Category — Carl Risley

Darren Hayes Disappointed With His Idol Pick Sophie Patterson.

Darren Hayes who will be mentoring the Australian Idol’s this Sunday where the performers will have to sing Australian hits. What are the chances Luke Dickens will do a Barnesy number? However in an interview he said Sophie had become too ‘slick’. Hayes had been at the London audition where she was found.

Personally I think Sophie is trying to be sexy when she is not. I don’t get why Dicko goes the whole Bridgette Bardot route with her. She needs to go back to be a bit more the folk singer like Brooke White was in this years American Idol.

Hayes says he is impressed with Roshani Priddis and Wes Carr. Full interview on News.com.au

Charlotte Dawson In Talks To Become The Host of Australia’s Next Top Model
In non surprising news Charlotte Dawson will be meeting with Brian Walsh, the head of Foxtel today to discuss her future with the show.

After stepping in at last minute to host the live finale when Jodhi Meares choked she deserves to be first crack at the top job. Anyway Jodhi never really made a success of that role she was far too scripted something Jennifer Hawkins should learn from. Full story here.

Speaking of Jennifer Hawkins…
In tomorrow nights show of Make Me a Supermodel the wannabe models will be training with AFL footballers, Brodie Holland and Ryan O’Keefe. If you want to see a nice picture of Shanina Shaik click here.

This year’s Idol’s and Bobby Flynn to Meet Up At The Basement tonight
Bobby Flynn will be playing at The Basement tonight and tomorrow night to promote his new album. If that Idol fix is not enough this years Idol contestants will also be there tonight with cameras in tow.

In other Idol news – Carl Risley will be singing at The Vanguard at Newtown tonight. Shannon Noll is also releasing a Best Of Album. Can you do that if you have only been around for five years?

Also the Australia contestant from this years American Idol, Michael Johns, will be in Perth as a guest star on a telethon.

For the truly Obsessed US So You Think You Can Dance Fan
Yes I am one of them. Here is an excerpt from the LA Times about them hanging out at the post Emmy party.

The “American Idol” / “So You Think You Can Dance” table was in a festive
mood despite “Amazing Race’s” continued dominance of the reality television
category. “Idol” / “Dance” overlord Nigel Lythgoe reported that he used his
first few moments without a show on the air this year to launch the dance show
franchise in South Africa. Telling of his travels, he marveled about that
nation’s talent.

Across the table, “SYTYCD” judge Mary Murphy was asked if the
party rates a ticket on the Hot Tamale Train (her highest level of praise on the
show).”Oh, no,” she drawled in a deep Southern pitch, “You can’t get a ticket on
the Hot Tamale Train if there’s no dancing.” She gazed out forlornly at the
empty patch of dance floor in front of the bandstand. So why are these things
called balls if there’s never any dancing? “Maybe because there are so many more
losers than winners,” she said.”A party with Mary Murphy is a scream!” Lythgoe
said from across the table, referring to his colleague’s penchant for
full-volumed praise on the show.

But Murphy didn’t take the bait; no piercing trademark shout came forth to crack the chandeliers across the ballroom.Making his way out of the party, Ryan Seacrest stopped by to greet his “Idol” family.

The famously early-to-bed, multiple-job-holding hosting titan is out awfully
late, maybe his latest ever? “Well, let’s see,” he said, looking at his watch,
“the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is on the, what’s that number?
I’ve never seen that before, 1 and 0 . . .” He looked up and gazed around the
room. “So this is what normal people do at night . . . I’ve got to try this
again.”

Carl Risley, the crooner who was the surprise packet in last year’s Australian Idol show has released his new single This Guys in Love.

The song is soulful with a big band arrangement.

News.com has exclusive access to the film clip of the single.

Carl Risley scores record contract, so no more seeing him in his navy uniform.

All those girls who love navy men will be disappointed that Carl Risley, third in Australian Idol last year has resigned from the navy.

But the good news is he has signed a record contract. He was signed by Universal Records. He has already completed an album called Your Imagination which will also contain a swing number of Waltzing Matilda a song he did on Idol which I hated, but everyone else loved.

To keep the Idol connection going John “Kermit” Foreman produced the album. It will be released in a few months time.
Full story here.

More It Takes Two couples revealed.
Sara Groen the Channel 7 news reader and weather presenter will be a contestant on It Takes Two which is starting this Tuesday on 7.00pm.

Her singing mentor will be Adam Harvey the country music singer.

Julia Morris comedian will be partnered with opera singer David Hobson. Is it only me or does anyone else think David is becoming over exposed?

Carl Risley to get a Gig

It has been announced that Carl Risley on 4barrest.com – the worlds most visited brass website (how do you prove that claim?) that there will be a gala concert in Brisbane Friday the 21 March 2008 featuring the he United States Air Force Band of the Pacific “Alaska Brass”.

Also the Brisbane Army Band will play, as will Australian Idol third place getter the swinging Carl Risley. It is not clear on their website whether he will be sing with the army band or separately. If you were keen to know you could contact the organisers website link above.

Natalie Gauci looking hot
In the Daily Tele gossip column there is a Natalie Gauci looking fantastic walking the red carpet at the 2Day FM and Sony BMG hits and stars party on Thursday night. She looks like she has lost weight and her hair looked great pulled up. No Jenny Craig contract for her…..

Wade Robson to choreograph a ballet
Hot So You Think You Can Dance choreographer, Wade Robson, has announced he will be choreographing his first ballet to debut on January 23 for San Francisco Ballet’s 75th Anniversary.

After that Robson’s next project is that of choreographer for the new Cirque du Soleil production starring Criss Angel at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

Is there anything this guy cannot do? I hope he leaves time to be a guest choreographer on the upcoming Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance, which hits our TV screens on Feb 1.

Season 2008 It Takes Two bookies odds have been released

When you see a headline Gay Favourite for singing contest you think has Tim Campbell signed up for It Takes Two – however it is in fact Virginia Gay and actress on All Stars who is the favourite to take out the show.

I have never heard of her but clearly she must have a huge personal following. It will make a change from having a Home and Away star take out the title.

Carl Risley may have life after Australian Idol, with news he has signed up with Ralph Carr, Vanessa Amorosi’s manager.

Ralph Carr will work on a record deal for the good looking crooner. This may stave of any official posting to Iraq or Afghanistan in the near future!

The full article is here.

Tonight amid high tension, the 70′s porn fashions continued with Matt Corby wearing a sequined t-shirt, Delta wearing a black sequined(clearly THE fashion trend for summer) mui mui, and Marcia mimicking Sonya McMahon’s side split dress that she wore to the White House in 1971.

All three Idols had the I have come this far I want to go all the way nerves going but before the viewers could hear the verdict the Channel 10 producers had an hour of tv to fill.

Enter Delta Goodrem singing her new single “Believe Again”. It was like a cross between Jewel and Stevie Nicks in her black sequined mui mui, what was that all about, does Sheridan Tyler have stylistic control over everyone who comes on the show? So this was Delta’s new and sexy image? She is only 23 but she dresses like a 40 year old.

Then in the middle of the song all these women in white come onto the stage to sway and sing together. It was like a very bad take off of the Robert Palmer film clip of “Addicted to Love”. It was all pretty cringe worthy, and it did not make me want to buy the album it is like she has morphed into Celine Dion.

Next up is the confidence chick asking banal questions of the idols. What I want to know is who did she sleep with to get her own segment on the show?

Then a new trying to be humorous but it so wasn’t was Mark Holden going back stage with a camera calling it Idol Exposed. The only exposed bit was a shot of Marcia’s broad shoulders in her sequined dress from last night, which was horrifying.

After a few more fillers on came Marcia to sing a song from her new album a cover version of the REM single “Everybody Hurts”. It was not a great rendition of the song, not helped by the Hillsong backup singers.

Half way through I decided I preferred Kyles rendition of Just A Gigolo from last week.

The most nauseating moment was when she turned to sing to the Idol’s with that look that said now kids this is how you sing with emotion.

Natalie just sat there with a fixed smile showing her newly whitened teeth, and Carl just looked totally bored because it was not a swing number.

Though it should have given Carl Risley comfort to know that you can make a career out of singing covers.

And then drumroll of suspense. Natalie Gauci was first through. For a moment I thought sweet irony maybe Matt will not make it to the Opera House, however predictably Carl was eliminated.

.

The penultimate episode on Australian Idol, the one where the voting public decides who gets to walk up the Opera House steps.

James Mathison bounced out feeling invigorated from him headlining a Free Burma demonstration yesterday. Normally I am not an advocate for celebrities mixing politics, but in this case it was appropriate, not just because of the Burmese Government’s appalling behaviour, but he also has a personal connection with his grandmother being Burmese.

Now enough of the handwringing and on with the show.

Andrew G is growing a moustache for Movember, some sort of charity event that raises money for something, most likely to do with sick kiddies. But this week he looked like he was morphing into a ’70′s porn star with the handlebar moustache.

Tonight the Idol’s were singing two songs each, one that a viewer had suggested, and one of their own choosing.

Natalie Gauci was first out. Her viewer a male nurse from Townsville, was asked by Andrew G what he liked about Natalie, he was stuttering her voice, the great range, what he was clearly thinking was her tits.

He chose Ray of Light by Madonna. This was always going to be a difficult song as the original always had alot going on in it other then Madonna’s voice.
Yes it was a bit high, but I did not mind it compared to other performances tonight.

I thought she looked great. Second last show and they finally realise she looks better in pants. However slight muffin top moment when she stretch up and her body suit pulled up revealing sides of flesh. Kyle for once either did not notice it or was too polite to say anything.

Carl Risley – sang “You Give Me Something” by Van Morrison. He looked like an extra from the movie Boogie Nights with black leather pants, and a shirt open to the waist. Is ’70′s porn fashion back in? Come to think of it Sheridan Tyler has some strange facial hair happening as well.

In the shops this summer should we expect satin hot pants, matched with t-shirts with logo of Deep Throat on it. And I ain’t talking about Watergate.

Any way Carl was so boring I started to think his only possibility for continuing an entertainment career might be in an erotic movie. It is interesting that there has been no Idol’s with any home sex movies emerging onto the world wide web. Australian’s don’t appear to be as keen to get their most intimate acts film, unlike the Americans who tend to see it as an extension of reality tv.

Though some former Australian Idol contestants could consider making a “home movie” just to increase their profile when they are releasing a new single. Cosima may find this strategy particularly beneficial, as her post idol career appears to be limping to an end.

The judges thought Carl was good, I was not taking much notice, as I was distracted by the huge cleavage on the girl sitting behind Marcia.

Kyle said people will vote for Carl, as they know exactly what they are going to get. I reckon he is a bit like going to MacDonalds. You think you want it but once you get it it is bland, one dimensional and tasteless, and you know there is better elsewhere.

Carl Risley girlfriend has obviously learnt a bit since being in the media spotlight ie. audience. From frump with hair in pony tail and no make up, to looking cute with blow dried hair and makeup. Maybe she knows he is now in danger of being pinched by a Home and Away starlet.

Matt Corby viewer picked Evermore’s “It’s Too Late.”

I knew the ’80′s was well and truly back in when he came onto the stage and I was looking at a brunette Nik Kershaw .

I am feeling particularly underwhelmed by Matt Corby at the moment, how different was it from any other songs he has sung. The judges obviously want him to win, as I suspect the record company BMG does too, however an album of stuff that he is currently singing will be mind numbing.

Then the Andrew G and James plugged the headandshoulders competition where the winner gets their favourite idol to come around and perform at your home to 20 of your friends. All I could think of was did they have to be from this years show?

Natalie’s choice of song was “Nobody Knows” by Pink. Apparently a well known song but I had never heard of it. I liked the song and how she sang it. Judges also gave it the thumbs up.

I was appalled by the culottes she was wearing – I thought they came into fashion for a minute earlier this year. They are not a good look unless your name is Kate Moss.

Other fashion disasters were also seen on Natalie on her potential album cover photo shoot. I noted that the two boys got location (outdoor) shots while she did not. Does the record company know the polling from the past weeks, and Carl and Matt are top two.

Carl Risley- Sang “For Once In My Life” badly. Even though the BMG Sony record exec was gushing about Carl’s marketability extending from the grannies to the young girls, I don’t see it.

If I wanted to listen to this genre, which I don’t, I will listen to the master Frank Sinatra or his apprentice Buble`.

Matt Corby in the lucky last position, the producers were leaving nothing to chance to get him to the Opera House sang a Beatles number “Across the Universe”.

What has it been with this season and Beatles songs, there must have been five on this years show. Also why is a 17 year old sing a beatles song? He did not even change the arrangement.

Also wore the hat and sat on that chair again. I thought I was in Groundhog Day. Of course Mark Holden thought it was great, probably still pissed from Melbourne Cup day where he tied one on in the Birdcage.

All the judges did the usual, “so talented”, “huge career ahead”, you would have thought they were talking about the next Chris Martin of Coldplay fame.

I was amused when Kyle called him straight, he is clearly just as bewildered by the conservatism of this youth as I am.

Prediction Matt, and Natalie to be walking those steps to the screaming fans.

What is the point of big band night on Australian Idol? Is it to show singers versatility? Or to try and attract an older viewing demographic, or give some out of work horn players some employment?

No Idol has ever released a big band single.

I think I would prefer country and western night, or a song from a musical if no Andrew Lloyd Webber numbers were allowed.

Though if Natalie Gauci sang Cabaret, I don’t think it would be a great look for her to do the Liza Minnelli suspender outfit.

It was a night where Dicko appeared in a really great cowboy shirt. In LA has he been shopping on ‘Rodeo’ Drive, all puns intended. Marcia showed the ’80′s fashion was well and truly back by showing her bra under her dress. Not a good look for anyone over 30.

Also now that Ben has gone from the show, John “Kermie” Foreman was now the butt of the gay jokes, with a “John loves a big horn section” comment from Andrew G.

Each Idol had to sing two songs tonight.

Carl Risley opened the show. He predictably picked a Michael Buble` and Harry Connick Jr numbers.

The Michael Buble` number was Me and Mrs Jones. He had the heartthrob thing going with the tie undone and the eyes staring down the camera, looking good. Then he started to sing. It was boring.

As Mark Holden said ok was not going to be good enough for Carl tonight this was his night it need to blow. It did not.

As one the papers outlined last week he is the only one in the final four who does not have a record company interested in him, and tonight would not have helped.

His Harry Connick Jr number ” Just Kiss Me” was to staged, his interaction with the band was to forced. His voice is weak, and it all seemed to be a bit fast for him.

Marty Simpson was next and he really showed his lack of versatility and lack of IQ by picking two songs where the verse and the chorus was the same.

Erina in the pre song vignettes looked scathingly at him with his lack of knowledge and poor attitude towards the genre.

He did the usual well you know it was big band night, not my thing shrug the shoulders, cue goofy grin.

His first song was American baby – I wonder if he was singing it to his new 17 year old squeeze. Clearly he has moved on from little Lana. He does seem to like them young, they must be more on his wave length.

Mark Holden was spot on when he said ” Just because you put horns on a song does not make it big band”.

His last song was the Doors number “Light My Fire” I have heard better renditions in dodgy karaoke dens in Chinatown.

Next was the teeny bopper favourite Matt Corby who you could barely hear over the screams of the audience.

Mark was spot on again when he said his hair looked like an “Elvis hasidic jew“.

Mark was on fire tonight. I also thought Matt looked a bit like Dean Geyer tonight. I almost wish he could have done a Geyer like back flip to liven the show up a bit.

He sang ” How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You”

Now I thought this was a happy uplifting song, but he looked miserable throughout, like he did not want to be there. Also he had that weird hand action going on. Marty is about the only boy on Idol who does not that motion this season. Is it because he is the only one that might be getting laid?

His second song was a Bobby Darrin number “Beyond The Sea”. Again this did not entertain me or my partner, as we started talking in the middle of it.

Conversation went something like this:
Partner (Male) : He does not appear to have much in his pants.
Me (Female): Black is slimming you know.
Partner: You reckon, sure it’s not a camel toe?
Me: Are you saying he is more Quah (Family first todger flasher) then the winger from Manly on the Fox Sport News fuck up? (he was a Ohmigod that thing cannot be real, he should audition for Puppetry of the Penis).

Cue end of song wait for judges comments. To think I have the gall to call people banal!

The final singer for the night was Natalie Gauci, who apparently has been singing jazz since a young age and it showed. She was the standout for the night.

Tonight her father was in the audience cheering her along, he looks very young.
Has anyone found out if he is gay?

Her first song was Orange Coloured Sky, which was great, however Kyle was right she must suffer from “clothesorexia” where she looks in the mirror thinks she looks great but really it does not suit her. I thought she looked ok from the chest up.

She needs to stay out of the ’80 fashions, it barely suits anyone, and definitely not her. The dress at the front was far to short you could see her mid thigh, and her legs are not her best asset.

Run from Sheridan Tyler Natalie, run. While Kyle is handing out fashion advice he should have a word to Marcia who must also have been styled by Sheridan tonight.

The sleeveless dress, with the black bra showing made her look bigger then a Williams sister, and that is hard.

Natalie’s second song was an Ella Fitzgerald number “How High Is the Moon”. It was sensational, and the best skatting seen on Aust Idol in five seasons.

Even her dress was ok, especially from the waist up. I am still undecided about the rest of it.

Mark Holden gave her a deserved touchdown. Kyle made the perceptive comment of how touchdowns were now turning into feelups. This year he does tend to run over to the Idols once he has given one, like he is Jesus anointing a disciple.

I don’t think Marty or Carl would have drawn any new fans tonight, so they will be fighting to stay in. I think Marty to go but I say that every week.

Last night was a nauseating love fest between Mark Holden and Marcia Hines, which just showed how fake the ‘tension’ between the judges was. “Oh Marcia what a great song you picked for Tarasai“. “Mark I just want to say great choice”.

The cynical public knew the articles in the paper were just a beat up. I would have thought the Channel 10 publicists had learnt their lesson with the risks of doing this a’la The X Factor, which used this trick when they faded in the ratings.

The theme tonight was the Judges picked one song each for each of the Idols, and they picked which one of these to sing. Then the second song was a song of their choice with the opportunity again to play instruments.

It was interesting that none of Kyles song choices were picked, which showed is lack of technical musical knowledge. Whereas half the Idol’s picked Marcia’s suggestion.

Tarasai was up first with a Taylor Dane number “Can’t get enough of Your Love”, which Marcia chose. It was sung well, but I still feel she is just a top notch karoke singer. Also she has some irritating personality issues like an ego.

When Tarasai was picking her second song she must have thought now will I go for Mariah, Celine or Whitney. Predictably it was Whitney Houston “I believe in Me”, which hit all the right notes. She was going by the theory that big notes bring votes. But again it did not make me want to dial the number to save her.

Kyle quite correctly bagged the dress she was wearing, it was so unflattering. Kyle said they needed to fix the wardrobe issue. Here, here Kyle, Sheridan Tyler taste is gobsmackingly awful. Whatever they are paying him is to much. It will be interesting to see if he is around next series.

Next up Marty admitted he was ‘lazier then the striving muso‘ picked a song which reflected his life philosophy a reggae number “No Woman, No Cry”. Again his performance was pretty inspiring, and Dicko was correct when he said”it had the choreographic zest of a dole queue” a comment that Marty would be able to relate to very well.

Marty predictably then whinged about only having one and a half minutes to sing the tune in. Andrew G put him back in his box by saying “smashed by waves or learn to surf.” I wish Marty would wipeout of this comp.

Though I must admit Marty’s second song the Pearl Jam number ” I guess” was one of his better performances.

Daniel Mifsud gave new meaning to the word tedious with his rendition of Sting’s “Fragile”. It made 1 min 30 secs seem far too long.

His own song choice was the overplayed Eskimo Joe song “Hello, Hello” I know that is not the title but I think it should be. Again his movement was an issue, with his right arm going all over the place. Apart from his version of the Kiss classic “I was Made for Loving You”. There has been no improvement from him since the semi’s.

Carl Risley – predictably got a another hold onto his horn entendre‘ in his pre song sound bite. He chose Dicko’s suggestion the Tom Jones classic “It’s Not Unusual”. I think Carl is finding form at the right time of the season, and is definitely marking himself as a contender, however was it a touchdown?? His song was good but his voice was weak in parts.

The touchdowns are becoming meaningless, as they are not for top notch, spine tingling performances, but just for ‘good performances’ in a year of mediocrity. Also the way Mark Holden milks them for attention is becoming extremely irritating.

Now Carl’s second song “Jealous Guy” deserved the touchdown it was great, and really laid down the gauntlet to Matt Corby, also it showed he could other singers apart from Buble, and Connick Jr.

He is the one singer in this competition who his improving.

Matt Corby showed how smart he was in his pre-song going home vignette. His family had a bottle of coca-cola on the table, which is a grab at getting a post Idol advertising contract. He knows that Guy Sebastian already has the Pepsi one wrapped up.

Matt Corby chose to sing a musical piece “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera. However I thought he was channelling Fiddler on the Roof with his weird outfit. I am still deciding whether I am old or whether his outfits are just super trendy. Again he was being savvy by trying to make his mark on Idol, like Anthony Callea did with “The Prayer”, and Damien Leith with “Nessum Dorma“.

Matt received another milked touchdown from Mark, but it was nowhere as rousing as Anthony’s or Damien’s renditions.

Dicko was highly critical of the number, it was not that bad, but it was not that good.

Matt’s song choice was an obscure song called “Transatlantic” or something like that. He played the piano to showcase his prodigious talent, and it was good, I enjoyed it even though I had never heard of it before.

Natalie Gauci was great tonight with “Nothing Compares to U” where her voice soared over the bad, and a toned down rendition of the Rhianna hit ” Umbrella”.

“Umbrella” received a touchdown. I think she will and Carl will be fighting it out for the second position to be in the Idol finale. Again Kyle quite rightly had a swipe a Sheridan, she needs to get out of the ’80′s outfits she looks hideous in them.

My apologies for the late post, I was away for the weekend, and had a delayed flight home.