American Idol judges: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.
American Idol, the highly rated star-maker machine that annually spins straw into gold…(and platinum), is all about comings and goings. But this year it’s not just the latest crop of hopeful contestants angling to capture the spotlight. Changes among the judges are threatening to obfuscate the music competition. Ellen DeGeneres joins the bench this season, as stalwart Simon Cowell, announces his impending fall defection to The X Factor.
“I want to leave Idol this year bigger and better than it was in the past,” Cowell said at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, last Jan. But can the show survive losing its strongest, most knowledgeable judge?
“When we first started we had a record producer, an artist and an A&R man,” Cowell told People. “In simplistic terms, if you’re going to give a score you generally need to know what you’re talking about. I think over the years judges have been replaced by personalities. That in the long term will create problems because you’ve got to be able to spot a star. So whoever replaces me, my advice has always been to find somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about.”
DeGeneres, despite being a “personality” and comedic wit, may be a prime example of a judge without direct musical experience. During this year’s highly edited tryout weeks, DeGeneres provided fun comments and displayed her animated personality. However, during last week’s live judging exercise, her lack of musical sophistication surfaced. “I liked it and I like you,” DeGeneres told Janell Wheeler who was voted off last week. “I loved it and think you have a great voice,” she told Haeley Vaughn. To Siobhan Magnus she offered, “I loved it, loved the song choice, loved how deep you started and liked it a lot.” To Jermaine Sellers, Ellen advised, “I love your look and love that song…but thought you were trying too hard.” DeGeneris’s most colorful moment came in regard to Alex Lambert, “I like you. I like bananas and sometimes a banana is just not quite ripe and you’re like ‘oooh I wish it was more ripe because I’d like to eat that banana right now,’ but it’s not ripe enough.”
Contrast the above comments with some of Cowell’s observations. To Lilly Scott, “I actually felt you sang this song because you like it and it portrays you as an artist, rather than something to get you through to the next round, but I’m still not feeling star power from you.” To Lacey Brown he charged, “I thought it was quite depressing. After about 15 seconds, I was wondering how much longer we were going to have listen to this. It was kind of indulgent.” Cowell told Didi Benami, “You are a good singer but here is my problem: There’s too many people trying to sound like the same person, like Adele and Duffy. Shut your eyes and I could confuse you with three or four singers tonight. What I’m missing here is a spark, something that excites me.” Crystal Bowersox got this zinger, “The truth is, there are thousands of you doing this outside of subway stations every day. If I met you in real life I wouldn’t stop in my tracks and think you’re the most original artist I’ve ever heard. You doing Alanis is you doing a soundalike.” Cowell was especially harsh toward 17-year old Katie Stevens, “It was like your mom and dad had dressed you and given you that song for this audition and it was kind of annoying. I’ve heard this so many times. You’re 17 and you’ve gotta become a recording artist, not someone who sings at a family birthday party.”
With regard to replacing Simon Cowell, who reportedly earns $36 million per season, AI judge Kara DioGuardi, told Zap2it.com, “It’s got to be someone who’s an incredible character, who has a combination of music experience and is also great television. That’s what makes Simon so compelling. Not only has he catapulted many people into stardom, he’s also so damn fascinating to watch. We’re all sad, though.”
“You cannot just criticize, you have to offer constructive advice as well,” Cowell was quoted as saying. And perhaps that is the essence of why finding a suitable replacement will be critical to the show’s success. Despite Cowell’s reputation as a harsh, insensitive critic, he is capable of holding a talent mirror to a contestant’s eyes and forcing them to see what he sees. In fact, one could argue his high musical standards have resulted in the launching of stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and others.
Based upon the first week of judging it may be premature to question if DeGeneres will sit on the bench for one term or graduate to additional years, but it it seems altogether accurate to predict that the show’s producers had better choose next year’s panel wisely, if they hope to keep the franchise alive.
Hall of Fame Offers “Sunday In the Country”
/by contributorArtists featured on the project include Trace Adkins, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Tracy Lawrence, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and Lee Ann Womack.
“For more than 20 years, our company has focused on the uniquely American genres of country, southern gospel, and black gospel music,” says New Haven Records President Ken Harding. “Sunday in the Country, the third project in our outstanding partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, has the potential to be our most successful release in the series.”
“Inspirational songs have always had an important place in the country music canon,” adds Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director Kyle Young. “The songs that comprise Sunday in the Country uphold this rich tradition, offering hope, fellowship, solace and gratitude. New Haven Records has been releasing meaningful country and gospel recordings for two decades, and we’re pleased to be partners with them on this project.”
Joining collections such as Three Wooden Crosses, Amazing Grace, Country’s Salute to Gospel and Songs for Worship—Country, this newest compilation represents the top-voted selections in a survey sent to hundreds of country radio programmers. The list was then reviewed by historians at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, who developed the final selection for the project in association with Harding.
Sunday in the Country track listing:
“Long Black Train”
Josh Turner
“I Believe”
Diamond Rio
“But for the Grace of God”
Keith Urban
“Blessed”
Martina McBride
“Drugs or Jesus”
Tim McGraw
“Muddy Water”
Trace Adkins
“Go Rest High on That Mountain
Vince Gill
“Holes in the Floor of Heaven”
Steve Wariner
“Up to Him”
Tracy Lawrence
“Angels Among Us”
Alabama
“Get Up in Jesus’ Name”
Lee Ann Womack
“I Found Jesus on the Jailhouse Floor”
George Strait
Shiny Globe shows New Imprint Imminent
/by adminOver recent years we have seen second imprints arrive and depart. In fact, companies such as Sony Music Nashville, UMGN, WMG, Big Machine and Broken Bow currently have two or more imprints.
What are some of the elements for second label success? In some cases, the new imprint is created and then acts are signed. However, if a label has a roster bursting at the seams with success, say a trio of platinum acts plus a group of mid-level artists all starting to break through, then a second imprint could be the perfect prescription to help capitolize and grow those assets. Either way, the additional resources allow a label to effectively expose and launch more artists in less time.
What might a second imprint look like? If the newly-formed entity mirrors the model used by most other Nashville labels, it will feature a fully staffed second promotion team that will utilize existing resources from other divisions inside the label.
Gokey Returns to “Idol” Tonight
/by contributorYesterday, Gokey celebrated his album release in and around Atlanta, GA, with a day of TV and radio interviews, an in-store appearance and an impromptu performance for the University of Alabama women’s basketball team. Members of the team, in town for an SEC tournament game, spotted Gokey dining in the same restaurant and asked if he might sing for them. With the blessing of restaurant management, Gokey and band grabbed their gear and delivered a performance and autographs on the spot.
In addition to his American Idol performance tomorrow, fans can be on the lookout for Gokey in non-restaurant settings in the days to come, including a Thursday CD signing at a Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles, and a Friday performance and CD signing at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.
CMA Fest Adds Performers
/by contributorThe Country Music Association has announced the latest additions to the artist lineup for the upcoming 2010 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville. Newly added artists include Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Kellie Pickler and superstar Tim McGraw, who will make his first appearance at the Festival since 2001.
Previously announced artists include Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. All of the announced artists will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.
Flatts Cameos, Faith Rocks and Martin Tours
/by contributorIn other small screen news, Faith Hill will show off her rock vocal chops with a performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction later this month. It’s not exactly new territory for the country
superstar; one of her first single releases back in 1994 was a cover of the Janis Joplin classic, “Piece of My Heart.” At the time, Hill owned up to the fact that she’d never heard the song before she headed into the studio to record it.
At the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Hill will join Chris Isaak, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5), Train’s Pat Monahan, Ronnie Spector, Fefe Dobson, Eric Burdon and Peter Wolf on the prestigious list of performers. The induction ceremony – which will honor ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff and more – takes place March 15 in New York and will air live on Fuse TV at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Jessica Harp Shifts Career Gears
/by contributorThompson and Buxton Debuts Deliver
/by contributorThompson is currently following up his Top-20 debut single, “Beer On the Table,” with his second single and the album’s title track, “Way Out Here.” The song goes to country radio next week, officially impacting on March 29. Thompson is currently on the Jagermeister Country Tour which runs through March, and he’ll be on the road this summer as part of Brad Paisley’s H20 2010 World Tour.
Buxton recently made history with the album’s leadoff single, “Outside My Window,” when it sold more than 12,000 paid downloads in its first week of release, making it the biggest opening digital single sales from a debut album for any female country artist in the history of Nielsen Soundscan. Buxton is currently on the road with Martina McBride and Trace Adkins on McBride’s Shine All Night tour.
Big Kenny To Speak at “TEDxNashville”
/by contributorThemed Art + Science: The Future of Health, TEDxNashville will assemble hundreds of Nashville’s brightest minds for a day of deep discussion, thought provoking video and live speakers presenting, in 18 minutes or less. The latest breakthroughs in health and wellness, including the influence of successful artists like Big Kenny and how their popularity can be leveraged to increase awareness of issues that impact the well-being of everyone, will be presented.
“My mission is to highlight the good, inspire greatness, and encourage mutual responsibility for the betterment of humankind,” says Big Kenny. “I think TEDxNashville is a great place to spread those ideas and I’m excited about being a part of it.”
Through Big Kenny’s foundation, www.loveeverybody.com, he has funded philanthropic projects in the US and throughout the world. A key influence over this part of his life was Walt Ratterman, who had been working in Haiti on behalf of Kenny’s foundation, until he lost his life in the Haiti earthquake.
TEDxNashville follows the format of TEDx, the independently organized events that are an international phenomenon. TEDx events offer to spark a community-wide discussion of ideas that matter, free of any commercial, political or religious agenda.
Chesney and Miller Rock Tootsie’s
/by contributorCountry superstar Kenny Chesney and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium last night (3/2) for a filming of the CMT series Crossroads. After treating the SRO Ryman crowd to almost two hours of music, the pair cut across the alley and ducked into Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, hitting the stage for a jam session that lasted into the wee hours.
“If you’re at the Ryman… and you want to do it the way the old Opry stars did, everybody knows it was out the back door of the Ryman, cross the ally and sneak in the back door of Tootsies,” Chesney says. “Kristofferson drank there, and Willie. Hank Williams, Patsy Cline. If I was gonna show my friend what this experience was all about – especially after a night as great as our Crossroads taping had been… then we had to do Tootsies!”
On the impromptu set list were Miller classics “Fly Like An Eagle,” “Take The Money & Run,” “Abracadabra,” “The Joker” and “Rock’n Me,” along with Chesney’s “Livin’ In Fast Forward” and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Love Struck Baby.” As yet, no air date has been set for the Chesney/Miller edition of Crossroads.
courtesy of Nashville Country Club
High A&R Bar Key To AI Success
/by adminAmerican Idol judges: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres.
“I want to leave Idol this year bigger and better than it was in the past,” Cowell said at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, last Jan. But can the show survive losing its strongest, most knowledgeable judge?
“When we first started we had a record producer, an artist and an A&R man,” Cowell told People. “In simplistic terms, if you’re going to give a score you generally need to know what you’re talking about. I think over the years judges have been replaced by personalities. That in the long term will create problems because you’ve got to be able to spot a star. So whoever replaces me, my advice has always been to find somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about.”
DeGeneres, despite being a “personality” and comedic wit, may be a prime example of a judge without direct musical experience. During this year’s highly edited tryout weeks, DeGeneres provided fun comments and displayed her animated personality. However, during last week’s live judging exercise, her lack of musical sophistication surfaced. “I liked it and I like you,” DeGeneres told Janell Wheeler who was voted off last week. “I loved it and think you have a great voice,” she told Haeley Vaughn. To Siobhan Magnus she offered, “I loved it, loved the song choice, loved how deep you started and liked it a lot.” To Jermaine Sellers, Ellen advised, “I love your look and love that song…but thought you were trying too hard.” DeGeneris’s most colorful moment came in regard to Alex Lambert, “I like you. I like bananas and sometimes a banana is just not quite ripe and you’re like ‘oooh I wish it was more ripe because I’d like to eat that banana right now,’ but it’s not ripe enough.”
Contrast the above comments with some of Cowell’s observations. To Lilly Scott, “I actually felt you sang this song because you like it and it portrays you as an artist, rather than something to get you through to the next round, but I’m still not feeling star power from you.” To Lacey Brown he charged, “I thought it was quite depressing. After about 15 seconds, I was wondering how much longer we were going to have listen to this. It was kind of indulgent.” Cowell told Didi Benami, “You are a good singer but here is my problem: There’s too many people trying to sound like the same person, like Adele and Duffy. Shut your eyes and I could confuse you with three or four singers tonight. What I’m missing here is a spark, something that excites me.” Crystal Bowersox got this zinger, “The truth is, there are thousands of you doing this outside of subway stations every day. If I met you in real life I wouldn’t stop in my tracks and think you’re the most original artist I’ve ever heard. You doing Alanis is you doing a soundalike.” Cowell was especially harsh toward 17-year old Katie Stevens, “It was like your mom and dad had dressed you and given you that song for this audition and it was kind of annoying. I’ve heard this so many times. You’re 17 and you’ve gotta become a recording artist, not someone who sings at a family birthday party.”
With regard to replacing Simon Cowell, who reportedly earns $36 million per season, AI judge Kara DioGuardi, told Zap2it.com, “It’s got to be someone who’s an incredible character, who has a combination of music experience and is also great television. That’s what makes Simon so compelling. Not only has he catapulted many people into stardom, he’s also so damn fascinating to watch. We’re all sad, though.”
“You cannot just criticize, you have to offer constructive advice as well,” Cowell was quoted as saying. And perhaps that is the essence of why finding a suitable replacement will be critical to the show’s success. Despite Cowell’s reputation as a harsh, insensitive critic, he is capable of holding a talent mirror to a contestant’s eyes and forcing them to see what he sees. In fact, one could argue his high musical standards have resulted in the launching of stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and others.
Based upon the first week of judging it may be premature to question if DeGeneres will sit on the bench for one term or graduate to additional years, but it it seems altogether accurate to predict that the show’s producers had better choose next year’s panel wisely, if they hope to keep the franchise alive.