"Boston" Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz added to Survivor Redemption Island

From the initial negative reaction to the revelation that the rumor was true, Survivor villain and two-time runner-up Russell Hantz would join perennial Survivor Boston Rob for Season 22, it looks like it may be the producers of Survivor would will need redemption.  Between the two, they have five prior appearances and hours of time on our TV sets competing for one million dollars and the title that has eluded them time and time again.

So why this third and fourth chance?  Ratings.  As last season proved only too well, it is hard to find great reality TV characters.  NaOnka tried being mean, Fabio tried being nice, but in the end the whole season ended up being boring.  Those who tried to be scheming and conniving looked weak and overmatched, those who tried for the good old boy and girl roles were grating and annoying.  By the end, the only thing I wished for was that the least objectionable person win.

But with Russell, the king of manipulators, going up against Rob, the converted good guy, we have two larger-than-life personalities to ignite the show.  They will immediately put the other contestants on alert and will be the early focus of the game and there will be that something extra at stake from the start.  It will be interesting to see how their fellow castaways use, or fail to use, having seasoned contestants on their tribe.  Would you take Russell to the end knowing he has zero chance of winning, or do you take him out early because of his destructive propensities?  Would you not form an alliance with Rob because he is too well liked or take him to the end, figuring no one would give him the money on his fourth try?

For better (Rob) and worse (Russell), they are two of the most interesting players in the pantheon of past Survivor contestants.  I may be in the minority here, but I'm thrilled to have them both back.

American Idol Season 10 -- Schedule Released

American Idol issued a press release yesterday, finally putting to rest the rampant speculation over what changes the producers had made for the early stages of the show.  There had been leaks about the show doing away with a Top 24, adding a wild card pick, and ending gender parity of the contestants.  Now we know how the producers plan to get us to the voting rounds.  We also have the TV schedule for the audition, Hollywood and semifinalist rounds.

According to the press release, there will be 20 semifinalists -- ten guys and ten girls -- who will compete for your vote.  The top five in each group will move on, with the judges allowed to added an as-yet-unstated number of wild card picks, which will consitute the finalists.  The season opens with the New York and New Jersey auditions next Wednesday, January 19, and the finalists will be announced on the Thursday, March 3rd episode.


Here’s the official press release:

American Idol is set to return for its tenth season with new judges, new talent and new surprises along the way. This season’s judges – Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler – are a triple-threat of credibility, chemistry and talent. Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, whose career as a music producer and record executive is unparalleled, will serve as the in-house mentor. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the two-night season premiere kicks off with auditions from New York / New Jersey on Wednesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and New Orleans on Thursday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

After the two-night premiere, auditions will continue for three weeks on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

American Idol auditions continue in Hollywood on Wednesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) with the hopefuls who received tickets to Hollywood from the judges. The contestants who make it through Hollywood will then head to Las Vegas for the first time ever to perform Beatles songs on the Cirque du Soleil LOVE stage Wednesday, Feb. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The auditions will conclude on Thursday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) when the judges reveal – in an exciting new twist – 20 semifinalists (10 guys and 10 girls).

The semifinalists compete on Tuesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 2 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT). The five male and five female contestants with the most votes will be the first to join this season’s finalists. The judges’ will also make their special “Wild Card” picks rounding out the finalists on Thursday, March 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

And here is this seasons schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 19 - Season Premiere, Part 1 – New York / New Jersey Audition Episode

Thursday, Jan. 20 - Season Premiere, Part 2 – New Orleans Audition Episode

Wednesday, Jan. 26 – Audition Episode

Thursday, Jan. 27 – Audition Episode

Wednesday, Feb. 2 – Audition Episode

Thursday, Feb. 3 – Audition Episode

Wednesday, Feb. 9 – Audition Episode

Thursday, Feb. 10 – Audition Episode

Wednesday, Feb. 16 – Hollywood Round, Part 1

Thursday, Feb. 17 – Hollywood Round, Part 2

Wednesday, Feb. 23 – Las Vegas Round

Thursday, Feb. 24 – Top 20 Semifinalists Announced

Tuesday, March 1 – Semifinalists Perform

Wednesday, March 2 – Semifinalists Perform

Thursday, March 3 First Results Show and Finalists Announced

Survivor 22: Redemption Island Cast Revealed

Cast for Survivor Redemption Island

CBS has announced 16 of the 18 castaways for the next season of Survivor.  Season 22 will be called Redemption Island and will include two additional castaways -- rumored to be Boston Rob and Russell Hantz -- competing for the million dollar prize and the title as sole survivor.  Here's the link to the official website which has the intitial interviews with each contestant. 

We know there are two tribes, Omepepe and Zapatera, and we know that whoever is voted off each week will not be sent home, but rather to "redemption island" where they will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to get back in the game.  The contestants range in age from 19 to 52 and include two attorneys, one law student, a nurse, a firefighter, a Fabio lookalike, a former marine, a farmer, and a former NFL player.  Here are the official photos and bios of the first sixteen contestants:

Andrea

Name (Age): Andrea Boehlke (21)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Random Lake, Wis.

Occupation: Student (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point)

Personal Claim to Fame: Paying for my own college education and making the DeanÂ’s list every semester.

Inspiration in Life: My parents are my inspiration because they are hard-working, down-to-earth and both have a great sense of humor.

Hobbies: Sports, theater, horseback riding, hunting and outdoor activities.

Pet Peeves: "Girly-girls" and electric staplers.

3 Words to Describe You: Hard-working, competitive and outgoing.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Perhaps a mixture of J.T. because he is hard-working and has a farm background and Parvati because she's competitive and knows how to have fun, but I'm also very unique.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I crave adventures. I also want to prove how tough I am.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Growing up on a farm and being a member of the 4-H club has made me both outdoorsy and resourceful. I'm also mentally tough and a bit of a social butterfly. I love being challenged and can handle the pressure.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People will underestimate me based on my looks, but I am tremendously competitive and driven. I'm feisty, brave and can manipulate people while remaining likeable.

Ashley

Name (Age): Ashley Underwood (25)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: Benton, Maine

Occupation: Nurse

Personal Claim to Fame: Spending time abroad in Switzerland, playing basketball professionally and competing in the Miss USA competition.

Inspiration in Life: My Momma. She raised four kids while managing two businesses and has always been the perfect example of the most devoted wife and doting mother.

Hobbies: Basketball/sports, four-wheeling and helping out on the family farm.

Pet Peeves: I have a million pet peeves. A few of them are "know-it-alls," lazy and unmotivated people, slow drivers or movers in general, people that "chomp" when they chew their food, smokers' breath or just smoking period. The list goes on and on!

3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, competitive and athletic.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm not like anyone but myself.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The million dollars and the chance to prove that I can do this.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, competitive, and athletic and I have the ability to think under pressure.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm mentally and physically strong enough to do this. I will do whatever it takes to get ahead. I'm a leader, but also able to work well with others if it proves to be to my own advantage. I'm not afraid to be a game changer. Bring it on!

David

Name (Age): David Murphy (31)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.

Occupation: Defense Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: I'm very proud of what I've accomplished professionally. Thus far in my career, I've been able to work on a number of very interesting and challenging cases.

Inspiration in Life: I've actually looked up to a variety of people for different reasons at different points. I've learned a lot of life lessons.

Hobbies: Sports, hanging out with friends and watching TV/movies.

Pet Peeves: I can't stand stupid people. If we could criminalize stupidity, I think the world would be a better place.

3 Words to Describe You: Intelligent, thoughtful and sarcastic.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'd like to think I'd be myself and be original.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Nine times out of 10, when I walk into a room, I am the most intelligent person there. I'm here to win. I don't care about screwing someone over. I don't care about deceiving people and I don't care how I'm perceived at the end. I'm not going to have a static approach to this game.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: In my eyes, I'm flawless. A significant part of my job is selling myself - making myself more appealing than my client. I do it because it's fun. I like the challenge. I like having the odds stacked against me and trying to find a way to win. This is a game; I didn't come to get second place.

Francesca

Name (Age): Francesca Hogi (36)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Washington, DC

Occupation: Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: Assembling the most amazing set of friends.

Inspiration in Life: My mom. She's been through so much in her life, starting with picking cotton while growing up in segregated Alabama. She is brilliant, beautiful and an all-around incredible person.

Hobbies: Writing, yoga and watching movies.

Pet Peeves: Self-delusion.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, opinionated and stubborn.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I would most likely be a Cirie/Boston Rob combo.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I'm normally competitive for no good reason - $1 million is a great excuse.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm book-smart, street-smart and can be pretty persuasive when necessary.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I might be the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Grant

Name (Age): Grant Mattos (29)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.

Occupation: Yoga Instructor

Personal Claim to Fame: Playing in the NFL

Inspiration in Life: My wife. With her in my life, I can do anything.

Hobbies: Largemouth bass fishing, surfing and writing.

Pet Peeves: When someone uses the word "like" every other second.

3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, positive and friendly.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It's a huge mental and physical challenge. I want to get to know my true self better.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am physically and mentally strong and consider myself to be a good leader.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have been through a lot and can push myself mentally and physically.

Julie 

Name (Age): Julie Wolfe (50)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.

Occupation: Firefighter

Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the World Championship Outrigger Canoe Race in 1996 and 1998. The race is 41 miles long from the Island of Molokai to Oahu.

Inspiration in Life: All of the U.S. Soldiers that are away from their families defending our country and our freedom.

Hobbies: Outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling and motherhood.

Pet Peeves: Laziness and bullies.

3 Words to Describe You: Hard-headed, outspoken and spoiled.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ashley from Survivor China. She was a strong outspoken woman whose mouth got her voted off the first episode.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win a million dollars and make a better life for my daughters. I want to be a role model for my girls to show them they can achieve their goals and dreams.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My experience as a firefighter has made me mentally and physically strong.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm very likeable. I think I can outwit the other contestants to vote off people other than me.

Krista

Name (Age): Krista Klumpp (25)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.

Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep

Personal Claim to Fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.

Inspiration in Life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.

Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.

Pet Peeves: When people wear sunglasses inside.

3 Words to Describe You: Driven, competitive and approachable.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am very athletic; I can climb trees and I'm great at fishing.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a fierce competitor at everything, but I've always had a way of building trust with people. My image will be completely deceiving and my mental game undetectable.


Kristina

Name (Age): Kristina Kell (46)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.

Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)

Personal Claim to Fame: Understanding and learning how to deal with an autistic child; grasping the Autistic Spectrum and obtaining vigorous early intervention services to improve the quality of my son's life. This experience, and helping other families facing the same crisis, was the catalyst for my legal education.

Inspiration in Life: Probably the men and women of our armed forces - these brave folks sweat, bleed and die for us here at home, and I appreciate them beyond words.

Hobbies: Computers.

Pet Peeves: Whining and people who are cheap.

3 Words to Describe You: Stubborn, logical and fair.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: None.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The money and experience.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm resourceful and tough as nails. If you don't know that lying and manipulation is a part of this game, then you're an idiot.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: There are a lot of amazing things in my life, and they all have started out with the thought, "I'm gonna doÂ…(fill in the blank)." Whether it's making documentaries, opening my business, helping families cope with children on the Autistic Spectrum, going to law school, or winning SURVIVOR, they all start in my head as an idea. I take baby steps, one by one, until finally it's done.

Matt

Name (Age): Matt Elrod (22)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.

Occupation: Pre-Med Student

Personal Claim to Fame: My decision to lead my own life.

Inspiration in Life: I think that there are so many people worthy of being deemed "a hero" in everyday life that are overlooked. So, I'm going to say people who put others before themselves.

Hobbies: Athletics, reading and exploring.

Pet Peeves: People who act out for attention.

3 Words to Describe You: Mysterious, impulsive and deep.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Any contestant who has played the game with honesty and integrity.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've always wanted to live off the land and I think it would be a fun experience to compete on the show.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I know what it takes to be a winner.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm athletic, amicable and intelligent. I can also hold my own socially.


Mike

Name (Age): Mike Chiesl (31)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.

Occupation: Former Marine

Personal Claim to Fame: Bringing all my Marines home after my first deployment to Iraq.

Inspiration in Life: My grandfather. He was a B-17 Navigator during World War II and spent two years in a POW Camp.

Hobbies: Scuba-diving, football and golf.

Pet Peeves: Selfishness and laziness.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, disciplined and outgoing/outspoken.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy. Nobody was intimidated by him, so he wasnÂ’t voted out early and he had the ability to tough it out.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Winning the competition and earning the million dollar prize.

Why you think you'll survive SURVIVOR: The mental toughness I've developed from serving in the Marines and playing college football at the US Naval Academy.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I like to think outside of the box, and I am socially aware and strong athletically.


Natalie

Name (Age): Natalie Tenerelli (19)

Tribe: Ometepe

Current Residence: Acton, Calif.

Occupation: Professional Dancer

Personal Claim to Fame: Being the youngest female to play the game.

Inspiration in Life: Lady Gaga. Haha, just kidding. My parents have worked extremely hard to give me a good life. They have made it possible for me to follow my dreams and never give up in life. I would hope that in the future I could be half as good of a parent myself.

Hobbies: Dancing, spending time with friends and family, and trying to cook...sometimes this ends badly.

Pet Peeves: When people chomp their food.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, spontaneous and positive.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Natalie White from Samoa.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To have an experience of a lifetime and prove to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I have never quit anything that I have ever done and hopefully my ability to form good relationships with people will help me to "survive" 39 days in this game!

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have the charm to win people over and a good intuition about people and their intentions. People may suspect me to be young and naive, but they will be fooled!


Phillip

Name (Age): Phillip Sheppard (52)

Tribe Designation: Ometepe

Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.

Occupation: Technology Executive

Personal Claim to Fame: Being a father to my son and being able to take risks in life. I say "yes" when others may say "no."

Inspiration in Life: Medical Professionals - they save lives in real time.

Hobbies: Chess, basketball, skating and sport training with weights.

Pet Peeves: People who think they know everything and yet do nothing and watch others do the work.

3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, articulate and determined.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I am my own man!

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I love the idea of competing and proving I still have what it takes to prevail in new challenges that are completely outside my normal everyday life.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I come from a large family (12 brothers and sisters), and as such I've become a creative problem-solver and good talker in stressful situations where others would give up.

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a go-getter. As a former Special Agent with the former Defense Investigation Services, I honed my interview and investigative skills to persevere when others are being evasive or less than forthcoming.


Ralph

Name (Age): Ralph Kiser (45)

Tribe Designation: Zapatera

Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.

Occupation: Farmer

Personal Claim to Fame: Being completely debt-free at age 44. No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.

Inspiration in Life: I'm inspired by my farm; I've been at it all my life. I'm always amazed at my animals - how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go 'round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.

Hobbies: Hunting, hiking and traveling.

Pet Peeves: People who are lazy and donÂ’t try to make anything of themselves.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, strong-willed and stubborn

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm probably a combo of Big Tom and J.T.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I'd get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!

Why you think you'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I'm an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say!

Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food and be the leader.

 
Sarita 

Name (Age): Sarita White (36)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.

Occupation: Visual Effects Producer

Personal Claim to Fame: Getting from point A to B without a dollar in my pocket, only my own ambition to get there.

Inspiration in Life: The art of living, laughing with my friends and family and knowing the best is always yet to come.

Hobbies: Travel, art and lounging around in various stages of repose.

Pet Peeves: Ignorance, pettiness, cheapness, tackiness and lack of chivalry.

3 Words to Describe You: Sagacious, wily and influential.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Some strange combination between Courtney with her awkwardness in challenges and James with his kindness and blind loyalty.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: For the adventure of a lifetime. IÂ’d also like to walk away with cold hard cash.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My earliest memories are of my hippie parents living in the yurt we built from scratch. Our garden, our outdoor shower, ourpretty little outhouse - I know how to live in the most basic way.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I've got a steely grace that has served me well. I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who could outwit me.


Stephanie

Name (Age): Stephanie Valencia (26)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.

Occupation: Waitress

Personal Claim to Fame: Reopening my Mother's dental office.

Inspiration in Life: My Mother. She is the sweetest person. She works hard for her family and still cooks dinner every night.

Hobbies: Watching movies/plays, traveling and reading.

Pet Peeves: People who are late and ignorance.

3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, unconstrained and ambitious.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: First, the money. I need it. Second, to see if I can do it. Third, who in the right mind would decline an offer to play the greatest game EVER.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, fast and smart. I can hold my own and I'm not a quitter.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I feel it in me. By nature, I'm a brat and always get what I want. I've always been myself and that's something I'm very proud of.


Steve 

Name (Age): Steve Wright (51)

Tribe: Zapatera

Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.

Occupation: Former NFL Player

Personal Claim to Fame: Making the Dallas Cowboys with two other free agents out of 110 in 1981 and playing for 13 years. I'm also proud of my own start-up company and all it's accomplished.

Inspiration in Life: Regular people who do extraordinary things.

Hobbies: Photography, scuba diving and biking.

Pet Peeves: People who litter and people who don't respect others.

3 Words to Describe You: Honest, sincere and relentless.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Tom Westman - just a pretty normal likeable guy.

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To show how team work is done, win a million dollars and help my team the best I can.

Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: With 13 years experience in the NFL, I have great teamwork. I made sure we all worked together for a winning cause. I have the ability to keep spirits high and keep people's eye on our goal.

Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm a fighter to the end and will bring anyone along that desires to work. I'll be stronger, fitter and wiser than the others. I've experienced trials others haven't. I've had my will tested and have always rose above all challenges.

American Idol Season 10 Contestants -- Will it be all they hope for?

With the tenth season of American Idol less than two weeks away, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement.  Some lucky person will turn their golden ticket to Hollywood to a ticket to the big time.  At the end of this road lies for someone a record deal and all that comes with it -- media appearances, music videos, concert tours, fame, fortune. 

Or so the story goes.

But as we all know, anything that looks to be too good to be true, probably isn't.  How many free offers ended up costing you more than the money you thought you were saving?  How many miracle products let you down?  How many hot guys are married or gay or both? Unless you're gay, in which case the hot guy turns out to be straight -- and married.  You just can't get something for nothing.

And so it is with American Idol.  Sure, instant stardom can be yours.  No more playing on park benches, musty, empty clubs, or your cousin's birthday party.  You will have your face on the cover of magazines and you will be on the number one TV show for months, seen by tens of millions of people.  There's just one little catch.

You have to sign away your life.  Okay?  Great.  Here's a pen.

Now, the guard has changed so what I'm going to discuss relates to the previous years of American Idol and its relationship with 19 Entertainment and Sony.  I have no idea what future contestants are signing themselves up for.  But I wonder if they know, or care.  It's a Faustian bargain so many make because the promise of stardom, of putting obscurity and anonymity behind them, is so great, no cost seems too high.

Salon.com wrote a scathing article about the contracts that the participants of Season 1 of American Idol were asked to sign if they wanted to appear on the show.  In the article, they noted:

Clarkson and the other finalists signed an unusually onerous contract with 19 Group, the production company headed by British pop entrepreneur Simon Fuller. These young performers are wrapped up for recording, management and merchandising under the most restrictive terms imaginable: Their careers are literally not their own.

***

According to the version of the contract one entertainment lawyer posted to the Internet, Fuller and his company own the names, likenesses, voices and personal histories of the "Idol" finalists, "in or in connection with" the show, forever. 19 Group can use that material however it wants, even if it's false, embarrassing or damaging.

If contestants reveal anything to anyone about the workings of the show or the contract they signed, they're liable for damages "in excess of $5 million." Their recording, management and merchandising companies, needless to say, are all owned by 19 Group -- a fundamental conflict of interest familiar to anyone who has studied the machinations of the music biz.

A New York Times article about the Season 8 contract, discussed some of the strings that 19 Entertainment have that bind them to the contestants for years:

The company can sign a management contract with any contestant it chooses, binding the contestant to pay 15 percent of his earnings, not including those from recording and merchandising contracts, to 19 Entertainment-related companies as a manager’s fee. The initial contract extends for three years, although 19 continues to collect a percentage of some of the contestant’s earnings for 10 years.

An entertainment law blogger, also a law professor, published excerpts from what was alleged to be a previous incarnation of the contract the contestants had to sign to participate to be on the show, here.  If that agreement is for real, if it isn't some bizarre fantasy of the worst thing you could ever sign in the hope of becoming the next Justin Guarini, then God bless the poor Schmoes who signed it. 

On the other hand, who would you rather be right now, Tim Urban or Chris Golightly?  Whatever happened to Chris, you ask.  Exactly.

The one thing contestants have going for them this year, that certainly wasn't the case last, is there is a renewed interest in their success.   It is not enough that the show maintain its ratings lead, it has to turn out a bona fide star this year.  With the return of the original producer, Nigel Lithgoe, and the installation of a new label and new creative team, there is a lot riding on the outcome of this year.  They need a winner they can be proud of. 

The creative changes to the show are the most crucial in attaining that goal.  American Idol has brought on board Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Universal Music Group’s Interscope Geffen A&M Records, a star-making producer behind such artists as Gwen Stefani, Eminem, the Black Eyed Peas, and Lady Gaga, and a "dream team” of producer-songwriters including Timbaland to work with the contestants on everything from finding the right song to creating the ideal arrangement for that contestant.  And they have promised the end of the awkward genre nights, so no more country artists singing big band or rockers going all twangy.  There is a renewed focus on finding a standout artist that can make the show relevant again.

So, yes, signing on to American Idol may tie you with velvet handcuffs, but the alternative is being free to play at any bus stop or street corner of your choice.  It's not really that difficult of a decision.

Upcoming Music Releases -- Cage the Elephant and Cake

With my thoughts (and much of my writing) focusing on REM's March release and the later summer release of a debut from the Casey James Band, I thought I'd take a look at some other upcoming releases that are intriguing to me.  Two alternative bands have CDs coming out next week -- Cage the Elephant and Cake. 

Cage the Elephant had a hit last year with Ain't No Rest for the Wicked.  A punk-blues band out of Bowling Green, Kentucky, they played Lollapalooza last year as well as opening for Silversun Pickups and STP.  If you think you're not familiar with Cage, you probably have at least heard this, their first hit, which was a free download on iTunes and then went on to be used quite often.


Their other best known song from their first album is Back Against the Wall. 


Here's a single off their upcoming CD, entitled "Thank you, Happy Birthday." The definitely have a White Stripes vibe to me.



Cake's next CD is entitled Showroom of Compassion.  Again, if you don't already have any of their albums, you still are probably more familiar with them than you know.  The Sacramento band has been around since the 1990s and have five previous albums.  They're more funk than punk and truly alternative in their treatment of the rock genre.  I'm sure you've heard the following song.  But first....

Okay, here's my true confession. I thought this was Beck for the longest time. Seriously. But, c'mon, you can hear the similarity, right? They both speak/sing their songs and have convoluted, interesting instrumentation.  Agreed?  Or have I just lost whatever credibility I had?

I love this video.  Even if you don't love their music, the people on the streets asked for their opinion are priceless.  My favorite, "I don't like the na na na part in the chorus."  Amen, brother.


Here's Sick of You, the first single off their new CD.  I like them, but, really, it is Beck, isn't it?

New REM Song from Upcoming CD Collapse into Now -- Hear "Oh My Heart"

REM has released another cut off their upcoming album "Collapse into Now" due in stores on March 8th.  Following the preview of Discoverer and It Happened Today late last year, the next new tune is called Oh My Heart.



I'm slightly more hopeful about this song than the previous two, which I discussed earlier in this blog post.  Discoverer is a non-starter.  It won't get better with more listens.  The lyrics underwhelm and there's no discernable melody.  It's like a beat poet reading arbitrary words over loud, unrelated music.  It won't be getting any stars on my iTunes. I liked the beginning of It Happened Today until it was ruined by the lyrical napalm that is "hip hip hooray." If you can overlook that flaw, the song has a great melody and Stipe actually sings rather than shouts, which is always a good thing.

Oh My Heart has passion and a retro-REM sound that could put the song on Life's Rich Pageant.  Although its verses are spoken, which I assume will be the norm for the now 51-year-old Stipe (Happy Birthday, Michael), there are glimmers of his voice at times in the second half of the chorus.  That sound can still tug at my heart.

In honor of Stipe's birthday, I give myself a gift.  Here are a few of my favorite Stipe performances:

The first two are from their first TV appearance on the David Letterman show.



From their first appearnace on MTV unplugged, in 1991:



Their second visit to MTV unplugged:



And finally, live versions of my two favorite REM songs:

American Idol Season 10 -- Are you in or are you out?

In just over two weeks, it all starts again.  Another season of American Idol, the cultural phenomenon that restarted the TV talent show genre, launched a few genuine stars and gave us endless shots of Simon Cowell in too tight T-shirts.  But what's old is new again as its 10th season promises significant changes.  From new judges to a new signing label, new mentor to a new musical director, the show will look and feel quite different, while being very familiar.

Part of the formula will stay the same -- we'll see the good and bad auditions, learn various heart-tugging personal backstories and watch as the field is winnowed to a lucky few who will vie for our votes.  There appears to be more involvement by the record label during the show than in previous years.  According to an article by Shirley Halperin in today's Hollywood Reporter:

Producer-songwriters handpicked by Universal Music Group’s Interscope Geffen A&M Records Jimmy Iovine will mentor the contestants… will help them with song selection, then arrange and produce the musical accompaniment — a prerecorded track augmented by a live band — specifically for each contestant. And for the first time ever, the contest won’t be limited solely to cover songs.

Anyone familiar with the genius that is Jimmy Iovine cannot help but hold on to some hope that this could be a great year for the AI franchise.  He produced Patti Smith's Easter which had one of my favorite songs of hers of all time, Because the Night.  He's worked with John Lennon and U2 and Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.  In a recent interview, offering his advice to those trying to enter the music industry, he said they have to work on their craft and be multi-talented and he stressed the importance of being able to write your own songs and have a unique sound.  He cares about music and talent -- that is a good thing.

Having said all that, I'm still a tad hesitant to jumping into the AI pool this year.  If you're reading this, you likely know that last year I started this blog to support AI contestant Casey James.  I had never done anything like that before and don't ever intend to do that again.  Unlike many of Casey's fans, who were also on Team Danny or Team Bucky or some other AI contestant in the past -- this was my first (and only, I swear!) venture into the world of AI fandom. 

Having become so (some might say) obsessed with one AI contestant has been time-consuming and exhausting.  It caused me to be an interactive, proactive viewer of the show and follower of the contestant.  Can I go back to passively watching the show?  Can I find other contestants to root for, whose performances I look forward to and whose success on the show I care about?  And can I do this with the show looking so different? 

While I was never a fan of Kara Dioguardi and did not share Simon Cowell's questionable taste in music, the prospect of watching Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez offering their insight into this new talent pool is a little scary.  I can't help but wonder if the extent of Tyler's criticism will be open your mouth wider or get more scarves.  What will J.Lo suggest -- be hotter, wear more revealing clothes?

Still, I suppose I won't be able to stop myself and I will tune in. Because, for all the fancy wrapping, this is at its heart a show about making dreams come true.  Even with all the craziness of the past -- Paula's loopiness or Simon's prickliness or Ryan Seacrest's cheesiness -- it is about giving singers a shot.  And somewhere out there, in the already spoiled list of who made the top 40, is someone who's been singing along to the radio their whole life, or writing songs since they were ten, or practicing their instrument when others were out playing.  Someone who loves music, lives for it, and is looking for that one shot to pluck themselves out of obscurity and show the world what they can do.  Someone who will give us a moment like this:

or this:

or this:

or this:

How can I miss out on any of that?  Okay, I'm in.

Have a Jewish Christmas?!

When I was growing up, one of my favorite comedy albums was "Have a Jewish Christmas...?"  It came out in 1967 and was a bit risky and edgy for its time.  Hanukkah was still a minor Jewish holiday that was no competition for this spectacular Christian holiday with its snowmen who come to life, jolly white-whiskered gift-givers, and dancing and prancing reindeer.  Christians had the lock on the local garden stores with their mistletoe, Christmas trees and poinsettias.  Dozens of songs and movies and TV specials were devoted to the holiday.  It seemed like the whole world was green and red, with houses festooned with Christmas lights, stockings and candy canes. 

This album took on squarely what it meant to be Jewish during the Christmas holiday season.  It posed the ultimate question -- to celebrate or not to celebrate.  And it did so as Jews know how -- with laughter and with songs.  The first song set out the problem simply, to the tune of Jingle Bells:

The lights are being strung, The streets are full of cheer,

The stockings have been hung, Christmas Time is here.

Its joyous revelry and spirit capture you;

"At Christmas Time it's hard to be a good religious Jew." ("Oy")


Chorus:

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle night and day.

It's "Yo-ho-ho" and mistletoe and Santa's on his way.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, If Santa Claus is true,

his joy is fun for everyone, but what's a Jew to do?


He goes to synagogue, it doesn't matter which,

He's Jewish and he's very proud, "I'd rather fight than switch."

When Christmas Time is here, he wishes it would pass,

"Last Sunday morning I got up and almost went to mass!" ("Oy")


Chorus:

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle night and day.

It's "Yo-ho-ho" and mistletoe and Santa's on his way.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, If Santa Claus is true,

his joy is fun for everyone, but what's a Jew to do?

I still have my old LP and I played it last year and it still gave me a chuckle.  I was thrilled to find out it's available for purchase on Amazon !  I know it may seem outdated now.  Thanks to Adam Sandler, kids growing up in the 90s had their own funny Hanukkah song (four versions, actually, with the release of his latest update in 2015) and even their own movie, Eight Crazy Nights.  But for oldsters like me, it's a trip down memory lane and a reminder of how things used to be, when there was more pressure to conform, to blend in, as well as a desire not to miss out.
 
I may have come down on the side of not celebrating Christmas as a Jew, but I sure enjoy the season!  Endless replays of It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street?  Count me in!    Spending time with friends and family?  You know it!  Eggnog?  Yes, please!  And I don't believe in the watered down, politically correct "Happy Holidays."   So I wish to everyone reading this a very Merry Christmas!

NBC's The Sing Off Finale

So am I good, or am I good?  Let's go back to my post after the first episode.  I picked three teams, Committed, Street Corner Symphony and the Whiffenpoofs.  Now, the latter team I selected because my son's former freshman roommate was a member of the group, so I'm not sure that counts as an official pick.  Favoritism, bias, hearing with my heart and not my ears -- something else was at play.  But the other two groups -- made it to the top two.  And the winner is...

But first.  Let's have a bunch of songs highlighting our featured guest performer while the purported stars of the show, the a cappella groups, are relegated to background singing.  Committed is overpowerd by BoysIIMen and the Backbeats barely get noticed even though they have a 15-to-1 advantage over Sarah Bareilles (for the record, I spelled Bareilles right on my first try, but not Sarah) on  her song King of Anything. 




But then it's the producer's favorite, Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town and suddenly the contestant group gets a co-lead on the song Ain't No Mountain High Enough.  Shocker.  Jerry actually did a nice job and I thought maybe giving him such a big role was not because they've been pimping him from day one but because they worried Nicole Sherzinger couldn't stand up to comparisons with Diana Ross (hey, who could)? 


When Street Corner Symphony came out with the adorable and talented, but let's not add singer, Ben Folds, and were only given the job of backup, I was dumbfounded.  Someone must have heard Ben's "voice" and realized he needed a lot of vocal support, not subtle background harmonies.  He's talented and gifted, but from the Neil Young/Bob Dylan school of I don't have to be great at everything.


So the winner is...

But first, we have two more guest performances.  First, by Sheryl Crow, in the spotlight.  What's that in her hand. IT"S A GUITAR!!!  Call the police!  This is an a cappella show and I may not know what a cappella means (to hair?), I know what it doesn't mean -- with instruments.  She has violated the sanctity of the show, she has made a travesty, sham and mockery of an all singing competition.  Yes, this performance was an actual traveshamockery!  Actually she sounded pretty good and looked even better.  Over not in the spotlight, sitting on a stool, a familiar looking left handed guitarist.  It's Doyle Bramhall, II, getting no mention as he was not assigned his own spotlight.  He toils in the darkness with his six string as Talk of the Town and the Backbeats sing all around him.


If you're looking for a new drinking game, take a swig every time the cameraman hits a close up of Courtney, the beatboxer from the Backbeats.  You'll be in a coma before the end of this song.  There are some thirty, forty other members of the Backbeats (or maybe ten) and four of them could go undercover right now and pretend to be atonal mutes because no one has ever seen their faces!  Courtney, on the other hand, has been on my TV more than the Geicko gecko. 

The next superstar song was fronted by newly elected Rock'n'Roll Hall of Famer Neil Diamond.  After discussing which was the favorite Neil Diamond song for the various singers and realizing that Neil Diamond has written every song recorded over the last thirty-five years, host Nick Lachey announces Neil and company will be singing -- Ain't No Sunshine, by Bill Withers.  Go figure.

They did a tremendous job on the song and you can tell why Street Corner Symphony and Committed would later be the top two teams.  They have seamless transitions, sparkling harmonies, good backing percussion and strong lead vocalists.  I was waiting for the obligatory Courtney close up, but my cup remained untouched for two entire minutes.


And the winner is....

But first, one last performance from each of our groups.  Except when it got to the last group, Street Corner Symphony, who sang Coldplay's Fix You better than the original, the other three teams were allowed to come out and steal their thunder, I mean join in the song.  It was beautfiul and moving, but I felt that their moment was taken away.  But not to worry, it probably meant that they were going to win the whole thing.


So it's time to announce the winner.  And the winner is....

Well, it's not Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town or the Backbeats, because those two teams are given the bad news first.  Jerry et al. go out in style with the most perfect exit song ever, Hit the Road Jack.  Now that they didn't win and all the producers' efforts to shove them down my throat is over, I really appreciate how talented they are.  They don't really do current a cappella, it's more old time doo wop, but they have great voices.  And after hearing Paul McCartney try to sing on SNL, I realize that being able to sound that good when you're not in your prime ain't easy. So kudos to the old guys!

I also want to offer a shout out to the Backbeats.  I ragged on them big time for their first two performances.  I felt their lead singer (who isn't Courntey, but have you seen Courtney, cuz there she is, and there she is again) was overwrought when she sang and her forced angst took away from her voice. As soon as she turned it down, she improved.  And when they spotllighted other singers in the groups -- look, there's Courtney, gulp -- you realized they weren't just blowing smoke when they described themselves as a supergroup.  The leader, the mastermind who put the group together, took his first real lead (joking around on Love Shack doesn't count) and showed what an amazing voice he has as well.  All really fine singers -- especially those from UCLA!!!


And now for the winner.  No, seriously, there's nothing left.  I was hoping for Street Corner Symphony.  Jeremy Lester's story of his hard times trying to make it the first go around with a record label made me root for the underdog, but when they announced the winners were Committed, I wasn't that upset.  Okay, I tweeted one Boo, but that's it.  And I rallied quick.  Committed has a lot of depth, has some of the purest voices I've ever heard and seem like really nice guys.  So congrats to them!

And congrats also to the runners up.  I really liked you, even if you sing that country-flavored music that is all the rage right now.  I liked how Ben Folds correctly identified you as the sort of rebels in the group.  You have a little rock in your soul -- stick with it.  Keep pushing.  You've made a lot of fans, don't let them down.  Hey, the plus is, you don't have to sign with Sony!  :)