American Idol Season 1 – The Season That Started It All

Yes, it was only a little less than five years ago, June 11, 2002, when American Idol was first televised and a show bigger and more popular than most people could have imagined was born. Today it would be hard to find a person in America who hasn’t at least heard of American Idol. Love it or hate it, it is an American icon of a show that doesn’t show signs of slowing down. In fact, it only seems to be getting bigger.

What was the first season like? The first two shows were dedicated to the judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell going to auditions (held in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles) and finding contestants to send on to Hollywood week. One hundred twenty one contestants made it to Hollywood to try to earn one of the 30 spots to move on to the rounds where the public started voting.

During weeks three, four, and five of the show, 10 of the 30 contestants performed. America voted and only 3 out of each group of 10 moved on. Then, on week six, five wildcard contestants returned to the show with the judges picking one of those contestants to go on, for a total of 10 contestants in the final rounds.

The following week, two contestants were sent home. Then the show started eliminating contestants one by one until there were only two contestants left.

Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini were the season one finalists. Kelly took the crown on September 4, 2002 and has gone on to become a very successful pop artist with a couple of Grammy awards to her name, several hit songs, and several highly successful albums. She’s become one of the top names in pop music.

After the first season ended, Kelly and Justin made a movie aptly titled “From Justin to Kelly,” but their American Idol popularity didn’t transfer to the big movie screen. The movie was a flop, although the poor plot may have had a lot to do with its terrible performance.

Although the runners up in later seasons of American Idol have had as much, and sometimes more, success than the winner, that wasn’t the case season 1’s runner-up, Justin Guarini although the American Idol rules at that time probably contributed to his difficulties. At that time the Idol rules didn’t allow Justin to release any albums or taking outside offers of any kind until Kelly’s album was released. He was forced to turn down several offers to appear on television shows, to model for Tommy Hilfiger, and doing the soundtrack recording for at least one film.

By the time Justin was allowed to release his own album, he was competing with the releases of the Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, the season two winner and runner-up. His appearances on the newly syndicated show, American Idol Rewind, seem to be helping him gain more notice again.

Tamrya Gray, who finished fourth on the show, has been doing okay. She has released her first album to tepid sales, but has had some success with several acting projects she has done.

Nikki McKibbin, who finished third the first season, has struggled since American Idol ended but she is finally getting back to her musical roots. Her debut album is slated to be released May 1, 2007.

The most current season of American Idol, season 6, will have several more episodes in it than the first season. Another notable difference is that during Hollywood week the judges (yes it’s still Randy, Paula, and Simon) decide who the top 24 contestants are. Then for three weeks, the guys and girls sing on different nights and only compete among themselves. Each week, 2 guys and 2 girls are eliminated. Then when there are 6 guys and 6 girls left, those final 12 will start to compete head to head, regardless of gender.

Even if you aren’t a fan of singing, you may want to watch the show just to see Simon Cowell, one of the judges, spew his very creative criticisms of the contestants each week. It’s a fun show.

Originally posted 2009-12-28 08:21:07.

Sexual Intercourse American Style (Ep. 2: Whipped Cream)

Fran hurts Tom by feeding her powerful sexual appetite. An erotic voyage not to be missed.

Originally posted 2010-01-20 15:29:53.

Sexual Intercourse: American Style (ep. 2)

Fran hurts Tom by feeding her powerful sexual appetite. An erotic voyage not to be missed.

Originally posted 2010-01-21 15:31:23.

American Idol 7: Hollywood Week Recap

The Hollywood week of this season’s American Idol gave us some surprises. Unlike before, each of the 164 finalists was given the chance to choose to sing with or without an instrument. If they have the talent, they can pick up the guitar or play the piano. There was also no grouping of contestants this time. And second chances were offered. After their initial songs, the non-approved contestants were again asked to sing in a cappella, and the judges chose another few from them and asked them to move on to the final round, where they compete with the winners from earlier rounds. On the final round, all the aspirants were asked to sing with a band and back-up singers. Until the judges finally narrowed down their list to 50 contenders.

As always, it’s impossible to please everybody. Hollywood week’s new format had some good reactions and some bad ones. For one, viewers found the episode less exciting than the previous Hollywood weeks. But on the other hand, more talents were discovered and exposed as many chances were given to the contestants.

Among the scenes missed by the avid fans are the trio performances, the struggle of one person as he tries to squeeze himself into a group, the never-ending arguments late at nights and all those stuffs that used to be. Other viewers even found the episode boring. But the new format actually worked for some of the contestants.

Brooke White rose above others after displaying her skills in playing the keyboards. The judges were clearly impressed with her performance. Josiah Leming also got the Judges approval. This man, who lives in his car and sings with a British accent, did a rendition of Mika’s song “Grace Kelly” and immediately awed everybody, gaining him a spot in the top 50.

On the next episode of American Idol, the judges will choose 24 semi-finalists from the 50 contenders. To find out who will and will not make it, keep on watching the hit talent series.

For more resources about American Idol or for the full story of American Idol 7: Hollywood Week Recap please review http://www.buddytv.com

Originally posted 2009-12-30 02:23:38.