If you heard the song and felt like you were having déjà vu you aren’t imagining things.  The music for the song is remarkably similar to that of Beyoncé’s song “Halo.”  This isn’t a case of Kelly copying someone else – both singers got the shaft.

Kelly that she wrote this song with OneRepublic frontman, Ryan Tedder.  She explained: "Ryan and I met each other at the record label, before he was working with anyone else. … I’d never heard of a song called ‘Halo’. Her [Beyoncé] album came out when my album was already being printed.  No-one’s gonna be sittin’ at home, thinking ‘Man, Ryan Tedder gave Beyoncé and Kelly the same track to write to.’  No, they’re just gonna be saying I ripped someone off. I called Ryan and said, ‘I don’t understand. Why would you do that?’.  In the end, they’re releasing it without my consent. It sucks, but it’s one of those things I have no control over. I already made my album. At this point, the record company can do whatever they want with it. It’s kind of a shitty situation, but. … You know, you learn."

Man… I would be FURIOUS!  Like off the rails pissed off if I were Kelly.  I am glad that she’s the outspoken person that she is and that she set the record straight because I definitely thought there was something weird going on.

Anyway, check out the new music video.  She looks really pretty:

Post from: Idol Stalker

I have to say that Justin was probably one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done and he had a lot to tell me so I’ll just get right to it!

We talked about the current season of American Idol and he said that it’s “been a pretty amazing year.  It was the first time ever that the show had four judges, the judges save, which was a gentle rebuke of American opinion, and the first time contestants performed duets.”  He’s absolutely right!  When you look at it that way, it really has been an amazing season (whether you liked it or not!)!

When I asked about Paula Abdul’s performance last night, he said that he thought it was “absolutely awesome that she could do that after all the struggles and all the battles she’s had.  It just goes to show you what Paula Abdul is made of.”

I was curious about what he thought of the new fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi.  He said “Kara has been a great addition to the panel because she combines the strengths of all the judges.”  He’s got a point!

I mentioned that I briefly saw him at the private opening of the American Idol Experience and asked him what he thought of the event.  He said that he loved it and added: “I get to be in front of 30,000+ people a week as the virtual host of the pre-show.”  I don’t know if any of you have been through the attraction but I’d agree that being the virtual host is pretty cool.  He also mentioned that he got engaged while filming that footage and said that the wedding planning is going well and that he and his fiancée, Reina, would be getting married next spring.

I wanted to know about his video blog on Fancast and he explained that he adds videos twice a week and that he really enjoys it because “it’s just personal.  No glitz, no glam.”  I agree.  I love video blogs because it does feel like you’re seeing a more “human” side of celebs.  Know what I mean?  Check out Justin on Fancast!

Justin also talked about the demo called “I Can’t Live” which he wrote with Nashville songwriters, Shaye Smith and Tammy Hyler.  They were all together talking about the Twilight books and ended up writing a song that they have submitted for consideration for the New Moon soundtrack. 

I personally think it’s pretty great and I hope it gets included.  I love the fact that it was actually inspired by the storyline versus being added just because it’s a big name band (sorry, but “Decode” by Paramore for the first movie really made no sense to me even though I actually liked the song).  Take a listen and let me know what you think (remember, it’s a demo so it’s not perfect).

Justin revealed that he is working on a new project for “The JG Show” which will be 12-minute webisodes featuring Chappelle’s Show-style skits and more.  He’s also working on his third album so I am hoping to talk to him again about both of these exciting things that he’s working on.

Need more Justin in your life?  Here are some links:

• Follow Justin on Twitter!
• Check him out on his official site, MySpace or BlogTalkRadio
• Subscribe to his YouTube channel
• Watch his video blogs on Fancast

image: Newscom

Post from: Idol Stalker

"On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson — I thought that to be the oddest pairing EVER but, soon realized, it’s what I’ve always professed. There is NO such thing as BLACK music or WHITE music, only GOOD or BAD music.  It’s stupid cool to like things that are not like you, and that goes for outside of music," he wrote "If you’re an African American, you can have a Jewish friend.  I think concerts like this should happen more often — outside of the one or two festivals a year or ‘Zootopia.’ I’m putting that into the universe. Next up, Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!"

Well, I’m glad he said that.  I have always felt that way and I’m so surprised when I encounter a person who only listens to music from one genre or ethnic group.  Music is music, it doesn’t need to have labels on it to be good.  I wish I had seen that show.  I bet it was great!

Post from: Idol Stalker

Parade.com asked me to create an online quiz for them and I have to say that I had fun doing it.  I tried to come up with questions that are challenging so I hope you will give it a shot!  Take the American Idol Quiz!

When you’re done, come back and tell me about it.  Also, make sure you check out the other cool quizzes on Parade.com!

Post from: Idol Stalker

Kelly first performed “My Life Would Suck Without You” and I thought she sounded pretty good but one of her backup singers seemed to be struggling a little bit from what I could hear.

She also sang “I Do Not Hook Up” and I really like that song and was happy that it translated well in the live performance.  Watch and tell me what you think!

Post from: Idol Stalker

She again kibboshed the rumors that she is a lesbian: "I went to Europe and it was in the press everywhere and I was like, ‘I don’t get it, was I sleep walking and kissed a girl and there’s a picture or something?’" she says. "Just because I’m single and don’t date a lot, that doesn’t make me a lesbian."

She also talked about what she is looking for in a man: "A confident guy that has his own thing going on. Anyone that can make me laugh. Guys are usually so nervous, they don’t talk. Every guy I’ve dated, I’ve worked with and we knew each other before."

This seems to be a year of comebacks for Kelly so, hopefully, her love life will be on the upswing as well.

Post from: Idol Stalker

I think she sounded amazing.  Listen to this and tell me what you think!

Post from: Idol Stalker

1. “My Life Would Suck Without You” is the first release from the album and it’s not too vocally challenging but we already know what Kelly can do so it’s okay.  It’s easy to sing along to which is always a good idea when you’re launching a mini-comeback.

2. “I Do Not Hook Up” is uhhh… I guess the above comments could also work for this song although I find the chorus melody and structure on this song a little more interesting than “My Life Would Suck Without You.”  It was co-written by Katy Perry (“I Kissed a Girl” “Hot and Cold”) and Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi.

3. “Cry” is the first ballad on the album.  There are a couple surprises in the chords but there is something about it that reminds me of Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open.”  At least she gets to stretch her vocals a little bit.

4. “Don’t Let Me Stop You” reminds me of something so much and I just cannot put my fingers on it (maybe Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper?”). Help me out please!  Anyway, the lyrics are a little clunky at times to sing. 

Keep Reading After the Jump!

5. “All I Ever Wanted” has a slightly different feel than the songs before it.  It’s got fewer bells and whistles so, at times, it might seem a little bare but that’s what I like about it.  The lead and background vocals take center stage which is a night change from the beat driven pop music on the earlier tracks.

6. “Already Gone” is a slower/mid-tempo song where Kelly almost seems to channel Canadian singer, Sarah McLachlan, at times.  I actually really like this song.

7. “If I Can’t Have You” brings us back to the modern pop era with a beat that sounds like it would make Rihanna and Britney Spears proud.  I can see this song doing okay as a remix in clubs but I don’t particularly like it.

8. “Save You” offers a little tenderness and warmth and, after that last song, I was really grateful.  I really liked how little music was used in the beginning of the song and I actually wish they had kept it more like that since the heavy drums that came in later almost felt like an intrusion.  Still, the vocals are pretty, the lyrics are nice and I felt a connection between Kelly and the song which was nice.  You may not believe me, but I had forgotten that OneRepublic frontman, Ryan Tedder, had worked on the album and, when I heard this song, I thought “wow, this reminds me of “Apologize.”  A quick trip to Wikipedia reminded me that he co-wrote and produced the song (and several others).

9. “Whyyawannabringmedown” is annoying to me.  I didn’t even finish listening to it.  Sorry if you love it.  I did not.  It reminded me of the White Stripes, who I adore, but it didn’t come close to being of their quality.

10. “Long Shot” has one of the most predictable chord progressions on the album but I actually liked it more as the song continued to play.  It’s not musical genius but it’s a decent single.  Katy Perry also co-wrote this song.

11. “Impossible” has some really cute piano work on it which I like in a modern song because I think it balances out the heavy drums, keyboards and guitar.  I didn’t hate the song but I didn’t exactly love it. 

12. “Ready” is a fun little song and I don’t know why but it makes me think of taking a walk in the middle of fall with the leaves all around me.  Kelly takes some liberties with the tone of her voice and I think it works.  She sounds a little quirkier than she normally does and, like I said, the end result is fun.

13. “I Want You” confused me.  I didn’t know what to think.  It felt like it wanted to be modern while still sounding like something from the 50s or 60s and I just didn’t like it.  It’s very basic and simplistic but maybe that was the objective?

14. “If No One Will Listen” is another ballad and I thought it was pretty good.  Kelly allows herself to have more vibrato than she normally does (maybe because this is the only song on the album that she produced herself?) and I’m not sure I liked how it sounded but the song, itself, was nice.  The lyrics were probably pretty meaningful to her after her experience this past couple years so I hope producing the track was therapeutic.

That sums up my little review.  If you’re looking for the reinvention of Kelly Clarkson, you’ll be disappointed but fans will probably more than happy with the pop-infused tunes. 

image: Amazon.com

Post from: Idol Stalker

The singer says, "I hope to do something with Adele. I love her voice so much, she’s just so incredible.”

"One of my new songs is like an Eurythmics meets Killers dance thing called If I Can’t Have You. I adore Annie Lennox, she’s such a strong woman. It’s no secret that I’m pretty much obsessive about her.”

Kelly wasn’t done dishing out the praise. She also had some kind words for “I Kissed a Girl” singer, Katy Perry.

Referring to the 24-year-old singer she says, "Katy Perry’s awesome and cute too."

I’m loving Adele right now too and I can’t imagine what a duet with Kelly would sound like. That being said, I’m just not feeling Katy Perry as much.

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: Idol Stalker

I will cover the event in three parts (motorcade, American Idol Experience show and the after-party) over the next three days.  Today, I’ll kick things off by telling you all about the American Idol motorcade. 

The blue carpet was rolled out for the stars and one by one.  Mickey Mouse got things started but was then followed by Justin Guarini (runner-up, season 1).  He looked great and was all smiles for the fans and the media.
Next was Chris Sligh (finalist, season 6).  He talked a little bit about how his song “Here Comes Goodbye” was picked up by Rascal Flatts and is actually the first single off of their new album.

It was a star-studded event.  Check out more pictures including Carrie Underwood, David Cook and David Archuleta after the jump!

Michael Johns (finalist, season 7) was right behind him and the one of the hostesses commented on how attractive he looked (the ladies in the crowd cheered in agreement). The reigning American Idol winner, David Cook, was next to drive up and he looked really great in his white jacket.  He was asked if he was sad to be losing his title in the next couple months and he said “no” because it’s great to have the Idol family expand.  Awwww!
Bucky Covington (finalist, season 5) was up next.  He got quite a bit of applause from the country music fans in the crowd.  The hostesses commented on his beautiful hair and asked him about his new album.  They asked when it was coming out (June-ish, 2009) and what it would be named (he had no idea). 
The adorable Ace Young (finalist, season 5) followed and I have to admit that his shorter hair is growing on me. The infamous Sanjaya Malakar (finalist, season 6) drove up and was actually filming the crowd.  One of the hostesses asked him what he was going to do with the footage.  He told her that he was going to put it up on his website (www.sanjayaworld.com).  They also asked about his new book Dancing to the Music in My Head (I talked to him about it at the party – come back on Monday for more!).  When probed for some juicy revelations from the book, Sanjaya declined to answer but he did tell them that there was a lot that he wanted people to know about the audition process.
The gorgeous Carrie Underwood (winner, season 4) was next to arrive and she really did look stunning.  The crowd erupted in applause for the tiny country music superstar.  She really is as sweet in real-life as she seems on television.
Jason Castro (finalist, season 7) drove up just as the hostesses were talking about his hair.  One asked what he held his dreads together with and the other one said “dirt.”  Wow.  Fortunately, the crowd was told that his hair actually smells nice so I’m sure they were joking about the dirt!  They asked about the fact that his brother was cut from the show (Jason actually made the slit-throat motion when they asked about Michael – ha ha!).  Jason said it was fine and was a learning experience.
Season 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo, looked great with dark hair and purple streaks!  They asked her about her role in Oz: The Musical, which is currently on tour.  She plays Dorothy and I’m sure she’s great.  Pick up tickets at Ticketmaster.com!
Joshua Gracin (finalist, season 2) looked really good (but different than I remember him – did he get his teeth done?).  Again, the country music fans showed their love for him.
Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard, looked great in a tan suit.  He was asked about his stint in Ain’t Misbehavin’ but I couldn’t hear what he said about it.  The crowd was loud that day! Bo Bice (runner-up, season 4) was the next Idol star to drive up the blue carpet.  One of the hostesses joked that it wasn’t fair that he could grow his hair so long and not have any split ends.  I agree!

Season 6 finalist, Lakisha Jones, looked really nice in her black and white dress.  It suited her so well!  They briefly asked her about her new album and her role in Broadway production of The Color Purple.
Phil Stacey (finalist, season 6) was the only star that I saw standing in his vehicle as he made his way down the blue carpet.  Fortunately, they were only going about two miles an hour at that point so it was reasonably safe!
Brooke White (finalist, season 7) is soooo much tinier in person than I ever expected.  She’s adorable too!  Still, there’s something about her doing the devil horns that just doesn’t look quite right…
Taylor Hicks (winner, season 5) drove up and it was announced to the crowd that the singer is “very single.”  Wow!  Of course, one woman in the crowd offered to help him get over his loneliness! Mandisa (finalist, season 5) showed up looking absolutely incredible.  She revealed that she had lost 70 pounds through a lot of dieting and exercise and said that she’s have to avoid all the good food at the party later that night.  It’s entirely worth the sacrifice, Mandisa – you look great, girl!  They asked her if there was an Idol here that she hadn’t met before and she said that she was really excited to meet Fantasia!  Syesha Mercado (finalist, season 7) showed up wearing the kind of big earrings she is known to love (I was scared for her later when she got on a ride wearing them – more on that on Monday!).  She looked gorgeous!
American Idol season 3 winner, Fantasia Barrino, looked really polished in her black, white and red outfit and I really loved her hair. 

Carly Smithson (finalist, season 7) was asked about this season’s disqualified hopeful, Joanna Pacitti.  Some felt that Carly, like Joanna, had too much experience going into the contest but Carly maintained that their situations are different.  I didn’t quite understand her whole explanation but she mentioned that she had really wanted to make it in the business and felt that she deserved the chance. Melinda Doolittle (finalist, season 6) was asked about her album (I got to tell her how much I loved it – more on Monday!) titled Coming Back to You which was released earlier this month.  I love the album so you should consider picking up a copy! Season 7 runner-up, David Archuleta, was next to drive up and it was hard to get a good picture of him since the crowd was going crazy and he was turning in so many directions.  He was so cute!
The winner of the sixth season of American Idol, Jordin Sparks, looked really elegant in her cream-colored dress.  She also looked noticeably slimmer.  What do you think? 

American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, was asked about the Joanna Pacitti disqualification but he said that he doesn’t know what happened and just knows that she left the show.  Good answer, Ryan!
American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, was asked about Joanna Pacitti but, again, declined to give a complete answer.  Paula said that Joanna was disqualified and that was about it.  She looked like she was having an absolute blast, though!  Kimberley Locke (finalist, season 2) was the final person in the motorcade and, unfortunately, things were changing around me so quickly by the time she drove up that I don’t really remember what she was talking about.  The motorcade had also sped up so the pictures we took weren’t great either.

It was announced that Kelly Clarkson’s vehicle wasn’t coming out and they speculated over the possibility that the first American Idol winner had come late and maybe missed the motorcade.  Hmmm…

images: Jyle Dupuis

Post from: Idol Stalker