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- Jermaine Sellers Says He Appeared 'Diva-Ish' On 'American Idol'
- Michelle Delamor 'Questioned' Singing Creed On 'American Idol'
- Drake's New Single 'Over' Is 'Real Dope,' According To DJs
- Beyonce 'Very Proud' To Open Cosmetology Center In Brooklyn
- 'American Idol' Castoff Haeley Vaughn Says Miley Cyrus Is An 'Icon'
- John Park Got Caught Up With 'Nerves' On 'American Idol'
- Nicole Scherzinger Calls Pussycat Dolls Lineup Shifts 'Inevitable'
| Jermaine Sellers Says He Appeared 'Diva-Ish' On 'American Idol' Posted: 05 Mar 2010 02:52 AM PST 'Sometimes, the camera can make you look more arrogant,' castoff says of his comments to the judges.
Jermaine Sellers got some pretty harsh feedback from the "American Idol" judges for his semifinal performances, but said he was convinced that his faith would carry him through the negativity. His dream came to an end, however, on Thursday, when he was voted out of the competition, along with John Park, Haeley Vaughn and Michelle Delamor. "In God, there's no failure," the 27-year-old said after his elimination.
So what's next for the Joliet, Illinois, church singer? We caught up with him Friday (March 5) to discuss that and much more. Q: You were very outspoken about your faith on the show. Do you think your post-singing comments had anything to do with your elimination? A: Though I hate to say it, yeah, I do. Because sometimes, the camera can make you look more arrogant and diva-ish. Anybody that knows me knows I'm, like, the coolest guy. I like to make people laugh. I honestly do wear a onesie to bed, the whole nine yards. I hate it that I was made out to look like something that I'm not, but it's television. I felt like every night that I went out there, I sang from my heart. And the part that really messed me up the most was that I couldn't focus, because I was so scared about what was going to be said this week as far as me singing so much. I just felt like, the best way to prove a person wrong is by fighting them with God, letting God fight your battles. That's why I kept throwing it out there. A lot of people don't realize that with us making it this far in the competition, we haven't really sat down and took time to thank God for us even making it this far. And without him, we'll fail. That's why I kept having to throw him out there. We don't acknowledge him enough. Q: The judges obviously liked you enough to put you in the top 24, but then they tore you apart once the semifinals started. How did you take their sudden criticism? A: I took it the best way that I possibly could. The thing about it is, as an artist, you have to stay true to yourself. And with you staying true to yourself, it's a certain way I sang my entire life, from a child on up. I kept pulling back. I pulled back a lot, because there was a lot more that I could have done. I felt like if I pulled any more back, it would be like I'm basically whispering to them. I'm a church singer. Q: What was your favorite part about making it so far on "American Idol"? A: Making it to top 20, it's a blessing. That's the best experience about it, just getting on that platform and being able to, not just sing to people, but to minister to them too. People don't realize that the reason I sang songs like Oleta Adams ["Get Here"] and Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?" — half of the reason I did "What's Going On" was because I felt like we're not paying attention to what's going on as far as Haiti, as far as Chile. We're not paying attention to it. We're spending time focusing on other stuff when we should be focusing on what's actually going on in the world right now. Q: If you could go back, would you change your song selections because of the judges' comments? A: "American Idol" is for teenyboppers. There's a lot of young people and they want to hear more current stuff. They want to hear the Keri Hilson stuff, "Knocks You Down" type stuff. And that's not where my soul is. I'm more of "Let's talk about reality. Let's talk about what's going on right now." When I sang "Get Here," I wasn't just talking about one specific individual; I was talking about peace. I was talking about love, respect, joy. I want all of that to come back to us. Even though I tried to deliver it the best way that I could, I never got my point across because I let fear conquer me. Were you sad to see Jermaine go? Do you think his outspoken nature was his "Idol" downfall? Let us know below! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Michelle Delamor 'Questioned' Singing Creed On 'American Idol' Posted: 05 Mar 2010 03:51 AM PST 'I feel that I still did give my own style to it, but I maybe should have chosen a different song,' she says.
While she didn't get a lot of screen time before the semifinals, Michelle Delamor established herself as season nine's resident diva with her first live "American Idol" performance of Alicia Keys' "Fallin'." Unfortunately, she made an oddball song choice (an R&B version of Creed's "With Arms Wide Open"?) that sent her packing Thursday, along with Jermaine Sellers, John Park and Haeley Vaughn.
Does she think lack of screen time did her in? We caught up with the 22-year-old from Miami on Friday (March 5) to talk about that and much more. Q: On Wednesday, Kara said "With Arms Wide Open" was your best performance yet. Then during the results show, she took that comment back. Was that difficult? A: You know what? It was a little bit disappointing, but knowing myself, I'm really a perfectionist, and I know that I didn't do my best. I know that Wednesday was not close to my best performance. I understood where she was coming from. I was a bit disappointed that she had those things to say, but I couldn't say that she was wrong for it. Q: What was your thought process behind choosing the Creed song? A: After my first performance, I had done Alicia Keys, and the judges all thought I needed to take a risk and try something they wouldn't expect me to do, so that's why I chose to do Creed, because I knew they wouldn't expect that. It's kind of like a rock ballad, and I'm not a rock singer. I thought I was taking a risk, and I tried too much to go by what the judges said. I wanted to make sure I did the right thing, and I was too caught up in my mind. I feel that I still did give my own style to it, but I maybe should have chosen a different song. Q: At any point, did you question your decision to go with the Creed song? A: I did. I really did question it. As a matter of fact, I think part of what messed me up a little bit is that I questioned it before I got up on that stage. When you're not sure of the song that you're performing, it's gonna be noticed and people can feel that. I definitely would have done my next song. I would have reversed [the order]. Q: What were you planning to sing next? A: I wanted to do "Come Together" by the Beatles, but Michael Jackson style. I feel like it has so much drive, so much intensity. It's a song that I feel. I love it. My idol, my inspiration Michael Jackson, he covered it. And he did an amazing job, and I've just always loved that song. Q: Do you think your lack of screen time in the early rounds led to your exit? A: Actually, in the very beginning, they had made a whole commercial that said "Meet Michelle," and I thought that was amazing. I was like, "Oh my God, I can't believe it!" And then I saw that they didn't really show me much, but I figured, "They know what they're doing." I knew that I didn't really have a story. I kind of have a normal lifestyle back at home, not so much tragedy or anything like that. I don't think that makes for good TV. [Laughs.] So I understood. Were you sad to see Michelle go? Do you think her Creed song choice got her voted off? Let us know below! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Drake's New Single 'Over' Is 'Real Dope,' According To DJs Posted: 05 Mar 2010 03:09 AM PST 'I love this record,' DJ Khaled says.
Although Drake has had a string of hits on radio and in the club, from his own "Best I Ever Had" to collaborations like "Forever" and "Say Something," the pressure was on for the first official single from Thank Me Later to deliver. And, judging from the reaction he's getting from some of hip-hop's biggest tastemakers, Drizzy has another smash on his hands with "Over." " 'Over' is real dope," DJ Statik Selektah said. "He could have chose to run with a soft, candy-coated record, but he didn't. The beat is crazy. I'm looking forward to his album!" "I love this record," DJ Khaled told MTV News. "It's amazing! It's special! Drake did it again! It's a hit!"
"I think Drake's record is dope," said host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" and Power 105.1 on-air personality DJ Envy. "I know he had a lot of pressure and the world staring at him, but I think he delivered. He did it his way — outside the box. Drake's song talks about how he's dealing with his fame since coming on the scene last year. "On a couple of different levels, it's not what you might think somebody would do," DJ Green Lantern said. "Its not like, 'Let me make "Best I Ever Had" Part 2.' It's an everybody type of record." "I put him in the box with Kanye, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne — artists that love the craft," Envy added. "As I'm listening [to the song], I'm like, 'Yeah man. It's dope," Green Lantern said. "In the sense of the general straight-listener sense, it's a catchy song. It's a catchy song that will stick in your mind, be on repeat and connect to people. 'I'm doing me.' That was the first part that stuck out to me. The 'hood is gonna love the 'I'm doing me. I'm doing me.' That's the 'hood right there." Green says the record has 'hood and pop appeal — it's universal. "As Drake said before, the hipsters and the hood f---s with him, so his single has to be across the board. The Jay Electronica lovers f--- with Drake and the Lil Wayne/Gucci Mane lovers f--- with Drake, so his single has to go across the board. It's not a lot of people that could do that. Technically, the beat is different too — it's a sample. I'm like, 'This sh-- is dope.' " Related Artists |
| Beyonce 'Very Proud' To Open Cosmetology Center In Brooklyn Posted: 05 Mar 2010 04:29 AM PST B cuts the ribbon on the new Beyoncé Cosmetology Center at the Phoenix House in Brooklyn, New York.
On Friday (March 5), Beyoncé spoke in downtown Brooklyn, New York, at the Phoenix House, a nonprofit recovery center for drug and alcohol addiction, to unveil a project she and her mother, Tina, have dreamed of and worked on for years: the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center. According to the press release, the program is "a seven-month cosmetology training course for adult men and women." L'Oréal has donated all the products to be used at the center, and their spokeswoman Beyoncé, along with her mother, have pledged to donate $100,000 annually.
After brief remarks by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Tina Knowles, among others, Beyoncé graciously took to the podium to explain both her ties to the house — she first visited in 2007 as part of research for her role as Etta James in "Cadillac Records" — and her hopes for the program. While Phoenix House provides varied vocational training, "I felt like they needed something that was geared towards women — something that would teach them skills that would give them hope even after the Phoenix House," Beyoncé explained about why she chose to fund a beauty school. Her mother also owned and operated a salon in Knowles' hometown of Houston. "I saw that a salon was a place for women to socialize, share stories, cry, laugh and get advice," she continued about her experiences growing up around a beauty parlor. She was close to tears as she added, "Most importantly, I saw the joy it brought my mother, knowing she was a part of their transformation." B admired the strength of the women and men who've chosen to go to Phoenix House, citing the stigma placed on the disease of drug and alcohol abuse, and that while none of them chose to be addicts, they have all "chosen to get better." As the speech ended and a brief set of photo ops — including the cutting of a ceremonial ribbon — began, Beyoncé took to the microphone one last time. "It's a very proud day for me and my mother," she beamed. Related Artists |
| 'American Idol' Castoff Haeley Vaughn Says Miley Cyrus Is An 'Icon' Posted: 05 Mar 2010 03:22 AM PST 'I'm a really big fan of Disney and Disney Channel, so hopefully there's something there that I can work on,' she says.
Haeley Vaughn's smile was infectious, but her uneven singing left the "American Idol" judges (and fans) frustrated. After her shaky performance of Miley Cyrus' "The Climb," Vaughn was eliminated Thursday, along with Jermaine Sellers, John Park and Michelle Delamor. Will the 16-year-old's country/pop dreams still come true? We talked to the high-schooler from Fort Collins, Colorado, on Friday (March 5) to talk about that and more.
Q: What did you think when Kara suggested you take a year to strengthen your vocal skills? A: I kind of agreed with her. I think that more experience and more time working on my vocals would be good. I think experience is always better, especially since I'm only 16 and this is the first big thing that I've done ever. I've never performed in front of millions of people before; I've never even performed in front of 100. I think it's always good to get more experience and work on the things that I need to work on. Q: The contestants seem to be particularly nervous this year. Is the anxiety level really high? A: The first week was really tough. We were all super nervous and scared and worried about our song choice. The first week, we were all just freaking out and trying to pick the right songs and make sure America would like them. Nerves are always gonna play a huge factor in what we do on the show. Q: Why didn't you sing any country songs during your first two semifinal performances? A: The songs I chose, I made them kind of pop/country. I wanted to not have to sing Martina McBride every week just because I wanted to be a country artist. When Carrie Underwood was on her season, she didn't sing only country songs. She was very versatile, and she chose songs of a different genre and she made them fit her country style. And that was my whole thing that I did too. Q: Do you think the judges have been particularly rough this year? A: Simon was definitely really harsh this season. But, I mean, he has reason to be. ... Sometimes he should soften the blow a little bit, but that's Simon Cowell. He's been like that for nine years. Q: Are you going to go back to school or focus on your career? A: I'm definitely gonna keep working on my career. I'm gonna keep singing. Hopefully, doors will open up for me. I'm a really big fan of Disney and Disney Channel, so hopefully there's something there that I can work on. I'm just gonna keep working on my career and doing what I love to do. Q: What kind of career do you see yourself having? A: Miley Cyrus is one of my icons. Oh my gosh, I love her.... Country music is definitely my genre, pop/country. And playing my guitar is awesome. Yeah, if I were given the chance to do that, I would definitely jump on it. Q: Have you had a chance to talk to any "American Idol" alumni to get advice? A: I talked to Allison [Iraheta] for a bit when she came and she performed the first week. And she just told me to stay true to who I am and keep doing my thing and keep doing one genre of music and just be really strong and confident. Were you sad to see Haeley go? Do you think she should have performed some more country songs? Let us know below! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| John Park Got Caught Up With 'Nerves' On 'American Idol' Posted: 05 Mar 2010 03:22 AM PST 'I definitely got distracted by the cameras and the fact that the judges were going to criticize me in front of 30 million people on live TV,' he says.
His "American Idol" journey might have come to an end Thursday, but John Park will always have Shania Twain. The guest judge made Park's audition one of the most memorable of the season, with her borderline-inappropriate comments about his "bottom end." The Northbrook, Illinois, college student never quite lived up to his initial promise, however, and he was sent packing, along with Jermaine Sellers, Haeley Vaughn and Michelle Delamor.
We caught up with the 21-year-old Friday (March 5) to talk about the judges' harsh comments, his early front-runner status and what's next. Q: After your performance this week, Simon made a comment about your college a cappella group getting their lead singer back. What were you thinking when he said that? A: He was basically saying that I might go home this week. He, of course, dramatized it so that people at home watch it and they can get a kick out of it. I don't really mind it, because I understand where he's coming from. That's just how he is on TV. After the elimination happened and I sang my last song, he came up to me and shook my hand and said, "Good job for coming this far." He's not that mean of a guy, actually. Q: It seemed like you and Andrew Garcia have been dogged from the start with the early front-runner status. Do you think that held you back at all? A: I think it was mostly song choice and nerves. I definitely got distracted by the cameras and the fact that the judges were going to criticize me in front of 30 million people on live TV, so I think that kind of took away from my concentration on just singing the song honestly. I couldn't do my best to interpret the song my own way. Q: The judges got on your case about not showing them what kind of artist you would be. What type of music do you see yourself making? A: I think it would be more pop, neo-soul. Kind of like a John Mayer, John Legend, Gavin DeGraw kind of feel to it. Q: Were there past "American Idol" contestants who inspired you to try out for the show? A: My favorite "Idol" winner was Kelly Clarkson. I just vividly remember her finale show, when she sang "A Moment Like This," and she was crying onstage. It was just an incredible moment for me when I was a kid. Were you sad to see John go? Did you think the judges were overly hard on him? Let us know below! Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos Related Photos |
| Nicole Scherzinger Calls Pussycat Dolls Lineup Shifts 'Inevitable' Posted: 05 Mar 2010 02:18 AM PST 'When it comes to girl groups, I think we did the best that we could for a good chunk of time,' she tells MTV News.
With the search on to fill out the Pussycat Dolls lineup after several members left the group to pursue other interests, the only surviving Doll, Nicole Scherzinger, admits that changes within the group are "inevitable." But Scherzinger insisted that all the girls who left are like family to her, and she only wants them to find success and happiness in their new careers.
"You know what? I've always looked at the Pussycat Dolls as a family," she told MTV News. "We were really a sisterhood. We were together for six years, nonstop, 24/7. And I know a lot of them are pursuing their own solo projects and future endeavors, and I wish them nothing but the best." While she's still fully committed to the girl group, she knows that people sometimes need to move on to find their own happiness. "I believe they are beautiful and talented girls. And I believe in them, and I just want them to be happy," she said. "Success means different things to different people, so whatever brings them happiness, I wish them that." Still, she knows that in the world of girl groups, breakups and shakeups are the norm. "It's kind of inevitable, right? When it comes to girl groups, I think we did the best that we could for a good chunk of time," she explained. "We had an amazing time, and then people change and people grow, and sometimes things aren't right for them. We're all artists — just go and be creative. I love the PCD. It's been a blessing for me. I don't take it for granted, so I can't wait to do more music." Aside from PCD, Scherzinger will also be strutting her stuff on the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars." Related Artists |
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