American Idol Chit Chat and Chatter Checks in with Aaron Kelly,Top 24 Idols Plus Lady Gaga is Upset

Aaron Kelly has bid farewell to American Idol, but not to the music industry. According to Reality TV World, Aaron is quoted as saying, "I was over thinking it Tuesday because when I go out there I want it to be perfect." Aaron gave it all he had but came up short, and, well, we all know the results of his hard fought effort. He added, "I think the judges wanted to see more charisma." Yeah, and a song with a little better pitch on the harmony.

Aaron and American Idol

Aaron spoke highly of mentor Harry Connick, Jr., stating that he "cares so much," and how incredible he was.
Aaron decided to let it go, do the best he could, and have a great time on stage with the song. I don't think he has any regrets. After all, he managed to hang in the running for quite some time, being number five to be eliminated. LA Times reports Big Mike told him, "You made it this far and it's all right."

Aaron began his Idol journey at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, trying out for the "American Idol Experience." He rose to the best of the day, then the finale. He attributes his success to wonderful adoptive parents who are his support system. Adopted by his aunt and uncle, he and his brother get much love from them and are very thankful to have them in their lives.

Aaron on Harry Connick, Jr.

According to Reality TV World, Aaron felt it was an honor to have Harry Connick, Jr. on board to mentor the finalists. "I felt really privileged," Aaron was quoted as saying. He felt that Harry was honest and didn't pull any punches, telling it like it is with all the Idol contestants. Aaron feels he would be an excellent replacement for Simon Cowell, who will be departing as judge at the end of this season. What about it, Harry?

Aaron on Aaron

Aaron has his sights set on the American Idol Summer Tour. He'll be reunited with his Idol chums and get more time on stage, honing his craft, while visiting cities nationwide. Nice gig, Aaron. He's also looking forward to recording an album someday. Aaron has written his own music, which happens to be one of his talents, and he would like an opportunity to put those skills to work.

Here is another look at Aaron's last night on American Idol. Click here.

Lady Gaga Not Too Happy

OK, let's talk about Lady Gaga. As I said in my previous article, (click here), I did not think Lady Gaga belonged on the show Wednesday night. Especially during Sinatra week. The finalists were performing classics, big band and swing standards from the "Chairman of the Board," himself. The half-naked gyrating and men-on-men dancing sucked out all the class from the night. Who scheduled this, anyway? I wonder what Tina and Nancy Sinatra were thinking during the performance?

Apparently, Lady Gaga was not happy as she complained that her performance was cut and chopped. A bad editing job. Thank goodness! Was there more? Yes, over two minutes of footage, according to the LA Times, Gee, spare us. That's what FOX did, which allowed time for Aaron to have the spotlight and perform for a final time on the Idol stage. That's something I think he deserved.

If you want to download the entire version of her song, click here, or go to iTunes.

For another look at her performance on elimination night, click here.

Perez Hilton's blog has a copy of the entire performance, uncut. Click here.

Idol Talk

It's Idol time, so, let's focus on our four finalists.

Reuters reported that our four finalists all have hopes of securing fat record deals and record great music. They have every intention of pursuing their musical dreams, as well they should, reaching for the stars. And multi-platinum records. Doesn't that sound nice?

They can be proud of themselves for undergoing the rigorous daily routines, rehearsals, filming, media attention, constant scrutiny, and the most stressful of all, elimination night. The winner takes all receiving a guaranteed record contract. We also know from past Idol's success, you don't have to win top prize to be a hit.

Billboard and American Idol's All-Time Top 24

Billboard.com has come out with a list of the 24 most successful American Idols in the music industry. These numbers are based on album sales, single song sales, and air play. Here are the Top 10:

10:Ruben Studdard
Album Sales: 2,600,000

Ruben won the title in 2003. The Velvet Teddy Bear is about to hit the road with Clay Aiken for their "Timeless" Tour. Sweet. His biggest hit: "Sorry 2004."

9: Fantasia
Album Sales: 2,300,000

The 2004 winner and Broadway star of "The Color Purple" has a new album coming out in July. She's celebrating success with her single, "I Feel Beautiful." She also has a reality show, "Fantasia for Real."

8. David Archuleta
Album Sales: 968,000

This 19-year-old, all-around nice guy has something to be proud of. His self-titled debut album is about to go platinum. Yay!

7: Kellie Pickler
Album Sales: 1,300,000

Kellie was a sixth place finisher on American Idol and toured with her best friend, Taylor Swift last summer. She will be opening for one of my fave country music groups, Rascal Flatts this year, singing her hit, "Best Days of Your Life."

6: Clay Aiken
Album Sales: 4,900,000

Clay will be touring with Ruben Studdard, co-headlining on their "Timeless" Tour. He also has an album due out June 1 on the Decca label, "Tried and True."

5: David Cook
Album Sales: 1,300,000

David Cook is a rocker and a humanitarian, helping and lending a hand in Ethiopia. His self-titled album did well, selling 1.3 million copies. Go, David!

4: Jordin Sparks
Album Sales: 1,300.000

Her biggest hit was with teen throb Chris Brown, "No Air." Jordin is Broadway bound now, for a run with, "In the Heights." And, she'll stay busy with her "Battlefield" Tour coming up this summer, also.

3: Chris Daughtry
Album Sales: 5,700,000

Chris is rocking with "Leave This Town," his album that sat on top of the Billboard 200 chart when it first hit the airwaves. Chris had a fourth place finish during his season on American Idol, but that didn't stop him from making his mark in the music world. He has sold a cool 5.7 million copies.

2: Carrie Underwood
Album Sales: 11,500,000

No on can deny that Carrie Underwood is the darling of country music. The 27-year old made history recently being named the first female ever to win ACM's Entertainer of the Year twice. She performed her hit, "Temporary Home," this season on American Idol.

1: Kelly Clarkson
Album Sales: 10,600,000

They crowned her the America Idol back in 2002, and she hasn't had time to look back. Kelly takes the number one spot as American Idol's most successful finalist. Now a true artist, she can boast of having eight top 10's on the Billboard 100 chart. Catch her this summer at the Lilith Fair.

To see all the Idols on the Top 24, click here.

Next week our Idols will be taking on songs from the Cinema with Jamie Foxx as mentor. To download these songs, click here. For a list of the hits from the movies, aka, cinema songs, click here.

Sources

billboard.com, latimesbogs.latimes.com, youtube.com, reuters.com, realitytvworld.com, mtv.com, popwatch.ew.com, perezhilton.com