Pop Culture Buzz

Every year there are at least one or two cuts made by the judges on the top 24 show with which American Idol fans strongly disagree. Last night the judges really pissed off some “American Idol” fans by eliminating fan favorite Josiah Leming. During Hollywood week, Josiah delivered again with Mika’s “Grace Kelly” which was my favorite Hollywood audition.

Josiah Leming seemed to be a judge favorite until his shaky rendition of “Stand By Me.” Judges say Leming -who lives in his car and at times sings with a faux British accent- is too confident for his own good.

I disagree 100% with the judges final decision. After the American Idol top 24 show officially revealed that Josiah was cut, the American Idol message board was overrun with upset fans.

Josiah offered up a fresh new sound to this tired and stale competition. Not only were his innocent good looks sure to win over the hearts of the teen set, but his charismatic personality and original take on music would have been a fresh breath of air!

As for the other contestants, there were no surprises when the final 24 were announced. Let’s hope we get to see more of Josiah out in the real music world where he belongs anyway!

WATCH JOSIAH LEMING PERFORM A COVER OF MIKA’S “GRACE KELLY” ON AMERICAN IDOL BELOW:

Jordin Sparks, the winner of the sixth and most recent season of “American Idol” (who many thought was the most marketable of the shows winners) probably won’t be thrilled when she learns her album has turned out the lowest first week numbers of a debut issued by any of the shows previous winners. Jordin Sparks enters next week’s chart at #10 (the sole new release to crack the top 10) with little more than 119,100 units sold.

Comparatively, season-one victor Kelly Clarkson’s 2003 debut “Thankful” opened at #1 with 297,400 scans, while season two “Idol” Ruben Studdard’s 2003 LP “Soulful” also entered at #1, selling 416,600 units. These numbers have not been able to be duplicated by any “Idol” winner to follow.

America’s third “Idol,” Fantasia Barrino, sold more than 239,000 copies of her 2004 debut “Free Yourself” to bow at #8. While season-four champ Underwood’s 2005 opus “Some Hearts” opened at #2 with sales of 315,000. Her latest album “Carnival Ride” debuted at #1 and has already been certified a hit.

The last man standing at the conclusion of the shows fifth season, the salt-and-pepper-pelted Taylor Hicks, sold more than 298,000 copies of his 2006 eponymous debut to enter the chart at #2. At the time people thought that Hick’s debut was the beginning of the end of the “Idol” craze. As it stands it looks like the joke is actually on Sparks.

Are these the signs of the end of “American Idol”? If the writer’s strike continues this may be the biggest “Idol” yet. But apparently “Idol” viewers doesn’t mean “Idol” buyers. The formula for “Idol” is getting old, Paula Abdul has become a public joke and the talent has become stale. After the whole Sanjaya season I for one am tired of the hoopla surrounding this show.

Well folks it has finally happened, Sanjaya has finally been kicked off of “American Idol”. But has the damage already been done? I used to be a huge fan of this show but after a rough audition segment and after the judges picked a bizarre top 12 we were forced to watch Sanjaya week after week ruin the reputation of this show. His voice was the worst of any contestant in the history of the show, period. A lot of the contestants this year have let me down. Their music choices and styling has been pretty contrived and just plain boring. At this point my favorite, and most likely winner, is Jordin Sparks. Sure the spelling of her name (not “J-O-R-D-A-N”) is annoying as my best friend claims, but she has the freshest voice on that stage, and she is only 17.

The point of this article is that in my opinion the show has “jumped the shark”, but now has a chance to redeem itself. I am now looking forward to the summer t.v. line-up because this spring’s programming has just fell flat for me. With CBS airing a pirate themed reality show and a new season of “Big Brother” and with HBO’s “Big Love” and “The Sorprano’s” we will have enough fun t.v. to cool us off in the summer heat. “American Idol” has lost major points with me to say the least. As long as Sanjaya didn’t win I am not completely through with the show. I will still watch it, but with a judging eye. Check out the hilarious You Tube clip with a farewell Sanjaya montage below:

I have no words for this picture other than…it is H-O-T!!

I am not saying both Chris & Blake are gay, but what straight guy do you know that cradles another dude in between his legs…and on T.V. no less?

I like to think they are in the midst of a torid love affair, torn apart by this competition…their love will survive.

JUST KIDDING (kinda)…I love a good gay rumor!

#1 REASON:

(See Below) Sanjaya is a trainwreck and a joke, he is the reason why this show is losing it’s charm and believability. If he continues further I will lose interest faster. I do not think his schtick is funny or entertaining. He actually makes me throw up a little each time I hear him sing or whenever I see what kind of drag queen look he is trying to pull off each week (A Diana Ross perm? Really?). He is embarrassing and just plain B-A-D. Does Sanjaya even know that his success so far is based on how bad we really think he is? I love howard Stern, but his campaign to have his fans vote for Sanjaya pisses me off.

#2 REASON:

Contestants like Gina Glocksen are being pushed to the background because of the “Sanjaya” factor. I used to think this show was legitimate and fun, now it is losing credibility and just grates on my nerves. I agree with Simon, if Sanjaya wins I will not watch this show ever again. Gina Glocksen pulled off a terrific performance on last nights show. She was hands down the best singer of them all. Even better than my girls Lakisha and Melinda. So why is America probably going to put her in the bottom 3 tonight? Because they are ruining the best show on t.v. by voting for people like Sanjaya and Haleigh, that’s why. Gina deserves to be in the top 5, if not top 3 because of her great “Pretenders” performance last night, pure and simple!

#3 REASON:

The hottest guy is once again, not the best singer. Ace Young anyone? Chris Richardson started out so strong in this competition. But now each week he is slipping into worse and worse territory. His vocal ability is waining and the judges are noticing it big time. I hate to see cute Chris get voted off before Blake. Chris has a charm and real feel that Blake can’t fake. But alas, he can’t sing good enough to even beat Sanjaya, and that is a travesty!

Some people have asked me recently why I have stopped blogging about this years “American Idol” competition. If you have been reading my posts on the show then you would know I stopped blogging the night all 12 started to compete together. I made up my mind after watching the Diana Ross episode that this show was slipping. If you watched that episode then you know it was the worst show in the history of “American idol”. Ross came off as a ego maniac and her performance sounded like she was on one of the audition episodes. I have been pretty disapointed by the way the show has been going ever since. Slowly but surely it has taken a turn for the worse with bad song choices, the wrong people getting cut and yes, more Sanjaya.

I loved Taylor Hicks, I thought he was entertaining. But the backlash from his win has been huge. Sales of his c.d. lagged and were nowhere near any of the past winners numbers. This year people are saying that his win ruined the credibility of the show. I would disagree, but then again we ARE dealing with Sanjaya and Haleigh still. I just don’t understand why Sanjaya is still in this race past Stephanie Edwards who was kicked off last night. And why was Chris Rchardson in the bottom 2? He is my favorite even though he doesn’t have the best voice. Sanjaya is repulsive, he grates on my every last nerve. There I said it!

As far as talent goes Lakisha and Melinda still have a death grip on range and style. They truly out perform every other contestant on the show when they perform. I am afraid people are not voting for the best voice though, it has become like Simon says a “popularity contest”. And apparently Sanjaya is pretty popular. His presence every week makes me lose faith in the process of voting and even in ever watching this show again. But, I must admit the British Invasion night was a great theme. Every song that was picked was perfect and Lulu stole my heart. I think she needs her own show (hint, hint FOX). For once a judge gave perfect advice and then followed it up with their own talent.

All in all, I am sick of the gay banter between Ryan and Simon. I am tired of Blake Lewis’s contrived style and train wreck beat boxing. He tries too hard in my book. I have also been really curious how it is that Paula hasn’t collapsed on stage yet. Her drugged out loopy comments are getting worse and worse to understand. I have never been a fan of the musical montage commercials either, that stuff makes me want to to hurl…big time. When I started this category in January I assumed I would be hooked right away and would be rooting for my favorite pick, now I am getting tired fast of all the cheesy moments. I mean c’mon, was that little girl crying in the audience set up or what?!? This whole show is lacking in quality at this point, and I am getting more and more irritated the longer Sanjaya stays.

Once again the girls showed the boys how it is done! Most of the girls brought their A game last night while a few sucked as usual. Let us talk about the female equivalent of Sanjaya, Antonella Barber. Why is she wasting my time with her half ass karaoke singing? The double standards the American Idol producers are using concerning her porn past is sickening. Remember when Frenchi Davis, that years hopeful, was suddenly kicked off when her pictures surfaced? Why is Antonella still in the running? Looks? Ethnicity? I think that was a lame-o move on the creators part, shame on them! Here is a rundown of my top 5 favorite performances from the girls on last nights show.

#1 - Melinda Doolittle

Melinda once again steals the show. Each week her songs are more and more original than the last and she shows us something we have never seen on American Idol before. What a breath of fresh air she is every week. I love her down to earth attitude and smokey, strong voice. This girl could be our next American Idol.

#2 - Lakisha Jones

Lakisha gave us a more subtle performace this week, but it was powerful none the less. I love Lakisha’s over the top family and how humble she comes off. Her voice is so refined and professional sounding, her voice may be the best one once it is recorded onto an album. This girl can belt out a tune, that is for sure.

#3 - Gina Glocksen

What? Gina? YEP! Homegirl rocked it out this week with her performance of an Evanescence song. She sounded better than the tired ass original song. Gina gets the award for most improved this week. She has a solid chance at making the top 12 now that she has shown America her true colors. We always knew she was a kick ass rock bitch, thank god she showed us that before it was too late.

#4 - Sabrina Sloan

I am getting a little tired of all the diva songs these girls are singing. They make them sound way older than they really are. I would love to see Sabrina do a fast paced Christina Aguillera song (”What A Girl Wants” or “Aint No Other Man”). I am digging her less kinky hair-do, but all in all this was a weak performance.

#5 - Stephanie Edwards

Stephanie is another girl that needs to branch out and get away from the adult contemporary songs. She is a young pretty girl, but we need to see some spunk! Stephanie may have the best stage presence of all the girls, but her song choices are getting tired. I am hoping for bigger things once she makes the top 12.

Man what a dreadful display of talent the boys showed us last night! AJ Tabaldo gets kicked off but the horrible Michael Jackson clone Sanjaya stays in? America is smoking crack! Sanjaya’s “Paula Abdul” style hair, girlie speaking voice and soft singing are so bad, I have to fast forward my Tivo to avoid the embarrassment. With rumors of a Michael Jackson night brewing, I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes it into the top 12 tomorrow night.

#1 - Chris Richardson

Our boy Chris did an o.k. job this week. I say o.k. because his song choices are always a bit off the beaten path and his vocals weren’t the best ever. Chris is slowly appearing to be the male front runner in this contest though. He doesn’t come off as ‘affected” or like a poser like some other guys this season (I wish I could say the same thing for my #2 choice this week!). And man did Chris look HOT Last night or what???

#2 - Chris Sligh

Wow, I am just as shocked as you with this pick. I picked Chris S. for the #2 spot cause he had the most consistent vocal last night with very few problems. I like how he has increased his game week by week. There is no doubt that Chris S. will make the top 12 this week. But how long he will last after that is any persons guess.

#3 - Blake Lewis

Blake, why did you have to go and act like a douche bag? 311 is your favorite band, really? And you create characters with a comedy improv group??? Eww, that is just lame-o! After studying your performance last night I felt like Blake was fake and kind of tired. I like the scratching and dance moves, but the whole back story was dorky. He lost some serious “cool” points with me last night. Don’t get me wrong though, I wouldn’t kick him out of the bedroom…if ya now what I mean.

# 4 - Brandon Rogers

Brandon has shown improvement over the past two weeks. He has cemented his status in the top 12 for sure with his performance last night. Brandon is handsome and has some great moments, but he is nothing compared to a handful of girls. Once the boys face the girls it will be a massacre, just you wait and see!

# 5 - NONE!!!!

This week sucked and I am tired of filling the number five slot with the least crappiest performer, lets just leave this list at four, cause that is all that is worth reporting on! Simon was right when he said only 4 boys deserve to make it into the top 12, ouch! Sundance Head, “Baldy” and the rest are just plain useless as far as talent is concerned. Excuse me if I am coming off super bitchy this week but this travesty that is the “boys” this year really gets on my nerves. What a waste of time, if I was a guy who didn’t make the top 20 I would be scratching my head at some of the choices made.

#1 - Melinda Doolittle

Melinda blew away every girl this week with her rendition of “My Funny Valentine”. Her voice is so controlled and professional it is scary. Lakisha Jones now has some serious competition on her hands. I would love to see these two divas battle it out on stage. Simon was right, Melinda is charming and people love her story. She will no longer be a back up singer that is for sure.

#2 - Lakisha Jones

Lakisha may just end up winning this thing. Even though she comes in 2nd on my list, she kicked some serious ass singing “Midnight Train to Georgia”. I love her wacky dance moves and super sweet and shy presence when it comes time for questions and comments. I love how she improvises certain parts in her songs, accenting her superior range. This girl can blow!

#3 - Stephanie Edwards

More of Stephanie’s spunky personality came out this week as she out sang Beyonce on a Beyonce song. She had perfect timing and her drop dead gorgeous tone make this a tight race for the girls. Stephanie will make it into the top 12 without a problem. She looks perfect and I think she can really add the pressure to my #1 & #2 picks this week.

#4 - Sabrina Sloan

Sabrina messed up a few times this week. First off, her song choice is getting to be a bit tired. I think she is one of the prettiest girls in the competition, but she needs to losen up a little and sing younger songs. Her voice reminds me of Christina Aguillera a lot, and if she keeps it up she can outlast most of the boys.

#5 - Gina Glocksen

I had a hard time justifying this last pick, but you have to give it to Gina, she did well this week. I also agree that her personality is vague, is she a rocker? Is she edgy? Or is it just the hair? She was the best white girl singer by far tonight, but that is not saying much. For example, Antonella Barber is the WORST girl ever to get this far in the past 6 seasons put together. And yes she is even worse than Jasmine Trias.

#1 - Chris Richardson

This week Chris pulled off a more entertaining pop star performance than any other boy. Compared to Blake this week, his look was less contrived and his song choice was more unique than any other contestant. Chris is adorable and he will go far, but don’t count out Blake who is not far behind

#2 - Blake Lewis

Something about Blake this night turned me off. His look was all over the map and it felt really “effected”. I did love the fact that he brought his beat boxing back and with such creativity. He is a true talent and Chris should be worried about Blake and his other talents for sure. And how much did you love that song choice, “Geek In The Pink”?….Perfect!

# 3 - Chris Sligh

Chris has been picking some strange music choices but his voice has been a breath of fresh air. I do not get why people prefer the bald douche bag Phil over Chris Sligh. I don’t get Phil’s cheesy ballad choices and the whole military thing, it’s just too corny. Chris Sligh has charisma and a sense of humor, that should be worth more votes.

# 4 - A.J. Tabaldo

A.J. is this years surprise male vocalist. He has a great sense of fashion and he has a terrific range. His song selection so far is perfectly on target with what the audience likes. I stand by my first comment that he is a bit nelly, as am I, but will America vote for him in droves? I doubt it. Yeah, I made it a gay issue….get over it.

#5 - Jared Cotter

Does this line up look familiar? This is the same top 5 boys as last week and only the top 2 have changed. Once again Jared impressed me with his sexy, sultry deeep voice. His performance was a little over the top and smarmy but his voice was pitch perfect. Jared just might make the top 12 after all.

#1 - Lakisha Jones

As soon as I heard the first bars of “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls” I knew this girl had some guts and raw vocal power. Her performance made me tear up and gave me chills. This performance was in a whole other league than that of any other contestant.

#2 - Melinda Doolittle

Melinda is a blessing in this contest. She is sweet, shy and real. She has the vocal chops of a young Aretha or Mary J. Blige. Her quiet charming personality only cements her place in this contest. She will go very far if America knows what is right.

#3 - Sabrina Sloan

I had no idea who Sabrina Sloan was, but didn’t care when she started to sing. She sounded just like Christina Aguillera and her energy was infectious. Her loud, powerful voice will get her far in the beginning but will it be able to compete with #1 & #2? I cannot wait to see this battle!

#4 - Stephanie Edwards

Stephanie put the boys to shame as the first girl to perform. The men looked like karaoke chumps after seeing Kimberly walk on stage and fall to her knees. I love the theatrics and dramatic flair she adds to her performace. I wonder what she will do next!

#5 - Jordin Sparks

Once again my number 5 pick is so-so. Jordin did well, but didn’t do much to boost her popularity with a boring song and look. I could care less if she goes far, as far as I concerned this show belongs to these other girls on this list.

In summary, the men’s night last night sucked ass. The men were obviously nervous but this was a bad night for the guys this season. I think the girls are going to kick some serious butt when they perform because this night was plain sucky.

#1 - Blake Lewis

Wow, where did this guy come from? Just last week he was the silly beat boxer with bad hair. Last night he toned down the hair and sand a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know” from Keane. The song, the tone of his voice and his look scream AMERICAN IDOL.

#2 - Chris Richardson

Chris stumbled big time last night, but I sense that it was just nerves. He looked great and very stylish and current (except for the terrible Oompa Loopmpa make up all the contestants were wearing). Chris is still my favorite, and he is the hottest male contestant EVER. Let’s hope he pulls it together and kills the nerves to win this thing.

#3 - AJ Tabaldo

Talk about surprises, this guy blew me and my friends away. He sounded pulled together and tight. His voice and presence on the stage were flawless. I am just not convinced America will vote for a queeny gay guy again (ahem, Clay Aiken, ahem). P.S. I am a nelly gay guy too, if you did not know that already.

#4 - Chris Sligh

I think Chris adds the humor and likeability this contest desperately needs now. He takes things with a great attitude and has the personality to go far in this contest. I could easily see Chris going into t.v. or movies he just has that charisma like Jack Black does.

#5 - Jared Cotter

If I had to pick a guy for the fifth place spot, then I will just pick this guy because he didn’t annoy me in the same way the rest of the remaining guys did. Jared is pretty cute and has a soft warm tone to his voice, but he won’t last much longer. I should have just made this a top four list.

Some of you loyal readers may have noticed I stopped reporting on FOX’s “American Idol” last week. After watching the first few episodes it dawned on me that I couldn’t keep track of all the great singers amongst all the rejects. The bright spots were just too few and far between and I was getting annoyed by the staged bullying (the locked door was SO on purpose!). The first episodes dragged on too long and I got pretty bored by the cartoon-ish depictions of ugly people with the silly editing and crude sound effects.

This week we finally got to the Hollywood episodes where we get to see and hear the cream of the crop. After Tuesday’s “group” audition and Wednesday’s solo episode the judges cut the groups down to 12 girls and 12 guys. The final cuts that were issued on Wednesday were brutal. Some contestants took the bad news pretty harshly and man did it make for some seriously good television. The final girl who was cut looked as if she was going to blow chunks. She just about curled into the fetal position with disbelief and shock.

This year doesn’t have the same excitement as I feel last years competition did. I did see a few bright spots in the beginning auditions though. I have listed them below for your reference. I can say right now, with the most confidence, that I think Chris Richardson will win this year by a landslide. If I had to say who I think his closest competitor is it would be Melinda Doolittle. Now that I have said it on the record, let me know your favorites, I am very curious to hear your opinion.

CHRIS RICHARDSON

CHRIS SLIGH

GINA GLOCKSEN

LAKISHA JONES

MELINDA DOOLITTLE

This season is slowly crawling along and with painful results. The painful audition period is almost half over, thank god. I am just tired of the fake auditions, the crazy people and the truly delusional contestants. Since this week we have one show that is only one hour and one show was 2 hours long, I am putting both digests into one blog entry. Here are the favorites of both nights. They are by no means out of this world extraordinary but some are promising.

Sundance Head (The Bear Daddy):

His voice is strong but he does look like a bear daddy. Simon even said “eat your heart out Taylor”…ouch.

Danielle McCullough (The Blonde):

This girl was just ordinary with nothing too exciting to look forward to.

Sean Michaels (Cat Stevens):

This guy was a strange surprise, a soft voice. Keep your eye on this one.

Melinda Doolittle (Big Smile):

This girl can blow. She is super sweet and has a chance at going far.

Phillip Stacy (Baby Daddy):

This guy has a hot, sultry voice. I am hoping he does well

AMERICAN IDOL EPISODE 6.3

Sarah Burgess (Ohio Girl That Lied To Parents):

This girl was so sincere and has a gentle fun voice. Her personality is strong and cute.

Amanda (New Jersey BFF #1):

This girl was just o.k. And she even claimed to be trained and better than her friend.

Antonella (New Jersey BFF #2):

This girl is super gorgeous for 16 and way better than her friend that went before her.

Kia Thorton (Aretha Franklin):

This girl was so genuine and powerful she may go far if she keeps this up.

Jenry Bejarano (16 y/o Tyson Beckford Model):

This 16y/o is super good looking with a deep sexy voice, the girls and boys will love him.

Jory Steinberg (Canada Chick):

This girl is forgetable and pretty talented but may not be able to stay in the contest.

Porcelana Patino (Stripper Gir):

This chick is slutty and bizarre. I hope she gets far, but she looks like she has attitude.

Rachel Zevita (Opera Rainbow Girl):

I love this trippy rainbow bright girl. Her range is impressive and she can really do well in the future.

Chris Richardson (HOT BOY):

This boy not only looks like Justin Timberlake but he sounds almost better than him to.

Nicholas Pedro (3rd Time Trying Out):

This is this guys 3rd time trying out for A.I. He doesn’t have the looks or power in his voice to stay around much longer in Hollywood.

I am tired of this part of the show already and it is only episode two. Yikes. Thank god we only have a few more weeks of this torture. Sure I laugh sometimes but some of these people need help they are so delusional. It has become a freak show just to laugh at it seems. I thought Simon making jokes about the two guys who were obviously mentally slow was a bit harsh. Simon said one of them looked like a “bush baby”. This was an all time low for this show just when you think it could not have sunk any lower.

Once again they pulled the locked door trick on people as they exited the audition room and this time it wasn’t as funny. This part of the show is tragic and a waste of my time. I wish we would be able to skip all of this part of the audition process. It is like watching a torture session, these people are clueless. I think Paula is so high she has become less sensitive and nice. So all we get are Simon’s barbs and Randy’s non-stop giggling. I miss Jewel already!

Here is a list of this episodes most talented:

Thomas Daniels (Afro Guy):
This is Thomas’ 3rd time trying out for Idol, and it looks like this was hi slucky day. I don’t see this guy advancing after Hollywood.

Blake Lewis (Crunchy Spiked Hair Dude):
This guy sang a Seal song, and actually did a great job. Though his hair is a bit much, I think he may do well in weeks to come.

Shyamali Myalakar (The Indian Sister):
This girl and her brother showed up to try out together. They are a pretty sweet looking and acting pair. I have high hopes for this Indian family to go far.

Sanjaya Myalakar (The Indian Brother):
This boy blew his sisters audition away, and the cute part was he didn’t tell his sister that the judges thought he was better. And he was.

Rudy Cardenas (The Last Guy In Seattle):
This tall cute latino boy was the last to try out in Seattle and impressed the judges enough for him to go to Hollywood. I think he may do o.k.