Charlie Askew: February 2013

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

JDA's Exit Interview - Charlie Askew

This is an excerpt from J'DA's interview. He had very kind things to say about our boy. Their friendship was obvious seeing how they stood hugging each other to hear the judges votes.

"One singer who did take some cues from J'DA was Charlie Askew. Charlie accented his outfit with a belt borrowed from J'DA when he performed Elton John's Rocket ManThursday. And when the judges announced the fates of each singer Thursday, Askew and J'DA had their arms around each others' shoulders.

"Aw, I love him so much," J'DA says of the 18-year-old from Little Rock, Ark. "I would always tell him he's from another planet, he's from another time. I wanted to give him that belt, because I wanted him to sparkle and shine."

J'DA says Askew came to his room Thursday morning, seeking approval of his outfit. "I was like, 'You look fantastic; I think you just need a belt.' … I ended letting him keep the belt, because I felt, as an artist, you have to give. I wanted to give a part of me to him as I was leaving and he was staying behind. I wanted to leave a part of JDA with him."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/idolchatter/2013/02/26/jda-american-idol-interview/1949495/

Charlie's AI Possible Song Selection

Browsing through Charlie's youtube channel I stumbled upon his American Idol song considerations. You'll also see other uploads of covers and instrumentals by him and his friends found here Charlie's AI Song Considerations

I think they are great choices and will showcase his rocking style and few of them will bring out the beauty of his voice. What I like about these songs is that they have not been over played through out AI's history (ok maybe the Stevie Wonder song is the exception) and with the right arrangement and his unique voice, they will sound fresh and current . They will also allow people to see his playing skills especially with the guitar and piano.

If you've visited the AI forums the consensus is that AI will do its best NOT to choose another WGWG (White Guy With a Guitar) which is exactly what the last 5 or 6 winners have been. Most are pulling for a girl this year. I've watched AI since the beginning and I can tell you the winners are the ones that make special moments with a song not necessarily the best vocalist. Weather they make an old song sound hip and cool or whether they do an amazing vocal...the audience still votes with their emotions...what the song does to them as it's being performed. I think Charlie has that potential to make special and unforgettable moments as he gains more confidence and experience. He has everything he needs to win this but he needs to get used to the live audience, calm his nerves, listen to the critiques and eat! Yes, I've read that his blood sugar was low due to not eating during his last performance. Tsk tsk tsk. Charlie please take care of yourself. :)

Ok here are my impressions of his AI considerations.

1. Tom Sawyer by Rush- Will fit his vocal range but not sure if it has wow moments. He's getting lots of requests for this song so maybe his fans can persuade him.

2. Love Reign on Me - The Who - Has a great piano intro and I can see Charlie really singing the heck out of the chorus part. He can definitely showcase the purity of his voice ala "Nature Boy"

3. Yes - Roundabaout - Could be a song to display his guitar talents. Great guitar riffs. This is a really fun song and I can see him having fun and rocking it on stage.

4. Down the Highway - Doobie Brothers - This is a great choice for AI. It's a well known song, it's very catchy, the kind of song that makes you get up and dance. I think he'll have a great time performing it.

5. Nature Boy - This is the song that in my opinion opened the doors for Charlie. It was almost hypnotic how beautiful he sang this. I think this song needs to be played again acoustically later on in the season. The way Charlie delivers this song is a thing of beauty.

6. All Along the Watchtower - Jimmy Hendrix. Well, now if you're going to sing a JH song and you can play the electric guitar, I say this is the song to do it with. Not sure if this song will display his upper registry enough, since I believe that's where the strength in his voice is .

7. Life on Mars -David Bowie. Now I understand the David Bowie comparison after listening to this song. I think it would be a great one. It's a beautiful song where he can again, showcase the purity of his voice.

8. Oh Darling - The Beatles. Love this song!! You really can't go wrong with a Beatles song in my opinion. I think this song will have a great start if he sings the beginning in Acapella - it's a great way to start with a dramatic touch. Love this verse: "When you told me you didn't need me anymore - A well you know I nearly broke down and cried" Charlie can use the power in his voice and really hit this out of the park.

9. Rock With You - Michael Jackson. I had a big smile when I saw that he included a goody by MJ. I think this can get the girls swooning, but I'm not sure if it has great vocal moments. And with AI girls having amazing vocals Charlie will have to impress every time he gets out there.

10. Don't Leave Me Now - Pink Floyd. This one puzzles me. It sounds a bit too dramatic for an 18 year old guy to sing. It has too many pauses in between each verse. I'm not sure if the public will connect to this song. Not my favorite so far.

11. Overjoyed - Stevie Wonder. - Yes , I've said it was sung many times in AI but I think Charlie can really shine during the chorus part. Maybe this one can be played on the piano. Charlie I really really want to see you play the piano! I think he can a moment with this one.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Top 10 Reasons to Love Charlie!

Nice article on 10 reasons why we love Charlie. I must say: I agree especially with #3, that was a pleasure to see.

10. Shy awkward smile and demeanor. Case in point: the pre-audition interviews. You just know there's something about the puzzle that is Charlie Askew.

9. The doctor told Charlie's mom he has the Charlie Askew syndrome. He says, "Don't worry, it's not contagious." He is like a young Chandler Bing, except he sings well.

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8. He whistles out, he smiles to the crew, he giggles to himself. He said he used to sing to the birds.

7. "I hope so!" He tells the Idol judges when he was asked if he's the next American Idol. Nicki Minaj pushed him to give a cliché, but he won with "a reluctant yes."

6. Randy Jackson struggled in describing him, called him a "seemingly dark" character, and he laughed his heart out at Randy.

5. Beautiful vocal tone. Raw, uncorrupted, un-pop. Just listen.

4. Witty, quick, unafraid. Always ready with comebacks, unafraid to ask JDa about what to wear. He said he glorifies weirdness, and he shows he means it every step of the way.

3. When everyone was busy trying to look cute and likeable on camera, he struck a comic superhero pose when his name was called during the start of Sudden Death, Round 2. When everyone else was looking tense as the group was coming up from under the stage, Charlie's hands were raised, enjoying the "magic" in the moment.

2. He tells the audience to "really yell!" He's having a lot of, if not the most fun on stage. He frequently spreads his arms and looks up to the sky in joy up on stage. But nobody can tell him he's not taking the show seriously. He is not this season's Heejun Han. This guy understands music and what he can create with it.

1. Charlie Askew always nails the right song. From "Breakthrough" to "Nature Boy" to "Rocket Man," the kid is telling the story of his life, his ordeal, his personal message. "Someone that I Used to Know" was also a smart choice. It was overplayed, but when Charlie sang it, the notes came out clothed in something else, something special.

American Idol 2013, Charlie Askew: Glorify Weirdness - Top 10 Reasons to Love 'Nature Boy' aka 'Rocket Man' [VIDEOS] - Entertainment & Stars

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Charlie Askew Looking Good!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Charlie Interview after his Vegas Performance

Thursday, February 21, 2013

It's Vegas Baby!

I loved the beginning of this song. That's where his voice shines. Loved his showmanship, his confidence will continue to grow. So glad our boy made it!
Charlie Askew - Sudden Death - American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic Cute tweet from Matheus Matheus ‏@MatheusSings Carrying my lil bro and roommate @PuffTheCharlie in happiness at his conquest on @AmericanIdol tonight ;D!!! #SoProud

Meet Charlie Askew Top 40

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Tumblrs!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Charlie Askew "He is the Human Pitch Pipe"

LR Native Advances in American Idol contest

LITTLE ROCK, AR-- Thursday night, Little Rock native Charlie Askew made it to the next round of competition on American Idol. Before making it on American Idol, his journey started at the Arkansas Rep, performing in various productions and with a group called "The Four Reps." Nicole Capri is Director of Education. "I've known Charlie for about 10 years," said Capri. She says the 18-year-old certainly has the gift of music. "He is a human pitch pipe. He can match pitch. We never needed a pitch pipe if Charlie was around. We'd say give us an A-flat and he would instantly knock it out," said Capri. As The Rep sings Askew's praises, he returns the gesture. "I'm very grateful for what I learned at The Rep, as far as coming out of my shell and not really caring what other people thought of me as a performer," said Askew.

Reported by: +Hubert Tate Email: htate@fox16.com

Friday, February 15, 2013

Charlie Askew w/ The 4 Reps singing National Anthem, For the Longest Time and The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Charlie's Twitter

Not sure if this is his official twitter but this is his intro: Charlie Askew @PuffTheCharlie

My Name Is Charlie. I play piano, guitar, drums, and bass. I also sing. I also love to paint, and write. I am what I do. I hope to do right by the people. :)

I really want to see him play. From a few comments I've found, he can play anything on the piano without haven't heard it before. I can't wait to see what else he has in stored for us. :)