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.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

More "Idol" Changes: Can We Handle It?

When FOX does reschedule that conference call with “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, there will be much to discuss…

In two separate interviews last week, Nigel dropped clues as to how different the show will look this year. And it’s VERY different.
And you guys know how I hate change…

In an interview with the “New York Post,” Nigel revealed the Top 24 round will be completely eliminated and the show will go directly to the Top 12.

Nigel told the “Post” about those middle rounds: “The middle rounds will disappear, but the judges will still be bringing [the number] down," he said (The middle rounds have changed from year to year with as many as 34 finalists.). When you're showing viewers 34 people and asking the country to judge 34 people, you don't know who's talented—you only know the ones who've had a bit of their stories shown in the auditions. It's much easier to say, ‘Here are the Final 12, now here are their stories, and start figuring out who you like.’”

Am I the only one who REALLY doesn’t like the sound of that? I mean, won’t we be more manipulated by the producers than we’ve ever been?

In an interview with TVGuide.com, Nigel revealed that the contestants will need to do more than just sing.

From the post: “Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe tells TVGuide.com that the finalists will face new challenges, including contests to make the best music video, to promote themselves, and to work with a band and dancers for an awards show-style performance.”

I’m not sure I like the sound of that either…

What do you guys think? Post your comments below or send an e-mail to ahendersonbentley@hotmail.com.

I’ll have much more as we get closer to January…

Photo Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

"The X Factor" Hype Begins!

Here's an interesting morsel for you on this day before Thanksgiving. The first promo for Simon Cowell's new show, "The X Factor," courtesy of EW.com.

You can see it here.

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Remix Continues As “Idol” Moves Nights

I had planned to have some good scoop for you tonight from a media conference call with “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. I figured we’d finally learn the premiere dates and maybe just how this season is going to work. But the call was cancelled at the very last minute.

However, FOX decided to release the big news anyway, just a little over an hour ago…

“American Idol” is moving to Wednesdays and Thursdays.

According to the FOX press release, “Idol” will premiere with a two-night event Wednesday, January 19th at 8 p.m. and Thursday, January 20th at 8 p.m.

And if I’m reading the schedule correctly, “Idol” will air two-hour episodes on Tuesdays from February 16th to April 6th, when the performance episodes will go to 90 minutes.

Are they trying to kill me?

And, unfortunately, it appears the results show will continue to be an hour-long. But let’s be honest. We have no idea what those will consist of anymore.

I’m hoping we’ll get lots of answers during that conference call with Nigel the first week of December.

As for the answer to the question you’re all asking, I can answer that right now. Why did FOX move the show? One word: “Glee.” FOX has got a great thing going with “Glee” on Tuesday nights and they didn’t want to mess with it. Plus, with “Glee” handling Tuesdays, FOX could try and tackle Thursdays, the biggest night on TV.

It’s a risk, but I think it could seriously pay off. But it will definitely take some getting used to…

What do you guys think of the move? And what about this family show ending up on a church night? Think it will have an effect?

Monday, November 15, 2010

Lee DeWyze CD Review: What Do I Say?

There were many times during this last season of “American Idol” that I was left not knowing what to say.

And now that same feeling has extended to the first CD release from a Season 9 Idol—winner Lee DeWyze’s “Live it Up.”

The reason I’m struggling with what to say is that Lee’s CD took me completely by surprise. Singer-songwriter was never a vibe I got from him. But that’s exactly the kind of CD he’s put out, co-writing 10 of the 11 tracks, including the first single, “Sweet Serendipity.”

It’s obvious why RCA released “Sweet” first since it’s the best track on the album. But if you’re looking for an album full of songs just like it, you’ll be disappointed. “Sweet” is really the only truly up tempo song on the CD. The rest are slow to medium tempo tracks, many of which sound like they’re straight from the John Mayer catalog.

So the question is, is that good or bad? And that’s where I’m stumped. I was just so surprised by the overall tone of the album, I’m honestly not sure…

Lee sounds great with his very recordable voice with “Sweet,” “Beautiful Like You” and “It’s Gotta Be Love” as standouts. However, “Live It Up,” which sounds like it should be a peppy kickoff to the album, instead sets the whole mellow mood of the CD (I would’ve started the CD with “Sweet” to pull people in.). “Dear Isabelle” sounds like it came off the latest Plain White T’s album. “Stay Here” picks up the tempo a little, but the chorus comes off a little silly. “Me and My Jealousy” has a good chorus, but it doesn’t quite connect with the verses. And I swear I’ve heard “Weightless” somewhere before (even though I haven’t).

But honestly, even with all that being said, the CD is not bad. I could see myself listening to it while writing or studying or some other task needing some mellow music behind it.

But I just can’t see myself blasting it in my car. And that means “Live It Up” ultimately comes up short in my book…I think…

“Live It Up” hits stores Tuesday, November 16th. You can hear it for yourself here. Be sure to let me know what you think by posting a comment below or by sending an e-mail to my new address at ahendersonbentley@hotmail.com.

Photo Credit: RCA

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A Salute to Veterans

In honor of Veteran’s Day, here’s a beautiful song from one of my favorite Idols—“Old Glory” by Phil Stacey…

Thanks to all of the men and women who have served and are serving. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten…

The Details on Crystal's CD...

Today, Jive Records released all of the details on Crystal Bowersox’s CD…

It’s called “Farmer’s Daughter” and will be released December 14th. The CD features 12 tracks, eight of which were written solely by Crystal, and two of which were co-written by Crystal. The other two are the Kara DioGuardi-Chad Kroeger penned “Hold On” and a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

“Holy Toledo,” the original song we heard on “Idol,” is on the album. The title track deals with Crystal’s personal experience of dealing with child abuse.

The album was produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, Breaking Benjamin)…

Photo Credit: Jive Records

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Reminder About the CMAs

Tomorrow, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will co-host the 44th Annual CMA Awards.

Carrie is scheduled to perform, as is Kelly Clarkson. Kelly will be singing “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean while Carrie will perform “Mama’s Song,” as well as the show’s opening number with Paisley and Keith Urban.

Carrie is also nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for “Play On.”

The 44th Annual CMA Awards air Wednesday, November 10th at 8 p.m. on ABC…

Photo Credit: Bob D’Amico/ABC

Saturday, November 6, 2010

J-Hud Sings One for Quincy

Jennifer Hudson has contributed her voice to a track on Quincy Jones’ new album, “Soul Bossa Nostra.”

The song is called “You Put a Move on My Heart” and it was originally recorded by Tamia. Quincy has jazzed it up and quickened the tempo for this version.

You can hear the song here. The CD hits stores Tuesday.

Carrie Pays Tribute to a Country Icon

Carrie Underwood has recorded a track for the Loretta Lynn tribute CD, “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn.”

The song is “You’re Lookin’ at Country” from 1971. You can hear it below.

The CD hits stores Tuesday…

Tim Urban Returns

Tim Urban is releasing a digital EP on iTunes, “Heart of Me.”

Tim will release one song a day beginning Monday, November 8th. The songs are called “Heart of Me,” “P.S.,” “Blur,” “Lullaby,” “Wheels Touch Down,” and “I and You.”

Photo Credit: Patrick Ecclestein/FOX

Crystal's Album Title

Crystal Bowersox’s debut CD will be called “Farmer’s Daughter” and it is scheduled to be released December 14th.

Ten of the eleven songs on the CD were written or co-written by Crystal. The eleventh is actually her first single, “Hold On,” which was written by Chad Kroeger and Kara DioGuardi.

Crystal’s been making it known via Twitter and other sources that she’s not happy with the choice of the single—especially since she had no part in writing it. I’m thinking she may want to cool it…

By the way, Crystal’s duet with Melissa Etheridge from the Hard Rock’s “Pinktober” September 24th, “I Run for Life,” is now available on iTunes. Proceeds from the single go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

CBS Sets Paula's Return to TV

CBS has set the premiere date for Paula Abdul’s new show, “Live to Dance”…

The show will have a two-hour premiere Tuesday, January 4th at 8 p.m. Then it will move into its regular timeslot Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on January 5th.

The first two nights will focus on the auditions. Beginning January 12th, the show will go live and six dance acts will compete against each other with two acts advancing. After three rounds, the six acts who have advanced will compete in the grand finale.

Paula will serve as executive producer, mentor and head expert for the show. She will be joined on the expert panel by Travis Payne and Kimberly Wyatt. Andrew Gunsberg will host.

Now’s where I point out the very interesting twist here. The “American Idol” results show is scheduled to air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. If that schedule holds, the shows will be competing against each other.

Also, FOX has not yet announced when the “Idol” premiere will be. If it’s January 4th…

Stay Tuned…

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Congratulations Chris Sligh!

Congratulations to Chris Sligh and his wife, Sarah, on the birth of their first child, Keira Lennon Sligh.

She was born October 31st at 6:01 a.m. in Nashville, weighing 7 lbs., 12 oz. and 21.5 inches long.

In a statement from his label, Word Records, Chris said Lennon was in honor of John Lennon since Chris is such a big Beatles fan.

Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville

Kelly Goes Country Again

Carrie Underwood won’t be the only Idol performing on the Country Music Awards this year.

Kelly Clarkson will be dueting with Jason Aldean on “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” The song can be found on Aldean’s new album, “My Kinda Party,” which hit stores yesterday.

You can hear the song here. It’s really good and make me wonder once again about the possibilities for Kelly in country music…

The CMAs air Wednesday, November 10th at 8 p.m. on ABC…

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Carrie and Kellie Step Into the Spotlight

Tomorrow, Robin Roberts will take us behind the scenes with a number of country stars on “In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville.”

Two Idols will be a part of the show as she takes us on tour with Carrie Underwood and gives us a look inside Kellie Pickler’s new home…

“In the Spotlight” airs Wednesday, November 3rd at 10 p.m. on ABC…

Photo Credits: Amy Gutierrez/ABC & Katherine Bomboy/ABC

Monday, November 1, 2010

Carrie Travels to Narnia

Carrie Underwood has recorded the end title song for the upcoming film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

Carrie co-wrote “There’s a Place for Us” with David Hodges and Hillary Lindsey. The song will be available for purchase on iTunes beginning November 16th.

The movie hits theaters December 10th…

Photo Credit: Matthew Rolston/Sony Music Nashville