 |
||||
 
Sat., Aug. 2 Concert with Kevin Covais Burlington County Amplitheater 7 p.m. Westhampton, NJ More info Sun., Aug. 17 Pheasant Lane Mall Teen Spree 6 p.m. Nashua, NH More info Mon., Aug. 18 Talent Quest TV Show Beverly Local Access Cable Salem, MA More info Wed., Aug. 20 Concert on the Common Franklin Town Common 6:30 p.m. Franklin, MA More info Wed., Aug. 27 Friends of the Sherborn Library Concert Sherborn Community Center 6 p.m. Sherborn, MA More info  
 
   Webmaster: Mike Double Deal / Production: Jim Bookings / Management: Contact ayla fans online Total Hits: - Operating since 01/20/06 |
  MAY 20 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts Who do you think is going to win? I have been closely watching "American Idol" this season and I have developed favorites, just as everyone in America has over the last few months. But it is finally time to predict a winner, and I think it is going to be David Cook. Cook has developed fantastically over the course of the season and has transformed into a full-blown rock star. Each week the judges have given him encouraging reviews because they recognize that he is original. Can you say the next Chris Daughtry? Cook can sing the songbook and has proven himself to be a professional. Although David Archuleta has put in a great effort, I don't believe the producers of the show want another 17-year-old to win "Idol." What the producers really want is another money-maker in the music market. At this point, Archuleta is not as marketable as Cook. Another reason I don't think Archuleta will win is because of the unfavorable reports in recent weeks about Archuleta's difficulty remembering lyrics and his meddling father. So what about next year? Can "Idol" hang onto the No. 1 spot in the ratings or will the show continue to lose viewers? Compared to season six, I think this season was a pleasure to watch. The producers made the right call by allowing the performers to use instruments onstage. I got to know them more as artists, and the show seemed less like a big karaoke production. I am concerned for the future of "Idol," however. While I admire Simon's critiques and witty banter, I think Randy and Paula’s shtick is getting old. Is it time to change some of the judges? Only time will tell. Nevertheless, I, along with millions of others, will watch until Fox cancels the show. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MAY 6 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts When I was on Fox's "American Idol," I found myself considering the same questions each performance night. "What should I wear for the show?" "Should I change the key of the song I chose?" "Are the judges watching us through hidden cameras throughout the studio?" "Do the judges already know what they are going to say about us before we even finish our song?" Last week, each contestant sang two Neil Diamond songs. At the end of the first performances, the judges were allowed only to issue a general critique. When evaluating Jason Castro, Paula Abdul spoke about his second song choice, saying it "left (her) a little empty." Castro, of course, had yet to sing his second song. Since Paula's statement, numerous blogs, newspapers and viewers have questioned whether she made an innocent mistake or if "Idol" contestants are unfairly judged. Is this controversy just Paula being Paula - a loopy, soft-spoken judge? Or do the judges see the performances before the show airs? (Abdul has since offered several explanations for the gaffe, attributing it variously to a mix-up with her notes to confusing the show with the dress rehearsal.) Every Tuesday before the live performance, there is a dress rehearsal. During the dress rehearsal, contestants go through the show as if it were live. There is a live audience, the cameras roll, Ryan Seacrest goes through what he is going to say on the show. Everything is real except for the judges' presence. "Idol" replaces the judges with stand-ins for the dress rehearsal. Then, three hours later, the singers go through it again, but it is live and America is watching. Unfortunately, few will ever know what goes on behind the scenes of a huge television production such as "Idol." Even though I was a contestant, I was unaware of whether the judges rehearse their critiques. What do you think? Does this controversy affect the credibility of "Idol" as a true talent show? Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 8 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts The second annual "Idol Gives Back" event airs Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on WFXT (Ch. 25). The first proved to be successful: "Idol" raised approximately $75 million to support charitable causes throughout the world, according to Fox. Performers such as Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts, Il Divo and Celine Dion provided their talents. Also, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, two previous "Idol" winners, performed. It was Clarkson's first performance back on the "Idol" stage. I hope this year's event will be just as good. I thought last year's set of performers was incredible, and I don't know if "Idol" can live up to the standards that it set in 2007. Wednesday's performers include Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connelly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams. Given this lineup, it is clear "Idol" is trying to attract a diverse audience. "Idol" is doing something honorable and genuine by raising money for those in need throughout the world. However, part of me thinks that one of the reasons for this event is to prove how much of a "powerhouse" the show is. The producers of the show have egos, and they know there is nothing better than showing off a room filled with celebrities who are worth millions to America. For this reason, "Idol Gives Back" takes away from the singers who are competing. People almost forget about them during the night. Last year, Ryan Seacrest announced that no one would be eliminated, and ultimately two people went home the following week. That process left me frustrated. But who cares when "Idol" is making millions from that one episode and giving to charities around the world? Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 1 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts Fox's "American Idol" has been a fantastic venue for former contestants. Last month, season five contender Kellie Pickler performed her country single "Red High Heels." She released the song in 2006, but it wasn’t until her performance on "Idol" that the song became popular. Pickler helped her efforts by wearing a short red dress and matching red stiletto heels. Similarly, season two contestant Kimberley Locke recently performed the song "Fall" from her latest CD. Locke's run on "Idol" was five years ago, so some kids who watch the show might not remember she finished third behind Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard. Locke's participation on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" last year gave her a confidence boost, but her performance on "Idol" put her back on the charts. Not only did she look stunning onstage, she also sounded powerful. America agreed; "Fall" is now one of Locke's most downloaded songs. No matter who sings on "Idol," the artist is guaranteed a boost in CD sales and popularity. I enjoy seeing former contestants sing their own material on the show. It shows how well they have grown since their time in the competition. Now "Idol" has to send me out to California so I can prove to Simon Cowell I am no longer robotic! Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 25 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts The last two weeks of Fox's "American Idol" have been all about the legendary Beatles. The contestants showed off a diverse selection of song choices from the Beatles library, but they didn't achieve what they had hoped for. The judges had nothing positive to say about song selection. Even America's favorites, Brooke White, Jason Castro and Michael Johns, all struggled last week with their material. In the end, however, it was Amanda Overmyer's rendition of "Back in the U.S.S.R." that got her eliminated from the show, rightfully so. "Idol" should not have started this season with genres. In previous years, the genres didn't start until the Top 12. I think the show should have continued that tradition this season. Forcing the Top 24 contestants to sing songs they normally wouldn't prohibits them from expressing themselves musically. When I was a contestant, we could choose the songs we wanted in the first few rounds of the show. By doing this, America got an idea of who we were as performers. Starting the genres so early limits the contestants' freedom of expression. Ryan Seacrest last week announced the future celebrity mentors for the upcoming episodes - Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. I am surprised there are only four. In years past, there were more mentors to give contestants advice, but the people chosen to help are incredibly well-known in their genres and will have a great impact on the contestants in the upcoming weeks. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 11 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts This past week the Top 12 were chosen on "American Idol." None of the eliminations were controversial and each contestant was rightfully eliminated. For those watching the show purely for its entertainment purposes, Danny Noriega's elimination may have been disappointing. However, after evaluating his talent, America made the right decision by voting him off. What I truly like about this season is each contestant brings a different element to the show, whether it be playing instruments on stage or showing their diverse personalities. This is by far the most talented Top 12 we have seen. Although it is too early to predict a winner, there are many contestants who have made me believe they could win the competition. For example, Brooke White's rendition of "Love is a Battlefield" was one of the most emotional performances I have seen on "Idol." On the same note, Jason Castro conquered the stage when he sang "Hallelujah." Both of these singers bring a much needed indie vibe to such a mainstream competition. Another potential "Idol" winner is David Archuleta. Although he is young, his voice is mature and soulful, which gives him an upper hand in the competition. Based on the demographics of likely "Idol" voters - young teenage girls - Archuleta has the best shot at winning. Others who are not as fortunate and need America's help are Kristy Lee Cook and Chikezie. Vocally, they do not measure up to the rest of the contestants. If they want to stay in the competition, they must improve drastically in the coming weeks. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. FEBRUARY 26 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts This past week we learned that many "American Idol" contestants have had prior recording and performing experience on a national scale. There's something wrong here. "Idol" is about the American Dream. It is about finding a diamond in the rough. It is about the rags-to-riches story. Since when has "American Idol" turned into a battle of the has-beens? Numerous contestants have already had their shot at stardom; give the amateurs a shot. When I was on the show two seasons ago, it was the same story. Lisa Tucker had been on Broadway, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry were already in bands that were selling CDs, and Mandisa was doing studio work and touring with famous country singers. These people are professionals who have been performing and recording for years. So is it fair that a professional like Taylor Hicks won the "American Idol" competition? I don't think it is. "American Idol" advertises itself as a show that finds the small-town wannabe and transforms him or her into a superstar. Season seven is jam-packed with professionals and that truly takes away from what the show is supposed to represent. I feel bad for contestants like David Archuleta, because his raw talent will hurt him in the end. He won't stand a chance against individuals who've already had record deals. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. FEBRUARY 19 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts .jpg) The "American Idol" judges have chosen their Top 24 for season seven. As a former contestant, I remember all the challenges I faced during Hollywood Week: the grueling group auditions, the late-night practice sessions, the fight for the last spot near the mirror to do your makeup, the lack of food for hungry contestants.
That was two years ago, and though some things have stayed the same, I see a drastic change in the direction "Idol" is taking this year. When I competed in season five, for instance, the only accompaniment we had in our Hollywood Week auditions was a piano. This year contestants were backed up by piano, guitar, bass and full drum set - they might as well have been opening up for Celine Dion. Only time will tell whether this is a step forward or a step back. I think those extra instruments were unnecessary, and took away from the vocals. Josiah, the boy who lives in his car, seemed to agree when he told the band to leave the stage so he could sing by himself. Bad move, Josiah - that cost you a spot in the Top 24. Some advice for future contestants: be careful about making drastic changes to classic songs. Stick to the basics of the melody and you will be appreciated a lot more. I'm looking forward to watching and hearing this year's contestants. They bring a range of new talent that "Idol" has been missing the past couple of seasons. Let’s hope the show also throws in more surprises - why not have contestants write and perform original songs? - and more interesting and challenging genres when the competition narrows to the Top 12. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. JANUARY 22 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts It is going to be another interesting year on Fox's "American Idol." As expected, there were multiple train wrecks on last week's season opener. What would the show be without them? I know I wouldn't watch. "American Idol" is all about sifting through the good, the bad and the ugly as it searches for its next superstar. Let's address the ugly. I was scared for Paula Abdul's safety after Paul the stalker auditioned. Not only was his song offensive, but even Simon Cowell was protective of his fellow judge. And what about Milo Turk? The man who was too old to audition in the first place sang "No Sex Allowed." Nothing tops Renaldo Lapuz's rendition of "We Are Brothers Forever," a song he dedicated to Cowell. The judges were so intrigued by Renaldo's performance that Paula jumped out of her seat and began awkwardly dancing and singing to the camera. The producers of the show will not let Paula live that one down. The judges bring the same energy and charisma to the show. Paula is still too nice to the contestants, Randy Jackson continues to use unnecessary hand gestures and say "dawg" too much, and Simon is still brutally honest to those who are not vocally talented. Philadelphia sent 29 contestants to Hollywood. Joey Catalano opened up the show by stating he had lost 204 pounds. His choice of song, "Sunday Morning," was enough to win him a ticket to the next round. What struck me most was his genuineness and the way he positively interacted with the judges. Joey's biggest competition so far is Oregon native Kristy Lee Cook. She trains horses, lives in a log cabin and competes in cage fighting. She is long, thin and beautiful. Guess what? She can sing. Season seven looks like it will be just like any other. Let's hope that the contestants bring more to the table than last year's performers. If not, the show risks losing more viewers. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. |
|||
 |
||||