Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Carly Smithson in “We Are The Fallen” – What Do You Think?
Indie Label Tries to Justify Releasing Adam Lambert’s Pre-Idol Recordings
Did Simon Cowell Max Out His Credit Card?

Carly Smithson in “We Are The Fallen” – What Do You Think?

Posted: 24 Jun 2009 09:47 PM PDT

I wanted to write about this earlier but between technical issues and a hugely busy schedule, it just didn't happen. As I wrote earlier, Carly Smithson has joined up with some former members of Evanescence to create a new band called "We Are the Fallen" (it was originally "The Fallen" but they had to change it because some other band claims to have had first dibs on the name).

Have you had a chance to listen to their first single "Bury Me Alive"? If not, you can go and listen to it on their MySpace page (or listen to a live performance below). Before I go any further, I'd like to say that I am happy for Carly and she does fit this genre and style of music. However, this song sounds too much like something Evanescence would release and, as a result, I feel that Carly is going to have to endure endless comparisons to Amy Lee who, I believe, is an incredible singer. It's not even just the song, it's the band's image too. I just don't know how I feel about this yet. I like Carly so, if it was anyone but her and I heard this on the radio, I'd say something like "what is this Evanescence rip-off."

Anyway, I'm going to try to keep an open mind but I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. Leave me a comment.

Post from: Idol Stalker

Indie Label Tries to Justify Releasing Adam Lambert’s Pre-Idol Recordings

Posted: 24 Jun 2009 09:33 PM PDT

Wilshire Records, the independent label that released the pre-American Idol music of this year's runner-up, Adam Lambert, is trying to defend their decision. Adam voiced his disapproval and 19 Entertainment issued the following statement on his behalf: "The work I did back then in no way reflects the music I am currently in the studio working on."

It's unfortunate because I can understand how having those songs released could be damaging to his career. He's obviously grown as an artist and, after being on the world's most popular talent show, he wants to craft his image to be aligned with who he is today. When you've got old stuff mixing with new material, it can confuse and even disappoint your audience.

Wilshire teamed up with Hi Fi Recordings to release, On With the Show, an album that will feature 11 songs that were recorded by Adam before he appeared on American Idol. Of course, Hi Fi has a different take on the situation. They told Usmagazine.com the following: "Adam is now enjoying the success that he and Wilshire Records hoped for. However, he is now represented by high-profile companies who released a statement in Adam's name saying the songs on On With the Show were recorded four years ago and Adam only contributed vocals. This is simply not true.

The songs were recorded in a professional recording studio with top notch musicians and producers since the music was always meant to be released. Of the 11 songs that will appear on the album, On With the Show, Adam co-wrote eight with Monte Pittman (Madonna's guitar player). As co-writer and performer, Adam will receive significant royalties just as any superstar artist would. He has the chance, finally, to make a fortune for his work — definitely more with this album than through a major label deal.

This pre-Idol work is a fantastic representation of who Adam is and what inspired him during the months before he became famous. We intend to see that Adam will still benefit from the success of ‘Want’ (on iTunes now), and from the sale of On With the Show, even though he is now part of a major franchise that only wants fans to hear the music Adam records for them."

That was a slightly snotty statement, if you ask me. Clearly, they don't respect how former contestants are treated by 19 Entertainment but they shouldn't assume to know what arrangements Adam has made.

Will you buy Adam's pre-Idol music?

Post from: Idol Stalker

Did Simon Cowell Max Out His Credit Card?

Posted: 24 Jun 2009 02:48 PM PDT

Have you ever gone out for dinner or done grocery shopping and then faced a horrifying moment when your credit card was declined? I know that I've certainly had that happen but I was surprised to read that American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, recently had a similar experience.

NBC/UNIVERSAL ALL AMERICAN SUMMER PRESS DAY Friday, May 2, 2008 THE LANGHAM HUNTINGTON HOTEL & SPA (formally RITZ CARLTON) Pasadena, California AMERICA'S GOT TALENT SIMON COWELL (Ex. Producer) & PIERS MORGAN

image: Newscom

While out for dinner with America's Got Talent judge, Piers Morgan, Simon attempted to pay for the meal but his credit card was denied for "insufficient funds." I know they were eating at the swanky Cipriani restaurant in London but how much could they have spent? It can't have been a large amount so it's very surprising that Simon didn't have enough room on his card. His dining companion simply said: “It’s the greatest moment in my life.”

This isn't the first time Piers has been able to have a laugh at Simon's expense. He told a story earlier this year about the time Simon had the chance to meet the Queen of England and Prince Philip. The funny part (for Piers) was that the royal couple knew him but they failed to recognize Simon.

Post from: Idol Stalker