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Nigel screwed up. Big. Freaking. Time.
Josiah Lemming should've been in the top 24. He should've been in the top 10. He should've been in the top 5. The kid is seriously one of the most original contestants ever on Idol and is one of the most original songwriters I have heard in a long freaking time. His stuff is really acoustic and the recordings aren't great. But when you listen to those freaking songs...holy cow. The dude is good.
I seriously have not been this electrified by someone this young ever. He's good.
No. He is great.
Go over to myspace.com/josiahleming and buy his tracks. You won't regret it. I want you to trust me on this: this kid will win a Grammy within the next 10 years. He is incredible.
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I pretty much liked what I heard from him other than his last hollywood performance. They didn't portray him in the best way though, they made him out to be a bit annoying.. but I know that's just editing. I'll have to check out his music myspace now, thanks for the link.
Happy Valentines Day everyone :)
Lori-Still no baby, such a stubborn and very comfy girl. We have another ultrasound saturday to check on everything so I'll let you know details then. The good news is that no matter what, she'll be here by tuesday, so we're almost there. My sister has been feeling crappy the last few days so we're all definitely ready for Amelia to come. How's Teddy doing?
My family was so mad he didn't make it. It was weird to me how the producers seemed to make a big deal about his part on the show and then cut him at the last minute. I'm also annoyed that Kyle Ensley didn't make it. He was a bit broadway-ish but his voice was great. Do you know if either of them are able to come back next year or is there a rule that once you hit Top 50 it's a no go?
I heard Josiah is going to be on Ellen so it's pretty interesting that someone cut so early seems to be getting press already. That never seems to happen.
Man, I'm comparing his singing on the show and on his myspace. I gotta tell ya, the show really didn't do justice. Like Tawny said, they didn't portray him in the best way.
In fact, I thought he was going to be the next Sanjaya as far as people supporting him because he didn't sing as well as the others. But he didn't even come close to Sanjaya's obnoxiousness (which I think is why so many people were supporting him). Josiah was really humble..which is always an attractive quality. I just didn't feel as drawn to his voice as you.
Chris, do you have intentions of inviting Josiah to the picnic? That'd be pretty cool.
I was kind of annoyed too, that Kyle didn't go to the top 24...but really excited that Brooke went through!! She really has a good chance of winning the entire show. I'll be pulling for her!!
Wow Chris, I so agree on this! I have been listening to Josiah's stuff nonstop for the past couple days! He is the most original contestant they have shown to this point this season, and I think he is really talented. I think he was definitely deserving of top 24, but I hope that he will be better able to do his own thing, free of Idol producers.
I would have liked to see Kyle in the top 24, just to see what he could do with the themes. He seems like a sweet kid.
I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite from the people left. I really liked Brooke's Hollywood week performance.
Chris you should produce him! :)
Josiah was the only contestant I was somewhat intrigued by and really rooting for. When they didnt let him through it really annoyed me. Made me want to watch this season even less.
Chris' radio tour will be exciting enough. :)
Tawny- is your sister now 1 week overdue? Ugh I hope I'm not in that situation. Glad Amelia will be here by Tuesday! I think Teddy's starting to "drop" which is exciting - sign that it's almost over! (In another month, anyway ;).
OMG Norm that is an AWESOME idea for Josiah to come to the picnic. He can be our honorary Fro Patro-er.
He is a Tenessenian after all! (Can't spell that word to save my life).
I think the doors will already be open for that kid. He is going to be just fine. As we all know you don't have to actually win Idol to be just fine.
Hey Chris I found myself a 1965 Gibson Acoustic that has been in one family since it was bought. I underbid the asking price because I didn't want to get it without the proper consent of a very loving wife. The guy liked my attitude and decided to take my offer.
Tawny - I have a beautiful 10 year old daughter named Amelia. It made me smile to see someone is planning to naming their daughter that.
I thought Josiah was very good too. I hope he ends up getting somewhere out of all of this.
I was so disappointed when Josiah was cut. I loved that kid.
Chris~Lori's right,why don't you produce him and you need to invite him to the picnic.
I was also disappointed that Kyle was cut. Invite him to the picnic also.
On the basis of your glowing recommendation, I'm going to check out Josiah's myspace. His voice didn't blow me away, but then again, I haven't looked at the stuff he's written. He's just got to get out of that car! The mom in me is aching for him and for his family, worrying about him living that way. I'm glad you've taken a shine to him....maybe you can give him some good guidance that will help him.
He's awfully young and he needs to finish high school or at least get his GED.
I actually offered a couple of weeks ago to produce him for free. But apparently there's a groundswell of support for him and someone said labels are contacting him, so, I'm hoping he doesn't need me!
i really hope he can come out of this on top. He really is talented.
Chris
Whether he needs you professionally or not, he'll need your friendship and maybe some hints on staying grounded. If he's getting that many offers, that's pretty mind-boggling for somebody so young.
I think you'd be a good mentor for him.
Chris~that is so cool that you already offered to produce him.
I'm big on spoilers *gasp* so I knew in advance that Josiah didn't make it (along with a few others I was rooting for). I think it's a shame for the producers to give someone so much air time when they aren't going to be in the Top 24! I thought Josiah was okay and was glad he got a trip to Hollywood, but when he sang and played the keyboard at Hollywood, I was even more enthusiastic about him!
I actually like a lot of the contestants in the Top 24, so I'll still be watching. And reading reviews. No more spoilers. ;-)
Chris,
Couldn't agree more about Josiah. There is something uniquely special about him, can't quite put my finger on it. Can't quite follow the logic of cutting him loose. He could sing and he made for a great back story. He was so obviously emotionally wrung out in his last performance, I wondered if they thought he couldn't mentally handle the whole exhausting grind that is AI.
Nevertheless, it sounds like he will succeed in spite of getting the boot.
Ditto on the mentor thing, you'd be great.
Chris, I am glad he didn't make it through, because I hate it when Idol gets control of the really talented ones. Their contracts are so restricting, and they make too much money off these young artist.
I am sure he will do fine without them. He reminds me of a young Bob Dylan. Great writer, voice uniquely his own.
Gotta say I disagree Chris. I mean, he was AWESOME with that keyboard and he has an edge and he's a great songwriter. Hopefully he'll get something out of this.
But I don't think he would stand a chance moving forward with no instrument and a demanding repertoire that he couldn't control.
Just my opinion though.
ChevyCeleb,
No problem with disagreeing. You may be right...but do we know that they can't play instruments in the semis and finals? I hadn't seen anything about it yet. And you never know...I mean once you get into the top 24, you have a lot more freedom with song choice and arrangement, which from the looks of it he did not in Hollywood.
He definitely isn't the Idol usual...I think he's like me (but to an even greater degree) in that he's not used to performing covers....he wants to perform his stuff. But I still think in comparison to people who made it, he deserved a chance to be in the top 24. Let America decide if he's good enough.
But that's obviously my opinion...no biggie in disagreeing!
Chris
Just saw a movie called "Once" Didn't know anything about it and it blew me away. The main "guy" is Glen Hansard of the Irish rock band The Frames. Apparently the film's original music has been nominated for an Academy Award and also received two Grammy Award nominations. Not sure how I missed knowing about it.
That's really cool of you to have already offered to produce him - youre on top of things. Glad to hear he has so much interest already; although I'm not surprised!
As I said in another post (don't know if anyone read it), I think this years top 24 seems like a good group. And while my mom was positively livid that they didn't let that Josiah kid go through, I agree with the decision.
Did I like him? Yes. Do I think he's talented? Absolutely. Do I think he should have been put through to the top 24? No. Not every talented musician is right for American Idol. I believe that Josiah is a talented musician and probably a very good song writer... But at the end of the day, Idol is about two things: How well you can sing and how well you can perform. While Josiah's singing was good, it was not great. And when he didn't have a piano in front of him, I felt his performance was awkward.
I love American Idol. I think it's a great show and a lot of good talent has come from it. However, I don't think every musician is right for Idol, and Josiah is one of those people.
I hope he gets signed and gets to put out an album and becomes very successful, because I believe he deserves it.... But I agree with the judges that he should not be in the top 24.
I agree, I was so upset, he was really good they picked that last guy who they hardly showed and he was not even good, what in the world were they thinking, He could have gone all they way, I love keen and snow patrol and he was that good like them, They pick guys that they nver showed s inging, what in the world, Not to mention he was deserving the most, I wanted to cry, Im the biggest AI fan but this is a big blow. I sure hope some big wig picks him up and trains him and offers him adeal because at this point I bet he be better off then Ai, I know they turn out pretty good but theres a bunch that arnt good and record sales show.I have no talent in singing, but I have an ear tehre is a ton crap out there that should nver make ita nd someone this good definitly deserves to get somewhere
CHRIS,
I FELT THE SAME ABOUT JOSIAH...IF ANYONE DESERVED A SECOND CHANCE HERE IT WAS HIM...THEY SENT THAT GIRL WHO LOST HER VOICE TO THE 24. SHE DID PULL IT OUT ONLY ONCE THOUGH. I THINK WITH A VOCAL COACH AND PROPER MUSIC PRODUCTION HE COULD HAVE "NAILED" IT AS THEY SAY...BIG MISTAKE... NOT TO SEE WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN WITH A LITTLE HELP ON THEIR PART...I WAS TOTALLY CRUSHED FOR THE BOY. SENSITIVE OR NOT HE WOULD HAVE DONE FAR BEYOND IF GIVEN THE CHANCE. OVER CONFIDENT.... IS THAT SUCH A MISTAKE??? THEY WANT THAT!!! OR SO I THOUGHT.... THEY PREACH CONFIDENCE.... THEN WHEN SOMEONE IS.... THEY REJECT IT...
WAZZZZZUP WITH THAT?
ONE QUESTION CHRIS:
IF HE DIDN'T MAKE IT THIS YEAR CAN HE STILL TRY NEXT TIME OR IS REJECTION FROM THIS ROUND THE END OF THE LINE? I'VE SEEN SOME REPEATERS BUT,DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY CAN AFTER THEY MAKE IT TO HOLLYWOOD. PLEASE ANSWER THIS FOR ME.YOU HAVE THE INSIDE SCOOP AND I AM WONDERING. ONE GOOD THING I CAN SAY ABOUT IDOL IS THAT EXPOSURE IS THE BEST. TO JUST GET IT OUT THERE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THIS JUST MIGHT BE HIS OPEN WINDOW TO A MORE AMAZING LIFE FOR HIM... AS THEY SAY
"WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES... A WINDOW OPENS" IT SO REMINDS ME OF A STORY
ABOUT A ROCKER FROM GREENVILLE S.C.
NOW LOOK AT THE BLESSINGS HE'S ENCOUNTERED....RIGHT???
PEACE & LOVE...........
ONE LOVE.....................
To be honest I didn't really like Josiah's voice on Idol, but now I see they just put him in a bad light. The music on his myspace isn't all that bad.
But come on, Chris. You know you're more awesome than he is.
And I agree with Norm. HE SHOULD COME TO THE PICNIC!
Speaking of those and instruments, what do you think about Brooke White? (love her)
Josiah is definitely not typical "Idol" fare. I wish him the best in his music career though. It'd be cool if he was an "Idol" success story without even making it to the voting stages.
This isn't related to Josiah, but one of this year's top 24 mentioned Chris in her interview video. I thought that was pretty cool.
I have to respectfully disagree.
I thought that he was going to make it, but pretty much only because the show had spent so much time focusing on him.
He was competing with many many other interesting, talented, young people, and he didn't get picked. That's all there is to it for me.
They have to go by what they see, and apparently, if he is so awesome, he didn't show them that at auditions.
Ian,
Thanks for that link, I really like her. She seems very confident in who she is and I just love that she compares herself to Chris bc as she says, she's very outspoken.
DJ
I agree that Josiah had the potential to make AI more interesting this season and that he's an interesting songwriter/singer. But I also have to think that he's better off not going any further on AI. AI seems pretty brutal on contestants' egos, and Josiah appeared to be on the sensitive/immature side from what they showed on t.v. He's already a household name, and it sounds like he's gotten the break he was looking for, so although I would have liked to seen more of him on AI, I think he's probably better off on his own at this point.
She does seem to have confidence, and not the cocky kind, but the kind where you're sure who you are on the inside. That's what they need. I'll be watching her. (and what good taste she has as well to mention our friend, Chris!)
Risa
I LOOOOVED this boy and it isn't just because he lives just a few miles from me. My 13 yr old son said they will bring him back with a wild card like they have a few others before. I said that it is too late for that. When they turned him down I put down the remote and said I'm done for this season (just like I did when Chris was voted off). Injustice makes me so mad! He had done so well before I don't understand why they didn't realize he had an off day due to lack of sleep. I know that they all suffered the same but in his case you could actually see the exhaustion dripping out of him.
I liked that kid too, but would like to see him at least finish high school.
Right now I'm really liking David Hernandez on the guy's side. But there seem to be many great contestants this year.
On the girl's side, I was really bummed when Cardin was cut right at the end. But I love Syesha and Asiah and can't wait to see what they will do. Watch out for Ramiele and Brooke though...
Just to be bold, I'll go ahead and predict a David H./Syesha final. ;)
Ha! I'm SO delighted to come (late to the party, as usual) here and see your post on Josiah. I really liked him too. Was puzzled and interested by the British accent from a Tennesse boy. LOVED him singing Grace Kelly. Wanted him to have a chance but I did grow irritated at all the tears. Wanted to shout "COWBOY UP!" at him after awhile. LOL
I heard his stuff on myspace 2 or 3weeks ago via a spoiler site and was intriqued - more along the lines of OK, if he lives in his car and has a myspace...hmmm...
But how cool of you to offer to produce him AND would be GREAT to meet him at the picnic.
Anyone know when he will be on Ellen? Hope I didn't miss it already.
Anyone heard Empty Me on KLOVE yet?? Isn't today when it hits regular rotation?? I wanna hear it on the radio SO badly!
On Josiah and his tears.....I'm guessing that can be attributed to AI's famous editing. It's amazing how distorted someone can look after they get finished. He probably didn't cry as much as they portrayed it.
DJ, Risa - I like her too. It's a shame she hasn't gotten much screen time so far.
I'd recommend that everyone who plans to vote on "American Idol" this year check out those interviews. Some of the contestants who haven't had much screen time come across (to me, at least) as much more interesting and likable than some of the ones we've seen a lot of.
American Fork,
I'm afraid that your view, unfortunately, is a bit naive. Nigel and crew doesn't care one bit about who the best is. They choose who will make the best tv show. Especially after last year when the focus was on everything but the contestants, making for a bad tv show.
Josiah was more talented in his auditions than any other contestant I've seen this year, in my opinion. Even his "Stand By Me" was interesting because it felt different and fresh. Again, this is my opinion...and disagreeing is totally cool. But to think that Idol is about "the best" is a tiny bit naive.
Chris
I agree about his Stand By Me... It was almost like Morrisey or The Cure meets Ben E. King.
I thought he "made it his own," giving it an unconventional arrangement. I actually was quite surprised at the negativity from Randy and Simon.
Josiah's "It took guts" probably wasn't the wisest thing to say, but their utter disdain for his performance was sort of a shock to me, because having seen his earlier auditions and listening to his music on his MySpace page, it worked for ME.
I thought he nailed it in a way that they would have "praised" Blake Lewis for last year.
It's true, AI isn't remotely interested in furthering the careers of the most talented contestants. That fact is excrutiatingly clear season after season. In fact that is why it surprised me so much that they cut Josiah. He made for a great story line. I wonder what it was about him that scared them? Their attitude did a complete 180 on his last performance. Something smells to me.
Anyway, Josiah will survive, he has the "it" factor, Chris isn't the only one who sees it.
Yeah, it's kinda obvious Idol has always been a popularity contest, not a singing competition. Season 5 is a good example. Elliott, I thought, was the best male vocalist. Simon even said so at one point. But he didn't win. Taylor did. And I don't think it was based on his talent. Yeah, he put on a great live show at the tour, but he was later dropped while Elliott is still going strong. And Daughtry, (who I dislike with a passion, sorry) is popular, because I guess he has talent, but I don't really like Nickleback or their clones. I also think it has to do with the fact that people think he's "hot" because my aunt (who is married with two kids, mind you) is in love with him and ended up seeing him twice. She even made my mom take her to Syracuse which is a good 3ish or so hours away to see him again.
It's never been about talent because those who are the best often never win. I wasn't a big fan of Carrie, but I think she and Kelly were probably the only "best" choices the public made in voting. Still, so many great people get cut in Hollywood or don't even get shown on TV. To me, Idol is about finding the most generic singer who can sell the most records. They don't like originality at all, hence Blake's CD not doing so well. It's a shame.
Anyway, sorry for the rant, Chris.
After reading about Josiah on his myspace page, yeah AI blew it. He would of been a really interesting contestant on the show. I would have liked to have seen more of him. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of him in the future....
Well, one thing's for sure...love him or not, Josiah has stirred up a lot of conversation today.
Let's steer back to our main guy, though. Chris, is today the day you got added to K-Love regular rotation? I'm going to try and keep the radio on all day tomorrow until I hear it!
And a little picnic talk....way back when, I believe it was Norman who suggested picnic karaoke. Anyone up for that? I better check with the parks guy. There might have to be a permit for that. There's a permit for everything else! LOL Risa
Josiah Leming is not right for Idol. But he does have a place in the music industry, along with Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Keane, the Fray, and other piano/Brit rock. I'm not surprised he didn't make it. Seriously, since when has Idol respected individuality? While I do like several of the Idols (I bought Blake's album, and I'm planning on buying Melinda's and Jordin's), there seems to be a cookie cutter, and anyone who remotely rocks will probably not be put through. But anyway, on his myspace, he says he is negotiating with a MAJOR record label, so I think he is just fine. That was really great of Chris to offer to produce his album for free. Anyways, Idol made a huge error, there's a big market for British or British-sounding alternative rock out there today. They could have made a lot of money, and I bet right now Idol is slapping themselves in the face for making that mistake. Plus he has tons of fans, and I think he's gained enough exposure to have a charting album.
On the other hand, I was also disappointed that Kyle didn't make it (they let through Clay Aiken, didn't they?) He could have been the underdog that manages to get really far. Oh well, he was OK with it.
Josiah ran hot and cold and deserved the boot beforehand for Stand By Me. He disrespected the band and sung poorly. If he was an attractive blonde female and survived such a performance to make the top 50, message boards would be overloaded w/ anger. But he got away w/ it. Baylie paid the price despite her potential last year for struggling so keeping Josiah would tell all 50 that some are more equal than others. She got signed anyway so he could also. Plus Josiah totally lacked the emotional maturity to compete on idol under great pressure further deserving a no.
Yeah, we should have karaoke. That could be so much fun...
Go check this out for those who haven't seen it-
Just incredible -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQX0yhb-kUc&NR=1
Peace -
Tom in ATL
I could not agree with you more about Josiah. I'm just not sure what's happening with Idol this year. His performance and his backstory was so compelling...he just seems like a great kid. In a way, he reminds me of an early Neil Young.
Maybe Idol would have screwed him up. I'm sure he'll do great things.
On Josiah - amazingly talented. And probably should have been allowed in the show but just like Chris I don't think winning would have allowed him to pursue the true path he wants. When you win AI owns you body and soul. They could have very well screwed him up.
So what do you all think about the fuss being made about Carly (the irish girl) having already had an album out that bombed. The article I read said she had a contract with a major label years ago and had studio backing with a music video even, and only sold about 500 copies. Some people are saying she should have been disqualified based on already being a 'professional'. Personally I think it doesn't matter - thanks to the music education our own Mr. Sligh has helped us with. Now that I know more about the business end of things - I am sure she was young and pushed around by managers and producers who wanted to use her. I think she has a good voice and deserves a second chance.
Later,
Keri
While he would have been an interesting character for AI, Josiah was probably more trouble than he was worth for them. AI had plenty of other contestants to choose from. From what I saw, he seemed very immature. I don't think that he fit into their mold. He's better off going it alone. At least he got a jump start from them.
It's all about the timing, and he seems to be lucking out from all of the publicity. His Myspace Music site had over 9,000 friends on it just 2 days ago, and now it has over 15,000 friends. His profile views and number of song plays have also advanced by a good 200,000 (if I can remember back correctly from a couple of days ago).
Time will tell if he holds up, or if he fizzles out.
Rosalee, I completely agree with you. I thought that same thing while watching Hollywood week (that he was more trouble than he was worth to them).
As for the Carly Smithson drama that Keri mentioned, I think people are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Seriously, I think it's hardly relevant to where she is in her life today, and I DEFINITELY don't think she should be disqualified for it!
I think AI panicked a bit over lower than usual ratings from last season. (Nothing but their OWN fault, BTW). Season 6 contestants were the BEST ever, IMO. But they are scared and were actually looking for experienced "pros" this time.
I don't begrudge these contestants. Bottom line is none of them have violated AI rules and none of them are well known yet. Jordin and Melinda got the same criticism last year but relatively speaking who knew them prior to AI?? My only problem is when AI goes out of their way to give the impression these people have no musical background at all i.e. Kristy Lee Cook, small town Oregon horse trainer girl who had to sell her horse to afford trip to audition. Have you seen her very professional music video?? If they are not upfront, there is controversy. But maybe that's just the way they want it.
Chris,
In your latest post to American Fork, are you saying that Nigel and the other AI PTB hold sway in selecting the top 24 as opposed to it just being a decision of the 3 judges?
I may be out in left field, but you won't convince me that the judges are on their own when it comes down to the comments they make even much later in the competition. Look at the type of feedback Chris got not only from the judges, but from Ms. Gwen the week he got voted off after he upset them with his shoutout. I won't go as far to say that votes are rigged, but the commentary was pointed and meant to teach a lesson to the remaining contestants. IMHO Risa
p.s. Thanks for the video link, Tom. Josiah still doesn't wow me with his voice, but he is definitely a talented songwriter/musician. If you click more on that video, you can see the lyrics. I'm visual, so that was helpful to me. I think his style wouldn't have worked with AI, but I think he stands to make good use of the exposure he got. I still hope he gets out of that car and finishes the work for his diploma.
Since I don't get to watch this as often as the rest of you, I'll go by the comments made.
It sounds like the show is trying for what makes ratings*, then good television, then giving an opportunity to contestants that match the judges' limited opinion of what qualitfies as commerical marketable/mainstream pop music talent.
Also sounds like if they give a lot of back story it's the kiss of death for a long stay.
I guess handicapping the contestants is part of the attraction.
* the right ratings that attracts advertisers for their ability to deliver the right consumer audience.
This "Nigel Lythgoe Press Conference" piece is a good read from Mjsbigblog.com:
http://mjsbigblog.com/nigel-lythgoe-press-converence-he-thinks-we-all-just-fell-off-a-turnip-truck.htm#more-3938
Also, join MJ's Idol Office Pool and pick your AI winners. Looks like fun!
http://mjsbigblog.com/mjs-idol-office-pool-make-the-correct-pick-and-win-a-prize.htm#more-3941
Chris,
I really agree. I kind of liked Josiah on the show, but when I heard his songs on MySpace (especially This Cigar) and then YouTube (One Last Song is amazing), I knew we had a real talent on our hands. His lyrics are unbelievable for his age. It's an intersting thing because on one hand he obviously has a lot of maturing to do and yet his lyrics are so beyond his age. And the music has the quality that probably is my favorite in music - it is haunting. Those melodies just get so stuck in your head.
I don't know if he'll win grammies, but the kid has real soul and real talent. Very glad AI is helping get him some recognition, even if he wasn't picked for the show (which I think may ultimately benefit him anyway.)
don't like his singing
but the songwriting is good
some other venue?
Josiah is going to be on "Ellen" on Tuesday, 2-19. How many contestants who didn't make the top 24 have been interviewed on national TV? This kid is going to be ok.
The comment was made that his lyrics seemed to be beyond his age. I read somewhere that his mother is very ill and has been for several years. I imagine when a dynamic like that is going on in a family, it has a deep and profound effect and comes out in his lyrics. Probably has something to do with him being very emotional as well.
I hope he can navigate the offers he's getting successfully and make a go of it. Risa
Hey GDA -
A poster on Mjsbigblog.com (hapi (5th comment)) left the link to The Turtles video on the music business that I posted months ago:
http://mjsbigblog.com/idol-headlines-for-21708.htm#comments
Risa,
As always you and are I are of a same mind. Like you, I won't go as far to say that the voting is rigged, but I will say that the timing of Chris' departure was a little too coincidental IMO. Ah, but water under the proverbial bridge I suppose.
It is what it is, as they say. AI is a money making machine that always has been and always will be more about the money than it will ever be about promoting the careers of hopeful & talented contestants. On a positive note, for those in the top 24 or in the case of Josiah, AI does offer exposure for those who would otherwise not see the light of a tv camera.
I agree what you said about Josiah.
He really has potenial!
For those who don't know it, he will be on the Ellen Degenerous show Tuesday, February 19th.
He will have a great future I'm sure of it!
Ron, from Colorado Springs, CO
Hey Chris, (or anyone who has downloaded Josiah's music from snocap,) did you have any trouble with the snocap website? I had the music in my cart and had signed into paypal and was all set to make the purchase, when a window popped up saying that snocap's security certificate had expired back in December. My hubby, who has final say over all things computer related because I don't know what I'm doing, told me not to go ahead with the download. I guess for now I'll have to make due with listening to the songs that are on his myspace, although I'd really like to support him by buying. I plan to email snocap for help. Any other suggestions?
Carly Smithson should stop pretending that she is just so grateful to be there and "finally" get her chance. Puh-leeze. Every time we see her now, she lays it on so thick, it makes me not even want to try and give her a chance, honestly.
As for Josiah, I do think they should have let him in based on both his popularity as well as past-efforts. He would have made for interesting TV watching, no?
I don't really feel it for his singing, but I felt bad for the boy, and wanted him to have that chance.
At least he seems to have come away with that smaller opportunity of fame, and interest.
PS. Carrie-- even Aunts who are "Married with Children" have feelings and passions! Never doubt that!
;-)
The kid tried to impress national viewer by dismissing the band in front of the camera. Even a Great Singer will not do that kind of thing.
It was not only arrogant, it also rude, coming from nobody-kid.
Actaully, he dismissed the band because he didn't feel comfortable with their rehearsals. It's better he did that than to go through with it and it fall apart even more wondrously because they did not rehearse.
And just so you know...behind the scenes they tell you that if you're not comfortable, you can do something acapella.
It was neither arrogrant, nor rude.
Chris
I think he's a young guy who was a lot more used to doing his own thing than working with a band and exhaustion got the best of him. I'm going to make sure I'm home at 4 to watch Ellen tomorrow. I think it will be interesting to see what Josiah has to say!
And preach on, bullyse! : )
Risa
I knew, he rehearsed several times with the band and things apparently weren't work out well, so I'm fully understand he wants to do a capella.
What I don't understand is wether he could tell them in advance instead of did it in front of the camera, Live...
*high fives Risa* ;-)
bejjo - I don't think it was rude what he did. I thought he handled it as well as he possibly could have. He politely told the band that they were great, but that he preferred to do it a cappella.
I think the reason he made them leave was because he knew he was the last one to perform and that there was no point in them staying around. He probably couldn't talk to them ahead of time, since they were busy backing up the other contestants. I doubt the band took it personally.
"He politely told the band that they were great, but that he preferred to do it a cappella."
Yeah, like when the boss says you did a great job but unfortunately your service is no longer needed.
You'll not amused when it said in front of your friend, let alone on national TV...
My point is: sure, the kid has talent but his ego and attitude may block his success.
The kid was exhausted, he wasn't on the same page as the band. Could he have told the band ahead of time he wasn't going to use them, yea, probably, but did I mention he was a kid, and exhausted?
When Josiah requested that the band leave, the band looked stunned and backed off slowly. It was an unusual thing to do. Through editing and the camera's eye, he came across as having an "attitude", whether he really did have one or not.
Rickey's got the Ellen DeGeneres/Josiah Leming clip up:
http://www.rickey.org/?p=7114#more-7114
Yeah, like when the boss says you did a great job but unfortunately your service is no longer needed.
You'll not amused when it said in front of your friend, let alone on national TV...
How do you know he had the opportunity to discuss it with them ahead of time? Like I said, the band was probably busy backing up the other contestants all day.
The band members are professionals. They know their job is to support the singer. If the singer isn't comfortable with their presence walking off the stage shouldn't be a big deal.
Just saw Josiah on "Ellen". I thought he came across very humble, very grateful, and I think he's definitely got a future in the music business. And he got a nice parting gift, which was great. I read the MTV article mentioned and was glad to know he had moved back home and he's out of that car. : ) Truly, I think AI did him a favor by cutting him loose. He's gotten a lot more publicity this way than if he had gotten voted off at number 16. His style won't be for everyone, but there's definitely a niche for him. What touched me is why he did it---to prove he could make something of himself to his mom, who is suffering from cancer. No wonder he was emotional through the whole thing. Anyway, best wishes to Josiah and prayers for his mom.
I thought there were shades of "Chris Sligh" about Josiah. He certainly has no problem speaking his mind and not terribly concerned with what others think. Refreshing that.
Chris, thank you so much for shedding some light on Josiah. He is great for his age. To tell you honestly, American Idol did not do justice for you nor Josiah in terms of showing sheer talent in composition and voice. Congrats to you and Josiah and I wish you both much success.
I also saw Josiah on Ellen. Really enjoyed it. It was really cool how many parting gifts he got. I think this kid really has a good future ahead of him.
I don't think Josiah has the temperament for the music biz. He's an "artist" and his behavior on AI illustrated that. He seems like a good kid and I don't wish him ill, but he's got a long way to go before he's marketable for anything beyond an independent label. I could see him in the future getting a bit of the Neutral Milk Hotel cult vibe and that dash of Oasis in his voice won't hurt.
I don't get it. I don't hear anything special in his voice and I don't think he deserved to be in the top 12 because he messed up on his last solo.
Personality counts for a lot when people choose who they like and I don't think AI portrayed him in the worst way. They did show his first good performance before he got a big ego and bombed.
Basically, if Access Hollywood, Extra, ET, etc show me one more special on his life, I think i will scream.
I personally didn't feel his talent. I thought he was a bit annoying but that may be due to editing in TV but the way he sang, he felt like a Jamie Cullum wannabe but with none the talent. He wasn't ready yet so maybe in a year or two.
I was finally able to get my Josiah music from snocap! Initially I did not download it because their security certificate had expired. But when I checked my paypal account the next day, I found the payment had gone through even though I hadn't downloaded the music. So hubby and I decided I better get my music after all... I emailed snocap to figure out how to complete the download, and there were a few hangups, but I now have all of Josiah's music (except One Last Song, which I wish had been one of the ones available to download!) I'm not done listening to it all yet, but I really like what I've heard so far. (I do prefer the stuff that he has on his myspace to some of the other songs, but that's probably because I've already listened to them a lot and really gotten to love them.)
Chris, if you talk to Josiah, tell him fans are asking for a recording of One Last Song!
Tomorrow's the day for Empty Me, isn't it? I'll listen to the radio all day!
One more comment. Alot of people keep mentioning Josiah's tears and his immaturity. Let me see. POOR! HOMELESS! MOTHER WITH TERMINAL CANCER! A ONCE IN A LIFETIME CHANCE THAT YOU MIGHT BLOW (NOW WE KNOW HE MIGHT COME OUT BETTER AFTER GETTING VOTED OFF BUT HE PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW IT THEN)! Pardon the rudeness, but I would be emotional about all of the other things so much that I would cry alot over even small things. When my dad had terminal cancer I could cry over a bandaid commercial! You never know what else is going on in other peoples lives. You just judge them by a very narrow view. We all should cut others more slack. Who knows what they live with or are going through!
Chris,
I respect you for the support you were giving him early on at VFTW. Your comments were true; you've been down this road and know so much more. My concern is his aunt is his current manager. While family is wonderful; do you know if she has experience with this type of entertainment & contracts & such? I absolutely agree with you about his talent. I am not a OMG tween. I am a person in my late 30's you didn't have the guts to go out on a limb and whole heartedly gift my musical talents a chance. Still love to sing...just to 6 & 7 year old first graders! (They are much more complimentary than Simon ever could be....) I admire you both.. Good luck & watch over young Josiah. I have a feeling he is going to have more than a couple of offers to consider. His myspace asks opinions of which type of labe- major one or indie.....Give your thoughts.
Thanks
Sharla
I don't think AI is the right vehicle for Josiah. I think he got from it what he needed. AI does not celebrate originality, as much as I love some of the contestants and their music. Josiah is going to be okay!
Chris,
I agree with you about Josiah. I mentioned this post at the end of my new article about him at
http://tinyurl.com/5eqqhg
It's great to see that there is some justice. Thanks to the web and a few breaks, he seems on his way to the success he deserves.
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