Idol Chit-Chat
This is your place to discuss all things "American Idol." The performances, the judges, the past contestants — it’s all right here.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Ruben Coming to Paramount

So, as you probably already know, the Idol I’ve been hinting at coming to the Paramount Arts Center is none other than season two winner Ruben Studdard…

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is coming to the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland April 28th. The touring show stars Ruben and Frenchie Davis, who was famously booted from season two.

I’ll have more details on this one later.

By the way, “Misbehavin’” will also be at the Clay Center in Charleston January 7th…

Monday, July 21, 2008

This Week...

So as you can see, there is still no Bucky interview. I'm sorry I got everyone's hopes up.

But don't worry. I'm still working on it. I hate to let you guys down...

However, for the rest of this week I will be away from my computer.

I'll see everyone next week...

"Idol" Goes Wii

“American Idol” is preparing to enter the world of Wii…

“Nintendic” is reporting that Konami will release “Karaoke Revolutions Presents: American Encore 2” for the Nintendo Wii this winter.

The game will allow players to stand in front of Randy, Paula and Simon and be judged. According to “Nintendic,” the game’s technology actually recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm. There are 40 news songs from the 70s to today to perform.

Start warming up now…

"Idol" Gets Emmy Love

“American Idol” received four Emmy nominations this week and its host received another…

“Idol” was once again nominated for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program (“The Amazing Race” has won this award every year of its existence.). It was also nominated for Outstanding Picture Editing of Clip Packages for Talk, Performance, Award or a Reality-Competition Program for its David Cook Homecoming clip; Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety, Music Series or a Special for “Idol Gives Back;” and Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special for “IGB” (“Idol” won this award last year.).

And the fabulous Ryan Seacrest was nominated for Outstanding Host of a Reality-Reality Competition Program.

There is buzz that “Idol” has a good chance of beating “Race” this year IF it submits the finale and not “IGB.” Some experts believe that David Cook’s emotional win would be hard to beat…

I say Christian’s big win on “Project Runway” is the real competition…

Getting Fit is Hot, Dawg!


He’s produced some of the biggest names in the business—as he loves to tell us—and now he’s going to help people live healthier…

Randy Jackson’s “Body with Soul: Steady Your Sugar, Cut Your Cholesterol, and Get a Jump on Your Best Health” will hit stores November 18th.

You may recall that Randy has Type II diabetes.

The book will combine his meal plans and his exercise regimens with stories from the music business…

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

JPL Breaks the "Silence"


Tomorrow (July 22nd), Jon Peter Lewis (season three) will release his new album, “Break the Silence” on Cockaroo Ent/Adrenaline Music Group.

The first single, “Break the Silence,” debuted at #40 on the “Radio & Records” Hot A/C Indicator Chart.

JPL’s audition song, Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” is not on the CD, but a recorded version is available as a bonus track on iTunes..

“Silence” is JPL’s second CD. His first was “Stories From Hollywood”…
Photo courtesy of JonPeterLewis.com

Idols Galore at CMA Fest

There will be Idols galore when ABC airs its CMA Music Festival September 8th…

Among those scheduled to perform during the two-hour special, “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” are Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood. Kellie will host the special along with Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough…

The Madness Begins Again...

The “Idol” auditions are now underway, having hit San Francisco and Louisville.

The auditions next move to Phoenix on Friday.

And if any of you out there made the trip to Louisville for the auditions, be sure to let me know how it went. Just post a comment or send an e-mail to hdstaytuned@hotmail.com...

By the way, hopeful contestants are not the only people who will be showing up at audition sites this summer…

“The American Idol Truth Tour,” which is made up of former Fremantle (the “Idol” production company) workers and supporters, will be making the rounds to show what they call Fremantle’s poor treatment of its employees.

According to the “Truth Tour” website, the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement will be looking at complaints by former Fremantle employees…

Friday, July 18, 2008

A Bucky Update

So unfortunately, bad cell service scrapped my interview with Bucky Covington.

But we're trying to work out another time before I leave town, so hopefully I'll still have an interview for you Monday...

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Hear From Bucky on Monday

Tomorrow, I am scheduled to have a brief interview with Bucky Covington about his upcoming appearance at the Gallia County Junior Fair.

I'll be posting my interview on Monday, so Stay Tuned...


Photo provided by Lyric Street Records

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Archie and Jeff Get "Crazy"

Yesterday, the Idols Live Tour swung into Salt Lake City, Utah—David Archuleta country.

As part of the day, Archie appeared on FOX13 with his dad, Jeff, to discuss the “Idol” experience.

Then, Archie performed “Crazy.” You may remember that he did that song in Hollywood but we didn’t get to see it because of clearance issues and there was talk he wanted to do it in the finals.

But why do it now—especially since Jason is the one who performs it on the tour? Archie’s version is gorgeous, but isn’t that a little upstaging? Why do I think Jeff had something to do with the song choice?

You can see the interview (Try not to roll your eyes too hard.) and the performance here.

Then be sure to let me know what you think.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Did You Pick Pickler?

I'm sorry. You know I can't avoid using that...

If you were at Kellie Pickler's show at the Paramount Friday night, I want to hear from you.

You can post a comment or you can send me an e-mail at hdstaytuned@hotmail.com.

Feel free to send pictures as well...

Saturday, July 12, 2008

The Ace Young Fans: Opening A Can of Worms...

One of my favorite things about this blog is hearing from all of you.

Blogs are a great way for us to communicate our opinions and I welcome all opinions—whether you agree with me or not.

And obviously, comments mean that people are reading what I have to say, and who doesn’t like that, right?

So when the comments started rolling in on my review of Ace Young’s debut CD, I was excited to see them. Until today, when I started reading them all together and I realized that my blog was becoming a part of something I didn’t want to get involved in. Regretfully, I deleted the comments—all 23 of them.

I’m not going to lie to you. That hurt…

It all started innocently enough. I got an anonymous comment that alluded to some personal issues for Ace and asked why he didn’t use more of that in his songwriting. Since I agreed that some of the lyrics of his songs were a little superficial, I didn’t think much of it. The comment didn’t say that the issues were absolutely true, so I figured it would be okay to let it slide. But if I had realized what it would start…

As I suspected, Ace’s fans responded to the comment, but not to defend him. Instead, they responded to attack the commenter, who they believed to know the identity of. According to those comments, the commenter had appeared at a fan event where Ace revealed some of the alleged issues. The comments accused “Anonymous” of putting the private conversations on the Internet to smear Ace and his family.

Then there were the comments saying that “anonymous” was not who everyone suspected and this whole thing had hurt the suspect deeply. Those were followed by comments quoting a MySpace page that “proved” the identity of “Anonymous.” There were also comments making fun of everyone for fighting with each other.

Because I believe in free speech, I posted every single comment. And I admit, I actually thought some of them were funny—especially since instead of attacking the person they should have been (me for trashing Ace’s CD), they were trashing each other. And to people who knew nothing about all this in-fighting, the arguing made them look really stupid.

And let’s face it. I got caught up in the astounding number of comments I was getting…

But then today I read a comment that made me realize that this had to come to an end. Another anonymous poster said that they hoped “Anonymous” brought the police to Ace’s CD release party to protect herself.

The police? That made me go back and read all of the comments at once. And when I realized what I had been sucked into, it made me sick. My blog was being used for Ace fans to wage war against each other.

And that’s when I decided enough was enough and deleted the comments. I can’t keep the Ace fans from fighting on the Internet. There are too many places for them to fight it out. But I can keep them from doing it on my blog.

And to the Ace fans who may be reading this—maybe even Ace himself—I apologize for adding fuel to the fire.

I hope you all will keep the comments coming, whether you agree with me or not. I love to read your thoughts.

But if you have a battle to rage with your fellow “fans,” please stay away…

Friday, July 11, 2008

J-Hud Takes the "Spotlight"

Here's a look at the cover of Jennifer Hudson's debut CD, "Spotlight."




And if you're thinking that something about the picture doesn't look quite right, you're not alone. The Internet buzz is already building.

Hmmm...

"Spotlight" is scheduled to hit stores September 30th...

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Taylor's "Big New Deal"?

Taylor appeared on “Good Day New York” yesterday morning and performed “Beauty School Dropout” from “Grease.”

Taylor said during the interview before his performance that he is recording a new album for—of course—the fall and he also plans to release a DVD. But most intriguing is the “big new deal” Taylor promised to announce soon…

Hmmm…

You can see the interview and performance for yourself here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ace Young CD Review: A Little Disappointed


You know that I’m a big fan of Ace Young, so I was looking forward to his debut CD, “Ace Young.”

But after hearing it, I have to say I’m a little disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong. The CD does have its good points. There just aren’t as many as I was hoping for…

The CD kicks off in a great way with “Addicted.” Why more radio stations aren’t playing this one is totally beyond me…

“The Letter” is a moody number with a story (and sound) along the lines of “Billie Jean”…
The new single, “A Hard Hand to Hold,” starts out kind of blah, but it manages to gain some steam toward the end…

“You Redeem Me” is a pretty ballad, but it kind of loses its way toward the end. And in all honesty, it sounds more like David Cook than Ace Young…

“Where Will You Go” is cute and catchy, while “Fast Life” sounds like a copy of an 80s R&B song—just not a really great one…

“Young Money” comes off as cheesy and Ace is trying way too hard to work in the falsetto…
“How You Gonna Spend Your Life” has some pretty sappy lyrics, but I’m a sucker for a sweeping chorus…

“The Girl That Got Away” is cute, but doesn’t have a lot of substance…

“Dirty Mind” has a great beat, but it’s doomed by its silly lyrics…

The Lionel Richie-esque “The Gift” closes the CD out…

Since I’m an Ace fan, I’m still going to buy this one. I just wish it had some stronger songs to set it apart from all the other bubblegum pop that’s already out there…

Plus, just once, I’d like to see one of my Idol guys succeed. I don’t really think this one will make that happen…

“Ace Young” hits stores Tuesday, July 15th. You can listen for yourself here.

Be sure to let me know what you think…
Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group

Jordin and Jesse Team Up

Jordin Sparks is teaming up with Jesse McCartney for a 16-date tour…

“Jesse & Jordin Live” will kickoff August 5th and run through August 30th.

The tour is not hitting anywhere near the Tri-State, however…

Hear the Triple Threat for Yourself


You can now hear the Lyric Street Idol Triple Threat for yourself as AOL is now streaming “Country Sings Disney” online.

You can hear it here.
Be sure to let me know what you think...
Photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records

Mandisa Returns for More "Christmas"

Add Mandisa to the list of Idols releasing a CD in the fall…

“It’s Christmas” is scheduled to be released in October. This will be Mandisa’s second Christmas release after last year’s EP, “Christmas Joy.”

Mandisa’s second album, “Freedom,” is scheduled for release in March…

Monday, July 7, 2008

A Kellie Pickler Reminder


Just a reminder that Kellie Pickler will be in concert this Friday at the Paramount Arts Center.

The show begins at 8, with Rick Huckaby opening.


Tickets are $40 and $45 and are available at the Paramount Box Office and through Ticketmaster.


WTCR, which is sponsoring the concert, will give its listeners one last chance to win tickets Friday morning as the “Morning Wakeup Call” goes on the road. According to a station press release, from 6-10 a.m., the show’s Clint and Judy will make stops across the Tri-State in a limousine. Listeners who get to the location where the limo stops will be able to register to win tickets in the first five rows.


Kellie’s new single, “Don’t You Think I’m Beautiful” is already climbing the country charts. It’s the first single off her new CD, which is due—you guessed it—this fall…
Photo courtesy of Arista Nashville

Will Daughtry Join the Fall Release Parade?

We already knew that the Davids, Kristy Lee Cook and Josiah Leming plan CD releases for the fall.

Now there’s word that Kelly Clarkson is in Australia working on her new CD for a pre-Christmas release.

So will Daughtry join the fall release parade? Not if Chris Daughtry can help it…

Chris told EW.com last week, “I don’t want to put out anything that is second rate or be accused of going through a sophomore slump. So we’re taking our time with it.”

Chris and the band are looking at a spring 2009 release. He told EW.com that they’re working with the same producer and some of the same writers from his smash debut. He promises “a big huge rock album”…

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Idols for the Holidays

If there’s anyone who knows how to capitalize on the “Idol” phenomenon, it’s Michael Orland.

Michael is the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for “Idol.” But now, he has added musical director to his resume as he is directing two “Idol”-related shows.

“Idols in Concert!” has been appearing at the Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko San Francisco since July 1st. Three Idols take the stage each night for solo, duet and ensemble performances from among 16 participating throughout the two-month run. Idols scheduled to appear are: Anwar Robinson, LaKisha Jones, Jon Peter Lewis, Gina Glocksen, Rickey Smith, Mikalah Gordon, Julia DeMato, Trenyce, RJ Helton, Constantine Maroulis, Jasmine Trias, Vonzell Solomon, Brandon Rogers, Christina Christian, Leah LaBelle, Camile Velasco and a special Idol to be announced later.

Now, Michael is adapting that show for the holidays with “Idols in Concert for the Holidays!” This time, however, the show is going on the road. The quartet scheduled to appear is Kimberly Caldwell, Diana DeGarmo, David Hernandez and Constantine Maroulis.

Michael tells me that the schedule hasn’t been set yet, but that it’s going to be “busy.” You know I am all over this one because of David and Constantine, so I will definitely keep you updated if this one comes close…

And you know I am hoping that it does…

Clay Visits Somalia

So what has Clay Aiken been up to since he dominated the tabloids with his baby stories?

How about spending five days in Somalia…

UNICEF reported that Clay, a UNICEF ambassador, traveled to Hargeisa, Gabiley and Boroma to see UNICEF-supported projects that are promoting child health, safe water, sanitation, primary education, child protection and girls’ empowerment…

Thursday, July 3, 2008

An “Idol” Fourth of July

There will be Idols aplenty on your TVs this Fourth of July…

Jordin Sparks and Katharine McPhee will be a part of “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (9 PM, NBC)…

And Taylor Hicks will perform on “A Capitol Fourth” (8 PM, PBS)…

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend! See you on Monday…

CD Review: “Country Sings Disney”


With all of the success of the “Disneymania” CDs and the fact that Disney owns Lyric Street Records, it was only a matter of time before Disney opened up some of its music catalog to country artists.

But let’s face it. The real gems on “Country Sings Disney” are the songs that were already country: Billy Ray Cyrus with Miley Cyrus on “Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” the outstanding Rascal Flatts cover of “Life Is a Highway” from “Cars” and Billy Ray Cyrus’ tremendous improvement of the Sheryl Crow song “Real Gone,” also from “Cars.”

But since this is the “Idol” blog, you guys just want to know how the Lyric Street Idol Triple Threat did with their songs, right?

If you’ve forgotten, Bucky Covington does “You’ll Be In My Heart” from “Tarzan,” Phil Stacey does “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” and Josh Gracin recorded “When I See an Elephant Fly” from “Dumbo.”

I’m not sure which is harder. Singing an Academy Award-winning song that was a huge hit for the original artist (Bucky and Phil) or singing a song that didn’t originally have a real tune (Josh). But the triple threat handles both of the challenges admirably…

The thing that most struck me about Bucky’s version of “Heart” is how much he sounds like Phil Collins—no joke (Where was that pretty whispery voice on “Idol”?). Bucky basically plays it safe, allowing most of the country changes to come through in the music. It’s still pretty, but I would’ve liked to have heard Bucky take some small risks with it…

Phil fares much better with “Love,” which is custom made for that gorgeous soaring voice of his. He wisely plays it safe on the first verse, but the second is all his. However, the arrangement gets in his way a bit as the ending stretches out just a little too long…

I’ve actually never seen “Dumbo,” so I had to do a little research on YouTube to find out what the song originally sounded like. And if you’ve seen it, you know that “Fly” is sung by the black crows, but it’s actually more spoken than sung. However, a country version is a simple transition and Josh handles it as best as you can handle a novelty song about a flying elephant. And I have to admit that it comes off way less cheesy than the Plain White T’s version on the last “Disneymania” CD or the Lila McCann/Jim Brickman version on YouTube (YIKES!)…

If you’re a fan of the Lyric Street Idol Triple Threat, I highly recommend you download their three tracks so maybe they’ll get to do this again.

But if you’re a fan of the Triple Threat AND good country music, I suggest you pick up the entire CD for the Rascal Flatts and Billy Ray Cyrus tracks alone.

Plus, Faith Hill does a good job with “Part of Your World.” It just doesn’t work as well without the visuals to go with it…

“Country Sings Disney” hits stores Tuesday, July 8th…
Photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records

“Idol Gives Back” Gives Back

Save the Children, one of the charities that benefited from “Idol Gives Back,” announced yesterday that 96 preschools in 42 African communities opened in May and June thanks to donations from IGB 2007.

Many of the children attending these preschools, according to “USA Today,” have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS…

Michael Johns: Up to No Good?

Michael Johns is known as the jokester of the top 10, and he promised “USA Today” some mischief with David Cook…

But he’s already proved he’s capable of lots of mischief when he joined the Dan Band at a recent concert to help them out with their raunchy version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” from “Old School.”

According to “USA Today,” however, the “Idol” higher-ups were “not amused.” Michael said he apologized, but in my mind, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”

By the way, Michael tells “USA” that he is planning to have his entire album written before going to a label. Michael, that didn’t work for Constantine. It’s called striking while the iron is hot…

You can see the “Eclipse” performance here. But be warned that this is not a video to watch at work. It’s strictly rated R…

Phil Salutes “Old Glory”

Phil Stacey is releasing a patriotic song just in time for the fourth of July.

According to the Lyric Street press release, Phil wrote “Old Glory” while he was still in the Navy.
The label decided to release the song because of the positive response it’s received during Phil’s performances, including at the Grand Ole Opry.

You can hear an older version of the song here with a fan-created video saluting our troops…



UPDATE: Lyric Street has just informed me that "Old Glory" is now available on iTunes.

Kristy Lee’s “15 Minutes of Shame”

As I told you earlier, Kristy Lee Cook’s first single will be called “15 Minutes of Shame.”

So what are those 15 minutes? Kristy Lee told “USA Today” that the song is about “rattin’ out your ex, telling the truth about him.” She said her fiancé likes the song, especially since it mentions Cook’s ex, Jason (She didn’t reveal his last name.).

Meanwhile Cook is also going to try to get “God Bless the USA” on her CD…

Could Cook Have the “Lips of an Angel”?

EW.com reported yesterday that David Cook could have some help writing songs for his debut CD, if he wants it…

The lead singer of Hinder, Austin Winkler, told the site, “I dig David Cook. He shows that the world is starving for a little bit of rock-n-roll. Hopefully, we can write some tunes for him”…

Josiah’s Deal Is Now Official

Last week I mistakenly posted that Josiah Leming was signed to Universal. It’s actually Warner Bros. and this week, they made it official…

According to the press release, Josiah is in London recording tracks for the album, which the label plans to release in…you guessed it, the fall…

Congrats to Paris

Congratulations are in order for Paris Bennett (Season 5). She is engaged and expecting her first child in October.

Paris shared the news on her Official Street Team’s MySpace page after photos surfaced of her looking pregnant. Paris said her daughter’s name will be Egypt, but she did not reveal the father’s name.

Paris also promised her fans a holiday album in November and a second album in January.

MJ’s Big Blog reports her second album will be more jazzy with originals and standards, including “Summertime.” The album will be on Koch Records, the record label of William Hung…

And since I know you’re all wondering, Paris will be 20 when the baby is born…

Has Taylor Found His Niche?

Don’t look now, kids, but it looks like Taylor Hicks has found his niche…

The “New York Post” quotes a Broadway insider as saying that Taylor’s stint in “Grease” is worth “at least $150,000 in extra ticket sales a week.”

Not bad for a guy “Idol” barely claims anymore…

Also, the “Grease Megamix” at the end of the show, in which Taylor sings the title song and plays his harmonica, now runs 10 minutes. And the sold-out crowds “go wild” according to the report…

Good for you, Taylor!

Cook and Caldwell: The Real Deal?

For those of us thinking that the Idol tour might put some distance between David Cook and Kimberly Caldwell, we’d better think again…

Cook told “TV Guide” that the tour won’t “put a damper on anything.”

He went on to say, “We seem to compliment each other really well. She’s very supportive, and not only with me but with my entire family, which is huge. She’s great”…

Kat Knows “What Boys Like”

Katharine McPhee will be covering the 1982 hit “I Know What Boys Like” for her upcoming movie, “The House Bunny.”

Kat will be singing it along with the other cast members in the movie.

“The House Bunny” opens August 22nd…

Melinda Makes a Wedding Day Special

Melinda Doolittle made an appearance last week at the “Today Show” wedding.

She sang “Never Felt This Way” and “Love You I Do.”

The bride is her cousin.

Melinda also shared that her first album will be out in the fall. Is there any Idol not releasing a CD in “the fall”?

You can see her sing during the couple’s first dance here. And what an interesting first dance it is…

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Idols Live Tour: Glad I Saved My Money

As late as last week, I was still debating on whether to cough up the money and go see the Idols Live Tour in Columbus.

But now, as I read reports from last night’s first stop in Glendale, I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I saved my money…

As I’ve told you before, the show has completely thrown out the group numbers format, which I truly enjoyed last year. They’ve even thrown out the duets format they had the year before last. Instead it’s just 10 mini-concerts. The problem with that is you’re forced to listen to three songs from the less talented singers as opposed to just one and a few lines from some group numbers (It sure saved Haley Scarnato last year.).

And according to the reports I’ve read this morning, that was indeed a real problem—at least for Ramiele.

Here then, courtesy of Olivia Barker from “USA Today” and M.J. from “M.J.’s Big Blog” is the rundown with my comments added…

Chikezie: “I Believe to My Soul,” “Caught Up,” “So High” (John Legend)
According to the reports, Chikezie got everyone excited, but the excitement quickly drained with the appearance of…

Ramiele Malubay: “I Want You Back,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “If I Never See Your Face Again”
And can you blame them? “Love Will Lead You Back”? Are you kidding me? Did someone actually think she could pull that one off? And “If I Never See Your Face Again”? The Maroon 5/Rihanna song? Whose idea was that? Adam Levine barely pulls that one off! Who actually thought Ramiele could?

Michael Johns: “We Will Rock You,” “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right,” “Dream On”
Now this is a little more like it. And apparently the crowd agreed…

Kristy Lee Cook: “Squeezin’ the Love Out of You,” “God Bless the U.S.A.,” “Cowgirls”
Okay, does anyone even know how that first and last one go? What’s up with the obscure country songs?...

Carly Smithson: “Bring Me to Life,” “Crazy On You,” “I Drove All Night”
So the rumored Carly-Michael duet never happened, but she does have three strong numbers. I would’ve liked to have seen them fit in “Come Together” though, but maybe they were only allowed one Beatles tune. And that went to…

Brooke White: “Let It Be,” “1, 2, 3, 4,” “Yellow”
So are we trying to make Brooke seem a little hipper with the whole Feist thing? And apparently Brooke did Coldplay’s “Yellow” on her pre-Idol album…

Group Number: “(Pride) In the Name of Love”
Apparently “Idol Gives Back” pictures played on the screens during this one…

Intermission

Jason Castro: “Over the Rainbow,” “Crazy,” “Daydream”
I guess “Idol” finally got the clearance issue settled with “Gnarls Barkley” because people finally got to hear Jason do his audition song, “Crazy,” and I admit it’s pretty good. But wonder why they didn’t have him do “Hallelujah”? Too depressing?...

Syesha Mercado: “Umbrella,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Listen”
What? No “Hit Me Up”? Just kidding…

David Archuleta: “Angels,” “Apologize,” “Stand By Me” (with “Beautiful Girls” lyric) and “When You Say You Love Me” (Josh Groban)
Don’t tell me someone decided that Jeff Archuleta was right about that whole “Beautiful Girls” thing? And you know Archie’s fans just ate up the Josh Groban song…

David Cook: “Hello,” “Time of My Life,” “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “My Hero,” “Billie Jean”
Are you kidding me?! $60+ for tickets and you don’t even get to hear Cook sing “Always Be My Baby”? What a ripoff?!

Encore: Group Number: “Please Don’t Stop the Music”
So how much money did Def Jam kick in to get THREE Rihanna songs during the concert? Sheesh…

So what do you guys think? Do you agree with me that this year’s concert seems a little lame?

I’m sure there will be plenty of videos available later, but in the meantime, you can finally see Jason doing “Crazy” here. It’s worth the listen…