‘X Factor’ star Rachel Crow’s first trip to Atlanta with Big Time Rush July 10
I’m on vacation until July 11. If you hear any breaking TV/radio news, contact Jennifer Brett at jbrett@ajc.com. Here’s something I wrote before I left:
Rachel Crow will open for Big Time Rush July 10 at Lakewood. CREDIT: AP
Rachel Crow, 14, had one of the most heart-wrenching eliminations in TV reality show history last fall when she was axed from “The X Factor” on Fox. She started wailing in a such plaintive fashion, the judges came up on stage to try to comfort her.
Fortunately, the usually chipper Crow has recovered nicely from that moment. She quickly nabbed herself a record deal and a TV show, which is set to start taping for Nickelodeon this fall. She has since released an EP and is opening for Big Time Rush on the band’s latest tour. She makes her first ever visit to Atlanta July 10 at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood with a 20-minute set.
That type of news only requires tears of happiness.
“I am way better now,” said Crow in a phone interview earlier this month. “I was upset but after the show, I learned Columbia Records would be my label. Then a week later, Nickelodeon came by. I thought my life was over. It ended up being so great. I couldn’t ask for better.”
When asked about all the changes Simon Cowell is making to the show for season two (no more Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger or ineffective host Steve Jones), she wryly said, “Simon changes his mind a lot.”
She said she opted for a five-song EP instead of a full album so she’d have songs ready for the Big Time Rush tour. She co-wrote her first single “Mean Girls” with Toby Gad, best known for Beyonce’s “If I Was a Boy” and Fergies‘ “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
“We sat down and he asked me about my life,” she said, “what I wanted to write about. I thought bullying was a hot topic. I wanted to help kids get over bullying.” She said she was mocked for her hair, her clothing, stupid silly things. She had a rough time at first but grew a thick skin. “I’ve learned to be stronger through it all,” she said.
She said the coolest celebrity she’s gotten to meet so far is Pres. Obama. “He was just awesome.” Second place? Bruno Mars.
Concert preview
Big Time Rush, Cody Simpson, Rachel Crow
7 p.m., July 10.
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
$55.75 to 87.95 after fees.
Tickets can be purchased at www.livenation.com.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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139 comments Add your comment
nonchalant
July 10th, 2012
6:49 am
she’s too young to be so old.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
7:18 am
Morning!
@nonchalant: couldn’t agree with you more.
Seems X-Factor is following in Idol’s footsteps. I’ve heard a lot more about the losers than the winner.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
7:28 am
Here’s Nigel speaking about the Adam Lambert as judge rumor:
“I can confirm with you that I have not been speaking to Adam Lambert, but there are going to be lots of names coming up now,” said Nigel. “It’s a bit like…when they were looking for judges for X Factor. Everybody’s name came up. It’s going to be the same with American Idol.”
“Everything’s still up in the air I have to say. Nothing is confirmed.”
Then Nigel quipped, “Hopefully, I’m going to push for Charlie Sheen and Jerry Lewis as judges on American Idol. I’m not sure how far I’ll get with that, but I think that would be fun!”
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
7:31 am
And speaking of X-Factor…they are still looking for a replacement for Robohost. Stacy Kiebler(Clooney’s current girlfriend) Kelly Osbourne, Khloe Kardasian and Mario Lopez are names that have been bandied about.
Harriett
July 10th, 2012
9:12 am
Morning!
It will be fun to see what shakes out after all the shuffling and posturing.
G
July 10th, 2012
9:19 am
Good for Rachel. She’s not my kind of artist, but the kid has talent. However, Idol has taught us you don’t need talent to win.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
9:39 am
mj has a fan’s video of David Cook singing the National Anthem before the home-run derby at the all-star game. As usual, Cookie does a good job:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/david-cook-national-anthem-home-run-derby-video.htm
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
9:52 am
Have we now moved here or still at the “idol vaca” spot? I get confused easily!
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
9:55 am
Since Rodney announced that this was the new thread, I’m thinking this is the new thread.
Yes, we appear to be here rather than there.
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
10:10 am
Then I shall move my last post from there to here:
I’m thinking a rotating judges panel, with K&CF, Mercedes, Deirdre, Rickster, Harriett, Jenny, JT, Pitchy and ME! With guest mentors Woodpappy and Nana. And Paul McCartney, so Deirdre and I can finally, after a century of dreaming, can finally meet him!
Sorry if I forgot someone – it’s early and only my 2nd day back after a week off – foggy-brained!
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
July 10th, 2012
10:21 am
Hi y’all!
Rachel was super cute on the show and very entertaining. I’m clearly not her target audience, I haven’t watched Nickelodeon since Clarissa Explained it All, G.U.T.S. or Double Dare were on, but best of luck to her.
Sam-A, well, if they want a sort of Idol Wikipedia on the Judges’ Panel, I humbly submit my name for consideration!
G
July 10th, 2012
10:44 am
Sunday’s Best (BET’s gospel singing competition) is going into it’s 5th season, and the talent is off the charts. Contrary to some beliefs, the judges so far (Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams) are really critical to singers verbal gymnastics. Yeah, it’s still get’s through, but they really have to show that they can sustain notes without bailing themselves out with too many runs.
A lot of good singers have been turned away, and better singers have been chosen. At the end of the day, EVERYONE in the top 20 is talented enough to win. That’s why this has been one of my favorite singing competitions.
Rickster
July 10th, 2012
11:25 am
Thanks for keeping me in mind, Sam-A. I could definitely use the gig.
As of the end of the month… I’m going to have lots of idle (not Idol) time on my hands.
JTesla
July 10th, 2012
11:34 am
Sorry to hear that Rickster.
G: that sounds like a nice show, too bad a WGWG is going to win it. Seems like a long shot I know, but that’s just how it goes.
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
11:42 am
Rickster: I hope you mean you’re planning to retire Aug 1st!
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
12:05 pm
Rickster? I’m selfishly hoping that you stick with us…for moral support, if no other reason. Or to tell us all about your retirement.
Rickster
July 10th, 2012
12:08 pm
Sad to say it’s not by choice.
Seth T
July 10th, 2012
12:33 pm
Later in the Idol season this year, there were a number of creditable reports that J. Lo would not be offered a contract for next season. She could “save face” by floating the idea that she may be too busy or was demanding too much money for another season.
Rumors now are that Fox wants to “clean house” and replace all 3 Judges. Whatever success Idol had this year, was more in spite of, rather than because of, the Celebrity Judges. Other indications are that Nigel will not have as much actual decision-making power as in the past.
As advertisers pull-back on cost levels and another slide in ratings seems inevitable unless some major changes are made, looks like at least 2 Judges will be replaced and the audition broadcasts could be shortened.
If X-Factor and The Voice can improve their game, it will put added pressure on Idol to update their format.
JTesla
July 10th, 2012
12:43 pm
I don’t really see The Voice or X-Factor as being able to put pressure on Idol. Instead I see them fighting desperately to avoid the same pressure, and same malaise, that Idol is being subject to. The whole format, reality judging competition, is just so stale. All of it, AGT, Idol, X-Voice, blech. I see the “shocking” auditions on YouTube where a frumpy person sings wonderfully and want to vomit. They do that same shtick on Ukraine has talent, the British X-Factor, AGT, Dancing has Talent, and every other judging reality show.
I’ll watch Idol for nostalgia, but there is nothing they can do to fix the format. It’s not like Football which never gets old, it’s more like Tang. Yeah Tang is good for a few sips, but after you drink a gallon or two you come to the conclusion that you can go a decade without tasting the stuff ever again.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
1:16 pm
Nice analogy JT. I agree that the other competition shows are not competition for Idol. The format is ending it’s reign. Idol may stick around a little longer but not much.
Philx2 will be singing home pre all-star game tonight and Kellie Pickler will sing America the Beautiful during the 7th inning stretch.
Harriett
July 10th, 2012
1:44 pm
Rickster, so sorry about the job. But, like D, I hope you will stick around. We care about you and how you are doing and would miss your insightful commentary as part of our lives. (you know–the ones we don’t have).
Rickster
July 10th, 2012
1:56 pm
I’m looking at this as a blessing. This will force me to actually go out and get a life (you know, the ones we don’t have) and not hang out in a blog about a show that’s on its death bed with a bunch of losers!
Does that about cover things?
G
July 10th, 2012
2:01 pm
@JT 11:34am. No chance of a WGWG winning Sunday’s Best. Only one WG made it through and he’s really good. So far, they don’t allow vocal instramentalist on the show. They’re only interested in voices.
MyPatootie
July 10th, 2012
2:03 pm
Speaking of the AS game, that was “total junk” that The Zac Brown Band sung last night before the HR Derby. It may be their new single, but it was still just trash. Apparently the fans were not too fond of it either as there was very little applause until Chris Bergman egged them on. Also if Adam Lambert gets picked to be one of the new AI judges he would be about as popular with the TV audience as I am on this blog now. I know I would do the same as I did when Howard Stern started on AGT, that is, abandon it. AGT was one of my favorite shows but don’t watch anymore. From what I read the other day, the other two judges are already really getting fed up with him already. He makes Simon Cowell look humane and tame, and his true nature is coming through loud and clear. NO, to Adam Lambert on AI. What does he know about real music? He’s just a “screamer”!
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
2:18 pm
MyP…I am no fan of Howard Stern but what you read is incorrect. He is a wonderful judge, fair, funny, direct without being rude(especially to the children) and very good at picking and choosing talent. Believe me, I’m amazed.
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
2:22 pm
Well, Adam did scream a bit too much for my taste on Idol, however he has a lovely voice and can sing quite well when he ditches the scream!
Rickster: Don’t know what you do or where you are located in the greater ATL, but there seem to be a good number of jobs coming up in the next few months. Talk of Home Depot having 300 real soon, with another 400 around end of year – here in Kennesaw. Call center, but should have office type jobs, ie Mgrs, acct’g, etc. Couple of others with 100’s of jobs per the AJC a few weeks ago.
G
July 10th, 2012
2:22 pm
At the end of the day, Idol numbers are on the decline and this will be a continuing trend. That’s not saying the show is dying, but it is saying a lot about why the show is turning some viewers off.
Blame it on the judges, format, and WGWG. All of those things and then some, contribute to the decline in viewership. It’s no accident that Ryan talks about how many votes counted in comparison to viewers.
Also contributing to the decline is the lack of predictability. We pretty much know the type of artists that will be picked in the top 10. We also know that whoever the WGWG(s) are in the top 10………they will surely win.
Harriett
July 10th, 2012
2:38 pm
MyP, Deirdre is correct–what you’ve read is incorrect. Howard Stern is the best judge on tv right now. And, that is from me–someone who could not stand him at all. I have been impressed to no end with his sensitive handling of the contestants, and as D said, especially the children. He has this soft side that has been a complete surprise.
JTesla
July 10th, 2012
2:42 pm
MyPatootie: I’m not fan of Howard, I’m not offended by him I’m just not a fan, but I have heard the complete opposite from multiple fronts regarding his judging. The few acts I watched I found myself agreeing with and actually looking forward to his critique over the critique of the others.
G: I still disagree. The problem I see with your assumptions is that you are assuming that the WGWG voters will decline in proportion to the decline of overall numbers. I predict that the number of WGWG voters will decline faster than other viewers, leaving an increased opportunity for a non-WGWG to win Idol to the joy of the lower number of viewers that are left. Since the WGWG voters tend to be younger, and that is the demographic that seemed to bleed the most last season, I think that once Idol drops from its #1 perch those viewers that are left can see some interesting finale’s.
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
July 10th, 2012
2:52 pm
Adam did very well mentoring on the show once. I think he could definitely be a good addition to the show as someone who’s been on that stage and can relate to the contestants. I don’t think any of these judges/mentors/etc can say that. After all this time, having a former contestant come back and judge has the potential to be an interesting proposition.
I’d love to see Kelly, but I think after Duets, she might be quite hesitant to join another TV show. She’s said she did that show because she was also a contestant… are we sure we can’t give Harry Connick, Jr. a call? He was great on the show.
MyPatootie, if your objections regarding Adam are because he’s gay, I have to ask, why are you still watching Idol? We’ve already had plenty of gay contestants dating all the way to season 1 and Ellen as judge…so it really wouldn’t be anything new.
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
2:58 pm
G: So about the BET gospel contest, do the viewers ever complain about BGWS’s – Black Guys Who Scream – winning too much? The “gospel” thing is what some blamed all that silliness that was Joshua this season on Idol- made it sound like all gospel singers squeal and scream.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
3:00 pm
This fixation G has with the whole wgwg thing is weird. Idol’s numbers are dropping because almost EVERY show’s numbers are dropping. Do they all have wgwgs? Some shows gain popularity but are not showing ratings like we’ve seen in the past. People have more choices, move avenues in which to watch their favorite shows and ratings are tumbling almost everywhere.
Idol is failing because it is old. I predict that Idol will fail about the same time that The Voice, X-Factor and every other singing contest fails. It’s the genre that is the problem, not the winners.
JTesla
July 10th, 2012
3:13 pm
I’m telling you, the very last episode of that BET show they will announce that a WGWG won… even though he wasn’t even in the competition. Don’t ask me how that works, it just does.
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
July 10th, 2012
3:16 pm
D, I’m with you on this. I was gonna say something, but I mean… I feel like we’ve beaten the WGWG dead horse to the point of disintegration.
And Idol is like cake. At first it’s all, “oh, yay, cake!” but after a while, you’re tired of cake. The Voice/XF are really more like pudding, maybe cupcakes. BTW, this analogy totally reminds me of Nana and her lovely holiday baking! Send her my regards! (Also, hi, Harm and Linny if y’all are out there!)
♥ kelly&carriefan ♥
July 10th, 2012
3:18 pm
JT, LOL. Btw, I suppose we could say that The Voice is starting it’s own pattern with the winner, no? First, Javier then Jermaine. Yet another show with no female winner, where’s the indignation for that?
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
3:22 pm
K&CF: You and I have tried to make WGWG disappear, not successfully I’m afraid, I’m so sick of that how thing – and I actually started not liking Px2, but really liking him in the end! Thanks, Deirdre, for joining us in the “sick of it” line!
Where the heck is Linny – she’s so disappeared I have almost forgotten about her! And Nana has been quite aloof as well – thing Deirdre said she’d deserted us for Facebook – UGH! Come back Nana, at least K&CF and I miss your yummy descriptions of what’s cookin in the kitchen!
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
3:22 pm
or even “whole thing”
G
July 10th, 2012
3:23 pm
The little I’ve seen of AGT this season, I don’t have a problem with Stern either. Definite upgrade for the show.
@JT. Not exactly. The decline I’m referring to is “non-WGWG” voters and viewers. Why continue to bang your head against the wall if you already know that’s not the way to bring it down? WGWG voters dominate Idol. They’ve been strong for the past 5 seasons and they aren’t going anywhere. Why should they? All of us other voters are wasting our time by continuing to vote non-WGWG.
Idol has been branded by it’s majority voters. Yeah, diverse singers make up the top 10 (thanks to the judges), but only a WGWG can win.
Rickster
July 10th, 2012
3:23 pm
MyP… you should have written that Howard makes Simon look “humble” – not “humane.”
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
3:28 pm
Speaking of Facebook…anyone who is friends with Rodney on Facebook can find me in his friends list. Feel free to say hello but be sure to identify yourselves!
Nana spends much of her time, when she isn’t cooking those delicious meals, posting quotations on Facebook. Remember how she used to give us a quote of the day? Now she gives about 10 quotes almost everyday on Facebook.
linny’s son just got engaged and a prouder future m-i-l you’ll never find anywhere.
JTesla
July 10th, 2012
3:33 pm
G, I agree that the WGWG has dominated Idol recently. However, if I felt as you appear to regarding Idol’s prospects and about WGWG’s in general I would neither watch nor discuss Idol again. I’m not saying “go away”, far from it; I just don’t have the same loathing of the WGWG as you do. Except maybe for WGWG #3 I wouldn’t even buy paint from that guy.
G
July 10th, 2012
3:35 pm
@Sam A. I think one of the biggest misconceptions about gospel music is that everyone “screams” as you say. Some folks hear screams, others hear that same voice as passion and emotion. If you take the time and watch an episode, you would find out that it’s much more.
Joshua would’ve lost to Sunday’s Best winner. I believe there’s only been one male winner of Sunday’s Best. Go figure. The gospel artist / singers they look for are less trendy and more contemporary. There’s a strong jazz component to their style.
G
July 10th, 2012
3:39 pm
Correction: Sunday’s Best has NEVER had a male winner.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
I liked Cookie(the first of the breed) a lot. Also liked Kris a lot and Phil. Not too thrilled with Scotty and he really doesn’t fit the mold.(all the others were more pop and a lot less country) and I definitely didn’t like the paint store guy.
So, other than the fact that a couple of years I thought a girl should have won, I’m not at all unhappy with most of the winners in the last 5 years.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
I wonder if Mercedes computer is on the fritz again.
G
July 10th, 2012
3:43 pm
I have a passion for music, so it’s hard for me to simply turn away from one of the most popular shows of all time. LOL!!! However, when I participate in something, I hate wasting my time. It’s better to just watch and critique, than to waste my time voting.
G
July 10th, 2012
3:47 pm
I’m still stuck in the original Idol mode. The best singers won. It seems that now, the strong singers lose and the weaker singers win. I know……..Idol is about MORE than singing, blah, blah, blah……..
When Idol allowed instruments…………….the show jumped the shark.
Deirdre
July 10th, 2012
3:57 pm
“the best singer” is still a subjective term, especially when applied to Idol. We all hear people differently and respond to music emotionally. “the best singer” may not be the best performer and who “the best singer” is may not be someone who connects with an audience very well. Technically, there are a lot of people who sing exceptionally well. That doesn’t mean they are capable of winning Idol. or even that they SHOULD win.
Sam-A
July 10th, 2012
3:58 pm
D: I think when Harriett was talking about her trip to the beach next week, Mercedes said something about heading to the beach as well – so maybe she’s taking a “computer vaca”.
Contrary to what many of you guys stated in the past few weeks, I do think Kelly would win if she’d been on any of the past several seasons’ shows.There’s been not a single girl who could hold a candle to her voice. And if anyone saw her “standards” performance with John L last week – it was beautiful – she knocked JL to the ground, and got a standing ovation for it, that was talked about on several of the “7:00 entertainment” shows on Friday. She was totally killer and looked lovely with her “Lauren Bacall” 50’s hairdo as well. That girl can sing anything and do it better than most singers could even dream about! That’s why I adore her – talent like that is so very rare.
Mercedes S.
July 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
No, I’m here, just have been very busy entertaining all kinds of people.Just came back from mall after 5 hrs of outfitting 11-year old girl for a)camp and b)fall at public school where they don’t wear uniforms. I’m beat.
But have to thank Sam-A for judge suggestion – deeply honored.