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Season 7 of American Idol off to a "Professional" Start
January 24, 2008
By Craig Morrison
craig@craigandsam.com
Week one of the new season of American Idol has shown pretty much what we’re all used to: amateur singers, some good,
some bad, all pouring out whatever talent they have in an effort to win the brass ring of a recording contract.
But is American Idol really the amateur contest most Americans think it is? Controversy is brewing over the appearance of
professional entertainers on what most perceive to be a competition to find great, unknown or undiscovered talent.
Some names have drawn attention for not necessarily being amateur.
Kristy Lee Cook, the horse trainer from Salem, Oregon, who claimed to have had to sell off one of her horses to make the trip
to the Philadelphia auditions, was at one point signed to Arista Nashville records, and was even part of Britney Spears’
production company. It should be noted that Arista Nashville is part of Sony/BMG Music Entertainment, the parent company of
the affiliated record labels that have first rights to release materials from any American Idol contestant, raising questions about
the independence of the competition.
Look for the names of professional musicians Carly Hennessy Smithson, Brooke White and Jermaine Paul as well. Paul was
nominated for a Grammy award for a duet with Alicia Keys, And Smithson was signed to MCA Records under her maiden
name of Carly Henessey, who, after millions of dollars spent on her development, released an album in 2001, “Ultimate High”
(which reportedly sold only 2400 copies. Of note here, is that Sheila E, judge of last summer’s “Next Great American Band” on
Fox, is listed as a percussionist for the recording sessions. We’ll come back to Sheila E later. Brooke White is not currently
signed to a recording label, but was the opening act for Country singer Phil Vassar on his tour in 2007.
Also from the San Diego auditions, Michael Lee, formerly known as Michael Johns, is the former lead singer of the Australian
band Film that was signed to Maverick Records in 2003. Samantha Musa is an award winning gospel performer, and the guy
who claimed to be vocally paralyzed, David Archuleta, was the 2003 Junior Champion on Star Search.
It’s interesting to note that Archuleta met all the contestants in season one of American Idol, and even sang to them. See the
links below to see his performance for Kelly Clarkson and the season one gang on YouTube.
Some of the nutty auditions are professional comedians.
Remember Paul Marturano, who sang the infamous “stalker” song about trying on Paula Abdul’s underwear? It turns out that
Marturano is an up and coming improv comedian who has released two CD’s. In fact, this wasn’t even his first appearance on
National TV, or Fox for that matter. He made an appearance on Fox’s “The Magic Hour with Magic Johnson” as alter ego
“Pauly Nipple” in a video his band The Hairy Aureolas produced for the show singing a song as “Magic Hour’s” band leader
Sheila E’s “stalkers”. Sound familiar? Did Sheila E recommend Marturano to Fox’s Idol producers to reprise his act for Abdul
on Idol?
How about Milo Turk, the 39 year old that Simon, Randy and Paula allowed to audition even though he was obviously well
above the age requirements to qualify for Idol? He sang part of his original song, “No Sex Allowed” before getting the boot.
Turk is also a rising comedian associated with Marturano’s Off The Edge Productions.
Keep in mind that we’re just 2 weeks into a new season, and we don’t get to see or hear all of the auditioner’s who get a
golden ticket to Hollywood. How many other professionals are in the mix? It’ll be weeks before we find out.
What does is American Idol’s response?
Despite numerous media request for comment on the issue of professional singers competing on American Idol, all the
producers will do is refer media to their online FAQ which points out that “In order to be eligible, the contestants are not
permitted to have any CURRENT recording or talent management agreements”.
Question
Are American Idol’s producers just going through the motions in the audition process? Is American Idol still a competition, or
has the show turned into a vehicle for struggling artists, instead of helping an unknown make their dream come true?
UPDATE From the Charleston, South Carolina auditions:
London Weidberg was the name that stood out as being the professional in this mix. She admitted to Simon Cowell on camera
that she was a “full time musician”, and after a little research, she recorded a song that was used on the NBC show Vegas.
Email us your thoughts. Below are a few links to check out for more information on Idol auditioners/contestants.
London Weidberg- This is a story about one of the recording engineers handled the session for her recording for NBC.
http://mixonline.com/mixline/mclernon-api-lunchbox-061806/
Kristy Lee Cook press release
http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233653
Carly Hennessy
http://www.mcarecords.com/artistMain.asp?artistid=186
Paul Marturano- Paula’s “Stalker” from Philly
http://www.offtheedgeproductions.net/Paulmarturano.com/paulsmusicalcomedy.HTML
Jermaine Paul
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jermaine_Paul
Milo Turk, 39 Year Old Auditioner “No Sex Allowed”
http://myspace.com/miloturk1
David Archuleta the guy who claimed to be “vocally paralyzed” at the San Diego auditions singing for Kelly Clarkson and the
other season one contestants of American Idol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8SJXDPE_sQ
And Archuleta competing on Star Search in 2003:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ8uLFOwmtY&feature=related
American Idol “Professional” controversy grows
What is Randy Jackson’s connection to Carly Smithson?
February 13, 2008
By Craig Morrison
CraigandSam.com
As American Idol gets down to the Top 24 stage of competition, another controversy is brewing over the so-called use of
“plants” or “professionals” of this season of Idol. Rumors of the producers of the show planting talented performers on the show
is nothing new, but the re-appearance of Carly Hennessy/Carly Smithson is raising more than a few eyebrows.
Smithson auditioned in Season 5, and qualified for Hollywood Week, but was unable to compete because she was an Irish
citizen, and could not get a visa from the US government in time to continue, so she pulled out. Producers have been dying ever
since to get her back on the show. Why?
Because she’s good enough to have had a major recording company sign her to a contract, and after lackluster sales from
recent Idols like Taylor Hicks and Jordan Sparks, Idol producers are looking for someone who is marketable. In 2001 Smithson,
under her maiden name of Hennessy, released an album titled “Ultimate High”. After sinking nearly $2 million dollars into
developing Smithson/Hennessey as a performer, she was ultimately dropped from her label, MCA Records, due to lackluster
sales. While not a great track record sales-wise, at least she already knows the ropes behind the scenes.
But here is where American Idol producers have raised a few eyebrows. Idol judge Randy Jackson, prior to his current TV job,
wasn’t just known for being a great studio and backup musician, he was also known for having a great ear for new, talented
acts. Jackson spent 8 years at Columbia Records as vice president of Artists and Repertoire (A & R), before moving to the
same post at MCA Records.
What does someone in the A& R department at a major record label do? That job description would include signing contracts
with artists and helping develop their careers while at the label. That is exactly what Jackson did for MCA Records from 1998 to
2002. In fact Jackson was part of the same A & R team at MCA that signed Smithson/Hennessey to that label in 1999, and
worked to guide her to her 2001 studio release. Fast forward to 2008 and she’s set to compete in the Top 24 of American Idol,
to be judged by her former A & R VP Randy Jackson.
Can you say conflict of interest dawg?
What is Randy Jackson’s connection to Carly Smithson?
February 13, 2008
By Craig Morrison
CraigandSam.com
As American Idol gets down to the Top 24 stage of competition, another controversy is brewing over the so-called use of
“plants” or “professionals” of this season of Idol. Rumors of the producers of the show planting talented performers on the show
is nothing new, but the re-appearance of Carly Hennessy/Carly Smithson is raising more than a few eyebrows.
Smithson auditioned in Season 5, and qualified for Hollywood Week, but was unable to compete because she was an Irish
citizen, and could not get a visa from the US government in time to continue, so she pulled out. Producers have been dying ever
since to get her back on the show. Why?
Because she’s good enough to have had a major recording company sign her to a contract, and after lackluster sales from
recent Idols like Taylor Hicks and Jordan Sparks, Idol producers are looking for someone who is marketable. In 2001 Smithson,
under her maiden name of Hennessy, released an album titled “Ultimate High”. After sinking nearly $2 million dollars into
developing Smithson/Hennessey as a performer, she was ultimately dropped from her label, MCA Records, due to lackluster
sales. While not a great track record sales-wise, at least she already knows the ropes behind the scenes.
But here is where American Idol producers have raised a few eyebrows. Idol judge Randy Jackson, prior to his current TV job,
wasn’t just known for being a great studio and backup musician, he was also known for having a great ear for new, talented
acts. Jackson spent 8 years at Columbia Records as vice president of Artists and Repertoire (A & R), before moving to the
same post at MCA Records.
What does someone in the A& R department at a major record label do? That job description would include signing contracts
with artists and helping develop their careers while at the label. That is exactly what Jackson did for MCA Records from 1998 to
2002. In fact Jackson was part of the same A & R team at MCA that signed Smithson/Hennessey to that label in 1999, and
worked to guide her to her 2001 studio release. Fast forward to 2008 and she’s set to compete in the Top 24 of American Idol,
to be judged by her former A & R VP Randy Jackson.
Can you say conflict of interest dawg?
(Archvied article from our home page dated February 20, 2008)
CarLIE My mother taught me that not telling the whole truth was the same as lying. On American Idol, Carly finally admitted she had a record deal
but said her label "imploded," so she lost it. Here's the part she failed to mention. Her career was such a monumental flop, the Wall Street Journal
did a story on it and interviewed Carly and execs at MCA. (READ) Carly got a six-album deal, $100,000 in advance and $5000 per month in living
expenses. MCA paid her rent and gave her a car. After recording sessions, promotions, recording again, image makeovers and more, MCA had
spent over $2 million trying to get this turkey to fly. Radio wouldn't play it. Record stores wouldn't buy it. Finally, after two years, MCA decided to stop
the bleeding and told her to return the car and go back to Ireland. Then she turned up in San Diego trying to get on Idol in Season 5 but had visa
problems. Now she's married with a new name, a new nationality, a reinvented past and the support of the man who oversaw artist development
while she was with MCA, Randy Jackson - who sang her praises on Idol Wednesday. You just lost my respect, Dawg.
CarLIE My mother taught me that not telling the whole truth was the same as lying. On American Idol, Carly finally admitted she had a record deal
but said her label "imploded," so she lost it. Here's the part she failed to mention. Her career was such a monumental flop, the Wall Street Journal
did a story on it and interviewed Carly and execs at MCA. (READ) Carly got a six-album deal, $100,000 in advance and $5000 per month in living
expenses. MCA paid her rent and gave her a car. After recording sessions, promotions, recording again, image makeovers and more, MCA had
spent over $2 million trying to get this turkey to fly. Radio wouldn't play it. Record stores wouldn't buy it. Finally, after two years, MCA decided to stop
the bleeding and told her to return the car and go back to Ireland. Then she turned up in San Diego trying to get on Idol in Season 5 but had visa
problems. Now she's married with a new name, a new nationality, a reinvented past and the support of the man who oversaw artist development
while she was with MCA, Randy Jackson - who sang her praises on Idol Wednesday. You just lost my respect, Dawg.
TO SUM UP THE CARLY CONTROVERSY: Randy Jackson was Senior Vice President of A & R at MCA during the time Carly
Hennessy-Smithson was signed to MCA. The primary concern that has yet to be addressed is the conflict of interest on the part
of Randy Jackson and any prior experiences he may have had with Carly. She was part of the system for two years while
Randy was the boss. She had a six-album contract that included $100,000 in advance and roughly $5,000 per month. The
record was one of the most expensive flops in music history - so much so, that it was the focus of lectures and an article in the
Wall Street Journal. If MCA spent $2 milllion on a record that failed so publicly right under Randy's nose, and as Sr. VP and he
didn't know about it, he surely would have been fired. So now here she is on American Idol, being judged (PRAISED) by Randy
Jackson. This just leaves us to wonder how long it will be before MCA re-releases Carly's turkey of a CD in an effort to recoup
that $2 mil. Isn't it convenient to have an old friend like Randy Jackson on the show as a judge?
Hennessy-Smithson was signed to MCA. The primary concern that has yet to be addressed is the conflict of interest on the part
of Randy Jackson and any prior experiences he may have had with Carly. She was part of the system for two years while
Randy was the boss. She had a six-album contract that included $100,000 in advance and roughly $5,000 per month. The
record was one of the most expensive flops in music history - so much so, that it was the focus of lectures and an article in the
Wall Street Journal. If MCA spent $2 milllion on a record that failed so publicly right under Randy's nose, and as Sr. VP and he
didn't know about it, he surely would have been fired. So now here she is on American Idol, being judged (PRAISED) by Randy
Jackson. This just leaves us to wonder how long it will be before MCA re-releases Carly's turkey of a CD in an effort to recoup
that $2 mil. Isn't it convenient to have an old friend like Randy Jackson on the show as a judge?
David Cook will reunite with his cancer stricken brother at American Idol
April 14, 2008
By Craig Morrison
CraigandSam.com
Craig and Sam salute B102.7 in Terre Haute, Indiana, for going to great lengths to reunite Adam Cook with his brother,
American Idol finalist David Cook, as he moves into the Top 7 stage of the competition this week.
The Cook brothers have not seen each other for months since David has been under wraps by American Idol producers, so
B102.7 teamed up with Clarian Health Partner Lifeline to send Adam and his wife to Hollywood to watch David compete. Adam
Cook was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and doctors feared he would not live long enough to see his brother before the
Idol finale in May, assuming David is still in the competition.
If you recall, David was sent to the hospital after an episode of American Idol due to a heart condition. The condition was
reportedly aggravated due to stress of competing on Idol, combined with receiving bad news of Adam's condition.
Doctors have warned against airplane travel, so B102.7 stepped up so special medical transportation will be provided to make
the 2,000-mile trip to Hollywood, thanks to the support of Terre Haute listeners and local businesses. Adam is currently a
resident of that area.
Fans of David Cook, American Idol, and good deeds in general can send "atta-boys" to the station at www.b1027fm.com Adam
Michaels is the station Program Director.
April 14, 2008
By Craig Morrison
CraigandSam.com
Craig and Sam salute B102.7 in Terre Haute, Indiana, for going to great lengths to reunite Adam Cook with his brother,
American Idol finalist David Cook, as he moves into the Top 7 stage of the competition this week.
The Cook brothers have not seen each other for months since David has been under wraps by American Idol producers, so
B102.7 teamed up with Clarian Health Partner Lifeline to send Adam and his wife to Hollywood to watch David compete. Adam
Cook was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and doctors feared he would not live long enough to see his brother before the
Idol finale in May, assuming David is still in the competition.
If you recall, David was sent to the hospital after an episode of American Idol due to a heart condition. The condition was
reportedly aggravated due to stress of competing on Idol, combined with receiving bad news of Adam's condition.
Doctors have warned against airplane travel, so B102.7 stepped up so special medical transportation will be provided to make
the 2,000-mile trip to Hollywood, thanks to the support of Terre Haute listeners and local businesses. Adam is currently a
resident of that area.
Fans of David Cook, American Idol, and good deeds in general can send "atta-boys" to the station at www.b1027fm.com Adam
Michaels is the station Program Director.
Johns Flushed Shock, controversy - Michael Johns voted off American Idol. Conspiracy theories had run rampant
across the Internet Thursday, speculating that since the producers' pet, Carly, had a rough week and was predicted to go, they
would repeat last year's Idol Gives Back generosity and not eliminate anyone. As a result, Carly would be discretely spared.
Instead, Ryan shocked the world when he announced Syesha and Carly were safe. Dialidol tracks calls, and TiVo tracks most
watched performances. Dialidol predicted Carly would go, and TiVo predicted Syesha. Michael wasn't in the bottom three
according to any tracking sources. Fans are also calling Ryan "cruel" for the way he broke the news.
New conspiracy theory: Since the plot was exposed, they booted Michael as a cover to hide the their protection of Carly. His
departure certainly overshadowed the shock of Carly surviving the cut. Instead of headlines full of suspicion and speculating
about how Carly could have survived, the media focused on the shock over Michael Johns' leaving. If Idol would reveal voting
stats, or let a third party monitor them for fairness, maybe people would stop thinking producers are up to no good.
across the Internet Thursday, speculating that since the producers' pet, Carly, had a rough week and was predicted to go, they
would repeat last year's Idol Gives Back generosity and not eliminate anyone. As a result, Carly would be discretely spared.
Instead, Ryan shocked the world when he announced Syesha and Carly were safe. Dialidol tracks calls, and TiVo tracks most
watched performances. Dialidol predicted Carly would go, and TiVo predicted Syesha. Michael wasn't in the bottom three
according to any tracking sources. Fans are also calling Ryan "cruel" for the way he broke the news.
New conspiracy theory: Since the plot was exposed, they booted Michael as a cover to hide the their protection of Carly. His
departure certainly overshadowed the shock of Carly surviving the cut. Instead of headlines full of suspicion and speculating
about how Carly could have survived, the media focused on the shock over Michael Johns' leaving. If Idol would reveal voting
stats, or let a third party monitor them for fairness, maybe people would stop thinking producers are up to no good.
April 29, 2008: A major blunder from Paula is causing virtual riots across the Internet. In an effort to save time, the plan was
for all the contestants to sing one song each with no judging, then sing another. The judges were to give their evaluations after
everyone sang. After Round 1, Ryan asked them to run down their thoughts. Randy complied. Paula started with Jason and
critiqued BOTH his performances, saying his second song, which he had not yet sung, made her feel "empty." Mass
confusion ensued. Randy tried to explain, she blamed it on the new system, then she said she was looking at David Cook's
notes. So David's performance made her feel empty? Simon tried to bail her out by asking point-blank who her favorite was,
and she said "David Cook." But she had just said her bad review was meant for David instead of Jason. Nice try. Simon ended
the confusion by stopping her and raking all the singers over the coals. Here's the deal. Simon made headlines April 23, 2007,
when he confessed to Ellen he paid more attention to rehearsals than the live show, because there are fewer distractions.
Apparently, Paula does the same thing, but she didn't have the brains to follow the judging changes, and she revealed the
prejudging on live TV. Jason fans are furious, because his second performance was half-hearted. After hearing a judge criticize
him before he sang, what was the point? Paula then called Syesha "Brooke." Was she reading Brooke's notes to Syesha?
for all the contestants to sing one song each with no judging, then sing another. The judges were to give their evaluations after
everyone sang. After Round 1, Ryan asked them to run down their thoughts. Randy complied. Paula started with Jason and
critiqued BOTH his performances, saying his second song, which he had not yet sung, made her feel "empty." Mass
confusion ensued. Randy tried to explain, she blamed it on the new system, then she said she was looking at David Cook's
notes. So David's performance made her feel empty? Simon tried to bail her out by asking point-blank who her favorite was,
and she said "David Cook." But she had just said her bad review was meant for David instead of Jason. Nice try. Simon ended
the confusion by stopping her and raking all the singers over the coals. Here's the deal. Simon made headlines April 23, 2007,
when he confessed to Ellen he paid more attention to rehearsals than the live show, because there are fewer distractions.
Apparently, Paula does the same thing, but she didn't have the brains to follow the judging changes, and she revealed the
prejudging on live TV. Jason fans are furious, because his second performance was half-hearted. After hearing a judge criticize
him before he sang, what was the point? Paula then called Syesha "Brooke." Was she reading Brooke's notes to Syesha?
In an attempt to explain herself, Paula called Ryan Seacrest's radio show Wednesday. It didn't help. Listen to Paula's incoherent explanation.
Guess What We Got? American Idol sent out a survey a few days ago asking people what they would change about the show if they could. There is
a new, different American Idol survey that was distributed Friday (May 2, 2002), and we got one! It was sent to select members of ratethemusic.com,
and it focuses on Ryan and the judges. They ask which of Idol personalities we would "vote off" if we could. Wanna see what they asked? We've
posted some of the questions at our new message board - CLICK HERE - and let us know your thoughts by voting!
a new, different American Idol survey that was distributed Friday (May 2, 2002), and we got one! It was sent to select members of ratethemusic.com,
and it focuses on Ryan and the judges. They ask which of Idol personalities we would "vote off" if we could. Wanna see what they asked? We've
posted some of the questions at our new message board - CLICK HERE - and let us know your thoughts by voting!