On last week’s American Idol, Ryan Seacrest called Peggi Blu “The Vocal Coach from Hell” after a clip was shown of Blu intensely speaking with two of Idol’s youngest contestants. She was quoted saying, “You’re going to die onstage in front of all those people. I’m going to be laying in my bed watching you just croak,” and then she interrupted the girls after they started a song and screamed, “No! What is that? Sing, dammit! Do it from the top one more time, and don’t make a mistake.” In a matter of minutes, American Idol fans, bloggers, and entertainment journalists formed an immediate love/hate opinion about Blu. Some even called her “the next Simon Cowell.” So after making such a splash on America’s #1 rated show, I knew that I had to have an exclusive withjosh.com/ainow.org interview with her.
In part one we tackle the obvious questions about Blu’s time on American Idol and her opinion on being called “the vocal coach from hell.” We also discuss the events that lead to her outburst and what the producers didn’t show us. It’s honestly quite fascinating as we are reminded that although American Idol is a singing competition show, it’s still a reality show and edited for their storyline. This is the behind-the-scenes information we’ve been waiting for!
In part two we continue to talk Idol, experience, and the backlash. We also discuss her qualifications to be American Idol’s vocal coach. Did you know Peggi Blu had a hit dance single in 1980, co-starred in two Broadway musicals – “The Wiz” and “Marilyn (Monroe) An American Fable” (directed by Kenny Ortega). In 1986, she went on Star Search on CBS. In only 8 minutes and 4 shows, Peggi became the 1986 Grand Champion Female Vocalist. This led to a deal with Capitol Records & the record “Blu Blowin’.” Blu was also personally requested to sing at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration and has sang with Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand and Luther Vandross. She concludes the interview with a special message to her American Idol students and to you the viewer. www.peggiblu.com
| Posted by Josh on March 3, 2011 @ 10:11 AM |  |
PeggiBlu – I get it. I get you. Keep doing what you do!
Comment by LeighCay — March 3, 2011 @ 11:17 AM
I watch it and i find it`s great. Peggi is a woman so secure in her work but in her way to express to herself.
Comment by Belinda — March 3, 2011 @ 1:01 PM
I’ve known how AWESOME she is for many, many years. Now a LOT of new people will find out!!!!
Comment by Ted Perlman — March 4, 2011 @ 12:19 AM
Peggi Blu is already, in her own right, God’s light & my sight… an ‘American Idol’… a national treasure… and an international icon… we are tickled to know that parts of mainstream America and the world are finally discovering what those of us who know, adore & love her have already known; SHE IS THE REAL DEAL!
SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS, ENTERTAINER, MASTER TEACHER, MOTHER, WIFE, GRANDMOTHER & BLESSED VESSEL OF LOVE!
What makes her so refreshing on television is the impeccable content of her character… SHE DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO LIE! She calls it like she sees & hears it, period. And with more than a half century worth of bonafide multi-media credentials to back her up, having already served her time and paid her dues in the trenches of the township of ‘Starletville’ in ‘Wannabe City’; she speaks with the unapologetic voice of experience, saged wisdom, unbridled grace & the unwavering ferocity that only a professionalism forged by fire could produce.
Admired by most, revered by all… Peggi Blu is just what this f*^#@% up music industry needs, where mediocrity is applauded and vulgarity is rewarded; while autotuned computers are doing the work of so-called ‘Professional Singers’! The young folks today don’t even know what “GOOD” is, because they grew up on such a staple diet of audio & visual bulls*@%! Her in-yo-face presence, backed by irrefutable skill, indisputable technique & inexcusible passion, makes her the new “IT” girl on American television and THE one to watch this year as she blossoms before our very eyes as a vocal virtuoso and coaching afficianado. Let’s get this one right America, other than returning to AMERICAN IDOL in a much more prominent role, this woman deserves her own show and we (her thirsty audience, that longs for REAL SINGERS again), desperately need her… and we don’t even know it! We need to allow her to use her skills to infuse the marriage of old school with the new school!
And we all know the perfect ingredients for a successful wedding… Something old, something new, something borrowed & something ‘BLU’!
Keep up the God work, dear “Mambo’… we love you!
God(dess) with you always,
Eric Floyd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3uIdzwX-1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfEho5dSTIA
Comment by Eric Floyd — March 4, 2011 @ 12:31 AM
I love what she said, “Don’t come down on me, come up to me, and come through it with me.” She is fabulous! Fantastic interview Josh!
Comment by Kami — March 4, 2011 @ 9:26 AM
She is awesome and is all that you see and hear. She should have been a household name long ago. If they listen to what she has given, they will find that she knows what she’s talking about! Peggi Blu can hold a stage with anyone! A great entertainer and truly deserves the name “Diva”
Comment by Monalisa Young — March 4, 2011 @ 10:27 AM
When I first saw the segments with Peggi coaching I thought, they’re trying to show only one piece of what Peggi was trying to convey not the whole story because it makes for good Reality TV but that’s not what she is all about. Peggi is a very loving, compassionate woman. Peggi Blu IS the “real deal!” She doesn’t mince words and was not hired to sugar coat the truth. Eric Floyd thank you, you summed it up beautifully.
I worked with Peggi on Broadway and the first time I heard her sing I was blown away and cried. She got to me. She has a gift from God that is so rare. Peggi has a range, passion and conviction that when she sings she leaves you breathless. So many “think” they can sing because they sing along with a song but when left on their own to sing acapella the truth comes out. American Idol is blessed to have a great asset with Peggi Blu mentoring their singers. If they really listen and get her intentions to help them bring out their best, they will shine. This year’s AI is the best talent I’ve seen in a very long time. Peggi is preparing these singers for the real world of “this business of show.” LISTEN & LEARN from Peggi as an expert because you’ve been given this rare gift of an opportunity to learn from one of the Greatest!
Comment by Geralyn Robak — March 4, 2011 @ 12:00 PM
Hi:
this is a real great interview. One of the better of the year! she has the capacity to show us her vision in a clear way. She is an ARTIST with all the words! She has a big talent.,she has the versatility to showcase their talent in different areas of art .When I heard her in the interview, She sounded very sincere and very affordable to explain in a simple way that a person be so talented if dreams were added effort and passion.
In other way, she shows that she can maintain a career over time and nurture others with your wisdom.
Love this.
Love Josh!!
Comment by Dheniss — March 5, 2011 @ 11:01 AM
Thank you, Mr. Josh Skinner! You are a great interviewer. You showed the very best in your guest and made the interview more like a conversation. That translates to a very engaging and enlightening experience to the listener! Kudos! :)
Comment by Thia Megia Fan — March 7, 2011 @ 7:27 PM
Peggi is a complete artist, is the kind of woman you admire because she earn her place with her own talent and work.
Josh: you are very successful in the way in which you execute each question.
Comment by Clara — March 9, 2011 @ 10:22 AM
Peggi is THE ARTIST! when did she make all? great!
Congrats Josh!!
Comment by Kari — March 9, 2011 @ 1:22 PM
Peggi Blue is a example like artist, she has many energy and i like her performance with her song there.
Josh Skinner: you`re great, god interview.
Comment by Gigi — March 17, 2011 @ 11:07 AM
Wow!, Josh, she`s fantastic, i love her song, i love her voice, and your voice, boy!
Comment by Tin@ — March 30, 2011 @ 11:29 AM
I love this interview; Peggi`s interview is my favourite interview of all.
Comment by cami — May 18, 2011 @ 12:57 PM
I love this interview W/Peggi Blu, she`s super!! & Josh is wonderful!
Comment by Dheniss — March 16, 2012 @ 3:45 PM