The Marquee Blog Watch Showbiz Tonight on HLN at 11pm ET/PT  « Back to Blog Main
April 8, 2009

Top 8: Flo Rida spins their heads right round

Posted: 09:34 PM ET

Who was Flo Rida's back-up singer?

Flo Rida

I need her to try out for the show.

Is Flo Rida's song appropriate for the many young'uns that watch "AI" faithfully every week? I'm listening to the lyrics and hmmmm ...

Someone needs to explain to me what he's doing on this show. I love hip-hop just as much as the next person, but his appearance seems an odd pairing for tonight's show, even with a No. 1 song.

Filed under: Uncategorized


Share this on:
Joan   April 8th, 2009 9:35 pm ET

I just wish ONCE they would actually bring out some Wednesday headlining entertainment that CAN sing!!! Ugh...

SED   April 8th, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Horrible....This guy is horrible....Fox should prepare for the letters they are about to receive.....Ridiculous....

Michelle   April 8th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

Now that was HOT HOT HOT! Yeeeowza!

SED   April 8th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

What was that???? What a joke AI has become.....

Tina   April 8th, 2009 9:40 pm ET

Amen! What language was he speaking? I think they will save Lil if she gets voted off. I now know I don't like the save thing. Because the fans were supposed to have the word!

bs   April 8th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Very inappropriate for the young kids that watch idol. Had to turn off the TV to protect my kids.

SED   April 8th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

Hot??? Hot air maybe....Thats about it.....

Adam   April 8th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

His back up singer was drop dead gorgeous.

I agree the lyrics were not appropriate for a family show.

KeeLee   April 8th, 2009 10:21 pm ET

Please don't bring FLO RI DA back ever.

joan   April 8th, 2009 10:21 pm ET

I liked the performance and if you don't think your kids are listening to this music on the radio you are very naive....

KeeLee   April 8th, 2009 10:22 pm ET

He also seems creepy – like he has inner anger issues. Why why why would they have him on today's show. Bring back 1 Republic!!!!!

Susan Koegel   April 8th, 2009 10:23 pm ET

I understand the need for American Idol to keep up w/ what's hip and current for entertainment, but this is still a family show that many kids still watch. Flo Rida was absolutely a terrible choice to put on that stage. The lyrics of that song are not appropriate for prime time. "You spin my head round, everytime you go down!" As a 43 year old woman who considers myself to pretty open minded and current, I was offended and disgusted. Is there nothing else these rappers and hip hop singers can sing about besides sex? There are so many other great artists to choose from, keep it G rates American Idol, or your ratings are going to continue to take a nose dive.

George   April 8th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

I think that what AI is trying to showcase with Flo Rida is he took a hit from the 80's, and made it his own. I enjoyed it!

michelle D   April 8th, 2009 10:29 pm ET

one hit wonders and has beens are idols non-competing entertainment...with the exception of a handful of live acts of course

mwt   April 8th, 2009 10:29 pm ET

does american idol think it needs someone like flo rida to keep up with the ratings? the lyrics were not appropriate at all; neither were his pants hanging halfway down his butt.

i hope american idol has a little bit more taste in choosing who to put on the show in the future.

CW   April 8th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

I watched with my 10 year old granddaughter and I thought it was inappropriate. I was under the impression American idol was a family show.
Guess I was wrong.!!

foundjoe   April 8th, 2009 10:30 pm ET

The question about the backup singer is interesting. People with real talent generally make their own opportunities in the music business. Out of all of the AI contestants, the ones who succeed are people who just lacked the determination or self-confidence to go make their own breaks.

Murphy   April 8th, 2009 10:32 pm ET

I think FLO RI DA sang a very inappropriate song and I don't even consider that stuff singing.

Greg   April 8th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Disgusting!! It was a disgrace. But then why would I expect anything else from AI after the performance a week or so ago. Poker face was just as bad.

Shocked   April 8th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

As soon as the backup dancers came out in their super short shorts I said to my husband "How can they have this on a family show??? I'd never let my kids watch this!" AI's musical guests are waaaay off base this season. Lady Gaga last week was a freakshow! I'll be fast forwarding on my Tivo!

Snowball   April 8th, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Very disappointed that Idol would have such a group performing. Not the right thing for families to watch at all, and IMHO it was in very bad taste.

Karen   April 8th, 2009 10:37 pm ET

Please, Please, no more rap!!!! This is a singing show. That's why America loves it. We get to hear people sing, not strut around mouthing porno. Horrible, absolutely horrible. Please don't make us suffer through this junk next week. Would rather hear the contestants sing some duos. Hey..would love to hear Adam and Allison together..that's an idea for AI.

Mary   April 8th, 2009 11:05 pm ET

That performance was not good. Period.

Stacy   April 8th, 2009 11:13 pm ET

I was shocked. I don't have kids, but if I did I would not have let them watch that performance. I immediately said to my husband that I could NOT BELIEVE they allowed those lyrics on the show. Does anyone even screen the lyrics? What were the producers thinking? It was in very bad taste. I am young and hip and I was totally offended by the trashy lyrics. I am sick to death of songs that celebrate sex as a party favor.

I definitely will write in a complaint to American Idol. Get a clue people! Not everyone in the audience cares to listen to trash.

wjm   April 8th, 2009 11:15 pm ET

Thank god for my remote and its trusty fast-forward button.

Shan   April 8th, 2009 11:32 pm ET

You know, I had no idea that's what Flo Rida was talking about!!
People usually don't listen that hard to this kind of music, you know.

Before everyone gets their undies in a bunch, there have been other racy but popular guests in the past. I thought Prince's performance was out there, and others too. Sorry Karen, but if hip hop wasn't popular with America then Flo Rida never would've been on the show.

robt   April 8th, 2009 11:58 pm ET

That was so bad it was funny. Were the pretty coloured streamers meant to cover up the cracks and cleavage?

Mary   April 9th, 2009 12:02 am ET

American Idol is going to lose fans because of this poor choice. This is a family show. They should apologize to viewers for subjecting us to that. Whoever thought to bring this group on should be fired.

oh no   April 9th, 2009 12:24 am ET

I'm glad I TiVo'd the show ... that way I could skip past this piece of c**p performance. It was awful and a waste of Idol time.

OhMyGoodness   April 9th, 2009 12:31 am ET

Good grief, he was horrible, but his back-up girl singer sounded EXTREMELY horrible! OMG! What is Idol doing?

G.R. Downtown   April 9th, 2009 12:41 am ET

That's the #1 song in America? It was trashy.

hip hop mom   April 9th, 2009 12:50 am ET

Amen, I'm a hip hop lover but this group was completely inappropriate.

Cathy   April 9th, 2009 12:55 am ET

Very disappointed in Flo Rida on AI.The song is disgusting.I turned it off so my young daughter wouldn't hear the lyrics and ask what they meant.NO MORE RAP! If it was any good,it would be a category for the Idols to sing.Very disappointed indeed.

Shocked2   April 9th, 2009 1:22 am ET

What were they thinking. Totally inappropriate lyrics for a show that is target marketed to "tweens". Plus the guy doesn't even sing so why is he on a competitive singing show? AI better gets its act together with these performances or dump the whole idea.

Texas   April 9th, 2009 1:22 am ET

Flo Rida's song sucked. He seemed nice enough afterward, but the lyrics were crass, and the female backup kept shrieking the same crummy line over and over. This song was number 1? Who cares? It's obviously not good and won't withstand the test of time. Bring out some real talent!

sky   April 9th, 2009 1:44 am ET

I would agree that the mainstream media needs to limit the amount of skin that comes across the airwaves. We are bombarded with it way too much and I can't imagine that anything good will ever come of it. I remember as a kid that TV shows showed married couples sleeping in separate clothes and fully dressed. Now we are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Disappointing for such a good show!

Jason   April 9th, 2009 3:01 am ET

It sucked, so did Kanye Waste. Ditch the rappers, it's a singing competition.

Will   April 9th, 2009 3:12 am ET

My God. Yet another example of what today's youth considers "talent." If this guy can get a record deal, then my German Shepard also has a bright future in front of the mic.

Seacrest: "Here's Fido with his new hit, 'Smell my Rear!' "

Fido: "OOOOWWWW!!!!! Ruff, ruff, OOOWWW!!! Thank you, Cleveland!!! Goodnight!"

(Flo-Rida has no ta-lent.)

Anne   April 9th, 2009 5:01 am ET

I second Susan Koegel, CW & Snowball's comments!
Absolutely inappropriate.
This isn't MTV!

Paul   April 9th, 2009 5:23 am ET

I couldn't understand hardly any of the lyrics.

Andy   April 9th, 2009 6:00 am ET

Although, sorta inappropriate either way it's meant, the "...when you go down" part is referring to a stripper going down the pole. Although, I can see how it seems to be something worse than that, especially when she repeats it. She's only repeating what he says, to pay homage to the song this one was sampled from. But yes, this song is everywhere, completely uneditted, due to the context of what he means. If your child turns on any popular "Top 40" radio station, he/has already heard the lyrics to this song in their entirety.

Ray   April 9th, 2009 6:42 am ET

Two words: Mute button. Absolutely cannot listen to that c(r)ap.

Michele   April 9th, 2009 6:57 am ET

I couldn't understand much of the song (I use that word loosely) but what I did understand left me feeling perhaps this was not entertainment for a family show. I did think his girl singer had a pretty good voice, though.

Dave   April 9th, 2009 7:00 am ET

With a number 1 song, perhaps he can now buy pants that fit.

J   April 9th, 2009 7:12 am ET

I agree with the comments on Flo Rider; what a great sound, but is it appropriate for the many teens who tune in? I think I blushed a little.

Sara   April 9th, 2009 7:31 am ET

Just awful, so glad I have a DVR and can FF over that crap.

Deborah   April 9th, 2009 8:17 am ET

The second he came on the stage, I changed the channel. I refuse to listen to such garbage. When I turned it back on, as usual he was self-indulgent, why even give this guy a chance to speak. Rap is what ruined the music industry, yuck.

ACJJ   April 9th, 2009 8:26 am ET

I agree. Although I like the song, as a parent, it IS very suggestive and I thought it was a "poor song choice" on Flo Rida's part as well as the AI staff. C'mon, too many teenie-boppers watch this show.

Aunt P   April 9th, 2009 8:27 am ET

Um, yeah, even though I couldn't understand many of the words, it was obvious what the song was about. If you weren't blushing, you should have been. Come on, AI, be responsible and do the right thing. Lots of us watch this show as families...

Jerry   April 9th, 2009 8:38 am ET

Flo Rida was a lousy choice for this program. It is way out of place for this kind of show. It shows very poor taste by who ever sets up the singers for this program. I hope the judges have better judgment than who ever picked Flo Rida to be on Idol.

andee   April 9th, 2009 8:45 am ET

That song was TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE for a show such as AI. I don't care if he was remaking an 80's hit with it. The lyrics were vulgar. Isn't this show supposed to be family friendly? Please. That performance was anything but.

And yes I know kids are out there listening to this stuff on a daily, if not hourly basis. Doesn't make it right.

It's a shame AI has felt the need to include popular performers. To me the show has lost its magic. I miss the days when the showcase was on the contestants.

Charlie   April 9th, 2009 8:46 am ET

Agree that this act was not family entertainment, but if we're watching the boob-tube at home at that hour with the little ones, first of all, shame on us that we're keeping them up that late, but also we're cuddled up watching kiddie movies – not the FOX network, where anything can and does happen. Common sense, folks. Hey, at least FOX had the good sense to silence out his website plug – nice work, FOX! Good thinking!!!

Terry   April 9th, 2009 8:49 am ET

I couldn't believe this group was on Idol. However, I agree the woman singer was amazing. Totally inappropriate lyrics for a family show..... those words that I could understand that is.

CL   April 9th, 2009 8:54 am ET

I agree that it wasn't appropriate. I, personally, know my kids listen to it on the radio, so I'm not worried. But there are a lot of families that really shelter their kids and watch AI because it is a family show. I'm sure they were MORTIFIED by this. At the very least Fox should have insisted that the females wear clothes. That was my biggest problem with it. Most people couldn't understand the lyrics anyway!!!

mh   April 9th, 2009 8:54 am ET

who is this loser. his music (if that's what you want to call it) stinks!

Carolyn   April 9th, 2009 8:57 am ET

I agree with everyone's comments about Flo Rida being a wrong choice for last nights show. Yes if our children or grandchildren have listened to the radio they have probably heard this song before but to sit down to watch what you think is a family show only to have to turn it is frustrating. To sit and watch and listen to this with young children or teens is just like condoning this type of behavior. Try to keep it clean AI. I understand you are showing current hits etc but you need to monitor the entertainment or come on later.

Carol   April 9th, 2009 8:58 am ET

Disgusting, and embarrassing to watch. I was alone, but still felt
redfaced. I hate most rap. It is NOT music. I wish it was like most other rap songs that you can't understand the words. Cause these
words were nasty on a tv show where children can watch.

sue`   April 9th, 2009 9:00 am ET

Wrong choice for the show. Switched over to CNN during the performance.

emily   April 9th, 2009 9:00 am ET

That was unbelievably inappropriate. After the song I had to look up the lyrics on the internet, because I was sure I must have misunderstood them. Nope – they were just as nasty as I thought they were. Very disappointing American Idol. What were you thinking? I am glad my children were in bed, but I was offended even as an adult. I think AI should apologize for being so raunchy. They need to remember that the show that has a large middle school audience.

Tammy Johnson   April 9th, 2009 9:04 am ET

I am a huge American Idol fan..watch it every week! I was so angry after the performance last night! Who cares if it is a number one hit? Those lyric's were extremely offensive and totally disgusting! Why are we constantly bombarded EVERYWHERE we turn with sexual stuff?
I absolutely hated that song..couldn't even understand most of it and what I did understand I felt was inappropiate to say the least!!

KatyMay   April 9th, 2009 9:12 am ET

Wow.Scary looking people!
If they were looking for 'blasts from the past' how about Coolio (Gansta paradise-written by Stevie Wonder) or MC Hammer?

Brenda   April 9th, 2009 9:12 am ET

Wow. There's so much backlash against Flo-Rida!!! he's actually a talented rapper and has proved to NOT be a one-time hitter as he's on his 2nd single now. I never really thought of American Idol as a family show, and if it's geared towards teens then I can certainly see why they're picking artists with No. 1 hits. You may deny it but your teen most likely knows all too well what it means to go "down, down, down."

Samantha   April 9th, 2009 9:22 am ET

I'm a 43 year old mother who don't have a problem with Flo.....
He is not a singer so the idiot who says this is not singing your right it was not suppose to be. The comment about One hit wonder from Michelle this man has made several hits so if you don't know you better ask somebody.

The same ones who are talking about the contents of his songs don't realize little Johnnie hears this and more in school each day. U can't shield you kid from the world that is why you sit down and talk to them and explain to them right and wrong. You get offended by Flo but you kids see Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) dating a grown man I didnt see any public outrage about that. Justin Timberfake has the most suggestive songs out there but I guess because he's a white boy he gets a free pass. I can go on and on you people who want to act like your the most religious and pure creatures who walked the earth are the biggest hypocrites out here. Because ALL has SINNED and come short of the glory of God. If you think your running a game on God think again he knows what's in your closet. If your that pure you shouldn't be watching TV and if you kid are that young they should be in the bed by the time this show aired.

K   April 9th, 2009 9:33 am ET

This kind of stuff does not need to be on a family show I was so glad my daughter walked out of the room because the performance was pure trash. America get it togather and lets get some positive influences on. Lets get some one we can actually look up too. Oh wait that just wouldnt be cool.

Jo   April 9th, 2009 9:35 am ET

He wasn't any more offensive that Lady GaGa. Now that was trash!

Linda   April 9th, 2009 9:40 am ET

I don't understand what he was doing on the show last night either; it is very clear to me that AI is trying to get as many viewers as possible. The lyrics were totally inapproriate for a show that is watched by everyone including children.

Just How Much Does Idol Stink This Season?   April 9th, 2009 9:46 am ET

WHATVER. It's Hip Hop, people!!!

At least he seems like a good guy. and since I said that based only on gut instinct, now I'm sure I'll read in the news that he's been arrested for drugs or illegal gun possession or something!

DanB   April 9th, 2009 9:48 am ET

So OK, the lyrics were suggestive to the point where I wouldn't want to explain them to my 8-year-old. However, the same is true about Cialis commercials, as well as the innumerable previews for crime scene dramas. FLO RIDA didn't do anything exceptional; it's just what TV is today, folks..."family friendly" or not.

My personal opinion is that if, as a parent, you want to ensure that your kids are seeing age-appropriate material, then DON'T rely on Fox (or the American Idol producers) to pre-censor things for you. Get a DVR, and watch the show with the kids, with the remote in hand. It's what I do.

Sasha   April 9th, 2009 9:48 am ET

Lyrics aside, whether your kids watch the show or not, they are definitely hearing that song blasted all over the radio these days. If you look at the audience, it is 90% teenage girls who listen to top 40 radio stations, like the ones that song is played on, whether or not mommy and daddy approve. Hate to break it to you people! The real problem should be keeping lyrics like that off of the radio, then they whould never gain popularity, and thus, never make it to AI's stage.

The show is bringing in popular music artists, like it or not. I think they are doing exactly what they should do.

B   April 9th, 2009 9:56 am ET

Charlie...I am in complete agreement with your comment...and Andy yours also. Personally I liked it, (except for the strippers in the back, they could've stayed at home) it was however completely inappropriate for this show. Here's the thing, whether we like it or not its television people, deal with it or turn it off. Television needs ratings, this is what is popular to the current young generation, good or bad. And the last I checked what children (ie kids under say 10) watch this show? Like they have any idea what musical talent is...None that should be up past 9pm anyway. I surely know not mine! If your upset, perhaps you should notify AI...perhaps its gets canceled...then what will we have to complain about?

MG   April 9th, 2009 9:58 am ET

Performance was so bad, not even the judges stayed around to watch it.

Leigh   April 9th, 2009 9:59 am ET

What total crap. Idol and Fox have sunk to an all-time slimy low. They owe all of us an apology. Irony: a singing contest which features someone who can't sing, repeating inappropriate lyrics on a family show. JEEZ!

DF   April 9th, 2009 10:07 am ET

What is ironic about some of these so-called top rap and hip hop artists performing on Idol is that they are all production and no singing talent. They would never make it past the audition stage on the show. The best guest performances on Idol are usually those by the former Idol singers, simply because they have to have an actual singing voice to make it through the initial stages of the competition. You could have walked out on the street and found 100 people who could talk their way through a song the way he did last night. Didn't even write his own song. Where's the talent? What makes this guy successful and others who do the same thing not successful? Is it the look? (the tatoos and the gold around his neck?) Is it choosing the right 80's song to rip-off? I frankly do not understand. As Dire Straits would say, "Money for nothing...."

Shy   April 9th, 2009 10:18 am ET

Poor performance! First-it was a remix of an old song. Second-he was out of breath and sang off key. I had to leave the room....AI what were you thinking??? There are much better singers/performers than this guy. What a waste of prime time.

Ellasmama   April 9th, 2009 10:22 am ET

Did I miss the part where Flo Rida acknowledged that he was sampling Dead or Alive's "You Spin my Right Round"? Or do they not have to acknowledge that anymore?

Kristin   April 9th, 2009 10:24 am ET

Ok, so Frankie Avalon is better? Get over it people! It is the #1 song in the country, so obviously it is well liked, If you don't want your kids listening to it, turn it off. People want to gripe and complain about it, but personally I think Frankie's perfermance was MUCH worse. Who the heck wants to see/hear 1950's music on a current pop singing show??!! I watch AI religiously, and some of you other fans are whacked! Grow up, it is a song and there were not any bad words sung. Also, Adam is HORRIBLE! Go Danny, Anoop and Lil!

DF   April 9th, 2009 10:28 am ET

....that is, except for Kelly Pickler. What happened to her voice?

Pat   April 9th, 2009 10:44 am ET

A song about oral sex on American Idol. The producers have lost thier minds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RL   April 9th, 2009 10:52 am ET

American Idol's rating must be dropping – It's family time and we get very adult lyrics????????

Madisonite   April 9th, 2009 11:00 am ET

A song about oral sex is not a big deal to kids these days. Have you people been missing the "sexting" articles? Oral sex songs should be the least of parents concerns.

Talk to your kids about sex and a song like this wont freak out the whole family!

JDK   April 9th, 2009 11:01 am ET

American Idol can find a lot better entertainment then this crap if they try. Its not like they don't have the money for good quality acts. Who wants to listen to some rap about going downthere. How many times have you seen Idol do a rap night? I rest my case. I wouldn't wast 2 cents on that artist.

chris   April 9th, 2009 11:02 am ET

American Idol continues to put these horrible performers on stage....its really getting bad...Rap sucks, let it fade away....like Disco..

dean   April 9th, 2009 11:18 am ET

What is fox thinking having this thug on. What a bunch of crap music. Giving him more press is stupid. I didnt vote last time because they went over time and my DVR didnt record adams performance. I notice they didnt release the number of votes received. Idol is being run by idiots this year. Its horrible. Paula rambles on and this judges save is useless.

Frequent Watcher of American Idol   April 9th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Okay, EVERYBODY! Everyone can stop bit–ing about Flo-Rida! First of all, that's what this world has come to...young kids wearing pants that hang off their rear-ends with their underwear showing, being "gang like"! Maybe YOU PARENTS should take better care of "parenting" these kids instead of ignoring them so they don't fall into this pit of misery we call "world". All the white kids try to be like the black kids and they think it's cool. All rappers do is talk about some "woe is me for being black and the horrible life they've been dealt" crap, and more than not, you can't understand a da- – thing they say anyway, but yet, the record sells. Unless you googled the words people...you have no idea what he's saying, but "when you go down, when you down, down..." If you are a kid under the age of 10, you shouldn't know what that means anyway! American Idol is an up-to-date show, and I was excited to hear that he was going to be on because I like that song, and I'm 44 years old. So what...give AI a break...what they should NOT have done was bring back Kelly Pickler, who was completely OFF key and her song s – - ked! Oh, and for you Grandparents who are complaining that your grandchildren were watching and you felt it was completely inappropriate...what the heck were the kids doing up at that hour anyway when they have school the next day??? Give it up people. Don't you have better things to do with your lives than complain, complain, complain.....?

tina   April 9th, 2009 11:30 am ET

I agree with every person who stated the lyrics were inapprorpriate for a family show. I was glad I didn't have any young kids watching with me. I kept thinking, "are they REALLY saying what I think they're saying?!" Not only that, but the crass parts were the only words that were recognizable. BAD decision, AI! (By the way, I loved Frankie Avalon and Adam is fantastic!)

karen D   April 9th, 2009 11:44 am ET

yeah – Flo Rida – what a bunch of crap

karen D   April 9th, 2009 11:44 am ET

flo rida – garbage !

scott   April 9th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

It was TRASH and very INAPPROPRIATE for a family show. If such an 'indulgence' takes place again on AI... I and my family will be former viewers.

Idiocracy   April 9th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

If you've seen the movie "Idiocracy" you'll be less than happy to know that the incredible stupidity of the future (portrayed in the movie) didn't take 500 years to come about. It's here. I'll be watching the "Fudruckers" resteraunt sign to see if there is a name upgrade any time soon.

Margaret   April 9th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

The performance was not at all appropriate for the show, no matter how "hot" or "delicious" the singer or others on stage are. AI....not your best hour!!!!!!

amrcnpandababy   April 9th, 2009 12:38 pm ET

I could not understand a word that Flo Rida was singing. I understood the words "you spin my head right round"... but that was it. I like rap and hip hop as much as the next person, too... but lastnight's performance by Flo Rida was just bad singing... plain and simple !!

Gail   April 9th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

I will boycott all current and previous American Idol performers if they do not speak up about the insulting guest performances of the past two weeks. Insulting and degrading if you ask me!

lbw   April 14th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

Music has three elements: melody, harmony and rhythm.
Almost all rap or hip hop is missing two of the three.
Doesn't even qualify as singing.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

Occasional musings and gab about the world of entertainment.

Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP