Top iTunes Downloads
Since last week until now, the next theme is still unclear. Is it iTunes Top Downloads for the week? Or is it #1 Downloads as Paula Abdul said? Either way, it has something to do with iTunes.
Several blogs now call it Top iTunes Downloads. This blog will, too. That means all the songs that became number one [time frame still questionable]. iTunes was introduced in 2001 and Billboard started keeping track of digital download sales in 2005. For this week's song speculation (I do this to get it off my chest... among other reasons), I will be working with 2 lists: a partial list (from 2005 through early 2009) of #1s and top 10 lists from every year. It's not going to be like, "I think X will sing X". It's "this song is a possible pick for X contestant and/or Y contestant."
Just to remind myself and you all... who are the ones left standing:
Danny Gokey
Alison Iraheta
Kris Allen
Adam Lambert
Lil Rounds
Scott McIntyre
Megan Joy
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai
Group 2 is still complete, Group 1 has only 1 representative left, Group 3 has 2, and Wild Card has 3.
Let's get on with it! Comments are in italics. Finalists' names are in boldface.
Here is a partial list (from 2005 through early 2009):
Candy Shop, 50 Cent Feat. Olivia
Switch, Will Smith
Beverly Hills, Weezer
Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani - am I so bad that I can picture Anoop Desai "dancing" to this?
Don’t Phunk With My Heart, Black Eyed Peas
These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, Jessica Simpson - I'm looking at you, Megan Joy. Yes... you. Jessica Simpson's rendition has off phrasing too, almost in a whisper most of the time.
Pon De Replay, Rihanna
Just The Girl, The Click Five
Gold Digger, Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx
Photograph, Nickelback - As much as I like this song, I don't think there is any of the guys who can sing this song.
My Humps, Black Eyed Peas - HAHAHA. I'd rather not talk. After seeing Adam Lambert literally groooove to "Overjoyed"... ohbabi.
Hung Up, Madonna - I've been wanting a Madonna week for so long, believe me. But as to who will sing this? I doubt any of the girls will. They can barely dance. In fact, only ONE of them (who's left) can REALLY *dance*.
When I’m Gone, Eminem
All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
Don’t Forget About Us, Mariah Carey
Laffy Taffy, D4L
Dirty Little Secret, The All-American Rejects
Check On It, Beyoncé Feat. Slim Thug
Breaking Free, Zac Efron & Vanessa Anne Hudgens - Hey Scott McIntyre! Go get semi-finalist Stevie Wright and have her sing this with you.
You’re Beautiful, James Blunt - Paging Matt Giraud. And hey, you can use the piano too.
So Sick, Ne-Yo
Bad Day, Daniel Powter - is a suicide song. But I can hear Kris Allen do this.
SOS, Rihanna
Promiscuous, Nelly Furtado Feat. Timbaland
Hips Don’t Lie, Shakira Feat. Wyclef Jean
Crazy, Gnarls Barkley - HO-LEE-CRAP. Four words: ADAM LAMBERT SHOULD SING THIS AND BLOW THE COMPETITION OUT OF THE WATER. The guy has 5 recorded versions of this from 4 different venues: Myspace demo, Upright Cabaret (2 different dates), another gig he did when he was on injury break from Wicked, and of course who can forget Art4Life. I know Archuleta and Jason Castro did this during Hollywood Week and Auditions respectively but weren't aired but I hope Danger Mouse FINALLY grants Idol permission to use this song. Mr. Danger Mouse sir... do be clickin'. Or this.
London Bridge, Fergie
SexyBack, Justin Timberlake - I've been reading that Matt might finally give in to the JT comparison but I HOPE NOT. JT has never given his songs to Idol and even if he did, they aren't really singable. Unless your name is Justin Timberlake.
How To Save A Life, The Fray - Two people can do this: Matt or Kris. But more on Kris and hopefully he can plug his guitar in if he decides to use it again.
Lips Of An Angel, Hinder - can I just say how this song ROCKS? LIKE HELL!
Smack That, Akon Feat. Eminem
My Love, Justin Timberlake Feat. T.I.
Fergalicious, Fergie
I Wanna Love You, Akon Feat. Snoop Dogg
Irreplaceable, Beyoncé - Miss Lil Rounds, never ever make the mistake of singing a Beyonce song.
This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race, Fall Out Boy
What Goes Around… Comes Around, Justin Timberlake
This Is Why I’m Hot, MIMS
Glamorous, Fergie feat. Ludacris
Beautiful Liar, Beyoncé & Shakira - must... not... think... *whoosh* okay, Lil, once again, my reminder. And as for a possible duet on this song... *whoosh* no... not... there...
The Sweet Escape, Gwen Stefani Feat. Akon
Give It To Me, Timbaland Feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne - Uh... Allison Iraheta? I know that's not her vibe but so far, this is the only song I can think of for her.
Makes Me Wonder, Maroon 5 - Matt or Anoop can have a go with this.
Umbrella, Rihanna Feat. Jay-Z - Believe it or not, I want Adam to have a go with it and see what he does. Heck, I even want DAVID COOK to run with this extensively covered song.
Hey There Delilah, Plain White T’s - Aw.. JU'NOT. Ju'Not > Von Smith for Wild Card.
Beautiful Girls, Sean Kingston
Stronger, Kanye West
Crank That (Soulja Boy), Soulja Boy Tell’em - WHAT... THE... FLYIN... FUDGE.
Gimme More, Britney Spears
Kiss Kiss, Chris Brown Feat. T-Pain
Apologize, Timbaland Feat. OneRepublic - Matt Giraud has his name written all over it. Although he does have to make a call to a band called BOYCE AVENUE.
No One, Alicia Keys - I'm thinking Allison could pull this off. But she should learn from Felicia Barton's mishap of messing up THE BIG NOTE of the song.
Low, Flo Rida Feat. T-Pain - O_O is all I can say.
Love In This Club, Usher Feat. Young Jeezy - I'm forgetting someone... oh, Danny Gokey. Yes, I heard the Boyce Avenue version of this song and he can probably get away with it.
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley - the memory of Jason Castro doing magic with this is still fresh. So please, hands off.
Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis - If they feel they are ready for a Simon Cowell tirade, Matt Giraud or Lil Rounds, do this.
Touch My Body, Mariah Carey
4 Minutes, Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake
Take A Bow, Rihanna
Time Of My Life, David Cook - do this and die. SRSLY. Singing a winner's victory song does NOT bode very well.
Viva La Vida, Coldplay - at the rate this is going, I've already penned Matt Giraud's album. But not a lot of people, including the judges liked his take on this song back during the semis.
I Kissed A Girl, Katy Perry - I've been reading that people would want Allison to sing this song from Adam's friend. But if Idol does not want to state the most obvious (Adam's sexuality, for example), I doubt they will have a contestant sing a song with double meanings.
Disturbia, Rihanna - *shudder* I've been reading that Adam MIGHT do this song... FOR REAL. Gahd, I hope not. NONE of Rihanna's songs are singable. That includes "Unfaithful" because all you need to do in that song is moan. Please Adam, as much faith I have in you in "mixing it up", you're not God. Not even God can do anything with this song.
Crush, David Archuleta - honestly, the chorus reminds me of Scott's off-key moaningriffs.
Whatever You Like, T.I.
So What, Pink - has Allison's name all over it.
Live Your Life, T.I. feat. Rhianna
Womanizer, Britney Spears - LOL at ariezhilton and his video of Adam singing and dancing to this song, on stage with 2 "male" dancers, complete with groping. Ariezhilton, he was performing his own song, "Kiss and Tell".
If I Were A Boy, Beyoncé - *Cate... S.T.F.U. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA. But seriously, none of the girls has the pipes for this song.
Heartless, Kanye West
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Beyoncé - imagine this for the group performance. HAHA.
Circus, Britney Spears
Just Dance, Lady Gaga Feat. Colby O’Donis
My Life Would Suck Without You, Kelly Clarkson - Allison can cave in to the Kelly Clarkson similarities and do this but the original Idol performed this song not too long ago so NO.
Crack a Bottle, Eminem & Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
Right Round, Flo Rida
Top 10 Lists from Every Year:
iTunes Best Selling Songs of 2008
1. “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis
2. “Viva la Vida,” Coldplay
3. “Low (feat. T-Pain),” Flo.Rida
4. “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry
5. “Disturbia,” Rihanna
6. “Lollipop,” Lil Wayne & Static Major
7. “No Air,” Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
8. “Pocketful of Sunshine,” Natasha Bedingfield - MAN! Their Ford Commercial using this song.... the vocals... sheesh, TRAINWRECK. They're good singers on their own but please... NOT TOGETHER.
9. “Love Song,” Sara Bareilles
10. “Don’t Stop the Music,” Rihanna
2007 Best Selling Singles
1. Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal)”
2. Gwen Stefani “The Sweet Escape”
3. Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
4. Avril Lavigne “Girlfriend”
5. Fergie “Glamorous”
6. Kanye West “Stronger”
7. Maroon 5 “Makes Me Wonder”
8. Akon “Don’t Matter”
9. Timbaland “The Way I Are (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.)
10. Shop Boyz “Party Like a Rock Star”
2006 Top 10 Tracks
1. Daniel Powter - Bad Day
2. Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
3. James Blunt - You’re Beautiful
4. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy - I CANNOT TALK ENOUGH ABOUT THIS SONG AND HOW MUCH I WANT THIS TO BE CLEARED FOR ADAM. I will personally stab whoever sings this song on the show if their name is NOT Adam Lambert.
5. Sean Paul - Temperature
6. Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
7. The Fray- Over My Head (Cable Car)
8. Shakira - Hips Don’t Lie
9. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten - damn, I love this song.
10. Chamillionaire - Ridin’
2004 Top 10 Downloads
1. “This Love,” Maroon 5
2. “Yeah!,” Usher
3. “The Reason,” Hoobastank
4. “Let’s Get It Started (Spike Mix),” Black Eyed Peas
5. “Vertigo,” U2
6. “Accidentally in Love,” Counting Crows
7. “Toxic,” Britney Spears
8. “She Will Be Loved,” Maroon 5
9. “Tipsy (Radio Mix),” J-Kwon
10. “Take Me Out,” Franz Ferdinand
Okay, the second list is not very exciting. Compared to other songbooks/themes, this list is VEEEERY limited. (Not to mention my knowledge of "new" songs are next to abysmal so I might've overlooked some songs that I do no recognize.) Scott has next to nothing, and because Matt (FOR ME) reminds me a whole damn lot of Boyce Avenue (I happen to only like their cover versions and none of the originals), he can sing a lot of this songs with his trusty piano. I wish I could say the same for Adam, but ONLY the Gnarls Barkley song could suffice IMO. One can only reinvent so much and some of these songs... are not fit for reinventing.
In Megan Joy's case, it's like there is no song fit for her. Her problem, to me, is her inability to interpret a song.
Anyway, I can't say I'm totally excited for tomorrow night. I hope we get an exciting performance or two at least.
Several blogs now call it Top iTunes Downloads. This blog will, too. That means all the songs that became number one [time frame still questionable]. iTunes was introduced in 2001 and Billboard started keeping track of digital download sales in 2005. For this week's song speculation (I do this to get it off my chest... among other reasons), I will be working with 2 lists: a partial list (from 2005 through early 2009) of #1s and top 10 lists from every year. It's not going to be like, "I think X will sing X". It's "this song is a possible pick for X contestant and/or Y contestant."
Just to remind myself and you all... who are the ones left standing:
Danny Gokey
Alison Iraheta
Kris Allen
Adam Lambert
Lil Rounds
Scott McIntyre
Megan Joy
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai
Group 2 is still complete, Group 1 has only 1 representative left, Group 3 has 2, and Wild Card has 3.
Let's get on with it! Comments are in italics. Finalists' names are in boldface.
Here is a partial list (from 2005 through early 2009):
Candy Shop, 50 Cent Feat. Olivia
Switch, Will Smith
Beverly Hills, Weezer
Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani - am I so bad that I can picture Anoop Desai "dancing" to this?
Don’t Phunk With My Heart, Black Eyed Peas
These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, Jessica Simpson - I'm looking at you, Megan Joy. Yes... you. Jessica Simpson's rendition has off phrasing too, almost in a whisper most of the time.
Pon De Replay, Rihanna
Just The Girl, The Click Five
Gold Digger, Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx
Photograph, Nickelback - As much as I like this song, I don't think there is any of the guys who can sing this song.
My Humps, Black Eyed Peas - HAHAHA. I'd rather not talk. After seeing Adam Lambert literally groooove to "Overjoyed"... ohbabi.
Hung Up, Madonna - I've been wanting a Madonna week for so long, believe me. But as to who will sing this? I doubt any of the girls will. They can barely dance. In fact, only ONE of them (who's left) can REALLY *dance*.
When I’m Gone, Eminem
All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
Don’t Forget About Us, Mariah Carey
Laffy Taffy, D4L
Dirty Little Secret, The All-American Rejects
Check On It, Beyoncé Feat. Slim Thug
Breaking Free, Zac Efron & Vanessa Anne Hudgens - Hey Scott McIntyre! Go get semi-finalist Stevie Wright and have her sing this with you.
You’re Beautiful, James Blunt - Paging Matt Giraud. And hey, you can use the piano too.
So Sick, Ne-Yo
Bad Day, Daniel Powter - is a suicide song. But I can hear Kris Allen do this.
SOS, Rihanna
Promiscuous, Nelly Furtado Feat. Timbaland
Hips Don’t Lie, Shakira Feat. Wyclef Jean
Crazy, Gnarls Barkley - HO-LEE-CRAP. Four words: ADAM LAMBERT SHOULD SING THIS AND BLOW THE COMPETITION OUT OF THE WATER. The guy has 5 recorded versions of this from 4 different venues: Myspace demo, Upright Cabaret (2 different dates), another gig he did when he was on injury break from Wicked, and of course who can forget Art4Life. I know Archuleta and Jason Castro did this during Hollywood Week and Auditions respectively but weren't aired but I hope Danger Mouse FINALLY grants Idol permission to use this song. Mr. Danger Mouse sir... do be clickin'. Or this.
London Bridge, Fergie
SexyBack, Justin Timberlake - I've been reading that Matt might finally give in to the JT comparison but I HOPE NOT. JT has never given his songs to Idol and even if he did, they aren't really singable. Unless your name is Justin Timberlake.
How To Save A Life, The Fray - Two people can do this: Matt or Kris. But more on Kris and hopefully he can plug his guitar in if he decides to use it again.
Lips Of An Angel, Hinder - can I just say how this song ROCKS? LIKE HELL!
Smack That, Akon Feat. Eminem
My Love, Justin Timberlake Feat. T.I.
Fergalicious, Fergie
I Wanna Love You, Akon Feat. Snoop Dogg
Irreplaceable, Beyoncé - Miss Lil Rounds, never ever make the mistake of singing a Beyonce song.
This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race, Fall Out Boy
What Goes Around… Comes Around, Justin Timberlake
This Is Why I’m Hot, MIMS
Glamorous, Fergie feat. Ludacris
Beautiful Liar, Beyoncé & Shakira - must... not... think... *whoosh* okay, Lil, once again, my reminder. And as for a possible duet on this song... *whoosh* no... not... there...
The Sweet Escape, Gwen Stefani Feat. Akon
Give It To Me, Timbaland Feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
Girlfriend, Avril Lavigne - Uh... Allison Iraheta? I know that's not her vibe but so far, this is the only song I can think of for her.
Makes Me Wonder, Maroon 5 - Matt or Anoop can have a go with this.
Umbrella, Rihanna Feat. Jay-Z - Believe it or not, I want Adam to have a go with it and see what he does. Heck, I even want DAVID COOK to run with this extensively covered song.
Hey There Delilah, Plain White T’s - Aw.. JU'NOT. Ju'Not > Von Smith for Wild Card.
Beautiful Girls, Sean Kingston
Stronger, Kanye West
Crank That (Soulja Boy), Soulja Boy Tell’em - WHAT... THE... FLYIN... FUDGE.
Gimme More, Britney Spears
Kiss Kiss, Chris Brown Feat. T-Pain
Apologize, Timbaland Feat. OneRepublic - Matt Giraud has his name written all over it. Although he does have to make a call to a band called BOYCE AVENUE.
No One, Alicia Keys - I'm thinking Allison could pull this off. But she should learn from Felicia Barton's mishap of messing up THE BIG NOTE of the song.
Low, Flo Rida Feat. T-Pain - O_O is all I can say.
Love In This Club, Usher Feat. Young Jeezy - I'm forgetting someone... oh, Danny Gokey. Yes, I heard the Boyce Avenue version of this song and he can probably get away with it.
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley - the memory of Jason Castro doing magic with this is still fresh. So please, hands off.
Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis - If they feel they are ready for a Simon Cowell tirade, Matt Giraud or Lil Rounds, do this.
Touch My Body, Mariah Carey
4 Minutes, Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake
Take A Bow, Rihanna
Time Of My Life, David Cook - do this and die. SRSLY. Singing a winner's victory song does NOT bode very well.
Viva La Vida, Coldplay - at the rate this is going, I've already penned Matt Giraud's album. But not a lot of people, including the judges liked his take on this song back during the semis.
I Kissed A Girl, Katy Perry - I've been reading that people would want Allison to sing this song from Adam's friend. But if Idol does not want to state the most obvious (Adam's sexuality, for example), I doubt they will have a contestant sing a song with double meanings.
Disturbia, Rihanna - *shudder* I've been reading that Adam MIGHT do this song... FOR REAL. Gahd, I hope not. NONE of Rihanna's songs are singable. That includes "Unfaithful" because all you need to do in that song is moan. Please Adam, as much faith I have in you in "mixing it up", you're not God. Not even God can do anything with this song.
Crush, David Archuleta - honestly, the chorus reminds me of Scott's off-key moaningriffs.
Whatever You Like, T.I.
So What, Pink - has Allison's name all over it.
Live Your Life, T.I. feat. Rhianna
Womanizer, Britney Spears - LOL at ariezhilton and his video of Adam singing and dancing to this song, on stage with 2 "male" dancers, complete with groping. Ariezhilton, he was performing his own song, "Kiss and Tell".
If I Were A Boy, Beyoncé - *Cate... S.T.F.U. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA. But seriously, none of the girls has the pipes for this song.
Heartless, Kanye West
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Beyoncé - imagine this for the group performance. HAHA.
Circus, Britney Spears
Just Dance, Lady Gaga Feat. Colby O’Donis
My Life Would Suck Without You, Kelly Clarkson - Allison can cave in to the Kelly Clarkson similarities and do this but the original Idol performed this song not too long ago so NO.
Crack a Bottle, Eminem & Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
Right Round, Flo Rida
Top 10 Lists from Every Year:
iTunes Best Selling Songs of 2008
1. “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis
2. “Viva la Vida,” Coldplay
3. “Low (feat. T-Pain),” Flo.Rida
4. “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry
5. “Disturbia,” Rihanna
6. “Lollipop,” Lil Wayne & Static Major
7. “No Air,” Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
8. “Pocketful of Sunshine,” Natasha Bedingfield - MAN! Their Ford Commercial using this song.... the vocals... sheesh, TRAINWRECK. They're good singers on their own but please... NOT TOGETHER.
9. “Love Song,” Sara Bareilles
10. “Don’t Stop the Music,” Rihanna
2007 Best Selling Singles
1. Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal)”
2. Gwen Stefani “The Sweet Escape”
3. Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
4. Avril Lavigne “Girlfriend”
5. Fergie “Glamorous”
6. Kanye West “Stronger”
7. Maroon 5 “Makes Me Wonder”
8. Akon “Don’t Matter”
9. Timbaland “The Way I Are (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.)
10. Shop Boyz “Party Like a Rock Star”
2006 Top 10 Tracks
1. Daniel Powter - Bad Day
2. Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
3. James Blunt - You’re Beautiful
4. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy - I CANNOT TALK ENOUGH ABOUT THIS SONG AND HOW MUCH I WANT THIS TO BE CLEARED FOR ADAM. I will personally stab whoever sings this song on the show if their name is NOT Adam Lambert.
5. Sean Paul - Temperature
6. Justin Timberlake - Sexyback
7. The Fray- Over My Head (Cable Car)
8. Shakira - Hips Don’t Lie
9. Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten - damn, I love this song.
10. Chamillionaire - Ridin’
2004 Top 10 Downloads
1. “This Love,” Maroon 5
2. “Yeah!,” Usher
3. “The Reason,” Hoobastank
4. “Let’s Get It Started (Spike Mix),” Black Eyed Peas
5. “Vertigo,” U2
6. “Accidentally in Love,” Counting Crows
7. “Toxic,” Britney Spears
8. “She Will Be Loved,” Maroon 5
9. “Tipsy (Radio Mix),” J-Kwon
10. “Take Me Out,” Franz Ferdinand
Okay, the second list is not very exciting. Compared to other songbooks/themes, this list is VEEEERY limited. (Not to mention my knowledge of "new" songs are next to abysmal so I might've overlooked some songs that I do no recognize.) Scott has next to nothing, and because Matt (FOR ME) reminds me a whole damn lot of Boyce Avenue (I happen to only like their cover versions and none of the originals), he can sing a lot of this songs with his trusty piano. I wish I could say the same for Adam, but ONLY the Gnarls Barkley song could suffice IMO. One can only reinvent so much and some of these songs... are not fit for reinventing.
In Megan Joy's case, it's like there is no song fit for her. Her problem, to me, is her inability to interpret a song.
Anyway, I can't say I'm totally excited for tomorrow night. I hope we get an exciting performance or two at least.