Subject: American Idol

• Idol Weirdness

  April 23, 2007

• Casket Life

  That's one for new Stomping Ground Records

  August 5, 2004

• BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

  Pho Bang

  September 30, 2004

• Cat Power

  April 17, 2008

• American Idol: entertainment or evil?

  June 26, 2008

• Paula Abdul Hosting Phooson Tonight

  So, if there's one thing I thought Phooson, tonight's popped up show at Cricket was missing, it was some B-list hosting talent. Luckily, Johnjay and Rich are bringing in the big guns: Paul Abdul. The American Idol hostess will join the disc jocks on stage at Cricket Pavillion to introduce Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry, Jesse McCartney, Varsity Fanclub, Tokio Hotel, and the Pussycat Dolls. Here's hoping she struggles to find a nice way to discuss the bad performances before just giving up, cl

  December 5, 2008

• American Idol: Bikini Girl From Arizona?

  We've got some bad news and some good news.First, the bad news. Katrina Darrell, American Idol's Bikini Girl -- who would have stole the show if it wasn't for Scottt MacIntyre -- is from California, so chances are she's not that girl you made out with after a crazy night at Pussycat Lounge. The good news? Pictures and videos of her are showing everywhere, including a nice collection here. Vote for the Worst is already obsessing over her, so look for even more to show up. What's the over/under

  January 13, 2009

• Jan. 13 In Blogs: American Idol, Chlamydia, Food Network and More

  We understand that in the 24-hour news cycle it can be difficult to keep up. Worry not! We have the solution. Check back on Valley Fever every evening for highlights from each of New Times' blogs. Today's entries: Valley Fever: CPS Took Sick Child From Home Unfairly, Says Mom; Takes Fight to Internet Chlamydia, Gonorrhea Strikes Up to 20 Percent of Black Women; Higher STD Rates for Everyone Found by CDC Up on the Sun: American Idol: Scott MacIntyre, Other Phoenix Folks, Impressing New Site

  January 13, 2009

• American Idol Gets All Southwest On Your Ass

  So last night marked the return of the out-of-control musical delusionfest known as American Idol. And the first episode of the eighth season featured summer auditions that took place RIGHT HERE IN PHOENIX!!! Oh my God, the excitement was just too much! How exciting was it going to be to see watch an episode of AI featuring people I might bump into buying seems-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time drunken burritos at Filibertos! The jubilation quickly faded, however, after it became apparent that at l

  January 14, 2009

• Kansas City American Idol Auditions Have Good, Bad and Ugly

  Tears, screaming and screeches - oh my! Wednesday's American Idol auditions, which were held in Kansas City, home of last season's Idol winner David Cook, had all of these things along with dozens of snarky comments from judge Simon Cowell.While one of our favorite moments took place in the beginning of the show when Cowell told Idol hopeful Chelsea Marquardt that she sounded "like a cat jumping off the Empire State Building and the sound it would make before it hit the floor," many more follo

  January 14, 2009

• San Francisco's Akilah Askew-Gholston is Story of the Night on Idol

  The home of Rice-A-Roni, the Golden Gate Bridge and a bevy of fabulous gays was host to the third night of pre-Hollywood American Idol auditions, and can we agree on one thing right off the bat? Yes, yes, there was the excitement of the Inauguration, but isn't it really Akilah Askew-Gholston's AI audition that really defined our collective weeks?The skunk-colored braids and highwater pants held up with giant suspenders were bad enough, but horrible clothing can be forgiven if you've got the pipe

  January 21, 2009

• Cardinals' Game Day Concerts: A Look Back at the Season

  For someone like me, who is an Arizona Cardinals season ticket holder, this season has far exceeding any expectations I had for the team heading into September. Not to toot my horn or anything, but after watching the Cardinals dismantle the playoff-caliber Miami Dolphins in the home opener, I said that the Cards will make the playoffs, hardly expecting them to catch lightning in a bottle and make it all the way to Tampa for the Super Bowl. What does any of this have to do with music? Well, Card

  January 22, 2009

• Lone Butte Casino to Host "American Idol"-Style Televised Talent Show

  Think you're better than some of the colorful people on American Idol or think you're Arizona's next Jordin Sparks? Well, you have a shot to prove it next month at Chandler's Lone Butte Casino. The casino will host "Lone Butte Lucky Break," the first in a series of televised talent shows, at 8 p.m. Thursday, February 5. Performers will be pitted against each other for an opportunity to score an audition with national record labels in Nashville, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City. Wanna-be singers

  January 27, 2009

• Jan. 27 In Blogs: Phil Gordon, Steelers, Joe Arpaio and More

  We understand that in the 24-hour news cycle it can be difficult to keep up. Worry not! We have the solution. Check back on Valley Fever every evening for highlights from each of New Times' blogs. Today's entries: Valley Fever: Mayor Phil Gordon Kills Plan to Give Self Two More Years Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Lash Out at Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon for Terrible Towel Diss. Go Phil! Up on the Sun: Best Banjo Album of 2009 by Steve Martin (yes that Steve Martin) Lone Butte Casino to host "Americ

  January 27, 2009

• Little Idol Thrill in Jacksonville (Hey, That Rhymed!)

  George Ramirez at Gettysburg--Whoops, we mean the Jacksonville American Idol auditions.I've never been able to pinpoint exactly the reason, but I've always had an extreme, visceral dislike of the state of Florida. Maybe it's the alligators, perhaps it's the humidity that turns my hair into a giant puff ball, or maybe it's the fact that my parents forced my brother and I to spend every winter break until we were 14 at my grandparents' retirement community in Miami Beach. Whatever it is, Tuesday's

  January 28, 2009

• Joanna Pacitti Finally Out on 'Idol'

  Yer fired!!So, since Joanna Pacitti's American Idol audition back in Louisville, I haven't made any secretabout the fact that her ass should've been sent packing long ago, especially after she forgot the words to her song during Hollywood Week. In my opinion, Pacitti has used up all of her singing lifelines -- as a kid, she starred as Annie on Broadway, she has already had a recording contract and one of her songs was covered by Britney Spears. But apparently that wasn't enough to keep her from

  February 17, 2009

• American Idol: Why I’ll Never Watch It Again

  February 5, 2009

• Gonna Make You Sweet

  July 3, 2008

• Logoville U.S.A.

  Brand bullies infiltrate SMoCA

  June 12, 2008

• Fair Deal

  April 3, 2008

• Best intentions: Jump high or stay home

  January 17, 2008

• Desert Heat

  America's idol and a hoops star keep Phoenix's mercury rising

  January 3, 2008

• Royal Flush

  February 15, 2007

• Took a Shot

  October 19, 2006

• Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood

  And your point would be. . . ?

  June 15, 2006

• Tube Boobs

  A little close to home

  April 20, 2006

• Cowboy Up

  We just can't quit this countrified Karaoke

  April 13, 2006

• Your Government at Work

  November 24, 2005

• O.C. Can You Say

  When indie goes prime-time, what's left?

  October 20, 2005

• Idol Cafe

  Just let them sing? What a concept!

  June 2, 2005

• The Muffs

  August 5, 2004

• Other People's Blogs: Aerosmith Goes Wal-Mart, Libertines Reunite, Abba Musical

  So Much Silence: The Walkmen on WOXY.com's Lounge ActRolling Stone:  Aerosmith's Joe Perry Hints At Walmart Deal For New AlbumNME: ABBA-penned musical to get English language debut in NYCNME: Libertines reunion: Carl Barat speaks about more gigsIdolator: A Quick Guide To Your "American Idol" Pre-Finale ControversiesNME: Jennifer Love Hewitt to relaunch singing career

  May 19, 2009

• Holly, Jolly Mess

  Who doesn't kid themselves nowadays they can pull off a Christmas album? Thankfully, a few of this year's offerings don't suck.

  December 18, 2003

• Various Artists

  American Idol Season 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs (RCA)

  May 22, 2003

• Holy Post-Easter Miracle! Matt Giraud is Saved on 'Idol'

  You'd better bring your A-game next week, Giraud!As far as 'Idol' results shows go, last night was actually semi-exciting, no? After Matt tanked Tuesday night (and he really did tank), it was pretty obvious he was going to be in the bottom three, if not last place. The judges' decided to take advantage of this new Wild Card rule, where they can "save" a contestant who comes in at the bottom to come back the next week. When they first announced the rule, I thought it was a lame attempt by produce

  April 16, 2009

• About Damn Time: Matt Giraud Off of 'Idol'

  Time to say goodbye, Giraud.During his tenure on American Idol, Matt Giraud was like the Little Dueling Piano Player Who Could: Snubbed by the voting public in the Top 36, the judges made him one of their "judges choice" picks for the Top 13. Then, when he finally got voted off two weeks ago after his horrible performance during Movie Soundtrack Week, they used their save option to give him and the giant boil/birthmark on his forehead one more shot. And last week after yet another mediocre perfo

  April 30, 2009

• 'Idols Live' tour to Hit Glendale

  If you've been trolling the streets of Scottsdale in the hopes of bumping into hometown American Idol also-ran Scott MacIntyre, at the very least now you know where to find him July 20. MacIntyre, along with the other eight runners-up and whoever the Idol winner ends up being (cough--Adam Labert--cough), will swing by Glendale's Jobing.com Arena as a stop on their 50-city tour. Whip out your coveted Kris Allen coin purse, kiddies--tickets, which go on sale Saturday, start at $40.50.

  May 5, 2009

• And Then There Were Three: Gokey, Allen, Lambert Left on 'Idol'

  We haven't had a good crazy-looking Adam picture for awhile. So here you go.So after Allison Iraheta got kicked off American Idol last week, there was only one question that remained: Who would join guy-linered Adam Lambert in the finals? I've made no secret about my Gokey hatred. But even I can admit that between him and Kris Allen, The Bespectacled One is going to be going mano-a-mano with Adam next week.

  May 13, 2009

• The End of an Era: Gokey and His Glasses Go Home

  Don't cry, Gokey. You always have a future as a Lenscrafters model...I will be the first to admit that as excited as I am about last night's Idol results, I am also really shocked (as are a lot of other people, apparently). I think most people--whether they were Gokey fans or not--thought his large hausfrau fan base would keep him safe in the hopes that if he won, he would do dirty things to them with his glasses.How quickly the Idol tables turn. Kris Allen gave Gokey a run for his money with hi

  May 14, 2009

• And In This Corner...Kris Allen and Adam Lambert Go Mano-A-Mano on 'Idol'

  PictureGroup for FoxAmerican Idol finale: Out come the claws. Mee-yow!So, my American Idol-watching comrades, after several months (it feels longer though, doesn't it?) of the hard work and dedication it takes to be glued to our television sets for at least three hours every week, we finally get the proverbial money shot: Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen, or, as Seacrest referred to it, guy-next-door vs. guyliner. Oh, Seacrest, how I'll miss your witty quips this summer. Maybe I'll find a bored, prec

  May 20, 2009

• Upset! Allen trumps Lambert in 'Idol' Finale

  Sorry, Adam, even your goth angel wings couldn't save you. Single tear.Coming into last night's finale, even the most ardent Kris Allen fans would have to admit that their adorable little troubadour was a long shot for the big title (check this out if you missed the play-by-play). The media (myself included) had pretty much already declared Adam Lambert the successor to David Cook's Idol crown weeks ago. Most anticipated a Lambert-Gokey showdown, during which Lambert would mop the floor with Gok

  May 21, 2009

• Other People's Blogs: Queensryche Singer In Chandler, Meg White Marries, New Phish Record Out in July

  The Dish: Queensrÿche singer to appear at Chandler Whole FoodsRolling Stone: "American Idol" 's Adam Lambert on Sexing Up Johnny Cash and Getting on His SoapboxPitchfork: Meg White Got Married in Jack White's Backyard Last WeekendNME: Brody Dalle's new band Spinnerette announce LA/NY datesRolling Stone: Phish Release Epic "Time Turns Elastic," New LP Due July 28th

  May 27, 2009

• Post 2K

  Yes, this is Up On The Sun's 2,000th post. Can you believe it?I realize I'm opening a can of words here, but anything you'd like to see change here on the music blog most easily reached by typing www.PHXmusic.com in to your preferred browser's address bar? More coverage of your friend's band? Less coverage of that band your girlfriend's ex is in? Shorter posts? Longer posts? More American Idol coverage? Feel free to comment, and we'll consider your suggestions...Appreciatively,Martin CizmarM

  June 6, 2009

• Idol Worship

  July 16, 2009

• Hot Links: Police Sketches, Measles, and Still No Budget

  ​The Arizona state government budget is once again up in the air, as legislators failed to approve a spending plan for 2010 over a late-night session last night. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene today at 1 p.m., but they're not expected to take another vote...The city of Gilbert's request for federal stimulus money to hire ten more police officers was rejected. Thirteen Arizona cities have received police grants, but only Mesa received a grant that would pay for more than six officers...Sc

  July 31, 2009

• Daughtry

  August 13, 2009

• New Radiohead EP, Rock Landmarks, Little Known Facts About Soulja Boy

  NME: Radiohead to release new EPElectric Mustache: Pains of Being Pure at Heart, "Higher Than The Stars"Idolator: Just What "American Idol" Needed: More DramaIdolator: Madonna: Still Better Than Everyone At Making Catholics Really, Really AngryPitchfork: Justice Department Backs Crazy $1.92 Million RIAA VerdictPitchfork: Christina Aguilera Working With M.I.A. and Santigold on New AlbumSpin: Top 10 Rock'n'Roll LandmarksThe Dish: Adventures in book buyingHeard Mentality: Top Five Little Known Fact

  August 17, 2009

• Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. Sings to Fatties, Nirvana vs. Courtney Over Cobain's Guitar Hero Likeness, Weezer Unveils New Album Art

  NME: Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O to soundtrack anti-fat advertsRolling Stone: Grohl, Novoselic Didn't Approve Cobain's "Guitar Hero" AvatarRolling Stone: Paula Abdul and "American Idol" Insiders React to Ellen NewsPitchfork: Weezer's Raditude Cover RevealedIdolator: Someone Decided To Put Together A Gallery Of John Mayer's Guitar FacesSpin: Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Eminem Added to VMA LineupSpin: Watch: Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn's Live DebutElectric Mustache: MP3: Au Revoir Simone "Another Likely

  September 11, 2009

• Kelly Clarkson Is Pissed, But We Love Her Anyway

  November 5, 2009

• The End of Idolator

  ​Is there anything more ridiculous than finding yourself upset by a change in management on a music blog? No one seems to managed to stay employed in one place anywhere for long, so Maura Johnston's three year run at Idolator (starting with the site's founding) was bound to come to an end eventually, even though it happened quickly with a sudden goodbye post in the middle of a decade-closing series covering the worst songs of the decade. Immediately, the tributes in the comment section and on

  November 12, 2009