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'American Idol' rumormania

Posted: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:20 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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If you're a music star who wants to make headlines, it can't hurt to have your name twined with that #1 television show, now running three times a week, "American Idol."

First, Courtney Love claimed that she had been approached to replace judge Paula Abdul on the hit singing contest. Fans of the show went nuts. Sure, Paula had her moments, but in whose universe is Crazy Courtney an improvement? Just as viewers were passionately swearing they'd never watch FOX again if La Love started chugging Cokes next to Simon and Randy, "Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe joined the fray.

Lythgoe told Us Magazine that he never called Courtney about any job on "Idol," saying he was "afraid someone may have misrepresented me." In other words: She got punked. What he didn't say but probably was thinking: Consider the source! It's quite possible Courtney hears herself getting job offers 24-7 from various planets that none of the rest of us have yet visited.

That rumor was barely put to rest when another arose: Next, "sources" -- including Robin "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" Leach -- were claiming that Michael Jackson would be making an "Idol" appearance.

While Jackson certainly has enough songs for the "Idol" finalists to each sing half a dozen each with no repeats, it was almost impossible to visualize the troubled Jackson of recent years, complete with facial mask, showing up to coach the Idols through a week of practice and performance. And of course, that rumor was also blown apart, this time by Jackson's own rep.

But reporters remained desperate for just a crumb of news about "Idol" personnel changes, and today it looks as if they've finally hit on one or two that could be accurate. Jennifer Lopez is reportedly set to perform on the April 11, and another rumor says Gwen Stefani will beat her to it, performing  March 28. MSNBC.com's own Jeannette Walls reported that an upcoming issue of Star says it was Lopez and husband Marc Anthony who approached the show.

It's all good for "Idol": More publicity for a show that already gets heaping helpings of it. Every rumor just gets the show's name in the paper again, while if the show simply came out and announced its guest-star lineup, as "Dancing With the Stars" just announced its cast, all the fun of speculation and wild rumors would be over.

There's really no reason why "Idol" can't get creative when it comes to guest stars. A recent MSNBC.com poll suggested such tongue-in-cheek theme nights as Hasselhoff Night, Creed Night (Chris Daughtry, come back!), Smiths night, or Weird Al Yankovic Night. It's fun to think of the Idols, even the perky and the country-western ones, having to get all morose and sing the Smiths' "Girlfriend in a Coma," and the occasional "Idol" metalhead could rock out with Weird Al's "I Love Rocky Road."

Let's start a rumor of our own: Which singers would you like to see on "American Idol"? Which theme nights should the show tackle? The sky's the limit here in FantasyLand, much as, apparently, it is in Courtney Love's mind.

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Comments

I do not think it is fair to have 6 guys and 6 girls There are girls that are going to get voted off that deserve to be there over the guys voices this year. There are guys that will stay alive only because they are cute. This is a who can sing competition not a modeling show. Simon speaks the truth ! He picks up on who can sing!!! I think Randy has been more negative than Simon and Paula is so nice. I would like to see them all sing the National Anthem, Neil Diamond, Foreigner, Journey, Celin Dion, and Prince or Michael Jackson, Justin TImberlake or Carrie Underwood as guests

Stacia Perkio Conneaut , OH (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:34 AM)

All these comments about Ryan versus Simon, I mean come on people! This is all part of the plan. Don't you see it ? People love watching controversy. Why do you think "Idol" keeps getting more and more viewers each season while the other reality TV shows get cancelled or lose viewers. The bickering also gives us a chance to see all sides of the story, not just Simons or Randys or Paulas or Ryans !

Chuck , Montgomery AL (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:57 AM)

I am not sure why people are hating on Ryan he’s only doing the job that he was paid to do. If you have a problem with Ryan, take it up with the producers to change the script. I would like to see a Reggae theme night, what better way to show your versatility than to sing something from the great Bob. A Soca night would be good too.

Headphones, T.O., Canada (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:12 AM)

How about a write your own song night? Lock 'em in a room with a pencil and some paper, maybe a guitar and piano and see what they come out with. These people have great voices but I've come to question their ability to really understand music. Besides, I'm sick of covers...and this is the first season I've watched the show!

cincinnati, ohio (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:15 AM)

I love both Ryan and Paula. They balance out the personalities of Simon and Randy. I wish the people whining would just change the channel. I am very impressed with the talent of several of the girls this yesr.

Leigh D., North Carolina (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:22 AM)

When my husband and I listened to Chris Sligh sing last Tuesday I heard sounds of Roy Orbison in there. I would love to hear him sing one of Roys songs. Pre-ferably " Crying ". I think he can hit it.

Dorothy Reynolds (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:28 AM)

You would really see the claws come out if you let each contestant choose the song another contestant had to sing...like one of those skinny chicks having to sing Barney the dinosaur's theme... Go on. That would be a sabotage hoot!

Karyn M (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:52 AM)

I'd like to see Rosie O'Donnell as a guest judge. You think her and Trump fought...HA! Just imagine the fun she and Simon would have!!

Rochelle Lowell MI (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:52 AM)

As far as voting goes, all it would take is for Stephen Colbert to ask his viewers to vote for/against any particular contestant and American Idol would be done. The Truthiness is undeniable

Tasso, Seattle Wa (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:55 AM)

An R.E.M. night would be the best - can you see them stumbling through "It's the End of the World as We Know it"???

Liz, Harrisburg PA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:56 AM)

I LOVE RYAN AND SIMON. Their bickering is showbiz people! Wake up and smell the success of a great show. Both Ryan and Simon are laughing all the way to the bank! Don't hate, appreciate!! I second the idea of Constantine coming back and I wouldn't mind seeing Ace also. :D

Debbie Arvelo, Newark, NJ (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:56 AM)

I just want to agree with what all of the prior comments have said. "Away with Ryan!" This is the first year that I am actually considering not watching the remainder of the season due to the fact that I cannot stand Ryan's attitude. Also, your all right about Simon. His attitude may be harsh, but I feel he's right 99% of the time. After all, he created the show, and it's been going strong year after year.

Defiance, Ohio (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 10:58 AM)

I would LOVE to see a little duet action between the contestants. Preferably male/female duets. This early? No, probably not. But late on in the show it'd be fun. I'd much prefer that over freakin' Abba themed week.

Jennifer, St. Paul, MN (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:07 AM)

How about a blues night, (Bobby Blue Bland songs). Get rid of Ryan, as he doesn't hold a candle to Simon, who is usually 99.9% right. you go Simon!!

Jerry, Texas (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:13 AM)

lakeisha girl you can sing.you r the next AI.the only guy i like is jim the others can pack thier bag and go home.

colleen,antigua W.I. (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:18 AM)

Ryan's problem is he's just too dull to keep up. Simon completely punked him with the "trying to date" comment, cuz you know the sleeze was.

G Bass, Sacramento, CA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:40 AM)

For whoever said that the try-out face was the best part of Idol, you couldn't be more wrong. Believe it or not, most people actually watch it for the talent. I couldn't wait for the ridiculous audition episodes to be over with. I think the judges they have right now are fine... they all balance each other out. As for Simon, he is right most of the time... if not a bit harsh.

Shelbie Leigh (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:44 AM)

I disagree with Robyn...the auditions are miserable. I suffer through them(thank you TiVO)just to get a little background on the ones moving on. So many people acting like fools to get on TV, it shows the enormous amount of trashy people out there. I have watched the show all 6 seasons and really like when we can watch the people with at least some talent. I am disappointed that Antonella was picked over Marissa (the last 2 for the final 12)who knows what that was all about Marissa clearly was more talented.

Varve, St. Louis metro, IL (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:46 AM)

Please America' it's talent that counts!. This is a singing competition (where did I hear that before?)LaKeisha is, by far, the best singer of this present bunch. She is also poised and mature. Talent! Vote for nothing else.

carol (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 12:27 PM)

I think there should be a Jazz theme night. That would be awesome, I think it would definitely showcase where the real talent is.

JulieAnna, North Carolina (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 12:34 PM)

I am a loyal viewer of AI, but this season has me yawning and falling asleep. Where did the judges get the 12 boys from? None of them is worthy of the show and I knew after listening to them that the girls would outsing them all. The fat curly head guy stinks (Chris Sling). That long haired smiley boy is terrible - in fact they are ALL awful. I am beginning to worry about the judges judgment because there is no way they could not have come up with better men singers! NO WAY! They tend to disregard Black male singers as well. I agree with much of what Simon and Randy says. But, AI will starting to lose its magic due to arrogance, boring cat fights, and selecting people with little or no talent. And, only 32 million people even bothered to vote this week. That is way down from pass seasons. The show has lost its excitement and is in danger of losing millions of viewers. Trust me on this. All those celebrities dying to get exposure on the show will dump it like a hot potatoe once the ratings start to go down. And, go down it will. AI is destroying their own success by stupidity and cockiness.

Jeannie (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 12:48 PM)

you all know the voting is fixed right????

mike orlando florida (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 1:31 PM)

They should have a No Doubt night the week Gwen Stefani performs.

Jenna, Indiana (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 1:37 PM)

They should have a No Doubt night the week Gwen Stefani performs.

Jenna, Milan, Indiana (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 1:38 PM)

ryan &simon should stop attacking eachother, it's irritating. paula should check into rehab or reality - her choice. so far this year, girls rule. you might be right about it being fixed... ie. kelly pickler last year and antoinette or whatever her name is this year. Say What????? it's impossible to believe she made it through. maybe she got lost on her way to audition for america's next top model.

alice, LR,AR (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 2:21 PM)

Did anyone else notice Ryan cutting off Quincy Jones in mid-sentence? How rude is that?

Jennifer Davis, Tampa, Florida (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 2:40 PM)

I have noticed other "music contest shows" have a failsafe where the judges can save one of the bottom two or three. I think AI should consider something like that as well in order to stop those who are trying to sabotage the results via websites, etc. Also, I'd like to see a Janis Joplin night or Three Dog Night or Heart. There's a lot out there that hasn't been really done yet..

Delta Vines, Imperial, MO (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 3:07 PM)

I would love to see a Bob Seger night

Steve Becsei, Yellville, AR (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 3:35 PM)

First off, Idol is my family's favorite show. However, this season seems to prove my developing theory that the selection of contestants is a little more involved than appears on the surface. The show is heavily weighted to ensure that the winner is a black female. i have no problem with which gender wins or what race. I do have a problem with the uneven selection of people. Why are there no country singers this time, no rockers, etc.? This situation is doubly highlighted by comparing the contestants on the "Grease, You're the one thatI want" show. Certainly good singers are around if you are not trying to stack the show with one of this kind, one of that kind, eight of another kind, and only good female singers. The law of averages must prevail that in all those thousands who auditioned there must have been some really good male singers. Also, I don't think the three judges make the final decisions. I think the shows producers do that. So, the bottom line is that I think (and I'm very sad about it) that the show is becoming too contrived and in spite of the increased viewers some of us are getting pretty disgusted with what's happening. Bob McCann, Van Nuys, California

BOB MCCANN, VAN NUYS, CALLIFORNIA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 3:49 PM)

Can Lakeisha sing or what? I really think she will win it all. I don't like simon, but keep it real. He is 100% right everytime.

Michelle (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:10 PM)

i think they should make simon sing just so every one can see what a fool he is

george ny (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:29 PM)

I would LOVE to see glam-rock night, with costumes and everything. Bubblegum night (I'm thinking of Ohio Express, Tommy James and The Shondells, etc.) and 1960's Garage Music night are a couple of more nights I wouldn't mind seeing. I am pysched about "British Invasion Night" with Lulu and Peter Noone.

Christina Dodson - St. Louis, MO (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:56 PM)

this season is boring. Have a wildcard show and put baylie brown back. There is no one worth cheering for this year.

G (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:18 PM)

Soft jazz and or blues would really keep these artists on their toes. And yes, Janis Joplin night sounds good!

J. Holeman, New Orleans, La. (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 12:06 AM)

Kelly, Ruben, Carrie, Taylor should come back and perform for one night each. Fantasia already came back last week. Also Clay A. and Chris D.

Joe Friend (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 9:17 AM)

I would love to see a night of performers singing unknown songs. To see what they pick and let them show their style. Would definately give us an idea of what kind of album they would put out.

Lynnette Ervin, Pagosa Springs, CO (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:58 AM)

I think they should have to perform an original song written and arranged by the contestant him/herself. I'd like to see who the REAL Idols are and who are just a pretty voice/face.

Barb Huff, Ohio (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 4:42 PM)

I vote for a David Soul theme night

Bill S. Newport Beach, Ca (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 8:33 PM)

Wasn't there talk of a songwriter's competition in conjunction with this year's "Idol?" I think this would be an added twist to make the season more interesting and intriguing...IMHO

BobA Avon, Conn (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:50 PM)

Now what I have seen from above one thing people forget is copyrights and royalties that the show has to pay... sometimes they just won't pay up.

jane doe (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:42 PM)

I would like to see the show go off the air! I am too addicted. :) Yet this year really sucks. I too believe that the show is ho-hum this time around. I say replace Paula with Bette Midler and get a comic to host. Say someone like Tom Hanks? I would like to see more of todays music and forget about the Frank Sinatra,Barry Manilow types. That stuff is just too out-dated and the kid's would do better singing more lively music.

Greg Folger Elkhart,Indiana (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 2:33 AM)

Ryan Seacrest - tone the sarcasm down a bit, shorty. Paula - she stays. She's fun and adorable. Randy - stop hedging all the time and just say it Simon - honest and insightful. Thank you. Punk night - absolutely no. Punk does not have a wide following except for angry 20-year olds. 80's and 90's night - good idea. David Bowie night - Major Tom to Ground Control: No. Deep Purple night - this show could be followed by Black Sabbath night? No and No. Folk song night - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Skip the sominex and go straight to sleep. Japanese night - Turning Japanese, turning Japanese, I really don't think so. Rolling Stones night - it could be called "I can't get no (satisfaction)" night. No. Rush and Yes night - No and no. Giddy Lee shrieks like a girl and I couldn't tolerate Yes butchered by idol contestants. Three Dog Night night - it's right up there with Partridge Family night. No. Bring back Constantine - who? REM and U2 night - this show could be billed as political activism night where each contestant sings about their pet charity cause. No and No. And, No. Glam Rock night - like Gary Glitter night? No and NO. Michael Jackson night - this show could be billed as "little boys night at my adventure park." NO and NO. And to be perfectly clear on this idea, NO. Prince night - flying penis night? No and No. Stephen Colbert night - as a guest judge. Now Simon has some real competition!

Billy Warner, Champaign, IL (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:49 AM)

I have 8 suggestions , but I don't think you'll ever hear any of them . The Cars , The Kinks , Jethro Tull , Emerson Lake & Palmer all would be challenging but I think their "limited" amount of material would rule them out. I think Aerosmith , Led Zeppelin , and Crosby Stills Nash & Young have plenty of challenging but not impossible songs. But the one I would like to see MOST is Steely Dan. Some great songs , and anyone that can match Donald Fagen is very talented.

Tim Gregory Clay , Alabama (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:31 PM)

I'd like to see "The Tubes Night". Anyone who can keep up with Fee Waybill is great in my book. "Cause we're all White Punks on Dope."

Bill Tello (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:16 AM)

The band Big Star would be a good choice. And the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and proto-punk suggestions are all excellent too.

Kai (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:54 PM)

My pick for guest would be Paul McCartney. You can't get a bigger variety of music because he's the most prolific songwriter in history, and he's still a living legend!

Codycote (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 4:29 PM)

I have an idea. lets all watch TOM GREEN and ANDY DICK host the show and have MICHAEL JACKSON, PRINCE and BONO judge the talent. ANDY DICK and TOM GREEN can ride around on stage on segways telling PRINCE and MJ to quit holding hands under the judges table. Oh yeah and BONO should have to take his glasses off. Now whoever puts up with all that crap until the end will truly be AN AMAERCAN IDOL.

Hunter, Jacksonville Fl (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 5:41 PM)

The Best Guest Star would be Katharine McPhee. Over the long haul, you will see her as the Greatest Idol Ever.It's just a matter of time

Amanda, Syracuse NY (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 5:51 PM)

They should definitely have a Carole King night - she has a TON of great songs to choose from and she's definitely capable of interacting with the contestants and acting as a guest judge. They have a Diane Warren night every season it seems, spread the love Idol!

Jen, Cleveland, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:55 AM)

Any show that makes the second place runner up MORE popular than the actual winner has problems...now give me a HEAVY METAL NIGHT with Metallica, Megadeth, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden (uhhhhh, excuse me, having a mental orgasm right now!!)wanna be's..."heck", gimme somebody who can belt it out like Journey or Evanesence!

Osirius608, Lanham, MD (Sent Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:54 PM)



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