Did You See Randy On American Idol This Week?

He is a giant in Country music and I will always enjoy his music but my opinion of him went down a bit after his appearance on American Idol.

I just thought it was a shame because he came across as a really nice person (which is great) and he gave lots of encouragement and positive feedback for almost everyone (which is also great) but the one standout performance, the one person on the show who actually made the song his own, put genuine emotion into it as he was singing it (Adam Lambert's Ring Of Fire) and Randy had nothing good to say :-(

Adam Lambert's performance was the only truly brilliant performance of the night (imho).

That is your opinion and you are definitely entitled to it. My reaction to Adam Lambert's Ring of Fire was quite immediate and the exact same as Simon's critique. "What in the (blank) was that? I thought Adam displayed his contempt for the genre of country music, not necessarily in his manner, but in the way he presented himself in dress and the way he performed his song. If you notice every single week after that Adam was well-dressed and respected the genre they were representing. Adam can definitely sing, Randy admitted to that, but I don't like being screeched at, so Adam is definitely not my type.

Randy is too much of a gentleman to be overly critical of anyone. I think
like most who have grown up listening to Johnny Cash's great song, had
been shocked on the interpretation that Adam gave it.

Yes, he made it his own, but there are some songs better left in their orginal rendering.
Sometimes trying to do something different, takes away the very core essense of why the song was such a classic. That was one of those songs.
I shudder to think of someone trying to alter "Forever And Ever, Amen"
I think the reason that Carrie's version of "ITYS" has been so successful is because she didn't change a thing about the interpretation or the songs story line. She just sang it from a females perspective.

As for his attire Ronda, it almost appeared gothic to me. I once had a co-worker who was into the gothic look, and that was what Adam reminded me of that night.

But in knowing that Johnny was always referred to as "the man in black", I've since thought that Adam was trying to honor him in that way (his attire )as well as in the song selection. But thats just me.

The weeks since that performance it is obvious the kid has talent. But I don't know how long his vocal cords will hold up through years of singing if he continues to put undue stress on them. Dee

I can't really add any more than what has already been said except i believe i was as shocked at Adam's rendition as was Randy. I knwo adam said he did someone else's interpretation of the song but the night was all about country so why even bring another rendition into it? There is a time and palce for that but i just don't believe it was then and took away from the show's format of country music. Adam can sing and Adam is different but there is a time and place for it. that night wasn't the night.

As has been said, everyone is entitled to their opinion but a true country fan respecting classic country probably won't agree.
Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I have read all your comments on the two of them on IDOL. If you watch Randy's face, you can see how much he is enjoying listening to her singing "his" song. It was her night to shine as a formal IDOL and the gentleman let her do just that.

I just bought their version on iTunes. If you don't have it yet, don't walk, run to get it. Randy sings more on this cut than he did on IDOL. It is wonderful.

RT forever,
Ms Pea

I fell in love with country music tonight listeniog to Carrie sing "I Told You So". Never thought the 70's rock n roll fan would say it... but I am! I listened to the original also.. Randy's a great artist and son writer.

travis2john, as Ronda indicated, you are not alone in having listened to rock in the '60s and '70s. I likewise used to be a rock 'n roll listener, mostly soft rock, however. But there were phases i went through for various types of rock and it amazes me today some of the groups I did own LPs by. I sold most of those a couple of years ago however to secure some extra money to go to an RT show. I've followed randy since 1987; I didn't get on board the first of his career but have been going strong since.

Welcome to the RT board.

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

Chapman, think you lost me and perhaps others on the subject line. what seems to be nonsense to you? I'm just curious. it was Randy himself who told me that he and Elizabeth were suffering from something around that time and admittedly said he knew it wasn't as good as he'd hoped on idol.

that having been said, I think we are all, well most on here anyway, in agreement with you that Randy did ITYS the best and I'll always stand by that.

As you said, Carrie is cute and she can carry a tune but as i have said so many times, Randy just seems to put more sincerity into the song all the way around. Of course I am only one person with one person's opinion.

Always and Forever...an RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I hit "reply" on someone else's post.

"Love Carrie but RT should not let her do that song, it is a classic, and sad to say she doesn't do it any favors Sorry:-(("

That's what I was responding to. I could tell RT was suffering from something. But it was still great to see him and Carrie doing that song together.

If you listened to the interview Randy had with Rowdy Yates that was posted a few days back, in the interview he was asked if Carrie had asked him if she could record his song.
His reply was "once a song has been published anyone can record it. But she did ask him before doing so. "

As he has also mentioned in other interviews on her recording of it, that he felt honored . I think I would too. Considering all the millions of songs that get recorded by so many artists. To have someone choose your song, had to be a wonderful feeling for Randy.

So the point is, even if he hadn't given her permission, she still could have recorded the song .There would have been nothing he could have done to prevent her from doing so.

I don't know whos idea it was for the duet. But I'm happy for Randy that they did one. Inspite of the little singing he had on it. It still put him in front of a new audience when they performed on Idol . It's just unfortunate that he wasn't feeling his best ,or in the best vocal form that night. Dee

Okay, I am in the minority here but several have said Randy sings more on the duet than he did on idol. I have compared the two side by side and i don't see it at all. Unless you all are getting some version i haven't gotten, and I got mine from Amazon, having read this time and time again, i've actually pulled up the video from Idol and the duet I have from amazon and compared them side by side. to me, they are exactly the same. randy comes in at the same time on both, Carrie's harmony is the same on both, so please, someone, tell me wherein the actual duet you bought where Randy sings that he does not sing on Idol.

Truly, what have i missed here. I'm just curious every since this comment has been made.

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

Just played the one I bought on iTunes along side the IDOL video, and they are the same. The IDOL video doesn't sound as good, as Randy sounds like he is staining his voice, like he has a cold possibly. The studio version that I bought, his voice is much stronger, making it sound "to me" that he had more verses.

You didn't miss anything. I do feel the sound quality on the Studio version is much better however.

RT Forever,
Pat

Pat, just glad to know i'm not losing my mind as i keep reading how Randy sang more on the duet. I asked one person early on and they said they really hadn't listened to the duet all that much but as more people began to state he sang more on the duet, i just really was wondering if i had a unique Idol tape or duet (smile).
He definitely sounds better on the duet. I had a chance to speak spoke to randy after Idol and asked if he felt okay that night; he did say lib and he had had something as of late and that not just the one girl (megan i think it was) had the flu, everyone around there seemed to be sick. So being in that environment could explain it. i still loved hearing him both places of course.

Always and Forever...an RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

Linda, I, too, have been wondering what I missed (smile). Now we know...nothing.

Ann

This 70's, early 80's former rock/pop fan fell in love with country the first time she heard that wondrous voice sing On The Other Hand in 1986. Buy I Told You So:The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis. You will not be disappointed. Then go back to the beginning and get Storms of Life. It still gives me chills.

I was so looking forward to seeing him perform but was disappointed as Carrie Underwood seemed to just take over the entire song.

I think we all were disappointed that he didn't have a
bigger role in singing the song. But as others have said, it was nice
to see the admiration and respect that they showed toward each other during the performance and after. And as Randy himself has said," He felt honored, that she would choose to sing his song.' He loves the job she has done with it. Dee

i loved his mentoring, i personally loved the duet. the best part was looking at his face when he heard that crazy boy sing "ring of fire".

Oh Randy
Just viewed your performance on American Idol. I loved the way you smiled at her as she belted out YOUR song. That was so nice to see. I have goose bumps watching it. Gonna watch it again.
Good good terrific job.
Pamela

AI

Loved Randy on AI!

His deep voice is always so inspiring!

He is such a Great Guy!...Nice Feller!...He was so encouraging of the contestants.

Hope he can help little Alexis Grace...She should do a duet with Dolly Parton as they do look so much alike. He liked her and could recognize the simplicity of a good country song sung simply!

Dolly and a Mini-Me version of Dolly...

Sadly AI made this little girl dirty herself up and she should have just stayed that sweet innocent girl and perhaps then she would have gone further as Carrie did.

I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments about Randy's musical history and awards. I'm a fairly new convert to country music (1yr!!), and am loving it. I first heard an RT song last Feb 2008 and have been hooked ever since! I listen to more of his music than every other artist combined and have never been a fan of anyone, until now. :-) Randy is definitely the epitome of "total country stardom" and I can't go a day without listening to him. I hear him on my local radio station about 3-4 times a week. That's pathetic, but I always crank it up when he's on!! Woo-hoo!!! Even an island girl can go country!

Deb

Welcome to the site for Randy, and hello Deb.

You couldn't have picked a better entertainer, or man to listen to, and to enjoy.

Randy is a class act. The perfect gentleman. True to the tradition of country music. And loyal to his fans.

Hey, I'd take 3-4 times a week opposed to not at all. Which is how often he gets played in my area. Dee

This site claims to have a ring tone for ITYS with Carrie featuring Randy. I am not sure if it will work or not or how much of the song or what part one may get.

if anyone wants to try it, check it out.
I can't because my cell phone has audio on it but does not work with the internet to download things.

http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/i-told-you-so-ringtone-carrie...

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

This was in the Columbus Dispatch - duet doing fine. How can radio not play it.

Columbus Dispatch
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/03/24/1AA_ITUNES2...

WHAT WE PLAY
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:09 AM
The top songs downloaded from iTunes, as of noon yesterday:
1. Right Round, Flo Rida (hip-hop/rap)
2. Poker Face, Lady GaGa (pop)
3. Kiss Me Thru the Phone, Soulja Boy Tell 'em featuring Sammie (hip-hop/rap)
4. The Climb, Miley Cyrus (soundtrack)
5. Gives You Hell, the All-
American Rejects (alternative)
6. I Told You So, Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis (country)
7. My Life Would Suck Without You, Kelly Clarkson (pop)
8. Sugar, Flo Rida featuring Wynter (hip-hop/rap)
9. I Love College, Asher Roth (hip-hop/rap)
10. Hot Revolver, Lil Wayne (hip-hop/rap).

Always and Forever....an RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I watch American Idol every season. I loved watching Randy and Carrie Underwood on Idol. What a thrill it would be to sing with Randy. I am a gospel music songwriter/singer. I sing alone (soloist) but it is my dream one day to have a band and someone else to sing with as well. I will be 50 years old next year and I want this dream to become a reality. I have never had anyone to support me or to believe in me and my dreams my whole life until I married my husband Ernie 5 years ago. He helped me with my ministry in music to record 2 cds and sing in different parts of the U.S. I've kind of been at a stanstill for about 2 years now due to some unfortunate circumstances (financially) but I have such a desire and a dream to contiue with my ministry I just cant give up on my dream! Who knows maybe one day I could be singing along side Randy Travis!!

I was thinking the same thing, that maybe the song was in a key good for Carrie and too high for Randy. He seemed to be straining, but he is still the best. A voice that will never be equaled in quality. A performer for the ages. He will always be my favorite. Butterfly

Randy must have been beaming a bright light inside to see Carrie perform his tried and true classic bside him. The song is so beautiful, and it seems as though he wrote it just for her to sing straight to Simon. She told him so! What a beautiful performance on both parts.

Love the thought but given Randy wrote the song years ago even appearing on his Nashville Palace CD, it is not likely he had either Carrie or Simon in mind. In fact, Carrie didn't even exist then. But as i said, nice thought anyway, especially if Simon had any misgivings of her becoming the AI Idol. She could now be saying "I Told You So" but I think the Idol judges truly saw something in Carrie from audition one.

Always and Forever...an RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

fan

I think that Carrie shouldnt do the song either. I like carrie music also but Randy Travis your a legend dont do it.

It was great to get to see Randy on American Idol we never get to see any country so it was great to see. He was fantastic singing with Carrie Underwood.

I have a friend who lives in the UK. who is a big Randy fan. I had emailed him that Randy was on American Idol. He was going to contact the network there to see if they were going to air it. He emailed me back yesterday saying that he got to see it. So I was happy for him. And of course for every Randy fan over there.

He, like you, said the same thing.That they don't get much country music over there. He also said their Idol is different then ours.
As most of the contestents in their Idol are all of the same musical genre..pop music. Where ours is all kinds of music. He said they like our AI much better.

He was embarrassed of Simon, being so rude to the contestents with his harsh comments. Said he doesn't give the Brits a very good image of its people.

As much as I hate to admit it. In many cases Simon is dead on about ones performance and talent. But he could learn how to use a little more tactfulness in getting his point across. But thats not his personality apparently.
Anyway, glad you got to see the show and enjoyed. Randy is a class act. A gentleman, all the time.
Dee

Dee, I agree George isn't one of my favorites either, but I do respect him for carrying on the tradition of country music a little. I like Brad too, but when I saw him in concert in 2007, he kind of disappointed me a little bit. I still find some of his songs funny, but a lot of them get old after a while. As for Carrie, I know she will probably win EOTY because her fans that help her win Idol (and everything else) will probably win that for her. So I really don't have anyone in particular I'm rooting for that was nominated this year.

I'm 100% with what you said, Randy is my Entertainer of the Year every year, along with Josh Turner, Toby Keith (my mom's fave), Trace Adkins, and even Kellie Pickler & Luke Bryan. Sure those six are a little bit different, but they all pretty much respect Traditional country music. Plus didn't Randy win Entertainer at the 1989 (not sure of the year) Music City News Awards after he did a BEAUTIFUL job with "Promises", just him and the guitar.

On another good note, I've heard the Duet of ITYS about 3 times on the same station (95.1 WRNS) for the past 3 days! I was so happy to hear Randy's voice on the radio! I'm hoping that station will start to play "Turn it Around"

Sara

Sara, it's Linda, not dee that posted about George but didn't want her to get the blame if anyone truly objects to my comments. of course they are entitled.

Now, yes, Randy did get Entertainer for the MCN awards but those were fan-voted awards; i even attended that show.

I was specifically speaking of the big wigs, the MCAs and ACMs where the industry makes the calls and as usual, slighted Randy when he should have won.

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg
.

I too am glad the UK fans didn't have to miss the performance. I have to agree with Dee that Simon is usually "spot on" as they say but tact he lacks for sure at times. Sometims he even tries to recover, for example on the save when they asked if they had decided to save someone, he just said no and then went on to say, we just didn't think it was good enough. Now why don't start out with saying, again, we talked it over and we just didn't think it was good enough so we've decided not to use the save this week. But good old Simon, he just blurts it out like it is.
I'm sure it is his personality and he'll never change. Again, some could just be showmanship to make the show more interesting.

I actually saw a commercial by him once about not leaving dogs in hot cars and it truly did show he had a heart; it seemed sincere. it almost didn't seem like the same person.
Just my opinion for what it's worth.

I'm glad our Randy is such a gentleman and so soft-spoken; oh, yeah, and he can sing (lol).

Always and Forever...an RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I saw Randy on American Idol and I think it was absolutely wonderful! What a great idea from both American Idol and Elizabeth Travis! I hope it will bring Randy some young new fans that haven't followed him as long as most of us! I have to say this: I am very, very disappointed in radio and country music television. They all admit that Randy is a fundamental part of the industry and credit him for so much, but they rarely play his new music!! Why is that???? Faith in You and Dig Two Graves are two great songs that deserve as much attention from radio as Digging up Bones got when it came out. What is wrong with country music radio? Have they, too, got so far away from their true genre that they don't recognize the incredible talent Randy displays? Am I wrong? I mean do any of you hear him and his new music more than I do? What can we do as fans to get him heard more? Oh, by the way . . . I went and saw Randy in concert in Denver in 2008. I was front row, center stage. It was an amazing concert. I have some awesome pictures of Randy if anyone wants them, I will share or if anyone wants to swap RT concert pics? I will post my personal e-mail address. :-) Have a great day and GO RT!!!
David A. Cook, Sr.
dacsr@hotmail.com

Are you the dad of the David Cook who won last year? I realize those names can be quite common.
No, you're not alone in not getting to hear Randy on radio. Most of us here are having the same results. We request, but get no where. It is soooo frustrating.... to put it mildly.

Would love to view your pictures. And welcome to Randy's official site.
We love this site and everything that his team and WB and Lib are doing to keep Randy in the publics eye.

I would support Randy no matter, if he had a site or not. But I sure do love that he has the fan club back. That WB is taking such a huge interest in him again. I know he is very appreciative of their new efforts on his behalf. He loves being a part of WB recording label. As he has said in recent interviews, 'he is happy to have a label home" once again.

Randy is the best! I only hope that his appearance on Idol will do as you hope. That it brings awareness to new fans, as to the amazing talent the man has. That it gets him back on maintream country radio.

As for radio, I think the real problem is that many of the pd's, md's and dj's are transplanted from defunct pop stations . Folks who have no real roots to the country music format. Thats just my opinion. But thats the way I see it.

I've listened to country music all my life. What is being passed off as country music today, is a joke! It doesen't come close to what real country music is ...what real country music was on radio. What Randy is and has stayed true to. It's having another identity crisis. Much like it had back in the 70's early 80's. It took an exceptional talent and person like Randy to bring it back in focus.

I haven't seen anyone come along that has been able to do that.

In spite of Carrie's induction to the Grand Ole Opry family and her amazing success. She will always be associated with American Idol. Since that is where she found her first success. And we know their not focused on launching strictly country music careers. Dee

Hey, dacsr, if you've joined the fan club, don't forget you can post photos in the gallery, up to 20 photos at a time. I am sure some may love to see them.

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg
.

I thought Randy did a great job on Idol. I don't follow the show but watched this week only to watch Randy and see him sing. He does "I Told You So" so much better than Carrie. She sings it sweetly enough, but the Randy-factor is missing. My local radio has been playing the "duet" version (I was very disappointed that Carrie sung most of it last night), and regularly gives credit to Randy for writing the song. There is just no matching him and his style. Randy is THE BEST!

Deb

I thought Randy did a fantastic job both nights on AI! He did a great job & gave great advice to the contestants. He seemed so down to earth and natural, just like he was when I met him last November! Randy is truly one of the nicest, greatest people ever! Randy was HILARIOUS talking about Adam Lambert and his black nail polish. I'm not a fan of Adam anyways, but I do see how people can see his talent. I agreed 100% with Simon his version of "Ring of Fire". Loved how Simon referred to Randy then, and Randy & Lib were just sitting there laughing. I agree with Randy that Allison Iraheta is a great singer and did a great job with Patty Loveless' "Blame it on Your Heart", especially for 16. I also liked her when she sang "Alone" by Heart during Top 36. Anoop Desai also did a great job, I agree again with Simon ("zero - hero).

As for the Duet, I would rather Randy have sung the song more (or maybe even the whole thing). I first fell in love with his version of ITYS, and I still love his version the best! I do have Carrie's solo version & the duet on my iPod, but NOTHING beats the original! I think Carrie has got a good voice, but I'm the kind of girl that mainly likes male singers, therefore I prefer Randy over Carrie any day. Plus I get tired of Carrie easily, I never get tired of hearing Randy or Josh Turner. I also didn't care much for the bow she had on Wednesday night either... HAHA!

Anyways here are some photos of Randy On Idol...

Here are some from CMT, the first 6 are of Randy...
http://www.cmt.com/pictures/american-idol-season-8-country-music-week/16...

Here are some High Quality Photos from one of Carrie's fan sites (They are really large images, bigger than the CMT ones)...
http://www.carriephotos.com/thumbnails.php?album=890

Great pictures of Randy and Carrie . Also loved the one of Randy and Lib. Thanks for the links Sara. I saved the pic of Randy & Lib to my favorites. (don't have my space or face book). Can someone tell me how I can turn that into my avitar on here. Send directions to my email . Thanks anyone. I'm somewhat like Randy when it comes to this modern technology stuff /computers. Dee

What an incredible performance by Randy and Carrie on Idol this week. The look of respect and admiration that each showed to each other was beautiful to see. There is no doubt that ITYS will once again reach the #1 spot! How great is that?
Carrie has been nominated by the ACM for Entertainer of the Year and after watching her performance on Idol I believe she is indeed the EOTY!I will be voting for her for sure. If anyone is interested fans can cast votes this year at the following link:
http://www.cbs.com/specials/acma/vote/

Cassie2, I agree the duet was pretty good, but most of us here think that Randy should have sang more of it and not let Carrie hog most of the song. I for one, will not be voting for Carrie for EOTY because I do not find her very entertaining. I'm not really rooting for anyone to win Entertainer anyways, but I'm hoping George Strait will win it, but I do not think he will. The other 4 nominees are all either boring or don't sing well besides George. I think Carrie has a much better voice than Kenny (by far), Keith, & Brad, but I still do not find her entertaining or country.

Sara

Sara, I'm with you on not voting for entertainer but if anyone gets it, i'd ratherit Carrie than George Strait. GS is one entertainer that has been a thorn in my side since the year he got entertainer when randy should have really gotten it. . randy was the top grossing concert seller that year not to mention had #1 hits to boot and yet the ACM and CMA saw fit to give it to George. I was almost going to say something the other day when this topic came up but now that GS has been mentioned, i just had to vent.

Sour grapes, perhaps but I've never understood why neither CMA or ACM saw fit never to choose Randy for entertainer. For those reasons, I have great difficulty in even ever caring who gets it.

So that having been said, I'll get off my soap box as they say and just say may the best person win but it won't be by me voting, that's for sure. Randy is my entertainer, everyyear..

Always and Forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

WOW! Those are awesome pictures.

I too was disappointed that Randy didn't get more singing last night.
But it is interesting that You Tube has had 14,272 views in one day of them singing on Idol. So there are many fans out there who do love the duet. Which I am certainly estatic about that for Randy.

And you are correct that the Randy factor, is the magic that makes that song so special to us fans.

I was hoping that it would have been mentioned too, about Randy having been the writer of the song when they were getting ready to sing it on Idol. If they did mention it then I must have missed it.
Randy dosen't get enough credit for being a very good song writer.

Ronda, I did just purchase the studio version from Amazon. and Randy does sing much more on that one. Which is probably the one that your radio station is playing djs-tampa.
Dee.

I know several have ordered the Ultimate Hits but wondering how many have heard the new song "You Ain't Right." I think it's a hoot.
Andit is so upbeat. I just put it on repeat yesterday and can't say how many times i played it.

Always and Forever..An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

I have to agree Linda it is quite' a hoot', as you put it. Another of those quirky off the wall kind of songs that Randy enjoys doing. Dee

Speaking of phone book and just hearing Randy, I've said on a couple of occasions I wish he'd record an audio version of the Bible but I know that would truly be an undertaking. Personally I read the Bible via an audio version already but i may even tend to do it more if Randy were the reader.

Always and forever...An RT Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg

Good idea, having Randy record an audio version of the Bible. Johnny Cash did, why not Randy? It sure would sound good, and he has the right heart for it. Someday... kmacpink

Randy and Carrie were good last night. I was so excited to see him perform and it was symbolic for Randy to be on the last couple nights because I had a emotional day yesterday and Randy got me through it as I thought about him. He's the one that keeps me going in life.