Posted on 05/08/2006 4:22:13 AM PDT by silent_jonny
It's a shame that Taylor sucked.
It really is. He kind of mumbled his way through "Night Moves", and forgot the words to "Sweet Soul Music" then a really bizarre version of "Don't Let Me Down".
He was just kind of a mess....but a very cute mess! Hope you run into him (and the others )in Nashville!!
LOL!!! With everyone losing their voices and fumbling around it sounds like they need more then a few days off just to rest.
That's a really nice story, thanks for posting it.
Great story!
Taylor is a really nice guy.
I am starting to wonder if Kat has some sort of anxiety disorder. I saw an article in People (I think it was People) that talked about how she finally had her bulemia under control ... and eating disorders and anxiety disorders go hand in hand. I wish her well, and hope she finds health ... if that is indeed her problem and not just garden-variety snarkiness.
I'll bet you're right though -- the other girls probably haven't missed her one bit!
Kat was at the White House... curiously, Elliot was not.
Photos on this thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1673933/posts
Great story. Thanks for sharing it. Here I was feeling all bummed out that we (my girls and I) didn't get autographs when we went to the concert here in DC. These are the kind of "meet & greets" the Idols should be making time for.
We really enjoyed the concert, had a blast. Will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how, or when I get back from vacation. I'll spare you and not post all 200 pics!
Idols entertain
BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Jul 30, 2006
Run, Elliott, run.
Get away from the contrived, regimented nonsense that surrounds "American Idol" and do your own thing. You demonstrated again last night that you have the talent, so take a cue from Kelly Clarkson and leave this controlling machine as quickly as possible.
But for the next couple of months, Elliott Yamin has no choice but to stay within the militaristic lines and follow the script.
Last night's homecoming at the steamy Richmond Coliseum was the first for any of the 10 performing Idols, and for the occasion, Yamin turned up in jeans, a military shirt, his trademark cap and hopefully ear protection to buffer the piercing howls from nearly 10,000 overzealous, green-glowstick-waving fans.
The king of the night didn't arrive until the second half of the 2½-hour show, joining fellow fan favorite -- and onetime Virginian -- Chris Daughtry on "Savin' Me," a horrible song made palatable by their sweet and sour vocals.
Naturally, for most in this audience of infants to grandmas, Yamin's presence was all that mattered, and within seconds of his loose and sexy version of "Moody's Mood For Love," Yamin showed yet again that he was this season's finest singer. Period.
He has learned to rein in that warm vibrato, and his rough and gritty "Trouble" was infused with all the attitude that could have carried him to the top of season five had he displayed it every week.
"I feel like the most special person on the planet right now," he said, calling out to his mom in the stands and admitting with a lopsided grin, "I'm so nervous right now."
Despite Yamin's obvious popularity, the joyful audience welcomed Daughtry with almost equal fervor as he turned Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" into his usual yell-fest, nimbly played acoustic guitar for "Wanted Dead or Alive" and unleashed a meaty "Renegade" amid pulsing lights.
No doubt Daughtry is a walking rock cliché -- just watch the way he clutches the mic stand and swaggers across a stage with his hollow-eyed gaze -- but that means he's also already a bona fide rock star.
Earlier in the show (and relax, Taylor fans, we'll get to Mr. Happy Feet in a moment), the lovely Mandisa belted "I'm Every Woman" with mystery background vocals supporting her Chaka-style voice.
A damp Ace Young (what, does the "Idol" budget not allow for towels?) preened his way through "Father Figure," helpfully taking off his jacket at the "warm and naked" line and dropping to his knees to plead about something. Just put the guy in an underwear ad and let's move on.
Based on last night, it was quickly clear that Lisa Tucker got a raw deal on the show as the first castoff of the 10 (spotted in the crowd was No. 11, Kevin "Chicken Little" Covias). Playing a keyboard and passionately crooning Elton John's "Your Song" and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," the talented Tucker will hopefully be the heir to Alicia Keys.
And little Paris Bennett what a pint-sized firecracker. Her poise and charisma is almost frightening for someone turning 18 next month. True, her "Crazy In Love" was more yelled than sung and won't make anyone forget about Beyonce, but give her time to vocally mature.
Here's a note to the people organizing this thing: Putting rhythm-challenged Bucky Covington after the bootylicious Paris Bennett isn't the smartest move. His easygoing charm covers plenty of vocal shortcomings, but buddy, please stop trying to sing "Superstition." And moving.
Sometimes, as proven by Yamin and Daughtry, two Idols are better than one on a song. And sometimes, as painfully presented by Covington and Kellie Pickler in a clunky "You're the One That I Want," they're not. Just watching the crisp, five-piece band trying to figure out what beat these two were on was worth the ticket price alone.
But that's the thing about "Idol" -- the TV show and this tour, which is basically an extension of the show. Fans love it because they created these "stars" and are invested in their futures. They aren't too concerned that their voices are subpar; they just want to be entertained.
That duty was effortlessly accomplished by Idol winner Taylor Hicks, who followed a still-wan-looking Katharine McPhee -- back for only her second show of the tour, but still crooning "Over the Rainbow" with her usual grace.
The effervescent Hicks entered from the back of the building for a jaunty "Jailhouse Rock" before strapping on an electric guitar for Bob Seger's "Hollywood Nights," which he played as manically as he moves, slapping the strings as much as he strummed them.
Live, Hicks brings a strong charisma with that soul, and his dizzying spins during "Livin' For the City" and jiggling feet throughout 'Takin' It to the Streets" showed how he doesn't merely sing a song -- he infects it.
He still is the unlikeliest Idol -- and he's already the old pro among these upstarts -- but the fact that he's a genuine musician gives slight hope that the machine has been set in a new gear.
Contact staff writer Melissa Ruggieri at mruggieri@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6120.
ADOPTION TODAY MAGAZINE
August/September 2006Adoptive Father and Rock Star: Chris Daughtry
By Douglas CoganHis wife Deanna has said people might think he is boring around the house. As an adoptive father, he has much in common with other fathers. He works hard for his family, attends PTA meetings, stops by his son’s school for lunch, and rides scooters down the street with his son and daughter.
As much as he has in common with other dads, however, Chris Daughtry’s story is far from common. After all, this rocker from small town McLeansville, N.C., is soon to become a major rock music star.
Music fans were introduced to the Daughtry family on the music talent search show, American Idol. Fans were immediately captivated with Chris and Deanna. With tears in her eyes, she told the story of how Chris, who is several years younger than her, married her and took on her two small children. Deanna told the audience that he was a great father and husband, and this was his chance to realize his dream.
Deanna nervously waited with a friend outside the audition room in Denver. Would America finally get to see her husband’s talent, the talent that was well-known to a growing fan base in Guilford County? Guilford County was far from Hollywood, and McLeansville is hardly the typical venue where agents search for talent. Chris needed a shot to get noticed.
With his audition completed, Chris walked out the door. He was not holding the yellow paper, which signified the ticket to Hollywood and moving on in the competition. When he suddenly took off his cowboy hat and showed the yellow paper he had hidden, Deanna screamed for joy, broke down, and embraced her husband. The man whom she loved so much was going to get his shot. Others who were also auditioning gave them a big round of applause. One shouted out, “Way to go, Chris!” Indeed, that was the day music fans fell in love with the head-shaved rocker, Christopher Adam Daughtry.
As the television journey continued, Chris rocked the audience with amazing performances. When he performed Hemorrhage, by the rock band Fuel, judge Randy Jackson told him that the song could be on the charts by him right now. He was that good. Many people believed that Chris was the best performer on Idol and would be the winner.
It was not to be. Fans, the judges, and even fellow performers were shocked when the voting audience eliminated Chris from being in the final three. Petitions were put on the Internet claiming telephone voting irregularities and demanding a recount. But Chris would be okay. He had been noticed by a worldwide audience. Looking at it philosophically, he commented that, “When one door shuts, another opens.”
That door was opened by American Idol. Chris dreamed of becoming a rock performer since he was 16 and attended a concert by Live, still his favorite band. Since appearing on American Idol, lead singer, Ed Kowalzcyk, has become a friend and mentor. Chris joined Live for a performance of the new hit song Mystery on the season finale of American Idol. The cameras showed Deanna cheering, and her lips could be seen saying, “That was awesome!” The dream was coming true, but it was not easy getting there.
To compete on American Idol, Chris took a leave from his job as an automotive service adviser, Deanna had to work an extra job to make ends meet. Because money was tight, Deanna was only able to travel to Hollywood a couple of times to watch her husband perform. Also, during the competition she had a hysterectomy, but she insisted Chris needed to stay in Hollywood and pursue the dream, rather than be at home with her during the surgery.
It was definitely a long way from where they had first met at a birthday party and sensed an attraction to each other. Chris told Deanna that he was in a rock band and invited her to watch them play. When he finally met her children, Hannah and Griffin, Chris told her that he loved them already because, “They are little ‘yous’.” Six months after they met, Deanna walked down the aisle and became his wife.
Tracey Adams has been a friend of Deanna’s for several years. She attended the wedding and told of a story that is a genuine Kleenex moment. Chris took Hannah and Griffin aside, told them how much he loved them, and promised that he would always be there for them. At 20 years old, Chris was sage beyond his years.
When Griffin was 4 years old, his biological father died. Chris immediately told Deanna that he wanted to adopt Griffin. A short time later, he was officially an adoptive father.
Fast forward several years and it was Chris’ turn to give back to other adoptive families. The entire McLeansville homecoming weekend in early June was all about children. There was a parade, Chris performed for them, watched them perform a skit for him, and told a group of kids under a tent to never give up on their dreams. Also, “do your homework.”
All proceeds from the concert in Greensboro, featuring his band Absent Element, went to benefit the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Adoptive families sat up front in a special section. Tommy Lineberry, Special Events Director for the Greensboro CHSNC, was overwhelmed with the generosity -- Chris wanted to do all this for the children without being asked. There are more than 3,000 North Carolina children who have been cleared for adoption. Chris told reporters at his press conference that he just couldn’t relate to what some kids have to endure. “Every child,” he said, “deserves what I had growing up – a loving home.”
Not only did the children benefit, but so did Chris with a true southern welcome home party. Little McLeansville, a town with one shopping center and no gas stations, wanted to give Chris a proper welcome home. Retired ladies worked in the Chris Daughtry storefront, selling tee shirts and raising funds to help the family. Everyone helped with signs and yellow bows.
The McLeansville homecoming was put together in record time by the Friends of Chris Daughtry, under the leadership of next door neighbor, Tammy Sharpe Lowdermilk . Tammy’s daughter Abigail was thrilled when Chris took the time to call her from Hollywood to congratulate her for making it through the first round of the local Triad Idol competition. “It made me feel really good,” she beamed.
Chris and Deanna’s dedication was also noticed by actress Maureen Van Zandt and husband Steven Van Zandt, both of The Sopranos fame. The couple was so impressed with his journey, his musical talent, and his humanity that they sent loads of gifts to the family. But beyond that, they did something more important. They offered their names and fundraising help for charity to assist Chris in helping children. As Maureen stated, “If you can’t use your celebrity for good, it is of little value.”
Those suspicious of Hollywood image making still have questions. “Is Chris really as he is portrayed or is he a manufactured image invented for ratings? Is he really the great father, humble young man, and genuinely good human being we think we see?” After meeting him in person and speaking with friends, family, acquaintances, local reporters, a PTA president, a school principal, a law enforcement official, the head of an adoption agency, and many others, the answer is clear. Yes, he is. Chris Daughtry is the real deal.
The Daughtrys plan to stay in Guilford Country because, as Chris commented, “L.A. ain’t home.” They are preparing their children for how sudden fame will affect their lives.
Chris thanks God for his talent and recognizes Deanna as his inspiration. He has an enormous opportunity to continue helping children. There is no doubt by those who know him best that he will follow that path. After all, this is the humble rocker who lists teaching his son to ride a bike as his greatest accomplishment.
Douglas Cogan is a freelance writer, a former teacher, and the father of two wonderful grown children.
I think Chris is going solo, I'm not sure.
I finally listened to the AI CD, with my grandson in the car. He really liked Chris's song on that CD. His is one of the best. I also like Taylor in the Ford commercial.
Read that Chris was starting his own band. Supposedly he turned down a chance to be in Fuel.
Considering her kook of a father, I'm not surprised.<>I wish her well, she is very talented.
Elliott is the only Idol who has not signed with Clive Davis.
I'll say.
He's already found success with his family and he illustrates that it doesn't take fame or fortune to do that.
Has he signed with anyone? I cannot imagine that some label would want to benefit from his widespread popularity and automatic name recognition. He's so talented.
No deal yet for Eliott......we shall see.
I can't believe we are already talkin' audition time again. Man how time flys.
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