Jon will be in Nashville as part of the Reality TV Convention at the Radisson Hotel at Opryland. Although Jon will only be at the convention on Sunday, July 1, the convention is held on both Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. The complete schedule and further details will be forthcoming soon. The Radisson is offering some discount hotel rooms, but make your reservations early before these rooms are gone.
Nashville is such a fun city. I suggest that any of Jon's fans who can make it should gather there. And you will also likely get to meet another celebrity of particular interest to this forum.
Other AI singers scheduled to attend include Scott Savol, Jessica Sierra, Lindsay Cardinale, The Maynard Triplets, Perla Meneses, and Mikalah Gordan, and Will Makar. More participants may be announced later.
Edited to add the following updates 5/1--The cost to attend the convention is $10.00 per day. Tickets are available at the door.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: artslvr,
**************************** California Christmas this year.
I highly recommend the experience. Last year was quite an intimate setting, and each of the stars were quite accessible. They made themselves available to everyone.
Oh, and yes, Priscilla and I will be there, though I think arts builds me up just a bit much by referring to me as another "celebrity." If you're coming, please make sure to speak to us, as we'd love to meet all of you.
I'm happy that Jon is on board. When I mentioned participating in this convention to Judy, she was unsure that she'd be able to schedule it, however, after putting her in touch with the event organizers, it appears they've worked it all out. Don't know if Jon will be performing at any time during the weekend, but it'll be fun just meeting and conversating with him and the other Idols.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Favorite quote from 2007: Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Just dropping by to note that Jon is not singing at this event, though he does plan to attend it. I believe that none of the idols will be singing...just appearing at the conference.
Sorry to mislead everyone. I jumped the gun on Jon's official announcement since the convention site had already posted that he would participate and since I had other reasons to assume he would sing. I wanted to alert everyone quickly because the cheaper hotel rooms could run out soon. We already missed yesterday's deadline for getting the cheaper convention tickets.
Perhaps at the meet and greet folks can get him to hum a few bars of "Beautiful Tonight" or something. It is a shame not to have all these singers sing. I think the "Survivor" contestants should likewise demonstrate worm eating or something. But seriously, Jon will be in Nashville with a major part of his talent going to waste there if he can't sing.
**************************** California Christmas this year.
There was a concert last year, but apparently there have been issues with getting a venue. It's always possible that could change in the near future, so just keep an eye on their site. If a concert is scheduled, they'll post the Ticketmaster link.
Either way, it will be a great opportunity to get to meet Jon and the other stars. I met a good bit of them last year, and we had the time of our lives.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Betts01,
I think I might be able to go. I am having to put in some hours at work now but by the end of June I should free up some more time. I hope Jon does get to sing...
Good news! They have extended the deadline for getting the early bird tickets by two weeks: " A limited number of two day passes will be sold online through May 15 at an early bird special price of $15. (Because we just added several new stars to the appearance list and had been getting emails from people who just missed the early bird deadline, we have extended the early bird price for two more weeks.)"
Jon was recently added, so did some of you write to them requesting an extension? Come on. Fess up! Well done, if anyone here did write to them.
**************************** California Christmas this year.
Hello, I have a question for the people who went to this convention last year. I am interested in attending, but I was not sure based on the web site what types of activities go on? Is there a chance to get the stars autographs, or is it strictly them talking about their experiences? Any information would be great! Thanks
Hey Betts, If you can go, do you want to drive out there together? I am sure I’ll have to drive through OKC to get there. I 44 seems to be the only way out of here, always. Anyway it would be almost a 12 hour drive... that is the only reason I'm saying I might go.
Originally posted by BostonFan: Hello, I have a question for the people who went to this convention last year. I am interested in attending, but I was not sure based on the web site what types of activities go on? Is there a chance to get the stars autographs, or is it strictly them talking about their experiences? Any information would be great! Thanks
Hi BostonFan. Welcome to the site! Maybe you have been lurking for a while, but in any case, it is nice to meet you. Have you been a fan of Jon's for long?
"The 2007 Reality TV Convention is a reality TV fan-focused event that includes a meet and greet with reality TV stars, panel discussions on reality TV shows, information on auditioning for reality TV shows, and after parties with reality TV stars."
We haven't heard for sure what all Jon will be participating in, but I would guess there would be a chance to talk to him as well as all the other stars and get autographs.
JD Matthews has also indicated that last year it was an intimate setting with plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with the stars. But maybe he will come back and give even more description of last year's event.
**************************** California Christmas this year.
Well Now I have a room booked and am starting to look into the venue more... I SMELL VACATION!
I booked at the Radisson (for now) but if you can manage to shell out the extra cash, for just a little over $1000 you can book the same dates I did (June 29th thru July 2) at the "Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center" right across the street from the Radisson. The posh newly remodeled rooms I am talking about are on the inside of the hotel and have private balconies that over look the hotels gorgeous atrium. Needless to say I REALLY WANT TO GO NOW! Here is the other website for "Gaylord Opryland" and the room rates that I am referring to Atrium Garden View
BostonFan, there is definitely lots of opportunities to get autographs. The stars spent a great deal of one-on-one time with fans last year. It's sort of a thing where you can walk up to their table and say hi, and so long as you're not hogging them from everyone else, you can talk to them as much as you want to.
Most of the stars autograph merchandise you buy from them (i.e. photos, CDs, shirts, hats, whatever they have for sale) but I didn't see ANY of the Idols who wouldn't autograph something that someone brought with them. Part of the object of it is that they are able to make a little money by selling things, but it's optional.
One thing I wanted to mention is that I will be moderating a 45 minute American Idol panel discussion this year, so if you want to come and ask the Idols questions, please make sure to show up for the panel discussion. It's not one-on-one, but it's still very informative and lots of fun, and to the best of my knowledge, Jon will be a part of this.
It's not official yet, but I believe Will Makar will also be there.
If anyone has any questions about the convention, you can email them by the link at their site, or you can email me at musicalramblings@gmail.com and I'll check it. If I can't answer it, I'll find out from them.
See? What did I tell you? JD is a celebrity. You may not think so JD, but I am warning you now to bring a sharpie for autographs!
And do I remember reading somewhere that you play the guitar, JD? Or did I imagine that? Do you sing? I think you ought to bring your guitar that I think you play and show folks these other talents that I think you have. Surely there would be somewhere at the hotel where you could sing and play. Maybe I just have a very vivid imagination, and I have no idea what I'm talking about. It's been known to happen. LOL
**************************** California Christmas this year.
Nope. I'm not imagining. Maybe the guitar is an illusion, but the singing isn't. This is what J.D. says about getting interviewed by Amanda Avila at last year's Reality TV convention:
"I did fairly well, though, I think. Amanda asked me for my thoughts on American Idol and reality TV in general. She wanted to know who my favorite Idol was (her, duh) and my rationale for why reality shows and their stars are so well liked and watched. Then she asked me which show I'd want to be on most, and I, of course, said American Idol, and I then proceeded to sing Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never" to Amanda, hugging her and serenading her. I do believe Miss Avila blushed a bit, but she did say she'd vote for me!
So after that was all over with, I signed Fox's waiver so they could show me on television, and got another hug from Amanda.
Was I any good at singing? I don't know, but I will tell you this: reality superstar Toni Ferrari stopped me outside of the studio, looked me dead in the eye, and said "you are reaaaaally good, man." (More on her later.)"
I'm thinking you must be good, J.D.
**************************** California Christmas this year.
Originally posted by Kat Okon: Hey Betts, If you can go, do you want to drive out there together? I am sure I’ll have to drive through OKC to get there. I 44 seems to be the only way out of here, always. Anyway it would be almost a 12 hour drive... that is the only reason I'm saying I might go.
I'm waiting to find out if I need to be in Connecticut that weekend. And, if I don't have to go there, I'm going to go to Atlanta that week and Nashville will be on my way. Since I wouldn't be going back to OKC, I don't know if I'd want to drive up there or not. I might just fly. Otherwise I'd love to drive up with you.
Cool, I thought about flying now to since the cost of the ticket out there is still less then gas would cost and a lot faster.
Right now I am trying to talk my best friend Sarah into coming too. She is married with kids so she has to talk her husband into the idea of a girly weekend getaway. Really I have looked all though out this area and it is so pretty. They have a SPA! I think the only time I might be at the convention center is to say hi to Jon,
Originally posted by artslvr: Nope. I'm not imagining. Maybe the guitar is an illusion, but the singing isn't. This is what J.D. says about getting interviewed by Amanda Avila at last year's Reality TV convention:
"I did fairly well, though, I think. Amanda asked me for my thoughts on American Idol and reality TV in general. She wanted to know who my favorite Idol was (her, duh) and my rationale for why reality shows and their stars are so well liked and watched. Then she asked me which show I'd want to be on most, and I, of course, said American Idol, and I then proceeded to sing Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never" to Amanda, hugging her and serenading her. I do believe Miss Avila blushed a bit, but she did say she'd vote for me!
So after that was all over with, I signed Fox's waiver so they could show me on television, and got another hug from Amanda.
Was I any good at singing? I don't know, but I will tell you this: reality superstar Toni Ferrari stopped me outside of the studio, looked me dead in the eye, and said "you are reaaaaally good, man." (More on her later.)"
I'm thinking you must be good, J.D.
Hah...I don't know whether I'm all that great or not. I guess I have a decent voice. I actually don't play guitar. I used to play a pretty mean saxophone, but I haven't picked up a horn in a few years.
So yeah, I've been talking to a few more Idols who might be making their way out to the convention. Some of the more likely ones are Heather Cox, Dani McCulloch and Melissa McGhee. I've talked to others, but I probably shouldn't say too much until they've been confirmed. All in all, it looks like it will be a great year at the convention for Idol fans.
Keep checking the site, even though your favorite one is already confirmed
If you're coming, please make sure to speak to us, as we'd love to meet all of you.
But seriously, Jon will be in Nashville with a major part of his talent going to waste there if he can't sing.
