MTV Remote Control Blog › Rodney Jerkins

We've got a winner, folks! Liz, the sweet country gal with the powerful pipes, was crowned a star on tonight's finale, and she just couldn't be more delighted. Check out Liz's update below to find out her thoughts on the entire Starmaker experience!

What a ride it has been. Out of 14 singers in the pack, Diddy picked me -- the COUNTRY artist -- to represent BadBoy. I’m the happiest girl in the world!

I knew when I entered this competition that it was going to be tough, but being myself and staying true to who I am were key ingredients to the top spot. I have taken all the criticism from the Starmaker judges and turned it into positive advice to help further my career. And I feel blessed to have had the chance to work alongside so many great individuals, each with their own unique talents.

The Starmaker stage was nothing short of AWESOME. The moment I walked out with adrenaline pumping through my veins, the crowd cheering my name, I knew this was only the beginning of my journey!!

I want to thank Diddy and Mark Burnett for making such an amazing program! Also, the house band who rocked it out every week; vocal coach Romeo Johnson, who had the best techniques; Laurie Ann Gibson because she is such a motivator!; Tamara Conniff, who offered the best advice; and last but definitely not least, Rodney Jerkins, producer extraordinaire.

To all the people who have goals and dreams: Shoot for the **STARS** because you only live ONCE ... and DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

Now, as I sign with BadBoy I have just three words to say: Let’s make history!

Yeehaw!!
Liz

P.S. You can keep in contact with me through my Twitter and Myspace.

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Tags Diddy, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mark Burnett, Rodney Jerkins, Starmaker's Liz, Tamara Conniff

At the end of the Starmaker journey, it came down to two very talented singers ... and as with most competitions, only one person could win. Of course, Todd was disappointed when he wasn't picked, but that hasn't made him any less grateful for the experience of being on the show. Check out his update below...

Well … I had a good run. I wanted to win, and didn't -- but staying to the end allowed me to gain a great deal of knowledge and experience.

When I first met the cast, I knew the competition would be tough. The level of talent was exceptional, so making the Starmaker finale was a win in itself. I wish Liz the best. She is a talented performer and deserving of her success.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow cast members. Despite the negatives that competition can bring out, I know we shared a lot of laughs and a camaraderie that will live on.

Thank you Rodney Jerkins and Tamara Conniff for the positive comments that helped build my confidence week after week. Thank you Pete Wentz, Nicole Scherzinger, Lady Gaga, and Kelly Rowland for taking time out of your busy schedules to give us valuable advice. Thank you Romeo Johnson and Johnny Wright for being coaches, and also for your support and counsel. Thank you Laurie Ann Gibson for bringing out a side in me that I wasn’t sure existed.

I would also like to thank MTV, Mark Burnett and Diddy for giving me an opportunity to showcase what I do.

Know that the journey does not end here. I’m very grateful for being a part of Starmaker and am excited about what comes next. The van is gassed up and ready to hit the road. Stay tuned …

Please visit toddsarvies.com, myspace.com/toddsarvies or twitter.com/toddsarvies to see what happens next.

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She may not have been the evening's big winner, but Melody is now giving thanks to all the people who helped her get so far in the Starmaker competition. Check it out:

First of all, I’d like to thank God for blessing me with not only this great opportunity, but also for a Mother that has always been there for me. She raised me right, and I thank God for her everyday of my life. I’d like to thank P. Diddy and Mark Burnett for being the first people to ever give me a chance. I’d like to thank the judges Rodney Jerkins, Tamara Conniff and Laurie Ann Gibson for making me feel like I belonged in this music industry. I’d like to thank my vocal coach on the show Romeo Johnson -- he was the Friend I needed and the teacher that showed me the way. I’d like to thank my stylist Gamila for being the brains behind every outfit I wore and for being the Coolest Lady I've ever met. I would especially like to thank my friend and mentor (Super Manager) Mr. Johnny Wright for his guidance and  wisdom. And from the bottom of my heart, I want to congratulate Liz Davis for a job very well done.

The future looks mighty bright for yo girl Melody Angel. I am truly humbled and blessed for all God has given me. To all my fans, thanks for watching, listening and supporting me. I Love You All and I’ll See You Soon.

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Tags Diddy, Johnny Wright, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mark Burnett, Rodney Jerkins, Starmaker's Liz, Starmaker's Melody, Tamara Conniff

With just one last chance to land a spot in the Starmaker finale, Rodney Jerkins said sayonara to Lauriana on Episode 9 and 'hey, hey, hey' to Todd, Melody and Liz. Check out Lauriana's update below to find out why there are no hard feelings...

First of all, I want to thank God for these blessings. Even though Badboy is a great label and they gave me a wonderful opportunity to reach a wide audience, I came on Starmaker to showcase my talent so that I could sign a contract with a label that understands me as an artist.

I've gained so many supporters and believers from this experience, and I'm so thankful. Do I feel like I deserved to advance? Yes. But did they make a mistake? No. I know who I am as an artist already, and it's hard to make people see that when there are only a couple songs to choose from and minimal rehearsal time.

The week I did an original song was my favorite because that's what this is all about for me. I am currently in the studio writing and recording my album with some very talented producers. It's a style of music where classic jazz and rhythm and blues meet contemporary hip-hop and R&B. I'm so excited about it and I can't wait for you all to hear it and love it as much as I do. In the meantime please visit myspace.com/laurianamae for previews and updates!! Also, follow me on twitter.com/laurianamae so that you can always hear it first

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Over the course of the season, the Starmaker judges narrowed down the field from fourteen wannabes to three finalists. But when Todd and Lauriana ended up in the bottom two tonight, the panel was forced to make their toughest decision yet. Think Rodney made the right call by saying sayonara to Lauriana? Or was it Todd's turn to hang up the mic? Take the poll and tell us who you think deserved a spot in the finale.

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Melody's had no trouble wowing the judges with her throaty, Tracy Chapman-like vocals this season. But tonight, she surprised the panel by proving she's not just a pretty voice. Her latest slam dunk performance (of Pink's "Just Like A Pill"), the judges left Rodney grinning from ear-to-ear and both Tamara and Kimberly Caldwell gushing over Mel's brand-new look.

And while we're psyched to see Melody crank it up a notch (or two) at this stage in the game, we're wondering whether the girl needed a makeover to begin with. Think Mel's sleek new 'do/smokey eyes gave her extra star appeal? Or did you like her better rough, tough and unrefined? Take the poll and tell us what you think of Melody's transformation from gritty to glam!

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Last week, the judges told Lauriana her original song was the best one yet. But tonight, Todd hit it out of the park with his killer performance of "Flatline" (a Todd original). And since Rodney was so enthusiastic -- c'mon, he actually called the guy a "rock star!" -- we thought we'd find out whether you guys think the queen of songwriting is in danger of losing her crown. Think Todd's explosive rock/emo anthem blew Lauriana's melancholy alt-pop out of the water? Take the poll and tell us whose homemade hit shook the Starmaker stage!

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Last week, Rodney Jerkins tested the gang on their songwriting skills. This week, it's all about the melodies (and, of course, the vocals). But making beautiful music isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when one sour note means the difference between going big -- and going home. Get a sneak peek of this week's Starmaker and tune in Sunday at 10pm to find out who's one step closer to being a Bad Boy.

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Tags Rodney Jerkins, Video

The judges didn't have many negative things to say tonight, but most of what they DID say was directed at Jordan. According to them, dude ruined Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours," missed a few key riffs and left the panel high and dry. Still, Rodney noted the positives in Jordan's performance (like his energy for days) and Laurie Ann encouraged him to ignore the naysayers (like, ahem, Tamara) and stick with his dreams.

And while Jordan and Omotayo both landed in the bottom two (the judges found Big Sexy's "American Woman" to be a Big Disappointment). at the end of the night, it was Jordan who was told he wasn't "ready" to be a star.

+ Think the judges were right to cut Jordan's Starmaker journey short? Or should they have listened to the crowd (he had them on their feet!) and given him one more chance? Take our poll and tell us whether Jordan's energy should've kept him alive another week.

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Week four of P. Diddy's Starmaker brought a big surprise when Angel Inez was turned away by the judges. No star potential? Really? Check out Angel's update below to hear how she's already proving them wrong...

Being on Starmaker was a very interesting experience for me ... I felt that from Day One the judges knew who they wanted, so I never expected to win. I did, however, expect to use Starmaker as platform to show the world who Angel Inez is and what she's all about.

The judges' mistake was not in letting me go -- it was in keeping me on Starmaker long enough to get people's attention ... Now I'm unstoppable!

The only regret I have is that I wasn't able to sing R&B soul music. The song choices really limited me to what I could do vocally. But everything happens for a reason. I'm currently on the verge of signing my first record deal and couldnt be happier. I found the perfect manager! And this all came from so many people disagreeing with Rodney Jerkins, who's supposedly one of the world's hottest producers. I proved Tamara Connif wrong, and it's gonna feel even better when I prove Rodney wrong! I'm not ready to be a star? Well, that's because I'm already a star. You forget that Diddy picked me out of thousands -- and for that I'm so thankful. I am also blessed to have met so many wonderful people throughout my Starmaker journey.

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