Harry Connick Jr. In Talks To Join A. I.

[Judy Haffner]

http://mlvb.net/www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57582791/harry-connick-jr-in-talks-to-join-american-idol-report/


"American Idol" is really looking to sing a different tune next season.
According to reports, the Fox singing-competition show is courting
recent guest mentor Harry Connick Jr. to sit on the judge panel
permanently next season, and the singer apparently confirmed as much
after Thursday's results show.

Connick said that he has been talking with producers about joining next
year's panel. "They wanted to know if I would be interested -- and it's
a blast, but I don't know, it's hard to make a commitment like that," he
said backstage, according to TV Guide  .

Connick served as an opinionated mentor to the Top 4 contestants this
week, even getting into a heated argument  at the judge's table with
Randy Jackson during Wednesday's live show. "You need to be completely
honest and diplomatic," Connick said of his judging method. "There's no
reason to be mean, but it's called being a judge. You have to judge,
that's what you do."

Though the actor and performer, who is releasing an album titled "Every
Man Should Know" in June, may be too busy to take a seat at the judge's
table, saying  , "I'm going on tour this year so, like, when would I
do it? It's that kind of thing."

It was previously rumored that Fox was looking to change the panel even
before the end of this season by bringing back former judge Jennifer
Lopez  to replace Mariah Carey.

It looks as if they're looking for any solution to get there dismal
ratings  back up.
...............................

I didn't watch the night Harry was on the show, but it sounded like many
of you thought he would make an excellent judge. I've always liked him,
and really do think he'd be a good "fit".

Judy

[TheChris]

jhaf...@webtv.net (Judy Haffner) wrote in
news:8444-519...@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net:

> I didn't watch the night Harry was on the show, but it sounded like many
> of you thought he would make an excellent judge. I've always liked him,
> and really do think he'd be a good "fit".
>
> Judy

He's a weird dude... I don't know if he could be taking in large doses... I
almost get the feeling he's kinda not being totally honest much of the time...

I think they're still trying to figure out what kind of judge is good... I felt
the original lineup had all the ingredients - a label/production owner, a former
pop-star, and a producer (who had a brief career).

Having people like Ellen was stupid. Kara was good because she's a great writer.
Tyler - though I pray to Tyler - was just too rock and over the top for the show.
Of course I'd like more contestants like him, but, it's because I'm an old rocker.

I can't even rememember who else was a judge.... J-Lo??? I guess she was good...
because of her career....

[Callen]

On May 16, 12:02 pm, TheChris <cab...@nospam.gmail.com> wrote:
> jhaff...@webtv.net (Judy Haffner) wrote innews:8444-519...@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net:

He's such a smartass that I KNOW I couldn't take too much of him.

Callen in VA

[Peter Lawrence]

I would be fine with a three person judging panel of Urban, Connick and Carey.

I know many people didn't care for Mariah Carey's critiques, but I thought
while at times they were very subtle and soft pedaled, they were --
especially the later ones -- pretty insightful, helpful and spot on.

She, like J-Lo before, appeared not want to state too harshly her opinions,
maybe because she just don't like criticizing harshly young singers or maybe
she didn't want to look like a "bad and nasty" person in front of her large
fan base (just like J-Lo).

Still, overall, I was fine with the critiques that Carey and Urban gave on
the show.

And many of Minaj's critiques were spot on too, but she just had so many
other issues that she became a big distraction for the show and took the
spotlight away -- far too many times -- from the contestants.


- Peter

[Cheri]

"Peter Lawrence" <humm...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:kn32al$tgf$1...@dont-email.me...

I thought Urban added nothing to the show except a lot of "baby's." I'm not
a fan of HC at all though. I didn't think any of the judges blew it out of
the park with their critiques except Nicki, but as you say there was just
too much other stuff that was off putting and distracting.

Cheri

[TheChris]

Peter Lawrence <humm...@aol.com> wrote in news:kn32al$tgf$1...@dont-email.me:

> And many of Minaj's critiques were spot on too, but she just had so many
> other issues that she became a big distraction for the show and took the
> spotlight away -- far too many times -- from the contestants.

I just thought she was perfect for the show... She represented being a current pop
star, and she's pretty smart and witty. If she took the spotlight away, it was a
wake-up call for the contestants to take it back.

It's like if your caddy plays better golf than you... It's time to step it up :)

I get the angle that a judge should kind of be an impartial, bland character....
but... for pop music... I think pizzazz should be rewarded... Hell - look at the
snoozers they had win... Phillip Phillips, Archuletta, and two other
singer/songwriter dudes I can't even remember... Who do I remember?? Lambert and
Fantasia...

[TheChris]

"Cheri" <che...@newsguy.com> wrote in news:kn32v...@news7.newsguy.com:

> I thought Urban added nothing to the show except a lot of "baby's." I'm not
> a fan of HC at all though. I didn't think any of the judges blew it out of
> the park with their critiques except Nicki, but as you say there was just
> too much other stuff that was off putting and distracting.
>
> Cheri

Urban.... interesting choice. I guess they wanted to have a resident country guy
for those contestants... And honestly, I think he's eye candy for that over-49
female demographic. As a guitarist, (me) I think he's got cred, and knows his
stuff, but, I don't think he critiqued well...

[Judy]

I really like him and think he'd make a excellent judge, and many seem
to feel the same way a couple weeks ago when he mentored the 'Idols'.
I've never thought of him as a smartass. Heck, he can't hold a candle
to many in here! LOL

Judy

[Judy]

On May 16, 9:54 am, TheChris <cab...@nospam.gmail.com> wrote:
> Peter Lawrence <hummb...@aol.com> wrote innews:kn32al$tgf$1...@dont-email.me:

Actually Archuleta didn't win (he came in 2nd) but I feel he should
have, and though I didn't care for Phillip, he's sure done well after
being on A.I. I wasn't watching when Fantasia won, but haven't cared
for her voice, when I've heard her, and would like to foget Lambert!
<grin>

I think Mariah and Nicki should be let go...never cared for Mariah,
though did like Nicki at first, but I got tired of her rather quickly.

Judy

[Giggles]

I thought Keith and Mariah gave great advice without demeaning the
contestants. They showed respect. The music industry could learn a
thing or two from them. And I love HCJ! So far he's the only one to
tell these contestants what we've been saying since season 1. Don't
make the entire song a melisma! Save it for the right spots. I like
the idea of those three being the judges next season. Then maybe the
focus can be on the contestants.

[The_LA_Flash]

On May 16, 8:34 am, jhaff...@webtv.net (Judy Haffner) wrote:
> http://mlvb.net/www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57582791/harry-connick-j...

I liked the way he connected with the kids and his dry sense of humor
was pretty good too, I hope he gets the gig. I wonder if Jimmy
baseball cap will be back?

[The_LA_Flash]

On May 16, 9:02 am, TheChris <cab...@nospam.gmail.com> wrote:

>
> Having people like Ellen was stupid.  Kara was good because she's a great writer.

I didn't like Kara at all, I thought she tired to be too much like
Paula getting off of her chair and dancing, thankfully none of the
judges the past few years have done that.

> Tyler - though I pray to Tyler - was just too rock and over the top for the show.
> Of course I'd like more contestants like him, but, it's because I'm an old rocker.
>

I really liked Tyler, I didn't know that much about him even though
I'm a rock fan, he made the show fun.

[The_LA_Flash]

On May 16, 9:53 am, "Cheri" <cher...@newsguy.com> wrote:

>
> I thought Urban added nothing to the show except a lot of "baby's." I'm not
> a fan of HC at all though. I didn't think any of the judges blew it out of
> the park with their critiques except Nicki, but as you say there was just
> too much other stuff that was off putting and distracting.
>
> Cheri

Before the season started I had my mind made up I was NOT going to
like Urban, MC or Nicki but by the end of the season, I came around on
Nicki and Urban but not so much on MC so for me it was not that bad of
a season looking at it from a judges standpoint.

[Moni]

"Judy Haffner" <jhaf...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8444-519...@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...

---------------
I wouldn't switch channels, but then I usually find I agree with Connick.
--
Moni

Cool Kid since 2008

[Cheri]

"TheChris" <cab...@nospam.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:XnsA1C2E4D...@78.46.70.116...

Maybe I'm too far over 49...yes, I'm sure I am because he just reminds of a
little pipsqueaky pest type. I have heard him sing good songs though, but
the one he sang not too long ago on idol was just awful. :-)

Cheri

[Ron C]

...and that was such BECAUSE he arranged it for Idol. ;-)

==
Later... .. .
Ron C <<< cynic-in-training >>>
--

[Universe]

Giggles <giggle...@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:6f376f92-92e3-414e...@e14g2000yqp.googlegroups.com:

>
> I thought Keith and Mariah gave great advice without demeaning the
> contestants. They showed respect. The music industry could learn a
> thing or two from them. And I love HCJ! So far he's the only one to
> tell these contestants what we've been saying since season 1. Don't
> make the entire song a melisma! Save it for the right spots. I like
> the idea of those three being the judges next season. Then maybe the
> focus can be on the contestants.
>

I loved the background advice Harry gave the contestants, about the
importance of having an intricate understanding of the lyrics and being
faithful to the song.

However he's quite opinionated and I think some of the *specific* advice
about what contestants should and should not do was incorrect. For example
I really think he torpedoed Kree that night, cutting her off after one line
and telling her everything she was doing was wrong.

He also has kind of a bullying sense of humor, lots of insults and sarcasm.
I think that could get old real fast.

[TheChris]

Universe <univ...@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:XnsA1C3EF8CAF8A7...@69.16.185.247:

It's true - he has a love for the classics - and those have lyrics that are
important to know... However... In today's pop music, NOTHING will ever come
close, so, it's a pointless exercise...