The much hyped American Idol Gives Back show finally arrived tonight. Yes, technically it began yesterday - but the party guests weren't due to arrive until today anyhow. By the end of the night host Ryan Seacrest announced they had raised over $30 million with corporate donations. They got a record 70 million votes last night, so News Corp donated $5 million of that total.
Ryan's co-host for the night was Ellen DeGeneres, who was taking care of business over at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. As Ryan announced a shocking result, Ellen wanted to know if she was getting kicked off. She also started singing a little bit of her 'life anthem' "Shoop."
First up for the performances was a medley by Earth Wind and Fire. I thought they were doing rather decently though others in the room with me complained they sing like girls and should retire.
Then we had the first of many promotional clips of who the money would be helping out. This one was of Randy Jackson's trip back to his home state of Louisiana. He went to a FEMA park which is still full of people nearly 2 years later.
The Idols performed "Time to Care" as their group performance tonight. It was written by Quincy Jones, who says he likes it when young people take seriously their mission to help people. He thought the idols were well-rounded. Honestly the performance and song was as boring and colorless as their outfits. It was all just lacking.
Ryan then went over to a satellite linkup with Ben Stiller, who listed all the movies he has starred in. Then he announced he would sing until they hit $200 Billion. All of it reminded me why I don't like Ben Stiller.
The next clip took us back to the Africa trip, and a boy who is taking car of his sister. He's only 12, but he's the head of the household because his parents died. The city they live in in Kenya has 50,000 orphans - that's just in one city. Simon Cowell said they met some of the nicest kids he's ever met in his life, and urged everyone to call to help them out.
Ryan announced that the business part of the day would be taking place in random order, with no highest or lowest. Naturally they would draw it out all night long. Melinda Doolittle was the first to be announced as safe.
The next clip featured Paula Abdul visiting a Boys and Girls Club in Hollywood. A wonderful performance of "Somewhere" by Il Divo followed that. I love Il Divo, they have such beautiful voices. Hunky Carlos (eyebrow guy for those not being able to tell the difference) was just way too hunky tonight.
A decently funny skit with Jack Black took place next. Ryan wanted someone from the audience to come up onstage, for a donation of $50. They decided to pick a seat number, and surprise it was Jack Black. He decided to sing Kiss From a Rose, saying it's from Batman Returns, the most sensitive of the Batman movies. He also wanted to be judged by the judges. His partner in crime Kyle was holding a rose in the audience by the way. Randy said it wasn't happening, but maybe if he wore stretchy pants. Paula told him the school of rock wanted their diploma back. Simon said he was better than Sanjaya (Sanjaya Malakar was in the audience and loved that comment). Jack said Seal would feel differently if he was there, Randy said he is here. Seal shook his head, then said it was the best rendition of Kiss from a Rose he's heard.
Ryan quickly announced that Blake Lewis was safe. Another clip, this one featuring Carrie Underwood, followed. She sang "I'll Stand By You" for the kids in Africa. Then a performance by Rascal Flatts, "My Wish" took place at the Disney Hall.
We were back to the USA for the next clip, this time of rural Kentucky and why education is important. Many children there don't get enough education.
The Ford music video was rather lame. The idols sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" while in Mustang convertables. They went off to a drive-in where they watched a clip featuring nearly all of the stars from tonight's show dancing and "singing" Staying Alive. Stars included Good Charlotte, Dr. Phil, Keira Knightley, Lebron James, Huge Grant, Blue Man Group, Miss Piggy, Marc Anthony, Shaquille ONeal, and Kevin Bacon.
Then Ryan announced Phil Stacey was safe. We went back to Africa for the next clip, where Ryan and Simon visited AIDS patients and homes of AIDS orphans. This led to Josh Groban singing "You Raise Me Up" backed by the African Children's Choir. This performance had me nearly in tears. I love the song to begin with, but it was so beautiful with the children's choir.
The next clip started with stars talking about how many funerals they had been to, then had one guy who had been to 280 funerals. They talked about Malaria and how many people it kills in Africa. It's sad because Malaria is completely treatable. Two dollars worth of pills will cure 4 kids. Ten dollars buys a mosquito net, to protect a whole family.
Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck teamed up to perform "Up to the Mountain." What was with the moomoo she was wearing and the double chins? Has Kelly gained weight? Honestly the performance was boring as hell. Pop back in to Ben Stiller, who was still singing. Then off to a clip of the Simpsons with Simon as the person auditioning. Lisa, Homer and Marge were the judges. Marge was the "Randy" and kept saying 'dawg' while Lisa (as Paula) looked around asking where the doggie was. Simon meanwhile sang "Don'tcha."
Ryan then announced Lakisha Jones was safe before another clip of poor people in America. Finally we were up to the awesome duet. Celine Dion performed "If I Can Dream" with Elvis Presley. It was interesting, but I don't know that I would call it good. Elvis looked better than Celine.
Madonna filmed a message while she was in Malawai. Apparently a lot of the children there are HIV Positive. When they went back to Ryan he announced the $30 million total for the night before tossing out the AI Challenge question. He was about to say something when he was told he had to stall for a moment. He tried to talk to Simon for help, but Simon liked watching Ryan squirm. Finally everything was ready and they tossed it over to Ellen who introduced Annie Lennox. Annie performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It was good relatively speaking.
Finally we were up to the shocker of the night. Who would be leaving? We only had Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks left. Ryan told Chris he was safe. He then told Jordin she was safe too. The Idols can't act well, so you could tell that at least Jordin knew it to begin with, probably the rest too. Apparently they felt it wasn't right to let anyone go on a night like this. Next week they'll send home two people.
A brief clip of Bono mentoring the Idols led to the last performance of the night, with the top 6 performing "American Prayer." It wasn't as bad as the earlier performance, but still bad.
After the show, I saw an interview with the judges on the news. Simon was disappointed that no one left, he always wants to see someone go home. He think that Chris, LaKisha, and Phil are the three in danger for next week as the bottom two leave. I agree with him.
will said - I'm not sure we should ready the harpoons for Kelly quite yet.
just trying to stir things up. do a little back slagging. heck i have one thigh bigger than kelly clarkson's entire body. heeheheheheee
seriously - i bloody have no idea who she is really. i had yet to discover ai back then when she took her crown.
what i do remember is the first time i ever heard of her. it was the world idol back in 2003. when the little gnome from norway kurt nilsen snagged the whole thing. holly crap that kid can sing. the look and the voice are ions apart. would be akin to sanjaya opening his mouth and rolling effortlessly and credibly through a nine inch nails medley.
so, anyways...kelly unexpectedly looses. she walks off the stage imediately after the loss and essentially leaves the building. she does not even say congratulations to the winner. hours, days and even months go by and one of the first questions the gnome gets asked in interviews is whether or not he has heard from kelly clarkson - yet.
oh boy and did i - as a fellow american - have some spainen to do. my response? first of all i was in the bathroom when she sang (true) second of all she seems like a nice enough girl and she is from the south. i am pretty sure she has manners. must of just had the flu or something. no harm no foul. leave the poor girl alone.
so you see - albeit indirectly - i was for a short time one of kelly clarkson's biggest supporters.
with regard to the lezbo rumours floating around over here? how the heck should i know...i never slept with her.
note worthy that she looks a bit bloated - sure why not.
is she fat? no. though her knees are pretty darn chunky.
just trying to stir things up. do a little back slagging. heck i have one thigh bigger than kelly clarkson's entire body. heeheheheheee
seriously - i bloody have no idea who she is really. i had yet to discover ai back then when she took her crown.
what i do remember is the first time i ever heard of her. it was the world idol back in 2003. when the little gnome from norway kurt nilsen snagged the whole thing. holly crap that kid can sing. the look and the voice are ions apart. would be akin to sanjaya opening his mouth and rolling effortlessly and credibly through a nine inch nails medley.
so, anyways...kelly unexpectedly looses. she walks off the stage imediately after the loss and essentially leaves the building. she does not even say congratulations to the winner. hours, days and even months go by and one of the first questions the gnome gets asked in interviews is whether or not he has heard from kelly clarkson - yet.
oh boy and did i - as a fellow american - have some spainen to do. my response? first of all i was in the bathroom when she sang (true) second of all she seems like a nice enough girl and she is from the south. i am pretty sure she has manners. must of just had the flu or something. no harm no foul. leave the poor girl alone.
so you see - albeit indirectly - i was for a short time one of kelly clarkson's biggest supporters.
with regard to the lezbo rumours floating around over here? how the heck should i know...i never slept with her.
note worthy that she looks a bit bloated - sure why not.
is she fat? no. though her knees are pretty darn chunky.
-- toad
The buzz at the time of the above incident was that she was "idol organization-ed" out about that time and was not thrilled with having to do the thing anyway, she didn't think it was farily set up for an American, I'm not sure of the details, but I saw the contestants and thought the guy that won was euro-good, geez what a snob, and a distant second to Kelly, but now, is the guy a big star, I haven't heard of him since? Will
She has definitely put on some pounds, thus the Stevie Nicks outfit, you know, generously camoflaging. She is a poor girl who was hustling Red Bull at juke joints in Texas with not much future but for her songwriting and musical and for whom Idol was the perfect stepping stone. She probably hadn't been on many real dates, and her main support was her girlfriends, so , who knows, I like the company of women more than men except for Sports.
Surreal show especially with Jack Black doing what he did, but it was funny. Seal was strange- first grimly shaking his head then saying it was the best version of his song he's ever heard. What-ever!
The "Stayin' Alive" video was an embarrasment. They probably had everyone sing/dance the song all the way through, so they had a choice of what to use, and in the beginning, they showed Hugh Grant who's barely even mouthing the words. Dumb. Bad edits, not even on the beat.
Quincy Jones hasn't written a hit song since "P.Y.T." by Michael Jackson in 1983 (OK, he co-wrote with 3 other people "Yah Mo B There" by James Ingram & Michael McDonald) and he's become so boring as a producer since then, that I was EXPECTING a song without melody from him.
Carrie Underwood singing among the blackids was tacky.
Looks like they were trying to save everyone in the world. Missing was an explanation about why these African countries are doing so badly- corrupt governments. Sure, give them money, but it's almost as bad as giving money to a homeless person- it's not going to last because it's only a temporary solution.
Liked the Elvis holographic video or whatever. Pretty impressive. Looked like he was actually on stage.
Simon should've answered Ryan's question: How much is he donating? He's got more money than all of them. The judges should've led by example as Ellen did with her $100,000, which moved me.
I don't know if Jordin knew she was safe- she was seen wiping away tears after it was announced no one was going home.
If they're combining votes from this week and next, they better have two phone lines apiece per contestant to make it balanced.
How long over 2 hours did this show last? I had to record Lost, and AI was still going (the Idols hadn't sung the Bono song yet) when 10 p.m. arrived.
At first, Toad wrote with such provocative authority that Clarkson was a lesbian, and now he admits he doesn't really know anything. Then can you be more responsible with what you write?
Another strange thing: With the exception of Earth, Wind and Fire, weren't just about all the artists performing white?
There's a risk of this patronizing tone of white people trying to save these poor black kids and feeling so great about it without even involving black people other than using them as crying victims.
second of all - kelly clarkson is a lesbian. why would anyone make that sh+t up?
my comment about never having slept with her was the 'joke'. *
btw - why should that matter? lesbianism is a carrier killer? my guess is that elen would beg to differ.
speaking of differing - i do regarding quincy jones . his back on the block cd in 1989 was not half bad. the title track is worth a listen and his re-make of the brother's johnson classic i'll be good to you is a treat. birdland would come in a close 3rd. didn't break any records. all things considered he done good.
-- toad
*i did it for will. he likes girl on girl talk. <----also a joke. think of it as a joke squared.
p.s.s. that is not new news. its not a guarded secret. i am not letting the cat out of the bag. i do not think anyone cares. as a music expert how would you not know that? what part of the industry are you in? just curious.
Looks like they were trying to save everyone in the world. Missing was an explanation about why these African countries are doing so badly- corrupt governments. Sure, give them money, but it's almost as bad as giving money to a homeless person- it's not going to last because it's only a temporary solution...
Simon should've answered Ryan's question: How much is he donating? He's got more money than all of them. The judges should've led by example as Ellen did with her $100,000, which moved me.
I agree, I agree!
Regarding ~why~ Africa is impoverished is more complex than even I fully understand, but corrupt governments are a huge part of why these countries have starvation. Physicians Without Borders will not enter several African countries because their doctors' cannot do so safely.
As far as Ellen...she's just amazing. She has taken her role as a talk-show host/comedienne/socially aware human being/social leader and carved her own unique niche. She's right up there with Oprah, and in a few ways better IMO.
MusicExpert said:
I don't know if Jordin knew she was safe- she was seen wiping away tears after it was announced no one was going home.
She was crying hard, not just a few tears. Also, Jordin was still pretty unnerved when they started their last group song.
Did anyone else notice that when it was announced that they were all safe, LaKisha was on the outside of the "group hug"? It seems that she is alienated from the rest of the group, which is probably not surprising.
I admit, I thought the show would be tacky and it was. I too have lost my pizzaz for Idol. I only watch to talk to "Will's Peeps".
My Aunt was in town so I only saw bits and pieces. Saw Earth Wind and Fire and I thought they were really good. I saw Rascal Flatts and thought they were good. Saw Celine and Elvis (which I spoiled yesterday, Yeah me!) and thought it was weird. Saw some of the footage, but eh.
I think it was agreat idea to use the captured audience and raise the money for the kids. But honestly, it is not right venue and thus, I didn't watch.
I really hate missing Kelly!! I love listening to fat lesbos!!! I feel like that is the only thing I missed!
If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!
I admit, I thought the show would be tacky and it was. I too have lost my pizzaz for Idol. I only watch to talk to "Will's Peeps".
My Aunt was in town so I only saw bits and pieces. Saw Earth Wind and Fire and I thought they were really good. I saw Rascal Flatts and thought they were good. Saw Celine and Elvis (which I spoiled yesterday, Yeah me!) and thought it was weird. Saw some of the footage, but eh.
I think it was agreat idea to use the captured audience and raise the money for the kids. But honestly, it is not right venue and thus, I didn't watch.
I really hate missing Kelly!! I love listening to fat lesbos!!! I feel like that is the only thing I missed!
Actually, I am a little lost. If I choose to address certain points, I would be too political and I don't want to get political at all. So I think silence is golden in this case.
Thanks for missing me though, you are darn sweet! Unlike others! LOL! J/K!
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
Actually, I am a little lost. If I choose to address certain points, I would be too political and I don't want to get political at all. So I think silence is golden in this case.
Thanks for missing me though, you are darn sweet! Unlike others! LOL! J/K!
Sprout, we want your input always, political or no! I was waiting for you to swoop in with some wonderful insight. Sooo, put out boy!!!!!!!! We needs ya! Will
Not that I care, I just hadn't heard about it before...
I had a girlfriend who love to play the piano, she said the only man alive she would marry was Elton John, I said, yeah, but isn't he gay, she said, "Everyone needs a hobby"! I wish I'd kept her she was as beautiful as she was funny! Will
Not that I care, I just hadn't heard about it before...
I was thinking the same thing...
Mind you, the Dallas/Ft Worth area media always refers to Kelly as "our hometown girl". Her sexual orientation is not something that they would mention unless one lives in the Oak Lawn part of town (center of gay community).
I will go ahead and suggest something that may be unpopular and perhaps wrong, but worth considering: Kelly's much-maligned appearance was, I think, somewhat by design. The hairstyle and the dress seemed to hearken back to the 1970s, which would be appropriate given that Jeff Beck was sporting the same look he's had the past three or four decades. And given that the Patty Griffin song is a bit of old-school gospel, I think the whole performance was designed to be a throwback of sorts.
But even if opinions differ about this, let's be pretty honest: Kelly can sing like a mother*, and I'm sorry, but the fact that she doesn't look like a bulimic heroin fiend doesn't mean that she's automatically a "cow." Some of you need to put up your Internet big * and just appreciate someone's talent, and stop taking potshots because anonymity makes you a badass.
She sang unbelievably well. Beck imbued the tune with subtle soulfulness. The performance was brilliant and deserves praise, not scorn.
edit: curlio - 2007-05-01 09:13:47 GMT - we have our own filter
The much hyped American Idol Gives Back show finally arrived tonight. Yes, technically it began yesterday - but the party guests weren't due to arrive until today anyhow. By the end of the night host Ryan Seacrest announced they had raised over $30 million with corporate donations. They got a record 70 million votes last night, so News Corp donated $5 million of that total.
The Idols performed "Time to Care" as their group performance tonight. It was written by Quincy Jones, who says he likes it when young people take seriously their mission to help people. He thought the idols were well-rounded. Honestly the performance and song was as boring and colorless as their outfits. It was all just lacking.
The next clip featured Paula Abdul visiting a Boys and Girls Club in Hollywood. A wonderful performance of "Somewhere" by Il Divo followed that. I love Il Divo, they have such beautiful voices. Hunky Carlos (eyebrow guy for those not being able to tell the difference) was just way too hunky tonight.
A decently funny skit with Jack Black took place next. Ryan wanted someone from the audience to come up onstage, for a donation of $50. They decided to pick a seat number, and surprise it was Jack Black. He decided to sing Kiss From a Rose, saying it's from Batman Returns, the most sensitive of the Batman movies. He also wanted to be judged by the judges. His partner in crime Kyle was holding a rose in the audience by the way. Randy said it wasn't happening, but maybe if he wore stretchy pants. Paula told him the school of rock wanted their diploma back. Simon said he was better than Sanjaya (Sanjaya Malakar was in the audience and loved that comment). Jack said Seal would feel differently if he was there, Randy said he is here. Seal shook his head, then said it was the best rendition of Kiss from a Rose he's heard.
Ryan quickly announced that Blake Lewis was safe. Another clip, this one featuring Carrie Underwood, followed. She sang "I'll Stand By You" for the kids in Africa. Then a performance by Rascal Flatts, "My Wish" took place at the Disney Hall.
Then Ryan announced Phil Stacey was safe. We went back to Africa for the next clip, where Ryan and Simon visited AIDS patients and homes of AIDS orphans. This led to Josh Groban singing "You Raise Me Up" backed by the African Children's Choir. This performance had me nearly in tears. I love the song to begin with, but it was so beautiful with the children's choir.
Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck teamed up to perform "Up to the Mountain." What was with the moomoo she was wearing and the double chins? Has Kelly gained weight? Honestly the performance was boring as hell. Pop back in to Ben Stiller, who was still singing. Then off to a clip of the Simpsons with Simon as the person auditioning. Lisa, Homer and Marge were the judges. Marge was the "Randy" and kept saying 'dawg' while Lisa (as Paula) looked around asking where the doggie was. Simon meanwhile sang "Don'tcha."
Ryan then announced Lakisha Jones was safe before another clip of poor people in America. Finally we were up to the awesome duet. Celine Dion performed "If I Can Dream" with Elvis Presley. It was interesting, but I don't know that I would call it good. Elvis looked better than Celine.
Finally we were up to the shocker of the night. Who would be leaving? We only had Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks left. Ryan told Chris he was safe. He then told Jordin she was safe too. The Idols can't act well, so you could tell that at least Jordin knew it to begin with, probably the rest too. Apparently they felt it wasn't right to let anyone go on a night like this. Next week they'll send home two people.
