Workout Video Sales Step Up In Popularity

Written by Nedda Pourahmady

The fitness DVD industry has made tremendous strides in spite of the recession. According to research conducted by IBIS World, the popular trend of joining the gym to stay fit is shifting to a more convenient alternative.

Consumers are choosing to conduct their workout regimens from the comfort of their own home. Instead of running to nearby fitness facilities, avid exercisers are frantically purchasing workout videos hosted by professional gyms and their expert instructors.

Based on data collected by IBIS World, fitness DVD production revenue increased significantly in 2012, climbing to nearly $265 million. These high-intensity programs feature extreme-interval training sessions, appealing to fitness fanatics across the nation.

Commonly used by motivated gym members to expand on traditional exercise techniques, fitness DVDs have turned routine regimens into unique, interesting experiences. By replacing models or actresses as video hosts with professional fitness gurus, more consumers are starting to take programs seriously and abide by their advice.

In addition to appearing in numerous households nationwide, workout videos are frequently used by famous celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez are known to use fitness DVDs when starting up their vigorous exercise programs.

To browse our full collection of workout videos, visit our website and search “fitness.”

Which workout videos, if any, would you be willing to follow? 

Congratulations Phillip Phillips, American Idol Season 11 Winner

Written by Danielle Desmond and Heather Brown

It’s a man’s world when it comes to reigning American Idol winners. Last Wednesday, Georgia native, Phillip Phillips was crowned the 11^th American Idol. Phillip took the title, leaving the young and talented diva to be Jessica Sanchez with the runner-up spot, which in American Idol history is not a bad placement either.

Many fans believed that Phillip’s debut song, Home, was what earned him the title, along with his handsome grin and guitar. The American Idol finale was filled with surprise performances from Neil Diamond, John Fogerty, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Lopez, and Aerosmith. The top 12 contestants also returned to the Idol stage before launching their summer tour! Nothing like a little practice to 30 million viewers who tuned in to watch the finale.

Ryan Seacrest reported that a record-breaking 165 Million votes came in for Phillip and Jessica via text, twitter, and phone. NYDailyNews.com  is reporting that over a million Facebook comments and tweets were posted (the most in American Idol history), proving that our social media age is growing at a rapid pace.

Personally, I loved Phillip’s song Home. In fact, I didn’t know that it was written for him and I kept trying to find whose song he was performing. We have followed these contestants since January. They deserve the best and hopefully the fans that followed them all this time will stick with them during their blooming music career. Universal Music is saying that Phillip Phillip’s debut album will be released in July. 

Midwest Tape is in on the hunt for all new Idol musicians to make sure your library patrons have the most recent and new music from the best American Idol has to offer! Who knows what will happen to the fate of American Idol. With the rumors of Jennifer Lopez leaving, to all the new singing competition shows out there, one thing is for sure: there is a ton of talent needed to be heard! 

Thanks for reading this season, and again a big Congratulations to Mr. Phillip Phillips! We are looking forward to hearing your music. 

What are your thoughts on this season's competition?

The Road to the American Idol Finale

Written by Danielle Desmond and Heather Brown

I really didn’t think we would see Phillip Phillips in the finale this week, but sadly over the past couple weeks America has voted off sweet Hollie Cavanagh and Gospel sensation Joshua Ledet. This is one of the most painful times to be voted off; Hollie was eliminated right before the hometown visit, and Joshua just missed the finale.

I think everyone knew Hollie would not make it to the hometown episode after an uneventful rendition of Journey’s Faithfully. Everyone in the world knows this song and it touches each of us differently and Hollie unfortunately couldn’t get us there. When you are this far into the competition you can’t just sing well, you have to have everyone remember your performance. Technically, she did sing fine, but with a popular tune it needs to be perfect. Her second song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt fell just as short too. Hollie just wasn’t old enough to understand the heart-wrenching emotions of unrequited love, and she again kept the audience at a distance from emotional connection.

Next on the chopping block right before the finale, probably the worst place to be voted off was Joshua Ledet. Joshua brought his powerful voice, unforgettable dance moves, and humble attitude every week delivering standing ovation performances. I was very surprised to see him go, especially after his inspirational hometown visit to Louisiana.

The Top 3 performers had three rounds of singing, first round songs were chosen by the judges, second round a song of their choosing, and the third round they had to perform a song chosen by their music mentor Jimmy Iovine. Host, Ryan Seacrest mentioned that this was the closest race American Idol has ever seen. 

Jessica Sanchez has truly won the heart of not only America but Steven Tyler who said that he truly believes she will be the last one standing. Phillip Phillips really rocked out and had Randy Jackson rooting for him and yelling “YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE AND WE LOVE IT” The judges also praised Joshua but sadly someone has to be voted off.

The results show included performances from former Idol contestant, Adam Lambert, and rock star Lisa Marie Presley who both have new albums out!  After performances, Ryan Seacrest read the fateful results sending Joshua Ledet home one week before the finale.

Still standing is the young and vociferous Jessica Sanchez and guitar playing heart throb Phillip Phillips. The Two-Night Season Finale airs Tues/Wed on Fox with the Top 12 performers returning to perform along with some other surprise performances. Don’t forget to tune in and vote!

Will Jessica Sanchez break the streak and be the first girl to win American Idol since Season 6?