Idol Chatter

Idols help out with Idol Gives Back (photo gallery)

Between the comedians and the song choices, I’m still not sure what type of mood American Idol was trying to set for last night’s Idol Gives Back episode.

Executive Producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said Idol was taking a more low-key approach to this year’s Give Back, recognizing that the economic situation was much different when the last charity drive aired two years ago.

She didn’t say anything about turning the show into the schizophrenic mess it became.

And I’d still prefer former Idols — say, David Cook, Elliott Yamin, Kris Allen, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, to name a few — singing songs that fit the occasion to many of the musical selections we got Wednesday night.

“Shake the Body,” featuring Fergie prancing around in snakeskin, still has me mystified.

But none of that should detract from the mission, to help the needy here and abroad.

And the former Idols who assisted in the mission — by traveling to places of need, by donating time in a food bank, or by donating items to the Idol Gives Back auction — should be commended for their efforts. Photos of some of them appear below.

You can help out by simply downloading performances from this week’s Idol episodes. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Gives Back cause.

For more on other ways to contribute, go here.

In the meantime, enjoy the photo gallery, courtesy of FOX.

For more on David Cook’s trip to Ethiopia, including what he had to say about the experience, go here.

And here’s a link to the photo gallery from Wednesday night’s performances.

Except for Carrie and the videos, that was an Idol Gives Back train wreck

Well, American Idol outdid itself Wednesday night.

The Idol Gives Back / Results show was so bizarre, so off tempo, it took an extra half-hour.

Heck, until some decent-end-of-show performances by Elton John (”Your Song”) and Annie Lennox (”My Universal Child”), I was about to declare the night a total disaster.

Idol even got rid of the wrong contestant. And then didn’t let him sing a farewell song.

I mean, heck, I guess all that earlier nonsense just took too long.

On one hand, we had truly touching video of folks in need here in the U.S. and in Africa. The segments from Annie and David Cook were particularly well done.

 

On the other, we had a phony phone bank and viagra jokes courtesy of Russell Brand and Jonah Hill. And cougar jokes courtesy of George Lopez.

Then there were songs that seemed totally out of touch with the occasion, like when Fergie was strutting across the stage in some sort of snake-skin outfit while the Black Eyed Peas sang “Rock That Body.” (Wouldn’t “One Tribe” have fit the evening better?) Followed by saucy numbers from Josh Stone and Alicia Keys.

Carrie Underwood seemed to have a clue about what the night was about when she sang “Change,” a song that sounded like it was written for the occasion.

But she was soon followed by a moderately funny but totally pointless stand-up routine by comedian Wanda Sykes.

Again, just what did that have to do with Idol Gives Back?

A piece of advice for Idol executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz: Clean house. Because that show was a total mess.

It was as disjointed and off-key as any performance we’ve seen from an Idol contestant this season.

Even from Haeley Vaughn on her most off-key night.

Even from Todrick Hall when he tried to rearrange songs.

Even from Tim Urban. At his worst.

Speaking of poor Tim, Vote for the Worst has lost its hero. He was eliminated last night. Just a week after being dubbed Mr. Zero to Hero by Simon Cowell.

The recap …

Stock rising: I didn’t think Crystal Bowersox would be able to improve her standing much, she’s performed so well all season. But she did just that with Tuesday’s emotional rendition of “People Get Ready.” You’ve probably heard the rumors that she was on the verge of leaving the show at one point, supposedly because she missed her family and wasn’t fond of all the Idol attention. Don’t know if they’re true, but her dad was in the audience for the first time Tuesday night, and she expressed her appreciation in a tweet earlier today.

Another contestant whose stock is rising is Lee DeWyze. Except for that strange bagpipe interlude a couple of weeks back, Lee’s been on the upswing. And this week’s performance of “The Boxer” was his best since the live shows started.

Stock sinking: No one seems to be thinking of Siobhan Magnus as a finalist anymore. Not after three subpar performances in a row. But I was happy to see her survive Wednesday’s elimination show. After all, there are only two gals left. And she has been clearly superior to some of the guys still in the competition.

Very, very lucky: Casey James wound up as the second lowest vote-getter this week. That surprised me, given his vocal ability. Perhaps it will shock him into taking on more challenging songs — songs he can make an emotional connection with — in weeks to come. Watch Crystal, Casey. And take notes. Lots of notes.

On the bubble: Who is voting for Aaron Kelly? Who? The teen with the country twang should have been voted off the show this week on song choice alone. “I Believe I Can Fly” with a hint of country. I’ll believe in Aaron if he ever turns in a memorable performance.

Deserved his fate: Tim deserved this fate after week one of the finals. And after week two. After Tuesday night’s performance in week six? Well, I graded it as one of the worst, along with Aaron Kelly’s. So much for the thinking that good looks and a smile would carry Tim into the finals on a wave of votes from pre-teen texting fiends. I bet some folks who thought that are breathing a sigh of relief right now.

Coming tomorrow: I’ll be adding more photos to the Idol Gives Back photo gallery.

 

Coming tomorrow: The exit interview with smiling Tim Urban.

 

 

An Idol Gives Back photo gallery

The performers ranged from the Black Eyed Peas to Elton John.

The comedians included George Lopez and Russell Brand.

And then there were messages of need and hope from across the country and from Africa.

Here’s a photo gallery from Wednesday’s Idol Gives Back episode.

For a photo gallery of Idols helping out with the Gives Back effort, including photos of David Cook’s trip to Ethiopia, go here.

After a marathon Idol Gives Back episode, Tim Urban goes home

Hold on tight.

Tonight, we get two episodes of American Idol in one — an Idol Gives Back special, and a results show.

And Idol is promising us a banner night of entertainment with performances by Alicia Keys, Elton John, The Black Eyed Peas, Jeff Beck, Josh Stone, Annie Lennox, Mary J. Blige and Carrie Underwood.

My only question: Where are the Idols?

Sure, Carrie’s on the list of performers. But that’s it?

I mean, we’re going to see footage of Kris Allen during his visit to Haiti, David Cook during his visit to Ethiopia, Elliott Yamin during his visit to Angola.

Why aren’t they performing tonight?

Seriously, sometimes this show seems to disrespect its own history.

Last week, Idol executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said some performers couldn’t make it because of other commitments.

Well, anyone who has followed the great cigarette controversy knows Kelly Clarkson is performing out of the country right now. And Taylor Hicks is busy in Hershey playing Teen Angel in Grease for the millionth time.

But I can’t imagine Idol couldn’t have pulled together an all-star cast of former contestants.

Oh, well, maybe next time.

Several Idols did contribute memorabilia to the Idol Gives Back auction. The item that fetched the highest bid among those donations — a leather jacket worn by Adam Lambert last season. If you missed it, here’s a link to a blog that includes the winning bids.

As for the results show portion of tonight’s show, my prediction (and hope) is that Sonestown, Pa., teen Aaron Kelly and his country twang will be heading home.

But I imagine several contestants are dealing with a bad case of nerves right now, particularly Tim Urban and Siobhan Magnus.

Well, come to think of it, pretty much anyone who isn’t named Crystal or Lee, who came out of Tuesday’s inspirational song night with rave reviews.

Nice seeing all the Idol finalists back together for the group number, even if I’m not a big fan of these group numbers. And everyone looks so classy, decked out in all white. Except for Siobhan. Why is she wearing sleeves full of holes for the occasion?

Interesting that the first two segments featured needy children in America. Proceeds from past Give Back specials have been split 50-50 between programs in the U.S. and programs in Africa.

Frot-Coutaz said a higher percentage of the proceeds will go to domestic needs this year, though she didn’t provide percentages.

OK, I’m going to try not to be too grumpy tonight and stay in the spirit of the event, but …

Complaint #1: “Rock That Body?” As the first song from a guest artist on this year’s Idol Gives Back. Did someone forget to tell the Black Eyed Peas why they were performing? I mean, I love the song. But it fits tonight’s theme how? “One Tribe” would have been a much more fitting song selection.

Complaint #2: What’s up with the sound system? When the Black Eyed Peas hear that play back, they’re going to wish they were lip synching.

Ah, maybe they’re using this George Lopez comic interlude to fix the sound system back in Pasadena. I did love the line about no cute male being safe with Kara at the judges’ table.

Now some results.

Casey James is in the bottom three. Holy cow. Didn’t expect that.

Aaron Kelly is in the bottom three. As expected.

Crystal Bowersox is safe.

Lee DeWyze is safe.

And now, more music, courtesy of Josh Stone and Jeff Beck. Well, the sound sounds better. But clearly I was mistaken. There’s apparently no need for the guest artists to stick to this week’s inspirational song theme.

Somehow, this mix of saucy songs, comedy, results and these film clips demonstrating need in Africa and here … well, it all seems quite disjointed to me.

Now we get Alicia Keys singing “Unthinkable.” Hmm. Another perfect song selection, right?

It’s official. Whoever scripted this mess of an episode should be fired.

Finally, a song that fits the occasion — “Change” from none other than Carrie Underwood. It’s one of the better songs off her “Play On” album. And she’ll be donating a portion of each ticket sold during her tour to charity — 36 cents. Doesn’t sound like much, given the cost of a concert ticket. But considering the crowds Carrie draws, I’m sure it will add up.

Look at that, Idol. One worthy performance an hour and a half into the program, and it comes from one of your own. What does that tell you about next time?

Now some more results:

Siobhan Magnus: She’s safe.

Michael Lynche: He’s safe.

Tim Urban: He’s in the bottom three.

That leaves Aaron Kelly, Casey James and Tim Urban on the bubble this evening.

Hey, very nice film clip featuring David Cook’s visit to Ethiopia. The musical performances have struck a strange chord tonight. The comedy segments seem out of place. But the film clips are well done. That’s one of the best so far. And we got to hear David sing a snippet of “Heroes.”

Hmm, would have been nice to hear him perform that live tonight, Idol. Just saying.

So, after not two, but two and a half hours, we finally get down to the final results.

Aaron Kelly is safe, leaving Casey James and Tim Urban in danger of going home.

Could we be in for one of those Idol shockers.

Nope, Casey James is safe.

And Tim Urban’s luck on Idol runs out. He makes Idol history — the first contestant ever eliminated on an Idol Gives Back episode.

Check back later for a photo gallery of tonight’s show (featuring more photos of Fergie; I promise) … and for a recap blog.

Tomorrow, check back for the exit interview with Tim Urban.

 

A Coca-Cola cup for $1,000 and other top IGB bids

The bidding for the Idol Gives Back auction has ended, and I guess I’m most amazed by one final bid.

Someone was willing to cough up more than $1,000 for an autographed official Coca-Cola judges’ cup.

I mean, it fetched more than Simon Cowell’s T-shirt, Ryan Seacrest’s suit or Allison Iraheta’s autographed guitar.

For a Coca-Cola cup?

Anyway, from what I can tell, the priciest auction item would up being the meet-and-greet with Simon at his last Idol show with a high bid of more than $50,000.

For a while, Ellen DeGeneres’ autographed sneakers were giving the Simon meet-and-greet a run for its money. But the tennis shoes faded down the home stretch, finishing as the third priciest item up for auction.

Turns out five pieces of memorabilia from former Idols were up for grabs, plus a meet-and-greet with Carrie Underwood at one of her shows.

The items that fetched the most: a leather jacket Adam Lambert wore on the show last season ($8,100) and an autographer guitar David Cook used on the season seven tour ($7,800).

Given the number of bids cast for those items and the close closing price, I’m wondering if there wasn’t a little friendly competition because fans of Adam and fans of David to top one another.
Thanks go out to both of those guys and the other Idols who donated toward the effort. I’m sure we’ll see David tonight, or at least a clip of his visit to a girls’ school in Ethiopia.

I’m still surprised Idol didn’t round up more such memorabilia for its auction. Given their dedicated fan base, I’m pretty sure anything signed by Clay Aiken or David Archuleta would have fetched a handsome price.

Meanwhile, here’s a review of some of the bids of interest. The number in parenthesis is the number of bids received.

* Simon Cowell meet-and-greet on last Idol show: $50,101 (101)

* Singing lesson with Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson: $28,300 (179)

* Ellen DeGeneres autographed sneakers and VIP package to her show: $26,100 (89)

* Top 10 performance and results show season pass for season 10: $10,012 (6)

* Adam Lambert leather jacket: $8,100 (93)

* David Cook autographed guitar: $7,800 (98)

* Three-hour studio session to cut a record: $6,100 (58)

* Carrie Underwood meet-and-greet at Hollywood Bowl: $3,250 (97)

* Ryan Seacrest meet-and-greet with 4 tickets and backstage passes: $2,775 (89)

* Front-row tickets for Elton John show in San Diego: $2,125 (78)

* Kris Allen autographed guitar: $2,076 (61)

* Daughtry autographed guitar: $1,625 (104)

* Ryan Seacrest autographed suit: $710 (118)

* Simon Cowell signed T-shirt: $570 (41)

* Allison Iraheta autographed guitar: $610 (78)

Simon beating Ryan in Idol’s online auction

You think Ryan Seacrest isn’t going to get an earful about this?

We’re less than 16 hours away from the end of the Idol Gives Back auction, and check out these figures.

The high bid on a meet-and-greet with Ryan is $1,825; the high bid on a meet-and-greet with Simon at his last Idol show is more than 10 times that, at $18,600.

That’s not all.

The high bid on a Ryan Seacrest autographed suit is $172. The high bid on a signed Simon Cowell T-shirt is $401.

The auction continues until about midnight PST (which means about 3 a.m. our time). The Idol Gives Back episode is 8 p.m. Wednesday, of course.

The auction is a first-time event, and I’m little surprised there aren’t more items from former Idol contestants up for bid.

Some have been added recently, like a leather jacket, worn by Adam Lambert during last year’s finals; and a guitar signed by Allison Iraheta.

The highest bid on an item from a former Idol so far is an autographed guitar from David Cook that was used during the season seven summer tour.

The high bid on that beauty has been $6,200 for a couple of days now. That’s nearly as much as someone is willing to cough up for a music lesson from Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson ($6,900).

And if you want a chance to meet the reigning country music Entertainer of the Year, you can bid on that opportunity, too.

The high bid for a meet and greet with Carrie Underwood for a show at the Hollywood Bowl has a current high bid of $3,050.

All those items a little too pricey for your taste?

Hey, you can probably pick up a signed Coca-Cola judges’ cup. High bid so far: about $400.

No reprieve for contestants during Idol Gives Back

American Idol contestants will sing inspirational songs Tuesday night.

They’ll participate in Idol Gives Back Wednesday night.

And they shouldn’t expect an elimination reprieve just because of the charitable focus of Wednesday’s two-hour show.

“Someone will be eliminated,” Idol executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said during a Thursday afternoon conference call.

Wednesday’s 8 p.m. show will mark the third Idol Gives Back special. The first, in  2007, was done during an elimination show; the second, in 2008, was done as a stand-alone special.

The former method seems to work better. Frot-Coutaz said.

And even though Idol decided not to eliminate anyone two years ago in the spirit of the event, she said someone will be booted off the show at some point during Wednesday’s episode.

Performers announced for the show so far include Elton John, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige & the All-Star Band.

Frot-Coutaz said there’s probably only one performer the show hasn’t announced yet. And if the entertainment roster seems a little more sparse than two years ago, that’s because Idol also has to find time for film clips to explain the Idol Gives Back mission and to provide viewers with the results of Tuesday’s show.

“If anything, we’re trying to figure out a way to make it all fit in two hours at the moment,” she said. “There’s too much good stuff.”

Frot-Coutaz wasn’t giving up what songs the performers would be singing Wednesday night.

But here’s betting season four Idol champ Carrie Underwood sings “Change,” a song off her new album “Play On” that sounds like it was written for the event.

Speaking of Carrie, she’s also now part of the Idol Gives Back auction. Fans can bid on a meet-and-greet opportunity with her at the Hollywood Bowl and four tickets to the show. As of Thursday afternoon, the package had attracted a high bid of $1,525.

You say you’re more of a David Cook fan? He has an autographed guitar up for bid as part of the auction. The guitar was used during the 2008 American Idol summer tour. So far, it’s received 54 bids with a high bid of $2,500. (The auction ends in the wee hours of Wednesday morning here on the East Coast. For more info, go here.)

We’ll also likely see footage of David’s trip to a girls’ school in Ethiopia and footage of Kris Allen’s trip to earthquake ravaged Haiti as part of Wednesday’s special.

Beneficiaries of Idol Gives Back include the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

Historically, 50 percent of the proceeds of the fundraiser have gone to Africa and 50 percent to domestic charities.

“This year, we’re a little more weighted toward domestic causes because we feel American Idol is an American show,” Frot-Coutaz said. “We are in the U.S. It’s been a very tough couple of years in this country, and that it’s only fair that we focus on U.S. causes as well as some big international causes.”

The recession has also prompted a more low-key approach to this year’s special she said. The message: Give what you can. Even a small donation helps.

“The circumstances are very, very different than when we started doing this,” Frot-Coutaz said. “Whatever people can donate will be great. We realize we can’t go into this with the same expectations.”
 

 

 

Singing lessons with Idol judges: A bargain at just $5,200

So, how much would you pay for a meet-and-greet with Simon Cowell prior to his last appearance on American Idol?

Apparently, someone’s ready to cough up $10,600 for the privilege.

That’s the high bid so far (as of 10 p.m. Sunday) in the Idol Gives Back auction running on the Idol Web site.

The auction was announced last week and features Idol-related goodies, from season passes to next year’s show to autographed judges’ cups.

Bidding continues through 3 a.m. April 21 (EST). That’s the night of the Idol Gives Back episode.

Surprisingly, to me at least, the second highest top bid so far is $9,700 for a pair of sneakers autographed by Ellen DeGeneres and a VIP package for her show.

Hey, that makes the top bid of $5,200 for singing lessons from Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson look like a real deal.

More auction items will be announced soon.

Considering all the Adam Lambert supporters who rushed to his defense when I questioned whether he was the best choice for an Idol mentor, producers should get him to sign something to auction off when he visits this week.

My guess is, more auction items will be announced Tuesday.

Meanwhile, you can check out all the high bids here.