3/13: Interview with Justin Guarini, Diana DeGarmo’s new EP
I forgot to mention earlier that the one-time “veto” power is only good
outside the top 5 so using examples such as Daughtry and Tamyra Gray is false. Folks like Constantine, Jennifer Hudson and Michael Johns, though, could have been saved.
Anyway, on Tuesday, I spoke with Justin Guarini, whose stint on “Gone Country 3″ recently ended and is now co-hosting the weekly “Idol Tonight” on TV Guide Channel again with season two finalist and former David Cook squeeze Kimberly Caldwell (at 8 p.m. Wednesdays before the results show) And he’s vlogging about “Idol” at fancast.com. Here’s what he said about the results show:
“Thinking instead of performing,” he said of Jorge’s problem since he had to sing in English, not Spanish.
Anyway, Justin said he had a great time doing “Gone Country” on CMT. He especially enjoyed connecting with all the great songwriters in Nashville. “I got the experience to continue with music. It’s certainly been a challenging road for me,” he said. His favorite non-music event on the show? “Drag racing was the bee’s knees,” he said. (Yes, he actually used the term “bee’s knees.”) “It was like being on a rocket ship.”
He loved “Uncle George,” meaning George Clinton. I mentioned the loud snoring and he said, “Nothing earplugs couldn’t handle.” He also loved singing in front of the troops, “giving something back to people who give us so much.”
He had no resentments Sheila E won. “There isn’t a more deserving person in the world,” he said. “She’s a legend in her own right. She worked really hard on the show.”
His take on the top 13: “They really filtered the best of the top 36. We have an amazing 12 weeks or so ahead of us,” he said. He would have liked to have seen Felicia Barton in but wouldn’t say who should NOT have made it in her place. He is also happy to see the baker’s dozen. “this season is about breaking new ground. Idol’s been true to that claim.”
His take on Kara DioGuardi: “She’s a perfect blend of the other three judges. She has worked directly with other artists like Randy & Simon. And she’s been a singer like Paula. And she stands up Simon in way I don’t think the others do.”
He notes that both Lil Rounds and Danny Gokey have what he had: the curse of the early “frontrunner” status. That didn’t hurt the likes of Carrie Underwood but early favs like Melinda Doolittle and David Archuleta failed to win. (Justin was a favorite early on, too). “It’s a blessing anda curse,” he said. “I struggled in the middle rounds but made it o the finale. I’m happy about that.”
-Also, Diane DeGarmo has self released an EP, all acoustic. It’s available on Rhapsody, iTunes and CD Baby for download. This from one of her fans:
It’s an acoustic only work, all the songs are written by Diana and her songwriting friends and has been released for the fans who cannot come to her live shows. It is just a taste of what she has been up to in Nashville – no word on if any of these songs will even make the album (supposedly due out this year) – there are a lot more songs of hers out there. These would be songs that Diana has worked on independent of her stuff with John Rich. I believe you can listen to clips on both Rhapsody and CD Baby and then of course, the preferred way of download is iTunes, but there is that option at all sites.
More info at her Fan Web site dianad.com
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56 comments Add your comment
harriett
March 13th, 2009
7:53 am
Good morning! Rodney, you so did not deserve that shot on the previous thread. You work very hard to make this a wonderful place to blog, and we value your opinions/observations. Thanks a bunch, and I look so forward to the times you join us on performance night. It’s loads of fun!
Mike S
March 13th, 2009
8:05 am
Good Morning all.
Harriett, I think Rodney handled the gratuitious drive by sliming quite well.
So, day 3 or 4 of Nana watch. NANA!!!! Please check in soon!
hmmm so I have to say it. Diana put out an instrumental album? Her best album yet? LOL!!!!!! Sorry, I like DIana and I think she has a wonderful voice, but the shot was there and I had to take it.
KPH
March 13th, 2009
8:05 am
Good morning folks. Let’s have a good friday the 13th even if the nasty blogger on the previous thread is obviously not going to.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
8:14 am
Morning!
Rodney…it’s so nice that you’re in touch with your feminine side!
Why are people always jumping down your throat just cuz you have a different opinion than theirs?
Justin is absolutely correct when he said Jorge was “thinking instead of performing’. I’m sure that had a lot to do with the fact that English is not his native language. And to be fair to him, imagine trying to sing on American Idol when you are having some difficulty with the language.
harriett
March 13th, 2009
8:16 am
I am up in our front office this morning. That’s what happens when people find out you come in to work early, whether you have to or not–they call and ask for you to cover for them! I really don’t mind doing this for an hour, although it has been ages. I have Pandora radio going in the background, so all is well.
War Eagle
March 13th, 2009
8:28 am
Rodney, congratulations on receiving the first “asshole” of the season. Good Job!
harriett
March 13th, 2009
8:33 am
D, I think Justin hit it directly on the head. I actually never thought about how difficult Jorge would have it, given English was not his native language. Of course, it is called “American” Idol, but still…
KPH
March 13th, 2009
8:36 am
Jorge should try out for Latin Idol. They do still have that dont they?
Woodpappy
March 13th, 2009
8:56 am
Morning all…I just read the tirade on the last blog…Someone did get up on the wrong side of the bed, or never went to sleep at all !
Lara
March 13th, 2009
9:13 am
Wow, I just had to go back and read it too…and gee whiz…someone pee’d in their cornflakes, didn’t they?
Happy Friday the 13th, y’all!
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
9:14 am
Jorge is kinda caught between a rock and a hard place. Because Puerto Rico is an American territory, Jorge is a citizen of this country and may be ineligible for Latin Idol or whatever it’s called. He would have to get permanent resident status somewhere else to qualify.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
9:15 am
At least, I THINK he’s a citizen…I’ll have to look that up, not sure.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
9:21 am
Yep. Under this Act, all persons born in Puerto Rico after that date are considered U.S. citizens and, therefore, their U.S. citizenship is protected under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The effective date was Jan. 13, 1941.
KPH
March 13th, 2009
10:02 am
Do you have to be an American citizen to be on AI. I know there have been a couple of Brits and Aussies on the show as well as Latinos. Maybe they had become American citizens?
Negbeaters
March 13th, 2009
10:04 am
OK, time for Neg, as the official odds maker of American Idol, to inform his loyal subjects of who will be going home next.
1. Noop: 71%
2. Kris: 68%
3. Matt: 40%
4. Megan: 29%
5. Allison: 12%
6. Michael: 7%
All others zero.
Important Note: The rankings and opinions listed above are exactly those of the host, staff and management of Neg International Inc. (all rights reserved). Any and all opinions or views differing from Neg’s will automatically be disregarded as invalid.
Woodpappy
March 13th, 2009
10:13 am
A Deirdre, a few threads ago, I mentioned that I make “things out of wood”. Get Rodney to send me your e-mail address and I’ll send you a few photos if you’d like.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
10:17 am
Last year both Carly and Michael had foreign national status meaning they were permanent residents and working toward being citizens…but I don’t think citizenship is one of the requirements in this country. Only age and contract status.
Woodpappy, I’d love to see some of your work…I’ll tell Rodney.
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
10:49 am
Morning all, happy Friday the 13th! and Wow I agree the Diva09 needs to go, what the hell was that all about?
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
10:50 am
What kind of “things” Woodpappy?
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
10:51 am
Morning WE & Mike S…
Woodpappy
March 13th, 2009
10:53 am
I make wooden writing pens, bowls, vases, etc.
Mike S
March 13th, 2009
10:56 am
I am sure that Woodpappy makes some cool stuff. As for me:
I make a rich woman beg, I’ll make a good woman steal
I’ll make an old woman blush, and make a young woman squeal
But then I am Bad to The Bone like that.
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
10:58 am
Cool, my dad would like you. They live in Sun City Center Fl and he is always taking craft classes and he told me about this man who makes wooden toys all year round them gives them to poor children at Christman time – very cool.
Woodpappy
March 13th, 2009
11:35 am
Mike S….That was a home run !
harriett
March 13th, 2009
11:53 am
Rats! I have been busy this morning and haven’t had time to join in. I will be back later, however. Can’t miss an opportunity to talk to blog friends. See ya after lunch.
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
11:56 am
Mike S – that’s hot!
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
March 13th, 2009
12:07 pm
ATTENTION! I just spoke with Nana on the phone — all is well, except that she caught a bug and has been in the bed, mostly sleeping, all week! She said to say thanks to all who have missed her, and she hopes to have some strength back and be back with us by monday. She said it’ll probably take her a whole day to just catch up here!!!
So….
from Nana to all y’all!!!
Sarah B
March 13th, 2009
12:20 pm
Thanks for the good news Linny!!! Glad she is ok.
Negbeaters
March 13th, 2009
12:25 pm
Nana, Neg declares you well.
Harm
March 13th, 2009
1:08 pm
Good News, now I can get on with my day without worrying about Nana, Thanks Linny. Sorry about your job loss k&cfan.
Is Wynona Judd in the Grand Ole Opry? I think Allison could sing some Wynona.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
1:27 pm
Get well soon Nana!!!
Woodpappy, you have to send Rodney your email address.
harriett
March 13th, 2009
1:42 pm
Nana! Get well soon. We all love and miss you! Thanks, linny, for finding out for us.
GAgirl
March 13th, 2009
1:53 pm
Get well wishes to Nana…..
Woodpappy
March 13th, 2009
1:59 pm
I’ve made the request Deirdre
Mike S
March 13th, 2009
2:01 pm
Great news. Sorry Nana has been sick, but glad it was not anything bad.
Everyone have a great weekend, I am taking half a day off and the wife and I are having a romantic getaway this weekend.
See ya’ll Monday!
kelly&carriefan
March 13th, 2009
2:34 pm
Y’all…thanks for the kind thoughts.
D, yes, Kelly and Carrie…definitely makes me appreciate this season a bit more. Ha.
Mike S, hope you and Mrs. Mike have/had a great weekend!
Wow, Diva, what the heck? I mean, really. So uncalled for…not to mention wrong. But whatever. I hope everyone has a great Friday the 13th!
Justin is a really likeable guy, but I don’t know how he really would’ve turned out as the Original Idol. Glad to see he is still out there and going strong.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
2:39 pm
Mike, give Mrs Mike a hug for me…I’ve never met her but after all these years chatting with you, I feel like I know her! And have a good time.
harriett
March 13th, 2009
3:23 pm
k&cfan, I really sorry about the job thing. It can happen to any of us, but I really wish you the best in getting something else. If I am not being too nosy, what do you do? Not that I have any pull, but maybe someone on here would know about something in your field. Congratulations on Kelly and Carrie being on the show, girl!
CFPhilfan
March 13th, 2009
3:35 pm
As far as Latin Idol, Jorge has already competed in a similar competition called “Objetivo Fama” on the network Telemundo, I believe. On other sites, he has said in interviews that he will return to school. He is close to becoming a lawyer. From another early publication, I found out that he has admitted to a very exclusive school on the island, which is for outstanding students. He also speaks fluent French. That is impressive, considering that many of us only know English. He said that things are going so well for him now that he will be able to both be a lawyer and a singer. I have read that he will appear on Ellen on Monday and will sing “My Way” in Spanish.
harriett
March 13th, 2009
3:39 pm
CFPf, thanks for the great information. I won’t worry about Jorge as much now. He was one I really liked, but knew he wouldn’t make it on Idol. It is nice to know he has options. Pretty impressive!
JTesla
March 13th, 2009
4:33 pm
I’m not so worried about Jorge because the niche singers who do not place high in Idol can still use the Idol publicity to further their career. It is the more mainstream style artists who won’t have a fruitful career singing if they don’t place near the top.
harriett
March 13th, 2009
4:35 pm
Home is calling my name, so I will talk to y’all later.
KPH
March 13th, 2009
4:49 pm
Sorry Nana about the bug but glad you are otherwise ok. Wow Jorge has got it going on down on the island. Oh yes Harm Wynonna is in the Opry family. Her and her Mom were inducted many years ago. Someone posted the artist and songs that the contestants will pick from and i’m not sure she was on there I will try to go back and look. I think Deirdre posted it yesterday.
Deirdre
March 13th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hey..I know it’s late but I’ve been busy all day with a variety of “stuff”.
Philfan I appreciate your info about Jorge. He seemed like a really nice guy but a little out of his element.
JTesla
March 13th, 2009
6:53 pm
Oh, let me go out on the limb so that Rodney doesn’t have to… Jorge is going to do even better with the ladies once he gets his law degree. The guy is already skilled at working the women, bless him, now he can add brains and financially stable to his lady luring arsenal. All he has to do is throw a few French words between the female ballads that he sings and BOOM he’s getting panties with phone numbers written on them.
margaret
March 13th, 2009
7:27 pm
Thanks for the interview with Justin and the update on Diana. I really like her song “Like I’m Not Even Here” and downloaded it today from Amazon.
It looks like she has more than just a new EP going on. I saw at broadwayworld.com that Diana has been cast by Kathy Najimy in a Los Angeles production of the comedy musical “Back to Bacharach and David.” The show opens April 15th.
flbravesgirl
March 13th, 2009
10:51 pm
Get well soon, Nana! Thanks for letting us know, Linny.
everett
March 14th, 2009
3:30 am
Harriett and Deirdre – glad to hear you have Rodney’s back. I’m right there with you. I hate name calling and labeling.
Nana, get well soon. You probably have noticed that we miss you.
Keep your elbows out, everyone….and that goes out to Neg and War Eagle and Mike S in particular. Gosh, how I love to read your comments.
everett
March 14th, 2009
3:45 am
An aside to Mike S – you’re quoting George Thorogood…Bbbbbbad to the Bbbbbone??? Absolutley love it. I got to see him live last summer at a local Indian reservation…talk about a great show of oldies!
Deirdre
March 14th, 2009
10:18 am
Morning!
I was reading In Touch magazines Secrets of the Final 13 when I came upon this:
Danny Gokey’s late wife, Sophia, was a member of Taylor Hicks’ “Soul Patrol” because he reminded her of Danny.
I guess we weren’t alone when comparing Danny to Taylor.
linny@home
March 14th, 2009
11:12 am
k&cf – i think i forgot to mention that you have my prayers and heartfelt good wishes on finding a new position — it happened to me a couple of years ago, and i came out with the best boss i’ve EVER had, well up in the top 2 anyway — it wasn’t easy, and i was scared to death that at my age (then i was 58) that i would never have another job — well maybe a walmart greeter or something — and here i am. i empathize with the frustration and anxiety you must feel, but keep your head up!
oh, and everett — many years ago i sort of wandered into the fox theatre in atlanta and watched one of the more dynamic shows i’d ever seen — George Thorogood… warm up act was a kid named….
Stevie Ray Vaughn!!!!
O.M.G. that was one incredible night!!!
everett
March 14th, 2009
11:45 am
Oh my goodness, Linny…SRV is an absolute ICON in my household. You are so fortunate!
linny@home
March 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
ev, it was one of the MOST exhilarating concerts i’ve ever attended, short only of Jefferson Airplane, early Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, and a few more from the early 70s, LOL
everett
March 14th, 2009
7:16 pm
To Neg – the Wise and Benevolent: On Tuesday are you going to be
Green Negs and Ham?
Linny, you have seen some darn good shows! I always wished I could have seen Jefferson Airplane. Color me jealous. (I would say color me green with envy, but I’m afraid that wouldn’t last till St Paddy’s Day.)
Mike S
March 15th, 2009
8:32 pm
Best concert I ever attended is one of these three :
1979-80 — Boston, Foriegner, Atlanta Rythm Section, Wet Willie
1984 – Hank Jr, Alabama, Marshall Tucker Band
1991 – Warrant, David Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Aerosmith
and multiple Jimmy Buffett concerts.
Steven
March 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Thank you Rodney for this great article on Justin Guarini and Diana DeGarmo. Justin did a great job on Gone Country with Sheila E and Taylor Dayne.
Downloaded Diana DeGarmo’s EP “Unplugged in Nashville” from Itunes. Diana’s vocals on this new EP are outstanding. The EP is all acoustic so all of the songs are driven by Diana’s amazing vocals. She has branched into songwriting on this new EP and she has a great future ahead of her in country songwriting. The guitar work on this EP is amazing by Jason “Slim” Gambill of the country group Lady Antebellum.
Have really been enjoying the new season of American Idol