Video Beat - AMERICAN IDOL ROLE REVERSAL - MAY 2008

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

This season makes up a complete role reversal from last. Last season the final four consisted of three black girls and one white male. This season the tally is three white males and one black girl. Racism? Perish the thought. After all it is stated that AMERICA VOTED - Jordin Sparks Teams Up with Do Something.org and Staples - NBA ON TV - Recommended TV Listings

Sunday May 4, 2008

QUESTIONABLE? After all it is stated that AMERICA VOTED.

In what is billed as the greatest American Idol group of contestants EVER is carved down to the final four as Brooke White was eliminated this week. The theme was singing Neil Diamond songs. Diamond also served as a mentor to the final five.

The 24-year-old nanny from Arizona got major max miles out of her talent in reaching the number five spot of American Idol eliminated After making numerous mistakes compounded by having the weakest voice in the competition White repeatedly received praise from the American Idol judges so much so it raised some very serious concerns about the integrity of the show. The judges tolerated and overlooked her mistakes. Even when the mistakes were mentioned the judges were too kind and that also raised suspicions. When you take into consideration the verbal abuse the Sanjaya Malakar received last season raises the question why so much verbal abuse for Malakar and none for White.

White has a very pleasant gentle personality and appeared very sensitive when brought before the judges when being critiqued. After each survival the thank you very much line was repeatedly stated. But there's more…..

After watching this seasons goody too shoes judge performance brought to mind when Lakisha Jones was so loudly criticized by his majesty judge Simon Cowell for SCREAMING THE LYRICS. Oh please…. Nothing could be further from the truth. His criticism was well received by the unknowing American Idol voters and Jones was voted off the show.

That also raised questions of how are the American Idol votes tabulated and who oversees the tally to make it impartial and accurate? At that time the show was in a situation that if properly judged on talent had Jones remained since she was one of the best three singers in the contest the final shows would have consisted of three black females. Oh my.... what a disaster that would have been for the ratings.

When you understand how networks and sponsors think the question of how many people in America would be interested in watching a basically all black final three that would go on for two more weeks of programming. Blake Lewis was voted through and that solved that situation but Lewis has marginal vocal talent but is a good entertainer. He made it to the final against Sparks.

This season makes up a complete role reversal from last. Last season the final four consisted of three black girls and one white male. This season the tally is three white males and one black girl. Racism? Perish the thought. After all it is stated that AMERICA VOTED.

The eventual winner Jordin Sparks has made some noise and has a clean, wholesome, youthful image. For sponsors and endorsements that goes a long way. She has had some success in her recording career although not the level of success that former Idols Carrie Underwood or Chris Daughtry have experienced. Sparks career has taken on another dimension as being an image that Staples have attached their name to as noted in the press release that follows below.

Of this seasons final four the game has played out where David Archuleta deemed a prodigy by Diamond and David Cook are the strongest contenders to win. On commercial appeal Cook has the edge. On vocal talent Archuleta is one of the best American idol has had in the past four years.

Syesha Mercado is a strong third best but has been in the bottom three or two more so than not. As she progresses her talent seems to be in the theatrical area but she has a voice strong enough to be a successful recording artist. Her kiss of death was when Cowell said she could be in trouble (of surviving the cut) because her choice of songs was poor this past week. Given how gullible the American public who apparently can't think for themselves Mercado more than likely will be eliminated.

The man with the dreads Jason Castro is tough to figure out. The fact that he made it to the final 24 and now the final four is a mystery. His talent is a non specific and he's not a great performer. What his appeal is raises questions. This past week he sang Neil Diamond's 'September Morn.' He did a credible job but the judges Randy Jackson said, "Just OK," Paula Abdul said, "Safe. Get out f your comfort zone," and Simon the magnificent said, "You struggled. Forgettable." Yes this column is strong and critical but as Cowell says, "Sorry" and Jackson says, "Just trying to keep it real."

AMERICAN IDOL RESULTS

12. David Hernandez

11. Amanda Overmyer

10. Chikezie Smith

9. Ramiele Malubay

8. Michael johns

7. Kristy Lee Cook

6. Carly Smithson

5. Brooke White

2007 AI FINAL 7

7. Sanjaya Malakar

6. Phil Stacy

5 Chris Richardson

4. Lakisha Jones

3. Melinda Doolittle

2. Blake Lewis

1. JORDIN SPARKS - Jordin SPARKS FLY wins American IDOL TITLE

Jordin Sparks Teams Up with Do Something.org and Staples

American Idol winner and a 19 Entertainment/Jive Records platinum artist Jordin Sparks has teamed with Do Something.org, a non-profit organization that empowers teens to take action in their communities, and Staples, Inc, the world’s largest office products company, in a public service announcement (PSA) to ask teens to make a difference this summer. As part of Do Something 101, (www.dosomething101.com), Sparks encourages teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store, from July through August, to ensure they get into the hands of thousands of deserving kids in time to head back to school.

Today, more than 11 million young people in the United States live below the poverty line. Do Something 101 is an easy way for teens nationwide to get involved to help these disadvantaged youth by donating school supplies to local educational and non-profit organizations.

“Getting involved with the Do Something 101 campaign will help motivate teens to support youth in their communities,” said Jordin Sparks. “There are so many kids in America that need school supplies, so we are making it easy to donate.”

The PSA will begin airing on Channel One, BusRadio and online on May 1, as well as television and radio stations nationwide throughout the summer, to help raise awareness for the Do Something 101 campaign.

“Do Something is all about action. We’re proud to be spearheading a campaign, with the help of Staples, that gives young people the power to lead something that matters to them,” said Do Something CEO Nancy Lublin.

“We are truly inspired by what Do Something and teens across the country can accomplish for millions of kids unable to afford basic school supplies,” said Demos Parneros, president of U.S. stores at Staples. “With help from celebrities like Jordin Sparks, we will be able to arm young students with the tools they need to succeed in school.”

About Do Something:

Do Something has been a trusted resource for teenagers who want to make a difference in their communities since 1993. Through original web and mobile content and national call-to-action campaigns, Do Something enables teens to convert their energy and ideas into positive action. Want to make a difference? We can help. www.DoSomething.org.

About Staples:

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 76,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2007 sales of $19.4 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 2,000 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses.

Business Wire

NBA (National Basketball Association) playoff games are televised in the Southeast Asia region on the Star Sports television Network on Friday and ESPN Saturday's. Start times vary depending on the start time in the region of the USA from where the games is televised. Playoff games are now being televised Wednesday morning's on Star Sports. Check your local listings for the time.

TV SCHEDULE

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

MONDAY

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

6:00 PM - TOP MODEL CYCLE 9 - Channel V - NEW EPISODE

10:00 PM - TOP MODEL CYCLE 9 - Channel V

TUESDAY

7:00 AM - TOP MODEL - CYCLE 9 - Channel V

11:00 AM - TOP MODEL - CYCLE 9 - Channel V

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

WEDNESDAY

??:?? AM - NBA GAME - Star Sports

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

7:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World - repeat of 5 PM telecast

10:30 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World - repeat of 5/7 PM telecast

THURSDAY

12 NOON - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World - repeat of previous day

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION SHOW - Star World

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

7:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION SHOW - Star World - repeat of 5 PM telecast

10:30 PM - AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION SHOW - Star World - repeat of 5/7 PM telecast

FRIDAY

??:?? AM - NBA GAME - Star Sports

12 NOON - AMERICAN IDOL ELIMINATION SHOW - Star World - repeat of previous day

2:00 PM - TOP MODEL - CYCLE 9 - Channel V

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

9:00 PM - NBA GAME - Star Sports - Replay of earlier game)

SATURDAY

??:?? AM - NBA GAME - ESPN

3:00 PM - TOP MODEL - CYCLE 9 - Channel V

7:30 PM - HI NET WORTH - (financial magazine show) - CNBC

9:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

SUNDAY

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

8:30 PM - HI NET WORTH - (financial magazine show) - CNBC

9:00 PM - JAY LENO - CNBC

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