Archive for August, 2010
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‘American Idol’ Responds After ‘X Factor’ Scandal
American Idol and auto tune X Factor
Phil Mccarten/Reuters Simon Cowell, the former “American Idol” judge and “X Factor” creator.No sooner has Simon Cowell departed from “American Idol” than the reality series has started distancing itself from that acid-tongued former judge, as his British series “The X Factor” finds itself embroiled in scandal.
Producers of Fox’s “American Idol” said in a statement reported by The Associated Press that they do not use pitch-correcting technology to tweak the singing voices of their show’s contestants.
The statement was not merely a fait accompli for “Idol” viewers who have become accustomed to performers who can be occasionally out of tune (or “pitchy,” to borrow Randy Jackson’s coinage): it was a preemptive measure at a time when “The X Factor” is being assailed for misrepresenting the abilities of its contenders.
Producers of “The X Factor,” which Mr. Cowell created and plans to bring to American television next year, have acknowledged that they used the pitch-correcting program Auto-Tune to correct the voices of some singers on the show, though they said it was to compensate for the different microphones used during their performances.
In their statement the “American Idol” producers wrote, “We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the ‘American Idol’ competition.”
Report: Steven Tyler confirmed for ‘American Idol
Steven Tyler is American Idol next judge…
Today 6:20 AM PDT by Ted Casablanca and Taryn Ryder
Steven Tyler is signed, sealed, and Idol‘d.
While Fox officially says “no comment,” a very-inside music source confirms the flamboyant Aerosmith singer finalized negotiations late last week and is officially signed on to be a judge on the 10th season of American Idol. Whew, now we have somebody else to wear wackier makeup than Paula Abdul ever did, too fab!
And as far as that other glitzy gal rumored to be seated at the judge’s table…
Idol-wise, Jennifer Lopez‘s diva demands haven’t totally put her out of the running for the gig. But supposedly asking for pay north of $20 million—plus her own hair, makeup, styling team and “dressing room compound”—isn’t in tune with what Fox had in mind. Especially since they are still in talks with other big celeb names.
Tyler probably would have gotten away with anything since he hasn’t been causing that much of a fuss, but mostly what he’s asked for, so far, is that he looks real friggin’ good when he hits the boob-tube this fall.
Like top-notch wardrobe and makeup team on deck at all times (but, trust, he’s not being J.Lo about it, at all). And that’s a good thing—like we said, ever since Paula took off, Idol desperately needs someone who brings the crazy fashion and makeup.
As for just bringing the crazy?
That’s going to have to be filled by whoever the next judge will be. Any suggestions out there folks? Its crunch time over at Fox so now is the time to be vocal.
And we’re not being sarcastic when we say they should give Jessica Simpson another thought. It would be like Chicken of the Sea meets, like, music. Totally awesomeness.
Does ‘American Idol’ need an extreme makeover?
Does ‘American Idol’ need an extreme makeover?
Published: Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 8:00 AM
If you take the chocolate frosting and the creamy filling out of a Hostess Cup Cake, do you still have a Hostess Cup Cake?
Not even close.
If you take Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi out of “American Idol,” do you still have “American Idol?” Read More…
Canadian Shania Twain for American Idol
Shania Twain For American Idol
Country singer is hot favourite after J-Lo’s demands got too high…
Shania Twain is in talks to join the judging panel of American Idol, according to reports.
Jennifer Lopez had been the frontrunner to replace Ellen DeGeneres but negotiations are said to have broken down due to J-Lo’s contract demands.
Now that Shania’s name has been linked to the show, industry insiders are claiming she has always been near the top of the Idol wish list. “They’ve been after her ever since she was a mentor on the show last season,” a source is quoted as saying. “And they haven’t given up.”
The You’re Still The One singer had a successful stint as a mentor to the contestants in the last round, and also impressed when she filled in for Paula Abdul on the judges’ panel. At the time, a friend revealed Shania was having a ball. “She’s loving American Idol. She’s having the best time. She and Simon have a really great rapport with each other. They’re funny together.”
And it seems the people behind-the-scenes liked Shania too. “The crew loved working with her,” a source told People magazine. “Everyone thought she was a great addition to the judges’ table. She showed up in good spirits and had a lot of fun. She was clearly really excited to be a part of the day.”
They are also after a replacement for Simon Cowell, after he quit the judging panel of American Idol to concentrate on taking X Factor to the States. Names in the frame include Harry Connick Jr, Chris Isaak, Gene Simmons and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
