Such a nice guy, that Simon...
Showing posts with label Fantasia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasia. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Video: Simon Blasts Fantasia On 'Ellen' For American Idol Performance
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
IDOL MADNESS: Tuesday Report
.jpg)
Spread the word to vote for your faves!
Remember, voting for all Round of 32 matches ends Thursday January 31, 11:59PM EST, so there's plenty of time to still vote!
Here are updates (as of 1/27 at 7:00PM EST) of the Round of 32 match-ups in all divisions. Click on any match-up to vote!
Chris Daughtry appears to be making a last minute push in his battle with Josh Gracin; Jordin Sparks and Katharine McPhee are still struggling with Gina Glocksen and Anthony Fedorov, respectively; Blake Lewis and Kimberley Locke continue to meet each other vote-for-vote; and Taylor Hicks and Constantine Maroulis' fanbases continue to spar.
Matches to keep an eye on:
#4 Kimberley Locke vs. #5 Blake Lewis
#2 Chris Daughtry vs. # 7 Josh Gracin
#1 Taylor Hicks vs. #9 Constantine Maroulis
#2 Jordin Sparks vs. #7 Anthony Fedorov
#4 Katharine McPhee vs. #12 Gina Glocksen
#2 Ruben Studdard vs. #10 Kellie Pickler
Cowell Bracket
#1 Kelly Clarkson vs. #9 Chris Richardson
Today: Kelly 65.1%-35.9%
Today: Kelly 64%-36%
Yesterday: Kelly 65.5%-34.5%
Jan 25: Kelly 67%-33%.
#2 Ruben Studdard vs. #10 Kellie Pickler
Today: Kellie 60.3%-39.7%
Jan. 27: Kellie 59%-41%
Jan. 26: Kellie 67%-33%
Jan 25: Kellie 66%-34%
#3 Tamyra Gray vs. #6 Jasmine Trias
Today: Jasmine 65.1%-34.9%
Jan. 27: Jasmine 67%-33%
Jan. 26: Jasmine 72%-27%
Jan 25: Jasmine 75%-25%
#4 Jennifer Hudson vs. #5 Bo Bice
Today: Bo 55.8%-44.2%
Jan. 27: Bo 58%-42%
Jan. 26: Bo 54%-46%
Jan. 25: Bo 55%-45%
Seacrest Bracket
#1 Taylor Hicks vs. #9 Constantine Maroulis
Today: Constantine 58.9%-41.1%
Jan. 27: Constantine 56%-44%
Jan. 26: Constantine 61%-39%
Jan 25: Constantine 75%-25%
#2 Clay Aiken vs. #7 RJ Helton
Today: Clay 74.1%-25.9%
Jan. 27: Clay 70%-30%
Jan. 26: Clay 58%-42%
Jan 25: Clay 52%-48%
#3 Melinda Doolittle vs. #6 Vonzell Solomon
Today: Melinda 66.6%-33.4%
Jan. 27: Melinda 66%-34%
Jan. 26: Melinda 66%-34%
Jan. 25: Melinda 64%-36%
#5 LaKisha Jones vs. #13 Bucky Covington
Today: Bucky 69.3%-30.7%
Jan. 27: Bucky 71%-29%
Jan. 26: Bucky 71%-29%
Jan. 25: Bucky 72%-28%
Abdul Bracket
#1 Fantasia vs. #9 Ace Young
Today: Ace 67.2%-33.8%
Jan. 27: Ace 66%-34%
Jan. 26: Ace 68-32%
Jan. 25: Ace 69%-31%
#2 Jordin Sparks vs. #7 Anthony Fedorov
Today: Anthony 56.5%-43.5%
Jan. 27: Anthony 56%-44%
Jan. 26: Anthony 52%-37%
Jan. 25: Jordin 58%-42%
#3 Elliott Yamin vs. #6 Nikki McKibbin
Today: Elliott 77.7%-22.3%
Jan. 27: Elliott 76%-24%
Jan. 26: Elliott 77%-23%
Jan. 25: Elliott 81%-19%
#4 Kimberley Locke vs. #5 Blake Lewis
Today: Blake 51.1%-48.9%
Jan. 27: Blake 51.7%-48.3%
Jan. 26: Blake 51.5%-48.5%
Jan. 25: Kimberley 50.2%-49.8%
Jackson Bracket
#1 Carrie Underwood vs. #9 Mandisa Hundley
Today: Carrie 71.7%-28.3%
Jan. 27: Carrie 72.4%-27.6%
Jan. 26: Carrie 76%-24%
Jan. 25: Carrie 80%-20%
#2 Chris Daughtry vs. # 7 Josh Gracin
Today: Josh 53.9%-46.1%
Today: Josh 58%-42%
Yesterday: Josh 50.3%-49.7%
Jan. 25: Chris 55%-45%
#3 Latoya London vs. #11 Anwar Robinson
Today: Latoya 57.5%-42.5%
Jan. 27: Latoya 58.5%-41.5%
Jan. 26: Latoya 57%-43%
Jan. 25: Latoya 62%-37%
#4 Katharine McPhee vs. #12 Gina Glocksen
Today: Gina 55%-45%
Jan. 27: Gina 55%-45%
Jan. 26: Gina 52%-48%
Jan. 25: Katharine 53%-47%
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
IDOL MADNESS Abdul Bracket Results
The results are in from the Abdul Bracket of IDOL MADNESS!
View the results of the Cowell and Seacrest Brackets and vote in the Jackson Bracket Here
There was only one upset in the Abdul bracket, with #9 Ace Young soundly defeating #8Phil Stacey. Ace will next go up against #1 Fantasia, who was less than convicing in her battle with #16 EJ Day. Her fans are gonna have to turn up if she's going to continue to advance.
The top 7 seeds of the Abdul Bracket cruised pretty easily into the Round of 32, with #5 Blake Lewis and #12 Nadia Turner having the tightest battle (60.4% to 39.6%). Blake will next face off against #4 Kimberley Locke, who gave AJ Gil a resounding beating. #2 Jordin Sparks will next play #7 Anthony Fedorov, with #3 Elliott Yamin taking on #6 Nikki McKibbin. Check back this weekend for those matches.
In the meantime...
Vote in the IDOL MADNESS Live Matches:
#1 Carrie Underwood vs. #16 Brandon Rodgers
#2 Chris Daughtry vs. #15 Camile Velasco
#3 Latoya London vs. #14 Corey Clark
#4 Katharine McPhee vs. #13 Jon Peter Lewis
#5 Justin Guarini vs. #12 Gina Glocksen
#6 Paris Bennett vs. #11 Anwar Robinson
#7 Josh Gracin vs. #10 Nikko Smith
#8 Christina Christian vs. #9 Mandisa Hundley
Abdul Bracket Results:
#1 Fantasia def. #16 EJ Day 69.4%-30.6%
#2 Jordin Sparks def. #15 Jim Verraros 75%-25%
#3 Elliott Yamin def. #14 Julia DeMato 89%-11%
#4 Kimberley Locke def. #13 AJ Gil 82.4%-17.6%
#5 Blake Lewis def. #12 Nadia Turner 60.4%-39.6%
#6 Nikki McKibbin def. #11 John Stevens 68.1%-31.9%
#7 Anthony Fedorov deg. #10 Carmen Rasmussen 74.8%-25.2%
#9 Ace Young def. #8 Phil Stacey 63.2%-36.8%
Friday, January 18, 2008
IDOL MADNESS -- Abdul Bracket, Seedings and First Round Match-Ups
See the winners of the first round of the COWELL BRACKET
Vote in the first round match-ups of the JACKSON BRACKET
Abdul Bracket First Round Match-Ups:
#1 Fantasia vs. #16 EJ Day
#2 Jordin Sparks vs. #15 Jim Verraros
#3 Elliott Yamin vs. #14 Julia DeMato
#4 Kimberley Locke vs. #13 AJ Gil
#5 Blake Lewis vs. #12 Nadia Turner
#6 Nikki McKibbin vs. #11 John Stevens
#7 Anthony Fedorov vs. #10 Carmen Rasmussen
#8 Phil Stacey vs. #9 Ace Young
IDOL MADNESS Main Page
Two more Idol champs appear in this bracket -- Season 3 winner, top seed Fantasia Barrino, and fresh-faced #2 seed Jordin Sparks from Season 6. Each of them will face a tough road to the Final Four. #3 seed Elliot Yamin potentially awaits Jordin in the Sweet 16, but not before he first has to face the winner of the match-up between #6 seed Nikki McKibbin and #11 seed John Stevens, two contestants who have found the votes to surprise people before.
Down the road, Broadway star and 4-time Grammy-nominee 'Tasia will have her hands full with Season 6runner-up Blake Lewis (#5 seed) and Season 2 second runner-up Kimberly Locke (#4 seed). Even before that, though, is a likely second round match-up with the winner of the contest between #8 seed Phil Stacey from Season 6 and #9 seed heartthrob Ace Young from Season 5. Should be interesting!
Seed / Name
1. Fantasia Barrino
2. Jordin Sparks
3. Elliott Yamin
4. Kimberly Locke
5. Blake Lewis
6. Nikki McKibbin
7. Anthony Fedorov
8. Phil Stacey
9. Ace Young
10. Carmen Rasmusen
11. John Stevens
12. Nadia Turner
13. AJ Gill
14. Julia DeMato
15. Jim Verraros
16. EJ Day
Friday, December 21, 2007
Which Former Idol Had the Best 2007?
Now that 2007 is coming to a close, I thought it might be interesting to try and figure out which former American Idol contestant had the best year -- was it Carrie, with all her awards success? Chris, with his huge-selling album? Fantasia, who took Broadway by storm?
I think we can all agree that the best year was had by Jennifer Hudson -- an Golden Globe, Oscar, and SAG award; a role in the Sex and the City movie; a role opposite fellow Oscar winner Forrest Whitaker in Winged Creatures; IT girl status; an album on the way; and now the news that she will star opposite Queen Latifah in The Secret Life of Bees. Yeah, pretty hard to top that.
But who comes next?
Of course I want to know what you think as well, so please take the poll below!
Here are my picks:
1. Carrie Underwood
This is the year Carrie Underwood went from successful Idol alum to complete and total superstar. Her music crossed over from country to pop; she picked up every award imaginable; she dated high profile, very goodlooking guys; and she released a second CD without skipping a beat. There was no topping Ms. U. this year.
2. Chris Daughtry
His album is, as of now, the biggest seller of 2007 (despite the fact that it was released in '06), and he recently picked up 3 American Music Awards and 4 Grammy nominations. Yeah, he's rockin' it.
3. Fantasia
'Tasia didn't just appear on Broadway this year -- she took it by storm. Totally rejuvenating The Color Purple, she also released her sophomore CD, had a couple of hit singles on the R&B charts, and picked up 3 Grammy nods in the process. Not too shabby.
4. Kelly Clarkson
Sure, My December didn't have nearly the success of it's predecessor Breakaway, but it was just certified platinum and spawned a Top 25 single in "Never Again." She also released a duet with Reba McEntire of "Because of You" that went to the top of the country chart and earned her a Grammy nomination, and embarked on a sold-out tour this fall. All in all, not quite the disaster of a year some pundits would have you believe.
5. Kellie Pickler
Surprising just about everyone, Kellie released a CD that people actually wanted to listen to, and she's produced three chart-ing country songs, in addition to touring. Throw in a couple of award nominations, and all of a sudden this dumb blonde seems pretty smart.
6. Elliott Yamin
At this time last year it wasn't clear Elliott would even release a CD, but now that he has, he's become the second most successful alum from '05. The album has gone Gold, and debut single "Wait for You" was a Top 5 smash.
Outside the Top 6:
Katharine McPhee (disappointing CD sales, but will make movie debut early next year)
Clay Aiken (where are ya, Clay?)
Tamyra Gray (getting good reviews for her work in the Broadway musical Rent)
Taylor Hicks (very disappointing CD sales)
Bo Bice (released a sophomore CD to very little fanfare)
Poll closes December 31, 2007 at 11:59PM
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Rumor Mill: Is Fantasia Pregnant?
In the last day we've gotten confirmation that 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is with child, and that Lily Allen is knocked up, and now, if internet rumors are to be believed, American Idol champ and current Color Purple star Fantasia is also pregnant. The baby-daddy is apparently rapper Young Dro.
MediaTakeout.com is reporting that, according to a Color Purple insider, Fantasia has been talking openly to the cast about her new condition. The insider explained, "She told [one of the cast members] that she's pregnant and she's really excited"
The insider also claims that while Fantasia isn't showing yet, she's definitely acting pregnant, saying, "She's walks with her hand on her hip and all of a sudden she's taken to chewing ice."
Looks like they'll have to release 'Tasia's song "Baby Mama." B-A-B-Y!
UPDATE: Fantasia's rep says that she is not pregnant, although some Broadway sources are still not convinced. Thanks to the commenter below for the update.
Click for more Theater News & Commentary
Click to visit Idol Thought's AMERICAN IDOL CENTRAL for show recaps and rankings, news on former contestants, best-of lists and much more
Friday, December 14, 2007
Daughtry, Underwood, Clarkson, Hicks, Pickler, Fantasia, Yamin, McPhee and Covington All Finish in the Top 200 Year-End Album Chart
While Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis haven't seen much traction with their newly released albums, former Idol contestants Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood are doing just fine, thank you very much. Daughtry's album Daughtry was the number one selling album of the year according to Billboard, moving 3.2 million albums, while Underwood's Some Hearts (released in 2005!) was the year's #5 album.
Outside of the top 20, Underwood's sophomore album, Carnival Ride, finished at #56; Kelly Clarkson's My December took the #66 spot; Taylor Hicks' debut grabbed #74; Kellie Pickler's Small Town Girl was #95; Fantasia's self-titled second disc was #105; Elliott Yamin finished at #114; Katharine McPhee grabbed #159; and Bucky Covington took #187.
Here are the year's Top 20:
1. DAUGHTRY Daughtry
2. KONVICTED Akon
3. THE DUTCHESS Fergie
4. HANNAH MONTANA Soundtrack
5. SOME HEARTS Carrie Underwood
6. ALL THE RIGHT REASONS Nickelback
7. FUTURESEX/LOVESOUNDS Justin Timberlake
8. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 Soundtrack
9. NOW 23 Various Artists
10. MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT Linkin Park
11. B'DAY Beyonce
12. GRADUATION Kanye West
13. ME AND MY GANG Rascal Flatts
14. LOVE The Beatles
15. THE SWEET ESCAPE Gwen Stefani
16. HANNAH MONTANA 2 (SOUNDTRACK)/MEET MILEY CYRUS Miley Cyrus
17. AWAKE Josh Groban
18. NOT TOO LATE Norah Jones
19. TAYLOR SWIFT Taylor Swift
20. KINGDOM COME Jay-Z
Click to visit Idol Thoughts' American Idol Central
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Idols Rack Up 13 Grammy Nods; Carrie and Chris Lead With Four Each
Former American Idol contestants will have quite a presence at this year's Grammy Awards, with five different former Idols nominated -- Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and, in a bit of a surprise, Mandisa.
Carrie and Chris led the Idol pack with four nods each. Carrie, who won two awards last year, was nominated for Song of the Year ("Before He Cheats"), Country Vocal Collaboration ("Oh Love" with Brad Paisley), Best Female Country Vocal Performance ("Before He Cheats") and Best Country Song ("Before He Cheats").
Daughtry, who missed out on an expected Best New Artist nod, was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group ("Home"), Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group ("It's Not Over"), Best Rock Song ("It's Not Over") and Best Rock Album.
Fantasia, who has never won a Grammy Award, got three nominations, for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ("When I See U"), Best R&B Song ("When I See U") and Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Kelly Clarkson, meanwhile, grabbed a nomination (her fourth overall) in the Country Vocal Collaboration category for her duet with Reba McEntire on "Because of You." She will compete with Carrie in this category, in the first head-to-head Grammy match-up between Idols.
Clarkson's album My December, which was submitted in the rock categories, did not receive any nominations.
Finally, Season 5 ninth place finisher Mandisa picked up her first nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for her album True Beauty.
Click here for a full list of Grammy nominees.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
How do the Idol's Debut Sales Weeks Stack Up?
This week's sales numbers are in (click here to see them), and Jordin Sparks cannot be happy -- she had the lowest selling debut week for any Idol champ's debut CD. In fact, she was only able to sell about 50% of what the previous lowest (Fantasia) had amassed. Curious, I'd say, considering Jordin's single "Tattoo" is quickly rising up the Hot 100.
Here are the sales numbers for the six Idol champs, from highest to lowest. Obviously, one week's numbers don't tell the whole story -- Carrie Underwood's first week total, for example, is less than 5% of the 6 million CD's she eventually sold.
Here's the numbers...
1. Ruben Studdard, Soulful
400K
2. Carrie Underwood, Some Hearts
315K
3. Taylor Hicks, Taylor Hicks
298 K
4. Kelly Clarkson, Thankful
297K
5. Fantasia, Free Yourself
240K
6. Jordin Sparks, Jordin Sparks
120K
Friday, November 02, 2007
IDOL MADNESS (Abdul) Rnd of 32: #1 Fantasia vs. #9 Ace Young
Division: Abdul Bracket
The Match-Up: #1 Fantasia vs. #9 Ace Young
Idol Thoughts Prediction: Ace still has plenty of fans, and they may give 'Tasia a run for her money, but I'm guessing the Season 3 champ will pull out the win, 58%-42%.
Round of 32 Match-Ups:
Cowell Bracket
#1 Kelly Clarkson vs. #9 Chris Richardson
#2 Ruben Studdard vs. #10 Kellie Pickler
#3 Tamyra Gray vs. #6 Jasmine Trias
#4 Jennifer Hudson vs. #5 Bo Bice
Seacrest Bracket
#1 Taylor Hicks vs. #9 Constantine Maroulis
#2 Clay Aiken vs. #7 RJ Helton
#3 Melinda Doolittle vs. #6 Vonzell Solomon
#5 LaKisha Jones vs. #13 Bucky Covington
Abdul Bracket
#1 Fantasia vs. #9 Ace Young
#2 Jordin Sparks vs. #7 Anthony Fedorov
#3 Elliott Yamin vs. #6 Nikki McKibbin
#4 Kimberley Locke vs. #5 Blake Lewis
Jackson Bracket
#1 Carrie Underwood vs. #9 Mandisa Hundley
#2 Chris Daughtry vs. # 7 Josh Gracin
#3 Latoya London vs. #11 Anwar Robinson
#4 Katharine McPhee vs. #12 Gina Glocksen
Visit the IDOL MADNESS Main Page
Monday, October 01, 2007
IDOL MADNESS (Abdul Bracket) Rnd of 64: #1 Fantasia vs. #16 EJ Day
Abdul Bracket First Round Match-Ups:
#1 Fantasia vs. #16 EJ Day
#2 Jordin Sparks vs. #15 Jim Verraros
#3 Elliott Yamin vs. #14 Julia DeMato
#4 Kimberley Locke vs. #13 AJ Gil
#5 Blake Lewis vs. #12 Nadia Turner
#6 Nikki McKibbin vs. #11 John Stevens
#7 Anthony Fedorov vs. #10 Carmen Rasmussen
#8 Phil Stacey vs. #9 Ace Young
Abdul Bracket -- Draw, Seedings and First Round Match-Ups
IDOL MADNESS Main Page
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
American Idol's LaKisha Jones to Join the Broadway Cast of The Color Purple
The Idols keep on comin' to Broadway.
The latest former contestant to debut on the Great White Way will be Season 6 fourth place finisher LaKisha Jones. According to a press release, she will join the Broadway company of The Color Purple on December 19, 2007, as the church soloist in the musical's opening number. She will also play Sofia at the matinee performances.
There will be a few weeks where Kiki will be performing with Fantasia, who is currently winning raves for her performance as Celie. LaKisha is actually the third former Idol contestant to appear in The Color Purple -- Latoya London, the fourth place finisher from Season 3, is currently playing Nettie in the Chicago company of the show.
After delivering showstoppers like "And I Am Telling You," "God Bless the Child, "and "This Ain't a Love Song," is there anyone who believes LaKisha won't kill it on Broadway? Welcome to the club, girl!
Click for more News on Former American Idol Contestants
Click for Today's Top 10 Posts
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Fantasia Extends Stay in The Color Purple, May Star in New Musical
It looks like Fantasia has been bitten by the theater bug -- big time.
After receiving rave reviews for her Broadway debut in The Color Purple (I saw her, and she is truly sensational), Fantasia has decided to stay with the show through the end of the year. She was originally scheduled to be in the show for just six months, which would have taken her through the beginning of October.
In addition, the New York Daily News' Rush & Molloy are reporting that Fantasia is in discussions to star in a new musical based on the life of Ada (Bricktop) Smith, an African-American expatriate in Paris in the 1920s who became a nightlife queen. The show is being written by Chuck Seffan and Ron Abel. Click here for the full story.
It's been a good few months for Ms. 'Tasia, who picked up a Theater World Award for her Broadway debut, and saw her single "When I See U" hit #2 on the Urban radio chart.
Click for more Theater News/Commentary
Click for more News on Former Idol Contestants
Monday, June 18, 2007
Theater Notes: Spring Awakening, Grease, and Tamyra Gray
Summer is generally a pretty slow time for theater in New York, but there's still a few exciting things going on worth noting:
-I caught Spring Awakening, the recipient of 8 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), again this past weekend. I had seen the show when it played Off-Broadway last year, and saw the show a few times when it was in previews, so I was excited to see how it was holding up about 6 months into it's run. I'm happy to report it is as good, if not better, than ever. The music is so incredibly beautiful, and the lyrics become more meaningful with each additional listen. The actors, meanwhile, seem to have found new nuances that make the show's story of adolescent sexual repression and the dangers of parents not being honest with their children resonate even deeper.
Tony winner John Gallagher, as tortured soul Mortiz, has definitely amped up the angst, and while he is slightly more affected than he was earlier in the run, it's still a very powerful performance. Lea Michele is as effective as ever as the ill-fated Wendla, but it's Jonathan Groff who really stands out as the rebellious Melchior. His singing voice is superb, and his acting is nothing short of sensational -- he's funny, he's moving, and he's gorgeous! If you can, catch this show while the three young stars-to-be are still around. Click here to buy tickets.
-Tickets for Grease, starring reality show winners Laura Osnes and Max Crumm, went on sale yesterday. After seeing these kids everywhere during the awards season it's a little hard to believe they just started rehearsals last week. I can't imagine the show is going to be anything but a trainwreck, but somehow it's a trainwreck I don't think I can avoid missing. Click here to purchase tickets.
-Finally, I revisited the old chestnut Rent last week to check out American Idol alum Tamyra Gray in the role of Mimi. While she is not giving the kind of tour de force performance Fantasia is giving in The Color Purple, she acquits herself quite nicely as the drug addicted, HIV-infected spitfire. If her acting leaves a little bit to be desired, her voice is sensational (she may be the best singer who has ever played the role) and her dancing is surprisingly powerful.
While Christopher Hanke as Mark disappointed a bit (bringing very little humor or charm to the role), the rest of the show is in fine shape -- Troy Horne makes an excellent Tom Collins, Nicolette Hart is a feisty (and loud!) Maureen, and Tonya Dixon brings an unexpected power to Joanne. Best of all, though, was understudy Luther Creek as Roger. Not only does he sing the hell out of the part, his subtle acting choices and rich inner life made me truly believe this guy had shut himself off from the world and was just biding his time until his death. As a result, songs that have at times bored me ("I Should Tell You," "Your Eyes") became incredibly emotional, as you watched this woman (Mimi) actually touch his soul and cause him to change and open himself up. Creek's performance was the heart of the show.
It'll be interesting to see what happens when original stars Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal return to their roles this summer. Will they seem too old, or will they bring a special energy to The Nederlander? Guess we'll have to wait and see...
Click here to buy tickets to Rent.
Click for more Theater News/Commentary
Monday, June 04, 2007
Jordin and Melinda Stop In To See Fantasia
Over on Paul Wontorek's "Stage Notes Blog," there are photos of American Idol Season 6's first and third place finishers, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle, stopping in to say hi to Season 3 champ Fantasia at The Broadway Theater, where she is currently earning rave reviews in The Color Purple.
Melinda and Jordin took time out of their busy post-show schedules to see 'Tasia's tour de force performance, which she will give at-home viewers a taste of on this weekend's Tony Awards. (See Fantasia to Perform at Tony Awards)
Always good to see Idol folks stoppin' by The Great White Way!
*The photo above was taken by Bruce Glickas for Broadway.com
Click to read more Theater News/Commentary
Click to read more News on Former American Idol Contestants
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Fantasia Will Perform on the Tony Awards
I haven't seen a press release or an article about this yet, but as I was reading USA Today during my lunch, I noticed an ad for the Tony Awards (honoring the best of Broadway) that included the line "Fantasia will perform a song from The Color Purple."
This is particularly interesting since there has been a little bit of a brouhaha about which shows will get to perform on this year's awards. Generally, only the nominees for Best Musical (Spring Awakening, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins and Curtains) and the nominees for Best Musical Revival (110 in the Shade, A Chorus Line, Company, The Apple Tree) get to perform, but there has been a push to include Legally Blonde and Love/Musik on the ceremony as well. Since The Color Purple opened last year and is therefore not eligible for any of this year's awards, by including Fantasia in the proceedings the producers of the ceremony must hope television ratings will improve. And, let's be honest, when sales for The Color Purple shoot up after
'Tasia's performance, I'm sure Oprah and the other producers won't mind being used one bit!
So, I guess Fantasia is performing on the Tony Awards! The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS from 8-11PM on Sunday June 10.
Click to read more News on Former American Idol Contestants
Click to read more Theater News/Commentary
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fantasia Wins Theatre World Award for Best Broadway Debut
Fantasia certainly is taking Broadway by storm!
Last week, the reviews for her Broadway debut in the musical "The Color Purple" were ecstatic -- Charles Isherwood of the New York Times said she was ideal for the part of Celie, and notoriously prickly New York Post critic Clive Barnes even wrote that her performance brought tears to his eyes.
Now, she has won one of the biggest theater awards -- the Theatre World Award, given for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway debut. She is one of only 12 recipients of this prestigious prize this year, and is the first Idol alumni to take home a theater award.
Congrats also go to Jonathan Groff, who is sensational in Spring Awakening.
The other winners of the 2007 Theatre World Award are:
Eve Best, A Moon for the Misbegotten
Mary Birdsong, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me
Erin Davie, Grey Gardens
Xanthe Elbrick, Coram Boy
Johnny Galecki, The Little Dog Laughed
Jonathan Groff, Spring Awakening
Gavin Lee, Mary Poppins
Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights
Bill Nighy, The Vertical Hour
Stark Sands, Journey's End
Nilaja Sun, No Child…
Click for more News on Former American Idol Contestants
Click for more Theater News/Commentary
Friday, May 18, 2007
Ten Best 'Top 3' Performances of All Time
With this year's finale right around the corner, it's time to rank the Ten Best 'Top 3' Performances of all time. This is a round that has produced some of the most memorable performances in Idol history. Interestingly, while four of the five winners have a performance that made the list, the top 4 spots are actually taken by runners-up.
Reminder: This year's performances are not eligible for the Ten Best lists.
Here we go...
1. Katharine McPhee, "Over the Rainbow"
When it was first announced that Simon Cowell had chosen this song for Katharine to sing, I'm sure there was a lot of eye-rolling going on around the country (my own eyes included). But when she appeared on screen, looking gorgeous as she draped herself across the floor, and started singing the rarely-sung opening a capella, all doubts immediately vanished. Rarely have a song and singer merged so beautifully on the Idol stage, as Katharine gave an emotional, moving, incredibly well-sung and interpreted performance. This is one of the most dazzling performances in Idol history.
2. Bo Bice, "In a Dream"
There has been a lot of talk about all of the risks Blake Lewis has taken this season, but one of the biggest risks in Idol history came when Bo Bice elected to sing, completely a capella, the little-known song "In a Dream." Not only did he sound great, and do something that no performer had done before him (or, for that matter, since), he reminded us what the Idol competition is all about -- pure voice. They start their Idol experience by singing a capella in front of the judges, and Bo completed the circle by doing the same thing in the Top 3. Totally balls-y and totally fantastic.
3. Diana Degarmo, "Don't Cry Out Loud"
Who would have thought that a treacly 70's ballad by Melissa Machester could have such life in 2004? Diana's style may not have been to everyone's liking, but as her voice soared on the choruses of this tune ("Don't cry out looooooooooooooooud") it became impossible for even her biggest detractors to acknowledge how much talent this teenager had.
4. Clay Aiken, "Unchained Melody"
We've heard many times throughout the seasons that this is Simon Cowell's favorite song, but of all the contestants who have attempted to do it justice, Clay is the only one who has succeeded (Kellie Pickler's Season 5 rendition ranks as one of the very worst). Although we hardly needed another reminder, this performance confirmed that Clay's voice was truly magical.
5. Kelly Clarkson, "Without You"
This is probably one of the most challenging songs ever tackled on the Idol stage, and Kelly managed to make Mariah Carey's rendition look practically irrelevant after wrapping her golden voice around the tune. Somehow she managed to step it up even further on her results show performance of the song -- in fact, if I could have included Kelly's results show performance on this list it probably would have grabbed the #1 spot. It was readily apparent by this point in Season 1 that Ms. C could do no wrong.
6. Kimberley Locke, "Inseparable"
Kimberley didn't have a chance in hell at making the finals in Season 2, but it didn't stop her from performing her heart out. All three of her performances that evening were fantastic, but best of all was this Toni Braxton number, which perfectly suited K-Lo's rich, sultry tones. She wasn't going to go any futher in the competition, but she certainly left the viewers with a good taste in their mouths.
7. Taylor Hicks, "Try a Little Tenderness"
Once Chris Daughtry had gotten the boot back in Season 5 it was pretty clear Taylor was going to take the title, and he made further strides at securing his claim to the top spot with this spirited performance. It was just the trick to get his "Soul Patrol" all fired up, and may have even gained him a new fans in the process. The question is -- where did all those fans go?
8. Carrie Underwood, "Making Love Out of Nothing At All"
I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Carrie Underwood + 80's power ballad = sheer bliss. While this performance didn't have quite the punch of her earlier triumph "Alone," wailing the Air Supply tune helped her show she could do more than sing contemporary country tunes.
9. Elliott Yamin, "I Believe to My Soul"
The true sign of a great Idol performance is when a contestant can sing an unknown song and really make it work. Elliott accomplished this feat with his final performance of the season, taking the little known tune and using a combination of soulful vocal licks and his undeniably likeable personality to hit this one completely out of the ballpark. He may not have made it to the finals, but he's a winner in my book.
10. Ruben Studdard, "Smile"
I thought it was a strange song choice back in Season 2, but in retrospect this was a perfect choice for the Velvet Teddy Bear. It was his smile, after all, that had first endeared him to the audience, and singing the Charlie Chaplin number reminded viewers just why they fell in love with him in the first place.
Honorable Mentions:
Carrie Underwood, "Cryin'"
Clay Aiken, "Mack the Knife"
Fantasia, "A Fool in Love"
Fantasia, "Chain of Fools"
Justin Guarini, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down"
Justin Guarini, "Let's Stay Together"
Kelly Clarkson, "Think Twice"
Kimberley Locke, "Band of Gold"
Ruben Studdard, "If Ever You're In My Arms Again"
Vonzell Solomon, "On the Radio"
Read more American Idol Best-Of Lists
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ten Best 'Top 4' Performances of All Time
Yep, it's time to rank the Ten Best 'Top 4' Performances of all time. There were actually fewer standouts than there were back in the Top 5, but the list still includes some classic performances, including four of the five winners, three runners-up, and two tunes from Elliott Yamin. I've also included some honorable mentions. Here we go...
1. Kelly Clarkson, "I Surrender"
Yes, I know this performance was not vocally perfect, and Kelly's voice sounded a bit ragged, but, to me, this is one of the most dramatic performances ever seen on the Idol stage, and the imperfections in Kelly's vocals make the performance that much more stirring. Simply stunning.
2. Diana Degarmo, "No More Tears"
Taking on the combined vocal talents of Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer is no easy feat, but Diana more than rose to the challenge back in Season 3, providing one of the most thrilling vocal performances of that season. This is the performance that propelled Diana toward the finals.
3. Elliott Yamin, "Trouble"
Most folks had written Elliott off coming into the Top 4, thinking Taylor, Katharine and Chris were locks to get to the next round. But with his rousing, soulful, attitude-filled version of this Elvis song, Elliott made clear he wasn't giving up that easily.
4. Justin Guarini, "Get Here"
Justin made Paula cry with this song in the Hollywood round, and he wisely saved it for the Top 4 to reprise it. Perfectly suiting his vocals, this was, in my opinion, Justin's strongest performance of the competition.
5. Taylor Hicks, "In The Ghetto"
It's no secret that I was not Taylor's biggest fan, but he won me over big time with his rendition of this Elvis Presley song, ditching many of his Taylor-isms to give the song some serious soul and gravitas. Easily my favorite Taylor performance ever.
6. Clay Aiken, "To Love Somebody"
Jordin got lots of praise for her rendition last week, but in my mind Clay's is the definitive Idol version of this song. Combine that soaring voice with the beautiful swell of the music, and how could you go wrong?
7. Carrie Underwood, "Sin Wagon"
Whenever you combined Carrie's spot-on vocals with contemporary female country singers, she hit it out of the park, and her rendition of this Dixie Chicks tune is no exception. This song allowed Carrie to show off her fun and flirty side, which no doubt helped her take the title over Bo Bice a few weeks later.
8. Vonzell Solomon, "Don't Leave Me This Way"
Vonzell must have been a disco queen in another lifetime, I have no doubt. As she wailed this 70's classic, she showed why she deserved a spot in the Top 3.
9. Elliott Yamin, "If I Can Dream"
Yep, it was Elliott's night during the Top 4 last season, as he injected this Elvis ballad with trademark Yamin vocal licks and soul. I'd take this version over the creepy Celine Dion/Elvis duet any day.
10. Ruben Studdard, "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart"
When Ruben just stood there, infusing the perfectly written 70's classic with his patented booming, soulful sound, he couldn't go wrong. This was a much better fit for Ruben than it was for Melinda this year (although, to be fair, Melinda did tear up the final notes).
Honorable Mentions:
Anthony Fedorov, "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
Diana Degarmo, "This is It"
Fantasia, "Holding Out For a Hero"
Josh Gracin, "To Love Somebody"
Nikki McKibben, "Mary Jane"
Ruben Studdard, "Nights on Broadway"
Tamyra Gray, "Feel the Fire"
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Theater News / Commentary
Rumor Mill: Is Fantasia Pregnant?
Year End: Ten Best Plays & Musicals of 2007
Howard, Rose, Rashad and Jones to Star in Broadway's All-African American Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Matthew Morrison to Join O'Hara and Szot in Lincoln Center Theater's South Pacific
Watch Video From Broadway's Back! Celebration
Download Idina Menzel's "Brave" NOW!
Theater Suggestions: Farnsworth, The Glorious Ones, Peter & Jerry and More
Omigod You Guys! MTV To Air Legally Blonde Musical
Fantasia Extends Stay in The Color Purple, May Star in New Musical
Lance Bass To Join Broadway Cast of Hairspray
Theater Notes: Spring Awakening, Grease, and Tamyra Gray in Rent
Will Jake Gyllenhaal Come to Broadway?
Tony Award Predictions Part 3: The Play Awards
Tony Award Predictions Part 2: The Musical Awards
Jordin and Melinda Stop in to See Fantasia
Tony Award Predictions Part 1: The Design Awards
Fantasia Will Perform on the Tony Awards
Fantasia Wins Theatre World Award for Best Broadway Debut
Spring Awakening and Coast of Utopia Lead Tony Nominations
Carrie Visits Anthony at The Fantasticks
Tamyra Gray to Join Broadway Cast of Rent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
