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
JD
May 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Back after actually getting some things done- post AI finals day. To anyone keeping score- above average age and from Georgia. Meanwhile Jenny- last night after you left it got more personal in the attacks. (and they couldn’t spell or compose a sentence) Maybe they have calmed down and crawled back in their hole.
JT- if I run across Fantasia’s pants on ebay, I’ll see if I can pick them up for you. They would be the holy grail of AI in about 50 years.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Barbara…so sorry about your husband. This place can be a wonderful distraction. Stick with us when you can
JD
May 24th, 2012
4:33 pm
And I started RoHo’s page 5.. Do you get paid by the number of comment pages?
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:34 pm
Barbara – thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry to hear that.
Bk – haha, no, and I haven’t seen her in many years… so she may or may not still look like Chelsea.
Rickster – intown, but I’m weird about putting too much on a public blog, so if I don’t say more don’t be offended. It’s not you. (Hey, maybe Rodney should make us a Facebook page!)
JD
May 24th, 2012
4:36 pm
D- Odd Thomas series was great.
Barbara- so sorry for the trials and tribulations.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
4:37 pm
Couldn’t read Pet Semetery…one of my boys was that age when it came out and I just couldn’t get through it.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:37 pm
D, yeah, I know, Bk pointed out the same thing. Aunt Robin.
But as you all know, I never give up hope….
Rickster
May 24th, 2012
4:37 pm
I was born in downtown Atlanta, Jenny – within the city limits.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
4:38 pm
And there was one girl Ted dated who was the roommate of Ted’s future wife.
Deirdre
May 24th, 2012
4:39 pm
I need to get in the kitchen or no one will be eating in this house tonight. Great chatting as always! Looking forward to hearing opinions on Duets.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:40 pm
D, I couldn’t have either. I could barely get through it with no kids. That line I posted, to me, is some of the creepiest foreshadowing ever. (Though I realized the creepiness may not have translated from just that one line, without the buildup. But everything had been perfect and shiny with Gage until King just dropped that bomb from a clear blue sky.)
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:42 pm
JD, yeah, I went back and skimmed over.
We had some upset people!
Sam-A
May 24th, 2012
4:43 pm
D & Barb: I love Dean Koontz – my alltime fave is “Hideaway” – starts with a guy driving in a rain storm on a highway above a river, when his car runs off the road……. Also love the one about the little boy who went blind at 3 and led a tragic life -Dad killed in wreck driving wife to hospital to give birth to the boy – can’t remember the name, maybe “From the Corner of His Eye”. Also loved “Watchers” and that great dog. And loved “The Face” about the hollywood star’ son. I’ve read about 20 or so DK books – loved most of them.
Used to love Mary Higgins Clark, her first book “Where are the Children” was a masterpiece. Also loved “Loves Music, Loves to Dance”. Her recent books are dreadful.
Sam-A
May 24th, 2012
4:47 pm
I’m a native Atlantan, born at the old Piedmont Hosp, went home from hospital to a house near Chastain Park. Went to Garden Hills & Spring St elementary schools and Grady High. We natives are few and far between.
Barbara: I’m so sorry for you and your husband, and hope joining us will bring you a little fun and pleasure. May you both have peace.
Almost time to go – hope “Duets” is a really good show.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:51 pm
Oh, Sam – my twin! I also love Mary Higgins Clark, but like you, the old stuff. “Loves Music, Loves To Dance”…. one of my very favorites!!
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:52 pm
And I love Alvirah, the lottery winner turned detective. And her husband Willy.
Harriett
May 24th, 2012
4:53 pm
Same here, Barbara, about your husband. See folks? We never know what another is going through and how nice it must feel when folks extend a hand. Consider ours extended, Barbara!
Harriett
May 24th, 2012
4:54 pm
What was the MHC book about the old folks’ home where people were being killed off?
bknsty14
May 24th, 2012
4:56 pm
Sorry to hear about your husband, too, Barbara. My dad went through stage 4 cancer, so I know what it’s like. Chin up. We’ll all be thinking about you.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:56 pm
Sam, I am thinking of another one, about a woman who moves back to her old hometown… to her old house… where of course there is repressed evil. Argh, it was a good one, and I remember pieces of the plot but not the name.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:56 pm
yes, Barbara… I second Harriett.
MyPatootie
May 24th, 2012
4:58 pm
The question was asked and for those keeping score, born and raised in South GA (about 50 miles from PPs hometown) lived in Nashville TN the last 15 yrs. and now in South Carolina(found my MayberryRFD). Bet I am one of the oldest, if not THE, on here at 66. Anyone older? I don’t plan on watching “Duets” as I don’t really like duet-style music or singing. Just me, I guess. I’m not too crazy about “The Voice” either as it’s too much about the judges. I may watch one or two of the “Duets” but somewhat got my fill when they did it in Nashville for 2 or 3 yrs. back in 07-08 I think it was. So you see “Duets” is not an original idea after all. The duo of “Steel Magnolia”(husband/wife) came out of that competition. Some may have heard of them.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
4:58 pm
Oh, and I liked “Weep No More, My Lady”.
But the name of that other one is going to drive me nuts.
Sam… Harriett… ???
Harriett
May 24th, 2012
4:59 pm
Time to run. Talk to y’all later.
Seth T
May 24th, 2012
5:04 pm
Just back from a job, have not had time to go through all these blogs and catch-up yet—
But thanks again to Rodney for a good blog site and reviews – and to the blog police, Deirdre, and several others who help keep this thread from a hostile-take-over of looney’s.
While we all have strong opinions sometimes, there are more insightful observations and interesting links posted on this site than others I have seen.
There have been quotes we’ve seen from Fox Exec’s, Nigel, etc. — that there will be “tweaks” next year. I think we will see at least one Judge change, if not 2. The most likely will be J. Lo.
.
.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
5:09 pm
Night y’all! Enjoyed chatting about the books! Maybe we can continue tomorrow!
Seth T
May 24th, 2012
5:13 pm
MyPatootie /May 24th, 2012/4:58 pm
I seen “Can You Duet” as well. there were a number of those that fell apart after the show, but Steele Magnolia stood-out because they were really good and had an attractive female singer, and the same with Joey & Rory. The latter also got on the Country Charts and did a number of guest appearances after the show.
This Duets should be different, since they are singing with current top-level vocalists.
bknsty14
May 24th, 2012
5:14 pm
“Y’all”. One of the reasons I love people from the south. Talk to y’all during/after Duets
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
5:31 pm
Hi all! I came back read all your comments and had to leave again because I started to cry! Such kindness and support from virtual strangers sent me over that edge. What can I say but thank you.
Sheesh..still tearing up! Will be back after I get this under control!!
Loved Mary Higgins Clark books too!
BlondAlto
May 24th, 2012
6:32 pm
Maybe now we can get back to more news about radio etc., lest you have to change the name of the blog to “reality tv blog.” ; ) For example, whatever happened with the possible format change of 106.7 (which had been mentioned here previously)? etc. : ) You guys probably know this but really, Idol et al are simply warmed-over versions of the original “amateur hours” from many decades ago. As the Bible says, “there is nothing new under the sun.” ; )
Mercedes S.
May 24th, 2012
6:38 pm
Barbara, all the best to you and your husband.
As you stay in touch, you will find much good will and many friendly thoughts emanating from these “pages”. I have taken much comfort here in difficul times.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
6:39 pm
Barbara, then read my first 4:56 comment and see if you can figure it out. It’s driving me nuts! The girl moved back to her old town, old house… lots of detail about her moving in, living alone, making it a cozy home… then something started watching her.
I tried to google but couldn’t figure out which MHC book it was. Argh.
Jenny
May 24th, 2012
6:44 pm
And Barbara, yes, it is amazing how you can feel such kinship with virtual friends. I sometimes forget that I’ve never actually met Sam, D, Mercedes, etc. in real life! This really does seem to be a blog like no other. I am grateful to Rodney for creating it.
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
6:46 pm
Jenny was it Daddy’s Little Girl?
Barbara B
May 24th, 2012
6:52 pm
Meeting all of you has been a breath of fresh air for me. A good way to relax and destress!
Highlander
May 24th, 2012
7:12 pm
RoHo, thanks for the shout-out and for all the work you do for us! Typos and all.
I know its still quite awhile until Thanksgiving but I’m already adding F-tasia’s “performance” on Idol last night to my list. …Not thankful I saw it, just thankful I wasn’t watching in 3D TV!!
Highlander
May 24th, 2012
7:19 pm
BTW, just noticed that currently Phillip has 9 (!) songs in the Top 100 on iTunes.
Meanwhile, Jessica and “the best singer in the last 50 years” have …NONE! Zip! Nada! Zilch!
Seems to me a lot of people aren’t putting their money where their mouths are.
Mercedes S.
May 24th, 2012
7:29 pm
H-lander, those people may have mouths, but no moola.
Lil Red
May 24th, 2012
7:51 pm
Thanks Barbara B!! I was out of pocket a lot this year because of my sister’s surgery and keeping a 2 year old for a month. I thought I would have to cry cause RoHo forgot me. I’m glad you found us. We have added on a lot of new people but I just sort of read from the shadows. Thanks all for a great year.
MyPatootie
May 24th, 2012
8:21 pm
RE: “Seth T @5:15PM” Hey, yep, I was trying to remember who the other couple was on the Nashville Duets show I really liked and it was Joey and Rory. I don’t know how I forgot that as I had a huge crush on Joey(she was the lady, Rory the guy) and even still melt to this day when I see her on something. He is a great songwriter and has written many hit country songs. They own a restaurant South of Nashville and next down I’m down on I65 plan to stop in with hopes of getting to see her. (Maybe Rory won’t be there) LOL (If Not, may have to kidnap her) JK, JK, JK!!!!!!!
Carrie
May 24th, 2012
8:23 pm
Enjoyed this season on live blog more than the previous ones. Thank you Rodney for a terrific season of blog entertainment. You are the best. KCF, Diedre, WT, Mercedes,Uncle Buck, etal for entertaining commentary. Look forward to season 12.
Harm
May 24th, 2012
9:27 pm
First of all , hang in there Barbara B, we will send prayers up for you and your husband1
RODNEY, I want my shout out!
I know I’ve been missing, but I still read this blog everyday!
Weary Traveller
May 24th, 2012
10:13 pm
Thanks for the shout out RoHo, and for giving a bunch of snark-filled ruffians a place to congregate and make each other laugh. I’m gonna print myself a ‘Most Valuable AI Live-Blog Contributor’ certificate and hang it on my fridge, next to my stack of (undeserved) speeding tickets.
You ’slow blog’ people seem alright, though your choice of AI-blog format baffles my ADD-addled brain. Next year I’ll try to chime in on the recap blogs…since it seems like y’all have fun too.
Big ups to the Live-blog regulars KCF (glad we stole you), JHopez (freakin hilarious…seriously), Mercedes, Yummie, Carrie, suzi, and who could forget the (in)famous Pamela. JAJAJAJAJAJAJJAJA! And for the last time, NO…we don’t know a link to stream AI online!
Seriously though, this show would be borderline unwatchable if it wasn’t for the blog, so thank you to everybody who contributes to the conversation, and to RoHo for providing the venue. Now I gotta find something else to occupy my time for two nights a week on the road…I could get into Walking Dead, I’m told…
Mercedes S.
May 25th, 2012
12:47 am
Last message before I turn in – just watched PP on Jay Leno – he got in about 500 “you know”s, but he was charming and awshucks as heck. One cute fact – the wardrobe stylist on Idol said his outfits were more expensive than anybody else’s. Could have fooled me… apparently the Walmart look is the latest “cri” among the Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna types.
Mercedes S.
May 25th, 2012
6:34 am
Morning!
Leaving for Savannah in five.
“Men In Black -3″ – more enjoyable than I expected. Cute and retro, with Josh Brolin playing a younger agent K, i,e. Tommy Lee Jones. Many weird aliens, natch, good and bad.
“Chernobyl Diaries” – young and stupid Western students, two Europeans (somewhat smart) and four Americans ( the kind that go screaming into where they shoudn’t be, like exloded nuclear reactors) decide to take an Adventure Trip to Prityat, the little town next to Chernobyl, to see the wasted “sights”, now reclaimed by nature. Small budget, good effects. Many good, unexpected scares, holdings of breath. and so on. I had “fun”.
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
May 25th, 2012
8:56 am
Barbara, I am so sorry to hear about your husband! Prayers and best wishes to the both of you. Like all the others have said, join us when you need a distraction. This blog is very good at that. Lots of us have come here at trying times and found a group of very caring “strangers.” I might have never met any of the regulars in person, but the kindness and friendship have sure been appreciated.
Harm! Glad to see you post…even if it’s to complain!
Carrie and Weary, glad y’all took part on the liveblog! Sure made the show a lot more fun to watch having y’all around for some snark and laughs. I look forward to doing it again.
WT, safe travels out there on the road, “saving the world one audit at a time….” But yes, you know where to find us.
Vast Wastrel
May 25th, 2012
9:21 am
Thanks for the mention Rodney and I do enjoy the discourse here. Idol is not the juggernaut it once was but is still propelling Fox to number 1 even though in many ways Fox doesn’t deserve it. Here’s hoping Idol changes the formula enough to reinvigorate the franchise as the plethora of talent shows seem to be taking over. Anyway, I enjoy reading both your blogs and bloggers.
Barbara B
May 25th, 2012
9:34 am
Thank you Harm and kelly&carriefan. Prayers are most welcome!
PP told the Today Show he would be undergoing surgery in the next week or so to get himself back on the road to health! Cannot imagine how awful he must have been feeling with a kidney issue going on all this time.
Sheila Pittman
May 26th, 2012
9:11 am
The “Cover It Live” blog was a great forum – I had tons of fun! Thanks, Rodney!
RK
May 29th, 2012
11:44 am
Just got back from Europe, “missing” the finale…woohoo, my snarky comments were valued! I was in it to win it.