Andrea Defrancesco did such a wonderful job with this tribute. It made me realize how much I already miss Charlie. There is so much about him that makes him soooo special: His humor, wit, intelligence, humbleness, passion and raw talent for starters as well as his love for his Awkward Turtles. She captured it all. Thank you Miss Andrea!! You rock!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
On to Bigger Things
It's Balladeer Idol folks! Come get your tickets! It's so refreshing to know that in the coming weeks, themes like Favorite Movies, Disney songs, Aerosmith songs, Broadway, and even Rock Week will all blend in into a big mush of sleep inducing ballads. Hopefully America will be awake to vote on time.
Last night Idol gave us the news fast. Aubrey was chosen to open the tour with "Out Here On My Own". I'm happy for her, but it hurt, not gonna lie. I was not a happy turtle last night, I went inside my shell and called it a night.
But this morning I read Charlie's words and I was amazed by his wisdom and comforting words to US -his fans. He was not writing with sadness or any other feeling I'm sure we felt. No words about his music/aristry/future plans. He was just there to hold all his awkward turtles together in a big virtual hug with words so sweet, so mature for his age that had me tearing up. After reading it, I felt like a soaring eagle. That my friends is called a winner at life. And win, he most definitely will do.
Can't wait for what's to come. There is too much talent and passion to keep it all in. He has all this music ready. I know that what ever he puts out there will be ground breaking. "Awkward" will not be the right word to describe him. He'll just be a star.
On to bigger things my sweet Charlie. Bigger and Grander.
For those who missed Charlie's post:
I'm freeee!! This just means I get to do my own thing now. The experience would've been good, but I've traveled with a band before. I'll be fine. I'm so proud and happy for Aubrey, you have no idea. I wish her the best of luck, and hope she has fun on the tour! :D And turtles, growing up I was always the one people my age tended to shun, and call a freak. Whenever you feel like you don't fit in, or you're not meant to be here just remember:
1. Everything happens for a reason and every living soul is here on this earth because it was meant to be here. Everyone has a purpose and a reason to be here.
2. You're really not the awkward ones at all. Anyone who bullies you, or calls you out on it, they're all trying to fit into this norm, or this image that the mainstream deems "cool". In the grand scheme of things, they're the awkward ones, and you are the winners at the game of human life. How are you winning? By staying true to what YOU love, and what YOU think is cool and what speaks to YOU personally no matter how many "freak" or "weirdo" comments you get. You're beautiful for being YOU. Not for trying to be something that you're not. You're plenty "cool" for not even trying.
Oh yeah, and thank you all for listening to me sing. Y'all aren't done with me yet! ;)
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Good Luck Charlie!
Wishing Charlie best of luck tonight!! American Idol would be fools not to allow a breath of fresh air into a tour full of ballad singers. I can see it now, Charlie opening the concert with a rocking song making everyone stand in their feet. I think he deserves to sing 2 songs in my book.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
It's All in the Eyes
It's a slow day today so let's play "Guess the Color"!!
I've been told that Charlie's eye color changes depending on the light. I have compiled close-ups of his lovely eyes and you can tell me what color they are.
a) Light Brown
b) Green
c) Greenish Blueish
d) Hazel
e) Bluish hazel
f) Seemingly dark green
g) Too mysterious to figure out
h) Are we so bored that we are left to contemplate his eyes?
I've been told that Charlie's eye color changes depending on the light. I have compiled close-ups of his lovely eyes and you can tell me what color they are.
a) Light Brown
b) Green
c) Greenish Blueish
d) Hazel
e) Bluish hazel
f) Seemingly dark green
g) Too mysterious to figure out
h) Are we so bored that we are left to contemplate his eyes?
Monday, March 18, 2013
Bat-Turtle!!
Another pic Charlie's Dad shared with the fans. Looking suaaveeee Charlie!
Don't know how I missed this pic with JDA!
Don't know how I missed this pic with JDA!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Lyrics to Sky Blue Diamond
Finally I got to hear the lyrics to Charlie's song. My poor heartbroken boy still struggles with the love he has for this girl. Heartache allows a way to create amazing works of art in song, music, painting, etc. And this is no exception. It's a hauntingly beautiful song. It talks of feelings that burst through the surface in the least of expected moments because the heart demands to be dealt with and the mind does its best to distract it from lingering feelings.
I thought the girl left him because he said that they dated 2 years until a few months ago and he hoped he was not someone that she used to know. But reading this line: "But I rather make her wait on us" makes me believe that he decided to put things on hold to see if he could make it on American Idol. Sounds wise enough to me if only the mind was in charge of course. He has much to do, and if all stars align, he'll get a deal after the concert. (He has to be at that concert!!) So it's good to step back, do what needs to be done and comeback to reassess his feelings.
My sky blue diamond
The siren's calling but I don't want to leave you
My sky blue diamond
The siren's calling but I don't want to leave you
She's reaching up to pull me under
But I rather make her wait on us
My sky blue diamond
The sun is bleeding out into to the sea
My sky blue diamond
The sun is bleeding out into to the sea-with me
My heart's keeping time to the beat of sound
but there's still so much that I haven't done here yet
I've gotta get out of this whole mess
I just want to stay here and love you, kiss you and hold you
just like the day we met
just cause she's pulling me down now
don't mean I love you any less
Any less....
My Sky blue diamond...
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Charlie relaxing at Venice Beach
I'm glad Charlie's family are giving the fans something to tie us up till next Wednesday. His Dad posted this pic of Charlie looking adorable. It's funny how he's getting skin advice from the fans. I do love the warm glow on his skin. Hope he's having fun relaxing with the fam.
Thank you Andrea for the heads up!
Thank you Andrea for the heads up!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
SKY BLUE DIAMOND!!!
Update: Aubrey tweeted that voting goes on till Sunday!!
I am so thankful for all of your support so far, I'm so blessed. Don't forget voting goes on til Sunday!!!!!! Keep voting pleaseeeee 🙏
CHARLIE I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
Charlie Askew Sing Off - Sky Blue Diamond... by IdolxMuzic
Sing Off
VOTE FOR CHARLIE HERE!!
Refresh and keep voting!!
Charlie's uncle is basically saying Charlie is in the sing off. Still using the world Wildcard but i think it only means a tour spot.
By the number of tweets Aubrey is tweeting concerning the sing off, pretty much tells me the inside source was on the money!
George Askew
- How AWESOME was idol tonight?! I am speechless… So anxious for this sing off
tomorrow.. Anyone else with me?
Bland Boys Tonight
American Idol keeps telling us that their voting is not fixed but someone needs to explain to us how the 5 guys last night were a total snooze fest giving the girls a clear edge in the competition. I still miss Cortez, Nick and of course Charlie who I believed would have given the girls a run for their money.
I expected the boys to really come out fighting knowing that the show is already marketing the girls as the top competitors. Curtis coming in and having a terrible song choice and matching vocal started the night off for the boys. He was lucky Nicki was not there to critique. How the judges gave him a pass on this song baffles me. But it's part of the formula. At the beginning of the 10 week run they give everyone a pretty mild critique and then towards the top 5 they will start throwing contestants under the bus. In my opinion Curtis and Lazaro should be in the bottom 2.
Some of the contestants took Jimmy Ivine's advice too close to heart not showcasing their voices in fear of the "over singing" he kept warning them about. I'm sorry Jimmy but when you're trying to compete with 10 other people you will have to over sing a bit to keep showing yourself off and be remembered. Especially if you're the first ones to come out to sing.
How I missed Charlie last night in the midst of mild safe singing. (will have to exclude Candice who truly impressed me with Amber and Kree getting honorable mentions) He was never afraid to sing what he wanted, shaking the place up with his raw talent and showmanship. Hope we see him tonight, his fans miss him so much. We need to see him one more time in our TVs, if nothing else to wake us up from our current Idol slumber.
I expected the boys to really come out fighting knowing that the show is already marketing the girls as the top competitors. Curtis coming in and having a terrible song choice and matching vocal started the night off for the boys. He was lucky Nicki was not there to critique. How the judges gave him a pass on this song baffles me. But it's part of the formula. At the beginning of the 10 week run they give everyone a pretty mild critique and then towards the top 5 they will start throwing contestants under the bus. In my opinion Curtis and Lazaro should be in the bottom 2.
Some of the contestants took Jimmy Ivine's advice too close to heart not showcasing their voices in fear of the "over singing" he kept warning them about. I'm sorry Jimmy but when you're trying to compete with 10 other people you will have to over sing a bit to keep showing yourself off and be remembered. Especially if you're the first ones to come out to sing.
How I missed Charlie last night in the midst of mild safe singing. (will have to exclude Candice who truly impressed me with Amber and Kree getting honorable mentions) He was never afraid to sing what he wanted, shaking the place up with his raw talent and showmanship. Hope we see him tonight, his fans miss him so much. We need to see him one more time in our TVs, if nothing else to wake us up from our current Idol slumber.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wildcard?
I haven't heard anything about a wildcard. Apparently Charlie's Dad is not in the know either according to this tweet. I'm not sure why there are 2 extra weeks but one can only hope! He also posted Charlie is back doing his music, hmmmm, I hope that still means he's the 6th contestant. He also agreed with someone's suggestion that Charlie should post new covers on youtube.
His answer: John Askew You're right, he should come out with something really soon. He's unstoppable!
His answer: John Askew You're right, he should come out with something really soon. He's unstoppable!
11 weeks remain on American Idol
9 eliminations are looming
that means 2 weeks we sit on our hands?
Wild Card for @CharlieAI12 please!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Charlie Askew could be sing-off bound
This is an Update to this post:
From Idol Forums:
Someone in Idol Maniac's site's chatroom said the source called in.It's Charlie vs. Aubrey.
Adriana is home in Alaska.
Breanna is home in Louisiana.
Zoanette is home in Oklahoma?
Elijah is home in California.
Vincent is home in Texas.
Cortez is home in Texas.
Nick is roadtripping in California.
----------------------------------------------
The following was posted at Idol forums and could support the article below:
For the guys:
Vincent is out. He's in Texas.
Cortez and Elijah are still giving off every indication that they're out.
Nick wrote "You and me both!" to a fan hoping he's the wildcard for the Idol tour. BUT he also
wrote a "Miss you guys!" to Peisha McPhee, who he should already be working with for his sing off.
No indication yet that he's left LA.
If it's not Nick, that only leaves Charlie.
Charlie Askew could be sing-off bound
From The ExaminerMARCH 8, 2013
The "American Idol" 2013 top 20 results show aired March 7 on ABC, and featured a string of victory songs by the 10 aspiring singers who survived the season's first viewer vote. Not among the finalists was teen Charlie Askew, whose March 6 rendition of Genesis' "Mama" drew harsh criticism from the judges that prompted a near emotional meltdown. Despite his elimination, there's still a chance that Askew could earn a spot in the "American Idol Live!" tour.
According to show host Ryan Seacrest, the sixth place guy and girl will face off March 13 for an eleventh berth on the tour, allowing him or her to perform alongside top 10 stars in the making Angie Miller, Burnell Taylor, Candice Glover and the rest of the pack.
Although the two contestants' names have yet to be released, there's a good chance that Askew is the sixth place guy. His very public post-performance confession that he's not really the "happy, buoyant" person he seems to be struck a chord with viewers, many of whom rushed to Twitter in his defense.
Particularly enraged by the judges' harsh words and bemused response to Askew's performance was country star John Rich, who wrote "Hard critique is one thing, belittling someone in public is another. Didn't like it AT ALL."
Also frustrated was The Washington Post's Suzi Parker, who opined March 8 that "AI" should feature more contestants like Askew, who she predicted would've driven ratings up for the network and appealed to teenage girls.
For his part, Askew has remained silent following his elimination. But even show host Ryan Seacrest spoke up on his behalf following the results show, telling Access Hollywood that Askew impressed him by speaking publicly about a sensitive topic. "
American Idol" 2013 continues March 13 with performances by the top 10.
Friday, March 8, 2013
‘American Idol’ needs more contestants like ‘adorkable’ Charlie Askew
From : The Washington Post - Adorkable Charlie
Disclaimer: I know Charlie Askew.
Several years ago, I had a conversation about music with Charlie, who’s now 17, while standing outside a pizzeria in Little Rock, Ark.
A talented musician, songwriter and singer, Charlie knew about the blues, jazz, classic rock, Goth, punk and any other genre I threw at him. He possessed a waifish, other-worldly quality about him – think David Bowie.
Askew is the “American Idol” contestant who should have made it through Thursday night’s first round of voting, but didn’t. That’s because Charlie, described early on in the show as “adorkable,” clearly doesn’t fit the stereotypical mold that “American Idol” judges really want on the show.
Charlie Askew performs on “American Idol.” (screenshot)
But Charlie is exactly the kind of performer teenage girls want to see – and that “American Idol,” now in its 12th season, needs to attract viewers.
On Wednesday night, the judges – Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey – were unusually harsh to Charlie. That was a drastic change from earlier shows, when the judges gushed over the “seemingly dark, strange-but-cool guy” wearing a turtle necklace that he dedicated to all the “awkward turtles” in the world.
Preferring to go old school instead of picking a current Top 40 hit, Charlie sung the 1983 Genesis song, “Mama.” He wore a tank top, donned a ponytail and added an earring to his look, which seemed to cut against his earlier tailored suit from a thrift store and neon blue sneakers. But then the judges turned mean.
Urban, who always seems polite, said, “I wish I knew what people at home were saying right now. If nothing else, we definitely have offered some diversity tonight.”
Minaj went further, “I don’t want to see your arms, I don’t want you working out Charlie, I don’t want to see that ponytail. I don’t want to see that earring. Lose the mustache immediately, honey! Charlie, seriously, babe, I want my cute, cuddly Charlie back.”
Nicki Minaj wears one of her famous wigs. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images)
Frankly, Minaj has no right critiquing what anyone wears. Ever. And isn’t diversity a good thing?
It’s not exactly what “American Idol” strives for. Sure, the show tries to cross demographic and racial lines with its contestants. But the real mission of the show is to “create” a wholesome pop idol over the course of only a few weeks that America will embrace and subsequently, buy. Think Kelly Clarkson, who sung at this year’s inauguration, and Carrie Underwood.
Charlie, on the brink of tears, said he performed the song to show that he isn’t the “happy buoyant” guy that many people think he is. He went one step further and said the only reason he smiles so much is because he is on “American Idol.”
That’s truthfulness to a fault, and the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, told Charlie he appreciated his “honesty” and “courage.”
“American Idol” is at its core a game of politics. It’s about waging a campaign to gain votes from fans and woo judges. Risky doesn’t always play well. But Charlie also took a page from the political handbook, and smartly branded himself early with the moniker, “I glorify weirdness.”
Tweets from across the country Thursday night encouraged Charlie to stay just that – weird.
He will, and I hope he will carve out a career as himself. Weirdness — and honesty — often takes people far. Just ask Prince, Madonna, Lady Gaga and even Nicki Minaj, Charlie.
Suzi Parker is an Arkansas-based political and cultural journalist and author of “Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt.” Follow her on Twitter at @SuziParker
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Charlie Askew - A True Artist
Well that was hard to get through, I'm heart broken to see someone so talented be left out of the top 10. In the end they got what they wanted-- no competition for the women this year.
Charlie you are one of a kind. You resembled no one and sounded like no other contestant or star of today. They had no idea what to do with you, and that my friend is what a true artist is. The American Idol machine would have hindered your potential.
What you did get is tons of fans who are in love with the unique tone and power of your voice. We'll be waiting patiently for what's to come your way. I know whatever that is, you'll make us proud.
We're the fortunate ones--we gained a true artist and a star. Thank you for gracing us with your talent.
I'm recalling the lyrics to your first song: You truly are an enchanted boy, a little shy, and sad of eye, but oh how very wise was he. The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.
We love you Charlie, now go on and make some amazing music. We can't wait.
Nature Boy
There was a boy
A very strange, enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far
Very far, over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day,
One magic day he passed my way
While we spoke of many things
Fools and Kings
This he said to me
The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return
Good Luck Charlie !
Tonight the Idols are in LA ready for the Top 10 announcement.
From TipIdolPad:
AI12 Finals Week 1 Theme
Posted by TIP at 5:38 PM
For the first week of the finals, the theme is the Previous Winners' Performance Catalog (Excluding Coronation Songs).
AI1 (2002): Kelly Clarkson
AI2 (2003): Ruben Studdard
AI3 (2004): Fantasia Barrino
AI4 (2005): Carrie Underwood
AI5 (2006): Taylor Hicks
AI6 (2007): Jordin Sparks
AI7 (2008): David Cook
AI8 (2009): Kris Allen
AI9 (2010): Lee DeWyze
AI10 (2011): Scotty McCreery
AI11 (2012): Phillip Phillips
From TipIdolPad:
AI12 Finals Week 1 Theme
Posted by TIP at 5:38 PM
For the first week of the finals, the theme is the Previous Winners' Performance Catalog (Excluding Coronation Songs).
AI1 (2002): Kelly Clarkson
AI2 (2003): Ruben Studdard
AI3 (2004): Fantasia Barrino
AI4 (2005): Carrie Underwood
AI5 (2006): Taylor Hicks
AI6 (2007): Jordin Sparks
AI7 (2008): David Cook
AI8 (2009): Kris Allen
AI9 (2010): Lee DeWyze
AI10 (2011): Scotty McCreery
AI11 (2012): Phillip Phillips
Charlie Askew Post Performance Reaction
Charlie you gained a whole lot of supporters last night and not from pity either. We understand what you tried to do. Do your thing Charlie and bring the shine on tonight. :)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Top 10 Boys performance Charlie Askew "Mama" by Genesis
Yesterday I saw the signs all over again. Year after year the judges pump these kids through the early rounds, making them feel like the judges are on their side until they start thinking about the top 10. Then the nails come out. It was pretty obvious that they had already made up their minds yesterday as to which girl would get the high fives and which wouldn't. They were pretty tough with the beginning group and then eased up and rooted for the later line up of girls.
As I've mentioned before AI wants their golden girl this year. They always become pretty obnoxious with their early pimping. I should be used to this since I've seen the formula time and time again.
This year we don't have a judge that really understands a rocker, wouldn't even know one of it they attended their concert. So here comes Charlie, still trying to control the nerves but in my opinion gave an awesome rendition of "Mama" by Genesis. It was "raw" and "real" like he mentioned last week. This is what he loves, this type of rock music and somehow because they wanted their perfect pastel colored lunch box vocalists, they don't give a gifted artist like Charlie a chance.
The news media will concentrate on his "meltdown". He deals with a condition that not many of us even begin to understand. So I'm in no place to figure out the whys as to his emotions. But I will say this: I'm proud to be his fan. He did what he came to do which was show his passion for the rock genre. He has so much to share as an artist. I'm not the only that saw the injustice today. His twitter followers quadrupled soon after the show finished airing. It's the voters turn now. I give kudos to votefortheworst site site. Here's what they wrote and I agree completely:
Charlie Askew - Top 10 Boys - American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic
This year we don't have a judge that really understands a rocker, wouldn't even know one of it they attended their concert. So here comes Charlie, still trying to control the nerves but in my opinion gave an awesome rendition of "Mama" by Genesis. It was "raw" and "real" like he mentioned last week. This is what he loves, this type of rock music and somehow because they wanted their perfect pastel colored lunch box vocalists, they don't give a gifted artist like Charlie a chance.
The news media will concentrate on his "meltdown". He deals with a condition that not many of us even begin to understand. So I'm in no place to figure out the whys as to his emotions. But I will say this: I'm proud to be his fan. He did what he came to do which was show his passion for the rock genre. He has so much to share as an artist. I'm not the only that saw the injustice today. His twitter followers quadrupled soon after the show finished airing. It's the voters turn now. I give kudos to votefortheworst site site. Here's what they wrote and I agree completely:
We love ourselves some Charlie Askew. He has been an amazingly entertaining Awkward Turtle that we can't wait to see from week to week. This week he absolutely killed it with his performance of "Mama" and made us fall in love with him all over again. And when the judges bullied him with their critiques, he did exactly what a 17 year old would do - he cried. You should be ashamed of yourselves, judges! The only way to make him feel better is a spot in the top 10. So dial 1-866-436-5703 and vote for Charlie. And SuperVote at AmericanIdol.com or with the American Idol app. Don't let the show use Charlie and throw him away; he's a person too and an awesome one at that. He deserves a top 10 spot for being brave, firece, and uniquely Charlie Askew.
Charlie Askew - Top 10 Boys - American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic
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