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American Idol Recap: The Final Moments of Season Eight

BuzzSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:50:50 -0700

This season of American Idol started with a girl in a bikini and ended with a bona fide surprise ending. So in some ways, Wednesday's two-hour finale - which packed in performances from Cyndi Lauper, KISS, Queen, the Black Eyed Peas, and all of the year's top 13 - was the perfect culmination.

You're already telling me what you think of the winner, but what did you make of Wednesday's blowout finale? To see some of my thoughts, flip through some pictures, and chat about the show, just read more.

I'm sure finding out you've won Idol is always a surprise, but Kris looked truly shocked (and later said as much in the press room). It was funny to watch his reaction having just seen the clip of him being modest at his audition - even as the winner, he seemed so humble.
Kris had a great duet with Keith Urban relatively early in the show, but from then on, I felt like the show morphed into Adam Lambert Sings With His Musical Heroes Night. I mean, KISS? Queen? He had to just be in heaven. And honestly, between that and Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" playing over his "Idol journey" clips, it seemed enough like Adam's night that I was genuinely surprised when Kris was announced as the winner.
As for the other duets: Megan Joy, Michael Sarver, and Steve Martin get points for blowing my (low) expectations out of the water - though I might credit that mostly to Steve Martin. I would actually download Allison's performance with Cyndi Lauper. And Danny Gokey and Lionel Richie cracked me up, because that song was so lovey that I thought the two of them might consider jetting off to a private island somewhere when it was done.

But! The best duet of the night has to go to Kara and Bikini Girl, which probably gets my vote for best Idol moment of the season, right down to Kara briefly baring her bikini body. That's the greatest thing Kara's done on the show, hands down, and for that alone I'd support bringing her back for season nine.
Speaking of awards, I was really hoping we were done with Golden Idols, but this year, it seemed like little more than an excuse to bring three of the season's most memorable characters - Bikini Girl, Tatiana, and Nick/Norman - back for a victory lap. And you know what? I was totally thrilled to see Nick/Norman. There's really no better word for it: He's a character. The best part of Tatiana's appearance, meanwhile, was Ruben Studdard's "wait, what?" look in the audience.
Is it weird that Matt Giraud didn't get a duet - or even much of a spotlight in that Santana performance? I also wish Anoop had gotten his own duet, like Lil did - they were eliminated the same week, after all.
Speaking of Fergie solo or with the Peas: Where would you rank Fergie with the Idol season eight girls? And oh, by the way, if your TV cut out for a second, it's apparently because Fergie sang a lyric with "sh*t" in it.
What can I say? I love me some snappy suits on the Idol boys, so I was happy to see them back in action.
I'm assuming Rod Stewart's appearance was a present for all the moms who had to watch the show with their tweenage kids all season long.
And since I still have "No Boundaries" stuck in my head, I'm wondering: Could you actually imagine Kris's version on the radio?

That's it for season eight! Talk back about Wednesday's show, the results, and anything else Idol-related in the comments!

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Photos courtesy of Fox

American Idol: And Now, Some Words From Kris and Adam

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:40:06 -0700

So how does it feel to be the new American Idol? The word on Kris Allen's lips when he stopped by the Idol press room a couple of minutes ago was "shocked": "I felt shocked almost every week that I made it," he said. "And to be the American Idol, I'm completely shocked."

And he meant what he said at the end of the show when he called out that Adam deserved the Idol title. "I feel like he deserves this just as much as I do," he said. "He's an amazing, amazing performer, a gifted, gifted guy - really just an amazing guy. It was fun doing this with him, it really was." And it's fitting that he said the best part of the whole Idol experience was the friends he made along the way: "The tour's gonna be a blast."

He's already thinking about the kind of music he'll make, and it's in keeping with what we've heard from him on the show: "I've done a lot of the pop singer/songwriter, pop/rock kind of thing, and that's definitely what I want to do," he said. He still seemed a little stunned at the possibility of his lifelong dream of having a music career coming true: "I tried for so long, and nothing happened - and this has been the coolest experience ever." He seemed starstruck at tonight's performances - "Seriously, I got to sing with Queen? Wow!" - and said that while he hasn't heard personally from Kanye West about his cover of "Heartless," he has heard through the grapevine that Kanye was pleased.

Kris said he's prepared to live the life of an Idol champ: "American Idol boot camp kind of gets you ready for that. I'm totally ready." But he's not going to go all superstar on us just yet: "I don't want to change who I am."

To see what Adam had to say, just read more.

Though he didn't win the title, Adam came back to the press room all smiles. "It felt so good, you know?" he said of the night. "I got to sing with two great, heroic rock bands of mine."

He said he'd had kind words already from Paula Abdul, who'd said she was proud of him, and said everyone on Idol had been supportive throughout the journey: "I never felt like anybody was like, 'Well, you can't do that. You can't sing that. You can't say that. You can't wear that.' They've always been like, 'Run with it, Adam, do your thing.' So it's been really cool."

And naturally, he had nothing but kind words for Kris: "I think that Kris won because he's a great artist, and I was happy to be a runner up to that," he said. He said the two of them went into the final knowing it would be a close race, and "we're both going to get to do great things now in the future. . . . For me, it's not really about what happened tonight - it's about tomorrow. It's about next."

And what is next? Adam said he's already had some offers, but "I know that we're going to start working on some music right away, and that's what I can't wait to do - to collaborate, to write, to co-write, to create visuals that go along with the music, too." His dream now is "to make a really dope record, to do something new, push the boundaries a little bit, push people's buttons, open people's minds up a little bit." Which sounds about right, given what we saw from him on Idol.

Photos courtesy of Fox

American Idol: David Cook Takes the Crown

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:45:36 -0700

Depending on your perspective, the American Idol finale is either the best two hours ever or the most excruciating two hours of your year. Either way, it never fails to be a kind of crazy, psychedelic blend between a televised award ceremony and a giant Ford commercial that brings the season's contestants back to the stage for one last time (until the tour that is).

America smashed all Idol records with 97.5 million votes, 56 percent of them for David Cook. Simon admitted that he called it wrong, that upon viewing the show at home he realized the night before was not a blowout. Which is what many of us were feeling. I'd still call the result an upset. There was a lot to cover so let's get down to it. To see my thoughts on the night, read more.

The opening act was cool and the kids sounded great but it was really hard to tell the So You Think You Can Dance dancers apart from the Idols. At one point I thought, "Hey, look at that. Brooke White doing the splits. Oh wait, no."
Jason Castro once again sounded gorgeous singing "Hallelujah." It's one of, say, two songs he should ever sing. And that doesn't include anything from Cats.
You know who should avoid choreographed dancing at all costs? Amanda Overmyer. And we heard about Donna Summer's new single. Um, yay?
I'm sorry, did I see Ryan Seacrest attempting to break dance? Surely I was a bit delirious and the So You Think You Can Dance kids were just blending in again, right?!
Sigh. Michael Johns' duet with Carly Smithson (who looked and sounded great) and then more Michael Johns when the six guys sang. . . Keep the Michael Johns coming!
An American Idol theme park: "You too can live the dream." Just. . . wow.

David Cook rocking out with ZZ Top was really cool. It's hard not to look smoking hot with those bearded legends playing backup for you.
Pairing Brooke White with Graham Nash to sing "Teach Your Children" was really smart and probably a dream come true for her. But why not Carly Simon? She has a new-ish album out and those two on stage together would have blown my mind.
Grrr. . . why do they bring the crazies back every year? I hate it! This is what you take up my time with waiting for the results?! Renaldo Lapuz, one my Caption It people? However, I admit the whole spectacle was worth it to see Paula get on up there with the crazies to dance. And Renaldo kept singing even when the music stopped. Yeah, it's time for a commercial break.
I did not like Jordan's song nor did I like her outfit. What the heck was she wearing? I felt bad for her that she had to follow that One Republic/Archuleta goosebump-fest but still, yikes.
Robert Downey Jr. as a back up dancer to Gladys Knight was so freaking cute, I thought I might faint. Oh yeah, Ben Stiller and Jack Black were there, too.
Did Carrie Underwood borrow her outfit from Renaldo? Regardless, she took on that stage like the pro she has become and brought down the house.

It all ended with a big tribute to George Michael and then the man himself showed up to sing "Praying for Time" (the song Carrie Underwood sang on Idol Gives Back). And of course Paula shed some tears and rambled something about dreams and hope. David Cook was crowned. Both guys should feel proud, but I'm so happy with the results! You?

Photos courtesy of Fox

Do You Agree With the American Idol Results?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:45:23 -0700

So David Cook is our new American Idol! Do you think it was the right call?

Photo courtesy of Fox

American Idol Finale, Part One: The Battle of the Davids

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:39:15 -0700

Well, the American Idol finale showdown between the Davids did not disappoint. The show opened to what would become a rather prolonged metaphor for a singing boxing match of sorts, complete with the Rocky theme song, Michael Buffer, and shiny robes! Tension was high and it felt like anyone's game heading in before the singing started, especially after young Archuleta faltered last week.

To guide the Davids, Idol brought in two final mentors in the form of Clive Davis and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The first one makes sense, being a legendary hit maker and all, but again with the Lloyd Webber. . . I don't totally get it. Before we get to the singing, though, I have some thoughts which you can check out if you read more.

When the announcer introduced David Archuleta weighing in at 100 pounds soaking wet I laughed loud and hard. I felt for the little guy, though, because it seems like he's getting picked on a lot these days.
David Archuleta won the pre-show coin toss and chose to sing second. I think it's a smart choice to choose the final performance spot of the season.
Singing aside, I think David Cook won the charisma non-round in the beginning. Where Archuleta could barely take in the giant, enthusiastic crowd, Cook seemed calm, excited and totally ready to rock.

Not only did the contestants sing two original songs written for Idol, but they sang a song of their choice along with one picked by the mentors. Simon told Ryan that in order to win this thing you needed to hate your opponent, which was followed by a lovefest of back-pats, and mutual admiration between the Davids on stage. So, on to the singing. . .

David Cook
First song: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (U2). I was a little worried at first because the verse was a little off. But once he got going it was good and he even took tiny liberties on the melody here and there. Randy said it was a great way to kick off the night, Paula told us we have found David Cook (was he lost?), and Simon called it phenomenal.

Second song: "Dream Big" (songwriting contest). So the lyrics are, well, dorky. I think there was something in there about how if you don't dream big you shouldn't dream at all. That's not David's fault though. He brought out his guitar for this one and I thought he sounded a little weak on the verses but great during the chorus. Randy said he was clearly singing his face off, Paula said it was a great way to take a song we don't know and make us love it (I might have to agree to disagree here, Paula), and Simon called it lightweight and said it wasn't a winning moment. Yikes, first big wet blanket of the night.

Third song: "The World I Know" (Collective Soul). David took a big risk picking a song he hadn't performed before for his closing act. It's a great song and he played an intimate acoustic version of it. Not only did his voice sound pretty but his heart was entirely in it and the overall effect was moving. He was visibly emotional in the end, teary eyes and everything. Randy said it showed his sensitive side and that's the kind of album he should make, Paula told him he was standing in his truth (what?), and Simon said that while he is the nicest, most sincere contestant they've ever had he thought it was completely the wrong choice.

David Archuleta
First song: "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" (Elton John). Now this is a great choice for David A. It's one of those perfect Idol songs that builds up to a goosebumps-inducing chorus and David knew exactly how to squeeze every bit of goodness out the song. Right off the bat he proved his head was in the game, or ring, or whatever the metaphor is. Randy called it the best performance of the season, Paula told him the sun is never going down on him, and Simon said it was arguably the best he's ever done and gave the first round to David Archuleta.

Second song: "In This Moment" (songwriting contest). If there is anything Archuleta was born to sing, it's these "This Is My Now"-esque Idol songs and he did a great job with it. The whole performance reminded me of one of those big theme songs from a Disney movie soundtrack. David was clearly emotionally connected to it and entirely believable. Randy wasn't crazy about the song but said he could sing the phone book so whatever, Paula called it pure magic, and Simon thought the lyrics were very self-centered and he liked that. He then declared that he had taken Round Two as well.

Third song: "Imagine" (John Lennon): David Archuleta chose the safer route, opting to recreate the magic of his original performance of this highly nostalgic and pretty song. This performance brought the house down and David's version of it was heartfelt and there is no question his voice was stellar that night. But I'm kind of a sucker for singing a song that lovely straight and I think he mucks it up with all those runs. Randy went nuts and said he's exactly what this shows about, Paula was rendered speechless, and Simon said that we witnessed one of the great finals ever and that the night was officially a "knockout."

Who should win? It's a tough call for me because while David Cook definitely didn't do his best, he also didn't play it safe. His choice to try a new song instead of something he clearly could have done well with like his cover of "Billie Jean" was risky and may have cost him the title - but I respect that. Plus, the emotional weight of his second song was the most compelling moment of the night, in my opinion.

Who will win? David Archuleta played it straight and smart. Not only was he born to sing those cheesy Idol finale songs about dreaming and soaring and whatnot, he didn't miss a single beat the entire night. Singing "Imagine" was a savvy and smart way to completely seal the deal. I'd say this one is in the bag.

Photos courtesy of Fox

Who Will Be the Next American Idol?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:40:41 -0700

We're down to the two Davids after weeks of competition and, just like last year, I actually think we have two good, different options on our hands with these finalists. Will it be the squeaky clean kid with the pretty voice, or the rock-and-roll bartender with a knack for turning any song into his own?

Photo courtesy of Fox

Miss the Ending of "American Idol"? Here You Go

BuzzSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:15:12 -0700

So if you're like Pop and me and your DVR cut off right after the lame Sgt. Pepper tribute on the "American Idol" finale last night, here's the clip of what you missed. For the record, I was right on all of my predictions of what happened, except there was no weepy Hasselhoff this year - just Jordin's tearful parents, which almost made me cry at my desk just now. What can I say? I'm a sap. To watch the clip, read more

Photo courtesy of Fox

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:30:29 -0800

Time for more Tuesday entertainment! I've already shared a few new DVD releases to give your movie library a shot in the arm, but now, let's amp up your iPod. Big-name albums hit shelves today, so be sure to read up on these three. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Fan-pleasing pop: American Idol fans rejoice: you've said that you're interested in post-AI albums, and now Kris Allen's anticipated self-titled debut is finally here. The song selections started a bit bland for me, but Allen picks up momentum with "The Truth" and the soft but moving ballad "Bring it Back." Both songs get needed oomph from orchestral accompaniment to create a sweeping sound that's sure to make Allen aficionados swoon. As for the rest of the album, it's predictable, but likable, much like the singer himself.

Why the sad face? Listening to John Mayer's latest, Battle Studies, you've got to wonder who ripped his heart out - Jessica Simpson? Jennifer Aniston? Every song is about a hurt guy who doesn't want to love again. Sensitive crooning isn't anything new to Mayer, but this time, it feels like mundane easy listening. I long for the days of "No Such Thing" when we had a more upbeat Mayer, or the Mayer who can riff on the guitar like nobody's business. But we don't really get either here. Still, it's worth noting his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Half of My Heart," and my personal fave, "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye."

See one more release when you read more.

Diva in training: Leona Lewis burst onto the scene two years ago with "Bleeding Love," and now she returns with her sophomore follow-up to Spirit, Echo. Lewis hits the high notes - and she'll once again draw comparisons to Mariah Carey - but the lyrics don't always pack the same punch, and they often feel like recycled love musings. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see Lewis branch out of her usual comfort zone with the dance track "Outta My Head" and "Can't Breathe," which goes heavier on the R&B. If you've seen those Precious promos, you've heard another song from the album, "Happy," but it was recently announced that Lewis will be providing the title track for the film Avatar, so listen for her voice to show up there, too.

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Halloween is around the corner! Take a peek at these festive TV pics and 10 fun film-inspired costumes. Plus, don't forget to vote in my scary movie bracket!
Speaking of spooky stuff, are you pumped for New Moon? I am - despite all those spoilers. Check out the brand new TwilightSugar.com (you can win a DVF bag!) and what the stars from the film (including Robert Pattinson himself) looked like before they hit it big.
So You Think You Can Dance judge Adam Shankman got another gig directing a Rock of Ages movie, and he helped narrow down the dancers on SYTYCD. Finally, we have our list of the Top 20!
Do you care about albums by American Idols? I'm mixed, yet I'm kind of liking Adam Lambert's music video.
Melrose Place is being revamped. No surprise there, since many of you have said that you're not into it - but what returning shows have let you down?
I spoke with the lovely Paula Patton for Part 1 of my exclusive interviews with the cast of Precious. Check back next week as I talk to the director, Lee Daniels!
New movies this weekend include Amelia, Cirque du Freak, and Motherhood. None of 'em knocked my socks off, but if you go this weekend, be sure to tell me what you think - and if you have any annoying audience members like these Buzz readers did!

Photo courtesy of The CW

Do You Care About Post-American Idol Albums?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:30:48 -0700

The music industry has been in a tizzy ever since Adam Lambert left the American Idol stage - remember that Rolling Stone cover? Well, Lambert is releasing his debut album next month, along with fellow AI alum Kris Allen, and just today his newest song, "Time For Miracles," leaked online. (Listen here.)

The track is for the upcoming film 2012, but I'm admittedly feeling a little meh about it. It reminds me of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" for Armageddon. That's not a bad thing, but I was hoping for something a little more unique from the outlandish Lambert. Luckily, the song reportedly doesn't reflect the sound on his final album, which is supposed to be more glam, less classic rock.

But if I'm going to be 100 percent truthful, my interest in Idol graduates - even Lambert - usually wanes somewhat after the show's finale. They're built up so much on AI, but once the winner is announced, I tend to forget about most of the contestants. (The exception being Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, of course.) Still, I'll probably check out Lambert and Allen's respective albums out of curiosity.

How about you? Do you care about post-Idol albums?