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.
Thanks Idol for having everyone waste all that time voting for nothing. They could have donated all the advertising money for tonights show if they really wanted to give back. What a crock.
Why are you hating on Kelly? What a loser you are first for the weight comment, and second, for not recognizing what a great performance that was from Kelly. Honestly, your comments are boring as hell.
Curlio. Sorry to say that your website has been late in reporting the event of late. Realitytvmagazine and ricky.org tops the site now for giving first hands-on news about AI and they make them even more interesting with controversial topics for discussion as well as MP3 and video clips. Dunno what to say but you've been losing out to them...Anyway, still thank you for the news.
kelly gave a wonderfully nuanced performance...she is by far the best thing ever to come out of ai...and yes, it seemed like she's put on weight a bit, but who cares? she is such a naturally nice person. In an interview about her new album, she explained how she had to fight the 'formula' people at her label to make something truly new instead of just 'breakaway II' to build on a proven formula (which they didn't like when it was being made either...so..do ya get the pattern).
Okay, well anyway off my kelly soapbox..the show tonight was indeed a telethon but american idol cleverly realized they could link the concept of voting to giving money. I agree, though, it was haphazard, there were way too many things going on, random bits of nonsense, and they did manipulate us a bit..all in for a good (if not for entirely the purest of intentions..but it's showbiz, nothing in business world ever is truly selfless) cause.
And there is no way Chris will be able to rock..you can't just do runs to try to patch up a weak and inconsistent voice in a rock song.
Therefore, next week its BYE CHRIS, BYE. please..just get your strange round face outta here.
::note before reading, all criticism written is directed only at the show, not at the cause or the good that can come from raising money for charities that desperately need it::
Note to American Idol producers, I have one word for tonight's show and lack of results - LAME!!!
For all the hype, the performances were mostly overadvertised and underwhelming.
The Great -
1) Il Divo - I had never heard them live before - OMG! They were great!
2) Ellen as a host
3) Carrie's African video - I like her more after she left AI than I did on Season 4
4) Josh Groban
Most fell into "great talent but their bit didn't work"
1) Kelly Clarkson - mediocre performance by a great voice
2) Annie Lennox - I love Annie Lennox, I love "Bridge Over Troubled Water", but I didn't love Annie Lennox doing "Bridge over Troubled Water"
3) Celine and Elvis. Next year, just have Quincy Jones write a song for Celine to record and the charity will make a bazillion dollars off of it.
4) Jack Black - don't like Jack Black, do love the song. Next year, ditch Jack and let Seal sing.
The whole "shocker" being that no one was voted off was the producers LAMEST move in the history of AI! Why did they put the kids through that for no reason?!?
Suggestions for next year:
1. Let people who have run successful telethons produce this one for AI. Hand the reigns over to Quincy Jones for this one night.
2. Give Seacrest a seat with the contestants, and let other talent host the show. I think it would be hysterically funny to have Robin Williams, Jack Black, or even Jeff Foxworthy host the main stage. Can you imagine any of them "dishing" on the judges? I'm sitting here snickering at the thought.
3. My biggest and best suggestion is to announce in advance that for this special week, there will be no elimination but the Top Three receiving votes will receive $10,000 each to be donated to a food bank in their hometown.
4. If they are going to line up stars, darnit, get them over here to perform and not just put in taped appearances. You want to know how much better that the last song would have sounded if the Idols got to sing backed by U2? Madonna could have sang the first song backed by the Idols. I hope someone at AI has the sense to book U2 and other mega-stars NOW for this particular show next year.
5. What happened to Pink, Marc Anthony, and few other advertised artists performing? Just being in the Ford ad was too tacky for words.
While I am on this thought, why not just make this one show into a large AI family reunion with a few other blockbuster stars performing rather than a bewildering mix of singers? They could have had all of the former winners (where was Taylor, Fantasia, and Ruben?) perform as well as most of the commercially successful alumni (Daughtry, Bucky, and even "the Pickle").
The cause is worthy, but the telethon-styled show needs work.
Wow. Someone's bitter. So much Hate for the original AI? The show wouldn't be what it is without Kelly, who was great with Jeff Beck tonight. The highlight was Josh Groban and the kids, though. As for Carrie, Idol producers are definitely pimping her this year (as if she needs any more publicity or record sales). Meanwhile, no sign of McPheever or Soul Patrol at all this year. Wonder what that's all about? Those two can't GIVE their records away...
The last group performance should have put to rest how much more mature voices Melinda and LaKisha possess than Jordin. Jordin has a great voice, but she doesn't always control it well. LaKisha has an unflippin believable voice, but she struggles when she is out of her narrow comfort zone and/or feels put on the spot. Gospel music needs another Shirley Caesar, LaKisha could record an album that would blow the socks off of that genre. Melinda is going to get to do whatever she wants after AI, and I'm going to buy it. Jordin has the total perfect perky marketable package to be the next AI and she'll sell loads of CDs.
Usually I don't agree too much with what this site has to say, but Shenova, I'm in awe at how much I'm agreeing today.
Ellen being the host was probably the best thing tonight. I would have liked it better if Carrie sang live in addition the clip. I don't like Josh Groban, but what he did was really touching. Il Divo for me was just kinda odd.
The rest of the performances were really boring. Oh wait, I liked Rascal Flatts. And everyone else was boring.
Oh, and calling Kelly the "orgiinal idol" just doesn't make sense. She was the first one to win, but so what? And AI WOULD be the same even without her. If you remember, she tried to distant herself as much as she could from AI. So uh yeah some "original idol."
No one gone !!
Why?
Kyo?
This sux !!!
I spent 8 hours of my beauty sleep worrying about Lakisha , and then POOF , " sorry folks , it's a no go ! We want America to watch us again ! "
Celine singing a song by anyone, will not mean as much than having her sing song with the only person, even if no longer alive, who was, is, and will be bigger than every performer we saw last night.
kelly clarkson looked like a fat cow. a cow who can sing. what is wrong with that for chissake? you would think after all the holiday girl lezbot lovin kelly would be skinnier - she ain't. no problem from my end though if i were a lezbot i would prefer the more 'feminine' type. can you be fat and prefer you own sex and have someone comment on it without it being a crime or an insult? sure why not? lighten up and give a little - in keeping with the spirit of the show.
kelly fat
ruben fat
jennifer fat
fantasia fat fat fat (have u seen her lately?)
randy fat
kiki fat and fat
jordin full and fat
melinda neckless, chin like a fullback and fat(ish)
phil bald and bland
blake gay and geeky
chris fat ass, squeaky voice (and given the thumbs- presumably a small doodle)
ripped off no one booted. boooooooo. what kinda of controversy have they created for next weeks show? oooooh, how are they going to prove that they counted this weeks? what if this week doesnt look like next week cause someone chokes? messy. i say we should boycott the show.
thank goodness for french idol. that little stud julien is dream worthy. yummy.
kelly is fat and ugly btw - come and get some
-- toad
p.s. no arguments from me shenova. i watched again and you are right there is a noticeable contrast in voice qualities and control. jordin has a way to go though to coin a phase from one of the fat -thin(ish)-then fat again judges hey, she is only 17. wow.
edit: toad - 2007-04-26 06:36:28 GMT - left out the word fat....ooops
A couple of thoughts....
An odd comment by Bono. "I've performed on stage in front of 70,000 fans. And that's a great feeling. But, PERHAPS, an even better feeling is saving someone's life."
"PERHAPS!"
The Elvis bit, technically, was awesome. It was the closing song from his comeback Christmas TV special and launched him into the Vegas sequened stage.
The Idols apparently were all dressed in white to match his outfit so they could appear to join him on stage doing harmony.
Most of the star performances were hundrum. Annie Lennox almost put me to sleep, love her and the song otherwise.
I don't think Idol put the contestants through anything. The unsurprised look on Jordin's face as she was the only one left told me they knew the gimmick.
The votes were not wasted, apart from generating donations. They will be added to next week's votes to determine the pair leaving that week.
I agree that the two group songs were dull as dirt.
The "Staying Alive" bit was poorly done. And, to make it more interesting, how hard would it have been to get Barry Gibb or John Travolta to mime the last line?
And, yes, Pink and Gwen Stefani had been promoted as scheduled to perform. No mention of it.
Next week, Bon Jovi (yawn) will mentor Rock week.
I can't see any of these guys shining. Any semblence of rockers (Gina, Sundance) left long ago.
Maybe Chris and Lakisha banked enough bad votes this week to carry over into one of them getting the heave ho then.
In the beginning ...........................
(people , picture Star Wars ....... u know with all the music and the whole kaboodle )
Well , as much as the ending was an anti-climax MEGA FLOP event , the rest I really really liked !!!! Take it from someone whose father has seen live aid ( yup , the 70's one ). I have to admit , I'm disappointed that so many of you hated Kelly Clarkson.
As Randy would have said ( actually still very much says ) , " She was DA BOmb !! YEAH !!! WHOO !!!! "
Yes the idol performances were not at par with the others , but WTH , it was a GREAT GIG FOR A GREAT CAUSE !!!!
And for the 1ST time in IDOL HISTORY ..................... WE SAW BLAKE SING WHILE SHOWING HIS PRECIOUS PEARLS CALLED TEETH !!!!! It was right at the end , when the idols were singing that American prayer song that I managed to see 'em teeth ! And I was like " Whoa , were those teeth ? Could it be ! OMG !!! "
I liked the last song. It was really nice ! I don't know. Maybe none of u guys ( 'n gals ........ yeah I know ) were in the zone !
********** WARNING*************
DO NOT WATCH WATCH THIS EPISODE WITH YOUR MOM AND SISTER !!!! ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE THE SENSITIVE TYPE .
Man , my mom and sis were crying buckets on seeing those kids . And then when Ryan told that lady and the kid DID NOT MAKE IT ........................... telling u that was a very awkward moment.
Great re-cap Curlio, and bravo Shenova, well it was for a good cause and for that we can be thankful. Well if you take my post from yesterday and think about the results and add to that the crummy production and performances (Elvis please rest in peace!) you can see how justified I was with my concerns about the show. I think overall it will shorten the life of the show. People may think, how swell , how good, but they won't (me for sure) want to waste their time on something so cheesy. They could have produced a decent show, but their lack of class came forth like never before, unless I have be hiding it from my self. Much of my affection for this show is gone. Love the guys here though.. Will
Well, I only saw the second half, I was watching Jericho, but I'm glad I didn't waste my time. I think it's great they raised the funds to help feed and educate people...here's hoping the money trickles down to the ones that need it. Have a telethon show or an AI show....the mix didn't work.
yes its possible. perhaps it happened when she crossed the dyke unprotected.
*sigh*
doen't anyone want to have fun today?
-- toad
She's baaaaaccckkkkkk!
I was afraid you had ODed on anti-depressants, Frogetta! I'm not sure we should ready the harpoons for Kelly quite yet. She has put on 15 or 20 lbs, but, folks do that sometime when they have their ups and downs. I alway like the girl's personality and singing. Last night I had mentally tuned out by the time she sang and the "cheese factor" had clouded my hearing, so I only vaguely remember it. I like the little girl and I think I'd take her fat or thin, good folks are not found at every doorstop these day. I like her talking voice, southern or Texan, same, same, and she has a great laugh, she's loyal to those who treat her right. And, the old Will, not the new Will, would have said, yep, and I'd treat her right all night, LOL! Kidding, I do like spice with my frog legs though. Will
For my Peeps, does anyone remember when Annie first got air time and had all the great videos on MTV, back before the funk hit, she performed at a show, I think some awards show with short black hair and a white Elvis outfit, super androdgny (sp), wild, that was pre-many of the freak-i-zoids of today. She was off the charts innovative. last night she was only ho-hum! Will
Will said: For my Peeps, does anyone remember when Annie first got air time and had all the great videos on MTV, back before the funk hit, she performed at a show, I think some awards show with short black hair and a white Elvis outfit, super androdgny (sp), wild, that was pre-many of the freak-i-zoids of today. She was off the charts innovative. last night she was only ho-hum! Will
I do remember that! It was at an early MTV awards when the acts were most concerned with "how can I shock the audience at the MTV awards?" Annie always led the pack with her everchanging look. Late 80ish, maybe early 90's. Annie was definately one of the innovators of the "alternative" look, well before Sinead O'Connor.
Its totally mind-blowing that the "rebel" acts of yesteryear are now considered mainstream. Nothing will top Prince doing the Superbowl. Prince, the early king of borderline acts on tv/stage and the artist that instigated Congressional hearings over warning labels on albums, being embraced in a family entertainment venue. I still remember Prince's "Gett Off" performance on the MTV Awards - 100 couples in various compromising positions and him wearing pants with a mesh butt.
Annie and Prince are now mainstream. History holds interesting heroes.
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.
