3/11/08-3/18/08 Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul

[BuddyDebbie]

The field of contestants has been whittled down to just 12 performers. They will perform tonight, and in tomorrow's results show, one will go home. Who will it be? Well, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow, won't you?

But in the meantime, you can relive American Idol from seasons past with an anthology of essays written by just about everyone who has ever been on the show, including Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Blake Lewis and many more, with a special forward written by Paula Abdul. BuddyTV has seven copies of Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul to give away. Three of them are signed by none other than Sanjaya, one copy is signed by Constantine, and three copies are signed by both Constantine and Tamyra Gray.

To enter this contest, please reply to this thread with your answer to the question, "If you could perform on American Idol, what song would you sing and why?" You must explain why. You have until Tuesday March 18 at 11:59am ET to reply. At that time, the thread will be closed and the winners will be selected. The winner with the best answer (judged by editors at BuddyTV) will get to choose from the autographed books. The remaining six winners will be chosen at random.

Best of luck! Below are some pictures of the books and the signatures. (Sorry, we don't have the Sanjaya autographed books yet, but I'll post a picture of it as soon as we receive them from the publisher.) Also, below that, is an essay about the book, written by Debra Poneman, the author of Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul.










#1 Show in TV History Teams with #1 Book Series in Publishing History

By Debra Poneman, author

If you’re one of the 60 million fans of American Idol, you can’t wait for your next dose of Idol inspiration. And now you don’t have to.

Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul is a collection of stories that the television cameras will never see. Written by the Idols in their own words, they tell of the struggles they faced, the people who believed in them, and the pivotal moments that ultimately contributed to their reaching super stardom.

There are over 70 stories in this book and they’re short enough to read just before you turn off the lights – and each one is a gem. (NOTE: Keep the Kleenex close by.)

I’ve always been a big CONSTANTINE fan and to say his story didn’t disappoint is an understatement. I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about it. The Greek God really opened up and showed a very vulnerable side.

I also loved the story by SANJAYA, the boy we love to hate. The anecdotes about his childhood are charming and he even waxes philosophical about the judges’ criticism, his relationship with his sister and why he was told not to sing Stevie Wonder!

Even Idol’s biggest superstar CARRIE UNDERWOOD shares her most personal thoughts and gives the book one of its most moving stories.

There are also contributions from producers, directors, stylists and other back-stage crew members as well as from fans whose lives were touched and changed by Idols - like the little girl whose Make-a-Wish was granted when Idol ACE YOUNG appeared in her hospital room.

Whether you’re a devoted fan, an occasional viewer, or someone who still can’t figure out what all the fuss is about, the stories in this book will leave you laughing, crying and marveling at the power of the human spirit.

[montax35]

I would perform Against All Odds. That song applies to almost everything in my life. I have made it through the death of both of my parents by the age of 24. At some point, I wanted to give up on a music career but I still managed to pull through and continue in music. Everyone said that I would not be a great choral teacher but I led my high school choral group to number one victories at national championships. People have tried to stipple me because of my race, my age, or my lack of experience but I have shown them that "Against All Odds" I have succeeded. Hopefully that message trickles down to the students that I continue to impact.

[laslib]

I would perform "In Dreams" by Roy Orbison. My reason for this song:

1) A beautiful melody.
2) Great lyrics.. "A candy colored clown they call the sandman..."
3) Multiple Octave shifts so it's quite a challenge.
4) Everyone can empathize with lost or unrequited love which is what this song is all about.

[meimei42]

EDIT: I'd like to take myself out of the running. I figured if there were only a few entries I could give it to a friend, but I won't deprive a big fan of the opportunity to have one of these.

[Debaser]

This is a tough one. I'd have to say "One" by Metallica for two reasons:

1. Because I think there needs to be more metal songs on Idol

2. I'd get to do my best Hetfield impression. THAT'S RIIIIIEEEEGHT!!!!

[tolrocket12]

If I were given the chance, I would sing a song that was just released by Brooks and Dunn. It's called "God Must be Busy." It tells of the current state of most of our lives. The war currently going on, how people can't afford drugs they can't live without, and how jobs are being sent over seas. It's a very powerful song that has a lot of meaning. If you haven't heard it, I recommend you check it out on YouTube.

[fanjayaxo]

If I had a chance to perform one song I would sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler. I chose this because it's a very inspirational song and since im only sixteen, I still do need help now and then. I would dedicate it to my family, friends and I would most definitely have to include Sanjaya. This song would show them that I do appreciate them being there for me and that when I am down, I know they will be there to bring me back up. The lyrics in this song are just beautiful and it really get's the message across. That's a few reasons why I would perform this song.


''Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.''

[graffd02]

I think I would perform a really hard song, cause I know I would never make it on the show cause I can't sing, so i might as well be featured on the "Complete FAIL" sections of the tryout shows... how about something like Billy Joel's "We didnt start the fire"...

[megdoe]

I would sing "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy because as a single mom of a teenaged daughter, I think the message of power for girls and women is vital today. Any self-confidence that can be instilled is important and this is a very inspirational, motivating song.

[Jensen4ever]

if I could sing any song on American idol I would choose "in my daughters eyes" by martina mcbride because it is a sweet song and talks about seeing things though her daughters eyes and, being 39 weeks pregnant with my first child I am beginning to understand the way she feels as she talks about her own baby, the way things are different through a childs eyes, so pieceful and innocent. So thats why I would sing that song, because I understand what it is she's talking about and it is a sweet song...