For the last seven seasons, I’ve kept myself in a tightly sealed cocoon when it comes to American Idol spoilers. But every year it gets harder. I mean, it’s not as if an Idoloonie like myself can avoid must-visit Idol news sites like MJ’s Big Blog, so if I want to read about, say, what’s happening with the underrated Blake Lewis, then I have to [SPOILER ALERT!] accept that it comes with a side order of news about Idol wannabes who’ve advanced to Hollywood week, about the fact that Idol might have 36 semifinalists this year (instead of 24), and that new judge Kara DioGuardi falls closer to Simon than Paula in the critique department.
Interestingly, this season is rumored to have its share of contestants with connections to past Idols and other famous folks, as well as the typical smattering of almost-famous types who no one has actually heard of, but who’ll generate oodles of outraged "that contestant’s a ringer!" chatter once the show starts airing (Jan. 13, in case you missed the announcement). Among the alleged hopefuls generating internet chatter: Michael Castro (younger brother of season 7’s awesome Jason Castro); David Osmond (nephew of Donny & Marie); Anna Kaelin (daughter of the vocal coach of season 7 runner-up and current chart sensation David Archuleta); Danielle Roundtree (AKA Miss New York, USA 2008); and former Geffen recording artist Joanna Pacitti.
I’ve posted a couple of polls regarding these reported contestants (after the jump) but before you go there, how’s this for an idea? To avoid heinous spoilerization of the 24 (or 36) semifinalists, how about Idol turns the semifinalist announcement episode (where contestants take the elevator of death up to the scary table where the judges sit) into a LIVE broadcast? Think of the heightened levels of suspense, the clenched jaws, the whitened knuckles, and the frayed nerves? And that’s just for the viewing audience at home, to say nothing of the contestants! Who wants to start the petition?
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I’d be excited for Donny and Marie’s nephew only if Donny and Marie *don’t* show up for a mentor episode.
I am kind of over AI in general. However, why is it that they have contestants who previously had recording contracts? I may be bitter but I want to see fresh talent who hasn’t been on a label. You record career did not happen for a reason the first time.
Not gonna’ watch this year….
Supposedly Jennifer Peterson-Hind (Jenn from Hi-5, the children’s show) and her husband Tom Korbee, both recorded artists, are in the hunt as well.
Hopefully Michael Castro isn’t as awful as Jason was last season, and that he has a better memory of lyrics.
Welcome back to Idol commentary Michael! The rumor is the Osmond nephew was cut in Hollywood and he stinks. I hope that is true; I think his lineage and the fact that he performs with the Osmonds makes him too connected for a true amateur show.
1. It’s not an amateur singing competition. Anyone who doesn’t know at this point that even Britney Spears (if she didn’t have a contract) could try out hasn’t been paying attention.
2. Michael, I am so on board with the live top 24/36 reveal. As long as they didn’t make it beauty pageant-ish. But still, they can do little pre-recorded intros for each person, split the males and the females between two nights, go live and just let it happen. Parents can be waiting in the wings to comfort them. And shock of shocks – we wouldn’t have to watch the crying and hysterics of those that don’t get through. It might be merciful for once!
Ahhhh, like a sip of fresh cold water for my parched soul…along comes the first Season 8 Slezak Idol blog!! NOW the holidays have officially begun.
I bet Jason Castro’s brother won’t make it to the top 24 and he’s just there so Jason gets a bit of publicity and people remember him and may buy his music. Seems like publicity stunt. Michael is into fights, not music.
Just because a singing career didnt go off the first time doesnt mean you’re not allowed to keep trying.
ahh the plants of season 8.
Even though Jenn Korbee is my favorite so far
Wow, usually these “ringers” are people I’ve never heard of before and think should be allowed to compete. But I actually HAVE heard of Joanna Pacitti, her song is even on my ipod. Very strange.
I haven’t regularly watched Idol since season 2 and there’s a reason for it. Reading above about the contestants, and the fact their names have already been leaked as well as their “connections” and not to mention the auditions, has really turned me off of the competition. I’d heard they were making some changes to this season, but meh, who cares now.
I thought IA is only for amateurs? The AI 2008 winner(Cook) had a record prior to AI 2008. And now ……J Pacitti, what’s wrong with AI?
I hope Jason brother has a better voice and doesn’t have his hair braided.
At least if the Hi-5 girl Jenn Korbee Peterson or whatever is on, the eye-candy factor will be Hi, I mean, High!
For the love of… ok, as long as the contestant doesn’t have a CURRENT contract somewhere, they can audition. So what if they had a past contract… who cares if Carly Smithson or David Cook recorded before? I still enjoyed hearing them. I mean, Kelly Clarkson had a contract prior to Idol. If I’m remembering correctly, it went bust pretty fast and she had just come home to Texas when she tried out for Idol. I don’t really think Idol ever considered itself an amateur competition… and if it did, it sure doesn’t now.
Every picture I see of Archie, he has the same goofy grin. Honestly, the kid has no personality. His 15 minutes of fame are almost up!
I take back my comments. Archie is a doll! Just that he did not respond to my love letters.
What next? Barbara Streisand’s grandaughter?
AI has become a bad joke.
I wish I could vote on the live elevator of doom. I love that idea. They should totally do that.
Is that heinous picture of Kara DioGuardi or is that Donny and Marie’s nephew??? But seriously, I know AI is mostly a farce (consider how many losers and no-talents get to see the 4 judges and how many talented singers don’t), but what’s with people connected to famous people getting to go on? Donny and Marie’s nephew? Why does he need help from a reality show?
Are we still supposed to care about this show? AI will never have another contestant as wonderfully talented and endearing as David Cook so I’ve said sayonara to the show.
Good luck to all the contestants -whomever they may be.
I agree with comment 3:56. Archie is really goofy looking. He’s so immature for his age. No wonder his CD is full of bubble gum pop. He’s going to suffer the same fate as Kat McPhee. She was forced to put out a pop CD when she’s not a pop singer. The same thing is happening to Archuleta. I’m not sure what will happen with him in the future though. The world doesn’t need another Perry Como. Not sure where he would fit in.
They DID do a live reveal once- I cannot remember which season, but I think it might have been season 5. I thought that was such a cool idea but they never did it again, sadly.
So, per most comments, AI needs to throw out anyone with any kind of performing skills, decent voices, any famous relatives, prior experience (sorry all you bar band members, you are out), people who have any songs on You Tube, those that have competed in any type of singing competition, and anyone who has performed on stage where the audience pays to hear them.
AI may as well put all the rejects in the final 24…that will be all that is left. Everyone needs to get a grip…If you have any talent you’ve expressed it long before you come to AI. This is not a search for unproven talent, far from it!
I’ll watch, because it’s a fun show to watch, but David Cook is it for me. Took them 7 seasons, but they totally found my Idol.
I don’t mind any of the Idolettes having prior experience. I just wish TPTB would be open about it and give the audience a bit more info about each contestant. The world would be a better place if more people knew about Axium and “Analog Heart”.
The rumor is that at least three of those five don’t make it past Hollywood. Two of them being the ones connected to Jason and Archie.
It’s funny the first 3 people you mentioned are the ones I heard got cut already. I just hope this season is better than last season , I’m sorry but last season was stale as hell. David Cook was alright and a few others, but they voted off all the interesting people early leaving all these zombies left, no offense. I just want some interesting people this year.
The only plant that I have a problem with is the Osmond nephew. Because he has an unfair advantage by having a large built in fan base.
I had no problem with Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, and I actually like them, but a nephew from a famous family with a huge built in fan base spells nothing but trouble.
All and all we do have to credit to the American Idol voters for picking David Cook. He was the underdog, and now we have the best male winner of idol, in Idol history.
I’m most excited about Archie’s vocal coach’s daughter…!!!
I wonder what does she look like..