Truth Is: Pagan Media that Bites

The Night of Icon Great Barry Manilow: American Idol week Recap-03-21-06



This article is written and owned by: Arne

American Idol has brought back its theme nights and along with the themes we get to enjoy an array of Icon greats who have staying power in the music industry. I have long argued that it is premature to ever call new singing talents or singing groups diva’s and Icons. These treasured names are reserved for talents like Barry Manilow and Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Patty Labelle, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, the Four Tops ECT…... This is why if the talent is new or has not been around as long as they should; my articles will only refer to them as great. (That is if I feel they are great). Mariah Carey, Alisha Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino and Avril Levigne are great! They are not divas or Icons yet!

On December 21 /2006, Barry Manilow graced our television screens and allowed us to glimpse at the hard work that goes into preparing for singing performances. Mr. Manilow observed and helped each of the competitors hone in on their vocal ranges and assets to help them prepare for the fifties theme night. I would imagine that appearances of Icon greats like Manilow and Wonder also helps those that are not in the competition but dream of having a singing career. Barry Manilow had made his debut Album “Barry Manilow” in 1973. He has 33 years experience of captivating the pop music industry. Before he made his debut album, he was a musical director for a CBS show titled “Callback”. In 1971, Icon Great Bette Midler hired him as her pianist, arranger, and musical director. He directed her first two albums (1972's The Divine Miss M and its self-titled follow-up), and debuted some of his original material at her Carnegie Hall show in the summer of 1972. Needless to say, it is safe to assume that Barry Manilow knows what he is talking about given his knowledge of music, music career and staying power. Barry had stated that if he would retire from singing performances that he would help other younger singers achieve their dream.

The show opened and dapper dressed Ryan Seacrest makes his appearance (a week before Simon Cowell had a new shirt on, but he did away with it and went back to his routine of wearing drab uninspiring plain T-shirts). Simon actually looked good in his new shirt; it made us all pay attention to him. Ryan does his usual intros of the competitors and judges and they exchange small talk. However, Simon was not in a good mood that night! He seemed to of been pissed off and he showed he was pissed off in his critique of the competitors.


Mandisa sang first,” I don’t hurt anymore by Dinah Washington”. Barry said that Mandisa is one of a kind, she has no range limit and can sing anything( he is in agreement with Stevie Wonder, they both know what they are talking about). Randy said, Classy, great, amazing. Paula said flawless performance and Simon said, Mandisa is blossoming and gave a “sexy performance”.

Bucky was up next and he sang “Oh Boy” by the late Icon great Buddy Holly. Barry coached Bucky and said that this song was a joyful piece of music and in his opinion; it was the right choice for Bucky’s vocals. Randy said, rights song choice not best vocal. Paula said good song choice and performance. Simon said, he would give a reality check ( heh, heh, heh). Nothing more then a pointless Karaoke so what performance! ( Simon is repetitious with his Karaoke renditions don’t you think!

Next up was Paris Bennett who sang a Peggy Lee song, “ Fever”. Barry said, that Paris is so young to have that kind of depth in her voice, it was shocking. He extended that Paris has an enormous singing career before her. Randy said, wow, middle was so, so but she blew it out of the box. Paula, thought it was amazing and for lack of anything more to add, she commented on Paris’s dress. Simon said, this is what you do best, perfect voice for that type of song.

Next up was Chris Daughtry who again didn’t rise to the challenge, he sang the late icon great’s Johnny Cash’s “Walk the line”. Barry said, he has a good handle on who he is and what are his strengths. Randy said, wasn’t best vocal and it took a different spin on it. Paula said, she waits for Chris every week and he is true to who he is. Simon said, wasn’t the best vocal but he is the first competitor on the show that refuses to compromise.( sorry Simon I don’t view him as an artist, that’s why he is on American Idol trying to win, he hasn’t made it yet!!!) My opinion, is that these are nice beautiful feedbacks, however!!! I think its wrong advice to give Chris and let me give you the reasons why! The time for Chris to refuse to compromise is if he wins Idol title! Or he is in the scope of making an album and has a contract! The worst time to refuse to compromise is NOW!

Frankly if Chris is going to sing a Johnny Cash song then I and many of us expect to hear a good performance of country and western( even if he wants to put a different spin on it) not a rock rendition! Finally, Bo Bice was the first to refuse to compromise and he didn’t win Idol title, did he?( he came in second best)! If Chris Daughtry expects to get to the final two, then he better start rising to the challenge. He and the Judges have to remember, that American Idol voters has had enough experience at this, and we have seen the Chris Daughtry’s of the competitions before; and who can’t seem to rise to the challenge of what American Idol competition is about.

In ending, I have received emails from fans who didn’t want to run the risk of having an online battle with other fans, who basically have said, that Chris Daughtry’s performances are nothing special! They are in agreement with my assertion that he needs to rise to the challenge and prove why he would be the best choice for American Idol win. This of course goes for any of the competitors. It’s not just one great performance, you have to be great, outstanding and set yourselves apart from the rest of the crowd! Refusing to compromise, cute, pretty or handsome isn’t going to get any of them the win and the judges need to relay that information to them in their critiques.

Moving along we had Katherine McPhee sing the late Icon great Ella Fitzgerald’s” Come Rain Come Shine” Barry said, ( sorry forgot exactly what Barry said, but I know he was impressed with Katherine’s vocals.) Randy said, Wow, was not his favourite vocal but she still gave a strong performance. Paula said, she looked exquisite! ( this is Paula’s way if she doesn’t think the performance is on par, she comments on how they look, very boring and not very unique Paula).Simon said, that she turned into a star and he loved it.

Taylor Hicks was up next who does rise to the challenge every week. He sang for us Icon great‘s Buddy Holly‘s “Not Fading Away”. Barry said he sings way high, but it does not sound like its high. Randy said, not the most challenging song vocally, he is a big fan of Taylor‘s. Paula said, fantastic, confident, one of a kind. Simon who prefers to play footsey with Kellie Pickler said that it was a complete mess (then amid boo‘s and jeers from the audience, Simon had to scream to be heard that it was a hideous party performance.) (I think that should have been given to a couple of performances but not to Taylor) Simon is wrong!

The Underrated Lisa Tucker is up next and she sings for us, Frankie Lymons’s “Why do fools fall in love”. As usual Lisa blows it out for us, does an excellent job, and as usual the Judges do not!!!! Give her proper credit! Barry said, that Lisa is a powerhouse!!!! I think he does know and has a good ear! Randy said, and says it was a good song choice and performance, just aight. Paula says she got back to the youthfulness. She’s a powerhouse. Simon says he feels he trapped in some high school musical, it was cutesy, just ok, not a wow performance. ( Again, wouldn’that comment be best reserved for Kellie Pickler Simon? You know the gal that is working you over and your to dumb to even know it)!!! So Lisa gets overlooked because she doesn’t make goo goo eyes at Simon??? Give me a rather large break! Simon! Kellie isn’t as innocent as she is portraying and as a social worker who works with Kids, I see the game that Kellie’s playing with Simon! That won’t work with American voters!

Kevin Covais sang next, singing another snooze fest song “When I Fall In Love” by Icon great Doris Day. Barry said that Kevin was the most precious of all the competitors. Randy said that it was not one of his favourite songs but he did a good job even though he had some pitch problems. Paula said, she loves him (sigh) .Simon said, he is a man and he takes it well. Now for the exception of Randy, the other two dummies did not give a good critique, they waded in the pool!

Next up was Elliott Yamin. Who sang Icon Greats Al Jarreau’s “Teach Me Tonight” (can’t quite recall what Barry said, but he was wowed with Elliott) Randy says he picked the toughest song to sing and Elliott worked it out. The level was difficult for that song. Paula has goose bumps. (sigh) she loves him to!!!! Simon said it was fantastic.

Next up was Kellie Pickler is up next! Who sang Patsy Cline’s “Walkin After Midnight Randy says it was a great song choice and she did a good performance. Paula said she was awesome. Simon says she got it absolutley right. It was sexy, it was great.

Ok now here is the big freakin problem I have with this. Kelly sang a Patsy Cline song about a woman losing her man! I would love to know why she was not told that song was too old for her! According to Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest (specifically Simon) Kellie should not have that experience yet! They have in past seasons said as much to Diana DeGarmo, Carrie Underwood, Paris Bennett and they especially work this consensus on Lisa Tucker. What a bunch of literal crock coming from the judges. No again we (America) are noticing how Simon favours Kelly, not because she has the best vocal, it is because she flirts with him and he is attracted to her. Not very fair to more talented singers. Perhaps Simon needs to take a very cold shower when he Judges!


Ace Young closes the show and sings for us the Five Satin‘s “In The Still Of The Night”. Randy is impressed and gives Ace props. Paula says that was probably the sexiest sultry performance he has done the whole season. Simon says it was not the best vocal tonight, one of his stronger performances.


Best performances of the Night: 1. Katherine McPhee 2. Elliott Yemin 3. Lisa Tucker

Worst Performances of the Night. 1. Kevin Covais 2. Chris Daughtry

Who went home: No Surprise Kevin Covais.

Dumbest award goes to Simon Cowell: for being to dense to give proper critique to the more talented singers, and for not realizing that Bo Bice was the first American Idol competitor not to compromise!!!

Dumbest award goes to Paula Abdul: For not giving any worthwhile critique.

Dumb award goes to Randy Jackson: He was just aight, but much better at the critique then the other two judges.


For more American Idol news go to Sirlinksalot.net for all your reality needs!

Clay Aiken: Gender roles and challenges: A Critique Continuum- American Idol- 02-26-06



This Article is written and owned by: Arne

Reading the several articles out there about Clay Aiken and this latest nonsense issue, I did hone in one that had transcripts of Diane Sawyers interview with Clay. This is in part why these women made the brilliant (not) deduction that Clay must be gay, because he had responded to a question that he did have feminine qualities but had said NO! he was not gay!

Alrighty then let us break this particular statement down shall we! First, someone admitting that they have feminine qualities in their makeup does not mean they are necessarily gay. What it means to me personally is that Clay has simply admitted what most American men have, which is the same feminine qualities.

Think of it!! We all now live in a world that has changed and western societies have for the most part changed drastically!! even if you are from the South. Today’s males change their children’s diapers, they cook, they clean (help their spouses with housework) they do laundry, they do dishes, they normally equally help in parenting their child. Due to this change in society and changed perceptions on gender roles, all males can say they have feminine qualities in their makeup. Most males may do all or some of the above duties in their daily life. Does this make them gay and should they be expected to be labelled and stigmatized as gay?

Today’s females equally have male qualities, women work, they take jobs as business executives, police officers, politicians, such as senators, mayors, lawyers, doctors, firewomen, ambulance drivers, sports programs such as hockey ( the Canadian women hockey team just won the gold medal). Wrestling, truck drivers, pilots and in the military, judges and so on. They mow the grass, take out the garbage and so on and so forth. Today’s women also have male qualities due to the same ideologies and perceptions of gender roles in today’s society. Do these daily tasks make them gay?

This is due to progress; men are no longer considered the sole breadwinners in the home and having the women dependent on them for survival. In the old days, women were supposed to be barefoot and pregnant so to speak, and men were the King of the castle so to speak. This no longer applies does it!

Further men take jobs as nurses, as secretaries, and so on. (since men were once dominant in the world of work, there is not as big as a list as with women)! Men also are single parents and raise their children single handily, does this make them gay?

If the perception on feminine qualities are that one must be gay, and that Clay Aiken is gay. Because they have feminine qualities and perform tasks that was once separated to either gender. Well then there are millions of gay people living in America and western society! In a whole! Really what is one’ s definition of a man, that he has to thump his chest like Tarzan and be that big, strong, he man! No my personal description of a man is one that helps rear his children, that changes diapers, that helps around the house.

Males and females over time have changed that old process; both women and men usually work in any duel parent household. Single parents are contrived of either a women or men raising their children alone! The world has changed and the days of a man being the breadwinner and women left at home to raise the children, run the household and have supper on the table at five has been out the window for a very long time. In fact, most parents are teaching their children no matter what gender they are to be independent, and are teaching them life skills, including the above. The life skills we teach our children today are necessary for their survival on all levels including household chores and child rearing!

Clay Aiken is not gay; he is a desirable young man that has morals, values and sound intellect. Clay Aiken is a spiritual person and his conduct and behaviour has been exemplary. The world has changed to this degree as well. The minute that someone comes along that is clean, not into to drugs and that their behaviour is so exemplary and above the norm: Then this society wants to find something wrong with him or her! I think Clay Aiken is an important example to the younger generation and he establishes and encourages great character in not just the younger generation; also some adults who are in great need of this guidance!!

Finally, why is there such an importance attached to whether a person is gay or not? I do not get what the difficulty is in that thought process. I think as long as it is two CONSENTING ADULTS, in any relationship there should be no issues on gender. There is too much of a gay phobia going on in the world today, for no reason but ignorance if you ask me. Are gay people not human beings? What any consenting adult does behind close doors is their business and should remain their business!!! Further gay people have the same EQUAL RIGHTS, as anyone else on the planet! They have the right to same life, liberty and freedom that we all value. I think there are other social issues that I would love to see taken up! This is not an issue; it is a choice that two people make. Further, Dick Cheney’s daughter is gay! Did it stop his popularity in getting re-elected? I think that but for the few ignorant people out there, that America really doesn’t have a gay phobia, the problem is that those few that do, are the ones that make the headlines!

Clay Aiken’s choice is not to kiss and tell, Clay Aiken’s choice is to value his personal privacy, Clay Aiken’s choice is not to have loose morals or values, Clay Aiken’s choice is to have a spiritual path and he follows that path. It should be left to Clay to determine, when, if and with whom! he will have a relationship with, without the interference of others including flimsy and ignorant interpretations of the law! He certainly does not owe any explanation to anyone on those personal choices! It is Clay Aikens life, not anyone else’s and he should be left to conduct his life anyway he chooses. These allegations are nonsense, they are malicious and vicious from my perception. The only harm that is being done is to a fine young man that has chosen to walk tall!!!


For more American Idol news go to Sirlinksalot.net for all your reality needs!

Superb, Excellent, Quality Fun Show: American Idol- 02-22-2006



This Article is written and owned by Arne

For the first time in a very long time if ever!!!! American Idol has become a primetime Fun show for the viewers, for the competitors and for the Judges and Host! I am a going to write this article a little different then my norm. Last night it was the guys round and I have noted that American Idol has really enhanced the way the show is presented to the viewers. Instead of viewing the Judges, being almost secretive and non-responsive in their feedback to the competitors, we are viewing feedback that is meaningful, makes sense and non-arbitrary. Of course, we still have to contend with Simon, in another unique way. While Simon is still sharing his wittiness his comments have been transformed from what was considered brutish, bullying and uncalled for to warm humour and wit that the viewers can appreciate and have fun with! I know I am not the only one that went away with a smile and had a good chuckle. The New American Idol, with their comments and humour has the audience in hysterical laughter in a POSITIVE way!!!!VIEWERS ARE HAVING FUN WITH AMERICAN IDOL. Further, this is the first time we have a very STRONG COMPETITION GOING ON!! For the exception of a few outliers in both genders, I really see the competitors being of equal footing and strong singing and stage performance!

I have to hand it to the producers of American Idol, it is always insightful and well taken, when they embrace the comments of their viewers seriously!!! I think it takes an honest, well-rounded producer to know when to change some of the dynamics of a show to enhance its quality!! I think it is also favourable when the Judges, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul also make the necessary changes to have the show appeal to an even larger audience then the success they have already experienced. Now that I have seen all of the semi-finalists perform, I have to admit that the Judges did an excellent job in selecting who would compete for the top twelve. In comparison to past idol shows we normally experienced but a few that had contender quality.

Honestly, for the exception of a few, it will be very hard for viewers and voters to pick who will be their next American Idol. What is great about the contenders is that there is nothing attached to them. They can relatively sing anything, and this will be quite the memorable singing competition that I know a lot of us have been waiting for!!!! The producers, the Judges and even Ryan must be congratulated on their communicative prose and how they contributed to enhance a show that was in the past stalemated to a dynamic, serious, quantative, qualitative, and superb, excellent show!!!! I know I look more forward to watching the show because of the extra dynamics in the show. We are living in a world and societies were there is too much gloom. People need a good laugh and now we seem to have it with American Idol. Congratulations American Idol for a job well done. Writers will always write about the good, postive aspects of a show as well as the negative ones. Because American Idol has changed their stance, so must many writers and I. That is if they stay on the course they are in the season.

My favourite Simon witty comment is the one that he made last year, ordering a guard dog and getting a poodle in a leather jacket. It is these types of witty comments that the audience appreciates. Paula, is more appreciated and taken seriously, because she is being more honest in what she hears and more realistic in her evaluation of a performance. When she expresses her own intellectual thoughts and does not parrot others, it is taken seriously and has others reflect. Paula has taken great strides, but like Ryan, she still needs to work on it. I am enthusiastic to see Randy give his musical experience in how he extends his perceptions of a performance. He still has the dawgggggggggg and yo yo, hey dude factors, but that’s okay, nothing will ever be perfect!!! Ryan’s backdoor slaps and defending the competitors is always a welcome aspect, however I still hate his attire, and will continue to mention it in my articles! I do realize Simon does say some things, to get a RISE out of the viewers and the writers! However, the rise is well taken, just as my dumb awards should be well taken and in JEST!!




Moving along, last night’s dawg pound round, proved to be a night of competitive singing, not only did I note the above, I have also noted that for the most part the competitors are supportive of each other!!! Ryan had a better shirt on, (he still needs to work on his selection and his midnight shadow did not make him look all that bad)!!! The judges were polished and Simon looked more relaxed. It was a fun show last night. Not only did Simon look relaxed, we the viewers also relaxed and enjoyed the humour and comedy that we were given. We experienced tremendous talented singers in the past two nights and a show that changed it stripes!!

First up was Patrick Hall, who gave us a spectacular performance in my opinion should have been a contender for the top twelve. Patrick sang come to my window, by Melissa Etheridge. Randy thought it was good, Paula said he had a niche and Simon that it was horrible. I thought it was excellent.

Next up is David Radford who gave a good performance, he sang Crazy Little Thing Called Love, by Queen. Randy thought his performance was made for high school auditions and Paula thought he had charisma. Simon liked his style but gave a thumb down to the performance.

Bucky Covington gave a raspy rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hometown boys. Randy thought he pushed his performance too hard, but a good song choice. Paula thinks he will make it to the next round. Simon saw a continuum of common performers but like the rawness of his voice. I think I agree with Randy he pushed his voice to hard and he is a better singer and more talented then he gave us last night.

Will Makar came up next singing the Jackson Five’s , I Want You Back. Randy was entertained, while Paula thought he was just as adorable as the Brady Bunch in Bobby! Simon looked at Paula and says now it times for reality. He like’s Will but his vocal is bordering on average.

Now for Jose, "Sway" Penala who sung one of my favourites of Earth, Wind and Fire called Reasons. Jose brought back some good memories for me and other fans. Reasons is a classic and a well organized music ensemble. Randy said we have a hot one America and that Jose was very original. Paula was amazed at Jose’s likeness to the original song and Simon contended they it was third rate and pimpy??? (Simon’s headed for the dumbest award again I see) He seems to be batting 100 on that category!!!! Jose in my opinion did an outstanding job and gave a performance that endears him to the viewers. I believe he will be in the top twelve.


Chris Daughtry was up next and I must say I was disappointed in his performance; I was optimistic for him in the Hollywood round more then what he gave us last night. He sang Bon Jovi’s. Wanted dead or alive. Randy thought it was really good, while Paula could only say wow!! Simon thought it was a good song choice. I was not impressed at all! I think that Chris will get another chance,( which he did) I am not sure if he will make the top twelve with performances like last night!!

Kevin Covais who the girls think are so cute they just want to cuddle and pinch his cheeks. (I think Kevin is having the time of his life competing on American Idol and I bet he was the envy of many sixteen year olds who saw twelve pretty good looking gals, hug and cuddle him!!! He sang Brian McKnight’s one last cry. Randy felt he was a talented kid, Paula loved him and he made her proud. Simon also likes Kevin; however, he didn’t think that Kevin had IT!! I think what Simon is trying to convey is that he doesn’t feel that Kevin will make the top twelve because of his youth and lack of experience! I think to the contrary that he may be an outlier all because the girls think he is cute!!!! In addition, he is cute!!! His voice is not bad, with maturity he would be a top serious contender. He does actually have it!!! So to speak, America will choose!!! "
Gideon McKinney sung for us the fun song Shout by the Isley Brothers. (a hard act to follow) Randy enjoyed it and said he almost jumped up. Paula did jump up, dance, and clap her hands. Simon thought it was a good warm up for the for Chippendales dancers Then Dumbest said to get a rise out of the audience and home viewers that Gideon’s smile bothered him,. There were of course jeers and boo’s from the audience, which was exactly what Simon wanted us to do!!! Gideon has the it factor, and I think he will make it to the top twelve.


Elliott performed, Icon Stevie Wonder's, If You Really Love Me. Randy, thought America had another hot one, and Elliott put it down, because Stevie is one of the best artists on the planet. Paula agreed and thought it was excellent from beginning to end. tonight. Simon finally agreed with the other two judges and added that Elliott may be the potentially the best male vocalist the show has ever had. I thought Elliott was outstanding and have an excellent performance. He will be in the top twelve.

Bobby Bennett came up next. He had fun with Icon Barry Manilow’s, Copacabana. Randy thought it was entertaining, but wasn’t a great song choice for Bobby. about the song, Paula thought Bobby’s rendition had entertainment value. Simon said if anyone hears someone screaming from Vegas then that would be Barry Manilow and it was a nightmare. I think it will depend on how many Barry Manilow fans there is, Bobby is talented and he had fun!!!

Ace Young sang George Michaels’, Father figure. I am hot and cold on Ace’s performance. I heard him sing better, not a good song choice in my opinion. Randy thought it was a star performance working the room, the camera’s the audience. Paula thought that the girls naturally would be swooning over him including some of her guy friends. (I am sure that Ace was impressed with that), and it was a brilliant choice of song. Simon didn’t think it was the best vocal and it was ordinary. I think Ace is more talented and must be selective in what he chooses!!! Nevertheless, he will make the top twelve.

Taylor Hicks who I think is not only a contender for American Idol; he may be our next American Idol. Sang Icon great/genius Elton John’s Levon. Randy thought that Taylor is talented and he has it and Randy is a big fan. Paula thought he had passion in his performance and was powerful. Simon apologized!!!! ( could of knocked me over with a feather) because he didn’t think that Taylor would make the finals, he thinks he is interesting and that he gets a lot of positive feedback from viewers on Taylor. Simon made a huge and big step and said he was wrong!!! Taylor is my number on pick for male idol, a close second would be Sway, then Patrick and Ace for a tie.

Ryan and his stubble say thank-you to the viewers, thanks to the band and bids us adieu!!!

The best performance of the night: 1. Sway Penola 2. Taylor Hicks 3.Elliott Yemin 4. Patrick Hall
The Worst performance of the night. 1. Bucky Covington 2. Chris Daughtry 3. Will Maker

Who I thought would go home Will Maker and Bucky Covington


Dumbest award again goes to Simon, for the smile crack
I can’t say that Randy or Paula made any dumb comments, so their safe!!! This night!!!


For more American Idol news go to Sirlinksalot.net for all your reality needs!