American Idol 8 - Ready to Change Some Lives Forever?

This photo brings back some memories, huh? Shot at the the opening of "The American Idol Experience" at Disney World this past week, it showcases the winners of season's 1 through 7.

I am starting to get excited about this season...are you? Who's life will we change forever come May? Arguably, a contestant doesn't have to WIN American Idol, or for that matter, even make the Top 12 to have a life changing experience.

Over the next few weeks I am going to look back over the past 7 seasons and spotlight what I think were some of those life changing moments. Some of them might surprise you!

Stay tuned...

Taylor Hicks to Join "Grease" on Broadway!

Our very own Taylor Hicks is the most recent Idol to take on Broadway. Taylor will be joining the cast of "Grease" in the role of "Teen Angel" from June 6th through September 7th. Ironically, Taylor will be joining the cast of the Grease: You're the One That I Want winners - Laura and Max!

Here's an excerpt from an article on eonline:

Just when Taylor Hicks seemed to be in danger of being a public-eye dropout, along comes the favorite landing spot of many an American Idol refugee.

Broadway.

Starting June 6, the silvery haired season-five champ will jump into the role of Teen Angel, Frenchy's guardian angel and the singer of "Beauty School Dropout," in the current reality-show-fueled revival of Grease at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.

Hicks is slated to Soul Patrol the stage until Sept. 7.

Click on the link below to read the entire article. Congrats Soul Patrol!

source: eonline

Idols (and Others) in the News

I have been a little idle taking advantage of this last week before the premiere, and have decided one MEGA post is more efficient to catch you up on all of the news instead of several individual posts!

- Kelly Clarkson Number 5, Posh Beckham Number 1, on Blackwells Worst Dressed List of 2007. Posh is interesting due to the rumor that she is being wooed by Heidi Klum to be a guest judge on Project Runway, a show about fashion!

- Taylor Hicks speaks to fans about being dropped by J Records.

- Phil Stacey's first single hit radio on Monday. Slim over at idolbloglive has the audio here.

- Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carri Ann. I am not a huge fan of the audition process on any of these shows, so I am withholding judgement. My favorite at first glance? Maxx. How can ya not love Drew as the host?

- Carrie Underwood to headline her next tour beginning in February. Tickets go on sale Jan 12th. Read about it here.

Taylor Hicks Dropped by Record Label J Records

EW (Entertainment Weekly) has been busy. They are reporting that Taylor Hicks is the second American Idol winner to be dropped by J Records this year. In December, we reported here that Ruben Studdard had been dropped by his label (also by J Records).

Well I still love Taylor, and I hope he finds a better fit elsewhere.

source: EW

Top 10 Favorite American Idol Performances of 2007

I am sure I will ruffle some feathers with this one! It's unconventional I admit.

This was really tough. My goal was to find the most memorable performances in a season that was a bit lackluster overall. Maybe it wasn’t the contestants fault? Maybe it was a result of too much focus on the mentors? Either way, here are MY favorite performances...starting it off at 10:

10) Sanjaya Malakar – Audition:
I was a big fan of Sanjayas’ in the beginning. He was the kind of contestant we all love. Big potential, shy, great smile! OK it didn’t work out like we expected, but I still loved his audition!



9) Sundance Head – Audition:
Sundance not making the Top 12 was one of the first things wrong with Season 6. His song selections during the Top 24 weren’t great, and his nerves seemed to get the best of him, but come on America! Big mistake letting him fall away to lesser vocalists. This is a singing competition after all!



8) Blake Lewis – You Give Love a Bad Name:
I was never really a fan of Blake’s vocals, but I loved how he contemporized this song. He took a huge risk on this one and it paid off!



7) Taylor Hicks – Finale – Heaven Knows:
Taylor was an early favorite of mine in AI5, but lost some luster for me during the competition, and in the end was not my favorite to win. However, when he came out during this years finale it occurred to me how mediocre this season had been compared to Season 5. His “whiskey tenor” was in great vocal voice! In my opinion, we did not have one single guy this year whose vocals were even close to the depth of either Taylor or Elliott from Season 5.



6) Jordin Sparks – Final 2 - Broken Wing:
A flawless vocal. This performance during the Final Two was even better than the first time she performed it.



5) Hollywood – Chris Sligh, Blake Lewis, Rudy Cardenas, Tom Lowe:
You throw four guys together, a little older than many of the contestants, with professional experience performing in bands and you get THIS in Hollywood. It was a show-stopper!



4) Melinda Doolittle – My Funny Valentine:
I loved this song when Constantine performed it in Season 4. Melinda’s version had a completely different feel. After it was all said and done, this remained my favorite performance of hers.



3) Chris Sligh – Audition – Kiss From a Rose:
I had the same reaction to Chris’ audition as Paula. He gave me goosebumps and he had so much potential, but unfortunately he never quite lived up to it. At least not in the context of this show. He was definitely my favorite going into this year.



2) Jordin Sparks – I Who Have Nothing:
This performance I believe put Jordin in the drivers seat for Season 6. It became her competition to lose. This was the season of the ladies and Jordin showed us the most growth, and this was her turning point for me!



1) Jordin Sparks – This Is My Now:
This is what it’s all about isn’t it? Changing someones life forever? It is for me. I admit it's a bit cheesy. Jordin made it through this song with so much emotion, after winning, it still brings me to tears!



Thoughts?