Katharine McPhee - The Missing Idol

A lot has been written about Katharine McPhee missing the first two weeks of the Idol tour. People on both sides of the argument have separate opinions on this, and some of the accusations are downright mean. A note, allegedly from Katharine, appeared on her website and she has stated that she is very sorry to have disappointed her fans. I can't help but think there is a medical reason for her having been MIA, because she has a contractual obligation to do this tour.

If she can't sing, she can't sing. That's really the bottom line. But the timing of this couldn't be worse, and when she does join the tour, it's going to take a little time to get back into the flow that the other nine have established. Will she be welcomed with open arms? No one knows this but the other Idols, and they are not talking. Will she be forgiven by her fans? That too remains to be seen.

Some people compare this to Bo's situation last year. Of course, Bo started out on the tour and was stricken in August, missing three weeks only to return (against his doctor's orders) for the last two shows in Syracuse. The situation really isn't the same, although the way the tour organizers handled it was equally inept.

One thing I do know is that, the longer she stays out, the more fans she will lose. And, even more important, the fewer new fans she will attract. And, to me at least, that may be more important in the long run that disappointing her existing fans.

Sometimes a performer really does draw in new fans on the tour. I was not a Constantine fan last year - didn't "get" him at all. But when I saw him live, I understood. The man has amazing energy and totally commands the stage. And then I had a chance to meet him and talk to him, and was impressed by his intelligence and sensitivity. I liked him as a person. That feeling lingers and I am planning to go see him in August. He made a new fan (not a crazed fan, but an admirer) on that tour show. And that's an opportunity that Katharine is missing here.

There has been chatter on the Internet that she will be back "around" the 21st. That puts her in Rochester, NY - certainly not a major hub, and nowhere near as high profile a locale as New York. It also appears that she will not be appearing on The View this week as previously advertised. That's probably a wise move on her part. We'll be watching this one, that's for sure.

What's Up?

I need a vacation! I am trying to cut back on the writing I do on these blogs, but don't want to lose the momentum. I put an "out of office" note up on the website, and don't intend to do much with that until fall. What I should do is consolidate all of these sites into one. Now that would make sense!

At any rate, this blog is the easiest to maintain, and will probably be where I do most of my writing this summer. I like the way this blog is laid out, and how easy it is to use. I actually set up a blog on Word Press too, but I think that's overkill!

I have a confession to make. I am frustrated that I have been unable to connect with any of this season's Idols. In year's past, I have had an "in" with someone and have gotten into the meet and greets and had great seats. This just isn't happening this year, though, and while I do have a ticket to the Syracuse show (not a great one), I want more! Whaa whaa, you say. Well, you're right. It isn't because I feel entitled; I don't. It's just that I do spend a lot of time writing about this show and promoting my favorites to the world. These little perks have made that effort worthwhile in season's past, and the kindnesses of these people (Bo and George Huff to be specific) haven't been forgotten, and never will be.

So maybe I've run out of steam and/or influence. Other bloggers are getting the attention, and they certainly deserve it. Gray Charles, who recently had dinner with Taylor, more than deserves the attention for all the time he devoted to maintaining his blog/site. I don't begrudge them the attention. I just want a little too!

I realize this makes me sound like a spoiled brat. Reading it back, I feel like deleting the entire entry. But I won't, at least not now. This is how I feel, dammit! So there.

But you know what? I will still support Taylor and the others, write my Idol Thoughts, review the concert, and buy the CDs. How can I not? I just needed to vent, that's all!

July 7: Random Thoughts

This year's American Idols Live tour kicked off on Wednesday night in Manchester, NH, and from all reports, it is a keeper. Taylor fans will not be disappointed as he rips through seven or eight songs, plays guitar and harmonica, and of course, shows off his crazy dance steps. I won't spoil the set list for those of you who are planning on attending and want to be surprised, but let's just say it's eclectic. If you really want to know, here's a review from USA Today.

Katharine McPhee missed the opener, suffering from laryngitis and bronchitis. She is expected to return for the weekend shows. Kat's single did pretty well its first week, selling a combined total of 75,000 copies and ending up at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. She didn't sell enough to hit #1 on the single sales chart, though, which doesn't bode real well for future sales. That spot continues to be occupied by Taylor Hicks.

By the way, Taylor's song "The Fall," is getting some regional airplay and is beginning to get noticed by other stations outside the area. It's a great song and certainly one that could be commercially successful.

Kudos to Bo Bice for his outstanding performance of the National Anthem on NBC's 4th of July special. Bo sang it a capella, cleanly and simply, with no vocal gymnastics. It was beautiful. Bo continues to wow fans wherever he goes, and while the reviews aren't always glowing, he's gaining respect. In an interview in Billboard, Bo says he is glad to be out of the Idol spotlight and having a chance to do his own thing.

Sad news! Kellie Pickler and Constantine are no more. In an interview with People, Con claims that he and Kellie were hanging out for a while, but he hasn't heard from her in a while. He really doesn't know why, but speculates that she just got tired of people asking her about him. Or, it could be that she was preparing for a national tour, Con.

Looks like Clay Aiken's next CD is due for a September release. Signs in Barnes and Nobles are also listing Ruben's Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear for September 26, and Fantasia's for October. Sounds about right!

You know, I keep thinking that I'm going to run out of material to write about, but Idol news never stops. Pretty soon the auditions for season six will begin, and the tour will certainly produce some interesting tidbits.

Don't forget to pick up your copy of Taylor's single. A portion of the proceeds on the sale of Taylor's single will be donated to the Red Cross - .25 for each single, .15 for digital downloads, and .20 for ringtones and ringbacks. Even more reason to support Taylor! And, if you can't find it in the store, you can grab a copy by clicking on the link below.

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Idols in Albany

The Idols took on the Pepsi Arena in Albany last night, and from everything I've heard, the crowd loved 'em. Chris Daughtry, who finally got his record deal with 19 Recordings/RCA Records this week, was a big hit. Elliott's mom was on-hand for the event, the first time she's seen the show. But it was Taylor Hicks who dominated the second half of the show with his seven song set that includes, "Livin' for the City," "Hollywood Nights," and "Do I Make You Proud."

The Idols arrived in Albany on Monday, and were able to get out and about a bit, enjoying some local restaurants and meeting fans. There was some speculation that Katharine was in town (a poster on the Idol message boards reported actually speaking to her). But apparently, if she was there, she didn't show up at the concert.

This leads me to my rant of the day! If Katharine can't sing, and isn't even supposed to be talking, why can't they just bring her out on the stage, let her wave to the crowd and then leave? This would certainly shut up all of these people who are crazy with conspiracy theories. The organizers and PR people are really blowing it big time here. The problem is, these kids are paid per show, and they aren't going to pay her just to show up. She has to sing. All these conspiracy people seem to think that she should be on the road with them anyway, despite not being able to speak. Why would she do that if she isn't getting paid?

Again, I'll say it. Katharine will most certainly be back. There's no way she can get out of this contract, and the tour is part of the package. Period. End of discussion. She will return, she will sing, and that's that!

Constantine Hits the Road

Constantine Maroulis will be doing a number of shows in August, including the Spiedie Fest in Binghamton on August 6. Here's his schedule:

8/1 Richmond, VA Have A Nice Day Cafe- Benefit For VSA Arts of Virginia
8/2 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
8/3 Dewey Beach, DE Rusty Rudder (Free Show/21+)
8/4 Amagansett, NY Stephens Talkhouse
8/5 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
8/6 Binghamton, NY Spiedie Fest- Otsiningo Park
8/7 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
8/9 New York, NY Joe's Pub
8/10 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
8/11 Atlantic City, NJ Club Harlem Ballroom @ House of Blues
8/12 Boston, MA Paradise (18+)
8/13 Burlington, VT Higher Ground8/15 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

Seems as though the media can't get enough of Taylor Hicks. There are articles about "first crush," his supposed displeasure in "Do I Make You Proud," his numerous impromptu appearances, his commercial success, and of course, his preparation for the Idol tour show, which kicks off on July 5 in Manchester, NH.

Taylor has numerous fansites, and in an exclusive interview with Gray Charles, let his fans know that http://www.taylorhicks.com/ will be up and running soon. No question, Taylor Hicks is HOT right now, and his popularity will only increase as the tour winds its way through North America.

But, of course, there's a down side to all of this. Taylor is walking a thin line right now. As a seasoned musician, he recognizes the need to establish his credibility from the get-go. He can't afford to be perceived as being "cheesy," and must not only focus on his tour performances, but also on planning his first album. He doesn't have much time, after all. What he does this year really will set the tone for the next few years.

Taylor's set list for the tour show should be a pretty good indicator as to how much leeway he's being given. He has said in interviews that he will be playing guitar and harmonica, and is pleased with the songs he's selected. Hopefully, he'll be able to keep them fresh over the course of 60 shows. All of this is cloaked in mystery right now, but certainly, after the first show, all will be revealed. I think Taylor (and all the Idols) will be totally blown away by the reception that they are going to get on the road. It's going to be wild!

I wish all the Idols a great tour and look forward to seeing them in Syracuse on September 17. We'll continue to follow Taylor and the others on the charts, and have some updates from the road, including reviews, the set list, and other tidbits.

Soul Patrol Meets Snoop Dogg!

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, and this photo's not "shopped!" This year's American Idol is quickly letting people know that he's more than just a pretty face, and that he is a serious musician with a love for all kinds of music. Taylor's appearance on Saturday at City Stages in Birmingham wasn't long - he only did one song with Snoop and mostly just played harp, but it was enough to make a pretty startling statement. Taylor Hicks may be the American Idol, but he's no cheesy poster child for the show! As for Snoop, he seemed to be amused by Taylor but certainly had to recognize that this "funky white boy" is pretty hot right now! Here's a clip.

Sunday afternoon, Taylor took the stage with the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, and got right back into step with his old bandmates. This is obviously still where he feels most comfortable, and the people who were lucky enough to be there were not disappointed. Taylor has come full circle, that's for sure. Last year, he performed at the very same festival, certainly for a smaller audience! It's all about the music, folks, and Taylor is just getting started. Click here for a 20-minute clip of Taylor with the LMBO!

Taylor is doing this his way, and don't be surprised to see him turning up in all kinds of places as the tour bus winds its way through America this summer. As for me, I'd be happy to take him to my favorite blues and barbeque spot in Syracuse for some ribs and a little music. Call me, Taylor, OK

Idols to Appear at Binghamton, NY Festival

If you're a fan of Anthony Fedorov, LaToya London, Kevin Covais, or Constantine Maroulis, mark your calendar now for the first weekend in August. They will all be appearing at the annual Spiedie Fest on August 6 in Binghamton, NY. Anthony, LaToya, and Kevin will be singing a couple of songs and then signing autographs starting at 2:00 p.m. Constantine will be onstage at 4:00 p.m.

Speaking of Anthony, be sure to check out Fear Factor on Tuesday (6/20). He and Carmen Rasmusen are teamed up as part of an all-Reality Star three episode event. The first show aired on 6/13, and Anthony and Carmen have advanced to the next round! They actually did pretty well, and seem determined to prove their mettle up against the likes of the infamous Jonny Fairplay from Survivor. The three-part episode will conclude on 6/27.

June 9: Random Thoughts

After last week’s glut of media coverage on Taylor and Katharine, this week’s drought is killin’ me! There’s almost no news out there, and I need me a dose! Lucky for me, Bo Bice will be performing at the Coors Light Balloon Festival in Jamesville, NY this weekend, and I am definitely going to be there! I can’t wait. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to say howdy and congratulate Bo on his success over the past year. I’ll have a review of the show posted on Foxes on Idol early next week.

With all the excitement over Idol’s fifth season, I admit that I have neglected my favorites from seasons past. That doesn’t mean I’ve not been following them, though. What’s cool about Bo is that he’s been so busy, it’s been hard to keep up with him.

Bo and his band, which includes members of his old Birmingham band SugarMoney, have been working hard, appearing in clubs, at fairs, and festivals. Sure, Idol kick-started his career, allowing him to sign a big-time record deal and release an album, but as the runner-up, he didn’t get the kind of publicity that Carrie did as the winner.

Bo’s had to work very hard over this past year, surviving a broken foot and major surgery, along with getting married and welcoming a son into the world. In the process, he’s won over new fans and gotten his single, “The Real Thing,” a lot of airplay. The CD is still selling (over 625,000 copies and still moving) too. At each stop along the road, people who never even saw him on Idol are discovering that this dude can rock!

Bo Bice should be very proud. He’s accomplished a great deal on his own, doing it the “old-fashioned way!” And, like thousands of artists before him, Bo’s discovered that it’s not all play. Ultimately, I think Bo will look back on this year with the satisfaction of knowing that his success is something that he’s worked very hard to achieve, and that’s what it’s all about, after all.

Bo’s upcoming June 23 gig with Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ on June 23 really has him jazzed! "Even when I was a kid and dreamed to one day be doing what I'm doing now this was never even in the dream, getting to jam with Skynyrd and stuff like that.,” he said recently. “It's definitely a big honor." The concert will be broadcast as part of VH1’s Classics series later this year.