At this point, I've only received 5 entries. Anyone who does not submit by the deadline tonight will be fired immediately. I gave a whole extra day this time to allow for more flexibility, so there won't be any exceptions. It's kind of sad. At this rate someone will be winning the prize by default.
I also won't be able to do all of the challenges I planned since there likely won't be as many rounds at this point... But I'm willing to be flexible and modify the game.
I'm not going to stress over people dropping like flies. This isn't a high pressure game. I'll continue to respect those who are able to follow through and be committed to something they signed up for.
The deadline for the second challenge (Who is that sad little person?) has been reached! We went into the round with 9 contestants, and we have lost 4 of them before voting has even begun.
Below is a list of contestants who are hereby fired, effective immediately, because they did not submit an entry.
Urban Marvin petals sunny boy - BANNED
This is especially disappointing since 3 of these contestants were in the Top 4 last round... But there will be no exceptions or second chances this time. I can't run the game that way out of respect for those of you who did submit and are actually trying to win the prize.
If people are going to either not submit or get themselves banned by not following ATRL's rules (which are fairly easy to abide by), that shouldn't impact the rest of you.
An update regarding the entries and voting will be posted on Saturday, March 26th. Keep an eye on your PMs, as I will notify you when there is more information.
At this point, I've only received 5 entries. Anyone who does not submit by the deadline tonight will be fired immediately. I gave a whole extra day this time to allow for more flexibility, so there won't be any exceptions. It's kind of sad. At this rate someone will be winning the prize by default.
I saw the change in the deadline and was happy to see it was extended. I was able to create something better since I was working until 10:30 tonight. but only five entries
Hi everyone. I've noticed atrl being down a lot lately. I tried to visit the site several times last evening and it was down every time. I'll post an update regarding the entries today.
Just got back, Miranda, give me another chance. I really do want to play the game, I had no internet access in The Grand Turks.
Quote:
Originally posted by RihRihRoman
#Pray4URBAN
I'm sorry URBAN, but I can't allow you back into the competition. That wouldn't be fair to the other contestants. I have a few things that I hope will explain my decision.
It would have been a good idea to let me know about the cruise prior to disappearing, that way I could have worked with you a bit and would have understood you would be gone.
You also had activity on ATRL (posts in other threads, as well as the creation of your own thread - Single: Future f/ The Weeknd - "Low Life") on 3/23, which was well before the deadline to submit an entry for round 2.
Most prominently, you posted in the ATRL Wears Prada thread (also on 3/23, over 24 hours prior to the challenge deadline):
Quote:
Originally posted by URBAN
I've been on a cruise, was I eliminated?
I sent a PM to every contestant who made it to round 2 with the link to the second challenge. I also posted in this thread that I update the OP with links to prominent posts and challenges... So a little more diligence and you'd still be in the game.
I hope this demonstrates, out of fairness, why I cannot allow you to rejoin the game.
It has been a pleasure having you, and I'm sure your cruise was an incredible experience. I would love to have you back for Season 2.
Episode Five:
Who is that sad little person?
The Entries
Because we only have 5 contestants left (before we've even completed round 2... That must be some type of record ), voting from this point forward will be conducted by me. I will show the entries and provide my feedback similar to how it's done on America's Next Top Model.
Having contestant voting at this point would be too easily skewed. Below are the entries in order of highest to lowest in ranking. Once the bottom two are revealed, I will give you 48 hours to complete a mini-challenge in an attempt to save yourself. The other contestants will get to sit back until round 3.
Let's jump into the entries and ranking...
1. RihRihRoman
Who is that sad little person?
An interview with Paloma Faith
Hi! I'm RihRihRoman and in the studio today I have a very special guest. All the way from the UK, Paloma Faith! Hi Paloma, why don't you tell the audience a little bit about yourself?
Well as you said, I'm a musician from the UK! I've been making music for quite a while now, since 2007 actually, but i've acted in films and on television as well and i'm currently a coach on the UK version of The Voice! I think i'm most well known for my retro style, both in my fashion, and my music!
Ah interesting! Like you said, you've been making music for a few years now, and you've seen amazing success in the UK! Have you had similar success in the USA?
Actually no! I've never had a single chart on the Billboard Hot 100! I think that's probably because I don't really promote my music there. I've only done a handful of shows in the States in the last few years and although they were a lot of fun I prefer to focus on having as much success as possible in the UK before I take on the huge task of trying to take onAmerica! I feel like if I put effort into crossing the ocean and engaging the American public I could crack the Top 10.
I see. It's not like you've never had any impact on the Billboard charts though right?
Correct! My last two albums charted on the Billboard 200 and my 2012 single Picking Up The Pieces charted at #8 on the Dance Club songs chart.
Why do you think Picking Up The Pieces did so well compared to your other work?
I have no idea! haha. I think a lot of people can relate to the lyrics, and it's one of my more accessible, commercial-sounding singles. Also, I release a lot of ballads and slow songs, and this song is a bit more uptempo. It's great to dance to.
That makes sense! Well we seem to be out of time. Thank you SO much for stopping by to talk to us Paloma! We wish you all the best, and look forward to hearing more amazing music from you!
Quote:
Originally posted by MirandaPriestly
RihRihRoman, I really enjoyed your entry. Putting it in the form of an interview was clever. It was well-written and I felt a different vibe from you and "Paloma" in the questions and responses. Very nicely done! This was MILES better than your entry last round and I'm excited to see what you come up with next. You're moving on to round three!
2. Spring Breakers
Quote:
Originally posted by MirandaPriestly
You also stepped it up this round! I am in love with the formatting of your entry. It is a visual joy! You were also succinct and clear in your writing. The only reason RihRihRoman edged ahead of you in my eyes was because of the clever interview approach. You should be very proud of your entry this round. Well done! See you in round 3!
3. Jotham
Singer: Ashley Tisdale
Short Biography:
Ashley Tisdale was born on July 2, 1985. She began her career in show business at three and sang for Bill Clinton when she was twelve. She was discovered by her manager in a New Jersey Mall and was then sent to audition for countless commercials. Eventually, she found a career in TV and film, becoming most known for her works in High School Musical and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Afterwards, she pursued a career in music, releasing her first album, Headstrong, in 2007, and her second album, Guilty Pleasure, in 2009.
Highest Peaking Single: "He Said She Said"
Ashley's highest peaking single, "He Said She Said," peaked at #58 on the Hot 100. I believe that it performed well commercially compared to her other work because of its R&B influences, which make it stand out among her other songs in her discography. In addition, I felt that part of the song's success came from its risk and darker themes, since it alludes to a hookup despite the fact that Ashley was still part of Disney Channel when the song was released.
Why she's never gotten a top ten hit and how she could get one:
I feel like the reason why Ashley never got a top ten hit is because she never got enough momentum to be successful to begin with. She wasn't in the same label as her other Disney girls, and her poorly-managed label promoted "He Said She Said" along with one other song before Headstrong was released. Ultimately, "He Said She Said" was snubbed because it was deemed too inappropriate and was only re-released eight months later. Then her label forced her to make Guilty Pleasures a pop rock album instead of the R&B and dance pop genre that her debut album was so famous for. Her only shot at getting a top ten hit really is to release another R&B song again. I feel that, with Disney Stars like Nick Jonas becoming popular again after a short hiatus, Ashley still has the chance to take the spotlight if she releases another album like Headstrong.
Quote:
Originally posted by MirandaPriestly
While not quite as succinct as some of the entries, the richness of the context provided is what won me over most. You gave good background on Ashley by including a bio and helped us understand how she got to where she ended up. What was missing most for me was more visually engaging formatting. I appreciated you including the embedded Spotify link.
I'd like to see you bring it more next round by being just a little more concise in your wording and by stepping up your formatting. You're moving on to the next round!
4. Legend E
T I N A S H E
Tinashe is currently one of R&B's most talented artists, delivering one of the most overlooked albums in 2014 - Aquarius. She has an extremely creative way of mastering both fashion and music. "2 On" was, sadly, the only single off the album that made the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The main reason of its success might be the fact that it was produced by DJ Mustard and it was somewhat similar to his previous "Rack City". However, Tinashe did it with more style and her dancing is one of her other many talents.
In conclusion, Tinashe needs to find an evolution in the eyes of the general public. How? I suppose that by promoting her music. She continued to release fairly good music after "2 On", but she still needs that element of wow to gain the GP's attention. I still believe that she has a good chance at having a successful career in the future because she is talented, but she needs to do something to make the GP know more about her existence.
Quote:
Originally posted by MirandaPriestly
Your entry is decent and I really appreciated the image and the embedded YouTube link; however, I think your explanation could have used a little more decisiveness and passion behind it.
You speculated as to why "2 On" might have been successful but didn't give reasoning that compelled me to truly understand your perspective. It also would have helped if you found a more clean way to format the text so it looked more like part of an overall package. The text seemed more like an addendum and was overshadowed by the size of the image and YouTube video.
5. Clueless
Naomi Campbell's debut single, Love & Tears, from her first and only album, babywoman, peaked at #40 on the UK Singles Charts in 1994 becoming her highest charting single.
I'm not actually sure why it peaked inside the top 40 considering it's not the most radio friendly track, in fact. The general public at the time must've just been loving anything Naomi!
The album's second single, I Want to Live, unfortunately failed to chart anywhere as it's even more non-radio friendly.
Naomi Campbell in Vogue (1990)
Naomi was always more focused on her modeling career over her singing career so maybe a bit more focus on her part could've made her the next Madonna on the side! Also promotion of her music from a label would've helped, of course.
Quote:
Originally posted by MirandaPriestly
First I have to say... I was Clueless as to who you were at first because of your name change.
I figured it out though. Regarding your entry, I thought it was decent, but the formatting wasn't as solid as Spring Breakers. The size of the background image threw me off because it was so much bigger than everything else, and the images look a bit scattered in the layout.
Your explanation also left a bit to be desired. Because the song (and Naomi as a singer) is not as well-known, it would have been nice for you to include a link. I would also have liked to hear, since Naomi is a model, what your thoughts were regarding why she was able to be a successful model but not as much in the music industry.
I believe having a focus in music would have helped her out a bit, but was that all she was missing? If not, do you think there would have been any changes needed with her musical sound as well? There were a few unanswered questions as I read through the entry.
Fundamentally, I enjoyed your submission. However, with only 5 contestants left the competition is tough!
Will it be Legend E or Clueless (formerly known as Fever) who will make it to round 3?
Here is your mini-challenge, which needs to be submitted to me by PM by 9pm Pacific Time on Tuesday March 29th:
Find the most striking or visually compelling photo of Meryl Streep you can and submit it to me along with a brief explanation as to why you chose it. It does not have to be from the film The Devil Wears Prada.
Keep in mind I am not asking you to find the most fashionable photo (unless you think it is also the most striking and visually compelling).
Spring Breakers' and Clueless' look amazing, and Jotham's + Legend E's are so well thought out
Congrats everyone and good luck to the bottom 2
RihRihRoman deserves the #1 spot! Very well thought out! I screamed when I saw Naomi and didn't know she had a singing career (honestly) it was a very good read for me Clueless. Jotham had a good entry as well and I agreed on several points about Ashley's career. I really want her to make a comeback unlike her most recent single. Seems she is playing it too safe. As for Legend E glad to see someone else who likes Tinashe I was thinking two members would end up picking the same artist and it was you and I!
Good luck to the members in the Mini round. Looking forward to round three and what it has to offer!
Then her label forced her to make Guilty Pleasures a pop rock album instead of the R&B and dance pop genre that her debut album was so famous for. Her only shot at getting a top ten hit really is to release another R&B song again. I feel that, with Disney Stars like Nick Jonas becoming popular again after a short hiatus, Ashley still has the chance to take the spotlight if she releases another album like Headstrong. 
I was thinking two members would end up picking the same artist and it was you and I!