Asia'h Epperson

David Cook is this years American Idol. After more than 3 months since the show started, we finally have a winner and I must say a thoroughly deserving winner. Nearly 97.5 million votes were cast and 56 % of the American public voted for David Cook to be this years American Idol.

This is quite an achievement for someone that did not even plan to contest. Cook after he was crowned blamed his brother for landing him the coveted title of American Idol.

The 2 hour finale saw a bevy of singers and past competitors from this season sing the night away before the final winner was announced. The judges were unanimous in saying that this season was among the best and the final two singers were both winners and should go on to do really well for themselves.

My particular disappointment with the final show was the fact that Asia’h Epperson was completely missing from action. She was nowhere to be seen on stage.  The final show had Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Ramiele Malubay, Amanda Overmyer, Jason Castro, Chikezie perform in either group or solo songs. Very conspicuous in her absence was Asia’h Epperson and from a fan perspective was a real pity. I was really looking forward to see Asia’h Epperson perform once again on the American Idol but I guess I will have to wait a while longer before I see Asia’h Epperson on Television.

I enjoyed live blogging last time around on the Asia’h Epperson blog and thought I would do it again tonight when we narrow the list down to the top two.

The final three contestants of Season 7 of the American Idol have just taken stage and completed the opening song. One of the three will be leaving us tonight. Stay tuned to find out who will be leaving us tonight.

Last night was simply awesome, three performances from three great singers. The two David’s and Syesha are all that is left standing. We’ve seen some great singers over the past two months, Asia’h Epperson, Michael John come easily to mind. All in all it’s been a great season and we still haven’t picked a winner yet. This season surprisingly has not had the usual quota of controversy, I wonder if everyone is becoming more politically correct these days.

All right folks, the drama is about to begin. Ryan has just called David Archuleta out to join him on the stage. We are looking back to the three songs that David sang last night and the whole journey. Is this going to be David Archuleta’s last night on American Idol?

Ok we are doing things a little differently this time, its Syesha’a turn to join David Archuleta in the middle. Like David before her, we are now looking at Syesha’s trip back to her home town. Wow, if the crowds are anything to go by it then we are looking at one popular singer. But remember this is her hometown after all and you would expect such a spectacle. That said, it is truly amazing to see the number of people that are out there and it must be a very humbling experience for Syesha.

It’s David Cook’s turn and similar to the previous two contestants we are now looking at David’s hometown and the extraordinary welcome that his fans have organized. It’s an incredible sight to see the number of people out on the street waiting to catch a glimpse of David Cook.

Well folks, its results time finally. All the three idol hopefuls are on stage and we are waiting for Ryan to announce the results. The judges are voicing their opinions but nothing to

The lights are dimmed and here is the vote. The two people going head to head next week are

David Archuleta and ……………….

David Cook

So it’s Syesha that’s going home. I feel sorry for her. She put up one hell of a fight but it was not meant to be. I think she is already a star and like Asia’h Epperson she will rule the charts for some time to come in the future. Here’s looking forward to some great songs from you Syesha.

That’s all from me folks. Next week the two David’s go head to head and one of the two is the next American Idol. Wow, wow I can’t wait for this season conclusion of the American Idol. Come back for more idol news at the Asia’h Epperson and the American idol fan blog.  

I’m going to be live blogging the American Idol final five elimination results as I see it live on television. Yes, this is the first time I’m doing it and the first time that I’ve done it on the Asia’h Epperson fan club site. This should be fun.

Allright folks, we are live (I’m not in the audience but seated at home with my Johnny Walker and my laptop :)). Anyway American Idol just started on Fox. Who are we going to see eliminated tonight? That is the big question? Each one of the remaining five can go on to win the competition. The final five contestants have just finished tonight’s opening song and now Ryan Seacrest is calling out the contestants. It’s elimination time people. Let the show begin.

Jason Castro

First up is Jason Castro. You can cut the tension with a knife. Ryan plays out the vote result and finally confirms that Jason Castro is indeed safe. Way to go Jason.

David Archuleta

 Second to be called out is David Archuleta. The pattern of late has always been that the bottom two are left to the very end. So David has a pretty good chance of making it to the next round if the same pattern continues tonight.

Paula loved David’s performance last night and Simon mentioned that his second song choice was pretty smart. What did America vote? And he is Safe.

Two down, both safe, three to go. 

David Cook

Next up is David Cook. Paula once again loved David’s performance. Infact she even said that she was looking at the next American Idol. Wow that is saying a lot. Ok here is the result and ……. he is safe. Brilliant!

Syesha or Brooke?

We are indeed following the pattern. That means it’s either Syesha or Brooke that will be eliminated tonight. Lets wait and watch. Ryan just called out both Syesha and Brooke out to join him on stage.  Ok here we go, the decision is any minute now. Hold on a minute, Ryan just asked both to go take a seat on the couch. It’s going to drag on a bit I guess, hey the show is for an hour. It’s only 29 mins into the show as I write this.

Ok we are back but its not result time yet. We are right now taking questions on the phone and what do you know we have Simon’s first crush on the phone asking him about a kiss when he was 9 years old. Next up is Neil Diamond singing “Amazing grace“. A truly great artist and if I may say one of the few legend in this industry.

Right, its the results and not a minute too soon. We have three minutes left. And its ………….. Brooke White. Wow, double wow, Syesha is safe and lives to fight for the crown for another day. Its Brooke White that is going home tonight. Boy, what a run she had. She was such an overwhelming favorite right from the start with really powerful performances but she simply dropped the ball when it most mattered. She was at one time one of my favorites and I can’t help but wonder if she only had been a little consistent she might have gone all the way to the top 3.

Allright folks, Brooke just finished her final performance, her swan song and we are done with tonight’s American Idol. Let me now sit back and let the result sink in.

Boy I really can’t help but wonder how great it be to still have Asia’h Epperson on the show. I’m sure she must be watching the show on her telly at home in Joplin and must be really really missing being part of the show, performing on stage in front on a live audience and yes in front of millions on television. Well, if popularity is anything to go by Asiah, you are already a winner. I just hope we see more great performances from you soon.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Do keep coming back for more news about American Idol and of course Asia’h Epperson. Good night and let the discussions begin.

As we slowly wind down to the end of Season 7 of the American Idol show, let’s look back on the previous winners and reminisce on some of yesterday’s stars.

American Idol Season 1

The first season of the American Idol was very unlike the hit show it is today. Few people know of the fact that the show might have never been aired at all if it was not for Rupert Murdoch’s daughter. The first American Idol was a close contest between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Eventually it would be Kelly that would take the honors. Kelly’s first single, the coronation song ”A moment like this” went on to be number 1 on the Billboard top 100. No small achievement as she broke the record set by “The Beatles”.

American Idol Season 2

Ruben Studdard took the crown in the second edition of the American Idol in 2003. The runner up was Clay Aiken, who led the vote’s right from the start till the most crucial vote of them all. The second American Idol was not without it’s share of controversy. Ruben Studdard, the eventful winner sued 205 Flava Inc jerseys for using his pictures in ad campaigns. This was in direct violation of American Idol rules but nothing came out of it. The lawsuit was settled out of court. There was also Frenchie Davis and Corey Clark, American Idol contestants disqualified from the show. Frenchie Davis was because topless pictures of her showed up on the internet and Corey Clark for failing to disclose that he had a police record.

American Idol Season 3

The third season of the American Idol was none other than Fantasia Barrino, arguably the most talented of all the American Idol winners. Her first single after the show debuted at Number 1 on Billboard’s top 100. The runner up was Diana Degarmo whose singing career never did take off.

American Idol Season 4

The contest rules were changed in season 4 of the American Idol to increase the upward limit to 28. This was done to bring in more variety among the contestants. The winner was Carrie Underwood and the runner up was Bo Bice. Both Carrie and Bo released albums soon after and both albums debuted at No 1 and No 2 at the Billboard Top 100. Unlike the previous years contestants, the runner up Bo Bice went on to have a successful singing career.

American Idol Season 5

Taylor Hicks took the honors at the fifth running of the American Idol show. Taylor Hicks had a great run throughout the competition without ever falling into the bottom three’s at any stage. Runner up Katharine McPhee is quite a popular singer with two Top 40 billboard hits to date.

American Idol Season 6

Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Sanjaya Malakar went at each other with Jordin emerging as the winner. Sanjaya Malakar had the audiences swooning more for his hairdo than his voice but in the end Jordin Sparks clearly was the deserving winner. As with some of the previous years winners Jordin never had to spent time as the bottom 3 at any stage in the competition.

American Idol Season 7

This brings us to Season 7. What a competition we’ve seen so far not to mention some great singers. Asia’h Epperson was eliminated early. Michael John, another singer with a lot of professional experience and a great voice became the second major casualty and finally it was Carly Smithson’s turn last week. This leaves us with 5 idols all with a great shot at winning the crown. I must say though that David Archuleta has his nose out in front with the finish post in sight.

Tomorrow will be another red letter day. Who will dazzle us with their song selection and performance, who will fall prey to the nerves and the occasion. It’s only a matter of time before this years winner is announced and the rest are left ruing what could have been. But then again, winning isn’t everything. As previous years runners up and competition contestants have shown us by going on to have hugely successful careers, we can only hope the same for some of this years better contestants and of course Asia’h Epperson.

It’s raining cats and dogs right now in Dallas and that pretty much sums up the mood right now. Carly Smithson was just voted out of the American Idol. Can you believe it? Carly Smithson!!! Boy, sometimes I wonder if this whole voting process is really the way to go. I mean its crazy that America cannot see that Carly has more talent than most of top six. For crying out loud, even Simon was so sure that she was going to be in the top 3. After Asia’h Epperson, this is truly the second biggest shocker we’ve seen so far.

Even the judges could not believe that Carly was in the bottom two along with Syesha. Right till the very end it seemed that Syesha was the one that would be leaving till Ryan Seacrest sounded the death knell for Carly. I must say though that both Carly and Syesha were very composed and collected. I guess being room mates must have helped. Kudos to Carly for refusing to let the decision affect her and for being her usual strong willed self.

Folks, Carly Smithson is the latest and the most colorful of all the American Idol hopefuls we’ve seen thus far. Carly Smithson is no longer an American Idol hopeful. America once again got it wrong in my opinion. Like Asia’h Epperson and Michael John, Carly Smithson will be another star to watch out for. Remember you heard it first on the Asia’h Epperson number one fan site.

Keep coming back to read more of the latest and keep track of what is turning out to be the most controversial season so far in the American Idol history.

It’s been a long and arduous road but the glory is still up for grabs. Each one of the top 6 still standing at this years American Idol know they have a very good chance at superstardom. Every one of the remaining idols can go on to have glittering careers and are all commercially viable.

Picking a favorite is like drawing straws at the moment. But if you put a gun to my head and asked me to choose then I would have to say David Archuleta is probably the one that has the biggest momentum going for him at the moment. America loves a sense of romance. What could be more romantic and incredible than a seventeen year old unknown just a few months ago becoming the next American Idol. The younger you are they more people tend to mother you and push you to succeed. It will be a shocker if David Archuleta is not among the top three. If that ever happens then it probably will be because of David Archuleta screwing up so badly or like Asia’h Epperson has one of those off days.

The closest competition to David is from his good friend Jason Castro. Jason has a lot of things going for him, a growing fan base that is almost rivals David’s and a great voice to match. Jason is my pick for the second spot in the top three. For my third and final sport I will have to go with Carly Smithson. Carly comes across as a woman with a lot of character and America and Americans love that. She comes across a strong willed and confident woman with a colorful personality. Ofcourse all that wouldn’t matter if could not sing but Carly Smithson is no slouch there too.

I know this list is a little different from the list I had earlier posted on the Asia’h Epperson Fan blog but hey at least I still have my top two hanging in there. My previous favorite, Brooke White, the one I was rooting for after Asia’h Epperson, has really disappointed in the past few weeks and every day she looks closer and closer to simply disintegrating on the stage. After Simon Cowell’s recent comment about her performance of the Mariah Carey “Hero” song, Brooke only just managed to maintain her composure. “Ordering a hamburger and getting only the bun”. That line was priceless. Where does Simon come up with this stuff?

Anyway enough said about my favorites. My all time favorite Asia’h Epperson though is no longer in the American Idol competition and hopefully is onto bigger things. As with the final 6 idols, a singing career, more importantly a successful singing career is not limited to the winner. Season 7 of the American Idol has sure rocked so far, we’ve had the pleasure of watching and listening to great voices and performers. Lets hope the remaining idols go out with all guns blazing.

Don’t forget to watch Fox tomorrow, April 21st 2008, its crunch time again folks, all the top 6 idols will be singing and also make sure to come back and read more news about American Idol and Asia’h Epperson on this website.

After dodging the bullet for nearly 6 straight weeks, Kristy Lee Cook’s luck with destiny finally ran out. On Wed, she became the latest casualty in this years American Idol. The show this season has thrown up some incredible singers and quite a few surprises and we still have six contestants standing.

The biggest of the surprises was ofcourse Asia’h Epperson followed by Michael Johns. Michael with his professional background seemed a sure top 3 contestant right from the start but a few bad weeks in a row saw him eliminated in a shocking vote by the American public.

I’m digressing, back to Kristy Lee Cook. Kristy’s had a dream run, right from selling her horse to pay for her trip to the American Idol audition to continuously emerging trumps when all seemed lost seemed incredible almost unbelievable at times. Kristy has shown what a fighter she can be with performances and great song choices and judgment that kept her in the competition when just about everyone seemed to be baying for her head. America seems to have finally looked beyond her striking looks and voted her out which after the controversial exits we’ve seen in the past few weeks appeared tame and had for once almost everyone nodding with agreement.

Kristy Lee Cook is sure to use all that she learnt and the exposure she got to go on to bigger things. I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of Kristy Lee Cook and like Asia’h Epperson a future star is on her way to singing fame. From all of us here at the Asia’h Epperson fan club we wish her the very best and look forward to many great songs from this talented performer in the coming years. A duet performance with Asia’h Epperson would be the icing on this singing cake. Yeah I know wishful thinking!!

The eight American Idol contestants just finished their performances folks and I must say they all did well. There were no obvious hiccups by any of the idols. It was pure entertainment tonight. Super Tuesday was a success. One things for sure though, this is going to be a tough vote for America.

There is sure to be resentment once the votes start coming in. Some really did well like David Archuleta with Simon crediting him for having picked the best song for the evening and on the other end you had Carly Smithson and Brooke White. Brooke White especially looked very nervous at the fag end of the show with an almost pleading look on her face.

The order of tonight’s performances

Michael Johns
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5701
Text: 5701

Syesha Mercado
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5702
Text: 5702

Jason Castro
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5703
Text: 5703

Kristy Lee Cook
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5704
Text: 5704

David Cook
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5705
Text: 5705

Carly Smithson
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5706
Text: 5706

David Archuleta
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5707
Text: 5707

Brooke White
Phone: 1866 IDOLS 5708
Text: 5708

I’m still going to stick by my earlier rankings. Do come back for more updates on American Idol and ofcourse Asia’h Epperson

Let the voting begin. You have two full hours’ folks, get to it right now. I know who I’m voting for. Do you?

Ramiele Malubay, the latest contestant to be voted off American Idol is sure to be pretty disappointed but like all contestants she is grateful for the experience. While admitting that the Idol experience has indeed taken over her life and life will be very different henceforth she remains very positive about the whole experience. No regrets whatsoever, I enjoyed being part of the show, I learnt a lot, not just singing and performing, I learnt humility, I learnt to respect each and every person involved with the show, I learnt about fame and feels that she has grown tremendously as a person.

When asked if she had any advice to those still remaining in the competition, she said her best advice would be to simply go out there and enjoy every minute of it. The experience is certainly something else and advised everyone to soak up the idol experience as much as you can.

She readily admits to mistakes she made such as picking a genre she was not comfortable with and listening way too much to her family when it came to picking her songs for the competition but downplayed her lack of experience when compared to some of the others in the competition.

When asked to pinpoint what might have been the reason, Ramiele feels that overanalyzing everything once she started receiving criticism might have contributed to her departure.

Like Asia’h Epperson, Ramiele Malubay had a very strong fan following and rode through the initial phases of the competition on their strength. Ramiele now looks forward to pursing a singing career in L.A and has plans of teeming up with another fallen idol Danny Noriega. We wish her all the best and like Asia’h Epperson we hope to see more of her in the coming future.

Find below the video of the American Idol exit interview of Ramiele Malubay.