How did the FOX43 Idol Experts do on their Week 2 predictions?

Off the top, an apology to our dear, sweet, attractive and spunky Idol Expert, Julie. Somehow, her predictions for Ladies' Night were not properly posted, and the Wednesday show post went live with her predictions from Guys' Night, instead.

This was CLEARLY an error, and we'll blame Clyde for that.

Our apologies to Ms. Heart for the mix-up, and the necessary corrections have been made. Check it out before reading these results if you want to see her predictions before you find out whether she was right or wrong.

So...let's get to it!

4 had to go home...but few potential shockers were in that unlucky group! Who was sent packing?

4 contestants (Jason Yeager, Alexandrea Lushington, Alaina Whitaker, and Robbie Carrico) went home, and our Idol Experts made their calls before Thursday's Week 2 Results Show.

How did they do?

Artie Funk

Artie picked Amanda Overmyer, Alaina Whitaker, Jason Yeager and Luke Menard to go home this week. Well, he was a bit off, as America threw a few curveballs with this week's voting.

That's 2 out of 4, which is .500, but what does Mr. Funk have to say about the results?

Funk: 2 for 4 this week, huh? HIGHLY disappointed in you, America! SHAME ON YOU, America! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Alexandrea was not supposed to go home this week AT ALL. I thought she had REAL potential, but...America forced her to struggle for her OWN contract, now. I thought it was really funny and sad when Alaina sobbed, "I CAN'T SING!" It was cute, and she did a good job, considering! I'm glad Skunkhead's gone, and the faux-rocker...can't say I'm sad to see him go, at all. I was more okay with the male choices than the ladies choices. I noticed that Amanda Overmyer's not a "hugger." When the rest of the group is hugging, she's kind of off on the fringe...

Julie Heart

Julie chose Amanda Overmyer, Alaina Whitaker, Jason Yeager and Danny Norriega. That puts her squarely in the middle...

...2 out of 4!

Heart: Jason leaving was no big surprise, even to him! I actually liked his singing better when he was upset, rather than with the big, goofy smile he flashed Tuesday night. I would have thought Idol would have made sure his son was there to fully cash in on the emotion. Alexandrea, on the other hand, was a big surprise! Especially next to Amanda, who I thought for sure would be out. Overmyer was horrible AGAIN in the Results Show intro song, by the way. It was sweet that Alexandrea hugged David at the end...they know each other from a Starsearch when they were kids. Alaina went home...didn't Simon call her the "dark horse" of the girls, this year? The Battle of the Blondes in the bottom spot didn't work out for Alaina! It was a REAL moment of breakdown, trying to make her sing her final song...but she got through a song about CRYING on the way out, so...aww! And holy COW! Robbie out and Luke IN?! I never would have thought that! I mean, I thought Luke's looks might float him through a nother week, but...not at the expense of Robbie! Man, definitely some emotional and shocking moments, this time!

Clyde Collins

Clyde chose Amanda Overmyer, Alaina Whitaker, Jason Yeager and Luke Menard to leave, this week. Well...2 of them didn't!

2 out of 4 for Clyde, once again. Here was his reaction:

Collins: America, you're absolutely mentally challenged if you think keeping Amanda Overmyer in this competition is a good idea. Pathetic, completely wrong and careless. I mean...sure, I've been saying Alexandrea's going to be sent home before long, anyway. So, I'm not that upset over losing her. I think Robbie Carrico was a phony, as well, so...no loss, there. But, based on ACTUAL PERFORMANCE...Amanda should've left, and Luke Menard is still a completely vanilla waste of airtime. They. Will. Go. Soon. Days are numbered. Oh, and Jason Yeager's been lousy since we first heard him. Good riddance, Skunkboy.

There it is! Straight from the FOX43 Idol Experts' lips!

What did YOU think of the Week 2 results? Leave your thoughts below, and we'll see you next week for another round of songs and surprises!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Julie Heart, Results

A full recap of Ladies' Night, predictions and some enjoyable bickering. Wipe your feet and step inside.

Heart: The girls did a good job last night, overall. I think they were better than the guys last week, but this week's a little more even!

Collins: The show peaked with the third performance. That's NOT a good sign. I was disappointed, and a lot of it was due to poor song choices.

Funk: Disappointing is RIGHT. Let down. Crushed! Only TWO great performances, and a few a'ight ones. I hope they step it up next week...

Heart: Let's talk more about THIS week. Who did well, and what went wrong with the others!

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 10 GIRLS

Carly Smithson
Performed: "Crazy on You" by Heart

Funk: It was really good! I liked it a lot. I <3 Carly.

Collins: Heh. A Heart joke. I get it. Anyway...this is a much-needed change of style for her, I think. Started off okay, got rough, then got better in the end. She can hit the notes, but you can tell the whole "rock" thing isn't easy or natural for her. Took a risk, and I think it paid off by giving her some spunk. Not the best vocal, but kind of fun. She continues to be, as Simon said, one killer song away from being The One to Beat (TM)..

Heart: I loved Carly singing Heart! I think she did a great job, and really showed she can sing.

Syesha Mercado
Performed: "Me and Mr(s). Jones" by Billy Paul

Collins: "Mr. Jones," eh? He apparently went through some big changes since the 70s! It was bluesy, soulful...perfectly fine, but I wish she'd chosen a bigger song. That last note was a doozy, but...didn't knock me out. Good performance of the wrong song. Still cute and great, though.

Funk: Sounded really good, but I didn't recognize or care about the song! I wanted to hear an AWESOME song from her, but...yeah. Other than a really bad song choice, her voice is still awesome.

Heart: It wasn't my favorite song for her...but I still loved her singing! She has an amazing voice...and her fake "baby cry" was freakily good.

Brooke White
Performed: "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

Heart: Aww, she's a beauty school dropout! I was WOWed by her. It was the perfect song for her voice, and I loved her with the guitar! Ha ha, and yes, it was great that she was looking at Simon!

Collins: I've got a good one. If Brooke believes doing hair is an artform, then working on David Cook's hair would have to be Minimalism -- BA-ZING!!!

Heart: Ooooooh! Harsh! Clyde, why don't you leave David alone! He's a great singer, and you couldn't hold a candle to him! He's THE rocker of the group, and his hairstyle is just fine! Maybe he's balding...but he knows how to handle it. He doesn't look like Donald Trump or anything.

Collins: Couldn't resist! Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," huh? Good choice. She's perfect in that folky, earthy kind of 70s-sounding way. I think she boned a note here and there...but she had a great time singing it, and did a fine job with a tough song. I'm in, she's great. I want her here to the end...

Funk: Yo, it was HOT, dogg! I liked it a LOT, and the judges were pretty right on, good song choice. It was good, it was good. And she gave a shout-out to the band, that's classy!

Ramiele Malubay
Performed: "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston

Funk: Yo, HULA, baby! Hula!

Collins: Adorable as usual! She's got a great voice, and I'm once again in love. A rough note or two, but a fun, above-average performance, overall. She's yet another lady looking for that Skyrocket Song. She'll be fine, she's a potential star...and people HAVE to know it, by now.

Funk: You know, it didn't blow me away. That's disappointing, because I like her. Felt like the vocal was decent, but the performance could've been better.

Heart: It's so cute that she's a little hula girl! I almost didn't recognize the song at first, and it was a pretty bad song choice. I love when she shows off how big her voice is, but it's not QUITE as good on the quiet parts.

Kristy Lee Cook
Performed: "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt

Collins: Okay, so it was do-or-die time for Ms. Cook. "You're No Good" is, perhaps, the most-appropriate song choice she could've made. Better than last week, definitely, I just don't know whether to let myself love her or not, anymore. She's hurt me, and I don't know if I can take it. A fine performance, with a lot of 'tude. Is she the next American Idol? I don't think so, anymore. She needs to stick around, but is "potential" good enough at this point, when there are clearly stars poised to burst all surrounding her? I'm so torn over her, now. We'll see. She should be back next week.!

Heart: Huge improvement from last week! She's one of the only girls that really moves around the stage...I love that she's an all-American tomboy, and the only thing I'd caution her against is, like Clyde pointed out, singing a song with the lyric "You're no good" when you were in the Bottom 3 last week! And, who knows? Maybe Country WOULD suit her voice better?

Collins: If she goes Country, I withdraw all that remains of my original support immediately. Enough with the pigeon-holed, Country-singing blondes! She boxes herself in and immediately compares herself to Carrie Underwood...and I don't think that's a favorable comparison for Ms. Cook...

Funk: She just seemed so nervous and unnatural in her performance. The vocal was good, and she looked hot, but...she was decent. Not amazing, just good.

Amanda Overmyer
Performed: "Carry on My Wayward Son" by Kansas

Collins: She's done. I repeat. It's over. This was a basket of clams. I actually cringed a few times, and that was just at her Bride of Frankenstein/Rogue hair thing. A mess from top to bottom.

Funk: Like she hit a giant bug on her bike and it splattered into her hair...not feelin' the 'do, dogg! That song was just...ugly, man. I think I threw up a little listening to her. And I don't LIKE throwing up.

Heart: I LOVE that song...but I HATED her doing it! Her voice was way too scratchy, and her dancing was...well...interesting? She could definitely be going home after that.

Alaina Whitaker
Performed: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton John

Heart: It was alright. Not her best, not her worst. I think her staying or going is based on whether or not someone does worse than her, at this point in the show...and I really don't think anyone was worse after she performed.

Collins: She's OCD about her food touching! Aww, endearing. Anyway, it was another schmaltzy ballad in "Hopelessly Devoted." A decent-if-boring vocal early on, missed the big notes by a mile, though. Weak finish, could've been much better. I think it was a good song for who she THINKS she is as a singer, but...didn't work for me. She needs to get a little messed-up, show she's got an evil side or something. But, otherwise, she's just going to get swallowed up because she doesn't stand out.

Funk: It was okay. I didn't care about the song, but she's got a good voice. Didn't really have to do much performing with this song, so...didn't really FAIL, just needs to pick better songs. I think she'll be around next week. Not a bad vocal, just a little forgettable.

Alexandrea Lushington
Performed: "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago

Collins: She chose an interesting and unexpected song, I have to say. Really made it more modern, I thought. Nice cover, not as strong as last week. I didn't like the end, I thought it was a little sloppy when she broke it down. I REALLY think she's in trouble, because, frankly, compare her to Syesha, our current frontrunner. Or even Ramiele or Asia'h! She's not as engaging! I don't know. Not bad, but I don't know how to feel about her. I think she's going to fall, eventually.

Heart: You know, she's a good singer, and hopefully she'll be around longer to prove it by singing a better, more memorable song. It just wasn't a good choice for her.

Funk: It was kinda' boring. It was, like, the third of the night that was a bad song choice with a good vocal. I don't like this trend! She did make it her own, though. I mean, she SOMEHOW made CHICAGO sound more relevant. That's skill!

Kady Malloy
Performed: "Magic Man" by Heart

Collins: Can I make the "Heart hearts Heart" joke, here? I'm sure you liked the song, Julie.

Heart: Yes, because I do heart Heart! The first thing I thought watching her was be careful going down stairs in heels, Kady. You don't want to fall down a flight of fake stairs on national television!

Collins: Might've made her more memorable if she HAD, ha ha.

Heart: It was an OK performance. Her singing was good, and I liked the song...but it wasn't quite her. I almost would have rather seen her sing opera!

Collins: I'm sure that'll come in handy when we get around to Opera Week...(cough).

Funk: Hey, I gotta' be honest...it wasn't that good. Lacking, disappointing...meh.

Collins: She picked a rock-y kind of song, but I don't think it was very convincing. She was trying to show a different side of her personality, which is good...but it didn't click with me. I think she's doomed, now. I like her, and I WANT her to be great. She just isn't. Maybe she'd shine on a Britney Spears Week? Just an awkward segment, from the time she started singing to the commercial break.

Asia'h Epperson
Performed: "All By Myself" by Celine Dion

Collins: She was a cheerleader. And an Eagles fan? (Cough.) Anyway, she chose to sing a really big song, and it beat her, a bit. She got a little better at the end, but it still wasn't the show-stopper I was hoping for going in. It was a solid performance with a better ending...but she needed to destroy it if she was going to try to take on such a Monster Ballad. She didn't. How do you grade "coming really close to a good performance of a difficult song?" She should be safe, but I hope she gets back in the game next week. Don't overreach, especially if you're SICK!

Heart: Wow, she looks different with straight hair! I liked that look on her. I liked her last night, Clyde! It was a super-hard song, and she really nailed the ending! I think it was a risk worth taking!

Funk: No, I disagree...it pretty much sucked. I didn't enjoy it at all. I hate Celine Dion, and she didn't even do a good job...sorry.

Heart: Overall, I think Carly really reminded us that she's a force to reckon with! She was the best of the night, in my opinion, but the first three girls started off the show with a bang...the show fizzled a little in the middle...but ended on a strong note. LITERALLY, sorry Artie!

Collins: I wouldn't say it was a BAD night...but I'm left confused by the ladies, again. I don't know how to feel about some of them, still. I want to love them, but they keep falling short of expectations. I'm looking for the next winner, and I keep waiting for that moment when it becomes absolutely clear who should (and will) win. Artie, why don't you take the lead in our predictions, today?

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Funk: I liked Brook White and Carly Smithson the best. If I HAD to choose, I'd go with Brooke, because I like the underdog aspect!

Heart: Carly Smithson and Syesha Mercado were tops, once again. But honorable mention to Brooke White! She's gaining on 'em, and I hope she sticks around for a while!

Collins: I'll go with Brooke White, because Carly has more to prove, and her performance, while good, wasn't enough to put her over the top.

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Funk: Amanda Overmyer was abyssmal.

Collins: I'm with Artie. She was a nightmare.

Heart: Yup. Amanda. Boo!

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Funk: Amanda Overmyer and, probably, Alaina Whitaker...because everyone else did at least "safe" performances, if not decent.

Heart: Amanda Overmyer is probably out...and I think Alaina Whitaker is gonna' be the other one to get sent home. It's a tough call, but I can see her leaving. I think they said it was her birthday last week...but, that's not the case in Week 2, so she may not be able to count on that birthday luck to keep her around!

Collins: Amanda Overmyer and Alaina Whitaker, unless there's some shocking and unjust coup. If Amanda Overmyer is still around next week, I may start changing channels...

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GAL/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Funk: Carly's on top, now...because Syesha had kind of a rough week.

Collins: Carly Smithson is the one to beat, because Syesha, Asia'h and Ramiele - the other BIG voices - were unable to knock her off, this week. Brook White is the dark horse, definitely. She's not the traditional Pop sensation, and I think she could steadily build a fanbase and sneak up on everyone.

Heart:I'll have to go with Carly, right now!

GAL ON THE RISE

Funk: Brook White has always been good, but this week shot her up to the top tier, I thnk.

Heart: Brooke White is winning all of us over! And Kristy Lee Cook was MUCH better this week. Not that she was so great last week, but I think she's got plenty of potential, so I'll say she's going to capitalize on it and stick around for a while.

Collins:Brooke White continues to impress!

SLIPPING

Funk: Asia'h, man...and Ramiele. They both took a bit of a tumble this week!

Collins: Kady Malloy is now known as the likeable-but-not-so-great singer of the group.

Heart: Amanda Overmyer, obviously. I'm sure you all got that point, by now! I also think Alexandrea slid a bit. I didn't think her song choice was very memorable, and I hope she gets a chance to bounce back...

Collins: That's that! We'll have our take on the Results Show tomorrow.

Heart: Bye, everyone! Thanks for reading!

Funk: Let's hurry up and get to Week 3, so we can forget last night ever happened!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts, Julie Heart

A full recap of Guys Night, predictions and the usual craziness. Jump in!

Collins: I actually thought the fellas were a bit stronger, this week. It'd be hard for a few of them to be WORSE, but...overall, a fine night.

Heart: I absolutely agree! They were better this week, and I think we finally had our first "Wow Moment" out of the top guys, this season!

Collins: Though, I'm SURE we'll disagree on which moment that was, Julie...

Funk: There were THREE really good performances, I thought. But, hey...let's get to it. There's a lot to say about these cats!

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 10 GUYS

Michael Johns
Performed: "You Can Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac

Collins: I thought he was pretty horrible, actually. Shaky, shouting, off-key. If the biggest argument for him being frontrunner is that he's dependable, I can turn it around and say that it's his biggest FLAW. I know exactly what I'm going to get from him every week, and it's going to be hard for Mr. Johns to TRULY wow us. Covering Fleetwood Mac was a fine idea, but he SUCKED it up, in my opinion...he'll be safe, even if it was a tad mediocre. He's probably got enough fans by this point where it just won't matter.

Heart: He's ALWAYS good, Clyde. You can really count on him for a good performance, and you can really see age making a difference in his case. That consistency comes with maturity.

Collins: Does maturity also bring sub-par vocals? He was off, admit it. The judges are SO SCARED to badmouth him that the worst they could do was Simon calling it "coasting." Come on. He was bad, tonight.

Funk: It was...alright. Didn't do much for me, didn't make me hate him.

Jason Castro
Performed: "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb

Collins: These two going first will hurt Castro more, but...anyway, I think he did a much better job with his song than the judges did. I still don't expect the world from him, and a solid performance is forgiveable! I agree that we SHOULD see him without the guitar next week, just for fun. But, yes...he was just fine. Nothing that will blow the roof off the building, but to the right people, this will stand out. Andy Gibb is wonderfully ironic, and he made a potentially disastrous song choice work. I mean, the Gibb boys are hard to pull off, convincingly! It was a GOOD choice. THERE, I said it.

Funk: I'm a huge BeeGees fan...and by huge, I mean...moderate. I still like him! He's a little "squeaky," but I don't think it was a Go Home Performance.

Heart: Aww, I loved seeing his awkward interviews! It makes him so REAL. He was alright, and he's getting more likeable, but his vocals weren't as strong as last week. Ditto on the guitar thing...IF he's here next week.

Luke Menard
Performed: "Killer Queen" by Queen

Heart: Much better song choice than last week, and definitely one people will remember. But he had a little trouble with the high notes. Face it, he's no Mr. Mercury! I love that he TRIED, though...and it's cool that he's in an a capella group!

Collins: I would say that it was better, but mainly because he picked the WORST possible song last week. On that level, he's improved by leaps and bounds. The problem is, he's just still so BLAND. He tried, sure...but there's nothing more to Luke Menard than a pretty face, and I think he's, once again, in danger of being sent back to Dawson's Creek. The little girls HAVE to catch on that he's lame at some point, right? It really wasn't good.

Funk: Menard's performance was more...fulfilling, this time. I'd say a step up, but it's not enough to save him. I didn't like his interpretation of the song...but, he did alright. Hard to make Queen sound awesome and different at the same time, which is kind of what you have to do on this show.

Robbie Carrico
Performed: "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner

Collins: He's a phony. David Cook's a better rocker than this guy, and Cook's BALD under those giant, comb-forward bangs!

Heart: That is WAY harsh on David Cook...he's an awesome singer. And he's NOT bald, Clyde! Maybe...bald-ING, but...this competition isn't about HAIR, anyway!

Collins: Lucky for these two. Anyway...back to Robbie. He was fine, I suppose, but only for his established fanbase. He didn't win any converts with that. What did he bring to it, and how did that performance set him apart from the pack? Lukewarm-blooded, more like it.

Heart: He did a pretty good job, and I love Foreigner. So...I don't think he'll be voted off the island quite yet!

Funk: I thought it was pretty good. Probably, sadly, his BEST so far...it was good, but not awesome. I got that vibe early on, last night...

Danny Noriega
Performed: "Superstar" by the Carpenters

Collins: Wow, the Carpenters. There's a helluva' way to get the fans jumping...sheeeeeesh!

Heart: I was really hoping he'd out himself or something in his setup video...but, no...just a kiddie punk band. Yawn! Anyway...this song fit him better than Elvis, but he's not doing good enough to get into the top 10 at this point.

Collins: He was better, but a little dreary. That's just a song choice thing, maybe other people felt differently...but, not bad. It's obvious he's an engaging personality and that he's got some talent...but we're not seeing him let it all hang out and win the audience over on charm. If he's still around next week, he has GOT to bring it.

Funk: Actually, it was pretty good! Showed a little different range than in the past...it was okay!

David Hernandez
Performed: "Papa was a Rollin' Stone" by the Temptations

Collins: GREAT performance, great vocal...I, personally, believe he KILLED last night. He's slowly but surely establishing himself as a dependable, but not over-hyped performer. He's the Michael Johns of the "second-tier" guys. He had charisma, and what could've come off as very cheesy actually turned out to be quite good. He's safe, and we're lucky he's still here, quietly bringing up the average on the male side.

Heart: I'm sorry...but I have so much trouble believing him when he sings! He looks a little crazy! I mean, he can SING...but I don't think I'll ever get over his weird looks. Simon said it was the best of the night so far, so...he'll be back again, probably.

Funk: HOT. That blew everyone else out of the water! He did EVERYTHING right. He was on-pitch, awesome song choice that showcased his range...and he BELTED without sounding horrible! Know what I'm sayin'? Best of the night, so far!

Jason Yeager
Performed: "Long Train Runnin'" by the Doobie Brothers

Heart: The lesser of the two Jasons was easier to understand this week, but the singing still wasn't much better. Simon was harsh on him, and it seemed like Seacrest was trying to see if he could get him to cry...

Funk: It was bad. You KNOW it's bad when even RANDY doesn't know how to speak his mind without absolutely crushing the singer.

Collins: It was better, because he couldn't get WORSE, again. He should NOT be here, and deserved to leave last week. He's on borrowed time already, if you ask me...and this performance was as lame and forgettable as we'll EVER see out of Skunkhair. And his little wing-flapping, arm-pump dance at the end was pretty terrible, too. I think my bottom two guys may be the same again, this week...SPOILER alert...

Chikezie
Performed: "I Believe to My Soul" by Ray Charles or Donny Hathaway (depends who you ask)

Heart: See, now...HIS performance was believable! Great singing, fun to watch...if only he would learn to dress himself in something between orange suit and polo shirt. Get a style coach on this guy, people!!

Collins: He was MUCH better this week, and I loved his song choice. It was fun that they made light of Simon not being able to remember his name by reffing it in the song. He'll be safe, but I still think he's got a bit of work to do if he's going to hang with the male frontrunners, this season. And, yes, two polo shirts is always stupid. I know the mannequins at the Gap are wearing two, but that doesn't mean it's ACTUALLY cool. One shirt on top of a different shirt is called layering. The SAME shirt on top of another is just an extra shirt. I'm not into that at all.

Funk: That was GOOD! I liked that he worked his name into the song...he LITERALLY made it h is own! Sounded good, too. Nice work, man!

David Cook
Performed: "All Right Now" by Free

Collins: Much better than last week, which I thought was a wreck. He walked away from the mic at one point! This is about singing, not showmanship. You've got to have both to connect, obviously, but THAT bothered me. Nice that he tried to use the guitar to prove he can rock, but it overpowered his voice a bit. I'm just not a fan! I don't think I ever WILL be. He's going to be safe, I think...but, come on...would you EVER buy one of this guy's albums? Seriously, he's just not special! If you're going to be The Rocker (TM), you need to stand out and be an absolute GOD if you ever hope to win American Idol, let alone the respect of jaded rock music fans. He's doomed, but not out yet.

Heart: Shut up, Clyde! I LOVE this song! He had GREAT energy, and knows how to handle a stage! He'll be here next week, and the week after that!

Collins: Well, hopefully it stops THERE, because 2 more performances is about all the more I'm willing to sit through out of Mr. Cook...

Funk: Vocal was alright, you're being a little hard on him, Clyde. I'd put him at the top of the middle, for the night...but, I do agree that he shouldn't have walked away and not sung the first whole line of the chorus. Kind of annoyed about that! But, not terrible.

David Archuleta
Performed: "Imagine" by John Lennon

Heart: Wow...wow. Best of the night, and he looked and sounded so much older than 16. He earned himself a spot in the Top 10, maybe even Top 5, with that. Awesome!

Collins: He put a twist on it, made it his own...and that's why it worked. Singing this song too similarly to the way John sang it is a comparison you will LOSE EVERY TIME. But, yeah...he did a fine job, and is still one of the top guys, this season. Speaks to the feeling a lot of Americans have toward the country right now, I think, which helps take Lennon's song from "immortal" to "relevant" again.

Funk: AMAZING. That's an awesome song, and he did it really, really well. That was tops for the night, pretty easily! Good stuff!

Collins: Well, it was an interesting night, and the performances were stronger, overall. But, we still have to send 2 guys home. Who will it be? Let's get to our predictions!

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Collins: This was the Night of David, as Mr. Archuleta and Mr. Hernandez were dominant. I'd give Archuleta the SLIGHT edge, because his will be the more memorable performance.

Funk: David Archuleta edges out Hernandez, I think. That cover of "Imagine" was hot!

Heart: I agree that it's the Night of Davids, Clyde...but, with one difference. My Davids include Archuleta and COOK, not Hernandez with his crazy eyes. But David Archuleta wins, totally.

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Collins: Jason Yeager, once again, proved himself to be an absolute waste of space. Luke Menard is a milquetoast old man who needs to leave, as well.

Funk: Jason Yeager. Bleeeech...

Heart: Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega were the weakest, I thought.

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Heart: Jason Yeager...and Danny Noriega.

Collins: Jason Yeager and Luke Menard. I may continue to pick them UNTIL they leave, because they DESERVE TO LEAVE.

Funk: Jason Yeager...and I'll go with Clyde. Luke Menard, I guess.

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GUY/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Collins: David Archuleta is the new frontrunner, but don't count Michael Johns out, just yet. I'm not a fan, but he might be overrated enough to stick around the entire way.

Heart: David Archuleta!

Funk: After tonight...probably David Archuleta, because Michael Johns did not perform to the best of his ability.

GUY ON THE RISE

Collins: David Hernandez, folks...and Chikezie proved that he's got something worth watching. I dont' think last night's performance cooled off Jason Castro, either.

Funk: David Hernandez was great, he's moving up. SHOCKINGLY good this week. And honorable mention to Chikezie. Gladly, he bounced back. Happily. Whatever.

Heart: Chikezie and David Hernandez had a great night, and I think they're on the way up! I hate to admit it, because I don't really like Hernandez...

SLIPPING

Collins: Robbie Carrico and Michael Johns. If the latter is a surprise to you, this is the second week in a row that made me realize he peaked during the audition stage with "Bohemian Rhapsody." Prove me wrong or start swimming, Michaels, because it's a long way back to Australia.

Funk: Jason Castro slipped a bit, I thought. Which makes me sad!

Heart: Michaels Johns took a LITTLE bit of a hit. And Jason Castro fell down a bit, too. I had a lot of hope for him after Week 1!

Collins: There you have it. The ladies perform tonight, and we'll be back tomorrow with more of our thoughts from 70s Week.

Funk: Peace out, dogg!

Heart: See ya' tomorrow, Chatterheads!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
TAGS: American Idol, Idol Chatter, Idol Experts

As we get set to send home more superstar hopefuls on American Idol this week, producers are already looking ahead to next season. And one of the big topics is how to shake up the audition stage of the competition a bit so it doesn't get...well, it's already stale. (Maybe rotten?)

Check out the details we have so far from Ben Grossman's article in Broadcasting & Cable:

There are still 20 contestants remaining in this season’s cycle of American Idol, but Fox executives are already looking ahead to changes for next year.

Preston Beckman, the network’s executive vice president of strategic program planning and research, said he wants to see adjustments to the audition shows that kick off the ratings behemoth every year.

“The good news is that there is still enormous sentiment for the show,” he said. “If you listen to the audience, you will generally be fine.”

So, what's all that mean for us fans?

Idol is going to continue to evolve to meet the changing tastes of the audience. Producers will do what they can to make it bigger and better! Every year, it's both different and completely familiar...but that's part of the fun!

We look for the singers - good and bad - who catch us offguard and truly offer something unique we can laugh at or feel good about.

In the end, it all comes down to the people who audition.

Although, all three FOX43 Idol Experts agree that the audition stage dragged out a bit this season...and you don't cross them, FOX!

Collins: Here's to spicing things up! And, hey...while we're at it, is anyone thinking the judges are becoming a bit stale, too? If Paula suddenly disappeared after the end of Season 7, would it be that horrible a thing? I'm just saying, is all. She's incoherent most of the time, anyway.

Don't forget to check out American Idol, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights on FOX43 -- and look for our Idol Experts' thoughts and predictions right here in the "Idol Chatter" feature!

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, changes, Idol Experts

How did the FOX43 Idol Experts do on their Week 1 predictions?

2 nights of singing, 1 night of cuts...and we're down to the Top 20, already!

4 contestants (Garrett Haley, Colton Berry, Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella) went home, and our Idol Experts made their calls before Thursday's Week 1 Results Show.

How did they stack up?

Artie Funk

Our boy Artie picked Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella to go, for the girls...and was spot-on! His prediction for the guys was that Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager would leave. He was half-right, as Jason Yeager survived a dismal performance of "Moonriver" and goes on to Week 2.

That's 3 out of 4! Nice work, Artie!

Funk: Yeah! I was surprised, but not disappointed, that Colton Berry left so early. I had a feeling he wasn't gonna' last very long, anyway!

Julie Heart

The lovely Julie Heart admitted to having a tougher time choosing which girls would go home, this week. She selected Amy Davis and Kristy Lee Cook as her personal Bottom 2, and went with Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager for the guys. She was right in calling that Luke Menard would not go home, despite a lackluster performance...perhaps, she suggested, simply because "he's cute." Overall, 2 out of 4 for her.

Heart: I think Amy and Garrett were obvious...there was no reason to keep them! We didn't know them very well, and they didn't wow us, which they needed to do! It's no loss with Garrett, but I was sad to see Amy go. I think he was just a bit too weird for me. Colton, the second I saw him in the opening singing number on the Results Show...I thought he looked like Mini-Donald Trump. What was that COMBOVER called?! Still, his departure really surprised me. He had the better of the 2 Elvis performances, but I guess that wasn't enough! I really thought Jason or someone else may have deserved to go sooner than Colton...and his performance on the way out was actually a bit BETTER! Unlike Amy, who was much worse on her way off the Idol stage forever. Joanne wasn't a surprise, but Kristy Lee Cook may have benefitted from being, first of all, CUTE, and second, the first one they ALWAYS show in that dance montage! She pops up ALL the time. But she needs to step up her game to stick around. Colton and Joanne deserved another week, so we could get to know them better, but...the other two...sorry! Bye.

Clyde Collins

FOX43's most miserable and surly Idol Expert has at least 2 more reasons to be miserable and surly...he was WRONG on both of his calls for the guys, this week! He was certain that Jason Yeager would go, and went with Luke Menard over Garrett Haley. Oops. He was 100% on the girls, though, picking Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella.

2 out of 4 for Clyde. Now, what does he have to say for himself?

Collins: I should've stuck to my original gut feeling about Colton Berry having the stink of being "the guy who knocked off loveable dork Kyle Ensley" all over him. And, clearly, I thought Garrett would stick around to annoy people a bit longer this season...while I thought Luke, on performance and song choice, was completely out of touch with the audience and out of place in the competition. He'll get another week to prove me wrong...again. Overall, though, I'm not unhappy about the results. Garrett and Colton probably would've gone home next week, had they not been eliminated, yet. The clock was ticking for the two of them, and I maintain that it's STILL ticking for Mr. Yeager and Mr. Menard. On the ladies' side, the choice was obvious and simple, in my opinion. I even called Amanda Overmyer being on the bubble. The fans made the RIGHT choice, sending home the worst singers of the night, rather than voting for "cute boys," like they did on the other side. I'll have to take inherent female irrationality into account to a greater extent for Week 2, clearly. Ha ha.

There you have it! Good calls, overall, by our Experts, but Clyde's going to have to get in touch with his MASCULINE side, next week, and make some correct calls on the guys' side!

Leave your thoughts on Week 1's results, and let us know if you agree with who got sent packing!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart, Results

The Top 12 Girls performed Wednesday night, and our Idol Experts are going to town with their recap and predictions!

Heart: YAY, Girls Night! It was much better than the guys, I thought, and I really think a girl will win this season.

Collins: You know, I was kind of let-down!

Funk: I liked it, dude. Better than the guys, but only by a LITTLE. The girls are capable of better, I think, and they'll start bringin' it as the season goes on!

Collins: Some weak, some okay, some quite good...but no one really made me a fan for life. The frontrunners have a lot to live up to, because we hold them to a higher standard. They coasted, didn't really knock anything out of the park. This is good for the show, because it's not a runaway for anyone, just yet. It's bad for the early favorite singers, because they become commoners quickly. Next week, we had better see some REAL standout moments, though! Anyway, let's get started...

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 12 GIRLS

KristyLeeCook
Performed: "Rescue Me"

Heart: I loved her confidence and dancing, but I felt like it was kind of a safe song. She could have SHINED with a different song! And she's so sweet...I want her to stick around, and get her horse back!

Collins: It was definitely kind of safe and same-y. Nothing special to it. Look, too many performances like this, and that horse is as good as glue. They answered the question of whether or not she can sing anything that isn't "Amazing Grace" early on in the night...but, sadly, the answer was "sort of." She was only mediocre, tonight. Not bad, not great, just middlish. Shame, I liked her early on. Didn't live up to her potential.

Funk: I thought Kristy Lee was gonna hit the roof after the start she had with this song, but she tapered off and lost it. I didn't notice the pitch problems Randy did. I did notice the weird eyelid-popping she did throughout the song, though...get a hold of that and quit it, or I'll be annoyed by it soon!

Joanna Borgella
Performed: "I Say a Little Prayer"

Collins: 20 seconds into her backstory, and we'd already heard the phrase "plus-sized" twice. Ugh. I'd get over that quickly, dear. Make sure they know you for being good, not being fat. We're only proud of you for so long before we become annoyed. Anyway, her song was okay. She's not the greatest singer ever, so...fine, not spectacular. Joanne's voice was actually a bit sloppy at times...so, by process of elimination, she may well be one of the two going home, this week.

Funk: Joanne was awful last night, man! She just got through saying she's "not a soul singer," and then what does she do? Sings a soul song! Were there pitch problems everywhere, or is it just me? Blegh.

Heart: She has such an interesting voice and so much emotion when she sings...I think she was just nervous, and Simon was WAY too mean to her.

Alaina Whitaker
Performed: "More Today Than Yesterday"

Heart: I liked the slow start, and she has a bigger voice than I remember. I just noticed that she's slightly gap-toothed, not that that should matter...but she did do a really great job singing and Simon liked the song! He was tough to win over last night, so good for her!

Funk: I don't know, man...Alaina is every high school Junior I know. One of the dudes sang this Tuesday night, like Clyde said...but, you know what? She stumbled at the start, but pulled through by the end. Nice pipes! Best of the night so far.

Collins: Problem for HER is, the night got a LOT better after that! Ha ha. Anyway, she's got that big, belting kind of voice. Very pure, clean sound. Not a bad take on this song...again, not blown away, yet. The best so far, and something to help people recognize her. She did that "start slow, then bust out fast and loud" thing...it was good. They apparently forgot they'd just heard the song the night before from Chikezie, as Simon didn't recognize it at all. Maybe that's worse news for Mr. Eze than Ms. Whitaker, though...

Amanda Overmyer
Performed: "Baby, Please Don't Go"

Collins: I realized while watching the performance that she looks a bit like Kelly Clarkson's evil twin, for one thing. And she's exactly as unspectacular as Kelly is talented. Uncanny. Look, it was more nasal screaming from the Biker-Nurse, which is all we'll EVER hear from her. Exciting in the confines of Idol, but the scat was lousy, the guitarist overshadowed her, and she's going to have to get by on personality alone. She's authentic, alright. Kind of a fun, natural person...I just don't think she's that great a singer, and she'll be out of the picture, eventually. She'll survive this week's cuts, though. Lady Morgue is voting for her. And it's only a matter of time before we hear Overmyer cover Melissa Etheridge, I'm sure.

Heart: I liked the song, but I don't really know if it showcased her voice well. She had lots of energy, but It was a little weird for me - I wanted to hear more...well, SINGING!

Funk: Ok. I get it. You're a rocker. Layin' it on a bit thick, tho, huh? Already. So, you can grunt and show attitude in your performance, but can you SING? You say you can...prove it, please. Soon. The fans like her and will keep her around, but she doesn't get my vote.

Amy Davis
Performed: "Where the Boys Are"

Heart: Wow, she's gorgeous! It wasn't the best song for her, though...but I still love the lip-quiver!

Collins: Well, Julie's in love...but, I'm not sure she's the best one to get attached to! Very weak start, kind of "wobbly"-sounding. She's most-likely headed home. Flat vocals, just not good.

Funk: There were serious PITCH problems, and it was WAY too slow. Yuck. Say goodbye, chicky!

Brooke White
Performed: "Happy Together"

Collins: She's made a true fan out of me. This was tonight's Jason Castro performance, in that she came out of the audition stage as a bit of an enigma...and proved to be refreshingly unique. Her cover of The Turtles hit - which is only one song out of a vast and VARIED collection of music, by the way, look into them - was FOLK-Y, and she's a bit Stevie Nicks. I liked this a lot. Hers was MUCH better than David Cook's awful, shouted version, Tuesday night. The banjo made it a nice, clever cover. I liked her, she deserves to stick around for a long while, based on what we saw here. Forget Amanda Overmyer...Brooke's the original, here.

Heart: I thought she sounded nervous early on, but she sounded better as the song went on. It was pretty good.

Funk: I wanted her to be good SO BAD...and she wasn't bad, thank goodness! It needed to be a bit more unique, I think. She's safe, but she needs to kick it up to make it further.

Collins: For the record, Artie, you tend to listen to slightly more Indie, piano-lady music than I do. You may be thinking she'll go in a different direction than I am...but, I thought she exceeded expectations, and gave herself an image that sets her apart from the others. I don't know if she'll win, because the big-voice girls tend to take the crown...but, I'm pulling for her, now. She's converted me, just as Kristy Lee Cook is pushing me away.

Alexandrea Lushington
Performed: "Spinning Wheel"

Heart: This was the perfect song for her! She was confident, energetic, and made it sound current! She'll be here next week, no question.

Funk: You know what? I thought the vocal was off a bit here and there, but I loved the energy and song choice. Diggin' her so far!

Collins: Not terrific, actually! Very early '90s voice, I don't think she was nearly as good as the judges claimed. Just okay. Decent PERFORMANCE, not great singing.

Kady Malloy
Performed: "Groovy Kind of Love"

Heart: Is this the "WOW VOCAL" Simon was waiting all night for? No! But, you have to admit, she has the control. It wasn't the best song choice, though. The judges need to start shutting up and moving on! Their bickering is getting REALLY old.

Collins: A good vocal, until the end. She hit a few clams near the big finish, which is a SHAME. She's a fun personality, and I like her. I want her to stick around and show her fun side more in her singing. Simon was right in calling it "old," but it wasn't the worst. A bit forgettable, if anything. She'll be back.

Funk: She's very "middle of the road." I think she should have busted out upbeat halfway through, and that would have been "her", I think.

Asia'h Epperson
Performed: "Piece of My Heart"

Funk: She put some heart into it and it worked! Not sure I like the little GRUNTY thing she does sometimes, but I can get over that, personally. The judges don't seem to mind, so why should I?

Collins: She took on Janis, and completely schooled Biker-Nurse! She made it her own, and I as feeling her 'tude. Her voice has a lovely natural rasp, and she can "blow," as Randy says. Impressive.

Heart: She really made the song her own, and she pulled off the impossible - impressing Simon!

Ramiele Malubay
Performed: "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me"

Heart: I was surprised she picked this song...but I loved the buildup! Very professional.

Collins: Smoky, slick...pretty good. Not a song that shows off someone's vocal range well, but not bad. I don't think she's cemented herself into our hearts and minds as a great talent for the ages, but she's cute and didn't screw up...so, she'll stick around. She can flirt with the camera, I know that.

Funk: She was like...WOW, dogg! Huge! I really liked her...flawless victory!

Syesha Mercado
Performed: "Tobacco Road"

Heart: I love this girl! I'm glad she picked a faster, upbeat song. Not her BEST performance, but still great. She IS the total package!

Collins: Didn't recognize the song, but she did a pretty smokin' vocal on it. Syesha was as strong as she was expected to be, very nice. Compared to most of the others, great performance. Not her best, but one of the best of the night, if not THE best.

Funk: I have a huge crush on this girl! Really...not her best, but it had its powerful moments, as usual. And Simon was right when he said it doesn't really matter, though, because she's a serious contender and her "worst performance so far" already has more than half of these other singers' best performances beaten, easily!

Carly Smithson
Performed: "The Shadow of Your Smile"

Collins: This show was STACKED. The last few singers were, clearly, the favorites. But, anyway...on tonight's Irish singer performance. Clearly, she's a seasoned pro with a good voice. But she's a bit Celine Dion at times, in a weird way. It was a little dull...but, overall, a solid performer and a strong vocal, despite illness.

Heart: The singing was good, but the song choice WAS a little boring, like you were saying, Clyde. She really was sick, though...and pulled off a good vocal. That's impressive!

Funk: I watched this and was like, "Really?" She sung very well, but who cares about that song? The mic movement was distracting, too. But...a solid showing, nonetheless.

Collins: Of COURSE it was! That's to be expected. But, like I said with Michael Johns, Tuesday, we hold a few of them to higher standards, and they'd better live up to the hype!

Heart: I thought the girls did SO much better. As I expected, I had a much harder time picking my Bottom 2!

Collins: I was actually a bit disappointed, to be honest. I expected more, and really got no big surprises or revelations out of this show. It was, overall, kind of dull.

Funk: I'm with Julie, KIND of. They were better than the guys, but only by a little. There were plenty of weak performances, and the girls that are really good didn't really step up. Overall, the female talent is better, but they didn't PROVE it.

Heart: Interesting, guys. If we disagree on this, our predictions are probably pretty different. Let's get to the part we've all been waiting for!

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Collins: Asia'h Epperson was the night's best, because I wasn't in love with Syesha's song choice and Carly was boring.

Funk: For me, it was Ramiele. She did that song so well that I don't think anyone else touched her spot-on performance all night...not even Carly!

Heart: Ramiele Malubay was my favorite. She's adorable, and that big voice and her professionalism put her over the edge. I really liked Syesha, too, though. Tough call!

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Collins: Amy Davis' performance was a sickening, offensive waste of my life.

Funk: Amy Jean was not good. Nuff said...

Heart: Amy Davis, to make this category a clean sweep for us! Hard to deny she was the worst. Kristy Lee Cook was weak, but I don't think she'll go home.

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Funk: Yo, me first! Amy and Joanne, if it were up to me, would be packin' their seemingly tone-deaf and plus-sized bags, respectively.

Heart: Amy, definitely. The other girl in the Bottom 2...hmm...Kristy Lee Cook, maybe? She wasn't very strong, and went in that awful first spot of the night.

Collins: I think voters will be willing to give Kristy another chance, but you could be right, Julie. The first singers are always at a disadvantage. I think, however, that Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella should both go home. Quite simple, really. Honorable mention to Amanda Overmyer, who would be gone if I had my way. Her brand of "refreshing" is already quite tired.

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GIRL/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Collins: Syesha, it's undeniable. She's the current frontrunner. I think this will change, or go back and forth as the season goes on, though.

Heart: Syesha's the one to beat! It's tough, because so many are good.

Funk: Syesha and Carly seem to be judge favorites, and probably fan faves as well!

GIRL ON THE RISE

Collins: Brooke White, you're the ladies' Dark Horse. Ramiele Malubay, also, definitely made a lot of fans. I think those two are on the move, but I don't know if either can actually win it all.

Funk: Alaina Whitaker kicked some SERIOUS butt, last night. HARD. She's movin' on up!

Heart: Alexandrea Lushington and Asia'h Epperson both had strong nights, and I think exceeded expectations. We knew they were good, but...I think they stood out as two who could make serious runs at becoming this season's winner.

SLIPPING

Collins: Amanda Overmyer, it's a matter of time. Also, Carly Smithson. I know she's great, but she's BORING so far, and, given her song choices from the start up to last night, she isn't going to do anything very different. I predict the mighty Carly will fall before this season ends.

Funk: Kady needs to heed the "be yourself" advice and let her fun side show, especially with her future song choices. I hope we see more of her past this week!

Heart: Amanda Overmyer is definitely slipping a bit. I thought Carly, a little bit, but she'll probably bounce back. Her performance was still good, but I think song choice was the real problem. It's obvious she's really good, still.

Collins: That's all for this Top 12 Girls Recap. Leave your thoughts, predictions and comments...and we'll be back with our thoughts on who went home and how the show shapes up after the first 4 cuts!

Heart: See ya'!

Funk: Peace out, peepz!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart

Tuesday was Boys' Night on Idol! Get a recap and our predictions, right here.

Heart: It's so exciting that the competition is finally starting for real! Voting for the Top 12 guys was last night, and the Top 12 girls will be singing to impress the viewers and win your votes tonight!

Collins: From this point, we start to pick off the weaker singers, one by one, and every week, the stakes are higher. And it's '60s night, whoopee.

Funk: We got our first look at a few of the guys last night. A few weren't really featured in the auditions or in Hollywood...and this was their first chance to win some fans.

Collins: It's an uphill battle for those people, and a few of them may be going home tonight, as a result of that fact and uninspired performances. Let's start off at the beginning, with David Hernandez. Julie, what did you think?

THE IDOL EXPERTS ON...THE TOP 12 GUYS

David Hernandez
Performed: "In the Midnight Hour"

Heart: I think he's a great singer, based on what we saw from him before...but it fell apart after a strong start! He was definitely nervous, and that's natural. But he's almost TOO expressive, and the beginning of the song was better than the end.

Collins: He did start strong, but he crashed and burned. He tends to start off slow, then bust into a faster, stronger, up-tempo take on a song...it's a pattern, officially, he did it in Hollywood, too. Ending on a sour note can really hurt you as the competition goes on. The first singer of the night is usually at a disadvantage in terms of being shown-up or even completely ERASED by all the others. David, probably has some fans, already, and he should survive Week 1. Not great, but not horrible.

Funk: That is NOT the note you want to finish on! Man, that was ROUGH...that's what people are gonna' remember. You gotta' finish strong. It was pretty good, but...fell apart.

Chikezie
Performed: "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday"

Collins: Chikezie has dropped his last name, which is kind of smart. Becoming a "brand," like Jay-Z or Kanye or Prince or Madonna...that's vital to success, sometimes. His performance was a bit lackluster. He NEEDS to be part of this show for a while longer, but...I think he's more fizzle than sizzle, based on his performances so far. I wasn't feeling the soul I should've felt, and that I think he was going for...

Funk: DIG the duds, dogg! That rusty salmon kinda' suit he had on, that was WILD. Not as strong as I thought it'd be, but decent. More of an interpretation of the song than David did...he mixed it up a little.

Heart: It was a little lounge-y, but he made it his own, like Artie said. It got better in the end. I wonder if it's smart fighting with Simon ALREADY. And Simon said "Jacuzzi!" We'll see if it translates to fans.

David Cook
Performed: "Happy Together"

Heart: I like his little looks at the camera, it makes me smile. He's just a really nice guy, and knows how to draw in the crowd - a pretty original version of the song, too!

Funk: It WASN'T crazy, as Randy said. It was crazy-BAD! It had potential, but...eh, totally squandered it.

Collins: I don't like him. I can't really say why, but he rubs me the wrong me. I think it's the pretentious hair and that faux-rocker attitude...I'm not into it. He's got an okay voice, but I think he took the heart out of a very pleasant song, all in the name of establishing an image for himself. He'll win a fanbase, sure...but he hasn't won me over.

Jason Yeager
Performed: "Moonriver"

Collins: What a mess. Boring, uninspired, forgettable...we didn't know Skunk-Hair coming in, and we probably won't be seeing him again after this week. He did himself NO favors with this dreadful, dreary song choice.

Heart: He was either too quiet or mumbling, but I didn't catch a lot of the song. His smile's kind of goofy, and Randy and Paula were a little too nice. Glad Simon was honest and put him in his place!

Funk: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! "MOONRIVER?!!!!" GO HOME! Simon's right -- he'd sound EXACTLY the same every week, and always be completely boring!

Robbie Carrico
Performed: "One (Is the Loneliest Number)"

Heart: He toured with Britney as a kid?!

Collins: That's not going to do his rocker persona any favors!

Heart: Ha ha. But I was expecting a bit more from him. He was still okay, just nothing spectactular.

Collins: Every season, we go through this. Robbie Carrico is this season's "rocker," taking song and giving them "Edge (TM)" in hopes of cementing his image as a rock god and defeating Pop Music once and for all. He simply will not last! There was NOTHING new or original about him. He's cover band material, and will be sent packing, just not for many weeks after doing the same things over and over.

Funk: That was the best middle-of-the-road rock performance of the night...it was okay.

David Archuleta
Performed: "Shop Around"

Collins: I think he was energetic, did what he could...he'll coast through to Week 2, no problem. He DOES have a lot of potential. I wasn't blown away, and I'm not sure his gawky, awkward interview with Seacrest after the performance was a plus or minus to the voters. But, luckily for him, he's anything but forgettable.

Heart: The song seemed a little too BIG for him, and he was just a little unsure of himself. But, great for his age - I still think he did a good job, and he's a cute kid. The judges were a little easy on him!

Funk: I was disappointed, because I thought he was really awesome before...it wasn't as good as I was expecting.

Danny Norriega
Performed: "Jailhouse Rock"

Heart: Elvis? Very ambitious, and I love his energy. He's a funny little weirdo, but Simon was HARSH!

Funk: I didn't think it was THAT bad. I, unlike, Simon, understood what Paula was trying to say with that "colors" thing. He didn't try to sing LIKE Elvis, he tried to sing like he WANTED to...it was a decent performance.

Collins: He started off with an interesting take on the song, kind of making it darker and less boppy...but he lost the rhythm, rushed his lyrics, and it ended up just making an interesting song choice BLAH. He's definitely not holding back his loud, "OH NO YOU DIDN'T, GIRLFRIEND" personality, either. The could get old, but it wasn't too much for me just yet. A ticking timebomb, though...

Luke Menard
Performed: "Everybody's Talkin'"

Heart: I love that he chose a song from Midnight Cowboy!

Collins: I don't. That song was unrecognizable and irrelevant to anyone who isn't a film student or listening to Adult Contemporary radio. Bored me to tears.

Heart: ANYWAY...I'm sure no one will know it, and Simon was still right about him not standing out. He seemed a little uncomfortable with the microphone, too.

Collins: He's lucky he looks nice, because this was a terrible song choice and a boring, lifeless performance from someone we haven't heard much out of, yet. He's in danger of going home, this week. Slooooow and boring.

Funk: Menard's performance was empty. It was both sharp AND flat, at the same time. Very forgettable, he'll be one of the bottom guys, definitely.

Colton Berry
Performed: "Suspicious Minds"

Collins: The better of the two Elvis songs of the night, but only by default. He compared himself to Ellen Degeneres, proving that he's not only kind of boring, he's not funny. Colton has an uphill battle on his hands. We don't know much about him, this cover was just mediocre, and I'm still not convinced he's got star quality.

Heart: He's still a bit too theatrical, but I thought he sang it well, and had fun doing it! I get sick of the judges fighting, after a while, though.

Funk: His pitch was on, throughout the whole song. It was alright. I wasn't really feeling the whole "crooner" vibe. Meh. I don't think he'll go home this week, but...he's gotta' step up.

Garrett Haley
Performed: "Breaking Up is Hard to Do"

Heart: Garrett, it's nice to finally meet you. I don't know if I liked his song choice, and he lacked energy...so, Simon's beating at the end was kinda' true, even if it was a bit mean.

Collins: I called him Leif Garret last week, and they played it up like CRAZY, last night. And his Ellen Degeneres lookalike joke was even LESS funny, somehow. Leif Garrett 2000 took a song I happen to like a lot and sucked the very life out of it. I watched it happen, and just kept wishing I could wake up from the nightmare. Terrible...I don't even know if his attempt at flirting with the little girls in the audience - who would make up his ENTIRE potential fanbase - was successful. This was the right choice for him, because if he gets away with this garbage...he'll probably get away with plenty more. He's all hair, and it won't be long till he's clogging a drain. Hateable, could be this year's Sanjaya...along with Danny Noriega. For different reasons, of course. Garrett for the subpar singing, Danny for the grating personality.

Funk: This guy IS Chester from Sifl & Ollie. I don't know if anyone gets that...

Collins: Just as many, if not MORE, than remember Midnight Cowboy. Sheesh.

Heart: Hey! Plenty of people have seen that movie, come on!

Collins: At least it's a ref from something that happened within the past 60 years...

Heart: You jerk.

Funk: Anyway, his song choice will be all the more ironic when American BREAKS UP WITH HIM for that weak Week 1 performance! Definitely Bottom 3, or whatever they do for the guys, this week...

Jason Castro
Performed: "Daydream"

Heart: Once again, nice to meet you! He got the audience involved, which is always good. I liked his voice -- WHY have we never heard him before?! I thought he'd be one of the bottom two picks coming in, because we didn't know him. But he was actually pretty good!

Collins: I was impressed! We hadn't heard him yet, and, already, we have a clear indication of who he is and the kind of music he'd make. He's the folk-y, singer-songwriter kind of guy...and that's very appealing. He's refreshing on this show, in this group, and I hope he catches on. I love that song, too. "Daydream" was a great choice. Jason might be the only person who improved his standing, this week, rather than making a lateral move or falling apart.

Funk: Not bad! The guitar gives him a bit of a Jack Johnson feel. My first impression -- impressed! He made himself relevant, looked comfortable, sounded good, good song choice. Nice job!

Collins: Long live Castro!

Michael Johns
Performed: "Light My Fire"

Heart: Great song choice, lots of energy...and the crowd went crazy for him! Very good.

Collins: Johns said he was worried Simon would pick on him for repeating the Doors song...and he didn't. But, let's be honest. We HAVE been there, done that. It doesn't make him any less this season's male frontrunner...but I remember him doing it before, because Biker-Nurse did it the same night. Predictable, safe...but I imagine that will be his style all season, until it either grows tiresome or he wins. He's clearly talented, but I'm left feeling a bit empty after watching his performance.

Funk: Strong performance, but Simon was right...it wasn't as good as "Bohemian Rhapsody" from Hollywood Week. He'll bounce back, I'm sure.

Collins: It was an eye-opening night. Already, you can kind of see who will emerge as a true winner this year...and which ones are living on borrowed time. Time to make our big, bold predictions!

THE NIGHT'S BEST

Collins: It's a tough call, but I'll go with David Archuleta. While I didn't love it to death, it was the right song for him, and he made an impression. Michael Johns is going to have to go above and beyond, next week, to win me over. He just did what I expect he'll always do. Honorable mention to Jason Castro. he made a name for himself.

Funk: Jason Castro! I'm going there, dogg!

Heart: It's a close call. Michaels Johns was the best, for me. But David Cook was a close second, I liked him a lot. Jason Castro was pretty great, I have to admit. Pleasant surprise! But, yeah...Johns.

THE NIGHT'S WORST

Collins: Jason Yeager was the dullest, worst thing that happened on the show. And that's saying a lot.

Funk: Garrett Haley. He's a scarecrow...

Heart: Garrett was BY FAR the worst. Bad song choice, lacked energy...Simon was harsh, but RIGHT!

WHO'S GOING HOME THIS WEEK?

Funk: I don't know if they're gonna' do a traditional Bottom 3 this week, with 2 guys and 2 girls going home...so, let's just do our picks for who's leaving!

Heart: The 2 guys going home this week are Jason Yeager and Garrett Haley! Luke will stick around this week for no other reason than he's cute.

Collins: Jason Yeager and Luke Menard are leaving, based on performance alone. I wouldn't be surprised if Garrett Haley is out, but I don't see that happening, just yet. I think he'll hang on.

Funk: Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager. C'mon. "Moonriver?!" Anyway, honorable mention to Luke Menard. He wasn't very good, either.

OVERALL STANDINGS

TOP GUY/MOST LIKEY TO WIN RIGHT NOW

Collins: You've got to go with Michael Johns, here. No doubt.

Heart: Michael Johns, right now. But, like Melinda Doolittle...some dark horse will probably take him down! I think a girl will win this year, actually.

Funk: Michael Johns, most likely to win right now.

GUY ON THE RISE

Collins: Jason Castro, if the voters have any sense.

Funk: Jason Castro was definitely a big surprise. David Hernandez impressed me, too. They have the groundswell, on the rise. Can't really pick which one.

Heart: Jason Castro was good. Surprising. David Archuleta is on the move, too...he'll be in the Top 10, but Jason still has work to do to stick around that long.

SLIPPING

Collins: Danny Noriega...his Elvis cover did him no justice. I think he's better than that, but, after that, he's got a bit of a hole to climb out of. In no way is he incapable of an immediate comeback, next week. I just think he showed a bit of weakness, this night. I'd say Colton Berry, but he's been sliding since we met him. You have to be UP before you can fall back DOWN.

Funk: Chikezie and Danny Noriega. They weren't spectacular, but may be able to come back.

Heart: Robbie Carrico let me down. I wanted a little more!

Collins: He doesn't have more to GIVE if you ask me...

Heart: I didn't! Also, Chikezie kind of disappointed me, too. I don't know if I like him fighting with Simon, already. He could be slipping a bit, already!

Collins: That's all for this Top 12 Guys Recap. You know who we liked, who we think's going home...leave YOUR picks below for everyone else to check out. Go ahead, look like a genius. Show us up. I DARE you!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart

With the WGA Strike over, FOX will now have additional scripted programming on the schedule beginning in March! New episodes of BONES, HOUSE, ‘TIL DEATH and BACK TO YOU will be added to the schedule as outlined below. Season finales for May are also included in this announcement.

The schedule for our Sunday animation block and Saturday late night are not yet firm and season finales for these shows will be announced soon. Please note that while 24 is going back into production, it is not anticipated to return until January 2009. This will position the series for the best possible success where the full 24 episodes can run without significant interruption.

MONDAYS

FOX will pair up BONES and HOUSE on Monday nights beginning April 21, and the schedule will include six weeks of original BONES (4/14-5/19) and four weeks of original HOUSE episodes (4/28 – 5/19)! This means CANTERBURY’S LAW will launch earlier than previously announced, airing Mondays at 8pm beginning March 10, leading into NEW AMSTERDAM.
CANTERBURY’S LAW will air for five weeks and will have its finale on April 7. On MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008, from 9:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the SEASON FINALE of NEW AMSTERDAM! (NOTE: The 2-hour finale of NEW AMSTERDAM previously announced for April 7 will be split into two separate hours, with the season finale now airing on APril 14 with an all-new BONES episode as a lead-in.)

WEDNESDAYS

FOX will add ORIGINAL episodes of ‘TIL DEATH and BACK TO YOU beginning APRIL 16 for five Wednesday nights in April and May, leading into AMERICAN IDOL! And AMERICAN IDOL’s biggest night, the 2-hour season finale announcing this year’s winner, will be on the last Wednesday of the sweep, May 21! (NOTE: MOMENT OF TRUTH will now air on Wednesdays at 8pm through April 2, and will then come off the schedule until it returns as previously announced on Thursday, June 12.)

THURSDAYS

DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS will have its season finale on Thursday, May 8. On THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents a 2-HOUR season finale of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?

SATURDAYS

FOX will move the 1-hour encore of COPS: 20 YEARS CAUGHT ON TAPE to Saturday, April 5, the night of the NCAA Final Four on CBS. COPS will now be in originals at 8:00pm throughout March, and on 4/19, 4/26 and 5/17 where no NASCAR is scheduled in primetime. Because original COPS and AMW episodes will continue into June and July, there is no formal season finale for these two series.

RECAP

MONDAYS
Mondays, beginning March 10: 8:00pm, CANTERBURY’S LAW (Series premiere), 9:00pm NEW AMSTERDAM
Monday, April 7: 8:00pm, CANTERBURY’S LAW (Season finale), 9:00pm NEW AMSTERDAM
Monday, April 14: 8:00pm, BONES, 9:00pm NEW AMSTERDAM (Season finale)
Mondays, beginning April 21: 8:00pm, BONES (Season finale on 5/19), 9:00pm HOUSE (Season finale)

WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, beginning April 16: 8:00pm, TIL DEATH (Season finale on 5/14), 8:30pm BACK TO YOU (Season finale on 5/14), 9:00pm AMERICAN IDOL (1-HR Results shows)
Wednesday, May 21: 8:00pm, AMERICAN IDOL (2-HR Season finale)

THURSDAYS
Thursday, May 8: 8:00pm, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?, 9:00pm DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS (Season finale)
Thursday, May 15: 8:00pm ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? (2-HR Season finale)

SATURDAYS
Saturday, March 29: 8:00pm, COPS, 8:30pm, COPS (R), 9:00pm AMW, 11:00pm MAD TV, 12:00mid TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN
Saturday, April 5: 8:00pm, COPS: 20 YEARS CAUGHT ON TAPE (1 HOUR), 9:00pm, AMW
11:00pm MAD TV, 12:00mid TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN.

Posted by Paula at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: 'Till Death, American Idol, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, Back To You, Bones, Canterbury's Law, Don't Forget the Lyrics, House, New Amsterdam, Programming, The Moment of Truth

Kicking off with the Top 24 this week, customers can purchase the contestants' performances on The iTunes Store for the usual 99 cents per song! And it'll just be the audio files for you audiophiles...

...at least until we hit the Top 12. Then it gets really good.

Full video performances of Top 12 finalist performances will be available for $1.99, starting March 11. And fans can pre-order performances by their favorite contestants, which will be downloaded automatically the day after the show airs.

Like what you hear (or see)? Now you can relive your favorite performances anytime, anywhere!

Start your collection now, and you'll have a nice little album of your favorite performer's greatest hits before Season 7 even ends!

“We have some truly outstanding talent this year, and by working with Apple and iTunes, we’re giving viewers another great way to enjoy America’s brightest new stars from IDOL,” said Simon Fuller, creator of AMERICAN IDOL. “I’m sure there will be many memorable performances that viewers will want to relive from this 2008 season.”

“We’ve created a special section on the iTunes Store for IDOL fans with an incredible array of music and video performances from television’s most popular show,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We think AMERICAN IDOL viewers are going to love the ability to purchase and download IDOL performances from iTunes.”

iTunes will also provide exclusive direct links from the free streaming performance videos on americanidol.com, the official website of the show and home to MyIdol, the Internet’s largest AMERICAN IDOL fan site.

Fans will be able to simply click through to iTunes if they want to purchase their favorite performances to own and enjoy on their iPod, iPhone or AppleTV.

The iTunes Store is the world’s most popular online music store with over four billion songs sold, and has the world’s largest catalog of over six million songs. With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as new iTunes Movie Rentals, integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, the ability to turn previously purchased tracks into complete albums at a reduced price, and seamless integration with iPod and iPhone, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Apple, download, iTunes

This spring, FOX, the home of genre-twisting hits “Joe Millionaire,” “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé” and “Temptation Island,” will expose the battle of the sexes, turning traditional gender roles upside-down and giving women all the power on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title).

What if it was “a woman’s world”? What if women made ALL the decisions? If men were their subjects? These questions and more will be explored when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man’s world and each with a personal axe to grind, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD.

The unscripted series will reveal how women and men react in a world where women are in charge and men are subservient, and each gender’s ability to adapt to a new social order will be put to the test.

The participants will be brought to a remote, primitive location where the women will have the opportunity to “rule” as they build a newly formed society – one where there is no glass ceiling and no need to dress to impress. For the men, their worlds of power and prestige are turned inside-out and upside-down. And for these women, turnabout is fair play!

In order to win, the men must accede to the women’s every command, 24/7, while building a new world. Here, women command and men obey. Over the series’ duration, the men will be eliminated by the women until one last man is standing.

How will the men react? How will the women treat the men? Can women effectively rule society? Will the men learn what life is like for some women in today’s world? Will this new society be a Utopia or a hell on earth? And in the end, who will be man enough to succeed in the new social order?

The premiere date, host and additional show details will be announced at a later date.

WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title) is a Rocket Science Laboratories production. Jean Michel-Michenaud, Chris Cowan and Charles Duncombe are executive producers.

Posted by Paula at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS:

If you missed the show or just want a recap, we have all the ups and downs you need to keep up!

Collins: The Final Judgement is over, and the Top 24 have been selected! From here on out, their collective fate is in your hands, because voting begins next week.

Heart: What a show, last night! There were some real shockers in who the judges picked.

Funk: The competition is gonna' get fierce, because we have some HOT talent up in here!

Collins: To avoid making this another massive post, we're going to run down those who made it...then bring up any of the ones who went home we feel deserve some kind of comment. Ladies and gentlemen, your Season 7 Top 24!

Collins: Every week, you'll start to see contestants picked-off, as we update the board to reflect who's left. We'll also be giving you our Bottom 3/Who's Going Home predictions, our personal Week's Best & Worst calls, and the Overall Standings, as we see them. So, get used to that grid...but don't get too attached to any of them. They could be sent packing as early as next week!

THE TOP 24 (Alphabetically by first name!)

Alaina Whitaker

Collins: Alaina Whitaker popped up on the screen for a moment during on of the "You're in the Top 24" Quick Reveal Montages. She auditioned in Dallas, originally. Here are our First Impressions of her, from all the way back in the second audition city:

Heart: One voice I did love belonged to 16 year-old Alaina Witaker [sic]. She sounded great!

Collins: Overall, a pretty convincing audition. Alaina, you'll do well. Also, you're 16. Grow into your voice a bit during the season and you should grab some of that Coveted Jordin Sparks Vote (TM). Those young voters can be a powerful group on this show.

Collins: She's got a lot to prove, still. I don't remember much about her, to be honest. The Blonde Girl Group is pretty big, this season, and if she blends in...she'll be sent home. Alaina will have to step up and steal the spotlight right away if she's to establish a strong fanbase and have any real staying power.

Heart: I only remember her name, though. Not her singing. I hope that's good enough!

Funk: She's got a nice LOOK, but I don't really remember her. Apparently, I liked her before. So, we'll have to see if she's still cool.

Alexandrea Lushington

Collins: Alexandrea made a pretty big impact when we first saw her during the auditions:

Heart: Alexandra Lushinton sounded SO much older than 16 when she sang!

Funk: I love the old lady, dog! She was GREAT! But let's talk Alexandra -- WOW! I liked her a lot, even from the maybe THREE seconds of singing time she got. I'm shocked that she's 16, she's got a beautiful voice!

Heart: She's a young girl with a great voice. She still sounds older than she is...we'll see!

Collins: A big Yes for her. She's going to do well, I think. She's got the potential to surprise us regularly.

Funk: Can't wait to hear more of her voice, and maybe see more of her sassy grandma's reactions!

Amanda Overmyer

Collins: We've been opinionated about the Biker-Nurse from Mars since we first met her:

Heart: Amanda Overmyer, the biker nurse!! She can really BLOW, as Randy might say! Really original, but I don't think she's good enough to win Season 7.

Collins: Not at all. Whenever someone announces she'll be singing Janis, I completely, 100% want them to be her second coming. There was only ONE woman in the history of rock with a voice and a feel like Pearl, and every time...I'm let down. Long live Janis Joplin, and all you pretenders to her crown ought to have realized by now that screaming to music just isn't the same thing. Biker Nurse from Mars was interesting, but...she'll be back on her bike and burning asphalt sooner than later.

Heart: It'll be interesting to see if she can change up her style to all the different types of music they sing. I still don't think she's good enough to win, though...

Collins: She's done-for. The judges were right to worry about whether or not she belongs in this competition. I just don't think she's got the depth.

Funk: As much as I hate that "rock n roll nurse" nickname thing...the fans will keep her around longer than her voice should.

Amy Jean Davis

Collins: Amy first surfaced during the "Best of the Rest" show, which is probably why I don't remember much about her...

Heart: Amy Davis...I hate when people say they're doing this show for mom or dad or whoever. Look, they're doing it for themselves, be honest! I did like her voice, though. It was sweet.

Funk: Yo. HOT! Simon was totally checking her out the whole time, and I can't blame him. But she's gonna' need to work hard with that weaker voice to stick around through Hollywood.

Heart: Don't remember much about her, sadly.

Collins: She had a stronger showing in Hollywood than she did in her audition. I still think the pressure of the competition will force her to crack, though.

Funk: She's gotta' build her voice up. Might get a "Yo, She's HOT" vote from the young dudes watching!

Asia'h Epperson

Collins: Asia'h Epperson's initial audition was overshadowed, a bit, by the passing of her father shortly before she met Randy, Paula and Simon...

Heart: I don't know how Asia'H Epperson could still audition just days after losing her father. She's still in shock! I mean, she could barely keep it together, and you could really see the emotion whe she sang. Even Paula had to walk off the set, it was pretty touching, I thought.

Heart: I think you guys are being too hard on her. Like I said...it just hasn't hit her, yet. She HAS to be in shock, and was just trying to keep going and doing what she'd planned and what her dad was supporting her in all along. Give her a chance!

Heart: I'm glad she's in! She's a good singer, and she needs a little good news in here life!

Collins: She's proven herself, I'll admit it. I'm becoming a believer, as I said during the Hollywood Round. She's a force, now.

Funk: Turns out, her heart's really in this. America will probably get behind her and her sad story...she'll probably stick around for a while!

Brooke White

Collins: It's been a long time since we met Brooke White, back in Philadelphia.

Collins: ...the non-drinking, no R-rated movies girl, Brook White, is refreshing in an anti-Britney, anti-Lohan, anti-Paris kind of way. That kind of "I'm not a trainwreck" message is going to go a long way this season, I predict. She's cute, genuine and has a good voice. I wonder if people will support the young nanny who sang the cute song about apples and bananas to those kids far into the competition? Simon says he'll pull her over to the Dark Side, tainting her goody-goodiness. I have a feeling she'll be around for many more weeks, and he'll have several chances. She's a good litmus test for finding out how easily stardom can corrupt a person.

Heart: She could barely hold it together, and you know the producers loved it! They played her up and let her think she wasn't going to make it...but I'm so glad she did!

Collins: She's definitely interesting. We'll have to see if she can keep it together, because she EXPLODED waiting for her final judgement...

Funk: There's something about her, man. I DIG her, but I don't know if she's strong enough to make it past the Top 10, but...I'm pulling for her. Again, I'm a sucker for a keyboardist.

Carly Smithson

Collins: The seasoned pro and odds-on favorite to do very well this season, Carly's one of the most heavily-featured and memorable contestants so far. And she charmed us from the start...

Collins: Someone who may very well go much further was Carly, the Ireland native who made it through to Hollywood once before, only to be stopped short by international legal issues.

Heart: You know, I have heard that Paula secretly had picked Carly as her early favorite to win season 5. So, we may see big things out of her!

Heart: They TORTURED her by drawing out telling her she made the Top 24...but I was most surprised to see the other people crossing their fingers for her downstairs. She IS your competition!

Collins: She really has to let it all hang out. Being really good isn't necessarily enough, anymore...so, she has to prove she's likeable and able to let go and put some emotion into it. I'd consider her the Ringer in this competition, so...she's got a good chance.

Funk: Definitely Top 10 material...I get a bad feeling that America might turn on her, or not be 100% behind her. This is coming from a Chris Sligh fan, so...you know. Maybe I'm wrong. But, yeah...I like the voice!

Chikezie Eze

Collins: Only remembering his name isn't a good sign for the soulful fellow who joined the Idol ranks on the "Best of the Rest" episode.

Heart: Chikezie Eze, what a strange name. He seemed a little forgettable to me when he first walked in, but he was nice and so was his voice.

Collins: Just get ready for "Take it EZE" signs in the crowd if he makes it through. Ugh.

Heart: Yeah, the only thing I remember about him is his name, too. Shame he was on that "Best of the Rest" show...I wasn't feeling anyone, really.

Collins: I'm just glad I finally figured out how to pronounce his name!

Funk: I'm down with this guy! I'd say he'll make the Top 10. I think he could make that name work for him. Could be recognizable enough to keep him around.

Colton David Berry

(No First Impression Available)

Collins: We haven't been able to comment on Colton before, as he wasn't featured during the earlier auditions. He did some Disney song in the Hollywood Round, I think...but, whatever. He was also the last person chosen in a disputed decision between him and Dilbert-lookalike and presidential hopeful, Kyle Ensley. He's got to strike hard early in the competition, or he's toast. If Kyle's departure is the most memorable thing about him, he's in trouble...

Heart: I really thought Kyle Ensley would be this season's geeky underdog, but it was a surprise when Colton won the final male spot in the Top 24. Simon STILL made sure Kyle was the star of that segment, because he really isn't a fan of Colton's. He's got to prove himself to the toughest just there is...

Funk: Good-bye. Not impressed! Next!

Danny Norriega

Collins: We saw some potential in Danny earlier in the season, but his nerves continue to be his worst enemy...

Heart: Danny Noriega, you know, he was a weird kid, but I like him!

Collins: Right, then.

Heart: He might be the next Sanjaya, in terms of his weirdness.

Collins: I think he's got a strong voice, and could be one of those "surprising" singers, who exceeds low expectations. He's interesting, a bit out-there...definitely deserves to be in the Top 24.

Funk: Yeah, he's a'ight. I'm not mad he's in the Top 24, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he's got in store for us, with that crazy personality and decent pipes.

David Archuleta

Collins: We've been calling him "The Kid with One Vocal Chord," but I'll tell you...we were pretty divided on his longterm chances in this competition, though...

Heart: How about David Archuleta, the cute kid with the vocal paralysis? He needs to work on his breathing when he sings. Maybe he was just nervous, but...sounds good, considering what he went through!

Funk: I thought they were setting him up for a fall with all the buildup, but...pretty impressive. Surprisingly strong voice for his age and considering his heath problems.

Heart: You just have to LOVE this kid! He's SO High School Musical, and you KNOW the tini-bopper girls will go for him!

Collins: He'll do well. It wasn't unanimous between the three judges, but...he's definitely likeable, and his voice is impressive, considering.

Funk: TOP. THREE!! He's got the whole package! Likeable guy, young, a lot of potential...and AWESOME voice! And the young girls are gonna' go CRAZY, he's got the Tiger Beat vote down COLD. YEAH, dogg!

David Cook

Collins: David Cook annoyed me, and he still does. Here were our original comments...

Heart: Moving on, we come to David Cook. He was the guy with the crazy hair who I loved! He did Bon Jovi, and I really liked his voice. He can yell and make it sound good, and made it to Hollywood.

Collins: He is NOT the next American Idol, but he'll make it into the Top 24, most likely. Who was that fat, curly-haired guy with glasses from last year? He's THAT for Season 7. He took an already-CORNY song and took the life out of it, completely. Singing bloody BON JOVI with such "emotion" is just cheesy, I'm sorry. Maybe he'll impress me later, because he went through to Hollywood.

Heart: He just seems like a nice guy people could really like. I'm glad he's still in it!

Collins: He's still got awful hair, but...he's okay. Not my style, again...but, not terrible.

Funk: I just don't dig this guy...anymore. He's gotta' prove he's worthy, now that he's in the Top 24.

David Hernandez

Collins: Who? Never heard of him until Hollywood.

(No First Impression Available)

Heart: He's good, but I'm on the fence with him, still.

Collins: You know what? He was great in Hollywood, and made an impression on me right away. I think he'll do well, I like his voice.

Funk: He's decent, but I don't think he's Top 10.

Garrett Haley

(No First Impression Available)

Heart: You're in, but I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Collins: Don't know much at all about the little Muppet, except that he looks like Leif Garret 2000.

Funk: Yo, he's The Scarecrow, dogg! BE AFRAID! Let's hope he's got some scary-good vocals to match the freaky look. All about the hair, dogg.

Jason Castro

(No First Impression Available)

Collins: Who? Hope he's REALLY good and memorable.

Heart: You're gonna' have a hard time getting votes with so little face time. People don't vote for you if they don't remember you.

Funk: The dreadlocks should help him stand out a bit and be more memorable...but let's hope he's got a strong voice to compensate for the MELLOW personality.

Jason Yeager

(No First Impression Available)

Collins: Yeager, best of luck to you. We don't know anything about you.

Heart: Don't remember him at all...oh, well. You know, some of the time they spent building up that guy whose wife had a baby who didn't make it could've gone to him, or something. Right? Maybe a LITTLE less of Renaldo Lapuz? I'm just saying.

Funk: Skunkhead! I don't...know anything else about him, other than his crazy hair stripe. We'll see?

Joanne Borgella

Collins: Finally, someone semi-memorable. The "plus-sized model," as producers like to keep reminding us, has us pretty divided when she made her Idol...

Heart: I liked JoAnne Borgella's confidence, especially in being a plus-size model. She knows how to dress for her size, unlike some girls. And her voice was good! It was a little light, but I think she'll step it up, it can be stronger!

Collins: I think she was a big girl with an OKAY voice. Let's be honest, here. She's not as strong as past big girls, even. She won't win it all. I did think it was unintentially funny when Paula said, "I bet there are a LOT of different sounds that come out of you!"

Heart: Joanne and Cardin McKinney were the last two girls to go before the judges, and Joanne definitely sings with more emotion. Cardin's strutting around the stage and Hollywood flubs probably cost her, because her not making it was kind of a surprise. But, yeah...Joanne's still pretty good.

Collins: Ultimately, I won't miss Cardin...but Joanne really has to work it to win me over. She just seems unspectactular, so far, compared to former and current Idol contestants.

Funk: I think she'll suffer for taking out Cardin McKinney, actually. I don't know, it's a tough call for me. So...I won't. I'll just wait and see.

Kady Malloy

Collins: She started her audition as an impressionist, doing a spot-on Britney Spears...but, it turns out, she's got a very good voice of her own! Here's what we said before...

Heart: But Kady Malloy is someone who really deserved to go through to Hollywood. She was the vocal impressionist who did the spot-on Britney Spears impression.

Heart: Oh, right. That's Simon's favorite. No WONDER he loved her so much! Great voice, and lots of control. I like her.

Heart: Kady Malloy was one of Simon's early favorites, and at least she's memorable from the audition stage. She got airtime, which is more than some of the others can say!

Collins: I like her, still. I don't think she'll win...she may blend into the Blonde Girl Group because her backstory isn't as interesting, sadly. If they play up her impressions, cool. She has to become kind of a class clown, I think.

Funk: Good call, dude. She's gotta' find a way to stand out. But...I'm still with her! I think she'll hang in there for a while.

Kristy Lee Cook

Collins: She almost killed me by blowing it and being forced to sing in Round Two during the Hollywood Cuts. But, she was an early favorite, from way back in Philadelphia...

Heart: My top two picks of last night are Kristy Lee Cook and Angela Martin. Kristy is just a sweet girl that has a soft voice that made me almost like country music. It’s also kinda cool that she does the whole wrestling kick-boxing thing, I like a girl that can hold her own in a fight.

Collins: Looked and sounded like a safe bet to make it pretty far into the competition. I'll agree that she's interesting. How can you go wrong with a hot chick with the pretty Country voice and a superstar name? That SAID...I don't think she'll win, because her voice isn't as strong as Carrie Underwood's. They pigeon-holed her as a Country singer very early in her audition, and she is simply not as strong a singer. Still, she has the look to go much further than her voice should allow.

Heart: Glad she made it. I want to hear more of her backstory with the horses and wrestling!

Collins: An early favorite to make it to the bitter end of this season...she has to step up her game and prove she can sing more than just "Amazing Grace." Glad she's still in, though. Her hot little dance at the end of the show was enough to put her back into my Top 4, ha ha.

Funk: She's definitely a hottie with some moves. She'll easily pull in a ton of guy votes on looks alone, but I hope she brings da noize with that voice of hers. I think she might need to take some risks with song choices to prove she is more versatile than just being able to sing "Grace" real well. I think we'll see her in the Top 10.

Luke Menard

(No First Impression Available)

Collins: Good look...shame we've never heard him sing!

Funk: I guess I can't wait to hear him for the first time?

Heart: La la la...moving on...

Michael Johns

Collins: The Aussie has been one of the heavy-hitters since he first popped up in San Diego...

Collins: There sure were a lot of foreign accents in San Diego. Michael Jones, the Aussie with good hair...good voice to match. Simon called him a "white soul singer," and I'm sure many lady fans...and maybe even some of the guys in the audience...will find him quite "dreamy."

Collins: You may have a point. Maybe America was too dazzled by his good looks to really listen to his voice in terms of whether or not he can actually stand out and sell records. I think he has a good chance, but time will tell.

Heart: Paula did a good job tricking him, but you KNEW he was going to make it!

Collins: He's winning me over. The Queen cover was impressive, so I think he'll do very well.

Funk: No doubt, dude! It takes some talent to make Queen sound good like Mr. Mercury constantly did. This guy definitely grew on me. I think he's bound for the Top 10, if not Top 3. Rock out, bro!

Ramiele Malubay

Collins: Okay, I'll admit it. I'm in love. Early on, though...I doubted how strong her voice actually is.

Funk: The little girl with the big voice, Ramiele Malubay... I liked her! She had a funny dad, too.

Heart: She's very cute, and had a strong voice for her size. She'll be fun to watch!

Heart: As the judges said, "sweet little thing, and talented!" I hope she does make it to the Top 10, she's someone different!

Collins: Luckily, she's proven there's substance behind the pretty face.

Funk: Yeah! I think she's great... but I gotta say, as resident Hair Afficianado, that aspect needs some work, chica. Just my humble opinion...

Robbie Carrico

Collins: Well...I think he's doomed. But...we'll see. Here's our First Impression:

Heart: Robbie Carrico, the rocker guy...he was good, but not great. No Daughtry...though I know I'm about to get creamed for saying that in front of you guys...

Collins: He isn't even in Chris Daughtry's league, and that was only good enough for fourth place!

Heart: I guess he'll have to tell Silent Bob he won't be home for at least a week...hee hee!

Collins: I am SO over trying to prove a "rocker" can do well on a Pop show. He'll go home, nothing special about him.

Funk:Yeah, I'm still not feeling overwhelming star power emanating from this cat. He's got some stiff Rocker competition from Amanda, and I predict an early casualty in him.

Syesha Mercado

Collins: Strong, strong, STRONG. And sunny. We were all early fans...

Heart: Another big voice was Syesha Mercado. I really think she has the "It" Factor. Very positive...she'll EASILY make it far into the Top 24, if not to the end of the season!

Collins: Very sunny, and much more bearable and more talented than the "estranged dad" story singer we saw last night in Omaha. She was good overall, lost it a bit at the end...but did Aretha justice, I thought. That's no small feat.

Heart: I love her! Paula's "s-YES-ha" joke was lame, but that's just Paula being weird, again. Syesha is my current favorite to win this whole season. She'll be a star, even if she doesn't, I'm calling it now!

Funk: I have to agree, hardcore. I'm totally a fan of this girl. She's got it goin' awhn-- voice, looks, and personality. She's a major force to be reckoned with. Based on what we've seen so far, especially ROCKIN' some Aretha (and through illness-stricken pipes, no less), I think she'll sail through to the Top 3, easily. She's definitley my favorite chick so far this season. Kick some booty, grrrl!!

Collins: She's still fun to watch and very likeable. She's very good-looking, and her "Chain of Fools" with laryngitus bit in Hollywood made her stand out even more. She'll go far, I think...but, I'm holding off on making any This Season's American Idol calls until after a week or two of singing. They're just too strong and too varied to make a good guess so soon.

DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT

Collins: Obviously, there are a few singers who we'd been led to believe would continue on this season. Anyone stand out as a surprise ejection, Artie?

Funk: I'm glad Josiah Leming went home. I was kind of angry that he got 3 Yes Votes in Hollywood after a bad audition...and I think justice was served. I wish him well, and he would still probably be a decent studio musician...but he has some growing up to do. This setback might be good for him!

Collins: He admitted to the judges he was overconfident, and we called him out on being cocky after his lousy second audition, where he refused help from the voice coach and bombed. He SHOULD keep at it, as there's clearly something interesting about him...but, for now, he'll just have to listen to the "Sad Mix" cassette in his car-house on the way back to Atlanta. Everyone loved all over him when he left, but his teary antics over the past few weeks made it harder for me to love him. You're right, Artie...this loss could end up making him stronger.

Heart: All I can say is...WOW. I was REALLY surprised he didn't make it to the Top 24! I'm not shocked he cried, you knew he would either way...but, he's too Emo for his own good!

Funk: Like I said before...I liked Cardin McKinney, and was sad to see her go! Not only was she very attractive, I just dug her more than some of the others who got through.

Heart: You know, I think Joanne was the better singer of the two...and I was never really sold on Cardin. No big loss, to me.

Collins: She was gracious in defeat, and even Simon admitted he regretted letting her go, a little. Paula was in tears as they left...there was something there, but...she's gone! No looking back, we've got a good set of singers this season, and have to move on. Anyone else's grave we want to tapdance on before signing off?

Funk: I was disappointed that Kyle Ensley went home! I agreed with Simon that he might have brought something unique and fun to this competition. I don't know who Colton Berry is, even...

Heart: I was pretty surprised when they sent him home, like we've been saying, with Colton being a stranger to the viewers and all. But...maybe the judges see something in him we don't!

Collins: As I mentioned at the top of this post, it's not all about the judges, anymore. It's in YOUR hands, and we will see you back here next week for our predictions and reactions after the first night of the competition. It's all on the line, starting Tuesday at 8PM!

Heart: And FOUR people are going home on Week 1! 2 guys, 2 girls...so, we'll be down to a Top 20 real quick. Make sure you vote for your favorite!

Funk: It's gonna' be off the HOOK, dogg! This season will be great, I am SURE of it!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, clyde collins, Hollywood, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart, Results

Now that the Top 24 American Idol contestants have been announced, they're ready to win your vote! Here's a sweet-and-sexy new video featuring all the Idol hopefuls...

So how did they make that video? Check out this exclusive behind-the-scenes video...

Posted by Joe at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Video

If you missed the show or just want a recap, we have all the ups and downs you need to keep up!

Funk: It's Hollywood Week, baby! Aww, yeeeeeah!

Collins: It certainly was revamped, this season, as promised. I think this was a good episode, plenty of drama and a few genuine surprises.

Heart: I think it was a BRUTAL episode...we've cut the 164 audition finalists down, ALREADY, to the point where judges can announce the top finalists! When that many people have to go home, it pretty much guarantees you'll lose a few favorites along the way!

Simon started the day off with the happy announcement, "2/3 of you are going home." No pressure!

Collins: Here's how this year's Hollywood Week is different! First of all, it's broken up into a 3-round process. That annoying "Groups" round seems to be gone. All singers will do a song in the first round. If they get 2 or 3 Yesses, they go straight to the final, third round. If they get 2 or 3 No Votes...the game isn't over. They'll get a second chance to perform and save their skins in an a capella, Lightning Round-style second round.

In firing squad lines, group upon group gets one last shot in round two!

Collins: Those lucky enough to be left for the third round will have one, last chance to impress the judges before they choose the best of the best finalists. Also, performers may choose to play instruments at this stage.

Funk: Let's start it off, man! It was a wild night...and we have a lot to talk about.

HOLLYWOOD: ROUND ONE

Collins: Brooke White, Little Miss Purity from the Philly auditions, was the first to perform...and she opted to play a keyboard. She hit some rough notes on "Beautiful," and even though I thought she sounded vulnerable and shaky, the judges loved all over her with 3 Yes Votes. Free pass to Round Three for her!

Heart: I like her! I think she's interesting...her kind of "messy" thing. She's talented, I like that she can play the keyboard, too.

Funk: I dig her. I'm a sucker for piano rockers!

Collins: Miami's Lorena Pinot -- formerly ILSY Lorena Pinot -- lost something when she dropped her interesting first name. She sang some Shania Twain nonsense, and it just wasn't very good. Off to Round Two to sing for her survival! Disappointing, as I liked her smooth version of "At Last" a lot during the Miami audition!

Heart: She was...unoriginal, not very entertaining. Just, I don't know...seeemed like she should be in a bar, not on Idol!

Collins: We sat through a lot of Amy Flynn drama, tonight. The abstinence-pushing dance captain from Charleston hit a nasty clam in her audition, and made a great shocked/pouty face...but it was bad enough to get her sent to Round Two.

Funk: She's horribly cute, but it was a bit off.

Heart: She ANNOYS me! She was semi-cute, before...now, she's just annoying. She just needs to grow up, maybe realize that life isn't perfect and grow up a bit.

Collins: Omaha's Leo Marlow was nothing but blah. A big, fat No Vote, here. And brush your hair for Round Two, kid.

Heart: Yeah, he wasn't as interesting as I thought back in Omaha...

Collins: After building up the INTENSE DRAMA of the night some more, we were treated to a bunch of flops.

Collins: Alisha Dixon played guitar to "Unwritten," but it was bad. See you in Round Two.

Heart: The guitar definitely hurt her.

Funk: Bad instrumentation makes your audition DOUBLE bad.

Collins: Mike Sanfilippo hit a really long, ugly, nasal note during his audtion...and Simon let him have it.

Heart: Ouch. He fell apart!

Collins: Alyssa Coco, who has a lovely name, stopped early while singing her song and playing the keyboard. The instrument CLEARLY overpowered her voice...not a good choice for her to play and sing.

Heart: The keyboard was a mistake, and she didn't even get many words out before they stopped her. Yikes.

Collins: Shaun Barrowes, looking a bit like Conan O'Brien's mutant child, did a Billy Joel song, but the keyboard dominated him, as well.

Heart: This wasn't good, he was way over-the-top, in a bad way.

The pouty lip didn't work, by the way.

Collins: Jake Mellema played drums while singing, but, while his voice is OKAY...singing while drumming makes you sound very mechanical because you're keeping a beat and counting. The judges rewarded his efforts with 3 No Votes, and Simon ripped into him with a snyde, "there was nothing redeeming about that performance other than we stopped it early." I love those comments...

Heart: He was SO cheesy.

Collins: David Hernandez seemed nervous when we first saw him in San Diego...but he busted out "Love the One You're With" and completely, 100% OWNED IT. He wowed the judges, the crowd, and yours truly. No nerves got in his way, tonight! He was quite good.

Heart: I don't remember him from auditions, but I liked him. He was a bit too expressive, got a little goofy, but he definitely made the song his own, which is good. Through to Round Three!

Funk: He's really good for this competition.

Collins: America's favorite Fake Janis Joplin/Biker/Nurse, Amanda Overmyer, announced that she'd been in a car crash not long before the Hollywood Round...but, she was there, stitches and busted ribs and all! She sang the Doors "Light My Fire," and I thought she was a bit "throaty" at times. That "hard" sound in her voice isn't as effortless as it should be, and you can tell she's forcing it. Also, she's a bit of a one-trick pony at this point...as Simon agreed. Still 3 Yes Votes send her right to Round Three!

Heart: I really think she has an original voice, and she's interesting to watch.

Funk: I hate the name "Rock 'n Roll Nurse" with a passion. Simon's right...she provides some variety, but I don't think her yelling-type singing will tak her very far.

Collins: Those who forget lyrics are doomed to failure...and our next few contestants did just that. Off to Round Two with you! And don't let it happen again!

Heart: Forgetting the words is just unacceptable at this point in the game!

How do you look like that and forget "Stuck in the Middle?!"

Cardin McKinney disappointed. Last time, judges called her "too theatrical."

Funk: Maybe they thought they were on Don't Forget the Lyrics?

Natashia Blach's "Kill me now!" ad-lib was funny...but, still, forgot her lyrics. Naughty girl.

Heart: You have to be ON YOUR GAME! You're fighting for only 50 spots, so it doesn't matter if your voice is good if you stand there like an IDIOT during the song! People are LUCKY they got a second chance, this year.

And, then, there was GHALEB...

Collins: Oh, here we go. Puss in Boots is back, hitting on the ladies and singing "Everything I Do" with his thick accent. 3 No Votes totally deserved. I've disliked his smarmy persona from the start.

Heart: I liked the huge flirt from Miami before, and accents are good...but this was too much. You couldn't understand the words, and he was shouting. Not a fan anymore!

Funk: Go away, you mimbo!

Collins: Now, we begin a night-long rollercoaster ride of emotions with Josiah Leming, the kid who lives in his car and sings, inexplicably, with a British accent. Round One was his, I'll admit that. He's still interesting, still memorable...and still sounding all British whilst pounding away at the keyboard. 3 Yes Votes from judges who are clearly smitten with him...he's on to Round Three, but I turned on him later in the show, and we'll burn that bridge when we get there...

Heart: I like the kid! He's cute and interesting!

Collins: I just wish he'd stop sniveling about how HARD everything is. He goes on to become more of a crybaby and even start a bit of controversy later on in the night.

Collins: Danny Noriega was good. Didn't see much of him, though. Maybe not the most memorable?

Heart: He was probably the only person I remember from the Extra Idol Add-On Show, because he was a WEIRDO that turned out to be a good singer. Still good!

Funk: Not bad!

Collins: Ramiele Malubay is still absolutely adorable. She's not great, but has a nice, Jazzy sound.

Heart: This girl wants to be the first Asian-American Idol, and she has a strong voice. She's mature, but has a spunky attitude.

Funk: She's okay.

Collins: Carly Smithson, the Irish Wonder, was billed as a force to be reckoned with by Paula. She's been invited to Hollywood before, but had to sit it out due to VISA problems. Well...she was fine, tonight, I thought. She didn't make me love her, though. Obviously good, and we saw how far that'll get you with Melinda Doolittle last season.

Heart: Wow! She's one of the favorites, and she's got a great voice. I was surprised that her accent really didn't come through as much, tonight.

Funk: She's very good. Gets better every performance!

Collins: She actually released an album before, "Ultimate High," under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy. MCA spent a bunch of cash on it, and it flopped. So...she's a BIT of a ringer, but, why not let her try it again? I applaud Idol not allowing Big Music to just be DONE with someone who has had a chance before. They should be so kind to other established artists, instead of dropping them into obscurity once they deliver one or two radio hits. We'll see, with her.

Collins: The judges LOVE Michael Johns, the Aussie. He did the Doors, too...but, I actually liked Biker-Nurse's audition a little better! Not bad, though. Clearly, a strong voice.

Heart: Nice performance!

Funk: Another very good singer who keeps getting better!

Collins: David Cook sang "Everything I Do" way better than Puss in Boots, as FOX reminded us with a giant, Bart Simpson head that The Simpsons airs Sunday at 8PM on FOX43. Anyway...not my style, but he's good. I'm glad he didn't do Bon Jovi, again...EEEEESH. But, yeah...2 Yesses (Simon said no), and he's on to Round Three.

Heart: I still like him and his singing-yelling thing. Glad he's through!

Funk: Nah...I'm not so into him.

Collins: The next few contestants ALL decided to sing that same, bloody song! Bryan Adams is probably spinning in his grave, right now.

Heart: Clyde, that's mean.

Robbie Carrico, shown here without Silent Bob.

Perrie Cataldo, single dad.

Syesha Mercado, still a good singer.

Colton Berry, whatever. Julie thinks you're "kinda' 'eh" at best.

Heart: Cook was good, but Carrico the rocker guy is still just OKAY for me...and Perrie, I think he has a good, strong voice and stage presence. Even though he wasn't through to Round Three! I also remember loving Syesha from her original audition, when we learned that her dad was in rehab and she's, as Clyde called her, very "sunny." I wish we got to see more of her, because she ended up with enough No Votes to go to Round Two. What happened?

Collins: None of them really did much with the shmaltzy song, and Cataldo stated he'd "try to find a song that's better" for his Round Two second chance. Shouldn't be too hard...

Collins: Round One ended with Kyle Ensley, who sang an odd and old-feeling song, "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)"...and, though it was a bit high school talent show and his Dilbert-looking outfits are starting to REALLY irritate me...he's still got time to prove he deserves to be in the Top 24. Even Simon had to leave, because Paula's mush didn't allow her to tell Kyle NO.

Funk: He's Broadway-bound! Not so great this round...

Heart: He's not good enough, too theatrical. Simon storming out wasn't the happiest end to Round One...but I get it.

HOLLYWOOD: ROUND TWO (SUDDEN DEATH)

Collins: We're promised the most-vicious cuts EVER, and, I can tell you...I'm trembling at the thought of losing some of the 116 who didn't get the Free Pass to Round Three.

Funk: 48 did get passes, though. Good for them, dogg! And I gotta' say...I genuinely enjoyed Round Two.

Heart: This was a little brutal for me! People are given just a few seconds to sing...then they're CUT, just like that!

Single mom Suzanne Toon...OUT! (Still loves daughter.)

Single dad, Perrie Cataldo...OUT! (Still loves son.)

Amy Flynn, even with a vocal coach, was cut HARD. Oh, boo-hoo...

Heart: I don't like that some people are built up, and we get to know and care about them...and then, they're just GONE. Suzanne and Perrie, come on! Too harsh.

Funk: They set the tone for the round with the first line of people! This will be a bloody, ruthless, rough round. And it was AWESOME to watch.

Collins: There were definitely some VICIOUS cuts! But screwing with people's emotions and building up false hope in contestants isn't exactly new to American Idol, Julie. Maybe a handful were given a pass to Round Three, with only 4 out of the first 40 Lightning Round contestants sent packing without remorse. With only a few more to go...we learned that Kayla Hatfield, the girl who'd been in the serious car accident, and Angelica Puente, who sobbed all over the place in an overblown segment on her wanting her daddy to be proud of her, were 2 of those 8. Others of interest:

Collins: Kristy Lee Cook, a personal favorite from the start. My heart stopped when I saw her on the chopping block -- I think I called her to go to the Final 4, or something insane like that! I believe she made it to Round Three, though...

Funk: She used a crutch to get through, singing the same song as before. Meh!

Heart: I liked her before, hope we see more of her. She's leaning a bit heavily on "Amazing Grace," though...

Collins: Jeffrey Lampkin, the giant, goofy dude from Charleston who signed on with his sister. He's fun and pumps people up, and...his rendition of a song from Hairspray about eating food was good enough to get him to Round Three!

Funk: I was SHOCKED he got through.

Heart: I'm glad he's hanging in there! They HAD to, he's hilarious!

Collins: Angela Martin, who lost her dad and has the handicapped daughter at home, didn't maket he cut, either. It's a bad year for fathers on this show! Anyway...she did a kind of watered-down Jazzy thing, a little Beyonce-ish at first...nah.

Heart: WHY?! Why build up their sad stories just to DROP them?! Ugh!

Funk: Sad story, but yeah...go home, be with your family, because they need you more than American Idol does!

Collins: They set it up to be misleading in the last round of cuts. The goofier-looking row was the one that made it to Round Three, in classic American Idol style! Round Two ended with a pleasant swerve, and it REALLY was fast and brutal.

Heart: Phew! I'm just glad it's over.

Funk: We're all kind of against the Group Round, because it never really HELPED anyone, it was just fun to watch people fight. I like they they tried something different. Sudden Death-style was HOT!

HOLLYWOOD: ROUND THREE

Collins: We're told Round Three gets the same set-up as the singers will get in the Top 24, with a backup band. Then, right to it!

Collins: David Archuleta, the kid with one vocal chord who sounds like John Mayer...well, he sang "Heaven" by Bryan Adams. He's got a good voice, but the song makes him sound younger. He's never lived that kind of "lying here in my arms" love, before! Come on!

Funk: He's a finalist! Top 8, at least! He's a natural talent and comfortable on stage.

Heart: I really like his voice, though! It's pure, and even if his personality's a little immature, he's pretty great!

Collins: Kyle Ensley sang Josh Groban, and even though I'm way over the geeky thing, already...he gets 3 Yes Votes! He's something different, but...we'll see.

Heart: He was much better in Round Three, a lot less theatrical.

Funk: The political version of Clay AIken, maybe?

Collins: Jeffrey Lampkin crashed and burned on an attempted Magic Carpet Ride through "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. It's a shame, I thought he was enjoyable. He goes home to Charleston, though!

Heart: NOOO! It's so sad he got cut!

Funk: Buh-bye. Thanks for the energy, but go home!

Collins: Joey Catalano had a migraine and puked all morning...and it showed! He was very Boyz 2 Men, only without any real soul. A big no!

Heart: HATED the hat he wore, too.

Collins: Syesha Mercado had laryngitis, saved her voice all day by using signs to communicate...it was actually kind of cute, sort of made her memorable and endearing. It didn't hurt that she absolutely CRUSHED "Chain of Fools," and we have ourselves a STRONG candidate for the Top 24 and beyond!

Heart: I LOVE HER! I want her to make the Top 10, and I hope she can save her voice!

Funk: She has a SICK voice for someone with a sick voice! I can see her as another Top 8 finalist. She's really good, dogg!

Collins: Michael Johns, the Aussie...Queen is usually a Kiss of Death...but he pulled it off! Impressive, kudos.

Funk: It is very hard to be good and believable doing "Bohemian Rhapsody," or Queen in general. He NAILED it, and, though I don't think he'll go quite as far as David Archuleta and his one vocal chord...he's headed deep into this season!

Heart: I love a guy who can sing Queen.

Collins: Apparently, Carly Smithson's allergic to her dog, and wore a mask heading into Hollywood Week. She tackled Heart's "Alone" pretty impressively. Good!

Funk: She's still good. It was a good song choice, and I was a little worried. But still, good. The Irish accent melts me, man...so, I'm a fan. Top 8, if not better!

Heart: Her voice blows me away. The judges, too, it seems!

Collins: Asia'h Epperson, who lost her dad JUST before auditions...you know, I like her voice more this time. 3 Yes Votes, and I'm becoming a believer!

Heart: She looks like a strong contender in this competition.

Funk: I agree with Simon...this was her best audition, yet.

Collins: Brooke Helvie, the pageant monster, lost it during "Unchained Melody." It was up to PAULA to send her home...and she deliver the big No Vote after a LOT of whining from the spoiled-but-hot girl.

Heart: Don't fight with the judges! You will lose every time! I'm just glad the beauty queen was cut...she got on my nerves.

Funk: She sounded okay, until that SQUAWK. Simon giving her a No was surprising, but I was proud of Paula for shutting her down. They gave her MORE than a fair chance, despite her whining!

Collins: Josiah Leming, tired and frustrated, cried and whined about having to play with the band. He couldn't find a song out of 200 to sing, and even after a vocal coach offered to work with him...he still opted to go into this life-changing audition unprepared. He dismissed the band, but NOT because he's confident...he did it because he's stubborn and wouldn't work with anyone else. His "Stand By Me" was whine and rambling, and he rushed it. He showed weakness, then starting sniveling, as usual, when things got tough. And, then, even though it was supposed to be "no second chances" in Round Three...he got 3 Yes Votes from the judges, anyway! Even SIMON! BOOOO! STOP CRYING, THIS SHOW IS CLEARLY RIGGED FOR YOU!!!

Funk: THE FIX IS IN! He's whiny and bad, send him home! That audition was TERRIBLE!

Heart: He's SO lucky he made it, but...I don't hate him as much as you guys do. He's still got an interesting sound. But, yes...please stop crying!

Funk: Ther must be some mandate from on-high that Josiah HAS to be a finalist! I'm against it. He didn't vibe with his accompanists, so he thought he'd do better solo. But he DIDN'T! And he didn't take the coach up on her offer to help, so I get the feeling he's just in his own world, and maybe hard to work with. Sounds like the story of his life, and that's getting STALE with me. I'm annoyed he's still in it, even if he might be the kind of artist who's good in the studio, but HORRIBLE live.

Collins: The judges go through TOUGH deliberations...and, on tonight's show, the Top 24 will be announced! It's the big "Walk of Doom/Final Judgement" show, featuring lost of Elevator Cam shots. Should be both dramatic, interesting and completely too long for the amount of information we're to get out of it. That's our Idol!

Funk: We'll be here to talk about it, tomorrow...and I'm sure there'll be more tears and more surprises.

Heart: I'm excited! See you then!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Auditions, Clyde Collins, Hollywood, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart

FOX has an exciting summer planned with the return of the best dance competition on television, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE in June, the continuation of the popular unscripted series HELL’S KITCHEN and THE MOMENT OF TRUTH, the new series WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD, plus movies, original episodes of COPS and AMERICA’S MOST WANTED, encore episodes of HOUSE, BONES, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER and our Sunday night animation block!

Special events also include the MLB ALLSTAR GAME on Tuesday, July 15, and TEEN CHOICE 2008 on Tuesday, August 5!

Here’s the schedule night by night through early August of New Shows:

MONDAYS

WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title) will launch with a 2-hour series premiere on MONDAY, MAY 26 and will continue airing in the 8:00pm time period. Encore episodes of BONES will air at 9:00pm.

Set in a primitive, remote location, this unscripted series explores what happens when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man’s world, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots!

TUESDAYS

HELL’S KITCHEN will continue in the 9:00pm time period where it premieres (as previously announced) on April 1! HELL’S KITCHEN will have its season finale on July 8.

TEEN CHOICE 2008 will celebrate the hottest teen icons who made waves this year in film, television, music, sports and fashion! The coolest stars receive coveted Teen Choice Surfboard awards in categories such as Choice Breakout TV Show, Choice Movie Chemistry, Choice Reality/Variety Show, Choice Breakout Artist, Choice Male Hottie, Choice Female Athlete, Choice Liplock and Choice TV Sidekick. Hosts, performers, nominees and presenters at TEEN CHOICE 2008 will be announced closer to the air date.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the TEEN CHOICE 2008!
2008 MLB ALL-STAR GAME airs on TUESDAY, JULY 15 at 8:00pm ET!

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS

As in previous years, FOX keeps the momentum going from May into summer when SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE returns the night following the May 21 season finale of AMERICAN IDOL! SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will air on Wednesdays and Thursdays through early August, and similar to previous seasons, the Wednesday night episodes are expected to be regularly scheduled as 2 hours long, the Thursday audition episodes will also be 2 hours and once the competition moves to the performance phase, the Thursday results shows will be 1 hour long. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH will return to the schedule with ORIGINAL episodes Thursdays at 8pm beginning June 12 – see below!

FRIDAYS

Friday night movies were previously announced.

SATURDAYS

FOX’s winning Saturday night lineup continues through summer, with a mix of original and encore COPS episodes in June and July, as well as the always-original AMERICA’S MOST WANTED! Late night continues with MAD TV and TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN.

SUNDAYS

This summer FOX will air encore episodes of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER Sundays at 7:00pm, followed by encore episodes of the regularly scheduled comedy block including THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD!

Full Listing is as follows:

MONDAYS:

• May 26: 8:00pm, WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (2 HRS Series Premiere)


• Beginning June 2: 8:00pm, WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD and 9:00pm, BONES


• July 28: 8:00pm, WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (2 HR Season Finale)

• Beginning May 27: 8:00pm HOUSE and 9:00pm HELL’S KITCHEN


• July 15: 8:00pmET, SPORTS: 2008 MLB ALL-STAR GAME


• August 5: 8:00pm, SPECIAL: TEEN CHOICE 2008

• Wednesdays, beginning May 28: 8:00pm, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (2 HRS Season Premiere, Pt. 2)

• 5/22, 5/29 and 6/5: 8:00pm, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (2 HRS Season Premiere, Pt. 1 on 5/22)


• June 12: 8:00pm, THE MOMENT OF TRUTH and 9:00pm SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE


• Thursday, August 7: 8:00pm, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (2 HRS Season Finale)

• 7:00pm ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER (R) (Time period premiere)


• 8:00pm THE SIMPSONS (R)


• 8:30pm KING OF THE HILL (R)


• 9:00pm FAMILY GUY (R)


• 9:30pm AMERICAN DAD (R)

Posted by Paula at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Hell's Kitchen, New shows, Programming, So You Think You Can Dance, Summer, When Women Rule the World

Collins: Clyde, here. Just a quick news bit about everyone's favorite unstoppable television juggernaut, American Idol.

"Fox will expand the American Idol weekly results show to one hour each week, beginning Wednesday, March 12 at 9 p.m. ET."

Collins: Click the link to see the full article by Mediaweek's John Consoli. Pretty exciting, at first glance -- the real test will be how well producers will be able to fill an hour-long results show that ultimately boils down to wasting 59 minutes and 50 seconds of your life. In my humble opinion. Then again, maybe I'm wrong. (Unlikely as that may be.) Perhaps they'll find great, fascinating content for the Wednesday night shows?

Collins: You know, like that sort of thing. We'll probably be treated to more in-depth features on the contestants' backgrounds, as promised by producers for Season 7. Fewer guest judges means fewer time-eating concert performances, though...time will just have to tell what will take their place! It's also a bit of a slap in the face for upstart FOX program The Return of Jezebel James, which was scheduled for an Idol Bump season premier at 9:30PM on March 12th. Sorry, Jez...best of luck on Friday nights. See you in Hollywood, where we begin to weed out the hopeless losers from the Top 24.

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Clyde Collins, Results

FOX has announced a lineup of hit comedy, action and suspense movies for Friday nights this spring and summer! Fridays are planned to be movie nights through August 1. There will also be a Sunday night movie (7-10pm) on July 6.

On FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the comedy hit 13 GOING ON 30, starring JENNIFER GARNER (“Alias”, “Juno”), MARK RUFFALO (“Zodiac”, “All The King’s Men”) and JUDY GREER (“27 Dresses”)!

13 GOING ON 30 is a hilarious flash-forward romance about a pre-teen girl who goes from geek to glamorous. With the help of some magic wishing dust, 13 year-old Jenna Rink (GARNER) becomes 30 and gorgeous overnight, with everything she ever wanted, except for her best friend Matt (RUFFALO). Now, this grown woman must create some magic of her own to help the little girl inside find the true love she left behind.

On FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of the comedy ARE WE THERE YET?, starring ICE CUBE (“First Sunday”, “Barbershop”), NIA LONG (“Big Shots”, “Big Momma’s House”) and JAY MOHR (“Ghost Whisperer”)!

When Nick (ICE CUBE) falls for single mother Suzanne (LONG), he initially doesn’t have to worry about what her kids think of him because she just wants to “be friends.” But when Suzanne finds herself in a jam and needs someone to escort her kids to meet her in Vancouver for New Year’s Eve, Nick gladly opens the door of opportunity. It could be the best way to win her heart...or the biggest mistake of his life. With more than one destination on his mind, Nick embarks on a road trip he’ll never forget – and neither will you!

On FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of the comedy MAN OF THE HOUSE, starring TOMMY LEE JONES (“No Country For Old Men”, “Men In Black I & II”), CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER (“Talk To Me”), PAULA GARCES (“CSI: MIAMI”, “HAROLD AND KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE”) and KELLI GARNER (“LARS AND THE REAL GIRL”)!

When five perky cheerleaders witness the murder of a drug bust informant, they require round-the-clock surveillance to keep from being the next victims. Enter tough-as-nails Texas Ranger Lt. Roland Sharp (JONES), who masquerades as their assistant coach and camps out in their campus digs. But these feisty foxes just want to have fun, and the buttoned-down Sharp learns it’s no easy task to keep the uncontrollable coeds in line and out of harm’s way!

On FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the comedy hit DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY, starring VINCE VAUGHN (“Fred Claus”, “Into The Wild”), CHRISTINE TAYLOR (“License To Wed”), BEN STILLER (“The Heartbreak Kid”, “Night At The Museum”) and RIP TORN (“Bee Movie”)!

In a hilarious sendup of feel-good sports movies, BEN STILLER and VINCE VAUGHN star as arch-rival gym owners competing in a Las Vegas Dodgeball tournament. Peter La Fleur (VAUGHN) is the friendly owner of a small gym with a loyal, if oddball clientele. But he’s going to be taken over by the big, flashy Globo Gym, owned by fitness guru White Goodman (STILLER) if he can’t come up with $50,000 – coincidentally the amount of the prize in an upcoming Dodgeball tournament! He recruits legendary Dodgeball coach Patches O’Houlihan (RIP TORN), who comes out of retirement to see if he can turn a ragtag bunch of lovable losers into a champion Dodgeball team!

On FRIDAY, MAY23, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the comedy hit CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, starring STEVE MARTIN (“The Pink Panther”, “Bringing Down The House”), BONNIE HUNT (“Cars”, “Life With Bonnie”), HILARY DUFF (“Lizzie McGuire”), ASHTON KUTCHER (“That ‘70s Show”) and TOM WELLING (“Smallville”)!

Tom and Kate Baker (MARTIN, HUNT) have adjusted pretty well to parenthood –having 12 children has given them a lot of practice juggling schedules and activities. But when Tom takes a job coaching football in a new town, and Kate must be away for a few week on a press tour for her new book, things start to come apart at the seams – but if nothing else, the Bakers always manage to keep their sense of humor! This is family comedy at its best.

On FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of the comedy movie LITTLE BLACK BOOK, starring BRITTANY MURPHY (“King Of The Hill”, “Happy Feet”), HOLLY HUNTER (“Saving Grace”), KATHY BATES (“The Golden Compass”, “Fred Claus”), RON LIVINGSTON (“Standoff”) and RASHIDA JONES (“Unhitched”, “The Office”)!

Hired to work on a tabloid TV show, Stacy Holt’s life gets turned upside down when she is persuaded to explore one of the show’s themes, and snoops through her boyfriend’s Palm Pilot. But she’s forgetting one thing: in the world of daytime TV, there’s always a shocking surprise in store – and she’s about to get a big one!

On FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the comedy WHITE CHICKS, starring SHAWN WAYANS (“Scary Movie 1 & 2”), MARLON WAYANS (“Norbert”)!!

FBI Agents Kevin and Marcus Copeland (SHAWN & MARLON WAYANS) are assigned to protect two socialite sisters from a kidnapping plot by escorting them to the Hamptons, but when the sisters refuse to leave their NY apartment, the brothers decide to go undercover – as the sisters themselves! Entering the world of wealthy white chick-hood takes them on a hilarious romp through social rivalries, slumber parties, wealthy suitors and mastering the requisite trendoid fashion and girl-talk!

On FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of THE FOG, starring TOM WELLING (“Smallville”), MAGGIE GRACE (“Lost”) and SELMA BLAIR (“Hellboy”)!

From Producer John Carpenter comes the all-new retelling of his terror classic THE FOG. One hundred years ago, a ship carrying lepers was purposely lured onto the rocky coastline and sunk, drowning all aboard. Now they’re back, long-dead mariners who’ve waited a century for their revenge. Seeking out the descendents of those responsible for their deaths, they lurk enshrouded within a supernatural fog of terror. Beware, any who stand in their way.

On FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2008, from 8:00-10:30pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the hit movie BAD BOYS 2, starring WILL SMITH (“I Am Legend”), MARTIN LAWRENCE (“Wild Hogs”, “Big Momma’s House”), GABRIELLE UNION (“Football Wives”, “Running With Scissors”), THERESA RANDLE (“State Of Mind”) and JOE PANTOLIANO (“The Sopranos”, “The Matrix”)!

In this sequel to BAD BOYS, WILL SMITH and MARTIN LAWRENCE team up once again as playboy Mike Lowry (SMITH) and family man Marcus Bennett (LAWRENCE), two Miami detectives who never play by the rules! This time they’re partners in an undercover drug investigation – and Marcus doesn’t know that Mike has been dating his sister (UNION) – or that she is also an undercover DEA agent working the same case!! Nonstop action and classic comedic chemistry make this a can’t-miss feature!

(NOTE: This movie is 2.5 hours long.)

On FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the movie THE FORGOTTEN, starring JULIANNE MOORE (“Children Of Men”, “Savage Grace”), ANTHONY EDWARDS (“Zodiac”, “ER”), LINUS ROACHE (“Law & Order”), GARY SINISE (“CSI: NY”) and ALFRE WOODARD (“Desperate Housewives”)!

Nine-year-old Sam Paretta is dead, killed in a plane crash. Even though it’s been fourteen months since the accident, his mother Telly (MOORE) still grieves over the loss. But suddenly, her husband (EDWARDS) swears they never had a child and her psychiatrist (SINISE) insists she’s delusional. But worst of all, there is absolutely no evidence to prove Sam ever existed. Haunted by the memories of her son, Telly’s search for the truth propels her into a dark mind-shattering conspiracy of unearthly terror.

On FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2008, from 8:00-10:30pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the movie PLANET OF THE APES, starring MARK WAHLBERG (“The Departed”), TIM ROTH (“The Incredible Hulk”), HELENA BONHAM CARTER (“Sweeney Todd”, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”), PAUL GIAMATTI (“Sideways”, “Fred Claus”) and MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN (“The Green Mile”, “Daredevil”)!

Director TIM BURTON (“Sweeney Todd”) brought a fresh look to this remake of the classic story of an astronaut (WAHLBERG) who crash lands on a planet where a highly developed ape society rules, while humans are in bondage and considered unintelligent.

(NOTE: This movie is 2.5 hours long.)

On SUNDAY, JULY 6, 2008, from 7:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK 2, starring JEFF GOLDBLUM (“Man Of The Year”), JULIANNE MOORE ("Children Of Men”), PETE POSTLETHWAITE ("The Omen"), VINCE VAUGHN (“Fred Claus", “Into The Wild”) and directed by STEVEN SPIELBERG ("War Of The Worlds")!

Dinosaurs Live!! In this blockbuster sequel to Jurassic Park, a mysterious island called "Site B" of John Hammond's (RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH) Jurassic Park experiment is discovered when Ian Malcolm (GOLDBLUM) follows his girlfriend (MOORE) to research the dinosaurs' behavior in their so-called "natural" environment. When Hammond's nephew and a team of big game hunters interrupt the expedition with self-fulfilling ambitions, however, the adventure becomes a fight for survival!

(NOTE: THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD are preempted this one night only.)

On FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of the popular comic-book adaptation HELLBOY, starring videogame and voiceover superstar RON PERLMAN, JOHN HURT (“V For Vendetta”), SELMA BLAIR (“The Fog”) and JEFFREY TAMBOR (“Arrested Development”)!

Based on the popular Dark Horse comic, HELLBOY brings to life the saga of a unique hero, born of a secret Nazi experiment with the supernatural and raised by an agent for a clandestine US agency. Hellboy (PERLMAN) is a muscular, wise-cracking, cigar-smoking, Baby Ruth-eating larger than life character who is called into action when dark forces threaten to unleash hell on earth!

On FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of the action hit 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS, starring PAUL WALKER (“Eight Below”), TYRESE GIBSON (“Transformers”), EVA MENDES (“Hitch”), LUDACRIS (“Fred Claus”) and COLE HAUSER (“K-Ville”)!

The action is faster and more sizzling than ever in this sequel to THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, PAUL WALKER is back as undercover police officer Brian O’Connor, who has been stripped of his badge and is now street racing in Miami for cash. Offered a chance to redeem himself and avoid criminal charges, he must now go undercover again to bring down a drug lord (HAUSER) with the help of his old racing buddy Roman (actor/R&B singer TYRESE) – together they’re 2 FAST, 2 FURIOUS!

On FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents the WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE of DARKNESS FALLS, starring EMMA CAULFIELD (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) and CHANEY KLEY (“Mr. Blue Sky”)!

As a young boy, Kyle (KLEY) claimed to have seen the tooth fairy. He also claimed she tried to kill him. Now over 12 years later, Kyle has left the town that never believed him, and the two people who thought he was telling the truth, his childhood sweetheart (CAULFIELD) and her younger brother. And when evil again emerges in Darkness Falls, Kyle must return to do battle with the creature he saw that night so many years ago.

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008, from 8:00-10:00pm (ET/PT), FOX presents an encore of HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE, starring HARRISON FORD (“Firewall”), JOSH HARTNETT (“30 Days of Night”), LENA OLIN (“Alias”), BRUCE GREENWOOD (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”), MARTIN LANDAU (“Entourage”) and ISAIAH WASHINGTON (“Bionic Woman”)!

In Hollywood, no one is who they really want to be. Veteran police detective Joe Gavilan (FORD) and his rookie partner K.C. Calden (HARTNETT) are no exception. Between Joe’s struggling real estate business and K.C.’s fledgling acting career and yoga instruction, they’ve to a major murder case to solve. With both Internal Affairs and their main suspect on their tails, Joe and K.C. have to infiltrate the dangerous world of the hip-hop recording industry. Juggling two careers proves to be a comical adventure, with Joe and K.C. desperate to stay alive long enough to catch their big break!

Just to review the list is below:

• Friday, April 25: 8:00pm, 13 GOING ON 30 (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, May 2:8:00pm, ARE WE THERE YET? (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMEIRE)
• Friday, May 9: 8:00pm, MOVIE: MAN OF THE HOUSE (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMEIRE)
• Friday, May 16: 8:00pm, DODGEBALL (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, May 23: 8:00pm, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, May 30: 8:00pm, LITTLE BLACK BOOK (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMEIRE)
• Friday, June 6: 8:00pm, WHITE CHICKS (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, June 13: 8:00pm, THE FOG (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMEIRE)
• Friday, June 20: 8:00pm, BAD BOYS (R) (OTO) (2.5 HRS)
• Friday, June 27: 8:00pm, THE FORGOTTEN (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, July 4: 8:00pm, PLANET OF THE APES (R) (OTO) (2.5 HRS)
• Sunday, July 6: 7:00pm, THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK 2 (R) (OTO) (3 HRS)
• Friday, July 11: 8:00pm, HELLBOY (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE)
• Friday, July 18: 8:00pm, 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS (R) (2 HRS)
• Friday, July 25: 8:00pm, DARKNESS FALLS (O) (2 HRS) (WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE)
• Friday, August 1: 8:00pm, HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE (R) (2 HRS)

Posted by Paula at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
TAGS: Friday Night, Movies, Programming

Heart: Hey, Chatterheads! Welcome back for another round of Idol Chatter. For this week's Wednesday show, we took a look back at some overlooked auditions from all 7 cities featured this year.

Collins: If you read our Atlanta commentary from yesterday, you know my feelings on dragging out this audition process for so long. I understand that there's a writers' strike going on, and that FOX will want to get as much mileage out of the show as possible...but I am so ready to move onto Hollywood I could vomit, and it's not out of sheer anticipation built by weeks of audition footage. It's because I'm bloody SICK of them!

Heart: Well, Clyde, next week we finally DO hit Hollywood...so, as pointless as it may have seemed, let's take one last look at some of the try-outs that didn't make it on-air the first time around!

Funk: It wasn't the strongest night, I thought. The past few cities have actually turned out some decent talent, after a few disappointing stops...but this kind of random night really didn't have a ton of great, new stars.

Collins: There's a reason they didn't make the original broadcasts from those places. A 6 week-old puppy was the star of the night, I thought. But, let's get on with it...maybe you two can help me see the light and convince me that it was the greatest spectacle of pure talent ever collected in one hour...

Heart: Okay, FASHION commentary. Luke Reeder, are you going auditioning for American Idol or going camping?! Why the hat?

Collins: Why the SEGMENT? What a waste, he was a no-talent schlub. Fred Durst is awful, and you're worse.

Funk: Yo, dude...you're not in the desert. That's all I'm sayin'.

Heart: He couldn't sing and he SCARED me! Stay home, creepy people.

Heart: Victor Villegas...no one is voting for you, Pedro. Sorry!

Funk: Sheep Guy, you were pretty sad, man.

Collins: He sounded like he was in PAIN! Horrible, glad they put Sheep Guy out to pasture quickly.

Heart: Amy Davis...I hate when people say they're doing this show for mom or dad or whoever. Look, they're doing it for themselves, be honest! I did like her voice, though. It was sweet.

Collins: She had a SHAKY voice, and it wasn't great. The judges saw POTENTIAL in her, but...at this point, when so many GOOD singers are already through, why waste time on someone who MIGHT have the potential to be okay in Hollywood? And I didn't like her "poor girl from a big family" story. We ALL have hard times, we ALL want to have a better life. Whatever.

Funk: Yo. HOT! Simon was totally checking her out the whole time, and I can't blame him. But she's gonna' need to work hard with that weaker voice to stick around through Hollywood.

Collins: If you need proof that Neitzche may have been right about God being DEAD...we have Tiffany McCambell's awful gospel singing. No higher power could save a wretch like she.

Heart: Seriously bad. She's been thanking God for her voice, but...maybe she should be asking him why she was born so tone-deaf, instead?

Funk: Her pastor is clearly not a music expert if he keeps complimenting her! Not good at all.

Heart: Chris and Cory Lane, the twins...you know, one of them can beatbox a LITTLE, but I doubht either can really sing. It was kind of a joke segment, with their love triangle. I thought it was funny that they admitted to telling that shared girlfriend of theirs she was good, when they KNOW she can't sing well!

Collins: Heh. Their schtick would get old after a...few minutes. I liked that they busted on their girl and on past contestants, though. Good try, not quite good enough.

Funk: It was just a creepy love triangle. The Three's Company stuff was hilarious, though! It may have been one of the most tone-deaf beatboxes I've ever heard. And that one dude losing his place, just keep going "Yeah, let's go...okay..." Ha ha...man, weak.

Heart: Speaking of Ashley Lawing, the cute dog was pretty much the only thing worth watching!

Funk: Does the puppy count as a gimmick, officially? It was funny enough, but...get outta' here and take your twin loves with you. I don't know, just strange.

Collins: Cute dog, wicked accent...horrible singer. Next!

Heart: Cardin Lee McKinney, I like her name and her singing...but I didn't think she was too theatrical. You know, maybe that kid from Atlanta was right...I'm starting to think that, just maybe, Simon DOES have a script right in front of him.

Funk: Pushover Paula strikes again, but I'm okay with it, this time. Nice voice.

Collins: She DID sound theatrical, but she was singing a show tune, in her defense. Either way, she's through...and has a chance to not sound so stage-y in Hollywood. Time will tell.

Heart: I liked JoAnne Borgella's confidence, especially in being a plus-size model. She knows how to dress for her size, unlike some girls. And her voice was good! It was a little light, but I think she'll step it up, it can be stronger!

Funk: She was a good person with a very nice voice. I dig it.

Collins: I think she was a big girl with an OKAY voice. Let's be honest, here. She's not as strong as past big girls, even. She won't win it all. I did think it was unintentially funny when Paula said, "I bet there are a LOT of different sounds that come out of you!"

Heart: How do people like Alesha Stelzl get all the way to the audition in front of the judges without SOMEONE telling them they sound like they're sucking helium?! Her voice started out really strange...but, when she learned a Dolly Parton song and came back in, it turned out song choice really DOES make a big difference, and she did well enough to make it to Hollywood!

Collins: I refuse to let her off the hook. Take One of her audition was just PAINFULLY bad, the Celine Dion mess.

Funk: Man, she was horrible times THREE. I mean, she did sound a LITTLE better after learning the Dolly Parton song, but she's still not gonna' go far. Funny that Simon admitted it, too. And her mom looked like Dolly, that was kind of wild.

Collins: Or Dollywood, ha ha.

Collins: It's gonna' be a LONG season finding Dolly Parton songs that fit every theme week for her to sing...Alesha's doomed from the start.

Heart: Brandi Gregorie was way too showy, and kept removing clothing...

Funk: Yeah. Striptease? NO.

Collins: Eew. Clothes on.

Heart: Charles Randy Leviner was a rocker who picked a song with swearing in it. DUH! This is American Idol! Do you REALLY think you'll change everything and make it to the finals pulling that kind of stunt on a FAMILY SHOW? It's just dumb.

Funk: Get out, Johnny Swears-a-Lot.

Collins: He wasn't good, and you both already pointed out the cursing. Good riddance.

Heart: Joshua Moreland was a little over the top, but I was impressed by how high he coudl sing. I think he could've gotten through to Hollywood with a different song choice.

Funk: I'll tell you what, J-Smoove was just okay. Not good enough to get through, and the glitter was just weird.

Collins: He lost it on the high notes. Too much weakness revealed in there...but he was passable, if derivative, until he started getting "fancy."

Heart: And Simon only helped sweep up the sparkles because the cameras were on! It was really kinda' rude towards that staff girl, I thought...

Collins: Simon being RUDE?!!!! No, say it ain't SO, Julie!

Heart: I'm just saying. Anyway, moving on...Chikezie Eze, what a strange name. He seemed a little forgettable to me when he first walked in, but he was nice and so was his voice.

Collins: Not the new Ruben...not terrible. Welcome to Hollywood, and that memorable name might just help you hang in there, Chikezie.

Funk: Decent voice! I liked this guy.

Collins: Just get ready for "Take it EZE" signs in the crowd if he makes it through. Ugh.

Heart: Danny Noriega, you know, he was a weird kid, but I like him!

Funk: He tried out before, but I think Randy was only pretending to remember this cat. He reminded me of Michael Jackson a little, with the snaps and the blues grunts. Not bad.

Collins: Michael Jackson's a musical GENIUS. Danny's just a strange kid who bounced back after last season's nervous breakdown and showed that he's got decent rhythm and attitude. If he can keep his head on straight, he may do very well.

Funk: Woah, woah! I said he REMINDED me of Jacko. I didn't mean he was as good.

Collins: Right, then. Julie? Wrap this up, I'd like to get on to Hollywood, now.

Heart: Okay, post-game time. Now that this is over...what was the point, really?

Collins: Extending the season artificially by adding an extra night of audition footage. Simple as that, the producers and FOX want as much Idol on the air as possible. I don't think I'm being cynical, it's kind of obvious. It just kills the momentum a bit, going into Hollywood on a string of mediocre auditions!

Heart: We saw, like, 15 people today, and the 5 that made it weren't really THAT impressive. The rejects weren't that crazy or entertaining to warrant their own show, either.

Collins: I'm sure next week will turn things around, though. The stupid bits are over, and it becomes about the drama of selecting the next winner of American Idol. Basically, it begins to get EXCITING, again. Something's actually at stake for all of the finalists, and they have to put up or shut up.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Auditions, Best of, Clyde Collins, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart, recap

The record-setting post-Super Bowl broadcast of the HOUSE episode "Frozen" (with guest star Mira Sorvino) earned the series its highest ratings EVER, and was the highest rated scripted program on ANY network in two years among Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers. HOUSE was FOX's highest rated scripted series telecast in over 10 years in Adults 18-49 as well as in 11 years in Total Viewers. In case you missed it, an encore of the “Frozen” episode will air on Friday, February 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX43.

Posted by Paula at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Celebrity Guests, Frozen, House, Ratings, SuperBowl

Collins: Okay, I'm officially bored with the audition phase. I couldn't stomach sitting through all of the supposed ups and downs of the Atlanta hopefuls. I found myself flipping away to political coverage every once in a while, it was so tiresome. And now they're dragging it out FURTHER into Wednesday before starting the Hollywood round?! Come ON, Idol, let's get moving!

Heart: Yikes, Collins...tell us how you REALLY feel!

Funk: Ha ha...welcome to Atlanta, everybody!

Heart: Let's take a look at last night's show and give you our thoughts on the best and the worst!

Collins: There were a few quality singers in Atlanta, but let's start out with Joshua Jones...

Collins: ...who, in my opinion, is simply mediocre. He forced it! Constantine did Queen and went home...and it's a shame Joshua didn't have exactly the same fate. He won't win, just too quirky. Not in the good way, either! A HUGE mistake by the judges to start the show.

Heart: I liked his look, but he does a weird eye thing. Plus, he had to sing with his back turned, and he tried to be "good weird" but I think it just ended up being "weird weird." He still made it, though.

Funk: He was...pretty not amazing! Good energy, and it was funny that the judges made him turn around. Nothing special.

Collins: Jones is one more reason I'm ready to get to Hollywood...so I can see Joshua Jones sent HOME.

Heart: Ouch!

Collins: And I'm not sorry. Please, let's move on to the next singer. Not that he's any better...

Heart: J.P. Tjelmeland...he auditioned a few years ago with Carrie Underwood. But he's nowhere near as talented as that American Idol winner, and people really have to realize that if the judges say you can't sing and the competition's not right for you...you probably won't do much better if you go again!

Funk: I liked the guy with the spinning rim necklace more than this chump! Was he even singing WORDS?! Go away!

Collins: People tell him all the time he's "gonna' be famous?" They're MAKING FUN OF HIM! He has a terrible name, and majoring in Music is a huge mistake. Glad he got the big NO.

Funk: You know what else bothered me, dog, he asked PAULA if he was "really that bad." Just proof that she really can't say no! It wasn't good.

Heart: I don't know how Asia'H Epperson could still audition just days after losing her father. She's still in shock! I mean, she could barely keep it together, and you could really see the emotion whe she sang. Even Paula had to walk off the set, it was pretty touching, I thought.

Funk: Go. HOME! Be with your FAMILY! Your FATHER JUST DIED! She was only mediocre, to me. I was kind of surprised by the 3 Yes Votes, but it was just a moment to show off Paula's emotional side more.

Collins: Yeesh. Priorities, much? The judges noted she had a lovely smile, and all I could say was "but she SHOULDN'T be!" She "honked" a bit during her song, not the best, not the worst. Super-emotional song choice, and I simply felt DIRTY watching her audition, knowing she should've just not been there. There WILL be a Season 8, you know, Asia'h. And drop the whole "apostrophe-H" thing. It's confusing. I think the emotion got the best of our judges.

Heart: I think you guys are being too hard on her. Like I said...it just hasn't hit her, yet. She HAS to be in shock, and was just trying to keep going and doing what she'd planned and what her dad was supporting her in all along. Give her a chance! And speaking of giving people a chance...Brooke Helvie, the pageant girl, looked just like the Classic Dumb Blonde coming in...but, as tired as I am of girls like her getting all the breaks, she did have a pretty good voice.

Collins: She was HYPER-ANNOYING. If she was kicked by a cow in the course of becoming Miss Southern Flordia Fair, I'm rooting for the cow to boot her again. She brings NOTHING new to music, and all she brings to American Idol is another person to boo if she makes it past Hollywood. Her personality erases her same-y but decent voice.

Funk: I always fall for "doo-doo" jokes, sorry. But she has the Complete Pop Package! She's the anti-hero of this season, I think. She's PURE POP, and may make it further than anyone wants.

Heart: I got a clue Eva Miller was a little nuts when she admitted she's another Simon Lover! WHY, girls?! I don't get it!

Collins: Here's another one with too much confidence. She couldn't sing or dance well, her fall, fake or not, was over-exaggerated and not charming, and the way she lost her cool at the end pretty much dashed any hopes of the audience feeling sorry for her! Terrible.

Funk: You know, I don't think it was an act! I believe her. She had confidence and energy, but...the voice? NO. Buh-bye, Eva.

Heart: It did seem like an act, but she looked pretty serious in the end. I couldn't tell!

Heart: Alexandra Lushinton sounded SO much older than 16 when she sang!

Collins: I liked her Sassy Granny high-fiving Seacrest. If grandma's on every week, I'm instantly a fan! But, from what we saw of her, not bad for a kid. One to look out for.

Funk: I love the old lady, dog! She was GREAT! But let's talk Alexandra -- WOW! I liked her a lot, even from the maybe THREE seconds of singing time she got. I'm shocked that she's 16, she's got a beautiful voice!

Heart: And then...we hit three rapid-fire No Votes! Michael Gregory looked like Clay did, but he did NOT have the same strong voice! Yikes!

Funk: Lame!

Collins: Part of a Loser Montage...I don't remember him. Chris Lars was a freak with a poor singing voice and a giant beard. What do people like him hope to accomplish? Do they just want to be on TV, or to be the one who finally kills Idol? I don't get it!

Funk: Nice kilt.

Heart: True story...I had my head turned while Jared Wiley was auditioning, and I thought it was an older woman with a lisp singing!

Funk: Another possibly-castrated singer this year...HA!

Collins: Ha ha ha...I LOVE IT!

Heart: They talk a lot about Simon being mean, but I don't think we REALLY saw it. I want to see Simon FREAK OUT on some of these awful singers...maybe even make them cry!

Collins: Julie, I love this side of you we're seeing today! You should let the mean streak out more often.

Heart: Okay, maybe that's a little harsh. But stop HUGGING everyone! That's not the Simon we know and love!

Funk: Or at least love to HATE.

Heart: Exactly! Anyway, next up was Nathan Hite, with the long hair and "I Don't Care" Attitude. I did think he was funny with the spooning...but no, he can't sing.

Funk: Forget this kid. Go home and shut up. Stay in your bedroom and keep on singing poorly, you got nothing!

Collins: I disliked everything about him. He's one of those "I'm going in and I'm going to take a stand against the big, evil machine, and I'm going to be the voice of all us poor fans of REAL music who hate everything Idol stands for, and I'll absolutely pull one over on Simon" idiots.

Heart: I thought his attitude was kind of cool!

Collins: The opposite of cool. FAKE cool. Trying to have a smarmy answer to everything, like when Randy said he was 16 years old and the kid goes, "Yep, sounds good." What in blazes does THAT mean?! He went after Simon after a BAD audition of an OVERPLAYED song, and tried to accuse Cowell of coming in with prepared witty remarks. It was OBVIOUS to me that NATHAN was the one who entered with an agenda and several prepared "slams" to hurl at Simon, because he KNEW he'd be rejected and he thought he'd be teh mane to take it all down, to expose the Man Behind the Curtain. Sorry, but Simon SCHOOLED him. And I don't know which was worse...his "Simon can go back to managing boy bands" line, or his attempted "gay joke" that Simon was just "mad he wouldn't spoon with him." Come on. Just horrible, he can't be defended.

Heart: Let's keep moving, because Clyde's eyes are about to pop out and I think he needs a nap! Amanda Overmyer, the biker nurse!! She can really BLOW, as Randy might say! Really original, but I don't think she's good enough to win Season 7.

Funk: You know I usually give props to good hair, but...I wasn't a fan of hers. She's the Tough Rocker Girl this season, I dig it, the judges did it...maybe she's the most unique they found in Atlanta, if not during the whole season!

Collins: Not at all. Whenever someone announces she'll be singing Janis, I completely, 100% want them to be her second coming. There was only ONE woman in the history of rock with a voice and a feel like Pearl, and every time...I'm let down. Long live Janis Joplin, and all you pretenders to her crown ought to have realized by now that screaming to music just isn't the same thing. Biker Nurse from Mars was interesting, but...she'll be back on her bike and burning asphalt sooner than later.

Heart: We got ANOTHER Golden Ticket Parade montage, but we don't see their names or hear them sing. I just hate that!

Funk: Yep. More winners we didn't hear. Greeeeat...

Funk: We did finish up with Josiah Leming, the dude who lives in his car. I like his style! I wasn't against the Yes Votes...he was surprisingly okay!

Collins: You know, I'm not sure what to think of him. His "I live on my own and play by my own rules" story IMMEDIATELY followed by the "I'm so alone, life is so hard" sniffling bit...I can't feel sorry for him! Maybe little girls will fall for how VULNERABLE and UNIQUE he is. I don't know. He didn't have the worst voice, but I'm not into his musical style. The singer-songwriter thing is big right now, though. So...I don't know. He could go either way, but I don't think he'll win it.

Heart: He just travels around by himself, singing at bars and clubs. I was really hoping he would be good...and he can sing, but he's a little shaky and gets a weird, English accent thing going.

Collins: I'm glad the judges picked up on the psuedo-British accent...Green Day's sound has been pseudo-British for YEARS. We'll see, but he's interesting enough to keep on going for a while.

Funk: He sounds like the dude from Deathcab for Cutie and Postal Service! That's a compliment, by the way...

Collins: Glad you cleared that up, because I didn't have a clue.

Heart: 19 singers made it...AND WE SAW SIX!!!!!!!!! Over 100,000 auditioned all together in the 7 audition cities, and we're down to the best of the best as we head to Hollywood!

Collins: SORT of. After producers stop force-feeding us more auditions...what is this "Best of the Rest" nonsense? I don't know if I can STOMACH it, knowing that the Hollywood Round is next!

Funk: Peace out, dogs! We'll be back after the Wednesday show, with our take on...WHATEVER it is they put on there!

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
***************************

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: American Idol, Artie Funk, Atlanta, Auditions, clyde collins, Idol Chatter, Julie Heart

FOX43 would like to thank you for helping to make Super Bowl XLII the second most-watched television broadcast of ALL TIME! How do we know you watched? Well...we're just assuming - because a TON of people did!

Just how many people tuned in to see the close, historic game (and those much-anticipated commercials)?

Check out the numbers from Lost Remote's Cory Bergman:

"...a record 97.5 million viewers watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. Only the “MASH” finale of ‘83, with 106 million viewers, scored a higher rating. In Boston, the Super Bowl scored a 81 percent share. In New York, the audience share was 67 percent."

That's pretty huge, and we're sure plenty of you FOX43 viewers were part of that event.

As for the commercials, you can find each and every one at the Super Bowl Ads MySpace page. All the hits and misses are at your fingertips.

Now, the long wait for the 2008-09 NFL season begins...

(Sigh.)

Posted by Prisoner No. 24601 at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
TAGS: Commercials, Football, FOX NFL Sunday, MySpace, Ratings, Sports, Super Bowl