THE PROBLEM: You really, really, really need publicity for your comeback single. A Hollywood paycheck would also be nice.
THE SOLUTION: Put your name in the same sentence as TV’s biggest hit, pretend it’s "news", and cross your fingers!
’80s Pop Star Hopes To Be Fourth Judge On ‘American Idol’
Friday October 19, 2007
LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) — Move over Paula Abdul, because another ’80s pop princess is vying for a spot on the "American Idol "judges panel.
Singer Gioia Bruno — member of the 1980s pop trio Expose, best known for their hit songs "Seasons Change," and "Point Of No Return" — is making a musical comeback with her new solo single, "Your Love Is Lifting Me (Higher and Higher)," which she hopes will get her back on the music map and secure her a spot as a new judge on the upcoming season of "American Idol."
Says Bruno: "I’ve always wanted to get involved with "American Idol" and I’d be a great asset to the judges panel. I know the business inside and out, and I’m not afraid to tell aspiring musicians how it is. Plus, I’m hysterical!"
Bruno, who suffered a longterm throat injury a few years back and feared she’d never sing again, says her story is a good way for "Idol" wannabes to realize that giving up your music dream is never an option.
And while "Idol" refs Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson are the mean, nice, and cool judges, Bruno believes she could bring a new personality trait to the table.
She adds, "I’m the gay guy judge! I’m sassy, I tell it like it is, and it comes out all whacked out."
So, what do you think? Click here to hear a snippet of Bruno’s comeback single, then weigh in: Should we kick off a campaign for her right here on PopWatch, so that it can indeed "come out all whacked out," or just enjoy our weekend?
Comments (1-30) of 366 Add your comment
The desperation is pathetic. His idea of a judge is just a mash up of what the three judges. He has no shot. Why mess with the biggest show on TV?
Stephen hit it right on the head. This is PATHETIC. It’s just sad. That is all.
I heard crickets chirping after reading this
I just saw some pictures of her…she looks pretty good for a 44-year-old! Wow. Good luck with the comeback, though.
Oh, I get it! She is going through the change. Uh…no thanks.
Well, at least she’s got pluck! And she might actually make a better judge than the Dawg and the Space Cadet.
Good to know she has pluck and hopefully a buck. She needs to sit in her rocking chair.
I get it: One hit wonder makes a new “cover” of an old song puts a disco beat to it and she calls that a ‘comeback’? I don’t think so. I didn’t remember her from back then, who cares now?
“I get it: One hit wonder makes a new “cover” of an old song puts a disco beat to it and she calls that a ‘comeback’? I don’t think so. I didn’t remember her from back then, who cares now?”
Technically, she isn’t a “one-hit wonder”; Expose had six top ten hits in the eighties, including the # 1 Seasons Change, but yeah, I know what you mean.
Another reason I am 100 % sure she will not , ever, be a judge on AI: She actually resembles Abdul physically.
Why would the show have two judges that look physically interchangeable?
If they bring in another judge, I bet he/she will be a completely different physical type from Randy, Simon and Paula.
this is the dumbest thing I ever heard! American Idol does NOT need a new judge! They have Paula, Simon and Randy! And those 3 people make the show NUMBER ONE, ok? do not mess with the nr 1 show!
Gioia should convince the producers to get the new Idol line up to do a freestyle night and let her to be special coach/judge. Georgio Meroder, Company B., Expose,etc. In the mid eighties, freestyle was all over the map. Even the synth-pop band Information Society was part of that scene. It would be challenging yet fun.
Shhhhh. Wait — you hear that? No, seriously/ Do you hear that? Oh, nevermind … it’s just Jackie Wilson rolling over in his grave.
You could have at least put up a video like “Let Me Be The One” where she actually does the lead vocals.
They actually have 8 top ten hits in their career; plus 4 more hits went in the top 100. They are pretty big in the 80s/early 90s but NOT big enough to join the biggest tv show.
OK, first of all, half of you guys have no clue. Gioia is not making a “comeback” she’s never left, any of you guys who listen to club music know that she has had several number 1 dance singles. And if were gonna talk Expose the first 2 albums with Gioia singing lead, the first 7 singles went to top ten. Let me point out the fact that Expose is in the Guiness book for being the first group in history ever to have 4 top 10 singles off there debut album (not the beatles, rollingstones or Jackson 5) Gioia’s departure from Expose was a medical issue and it was overcome and surpassed, even on her medical leave stayed on track behind the scenes. As far as Paula Abdul, how many singles has she had in the past 10 years. I think Gioia would be bringing a fresh outlook to AI and not the negitive press its been getting from one of its current Judges. On a final note, Gioia brings an stronger opinion to the show that will blend well with Simon.
I had to stop watching Idol because Paula’s behaviour makes me twitch…I find myself yelling at the television when I see her, and well, that can’t be healthy…so, if they GOT RID OF HER and brought in a NEW 3rd judge, I’d watch again…but that’ll never happen, thankfully, so I don’t have to watch this show any longer…amen…
Gioia! OH MY GOD! I am a huge Expose and Gioia fan. Gioia has been touring the country for years and is not really making a comeback. She deserves this American Idol honor. With all of her number ones and 8 top-ten singles from Expose she should be in a judges seat…more deserving than Paula. People that are hating don’t know this music industry veteran’s history. Check out who she is and what she has been through before you discount her credibility and star power. She still has a strong legion of fans. I love you Gioia and hope this happens for you. By the way, I love her new song Higher! Totally ROCKS! Thank EW for posting this.
Gioia:) Is an Awesome talent and I know she will keep it real:) I think her new song/remake “Higher” was well done!! we need more positive songs like that..no matter what genre!
Luv Ya Gioia:)
Amber D
Gioia would be great on American Idol. Her new single is awesome and she would bring a breath
of fresh air to the show. By the way, this is not a comeback as she really never left the scene.
GIOIA Bruno for American Idol!!!
Gioia Bruno would be absolutely perfect as an American Idol judge. Her personality is uplifting and hysterical, and her presence is unparalleled. She really deserves something like this. If the AI executives know what’s ideal for the show, they should continue considering her for this spot.
Gioia would make an excellent judge on American Idol. She is honest, fun and knows the business. I think she would bring an amazing element to American Idol, which the show is lacking since it has been on for the last few years. Having Gioia on would bring the show back to it original fun and exciting nature. If there is anything Gioia can so, it is make things exciting!!!!
Gioia would add so much to American Idol! She has the talent, a great look, and a musical career that continues to grow! I’m loving her new single. You just can’t stop Gioia Bruno! A 4th judge would add so much to the program! Go get them Gioia!
AI should TOTALLY add Gioia to their show. She has so much energy, witt and enthusiasm; I think it would be a great balance with the others. In person, she is one of the most friendly, down to earth ‘celebrities’ I have met. A great addition!
Wow! Gioia would be the perfect fit into the judge panel for American Idol. She is spunky, energetic, professional, beautiful, and has so much practical experience and knowledge in the entertainment industry from her many successes with Expose’ and as a solo artist.
It would bring a fresh perspective to American Idol, and an unbelievable burst of additional positive energy to an already great show!
Dom Armano
boston ma
Yah ! Gioia on American Idol! That would be awesome. “Let me be the one” to say she would take Idol to the “Point of no return” & “Higher and Higher”.
I can definitely see Gioia and Paula teaming up to keep Simon at bay…Great TV.
I think Gioja would be great as a judge, plus her single is awesome… I really think you should get her in there. She’s a credible source of judgement
I want Gioia on American Idol She has to be a judge!
Gioia would be a fantastic addition!!! She would certainly liven things up!!!
Gioia Bruno is the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS
not only her incredible music but as a person she is DYNAMITE AND OUT OF SITE……GIVE HER THE PART HOLLYWOOD SHE WILL ROCK THE WORLD …..
Gioia Bruno is the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS
not only her incredible music but as a person she is DYNAMITE AND OUT OF SITE……GIVE HER THE PART HOLLYWOOD SHE WILL ROCK THE WORLD …..