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The New York City Opera and the union for its singers have reached a contract agreement.
Sure, he could sound like John Lennon on one album and Luther Vandross on the next. But that was the problem with David Bowie — in his heyday he seemed more of a theatrical chameleon who tried on personas than an impassioned rock singer. Bowie’s restless experimentalism allowed him to pull off being coolly distant and affected. Sadly, others copped his affectations without his intelligent approach. For a while in the 1980s, it seemed as if nearly every singer drew more from Bowie’s European theater tradition of singing than the tradition of rock singing itself (which came from R&B and gospel sources). Those who succumbed to Bowie-itis included everyone from Ric Ocasek of the Cars to David Byrne of Talking Heads to Robert Palmer to even Cyndi Lauper and Madonna. In short, anytime anyone tries on a vocal persona instead of singing from the heart, they’re channeling the Thin White Duke.
The following sentence might come as a huge shock to teens and Millennials, so stop tweeting for a second, kids, and get prepared for a totally outlandish statement. Here it is: Once upon a time, pop singers were actual singers.
The theme of the week on “American Idol” was Rat Pack standards, with the singers trying to croon their way to the final four. Sadly for the show’s entertainment value, this did not come with the typical Vegas two-drink minimums for the judges and host Ryan Seacrest.
The great muzzle-the-judges experiment is over on “American Idol.” Unfortunately, disco night didn’t follow that into the dustbin of pop culture history.
In fact, “American Idol” is a popularity contest and, more to the point, a television show in search of ratings. It’s easy to see the confusion here, what with all of the singing done by the contestants and the fact that the grand prize is a record contract. The problem is, viewers are encouraged to vote using whatever criteria they want: singing ability, looks, hometown pride, pity over sick family members/blindness/dead spouses, etc. But what makes it a flat-out lie is the way the show admits time and again that it’s just not true. Countless judges’ comments have started off “You’re not the best singer in this competition, but what I like about you is...,” and they often express surprise when cannon fodder contestants actually deliver strong performances. If “Idol” were a singing competition, there’d be no voting, the judges would all be highly trained professionals and nobody would watch it.
Wednesday night was “American Idol’s” annual salute to the music of Motown, and the standout performer wasn’t one that most would have expected.
Viewers watching Wednesday night’s unveiling of the “American Idol” top 36 got a surprise only hours later: the top 36 announced on Wednesday’s show weren’t the same top 36 who would start competition this week.
It takes a lot to be an especially boring episode of “American Idol.” There’s always copious filler and quasi-suspenseful buildup about What Will Happen, so the bar is low. All efforts to spice up Wednesday's two-hour episode fell flat, the elimination math worked against them, and the judges used and reused the same techniques to play with the contestants. The result? The most DVR-able episode of all time.
All good things must come to an end, and Tuesday's "American Idol" episode saw the remaining 72 contestants settle the minibar bills and come downstairs to hear their fates. As is tradition on the show, the contestants were separated into four rooms, in order for them to mentally judge whether being in the room with the guy who forgot the lyrics twice on the same song was a good thing or a bad thing. And as occasionally happens on "Idol," sometimes the answer wasn't what was expected.
The Hollywood round is the eye in the "American Idol" hurricane: its intense competition, singing, and critiques come without the insufferable studio audience or the tedious elimination ceremonies that start later this month. But so far this season, the Hollywood round seems more like a tornado, ripping around randomly before destroying itself.
"American Idol," which returns Jan. 13 for its eighth season, has generated billions of dollars in revenue, and been watched by millions of people, many of whom have questions about some behind-the-scenes details of the number-one show in the U.S.
I know that it's been a difficult "American Idol" off-season for you, with failed contestants and constant rumors that you're being replaced. The addition of a fourth judge for this season, is seen as something less than a sign of confidence of your role on the show, and an insurance policy in case you leave.
Talent competitions and bad auditions go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, on “American Idol,” bad just isn’t bad enough anymore. Sure, “Idol” viewers have seen loads of would-be singers overestimate their talent and warble their way through “Unchained Melody,” but the camera loves someone who’s willing to take awful to the next level. Enter the intentionally bad hams of show. They know they can’t carry a tune, but that’s not going to stop them from a shot at gruesome televised glory. And why should it? Season three’s William Hung translated his ear-splitting “She Bangs” audition into a three-record deal.
"American Idol" will have several changes to its format when it debuts in mid-January, according to an internal Fox memo posted online.
A judge has dismissed felony charges against two men accused of attacking Yale University singers in a New Year's Eve brawl.
The last two singers selected to be among the 24 semifinalists were among the first to be eliminated, as “American Idol” began the unpleasant business of whittling down the larger group on Thursday’s results show.
Quick: Think about last year's "American Idol." What pops into your mind? Chances are it was a kid named Sanjaya. He's since been forgotten, but stands as a symbol for the entire sixth season, which is noteworthy for its lack of noteworthiness.
While it's clear that "American Idol" isn't perfect and that last season won't go down as the best reality programming in television history, let's not get too crazy with the eulogies. This is still "American Idol," the program that's become an integral part of the cultural landscape.
Democrat John Edwards is going populist on TV and yoking himself to celebrities in person as he hunts for a winning formula in next month's New Hampshire primary.
Music of some of the greatest musicians of all time.Find out exactly why that hook's so catchy or that lyric's so deep. A great place to listen and know about the great tunes - Shmoop!!
Country singer aims to break down barriers - Rissi Palmer is arriving!Country music is about to welcome a new star, Rissi Palmer. The business just doesn't see very many African American female singers, but that's about to change. A terrific voice, loads of talent, and a bit of a quirky sense of humor.
333 singers for peace songCheck this music news...VERY INTERESTING for Music Lovers!
Earlier this morning I was watching Steven Colbert. Last night he had Meryl Streep on and he brought up the subject of Role Models. This is a subject that is frequently bantered about.
Michael Jackson 'had two gay lovers', new book claimsMichael Jackson had at least two gay lovers and would go out disguised as a woman for secret liaisons in motel rooms, according to a new book.
Susan Boyle Says She Will Appear in Vegas with Donnie and MarieSusan Boyle from the British talent contest used to practice singing Donnie and Marie songs. She is interested in appearing in Vegas with them and very well may from the looks of this. Donnie Osmond has asked her to come to Vegas for the show.
Book Claims To Reveal 'American Idol' Secrets That Producers Had Hoped Would Never Get OutGossip blogger Janet Charlton reported Thursday about rumblings in the publishing world that a former "American Idol" employee is shopping around a tell-all book that could prove embarrassing to the show. See more irresistible headlines
10 Celebrities That Should Just RetireWhen I First Started To Actually Consider Who Just May Be On This "Wish List" Of Which Celebrities That Should Up and Retire-Move On-Quit? I was Some What Surprised Of Who Amoung Our Goldie Oldies-Made This "HIt List"...???
Keyshia Cole Kicked Off Of Mary J. Blige TributeThere was a minor drama around the BET Honors tribute to Mary J. Blige. Producers reportedly wanted Keyshia Cole to do one of Mary's songs but word is that Blige's husband and manager, Kendu Isaacs, squashed that idea.
Singer Bjork Turns Venture Capitalist Bjork has partnered with a Reykjavik-based venture capital firm to establish a fund that will invest in socially and environmentally responsible companies that will help restore Iceland's battered economy.
Harold Pinter and Eartha Kitt, artists and opponents of imperialist warBritish playwright Harold Pinter died Wednesday at the age of 78, and American singer and actress Eartha Kitt died Thursday, Christmas day, at 81.
Eartha Kitt, a Seductive Talent, Dies at 81 A family friend says Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, has died. She was 81. ***
The 100 greatest singers of all timeI'm quite a music aficionado, and listen to all kinds of stuff and really enjoy it. Okay how do you determine this best singer thing, I asked myself.
Jacko Hopefuls Audition For Sky ---Video--- Central London-- Producers are looking for a youngster to take the lead role in a new musical about Michael Jackson's life. Sky's Alistair Bunkall watches some wannabes go through their paces, to the music of 'Billie Jean', Michael Jackson/Epic.
TLC's Chilli Denies 'Homewrecker' RumorsIn a very candid Q&A with Essence.com, TLC's Chilli sets the record straight about a number of issues, including her "brief" relationship with CNN anchor T.J. Holmes. Rumor had it that he was still married when the two began dating in Atlanta...
Beckhams are Poor and Becks In Pictures: They've been transformed into average folk by computer wizards for a new viral email. It also features mock-ups of how Jo-Lo, Tom Cruise and Britney might have looked without fame and fortune.
Rolling Stone magazine organized a "blue ribbon panel" and asked them to "list his or her 20 favorite vocalists from the rock era, in order of their importance.
Obama is wonderful, but can we talk about my clothing line now?MUSIC: Kanye West, the Chicago rapper with an ego the size of Illinois and sales figures that dwarf the Sears Tower, tells Brian Boyd about his Black Panther dad, Obama's victory, why Shrek is his favourite film … and, yes, his album, his fashion business and his burger joint
Aretha Franklin Tops Rolling Stone Poll For Greatest Rock SingersShe's already the Queen of Soul, but now Aretha Franklin has been named the greatest singer of the rock era in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine.
Grace Jones, at sexy 60, about to release new disc: "Hurricane" [Videos]Grace Jones, singer, actress, model and 60-year-old warrior goddess of pop culture releases 'Hurricane', her first album in two decades, on 3 November. Bow down, ye fools, and tremble before her awesome majesty in these five video clips.
Edie Adams, Actress and Singer (and Flirt With a Cigar), Dies at 81 Edie Adams, an actress, comedian and singer who both embodied and winked at the stereotypes of fetching chanteuse and sexpot blonde, especially in a long-running series of TV commercials for Muriel cigars, in which she poutily encouraged men to "pick one up and smoke it someti …
(Caught on tape) Jodeci Star JoJo Collapses Onstage(Caught on tape) Jodeci Star JoJo Collapses Onstage See more irresistible headlines
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