American Idol Blog: 2006

Elliott in the Final 24 "2 hrs." episode

Elliott's Performance last March 14

Elliott Yamin before the Top 24 show

Elliott's performance on May 10

The humble Elliott

The "laid back" and "real" kid

The "rich voice" of Elliott...can you hear it on ur mind?

Elliott's performance on March 28

Elliott Yamin

Elliott's performance on April 11

FINAL 4 Performances

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 6:11 AM Posted by Night Owl

The Final 5 Result Show

Thursday, May 04, 2006 at 6:09 AM Posted by Night Owl

Results

Hollywood Swinging Ford Commercial:
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571352/AI5_Top_5_-_Hollywood_Swinging__Ford_Commercial_.mp3

Group Song:
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571397/AI5_Top_5_-_Together_We_Are_One.mp3

Bottom 2 Performances:
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571425/Elliott_Yamin_-_On_Broadway__Results_.mp3
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571454/Paris_Bennett_-_Kiss__Results_.mp3
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571481/Paris_Bennett_-_Journey.mp3

Video:
http://rapidshare.de/files/19571555/AI5_Top_5_-_Hollywood_Swinging__Ford_Commercial_.WMV

Elliot Yamin - "On Broadway"

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 6:09 AM Posted by Night Owl

TOP 5 LIVE PERFORMANCES

at 6:01 AM Posted by Night Owl

TOP 10 LIVE PERFORMANCES

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 5:24 AM Posted by Night Owl

Ace Young - Drops of Jupiter:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682075/Ace_Young_-_Drops_Of_Jupiter.mp3

Bucky Covington - Real Good Man:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682100/Bucky_Covington_-_Real_Good_Man.mp3

Chris Daughtry - What If:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682129/Chris_Daughtry_-_What_If.mp3

Elliot Yamin - I Don't Wanna Be:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682169/Elliott_Yamin_-_I_Don_t_Wanna_Be.mp3

Katharine Mcphee - The Voice Within:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682196/Katharine_Mcphee_-_The_Voice_Within.mp3

Kellie Pickler - Suds in a Bucket:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682212/Kellie_Pickler_-_Suds_In_A_Bucket.mp3

Lisa Tucker - Because of You:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682274/Lisa_Tucker_-_Because_Of_You.mp3

Mandisa - I Wanna Praise You:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682299/Mandisa_-_I_Wanna_Praise_You.mp3

Paris Benett - Work it Out:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682319/Paris_Benett_-_Work_It_Out.mp3

Taylor Hicks - Trouble:
http://rapidshare.de/files/16682342/Taylor_Hicks_-_Trouble.mp3

I think the top 3 of the night are:
1. Paris Benett
2. Elliot Yamin
3. Mandisa

Although Katharine McPhee got positive feedbacks from the 3 judges including Simon, i don't think she did justice to Christina Aguilera's "The Voice Within."

The worst of the night is no other than Lisa Tucker. When season 5 is just beginning, a lot of people is rooting for Lisa to be the next American Idol. But as the show goes on, Lisa is consistently losing her spark.

TOP 12 LIVE PERFORMANCES MP3s

Friday, March 17, 2006 at 10:08 PM Posted by Night Owl

Ayla, Gedeon Discuss Idol Ousters

at 8:41 PM Posted by Night Owl

And then there were 12. As reiterated by the nifty little "countdown" scorecard that Fox sent out to reporters this week, Season 5 of American Idol now is down to its dynamic dozen (my term — use it if you like!) finalists. Joining Kinnik Sky and Will Makar in the quartet cut last Thursday were a pair of 17-year-olds: high-school hoops star Ayla Brown and he of the megawatt smile, Gedeon McKinney, both of whom spoke with reporters the day after their dismissal.

AYLA BROWN ON...

... whether greater Idol success would have sunk her Boston College basketball scholarship:
"[The BC representative's] response to my father was, 'We are so incredibly proud of Ayla and what she's done with her music career. She has put Boston College on the map. If she does make it to the top 10 where she goes on tour, we'll have to red-shirt her for a year, but of course she has her scholarship and spot on the team.'"

... singing the National Anthem — at her own games!
"Yes, I would definitely love to sing at the games because that's where I started out. I wasn't even a performance singer until I tried out for American Idol. I was just doing National Anthems at Red Sox and Patriots games and events like that. It's almost second nature to me."

... pre-ouster suspense:
"During a commercial break, I gave Melissa [McGhee] a hug and said, 'Listen, whatever happens happens, and we're going to get through it no matter what the outcome may be.' And she goes, 'You know what, you're right.' We then said good luck to each other and that was the end of it. I wouldn't want to do it again, I'll tell you that."

... the shock of being sent home:
"It wasn't mostly shock [that I felt], it was more of a disappointment in myself, almost like a sense of failure. I had a nervous feeling in my stomach like something bad was going to happen, and it was lasting all throughout the day and throughout the results show. When [Ryan Seacrest] told me [I was out], that was the hardest part for me, knowing that the silver shiny seat was so close but yet so far away."

... second-guessing her song choice:
"Simon [Cowell] had told all of us young kids, 'Pick something that is age-appropriate,' so I went and researched songs. The first that came to mind was [Natasha Bedingfield's 'Unwritten']. It was one where I could show my personality... where I could have fun and really show that I am 17, not a tall-looking girl who's prete nding to be 30. It was a risk, but I was willing to take that risk. I just didn't know that America would dislike it that much."

... being a "perfect girl" from a "perfect family":
"I think people do think that and assume that but believe me, [my life is] not perfect. My parents worked four jobs to support my sister and me and to enable me to do these sorts of things, so it's definitely hard to see people who don't like this side of me. But I thought this was more of a singing competition, not about what your parents do for a living. I guess I was wrong."

GEDEON MCKINNEY ON...

... raising money to travel to Idol competitions:
"My school let me put on a concert, and the students each paid $2 to get in. People gave me donations and... would bring, like, tips. That was pretty much it."

... why he was booted:
"I don't know why I was , but all I can say is it was God's will. I have to move on, by faith, and keep going. I have to stay focused, determined and disciplined and just move on."

... his megawatt smile:
"It's been with me since I come out of my mother's womb. That's been my trademark. That's the thing that attracts people from miles away. From Memphis to New York City, from Memphis to Los Angeles, they know Gedeon by his smile."

... the power of Randy, Paula and Simon:
"My case showed that the judges' vote didn't really have any [power] over the American vote because on Wednesday night I got all good comments, but [then still] went home. It really didn't matter. Like they say before the show comes on and after the show goes off: 'America, it's up to you.'"

... acting out:
"When I go back to school, I'm going to be in some plays to get my grade. After that, man, I would love to act. You can look at [how I was on TV] and tell I love to act. Anything dealing with entertaining people [and] making them happy."

... not appearing upset by his ejection:
"I was overwhelmed with joy. Over 100,000 people auditioned for the show, and I was one of the top 16. You see what I'm saying? I was thankful... so, so, thankful. They were expecting me to drop that smile and bring some tears, but I couldn't do it. What is there to cry for when I've been watched on television three times a week by 40 million people a night, so somebody had to see me. That's why, at the end of my song, I held out my hand. That was me saying, 'I'm here. Come and get me. I'm ready for the world.'"

Top 16 MP3s

Friday, March 10, 2006 at 8:03 PM Posted by Night Owl

On Sway and Ace

Friday, March 03, 2006 at 7:26 PM Posted by Night Owl

Ace Young is the complete packaging of an American Idol, has the most (as Simon defines it) "likeability factor" among the guys and he can sing. But when it comes to voice , I think Fil-Am Jose "Sway" Penala has the edge over him. Ace Young's rendition of Daniel Beddingfield's "If You're Not the One" was horrendous but he received "mild" criticisms from the judges. He didn't nailed the false part of the song leaving the the audience shortchanged. On the other hand, Sway's rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" was alright. A little lack of confidence but i think he nailed it. Like what the judges said, it wasn't the right song to sing at this moment because you can't help but being compared to the original when doing a song by icons like Stevie Wonder. Same thing happened with Heather Cox by choosing a Mariah Carey piece, remember? She was compared to Mariah.

But i think the result would have been different if Jose "Sway" Penala did the Daniel Beddingfield song instead of Ace. I think Sway can hit the false part of the song and own the song unlike Ace regardless of how he looks. Sway was booted out because of an underrated performance but i certainly think it's not bottom 5 performance of the night. Sway was judged 70% of his looks and only 30% of his talent. I thought they're rooting for talents this season but i guess it has to be total packaging still. Looks + Talent = American Idol packaging. And Sway is lowest in the "looks" category.

Nevertheless, a big congratulations to Sway for making this far as Top 20. I guess he's no. 17 since he was the last to be booted out. Randy Jackson was even shocked on his inclusion in the bottom 3. But hey, this is a reality competition and it's beyond our control. Sway's out. At least it has been a good exposure for him to land a record deal. Good luck Sway. Thanks for making us Filipinos proud. Mabuhay Ka!

Top 20 MP3s

at 6:25 PM Posted by Night Owl

Former Idols Sing Tyra Bank Show Theme Song

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 at 6:43 AM Posted by Night Owl

Top 24 Result Show MP3s

Monday, February 27, 2006 at 9:28 PM Posted by Night Owl

Top 24 - Take It Easy:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14200610/AI5_Top_24_-_Take_It_Easy.mp3
Becky's Last Performance:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14200684/Becky_O_Donohue_-_Because_the_Night__Results_.mp3
Bobby's Last Performance:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14200756/Bobby_Bennett_-_Copacabana__Results_.mp3
Patrick's Last Performance:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14200904/Patrick_Hall_-_Come_To_My_Window__Results_.mp3
Stevie's Last Performance:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14201019/Stevie_Scott_-_To_Where_You_Are__Results_.mp3

Top 24 MEN MP3s

at 8:51 PM Posted by Night Owl

Top 24 LADIES MP3s

at 8:36 PM Posted by Night Owl

AYLA BROWN - Reflection

BECKY O'DONOHUE - Because the Night

BRENNA GETHERS - You are the Sunshine of My Life

HEATHER COX - When You Tell Me That You Love Me

KATHARINE MCPHEE - Since I Fell For You

KELLIE PICKLER - How Far

KINNIK SKY - Get Here

LISA TUCKER - I'm Changing

MANDISA - Never

MELISSA MCGHEE - When the Lights Go Down

PARIS BENNETT - Midnight Train to Georgia

STEVIE SCOTT - To Where You Are

American Idol 5: Ryan and the 3 Judges

at 8:32 PM Posted by Night Owl

These four are household names already, do i need to say more?

MTV Interview with first 4 eliminated Idols

Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 8:25 AM Posted by Night Owl

Becky O'Donohue

A few days after Maxim published steamy pics of Becky and twin sister
Jessie from a photo shoot a couple of years ago, the 25-year-old from Dobbs
Ferry, New York, was the first contender booted from the show. Her
rendition of "Because the Night" earned mediocre reviews, prompting the
athlete/model/singer to tell Ryan Seacrest she was worried about being
eliminated.

MTV: Do you feel like the Maxim spread had something to do with you being
eliminated?

O'Donohue: No, I don't think so. The two were unrelated, and I'll never
really know why I was eliminated.

MTV: Do you think you'll follow the judges' advice and pursue a modeling
and/or acting career?

O'Donohue: I would, but I woul dn't put singing on the backburner. Singing
has always been my first love, but I am willing to pursue avenues — in
acting and modeling, especially — to get my name out there for singing. I
love being in front of the camera and I feel very comfortable [there] and I
love doing it, and what better way to spend your day than doing something
you love?

MTV: You have called Simon your favorite judge. Still think that?

O'Donohue: My opinion on Simon hasn't changed. He's always been very
honest, and if you can get him to say something nice about you, it makes
you feel good because he doesn't say it much, and when he gives you a
compliment, you know he really means it.

Stevie Scott

The classically trained 19-year-old from Fair Oaks, California, sang Josh
Groban's "To Where You Are" to show another side of herself, but it
backfired with a scathing review from the judges.

MTV: Looking back on your performance, do you wish you had taken more of a
risk with your song choice?

Scott: Unfortunately I was really sick during the first show, and that was
a bummer especially being on national television. But I did the best that
I could under the circumstances and I'm happy with that. Obviously the
judges said a diffe rent song would have been better for me and might have
kept me in the competition longer, but I'm just happy to have come this far.

MTV: Do you agree with Ryan Seacrest that the judges should be more
constructive with their criticism?

Scott: I think it's important as a performer that you can take criticism
and use it to better yourself. There's no good in just having someone take
you down; I think it's good to have someone who can build you up and make
you a better performer, like, turn "a coal into a diamond" as [fellow
contestant] Brenna [Gethers] said. I think it's important to take that
pressure and use it for good.

MTV: Do think Josh Groban would stand a chance on "Idol"?

Scott: I think he would do great, personally. At least I know me and my
friends my age love him, and I think he has a beautiful voice and a really
great quality. I think he would do really well.

Patrick Hall

After wowing the judge s in the quarterfinals, the 19-year-old balladeer
from Gravette, Arkansas, changed up his game with a rock song, "Come to My
Window." But the judges weren't feeling it.

MTV: The judges really lambasted the song choices of those who were
eliminated. Do you think that's what hurt you?

Hall: I think song choice did play a factor. I think this competition
really requires some versatility. One of the reasons I chose the song [I
did] was to show a different side of me, but I think the side of me that
everyone wanted to see was what they saw [at the audition] in Hollywood. It
just wasn't the right time to pick ['Come to My Window']. I don't think
that was the only factor, but I definitely think it was front and center.

MTV: What else do you think played a part in it?

Hall: I went first, and I don't want to use that or anything else as an
excuse, but I was a little nervous and didn't commit to the performance
like I know that I can. I'v e been a performer onstage and I've kind of
used the piano as my crutch, if you will, all my life, and that's not
always such a bad thing. I think in a different venue and in a different
setting, I can really, really shine, so I'm definitely looking forward to
showing America that side of me.

MTV: What was your second song choice?

Hall: I had about three or four songs that I was thinking about. This might
surprise [people], but I was actually thinking of doing a rendition of
"Amazing Grace," of all things. I write and arrange music and was going to
do something a bit more melodic and a bit more of what people saw during
Hollywood week.

Bobby Bennett

He sang "Copacabana" to his grandmother, but her taste differed from that
of the judges, who blasted the song choice. So, despite clearly possessing
one of the most likable personalities among the final 24, the 19-year-old
lounge singer from Denver had the lowest votes among the gentlemen.

MTV: You said you knew before you were told that you would be the one to go
home. When you were standing on that stage waiting for Ryan Seacrest to
read the verdict, what was going through your mind?

Bennett: I just thought, "OK, hurry up and say my name! Just get it over
with, let me sing the song well and let me go home!" The reason I say that
is because [you learn in this competition that sometimes] less is more, and
having watched that first performance back, less could have been a lot
more. So I think the performance I gave last night during the elimination
process was much better than my first one.

MTV: You've said your dream is to win an Oscar, Grammy and Tony. Which will
you pursue first?

Bennett: With the vehicle ["Idol" has provided me], I think a Tony will be
the first one I'll pursue. I always wanted to do Broadway anyway, and I
think that's where I will shine the most.

MTV: If you could have your choice of any musical, which one would you pick?

Bennett: Oh gosh. There's so many, but I always loved "The Music Man." That
would be really cool to do.