson to be learned so far is don’t sing early 80’s pop! That disco sound is the “kiss of death”! And don’t sing anything sung by Kelly because you will be compared to her and LOSE.
Now this post confirms it. I am verbose!
everett
March 2nd, 2009
4:18 am
OK, what’s the difference between Arizona Iced Tea and Long Island Iced Tea? Salmon and mac’n'cheese? Wow, that’s better than the roasted lemon chicken with Herbs de Provence I was planning to make. Goodness, I live in the Pacific Northwest….you’d think I could afford salmon, but no. Lucky to get Dungeness crab in season. Oh gosh, now I wish I had a great big plate-full of Baltimore crab cakes. Or Georgia corn fritters. Why oh why did I get started on the subject of food? I’ll stick to the topic (um..American Idol?)hereafter. Sorry.
Happy Monday, y’all.
Deirdre
March 2nd, 2009
7:23 am
Morning!
The snow is still here…I’d hoped I dreamed it!
everett…please don’t avoid the snark…I love it…as long as it isn’t aimed in a nasty way at our fellow bloggers. The contestants, the judges, Ryan….and just about anything else…is fair game!
Deirdre
March 2nd, 2009
8:03 am
I have to wonder if the wild card show will be live. In one hour, 8 or 9 people have to sing, then the judges have to confer and then the 3 finalists are announced. Unless the wild card picks sing like they do in the preliminary round…a brief sample, a capella…or maybe another dreaded “sing-off”(didn’t like that little addition) I can’t see how they’re going to fit that into one hour. They can’t even tell us the results in less than an hour!
harriett
March 2nd, 2009
8:32 am
New thread up, with videos!
latest additions to top 12 speak « YourHollywoodNews.com
March 14th, 2009
7:42 pm
[...] the Kris Allen quotes weren’t great, but Rodney Ho from the Atlanta Journal Constitution did ask him a question about doing a Michael Jackson song a week after Paula said it was the “kiss of [...]