3/12: Farewell interviews with Jorge Nunez, Jasmine Murray; Kelly Clarkson pregnancy rumors; country theme next week
It never crossed my mind but some idiots on the Web thought Kelly Clarkson was sporting a baby bump last night. Huh? Really?
Here’s the Daily News take on things:
A Clarkson rep at her record label RCA – a division of Sony Music – tells the Daily News the buzz is dead wrong: “She is not pregnant.
Case closed. Geez, people!
Loading ...-Country theme week next week with songs popularized by members of the Grand ol’ Opry. There are no pure country singers in this crew (with the likes of Brent Keith and Kendall Beard failing to make it past the semifinal round.) Who might thrive? Who might fail miserably? I can’t wait to see Adam Lambert try out a country song! Or Allison Iraheta… Randy Travis will be the mentor and he will sing a duet with Carrie Underwood during results show.
-American Idol ratings last night were down about 7 percent this year over the similar results show a year ago: 24.9 million, based on preliminary numbers. (The final results are usually slightly higher, around 200,000 to 300,000 more).
First up: Jorge Nunez’s press conference:
Why he chose “Never Can Say Goodbye”: “I just wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to stay in the same kind of vibe. I didn’t want to sing ballads throughout the entire competition. It was the first time on the big stage so I was able to move around and have some fun. I had a lot of fun there.”
On Simon ragging on him when he referenced the MJ song “Bad” and Simon said, “That’s right!”: “At the time it was funny, a bad joke. You know what Simon? Come on! He’s a great guy. That’s the first time he told me something like that in the whole competition. I liked the comments he had for me. He liked me.”
He said he was closest to Lil Rounds, Allison and Jasmine. Interesting–he bonded with the ladies!
Was he disappointed he didn’t get the “veto”? “I was okay. A person should not have any excuse when that happens. It happens cos it’s meant to be. I took the hit like a man. Things are going to be great for me. It’s just a start of something much much bigger.”
My question: What country song was he going to do next week? He said country was “very intimidating.” He joked that he was not only the first Puerto Rican on “Idol,” but he’d be the first Puerto Rican to ever sing a country song! His picks were either “I Know You Won’t” by Carrie Underwood or “Anyway” by Martina McBride. Yes, he gravitates toward ballads sung by females.
Then Jasmine Murray, which I kind of dozed through most of it. I actually got the very last questions in–what song had she selected for country week that we won’t hear?
She said something by LeAnn Rimes or Carrie Underwood.
And why did she pick “I’ll Be There”? “I thought it was a good song. It’s a beautiful song. The Jackson Five were really young when they did it so I thought it was a good idea. It’s a beautiful song with a great message.”
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
59 comments Add your comment
Kelly's Negnant
March 12th, 2009
1:05 pm
Rodney: Please ask Justin when “From Justin to Kelly 2″ will be hitting theaters.
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
1:08 pm
Looking forward to the interviews. I didn’t think that Kelly looked that bad, I’m used to seeing her a bit bigger than the Hollywood norm, that is one thing I like about her, she’s normal.
Mike S
March 12th, 2009
1:56 pm
I had a fleeting thought of “I wonder if she is Pregnant?” but then quickly ASSertained it was just on of Kelly’s yo-yo weight episodes.
Kelly is one of those lucky people that looks beautiful even with a few extra pounds on her frame.
Mike S
March 12th, 2009
2:07 pm
As a country music fan I always love the country themed weeks. It is always so much fun to see Simon completely totally and utterly miserable for an entire night.
Plus it is fun to see who pulls off the genre and who is a total trainwreck. What amazes me is that there is always one or two we expect to struggle that pull off an amazing performance, and others that we fully expect to be in thier wheelhouse that crash and burn.
And then there are the trance inducing mega performances like Chris Daughtry “Walk the Line” and Carrie Underwood “Independence Day”
Harm
March 12th, 2009
2:08 pm
I was hoping Nana was back, it’s so sad that she’s not.
You know someone will do Patsy Cline’s Crazy! What about Lil doing I will always love you, the Whitney version?
Harm
March 12th, 2009
2:17 pm
I hope that she does not pick that one, I hope she picks something else.
Harm
March 12th, 2009
2:21 pm
I want them all to sing real country, not the country cross over to pop stuff.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 12th, 2009
2:35 pm
BUt Harm, what about the attitude “don’t karaoke the song, make it your own” — Like Daughtry did with “I Walk the Line”? I wouildn’t want massive changes, but… still make it your OWN — of course, for half the contestants, when they DO try to make it their own, the comment will be “you shouldn’t mess with XYZ’s music, that song’s a classic and NO ONE should do it except the original” (which to ME is pure unadulterated **B**S**)
Harm
March 12th, 2009
2:43 pm
I guess what I want them to choose is something that we would not have predicted for them! Surprise us!
Kelly's Negnant
March 12th, 2009
2:45 pm
Yeah, Carrie was ridiculously good with Martina, and now that she’s a country smash hit star we see it was no fluke. I think we should also throw a bone to Jordan for her powerful delivery of Martina’s Broken Wing and Kristy Lee’s brilliant performance of God Bless the USA.
Sarah B
March 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
Hi Linny and thanks for the advise:
Awww, Bless your heart Linda88!
I didn’t think Kelly looked Preggers, just the press being obcessed with someone famous not being anorexic.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 12th, 2009
3:37 pm
Sarah you fit right in!!!! love it!
Sarah B
March 12th, 2009
3:39 pm
I was really just playing with War Eagle and she had to get all ugly. Guess she doesn’t understand sarcasam.
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
3:59 pm
It’s hard to really convey sarcasm without a special emoticon. But, I thought you were just being funny with WE, Sarah B. WE’s a favorite around here cuz he doesn’t let us get too serious and he reminds us that the singers are just people…sometimes strange people.
I’m seeing Alexis as a real gift on country night. She has that soul vibe that is so easily transferred to a good country song like Crazy.
I’m really thinking that Jorge should be grateful he didn’t make it to Grand Ole Oprey night. We have avoided what could possibly have been a massive train wreck.
Woodpappy
March 12th, 2009
3:59 pm
Wonder why the media can’t just enjoy someone’s music instead of trying to be hurtful if they are not a size 00.
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
3:59 pm
Goodbye Jasmine and Jorge, welcome to oblivion. Thanks for the interviews Rodney.
So it sounds to me like WE has two women fighting over him, is that the jist of it? War Eagle sure does have a way with the ladies.
Jeff (exbrave)
March 12th, 2009
4:05 pm
Im back guys. How is everyone? After missing last year<new baby. So what do we have going on.
Sarah B
March 12th, 2009
4:06 pm
Alexis should be great D and Adam will be creative, Lil will blues something up but I am so sick of people trying to do I will always love you, they should take it off the list from now on. Its like putting bait out there for failure.
Jeff (exbrave)
March 12th, 2009
4:08 pm
Has anyone noticed there is nothing lil about Lil rounds??
harriett
March 12th, 2009
4:12 pm
Yes, we have, Jeff, but we’ve also noticed there is also something big, too. (this is meant to be funny, before someone gets offended)
harriett
March 12th, 2009
4:13 pm
There was this whole conversation on performance night about the fit of Lil’s pants.
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:18 pm
Jeff???? If this is the Jeff I’m thinking of, you missed a little more than just last year!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:19 pm
BTW, congrats on the new baby!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:21 pm
Gotta agree on I Will Always Love You, Sarah B. Maybe we should throw the power of our collective brains at the contestants…repeat after me…do not sing I Will always Love You…do not sing I Will always Love You….
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 12th, 2009
4:30 pm
Personally I thinkt that IWALU should be BANNED from the freaking competition, lol, along with a couple others that they just keep on trying….and oh-so-rarely make!
Sarah B
March 12th, 2009
4:30 pm
Her voice is also big I might add.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 12th, 2009
4:31 pm
Sarah, would you say “good lungs”????
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 12th, 2009
4:32 pm
Jeff? way more than one year! it’s easily been two years! congrats on the young’un! (boy, girl, first name, how old now, yada yada — we LOVE kids here!!!)
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:37 pm
Has anyone noticed there is nothing lil about Lil rounds??
There’s nothing little but there’s definitely something round!
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
4:40 pm
Comparatively speaking she does have a lil waist.
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:45 pm
Aw…JT…ever the gentleman! I’m proud of you…cuz the alternative is soooo tempting!
KPH
March 12th, 2009
4:50 pm
LOL! @ D. Round and jiggly! It’s ok though cause she dosent sing with her tushy. At least not on stage.
harriett
March 12th, 2009
4:51 pm
Time for me to head home, friends. Talk to you all tomorrow. Enjoyed the day with all of you and look forward to tomorrow!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:52 pm
LOL!! KPH…..those of us whose tushes aren’t that small anymore salute you!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:52 pm
‘night harriett!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
4:53 pm
I guess that’s my cue to head for the kitchen. I know hubby would like to eat some time this evening.
KPH
March 12th, 2009
4:56 pm
What are we having Deirdre? I like lobster!
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
4:57 pm
Deirdre, you wouldn’t think of me as being a gentleman if you knew what I was thinking right after I see that waist. The best part of a narrow waist is that it accentuates the better features of the female form.
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
5:03 pm
In addition to missing Nana, I am surprised that we didn’t get Kelly&CarrieFan’s take on last nights performance.
Sarah B
March 12th, 2009
5:08 pm
Quitting time ya’ll! See ya! Happy Friday tomorrow.
kelly&carriefan
March 12th, 2009
5:18 pm
Aw, here I am! Sorry y’all…I’ve been dealing with a lot of stuff. I was laid off yesterday and did NOT see it coming. BUT, everything happens for a reason and I know that I’ll find something better suited for me.
Anyway. Yes, last night was a good cheer me up! Um, back the truck up…Kelly pregnant?! That’s too funny for words. I reeeeeeelly doubt it, but I guess time will tell. I need a job…I SO volunteer to he the nanny! Though, really, the more immediate need is a new stylist! I’m sure I can find much more flattering clothes for her to wear!
lol As far as the performance, I though it was good, but the GMA one was better (so far). I think she’s improving on, obviously with practice. Should be good tomorrow on Regis and Kelly and SNL. BTW, she’s on track to have the number one album next week!
KPH
March 12th, 2009
5:25 pm
Sorry about the layoff K&Cfan. It is such a common thing these day’s it’s unreal. Good luck in your job search!
Mike S
March 12th, 2009
5:44 pm
mY prayers for you K&CF.
Jeff, welcome back. Congrats on the new baby!
As for Lil, I think my comment 2 weeks ago was “it looked like two raccoons wrasslin’ in a burlap sack”
JTesla
March 12th, 2009
5:46 pm
Sorry about the layoff K&CFan. No fun, but make the most of it.
Kelly certainly could use some help with the clothes, the best way to draw attention to being “bigger” is to wear clothes that try to draw attention away from the fact that you are “bigger.” I use quotes, because I still don’t think she is that big when compared to the average American.
kelly&carriefan
March 12th, 2009
6:59 pm
Thanks for all the good wishes, y’all.
JT, I agre with you. I don’t really think Kelly is a “big” girl by any means. She’s just short and curvy. Everyone’s a critic though.
Oh, and Carrie next week? Nice!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
7:19 pm
Kelly then Carrie…it’s like heaven for all of us, k&cf….but you must be extra special happy!
Oh man, I just caught up with your previous post. So sorry! But you’re right…something better is headed your way!
Deirdre
March 12th, 2009
8:56 pm
So cool! I just turned the tv on about 10 minutes ago waiting for The Office to start…hate Kath and Kim so I’m changing channels and stumble on a PBS show with Chris Botti. John Mayer is singing this really cool jazzy song with Chris Botti palying his horn. Mayer finishes and the next guest singer is Katharine McPhee who sings I’ve Got You Under My Skin beautifully. Gotta be proud of the girl…not a single screechy note.
War Eagle
March 12th, 2009
9:18 pm
Sorry to hear about your job KF. I know a lot of people losing sleep at night worrying about their jobs. Myself included. Best wishes to you.
flbravesgirl
March 13th, 2009
12:15 am
So sorry to hear that, kelly&carriefan. You’ve got the right attitude, keep your chin up.
There have been some very good performances coming out of country night in past years. There’s such a variety within the genre that I think everyone should be able to find something that suits them. They all won’t, of course, but that’s their problem.
diva09
March 13th, 2009
6:10 am
Rodney i don’t appreciate the way you keep pointing out that jorge connected with the women or that he was planning on picking female ballads. It didn’t occur to you that maybe he connected with allison because they are both hispanic, or that “Anyway” or “I Know You Won’t” are great songs. And you come off very feminine yourself so I don’t think you should pass judgment asshole!
Rodney Ho
March 13th, 2009
6:51 am
Wow. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning! I wasn’t passing judgment at all. I was just making observations. Nothing more than that. I liked Jorge and I was bummed to see him go.
Rodney Ho
March 13th, 2009
6:52 am
Oh, and I’m sorry K&C Fan about your job situation. Hang in there…
LG100
March 13th, 2009
7:32 am
diva09…I f you don’t care for Rodney’s opinion, why do you read this blog?
Ma Lou
March 13th, 2009
8:45 am
Anyone, let me know if this is a possibility. I do not think that Anoop had the second lowest vote count on Wednesday. He has a very big fan base and I just don’t believe he was second to last in votes. What I believe is that Ryan already knows who is SAFE. Notice, he never says how many votes the contestant gets ? Then he just seats them in the order he wants to and puts someone on the stage with the lowest vote getter. I think they put Anoop there to shake him up again. Anyhow, maybe he will do better this week because of it. Anyone agree?
Scott and Sarver need to go
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 13th, 2009
9:16 am
Ma, we’ve pretty much agreed over the years in this blog that the person who’s matched with the one going home is probably NOT the “next lowest” vote getter. I don’t know that RYAN does the seating — i feel personally like the producers/directors have more input than we get to see on such things — as you say, for dramatic effect.
as to diva09 — well, doesn’t her choice of blog names say it all? ’nuff said, bless her little heart!
Ma Lou
March 13th, 2009
10:02 am
Thanks Linny. I am new to the blog and I must be a little slow too as this theory just came to me this season about the lowest vote getters! I just thought of it because I know Anoop has more followers than probably some of the others. Thanks again
RxDawg
March 13th, 2009
10:37 am
Good morning all. Lol diva09 I don’t think he trashed Jorge.
Sarver still is one of the lesser talents IMO, but I think he will do well next week given the right song.
I’m amused that Kris is higher up on the poll too. I do think he will surprise a lot of people next week as well. He has a great tone in his voice and thats what a lot of country is. Good, pure sounding singing.
Alexis will do very well I think too, Lil and Danny as well. Adam shall be interesting..
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
8:45 pm
Ma Lou..sometimes Ryan will tell us the 2 or 3 people standing received the lowest number of votes..in that case, they probably did…but sometimes Ryan doesn’t say that. He didn’t when Anoop was standing with Jorge.
Ma Lou
March 16th, 2009
1:44 pm
Yeah Deirdre, you’re right. You know, I think they are really trying to mess with Anoop. I don’t think it’s funny. Oh well, whatever, I am a die hard American Idol fan so I will always watch. And, Anoop is my favorite but I don’t think he will last much longer. Hope he chooses a decent song this week.