Video Beat - AMERICAN IDOLS FEEL THE HEAT, REALITY IS SETTING IN

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

For some American idol contestants that no matter how talented they are they lack the experience to choose the right songs due to their lack of insight to their skill strengths and career direction - Recommended TV Listings

Sunday April 5, 2009

THE QUESTION IS DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

The reality is setting in for some American idol contestants that no matter how talented they are they lack the experience to choose the right songs due to their lack of insight to their skill strengths and career direction. On this show the contestants could choose any song and style the wanted.

Adam Lambert shines above the rest due to his age 27 that ranks him the second oldest to Danny Gokey 28 plus he has been performing on stage singing in theatrical roles since he was a child. The result being with his vast stage experience Lambert knows who he is and he simply chooses a song that displays his vocal versatility resulting in him wowing the judges. He is a consummate stage performer with an excellent voice who allegedly never had a recording contract. The problem is his vast experience could be a drawback.

Other contestants are searching for their strengths and some of the judges critiques seem to be intimidating them and they continually keep trying to prove how versatile they are by selecting songs from various musical categories.

Matt Giraud sang a rock song and his strength is in soul. When criticized for his song choice he said that he just wanted to show that he's not just a soul/R&B type vocalist. In doing so he complicated his situation and is falling in disfavor of the powers that be.

The more the contestants try to show their versatility the greater they risk their survival and could be eliminated. America votes but the judge's critiques carry a lot of weight.

The point is that these contestants are in the position of choosing their own songs which in the real world of the professional record business is the job of a producer such as David Foster or a number of others in the business who are qualified.

Other contestants who are trying to prove how versatile they are include Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai, Megan Joy Corkrey and Allison Iraheta.

Being only 16 Iraheta has youth going for her in addition to her strong vocal talent. With the right producer she could be a major recording artist. She is not old enough to be set in her ways and is likely the most malleable in listing to instruction. Iraheta received praise for her talent and criticism for her choice of clothes by the older judges. The younger record buying set in the audience was in favor of her style choice. In the dress code department the 40 + something judges are out of their league regarding the style trends that today's youth prefer. Unless the judges have 16-year-old children they don't have a clue.

Paula Abdul did have something positive to say, "Allison your vocal prowess rivals singers that are twice your age."

Giraud and Megan Joy received the most criticism. After Joy sang Bob Marley's 'Turn Your Lights Down Low,' Kara DioGuardi said to her, "I really like you but I think you're in trouble" Regarding Joy's performance of the song DioGuardi warned, "Part of your register was getting irritating for the first time." while also noting that the song was the wrong choice for her voice.

Simon Cowell added, "Megan, all the things we liked about you are disappearing. The song was boring, monotonous and self indulgent."

Randy Jackson added, "The song was like watching paint dry (boring)."

Giraud who has been compared by the judges to Michael McDonald and Justin Timberlake sang The Fray's 'You Found Me,' to show his versatile vocal style preferences. Cowell took exception to his choice. "You are becoming like all of these different people just to stay in the competition. This was just uncomfortable"

Jackson added, "This song is not you. You are not a rock type of singer. You've got all of that soul in your voice."

Kara said, "You keep going from the rock side of pop to the R&B side of pop."

The bottom line is if a singer is to be successful in the business they must be with the right producer and be willing to be produced and listen. If they are like some of these contestants who want to show how versatile they are as opposed to focusing on a specific style and direction no producer or record company will want to work with them they will be deemed to much trouble for what its worth. They say seek and you shall find. The problem is for an American contestant they should know who they are as a talent. Those who are searching will lose out in the end. The winner will be a defined talent who knows who they are.

Of all of the judges suggestions for better song choices for the contestants Kara DioGuardi is more spot on with the most pertinent suggestions. She has the insight and skill set to be a top flight producer.

Based on this past week's performance we rated Desai, Megan Joy Corkrey and Matt Giraud in the bottom three. When America voted who did they choose and who was eliminated on the results show?

Part 2 - The results

Part 3 - NO REGRETS- Part 3

Kris Allen, 23 (born June 21, 1985) from Conway, Arkansas - a college student who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. He's best known for his group performance of "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 during Hollywood week with a group called White Chocolate. "Man in the Mirror" (Michael Jackson)

Megan Joy Corkrey, 23 (born August 5, 1985) from Sandy, Utah - a font designer/single mom who auditioned in Salt Lake City, Utah with the song "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." Cowell has expressed numerous times that Corkrey is one of his favorites. "Put Your Records On" (Corinne Bailey Rae) "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" (KT Tunstall)

Anoop Desai, 22 (born December 20, 1986) from Chapel Hill, North Carolina - a college student who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. He impressed the judges when he auditioned in Kansas City. While at school he was one of the lead singers of the UNC Clef Hangers, an a cappella vocal group that covered multiple genres of music. Desai was announced as the 13th finalist after the judges increased the finals into a Top 13. "Angel of Mine" (Monica) "My Prerogative" (Bobby Brown)

Matt Giraud, 23 (born May 11, 1985) from Kalamazoo, Michigan - a dueling pianist who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. For his audition, he sang "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin Degraw. His rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" in Hollywood made him a judge favorite. "Viva la Vida" (Coldplay) "Who's Lovin' You" (Jackson 5)

Danny Gokey, 28 (born April 24, 1980) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin - a praise and worship music director who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri along with best friend Jamar Rogers. Both made it to the Hollywood rounds, but Rogers was eliminated at week's end. Four weeks before the audition, Gokey's wife, Sophia, diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, passed away. His wife had motivated him to try out before she died. He is a judge favorite. "Hero" (Mariah Carey)

Allison Iraheta, 16 (born April 27, 1992) from Los Angeles, California - a high school student who auditioned in San Francisco, California. In 2006, she won $50,000 and a recording contract after competing in a Telemundo reality show, Quinceañera. After her top 36 performance, Cowell declared Iraheta as "one to watch in this competition". "Alone" (Heart)

Adam Lambert, 27 (born January 29, 1982) from Hollywood, California - a stage actor who auditioned in San Francisco, California. Before auditioning for American Idol, he was in the touring and Los Angeles casts of Wicked. His renditions of "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Believe" made him a judge favorite. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (The Rolling Stones)

Scott MacIntyre, 23 (born June 22, 1985) from Scottsdale, Arizona - a visually impaired pianist who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. MacIntyre plays several instruments including the piano. Classically trained, he has been Internationally profiled on various TV affiliates such as CNN, national and local news, radio, and print media as pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. "Mandolin Rain" (Bruce Hornsby and the Range)

Lil Rounds, 24 (born November 14, 1984) from Memphis, Tennessee - a stay-at-home mom who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. Her house in Memphis was previously destroyed by a tornado on February 5, 2008. Since her audition, Rounds has been a judge favorite. "Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige)

ELIMINATED

# 13 --Jasmine Murray, 16 (born March 14, 1992) from Starkville, Mississippi - a high school student who auditioned in Jacksonville, Florida with the song "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She was Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen 2007. "Love Song" (Sara Bareilles) "Reflection" (Christina Aguilera)

# 12 -- Jorge Nuñez, 20 (born May 12, 1988) from Cidra, Puerto Rico - a college student who auditioned in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and is the first Puerto Rican finalist in American Idol history. His idols are Luis Fonsi and Marc Anthony. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (Elton John)

# 11 -- Alexis Grace, 21 (born June 9, 1987), from Memphis, Tennessee - a stay-at-home mom who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. Has a young daughter and is engaged to marry the child's father. After her Top 36 performance, Cowell compared her to Kelly Clarkson. "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" (Aretha Franklin)

# 10 -- Michael Sarver, 28 (born February 9, 1981), from Jasper, Texas - an oil rig roughneck worker who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. Is married, and has two children. "I Don't Want to Be" (Gavin DeGraw)

The list is in no particular order

Previously - THE SAVE RULE

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TV SCHEDULE

Note: The shows listed are for the Cambodia - Thailand time zone. Check your local listings for time in your area.

NOTE TIMES AT OF THE SAME TELECAST IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

9:00 AM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

3:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 PM - AMAZING RACE USA - AXN Channel

7:45 PM - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel V

8:30 PM - DAVID FOSTER & FRIENDS - Star World

9:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

10:45 PM - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel

11:45 AM to NOON - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel V

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

8:00 PM - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel V

8:00 PM - AMAZING RACE - AXN Channel

10:30 PM - CLICK (Internet Technology program) - BBC

12:00 MIDNIGHT - AMAZING RACE - AXN Channel

4:00 PM - AMAZING RACE - AXN Channel

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

12 NOON - FRONTLINE - Australia Network

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

11:30 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 AM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

12:00 NOON - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

11:30 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 AM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

??? - STAR SPORTS - NBA GAME - CHECK ALL of NBA TV SCHEDULE for East Asia

12:00 NOON - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

4:30 PM - CLICK (Internet Technology program) - BBC

8:00 PM - FIRST EDITION feturing Richard Keys - Humorous insight to football news headlines - ESPN

8:45 PM - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel V

??? - ESPN SPORTS - NBA GAME - CHECK NBA TV SCHEDULE for East Asia

7:30 AM - CLICK (Internet Technology program) - BBC

8:00 AM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

3:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

4:00 to 4:15 PM - AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - Channel V

4:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 PM - AMAZING RACE - AXN Channel

7:00 PM - THE BEST OF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - (1 1/2 hr) Star World channel

9:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

11:00 PM - THE BEST OF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - Star World channel

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