If you visit the Birthday Express site, you might be surprised by the variety of items to choose from ranging from candles to table cloths to dinner plates (you can even get microphone shaped pinatas and disposable helium tanks!).  You can also save your self the hassle of assembling all the items by choosing from one of the convenient party packs.

I thought this collection of party favors (currently retailing for $4.99) was really adorable.  It includes an American Idol notepad, sticker sheet, tattoo, bubblegum in CD shapes, pretend microphone and a box of 4 crayons.

images: Birthday Express

Post from: Idol Stalker

The 19-year-old recently revealed that she doesn’t stress about her body. “I hike when I’m at home.  I ride bikes, and I eat healthy.  I’m all up for working out and being healthy and eating right, but I don’t have to be a size four and I’ll never be a size four. If I ever get to that, you have permission to say ‘Jordin, what the heck is wrong with you?’ because I would blow over.”

She went on to say that people are always going to be obsessed about weight but that it is sad when you see how much is affects people, even little kids.  I was happy that she said she feels good about her appearance: “I love the way I look. I love my curves, I love being able to fill out a dress and be like ‘yeah, I look really good today.’ But I do have my days where I feel like ‘I really wish I could stay inside right now.’”

She said that her parents raised her in a healthy environment with her mother teaching her to eat in moderation and that her father, a former football player, encouraged the family to be active.

What do you think of what Jordin had to say about her weight?  Is this a normal healthy size and would losing weight cause her to “blow over”?

image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: Idol Stalker

Lil Rounds kicked off the evening with her own rendition of “I’m Every Woman” (Chaka Khan) but the judges were not too fond of her performance.  Some even described it as being all over the place and I have to agree.  I was not overly impressed either.

Kris Allen was next and he chose to sing the Donna Summer classic “She Works Hard for the Money” which really surprised me.  After some strange comments about shopping in the women’s section by Paula, it was clear that the judges loved the original arrangement (it did remind me of “Long Train Runnin’” by the Doobie Brothers, though).

Danny Gokey tried to sing “September” (Earth, Wind and Fire) all the way to church and he almost got there.  The singing was really good but I think most of the judges agree that Danny needs to break out, take some risks and become more original.

Allison Iraheta took on “Hot Stuff” (Donna Summer) which I consider one of the more cliché disco songs out there.  It’s been in a million commercials and I just would not have picked it.  She tried a different arrangement on it but not all of the judges liked it.  Still, Simon said it was brilliant considering her age and the genre.

Adam Lambert might have been the most surprising with his version of “If I Can’t Have You” (Bee Gees) from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.  I think everyone was expecting him to jump out of a cake wearing leg warmers or something but he, again, proved to be unpredictable and the judges loved it.

In contrast, Matt Giraud picked the most predictable and obvious song for Disco Week and it wasn’t even that good.  He sang the Bee Gee’s iconic track “Stayin’ Alive” and, like Simon, I thought it sounded desperate and corny.  Matt can sing but he needs to take it down a notch.

Anoop Desai, sporting brand new facial hair and a bright pink sweater, closed the show with his rendition of Donna Summer’s “Dim All The Lights” and it was not his best performance, in my opinion, and Simon agreed with me.  The other judges seemed to enjoy it though.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

Check out Archie’s announcement (looks like he’s in a nice hotel room!):

And here’s Cookie’s video (I love the Kansas City Royals cap!):

Post from: Idol Stalker

Cohen made the comments when addressing the audience of the Changing Media Summit in London today.  What he proposed was a “three strikes” rule that allows ISPs to disconnect repeat infringers from the Net.  Last year, I attended NextMedia and the Banff World Television Awards and I heard similar comments from executives.  What a lot of people, including Cohen, are suggesting is an online TV system that allows viewers to catch up on their favorite shows while paying a small fee. 

I know that a lot of my readers here have noticed that I don’t have as many videos up as I have in past years and this is why.  FremantleMedia has been SUPER strict with removing videos of Idol performances.  Since I don’t want to be accused of copyright infringement, I have had to make do without performance videos sometimes.  It’s not ideal but there isn’t much I can do at this point.

What do you think?  Should people who download torrents be kicked off the internet?  How do you feel about paying to see a show that you already pay your cable bill to watch?  I know iTunes allows you to download performances for a fee.  Do any of you actually do that?

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

Post from: Idol Stalker

Carrie Underwood was spotted at an Ottawa Senators game which, in itself, isn’t all that surprising given the fact that she’s rumored to be dating Mike Fisher. 

What was surprising was that she didn’t seem to expect to be spotted and when she realized that cameras were focusing in on her, she tried to dive out of the way.  Too funny!

Post from: Idol Stalker

Post from: Idol Stalker

The first person I was able to talk to was Melinda Doolittle (finalist, season 6).  We were getting ready to go on a ride and I had to stop and tell her how much I enjoyed her album.  We talked about the horns and live instruments and she seemed genuinely happy to hear the compliments. 

I spotted Ruben Studdard quickly exiting the party (the whole resort was open to us so maybe he was going to a different park) and Fantasia was dancing with a few friends.  I also saw Bo Bice with his wife and a baby stroller.  I don’t think they stayed very long.  There was a DJ set up right in front of the Rock’n’Roller Coaster and he played some really good music.  Since he was right outside the ride, I decided it was time to go on it again.  I saw Chris Sligh and Sanjaya Malakar (both finalists from season 6) up ahead but then noticed David Cook (winner, season 7), Carrie Underwood (winner, season 4), Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro (both finalists, season 7) in line with me.
One of the contestants from earlier in the day at the American Idol Experience was also in line and she got the winners to take a picture with her.

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE JUMP!

Syesha double-checked her large earrings before the ride took off (she’s brave – I would have taken them off!).

The Idols still looked picture-perfect after the intense ride that takes you from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.  Here are some shots from inside the Rock’n’Roller Coaster shop:

We also took a picture of the giant guitar outside of the ride along with the “American Idol Experience” sign beneath it.     

Carly Smithson was a bundle of energy.  We saw her bouncing around all over the place all evening.  She really seems like a lot of fun.  I got her to slow down just long enough to take a quick picture.
 

Near the VIP section, I was able to have a quick chat with Chris Sligh.  I congratulated him on the fact that the song he wrote, “Here Comes Goodbye” was picked up by Rascall Flatts and is the first single off of their new album.

Chris has a really quiet demeanor and voice, which surprised me.  He seems like a gentle soul (I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true).  He’s also really tall!

I also had a nice little chat with Sanjaya.  I asked him about his book and he told me it was surprisingly easy to write – that the story just flowed out naturally over four months.  I also told him that his album surprised me because it wasn’t what I was expecting but that it was actually pretty good.  Have you heard it?

He was really friendly.  I think that, regardless of what anyone says, Sanjaya seems like a nice person who would be fun to hang around with. 

I should also mention that the party had the “blue theme” that we’ve all come to associate with American Idol.  They had the symbol projected onto the ground and bars were set up in the area with the logo on the front.

A little later on, I saw Lakisha Jones rush up to Jason Castro and give him a big hug.  There was a lot going on at that moment so I can’t remember exactly why I was making this face.

Towards the end of the night, I saw Carrie again and she was the sweetest!  I told my kids that she was really like a Disney princess come to life and she’s so tiny (and even prettier in person)!!!

I had a great time and, again, I would like to thank Disney for flying me out to participate in the event.  They did an amazing job!

images: Jyle Dupuis

Post from: Idol Stalker

At the event, all of the former American Idol winners were brought on stage where they were presented with awards made especially for this occasion (they looked like old-fashioned microphones).  This was the first and only time that I saw Kelly Clarkson. 

Season 7 winner, David Cook, did an acoustic version of his hit, “Light On” and then season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, also performed an acoustic rendition of her song “All-American Girl.”  They pair then sang “You Can Go Your Own Way” together and it was such a good duet that a lot of people were later saying they should actually record and release it as a single.

There was also a pretty hilarious exchange between Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul while they spoke to the “contestants” before the performances.  Paula went over to give them tips on how to relax and when she started massaging one girl’s shoulder, Ryan said something like “now, remember Paula about the rules regarding contestants?”  The audience booed but we also laughed when Ryan referenced the situation with former contestant, Corey Clark, who alleged that he had an inappropriate relationship with Paula.

That’s basically all I’m at liberty to say but, in the meantime, here’s a video that walks you through the attraction:

image: Jyle Dupuis

Post from: Idol Stalker

Tonight we saw the fifth day of Hollywood Week on American Idol. The judges have chosen their top 36 and introduced a new way of deciding who’d make it through to the next round! Let me know what you guys thought of the results!

They switched it up a bit this week by inviting the top 54 contestants to the Hollywood Mansion where they announced the top 36 contestants of season 8! Little did the contestants know that the judges have also included a new “Sing off” challenge, where some of the Idol hopefuls would have to sing for their lives (yikes!) in order to stay in the competition.

More after the jump!

Anoop Desai was the first to face the judges and with a unanimous “yes”, he made it through to the next round!  Von Smith, was the next person to be accepted in to the top 36, even though he was definitely not one of Simon’s favorites. He laid out his soul in the deciding room and convinced me even more that he should be there.

Cody Sheldon, who loves making amateur horror films, was sent in to see the judges and was asked to sing right there on the spot. He chose to sing “Love Remains the Same” and it was just okay for me.  Without an answer, the judges sent him out of the room and brought in Alex Wagner-Trugman. When the judges asked him to sing a song, he chose “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” and I thought it was slightly over the top. The judges ended up putting Alex through.

Adam Lambert, who took a risk and sang “Believe” by Cher on Day 4 of Hollywood Week, was unanimously put through to the top 36. Then, Joanna Pacitti, who’s got a great voice but tends to forget her lyrics, met the judges and was also given a spot in the top 36.

Then, Jenn Korbee, who’s husband was eliminated during Group Day of Hollywood Week, was asked to sing for her life against Kristen McNamara.  Jenn sang “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks and Kristen sang “I Will I Always Love You.”  They ended up choosing Kristen, though Simon was disappointed with his fellow judges’ decision and he made sure Kristen knew that. I thought she was the better choice too. As Simon pointed out, she isn’t as “attractive” as Jenn but the girl can sing.

Young mommy, Alexis Grace (one of my favorites) impressed the judges consistently and was put through to the next round. Visually impaired, Scott MacIntyre, was also given a spot in the top 36. I wasn’t so sure about that decision. Though, I totally respect him through and through, I’m just not sure if he’ll make it in the competition based on his vocals.  Regardless, the judges congratulated him and moved on to Lil Rounds who also made it. Thank goodness! That girl has great pipes!

Frankie Jordan and Jesse Langseth were asked to sing for their lives against each other and the luck lady who was put through was Jesse. I didn’t quite agree with that, but I understand their decision.  Allison Iraheta, 16 years old,  who was unanimously sent through to the next round.

Best friends Danny Gokey and Jamal Rogers were sadly split up. Danny made it through, but unfortunately Jamal was sent home. Aw! They’re such good friends. It’s too bad they don’t get to continue on this journey together.

Then, the man of many names, Nick “Norman Gentle” Mitchell actually looked normal as he met with the judges and was put through! Craziness!

Judges held on to their seats as Tatiana Del Toro, known for her emotional fits, but strong and persistent attitude, met up with them in the deciding room. She started crying almost instantly.  The decision was not unanimous but she was put through to the next round.

Jackie Midkiff was asked to do a sing-off against drama king Nathaniel Marshall and ultimately Nathaniel was sent through, leaving Jackie to pack his bags. I’m pretty convinced it was the right choice. Then welder, Matt Brightski and oiler Michael Sarver were forced to battle each other in a sing-off. Both of them ended up taking a spot in the top 36!

Others who were put through were Taylor Vaifanua, Jackie Tohn, Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson, Ricky Braddy, Allison Iraheta, Jeanine Vailes, Kai Kalama, Anne Marie Boskavich, Kris Allen Matt Giraud, Ju’Not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, Brent Keith, Kendall Beard, Stephen Fowler and Stevie Wright.

What do you guys think of our top 36?

*Written by Lauren Croteau

images © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

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