5/13: Mid-day report – Adam Lambert not in the finals? It’s possible!
This may be the tightest top 3 voting situation in “Idol” history. The conventional wisdom had been an Adam Lambert-Danny Gokey showdown seemingly for months. But Kris Allen threw a monkey wrench last night with an impressive take on “Heartless” by Kanye West.
Loading ...And will the pimping by Kara and Paula for Adam hurt him in the end, as Simon implied (or tried to prevent with his warnings)? Hard to say.
Adam is a bit like Clay Aiken season two in terms of the polarization of the audience. Some folks truly hate the guy, almost more so given he’s been very much the “anointed” one. And he may end up losing like Clay even if he makes it in the final two. Although Clay was ahead most of the season and was never in the bottom three, he lost, partly because the phone line situation at the time meant far too many busy signals. With texting now, that’s not as relevant. But more importantly, third-place Kimberley Locke’s fans were more likely to jump on the Ruben bandwagon than Clay. That helped Ruben win in a bit of an upset (though I was rooting for Ruben from the get go.)
As Mike S in the previous thread said, if it’s Kris vs. Adam, Danny’s fans are more likely to go to Kris. Ditto if it’s Danny vs. Adam, the Kris fans are likely to gravitate more toward Danny. If it’s a Kris vs. Danny showdown, I have no clue where the Adam fans will go. It’s possible the Allison fans might go to Adam a bit more than the other two and save him. We’ll see.
So this should be a fun live show tonight. Don’t forget that Jordin Sparks will be singing her new single, too. I feel bad for Elliott Yamin (see his sales figures below). I’m sure he reached out to the show but got squeezed out by bigger singers (Taylor, Daughtry) in terms of time slots.
-USA Today spent an unprecedented three days with the final three. Here’s the report.
A three-day tag-along reveals that an Idol finalist’s constant companions include physical fatigue, mental exhaustion and a constant stream of choices: What song? What note? What outfit? What take?
One thing is clear: Television’s top-rated series is less reality show than boot camp for wannabe stars. Survive incessant tasks — song and wardrobe selections, rehearsals, music-video recordings and shoots, iTunes recording sessions — and there won’t be a Hollywood pitch you can’t hit.
-”Idol,” considering we’re in the top 3, had a relatively disappointing ratings number last night with 21.8 million viewers, based on early Nielsen numbers. (The final figures later today will probably indicate something closer to 22.3 million.) Last year, the ratings were 24.8 million.
-According to numbers from Nielsen SoundScan compiled by MJ’s Big Blog, Elliott Yamin’s “Fight For Love” album debuted at No. 26, selling 20,000 copies. Kelly Clarkson’s album is the top-selling ‘Idol” alubm at No. 17, with 23,000 sold and 550K total. Carrie’s latest sold 19,000and 2.8 milliion total. David Cook sold 12,000 and 1.125 million total. Daughtry’s last album moved 11,630 copies after his “Idol” appearance, and 4.4 million total.
On downloads, Daughtry was tops, selling 103,000 of his latest single “No Surprise” after his appearance on “Idol.”
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32 comments Add your comment
KPH
May 13th, 2009
1:43 pm
Congrats to Carrie, Kelly, David, Elliott and Chris. They all are going to be set for life doing what they love.
linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 13th, 2009
1:50 pm
I believe it was on Friday that I made a prediction (perhaps it was monday morning, or even MAYbe over the weekend) that Adam would be eliminated today, and Kris will win. I made it on the blog, but I didn’t keep track of the day/time I did it. Nothing that happened Last Night changed my opinion. Adam’s in for a shocking removal scene, BUT, having said that, he will contact Allison and they will put out a joint effort (some solo efforts from each and a few duets) and both will do just fine… OK OK so that part’s wishful thinking…
but truly i did predict it days before anyone else started saying it, honest!!!
Neg Has Decided
May 13th, 2009
1:51 pm
Congrats to Neg for being Neg.
Neg Has Decided
May 13th, 2009
1:53 pm
I still say Danny is toast. I’ve been incredibly wrong this year, though…
IdolOverEasy
May 13th, 2009
1:53 pm
Vanity causes me to copy and paste my comment from the previous thread, as I took so long to type it I didn’t know we had moved on. My apologies to anyone who sees this twice.
Hi all, here is my input from last night, about 10 hours late!
I disagree and agree with some of the comments. RE: Kara and her hit on Kris for singing “apologize” like the original, I actually completely disagree with her. That song is so recent, and was very popular, that for many non-musicians, if it didn’t sound like the original, they would not have liked it. I played in cover bands for years, and anytime I changed arrangements in songs that were very current, people tended NOT to like the song. Kara was talking from a musician point of view, but Kris needed to please the audience, and I think he did.
RE: Danny. I really would like to see him go at this point. Kris and Adam are the only true talents with originality, style, and ability to arrange a song on their own. Danny is a GREAT vocalist, but he still is in cover singer mode, and to me, that doesn’t equal making it to the final.
RE: Adam. Truly the most original talent from a vocal and performance standpoint Idol has ever seen. I have always, and still do, believe that if anyone had to listen to him sing more than one or two songs that they would get bored. He has GOT to learn to tone it down. I once played in a band with someone who may have been one of the greatest guitarists in the Atlanta area. However, he played like he had to put every lick and trick he knew into every song, so after 4 or 5 songs, he was very boring. Adam is the same. I can’t see him being a huge success strictly on album sales and tours, unless he learns to hold his voice down and use his range and (yes, I am saying it like it is) screeches down. However, his performances each week show me he is tailor made for the theater and provided Broadway still exists in a year or two, he will have an amazing career on the stage.
So, if it was up to me, I would have Kris and Adam in the final, with Adam winning (though I would be very happy to see Kris win as well).
And that’s the way it is, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
JoeV
May 13th, 2009
2:01 pm
I was thinking…have THAT many people really had much commercial success coming from American Idol. Sometimes even the WINNERS bomb on the charts and sales figures. People are always saying, “so and so will do fine and have a great career.” It seems most of the time they don’t. Think about how many Idol alumns have done NOTHING since they were on the show.
There have been a few big stars (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and unfortunately Jennifer Hudson (who I think has NO talent)) but for the most part American Idol produces a lot of hype during the season with little results afterwards.
I don’t think Allison, Matt(even though I like him), or really anyone else from this season outside of the finalists will have any commercial success. They might prove me wrong, but by the time they put out their mediocre albums people will have forgotten their names.
Neg Has Decided
May 13th, 2009
2:06 pm
David Cook is also having commercial success. Early, yes, but his indicators are very strong for stardom.
everett
May 13th, 2009
2:06 pm
everett
May 13th, 2009
1:47 pm
I have a knack for always being the last one to post on a thread. Copied this from yesterday’s blog:
Deirdre, thank you for all your level-headed comments. You always give me something to think about. Highlander, sometimes I agree with you so much that I want to stand up and yell! (And sometimes I disagree so much that I want to stand up and yell.) Offkey, I admire your erudition.
All in all, last night’s show proved the point that year’s class of hopefuls is the most talented in recent memory. Cannot wait for tonight’s show and yes, I will be reading all your comments well ahead of air-time in my time zone. Sorry, Justin, I LOVE spoilers.
My personal opinion is that Adam should be the winner.
JoeV
May 13th, 2009
2:07 pm
HOLY CRAP!!!! How did I forget about Chris Daughtry??? DUH!!!
offkey
May 13th, 2009
2:09 pm
I’m suprised at the Nielsen numbers from last night. Maybe Idol really has worn us all out this season.
Micheal
May 13th, 2009
2:50 pm
I have been saying it for the past 2 weeks…..Adam will not win American Idol! Just like this article is saying, Kris will get Danny’s votes and Danny will get Kris’s votes for the finals. My prediction is that Kris is our next American Idol! Sorry Adam fans….it’s true!! I have been reading blogs everywhere and it looks like Adam is losing votes due to his screeching and the push he is getting from Simon and such! American Idol 2009 – Kris Allen!
Nana
May 13th, 2009
2:54 pm
About time to call it a day at the office and head home. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening.
Be safe, be happy and remember to keep a song in your heart, a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. Above all, please be safe when out on the roads and highways.
See everyone tonight!!
offkey
May 13th, 2009
2:57 pm
Attention, would-be oracles! The notion that Adam might not win goes back a lot farther than two weeks. And for a lot of the reasons you’ve cited. Take some time and read through the archives. You’ll see what I mean.
adamhater
May 13th, 2009
2:58 pm
I despise Adam so I would love to see Kris and Danny as the final two (with Kris winning it all). That being said, Adam is more “interesting” than Danny but I hate the screeching, I hate the “wannabe” rocker look, and I’m tired of the judges worshiping him.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
3:06 pm
Re Rodney’s poll. I voted for the season 2 top 3. I think this season matches them but I figured everyone would vote for our current top 3. All the other seasons, there was someone who, imo, didn’t meet the standards of the other 2. While season 2 was all about Ruben and Clay, I thought Kimberly was equally talented.
How Nikki McKibbon EVER made it to top 3 is beyond me. Jasmine treas was another joke. Vonzell was pretty good but Carrie and Bo really stood out. Syesha was completely undone by the David duel and, I know this is heresy, but I wasn’t all that fond of Elliot either. Blake Lewis was enjoyable but didn’t have much of a voice.
Deirdre
May 13th, 2009
3:08 pm
I will be happy to claim bragging rights on the “Adam will not win” bandwagon. I said it during top 13 week. Too many peripherals!
KPH
May 13th, 2009
3:08 pm
Congrats Neg YOU ARE NEG! LOL! How is your son doing?
KPH
May 13th, 2009
3:15 pm
Has anyone heard Bucky Covingtons new single? Very good stuff! And how about Keelie Pickler Joe V ? She has sold over a million albums now.
KPH
May 13th, 2009
3:17 pm
Kellie not Keelie.
Canrius
May 13th, 2009
3:37 pm
I like Adam but I don’t want him to win. He will not be able to make the music that he wants. Adam is a true rocker..maybe more hard than soft I mean his look altogether is rocker.. Rockers scream.. you either like it or not.. In the past with other “rockers” they would tone down their looks or change all together.. Adam comes with the hair, nails and clothing… What I liked most about Adam was he could change it up and tone it down when the song called for it and still sounded awesome…
SusieQ
May 13th, 2009
3:50 pm
About 3 weeks ago, Adam started to grate on my last nerve with the screeching and it gets worst every time he performs. Thing is, he is so talented and can actually sing, but I agree that he needs to soften his looks, quit the yelling and actually sing…If he does not, he won’t last!!! I see burn-out coming so fast…
JoeV
May 13th, 2009
3:50 pm
KPH, forgot about her…thanks. But still…
Jaun Carlos Diego Raul Sanchez
May 13th, 2009
3:52 pm
Adam sings like a scared donkey. Bellowing out unrecognizable lyrics. He should just get ready to sing in chitty chitty bang bang or what ever Broadway show is out there…maybe cat’s cause of the eye make-up…
Idolblogwatcher
May 13th, 2009
4:01 pm
I’m with you Deirdre on the poll for the Season two top 3. I really liked Kimberly and thought she was very talented along with Rueben & Clay. Results show should be interesting tonite!
offkey
May 13th, 2009
4:16 pm
Okay, here’s my solution since I’m just completely bored with the Adam haters and their tired, pointless vitriol. Cancel the finals next week. Give Adam the sash for winning the talent competition, Danny the Miss Congeniality Award and Kris gets the title of Miss American Idol. Now everybody’s happy. And I can enjoy a conscience free summer.
KPH
May 13th, 2009
4:17 pm
I know what you mean JoeV not a whole lot of super stars but a few great ones and some with a good future in the music and entertainment biz that were launched from AI.
AnnieR
May 13th, 2009
4:21 pm
I think the reason Adam screeches so much is because he is used to doing theater and feels like he has to hit all the way to the back row. It will definitely be an interesting evening!
harriett
May 13th, 2009
5:08 pm
Just stopping by to say hi and bye for now. I have been out of the office all day, but will be back to blog later on tonight. I am on the record as an Adam fan. Anything less will disappoint, but like D, I am afraid it won’t happen for him. See ya later.
JO C
May 13th, 2009
6:02 pm
My entire family are Adam fans. And we will continue to support him. Yet, i think that Kris did a really good job. I had counted him out, but he really proved himself. I hope that the top two will be Adam and Kris. Danny needs to go.
BroadwayDiva
May 13th, 2009
8:22 pm
Adam will never make it on Broadway because he screeches and has an almost non-existent lower range. Only the best voices are chosen for Broadway. It isn’t any wonder that Adam never made it past an ensemble player.
sista-sista
May 14th, 2009
5:06 pm
I have said it before . An entertainer has to be more than a voice. They have to have that certain something that intrigues people. It’s called star quality. Take performers like Cher, Prince, Madonna…none of them are great vocalists but all sell out concerts. Singers like Jerry Vale for instance, had pleasant voices but I wouldn’t cross the street to see them. Adam Lambert has the voice and the persona to be a star.Thats what this show is all about, not who has the cuter smile but who would be more commercial in the USA and Europe.
pam
May 19th, 2009
8:06 am
I agree with sista-sista