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'Nashville Star's' John Rich cares not for 'American Idol'
By April MacIntyre May 2, 2008, 19:10 GMT
Television\'s No. 1 show, American Idol, returns for its seventh season when it premiered in January. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the hit series empowers viewers to discover America\'s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title. Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. The ...more
Country superstar John Rich spoke today on a panel for NBCU's summer press preview day at the Langham in Pasadena California.
Rich assured assembled journalists that his new talent show for NBC, "Nashville Star" won't be treading over familiar ground like "American Idol," a show that he has no love for.
"I HATE American Idol" says a passionate Rich. "American Idol infuriates me, you can tell when somebody's comment is scripted and when it's genuine."
"There's a reason their ratings are in the toilet"
In a not-so veiled swipe at "Idol" judge Paula Abdul, Rich continued. "They're being fake about it, the biggest difference between our show and theirs is that our comments are real notes, constructive criticism, and the fact we have respect for the contestants.
Rich was fired up. "If I had been that constant (Jason Castro) onstage after Paula got through with her comments about my so-called second performance, I would have flipped them the bird and said, 'thanks Paula' and left the stage and returned to wherever I came from."
"I wouln't be on that show for all the money in the word." Rich finished.
Rich did note he was friends with "Idol" judge, Randy Jackson.
"I know Randy, he's a great guy, but the problem is the respect level for these people who compete on the show. The recent comments are what really bother me, and I am sure that Paula is a fine lady, but I take offense as an artist to what she said."
I spoke to Rich earlier before the panel, and we talked about the Langham's sketchy scrambled eggs, "safe" potatoes and bacon, and his other reality effort, "Gone Country."
Rocker Dee Snider came up right away. "He's a great guy, he was terrific to have on the show."
Snider and his wife are currently shepherding handsome son Jesse Blaze through MTV's "Rock the Cradle", and he is considered a strong contender to take the competition.
Much more on NBC's "Nashville Star" and many other NBCU shows to come.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
Paula and Idol rox. I have never even heard of this guy. sounds to me like he is quite jealous of American idol.
This incident has nothing to do with the rehearsal or Paula being 'confused,' as some people are trying to claim as excuses.
Here's her explanation from Ryan's radio show the next morning (when Paula presumably wasn't as 'confused' as she was Tuesday night:
- Paula: 'I was reading the critique of what I was writing for Jason Castro, and on the same page that I wrote, was also David's, and I got lost on my notes, and that's as simple as it was. I did catch the last minute of Jason Castro' (the rehearsal she watched on the monitor).
- Ryan: 'So what you are saying is, you were talking about two different people, but accidentally you said 'second song.' '
- Paula: 'Yes.'
Obviously it was not David Cook's note she was reading. 'I felt like your usual charm was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty. And the two songs made me feel like you're not fighting hard enough to get into the top 4,' as if David would have to “fight hard” for a spot there, but then she says David is 'fantastic' and she's looking at 'the next American Idol'?
C'mon. This is obviously a lie to cover up the fact that they have been trying to get rid of Jason for weeks now. I like Paula and she was just doing what she was told. Her only mistake was exposing this charade to the public.
He probably wouldn't have made it on American Idol if he'd tried! Knocking another show like he did shows a great lack of class - sounds like a hick from the sticks!
Sounds like an overblown ego talking!
THANK YOU JOHN! I am a Big & Rich fan and a Jason Castro fan. What Paula did was outrageous and inexcusable. The 3 judges on AI need to be odjective and have no agenda pushing. Paula needs to apologize to Jason as well as Brooke and Syesha for interchanging their names.
After I get Castro to the top I am done with AI. GOOD LUCK ON NASHVILLE STAR! I love 'Gone Country'.
Rich Who? Guess he's only known in the Country/Western venue - limited at best. What an egotistical pain - not a show I'd bother to watch.
John Rich was drinking from before noon until the end of auditions in Nashville, he brought singers from Broadway street who did not go through the regular audtions, he was rude and lost fans forever. Bye Bye John Rich. I bought Paulas CD but won't buy yours.
AS IF Nashville Star will be A REAL REALITY SHOW. Jerk.
He's really into himself. A great way to acquire more fans - not!
John Rich is a self-absorbed jerk ball whose show won't even be on the radar. This is a cheap publicity stunt just like Big and Rich's music.
Is this cornball hillbilly talking again. The last time I heard anything from him he was bashing gays. Hick! Redneck! Trash! Bigot!
John Rich is too drunk to comment. Where is his helicopter and fur coat?
Wasn't he fired from Lonestar?
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melissaMay 2nd, 2008 - 19:47:42
omg.. no offence but this idiot is clearly just jealous. he hates american idol? im sure he does. since the idol judges are stars and he is a nobody. idol is the nr 1 show on TV, for 7 years now. nashville star.. doesnt even rank in top 100. clearly, nobody wants to see him or his co-judges. and about Paula.. she just made a mistake. shes only human. she is usually the one judge on Idol who really cares.
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