My annual thank you to the ‘Idol’ blog regulars
AMERICAN IDOL: The Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips performs his victory song during the sason 11 AMERICAN IDOL GRAND FINALE at the Nokia Theatre on Weds. May 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. CR: Michael Becker/FOX
Sure, the “Idol” blog is dead. (Long live the “Idol” blog!)
But the “Idol” blog community migrated over here for season 11 and I am forever grateful. Since season four, Carrie Underwood’s year, I’ve been writing daily screeds about this show. Eight seasons, 3,000-plus entries and more than 200,000 comments later, we arrive here. A few of you have been around for much of that time and still wonder how Taylor Hicks won season five. Others arrived more recently.
I apologize if I miss a few names but here are folks that I can’t help but give a shout out to:
First and foremost, the official moderator of this blog Deirdre held fort again for no pay, just glory and massive ego gratification. She kept the fly-by nasties at bay, welcomed the newbies and expressed her opinions with smarts and perspective. She also made my job easier – much easier.
So thanks to Rickster, for actually looking forward to this “thank you” column yesterday. (You knew you wanted to get referenced first but Deirdre is always No. 1 here.)
And JTesla, thanks for being my biggest fan. You are way too kind, even when I make typos and go way too long between “Idol” entries. Then there’s my bud Kelly & Carrie Fan, the one person who knows more trivia about “Idol” than I do.
Others who spiced up the group’s snark-a-meter or just gave us blog-level gravitas: Alex, Sam-A, Highlander, Harriett, Nana, RxDawg, JD, Mercedes S, Jenny, Pitchy, bknsty14, Seth T, DanJ, Karen, Andi, missnadine, G, Vast Wastrel, RK, Jubie, Woodpappy, MyPatootie.
Then there were some funny folks over on the Cover it Live blog who seldom if ever came over here. In fact, most will probably never see this but I have to give them credit, too. There was our most valuable contributor, the frequently funny Weary Traveller, who used his hotel room time to join us here. Jennifer Hopez was far more amusing than Jennifer Lopez. Yummiecake2001 was sweet as can be. Uncle Buck gave us the phrase “songbot.” (Thank you!). Then there’s Carrie, Sierra, Sheila, Always Late (who was indeed Always Late), emily and Josh, to name a few. Live blogging is a bit distracting but often rewarding when things get dull on screen.
Without you all, I’d have nothing, paraphrasing the most over-used song in “Idol” history. (No offense, Whitney.) I’d just be talking to myself. And as my wife knows, I do that enough as it is.
For those who wander off during the off season, don’t! I will continue to blog about all things “Idol,” plus “Duets,” “The X Factor” and “The Voice.” And since you’re in my much broader land of TV and radio, other topics far and wide as well.
I will listen in on the press conferences this afternoon for Phillip and Jessica and will add those to the blog later.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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250 comments Add your comment
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
1:38 pm
I saw Phillip on one of the morning shows earlier – CBS? He gave a very sweet, humble quote.
(not verbatim… just to the best of my memory…): “I’m not really that good a singer, but I love getting up there on stage and trying to entertain. Music is fun.”
For me, that perfectly sums up what I both liked and disliked about him!
Liked: Him in general – his sweet southern boy personality and his obvious love for music.
Disliked: His weaker voice than the others.
Anyway, thought y’all might like that.
You can probably google CBS morning show if you want to actually see it.
Alex
May 24th, 2012
1:38 pm
Aaaaaand another opinion about the Fantasia debacle:
Speaking of skulls being blown off, Josh-Josh Laday performed a screaming contest with his true idol Fantasia Barrino and it was magnificent. It was the two of them bobo-ing the hell around stage, hands doing good, wild things, voices going up up up up into wails, lightning and wind surrounding them. But the best thing about it, oh good glory the best thing about it, was Fantasia’s whole look. She had in about six hundred feet of flat, glossy extensions that made her look like a crazy mermaid, and she was wearing a skintight sequined jumpsuit with big holes in the legs. It was amazing. It was probably what the inmates wear in the gay ward of Arkham Asylum. Really tremendous stuff. I’m so glad you’re around, Fantasia. Never leave us.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
1:38 pm
Way too many out of control egos in the judges seats. They all might just believe they are the American Idol
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
1:42 pm
Phillip is saying that the song “Home” – “isn’t my single.”
He also talks to Idol Alum Didi Benami:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-champ-phillips-phillips-329202
G
May 24th, 2012
1:42 pm
Thanks for the shoutout Roho! Also, thanks again for forwading some of my questions to Phillip Phillips. Although he wasn’t my favorite (go figure) my questions were forthright.
Shoulout to Dierdre for the robust dialogue. You are truly the “gatekeeper” of Idol business on the blog. I know I can be a pain, so thanks for puting up with me.
Shoutout to to Jenny, Pithy, SAM-A, Seth T, RxDawg, JT and Alex. Whether I agree or not with some of your views, I really enjoy your entries and points of view. In particular Jenny; I appreciate how you are very detailed in responding to posts. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it.
I can’t forget my buddy Dick Lark, WMD (White Man on Drums). LOL!!! I really enjoy our (sometimes intense) banter.
Overall, thanks to all the regulars. I didn’t think I would be around the blog this long, so thanks for keeping things interesting.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
1:42 pm
D @ 1:25 — I saw Jessica on a red carpet show after the Tuesday final — where she very sweetly and politely said she didn’t really like her single either. LOL!
Didn’t they let Crystal and Lee do “real” songs as their singles, on their year? Yesterday when we were laughing at all the titles, I looked them up and remembered that. Lee’s was “Beautiful Day” (U2). And Crystal’s (I think) was “Up To The Mountain”. Wonder why they went back away from that? It was much better….
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
1:43 pm
Oh, G – !! I forgot to mention you in my post! You are one of the group who often seems to voice exactly what I’m thinking.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
1:46 pm
And yep, I do tend to be a perfectionist, G. You’ve got that right! (and somewhere all who know me are laughing. They might have other words too.)
bknsty14
May 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
Deirdre – Do you own stock in Netflix? Good to see PP standing his ground against Idol. There were a lot of angry, worked up people online last night. Couldn’t really seem to separate reality from fantasy.
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
May 24th, 2012
1:57 pm
Rodney, thanks for the shout out! You know I can talk about this “cheesy” show for hours.
Another season I’ve enjoyed talking a part on the blog and chatting with you all! D, JT, Rickster, Sam-A, Mercedes, Pitchy, Nana, Harriet, Harm, Jenny, Seth T, Woodpappy, RxDawg, Highlander, DanJ, Neg, MikeS, and any other regulars I might have forgotten: Thanks for the jokes, commentary, and interesting discussions. I look forward to continue it in the offseason! Y’all know I’ll be watching Duets, so…
BTW, D, WGWG = White Gal with Guitar? Maybe? No?
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
2:09 pm
bknsty14 – wow, I just glanced back at last night’s blog and there sure was some anger! Maybe my own little rant wasn’t as bad as I thought it was! And I had logged off by the time you answered me, but you know I am with you on “how one of the girls didn’t win is beyond me”. (But just think, we’re done having to say that for this season!) Though we’d better copy and paste it and keep it at the ready for next season.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
2:10 pm
If we are naming names then let me shout out to Deirdre, Pitchy, Alex, bknsty, Douglas, Lil Red, Harriet and Mercedes S, and Jube for taking me into the fold. Thank you!!
Woodpappy
May 24th, 2012
2:12 pm
Rodney I appreciate the mention. I love me some Idol and you certainly keep this “family” together and informed. I enjoy reading your blog every weekday. Thanks for everything, and a thanks to Deirdre as well.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
@G….I like debate! No problem “putting up” with you at all!
@bk…my son is a senior software engineer for Netflix. When I head out to CA periodically, the Silicon Valley is where I’m going
@ Alex(was it Alex) I completely disagree with Idol being about the judges. When compared to the other singing shows, where the judges are in competition more than the singers, Idol makes the show about the contestants…listening to the judges is our choice.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
2:20 pm
k&cf…frankly my dear, I’ve missed you this season. Since you’ve been hypnotized by the live blog, I’ve hardly gotten to chat with you at all! But I do appreciate that you show up whenever someone has an Idol trivia question.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
2:23 pm
And let me just remind all you good people of what Rodney said. While this sounds like the end until next Idol season, this blog remains active all year with chats about X-F, Duets, The Voice and all sorts of completely unrelated topics. We have our own personal movie reviews, a spontaneous book club, jokes, favorite videos and a long list of pet peeve topics that keep us chatting through the most boring days.
Please drop in and stay awhile!
G
May 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
SN: Being one of the “resident r&b dudes” on the blog, I must say that I enjoyed the Jennifer Holiday and Jessica duet “I’m Telling You….”. Us r&b fans dig those type of performances. So if you’re not used to it, I understand some of the crazy comments. There’s always a display of strong emotion, showmanship (sometimes grandstanding), and verbal gymnastics. Jennifer made SURE that everyone knew that she was the original, and that Jess still had some more homework to do. However, Jess hung in there and did a good job.
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
May 24th, 2012
2:33 pm
D, I haven’t been able to post as much recently due to being busier at work, but I am definitely still around. and will try to chime in more often. So, yes, keep the questions coming.
I also agree on the fact that Idol focuses more on the contestants than the judges. At least, they aren’t as blatantly self-promoting as The Voice. Well, with the exception of JLo, but one instead of 4. Maybe she should move over to The Voice! To be fair, the judges on The Voice are younger than Steven, Randy and JLo and their careers are more active, thus the massive promotion.
JTesla
May 24th, 2012
2:35 pm
In addition to what Deirdre mentioned in her 2:23 pm post we also will be forming a Fantasia Pants Club. If anyone wants to run for chapter President please let me know. Dues will be $1.26 per year with most of that going into a fund to buy Fantasia’s split pants and enshrine them in the Smithsonian or Newseum.
JTesla
May 24th, 2012
2:37 pm
K&Cfan: “and will try to chime in more often”
Good, you have been missed.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
2:38 pm
Book club Deirdre?? Now you are right up this bibliophiles alley
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
2:42 pm
Since most of my thoughts on the finale were in the form of a rant last night… here’s something different.
To all who thought the engagement was cheesy – no way! I thought it was beyond sweet, and was Ace’s way of picking the spot that would mean a great deal to them. I loved it!
(D – the second Ryan invited them on stage, I actually said “oh my gosh, I wonder if he’s going to propose?” )
I think maybe they do need to disallow instruments next year. And they need to be very, very careful about putting cute white boys through. (Fair? No. Necessary? Yes.)
I don’t even have words for the screamfest. Oh. My.
Can you imagine if Joshua’d won?
I loved “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)” … though Jennifer Holliday DID look a little… crazy-eyed… ??
I cracked up at whoever said it looked like Jennifer was about to eat Jessica. Though in her defense, she’s used to the Broadway stage, not the tight TV shots. The stage requires those giant faces and gestures.
But anyway. What power voices!! And Jess hanging right in on every note?? Amazing.
And finally, I realized I missed Colton! I wish he’d been the WG in the finale instead.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
Uhh, JT, I think you are the President by default of the Fantasia’s Pants Fan Club. After all, you do seem unnaturally obsessed with them…
Sam-A
May 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
If you go to http://www.americanidol.com, there’s a “survey” thing toward the bottom, which lets you both click the response you agree with and write (read vent) all about what you love and hate about the show, and just exactly how you feel about the judges. Needless to say, I was 15 mins late leaving for lunch – I had a LOT to say about this season and especially the judges.
Everyone please go there and speak your mind about the judging and what is wrong with the show – maybe we can get some changes made. Even get to rate JLo’s “performances” and those of the guest stars this season (though they didn’t mention Kelly).
G
May 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
Now that Idol is over, I’m looking forward to the following:
1. Duets – Interested to see what they offer that the other shows don’t. Outside of AI, where will this show rank?
2. XFactor – How will the show format change, if at all? New judges fit? Will there be a WGWG in the finals mix?
3. The Voice – I believe they are headed towards another season in September. Format tweaks? So far, their winners have been bald r&b dudes (opposite of Idol). Will next season bring about a change?
4. AGT – Who cares? I just enjoy this next generation of the Gong Show 2.0.
5. Walking Dead – ***waving at Sam A***
6. Breaking Bad – Does anyone watch this show.
7. Sing Off – So the best “singing” competition is being cancelled? I signed the online petition.
8. Anticipated Albums? Melanie Amaro, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua, Julliet Sims, and Jamar. I’ll pass on the pp.
9. Guilty Pleasure Shows – ABDC, Sunday’s Best, Amateur Nigh at The Apollo, Freestyle Friday, and Jersey Shore (don’t judge me, the chicks are hot).
10. American Idol – I’ll continue to be a viewer, but no longer participate as a voter. I’ll be interested to see what tweaks will be made, if any. I’m expecting pretty much the same outcome for years to come, but maybe the other 8-9 will be entertaining to spark some banter.
Sam-A
May 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
JT: It seems you are definitely the most fervent fan of those lovely pants. I nominate your home as the shrine in which to display them – and you could take them down at night and sleep with them on your pillow (I could be writing the gross stuff for “Walking Dead” eh?)
And, Fword hasn’t been pregnant this year, so maybe you guys could fight it out for that role. Only married guys need apply.
I couldn’t stand the horrid noise, so I changed channels and came back only in the last few secs, so sadly (or lucky for my sanity) I missed the “Screaminghood of the Spliting Pants” – I thought Pitchy’s description of the flesh that lay beneath was pretty accurate I’m sure. At least my eyeballs were not seared, and I can see ok today.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
BTW are all of you from Georgia?
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
2:56 pm
our blog continues
after the show is ended
sometimes we haiku!
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
2:57 pm
Barbara, no.We have a blogger from (literally) half a world away in the Phillipines!
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
3:02 pm
We have others from Oregon, South Carolina and I’m sure other states as well.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:03 pm
Thanks Rickster! I wondered if I had crashed your party and was ready to submit proof of watching RHOA as a get in free ticket
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
Found this stat in a NY Daily News write-up about Idol:
The average age of “Idol” viewers, once in the 30s, is now 48.
Finally! I’ve found something in which I’m above average!!
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/american-idol-finale-phillip-phillips-wins-fox-singing-competition-loses-ratings-article-1.1083958#ixzz1vocj4mGf
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:06 pm
Lol Rickster I am above average too!
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:08 pm
Thank you Sam! Going to take the survey now.
G – I too will watch the X Factor. Not thrilled about the little Disney girl as judge, but it’ll be interesting to see how Britney does. I’m pulling for her. And here’s to another “best-voice” winner like Melanie, and no WGWGs in sight!
And my guilty pleasure shows – the Bachelorette, 90210, and Survivor. (yeah, I know it’s sacrilege around here, but I like Jeff Probst ten thousand times better than Ryan. And before you all say “he’s edited”… sure, but he does some live shows too, and he’s quick, sharp, and calls EVERYONE out on their crap. No one escapes. If only he were on Idol… I can hear it now…
(very sarcastically) “Another standing ovation? Really? Come on guys, he wasn’t THAT good.”
Mercedes S.
May 24th, 2012
3:13 pm
As for book club, Barbara, I’m taking “Bring Up the Bodies” with me to Savannah this weekend. It’s Hilary Mantel’s follow-up to the brilliant “Wolf Hall.” Just about to finish up Charlaine Harris’s “Deadlocked”, the latest Sookie Stackhouse book. Yes, I go high and low. But not as low as to watch (and blog about) Atlanta Housewives… get a grip, RoHo!
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
Phillip Phillips may have won “American Idol” over Jessica Sanchez, but the Mexican/Filipino singer is already in talks to work on her new album with Sony’s main man, Tommy Mottola.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/05/24/tommy-mottola-to-produce-jessica-sanchezs-first-album/
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:18 pm
I can’t help it Mercedes! It’s a lot like watching a train wreck…you can’t look and you can’t not look!
I just finished the Kingkiller Chronocles (1&2) and have the last 100 pages of Game of Thrones to finish before I start book 2.
Will look into Wolf Hall!
P2 for me
May 24th, 2012
3:23 pm
This was a great A/I year – because our Georgia boy won!! When Phillip choked up and cried, so did I. He’s talented, cool voice, cute, humble, funny, and does us proud. I came into this blog a bit late, glad I found it. Thanks for all you do to keep up on things, Rodney.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:24 pm
People always mention that iTunes purchases could be a good indicator of standings…
I was just looking at my own iTunes. All season I kept saying that I liked Hollie and Jess almost equally, but Hollie always had the slight edge for me… and here are my purchase totals:
11 Hollie songs
10 Jessica songs
1 Hollie/Jess duet
(Plus two by Colton – Love the Way You Lie & Piano Man.)
Alex
May 24th, 2012
3:24 pm
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
Wonder if Mottola will try to take her “under his wing” as he did with Mariah.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
3:29 pm
A lot of us are from different places, Barbara. JT is a west coaster, Harriett is Carolina, Neg lives in Florida…and I’m sure there are others who have not mentioned yet where they are blogging from.
As for books, I just finished Deadlocked, the newest Sookie Stackhouse book by Charlaine Harris. Before that, I read The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King. And have read all the Game of Thrones books
Harriett
May 24th, 2012
3:31 pm
Hey, everyone. Busy at work again.
Love seeing you KCF, girl!
Barbara, books are often a topic here. Lots of us love to read. And, you are a welcome addition to the family!
I cannot let the day go by without telling you, Rodney, how much what you do is appreciated by me and by everyone here. Hey, we wouldn’t even know each other if it were not for you! Thank you for another year of great comraderie and fellowship! This blog has meant so much to so many of us, and I am no exception. We have been told to “get a life,” but the life I have has been elevated and enriched by my association with you and the rest of the blog family. Deirdre, dear one, you keep us honest, and I thank you! I thank each and every one of you, the regulars and the newbies, for making life interesting and entertaining here. No matter what else happens in life, I can always log on and find someone here that I “know” and with whom I can connect. We are diverse and located in many corners of the world, but our mutual interests keep us bound together. What fun!
Make no mistake–I will be here for the duration. As long as there is a blog, I will be here. Thanks everyone!
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:36 pm
D, huge Steven King fan here. Have you read “1963″? I’ve been meaning to get that one. What’s “Keyhole” about?
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:39 pm
Other books… my current fave is the Hunger Games trilogy. I’m just starting “Catching Fire” and need to get “Mockingjay”.
And a TV show I forgot – How I Met Your Mother. Anyone else?
(and it just simply CANNOT be Robin. NO!!!!! It has to be a trick. She belongs with Ted… and Quinn’s perfect with Barney. Of course, I’m influenced by how much I adore Becki Newton from her hilarious turn as Amanda on “Ugly Betty”.)
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:39 pm
I am behind on the Gunslinger series by 2 books. Will play catch up this summer.
I am from Rhode Island.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:41 pm
Barbara, native Georgian here. And one of the few, these days, it seems!
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:41 pm
I meant Dark Tower series…loosin my mind!
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
3:43 pm
Too bad you are so far away Jenny or I could loan you my copy. Loved the series!
Harriett
May 24th, 2012
3:44 pm
Oh, and I meant to mention Revenge, Sam-A. I am a total Revenge addict and cannot believe I have gotten so caught up in this program. It is kind of soapy, but so gripping. Did you watch last night? Did not see that one coming!!
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
3:44 pm
Barb, that’s another King series I need to read. I’ve heard how it incorporates so much from his earlier works.
I adore all of his early books, but I started to get lost around the time of Misery. I can’t put my finger on it, but something changed with his writing. 1963 looks like a bit of a throwback to his earliest days, though… I really can’t wait to read it.
And The Stand is on my permanent top 10 list. Probably the one I’ve re-read the most.