Okay, so it’s been a week. . . my unofficial mourning period is over. Actually, viewing the season finale was a bit of a fiasco for me (more later); I ended up in my daughter’s room on her computer on YouTube, notes from the show got separated and it’s taken me this long to a) work up the enthusiasm to locate them and b) get enough time to look for them.
So, now they’ve been found and I’m ready to wrap up the season for all three of my fans.
Ryan opened the show by announcing that 97.5 million votes were received. I’m a big fan of the show, you all know. I will rearrange my life to be at home at least watching the recorded version, but I find it a little disgusting that 97.5 million votes are cast for this final show and I run into the same 5 people at my polling place at each election. Okay, nuff about that!
Ryan also mentions that the winner and the runner-up were only 12 million votes apart. I guess in some worlds that’s close, but in my world close is 2 million votes. Maybe Ryan gets all mixed up with the big numbers.
In any case, the Davids came onstage, all dressed in white and we watched the videos from the hometowns of each.
The Top 12 then sang “Get Ready Cuz Here I Come”. And if you’re going to one of the concerts, you BETTER be ready, because, don’t forget, you’re going to have to listen to ALL of the Top 12, including Kristy Lee and Brooke at least once by themselves. That would have to be the beer break for me!! (And I don’t even DRINK beer!!)
Next up was the David Duet, “Hero”. I thought the two Davids sounded great together. It seemed like Big David was a little softer all night and Lil’ David was a little edgier and more relaxed all night.
Next up was my favorite segment: Guru Pitka. I’ve been out looking for “Sitar Hero” all week (wink, wink)!
Syesha was up next, singing “Waiting for You” with SEAL!!! How lucky was SHE??? Hands down that has got to be the most exciting thing that will ever happen for her!!
Hallelujah, Jason sang “Hallelujah” --- pretty much the only song I’d trust him to sing at this point.
Then we watched clips from the makings of the Ford commercials. It was fun seeing all the little “out takes”.
Out came the finalists again, this time dressed all in black. Ryan presented them both with brand new Ford Hybrids. They both seemed genuinely surprised, as if they’d forgotten that the final 2 traditionally are gifted with new vehicles. Surprisingly, we found out that Lil’ David DOES have his license!!
The six female finalists then appeared to sing “She Works Hard for the Money”, all dressed in red (hmmmm. . .). Suddenly, Donna Summer appeared at the top of the stairway --- not a smart move, as she DEFINITELY needed help in getting down those stairs. . . and not because of the shoes she had on!! In any case, she sang her new single “Stamp Your Feet”, then segued into “The Last Dance”. She still sounds good, but looks a little scary.
Carly and Michael sang a duet “The Letter” --- sweet to see them together because their voices mix so well and ironic, as the two of them were both gone before their time.
Jimmy Kimmel made an appearance, putting Simon’s insults from the whole season to music. THAT was funny!!
Next up were the six male finalists, all dressed in black, singing “Those Were the Best Days of My Life”. Then they moved into “I’m in Heaven” by Bryan Adams. . . and who should appear but Bryan himself!?! Again, still sounds great, but a little scary to watch.
They segued into “Til I Saw You”, then “Somebody Like You”, then we got a short greeting from Jordin Sparks, last year’s Idol winner, announcing the upcoming “American Idol Experience” at Disneyworld.
Big David got to sing “Sharp Dressed Man” with none other than ZZ TOP!!! Not sure anything he does after this will be bigger than this!! How lucky can one guy get?? He looked like a kid in a candy store!
Brooke got to sing with Graham Nash --- “Teach Your Children”. Oddly enough, their voices blended well and Brooke remembered all the words. Also probably a high point in her life.
Jonas Brothers made an appearance. I have no idea what they sang because I fast-forwarded through it.
Of course, what season finale of AI would be complete without the requisite “Weirdo Flashback”?? Tape included the weirdest of the weird and the segment included an appearance by Reynaldo Lapuz and the USC Marching Band, joined by Randy and Paula.
One Republic was up next with “Apologize”, joined by Lil’David. I might have enjoyed this more if I didn’t hear this song every 2 ½ seconds on the radio.
Both of Lil’ David’s grandpas were interviewed in the next hometown check-in. Then, Jordin Sparks made a personal appearance onstage, singing “One Step at a Time”. Honestly, it was just alright.
Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and the newly gorgeous Robert Downey Jr. made appearances as Gladys Knights new Pips --- superimposed footage of these three adorable pranksters on an old clip of Gladys. Probably the best segment of the night!!
Carrie Underwood made an appearance singing “Last Name”. Also fast-forwarded through this segment.
The Top 12 appeared again, again dressed all in black to sing George Michael’s “You Gotta Have Faith”. Then, lo and behold, George Michael himself appeared onstage. . . or was it. . yes, I think it was. . . no. . . yes. I don’t know --- there was something different about him. No, not just because he’s really, really old. I think he got dentures or something --- there was something different about his mouth. And, the way his voice sounded like him, then not, then him again was a little unsettling. They segued into “Till the End of Time”, then “Freedom”, then George wrapped up the segment with “These Are the Days”, bringing Paula to tears. I’m surprised that a lot of people I’ve talked to never heard that song. It’s certainly not new!!
It was at this point that I glanced at my DVR “counter” and realized I was at 1 hour 54 minutes of a 2-hour show. . . or SUPPOSEDLY 2-hour show. My stomach sank as I realized “I’m going to miss the end of the final show. . . AGAIN!!!” Screw me over once, shame on you, screw me over twice, shame on ME!! I can’t BELIEVE that I forgot SO QUICKLY the pain of NOT seeing the winner announced “live” last year!!!
Slowly spinning through the last, seemingly endless, commercials, Ryan appears onstage with the two Davids, accountant guy comes out and takes WAY too long reassuring us that everything is on the up-and-up, Ryan says “and the winner is David” and my recording ends.
I am NOT kidding you!! I have it on my DVR --- the recording absolutely and literally stops with Ryan Seacrest’s open mouth starting to say the last name!!! Is it Archuleta?? Is it Cook??? Well, I don’t KNOW!!!
I am close to being in shock, having NOT seen the final announcement “live” for the SECOND year!!! I race into my daughter’s room, hopping on the AI show site, where, amazingly, they do NOT have the clip of the announcement posted, and the show’s been over on the west coast for almost an hour!!
Finally, thank God for YouTube --- I find a clip of the final announcement and get to watch that PLUS the other five minutes that my DVR has neglected to catch. Technology, the savior, and also bane of our existence!!
So, David Cook is pronounced the winner, much to my surprise!!! I really though David Archuleta would be American’s choice, and actually at this point it doesn’t matter. I said I’d be happy no matter who won, and I am. Bless his hear, David Cook breaks down in tears and then sings one last song for this season, with the other Top 11 gathered around him.
I have to say, I understand how proud his mom must be, but she’s a little creepy in her devotion. If it were my kid, they would have definitely wanted me in the audience every night, but standing directly below them, just gazing up during the final song?? Creepy!!
In any case, it was a happy ending, but it would have been no matter what had happened. Would have been sweeter if I’d gotten the ENTIRE show on my DVR but. . .
And, in the week that has passed since the last show, I’ve read that David Cook hooked up with Kimberly Caldwell, so maybe he’s not still single, but good for him. After all his hard work this season, he deserves it!!
Can’t wait for David Cook’s first CD!! In the meantime, I’m downloading my AI favorite cuts onto my iPod to listen to this weekend (American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life) while I’m walking the track for 24 hours.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Duel of the Davids
Let me just say I LOVED the format for last night’s show!! LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
However, as much as I believe that Lil’ David (now known as Lil’ D) only weighs 100 lbs., I was really surprised that David Cook weighs 180. Hmmmm. . .
And, sure, you can nickname Lil’ D “Babyface” but I don’t think I would have chosen “Sugarfoot” for the other David. Another hmmmm. . .
I look forward to this final performance show every year, yet I always feel a little melancholy, too. Thrilled that we get to enjoy three songs from each competitor, but sadness that this will be the next to the last show of the season.
Guest mentors last night were Clive Davis, the man with the golden ears (hell, all his body parts must be gold) and LORD Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Round 1 songs were Clive’s choice: ”I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 for Big D and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John. Lord declares Big D’s song “tough” and admonishes Lil’ D to keep his eyes open.
Big D was first and all I could say was “wow”!! He was relaxed, seemed VERY comfortable singing in front of 7,000 fans, and was totally in the zone!!
Lil’ D’s rendition of the Elton John classic was also “wow” --- powerful and probably the most emotional delivery I’ve seen from Lil’ D all season.
The next song choice for each was culled from the original song contest. Producers chose what they deemed to be the top ten songs and each David got to choose their personal favorite from among those.
Big D chose “Dream Big” by Emily Shackelton --- lucky girl!! Possibly the first time she’s heard her song done “for real” and it’s sung by this incredibly talented guy!! I thought the song was decent but he did a great job, too!!
Lil’ D’s choice was “In This Moment” by Ryan Gilmore. I kept thinking how, for the rest of their lives, these two songwriters would be telling people “The first time I heard my song performed for real was. . .”
Lord was worried about Big D’s voice and joked that the lyrics sounded like they had been written by Simon (Lord is just a natural comedian).
Big D sang --- wow, wow, wow. I thought it was the perfect song choice; Simon was the only judge not thrilled.
Lil D sang --- again, wow, wow, wow.
The last song was each contestant’s personal choice: Big D chose Collective Soul’s “The World I Know”. I thought he did an outstanding job, and brought his own flavor to this piece. Again, Simon wasn’t too thrilled. Seeing his emotional reaction at the applause was really sweet. You can tell he’s grateful for every moment. Although I loved his rendition, I, too, wondered how much better he could have delivered “Billy Jean” although I also understood his reason for choosing something new.
And, was it just an honest reaction or a little strategy to throw in the comment about wanting to try something new instead of doing something he’d already done? I could almost see Lil’ D going into a panic about having chosen “Imagine” for his last performance.
If he did panic, he managed to pull off an even better performance this second time than the first time he sang this song. It was nearly perfect!!
Whatever happens, I’m happy!! I couldn’t begin to tell you who was the best. To be honest, I voted twice --- once for each.
The only thing that keeps coming to mind is that Lil’ D is 17 years old --- so incredibly talented at his age that perhaps that makes him the better performer? I don’t think either one really cares that much at this point. They both seemed to be about having fun and giving it one last effort before they go off to their careers. Let’s be honest, they BOTH are going on to big, big careers, whether they win or not.
However, in all fairness, I really should predict a winner. I think it will be David Archuleta.
But I’ll be first in line to buy David Cook’s first CD!!
However, as much as I believe that Lil’ David (now known as Lil’ D) only weighs 100 lbs., I was really surprised that David Cook weighs 180. Hmmmm. . .
And, sure, you can nickname Lil’ D “Babyface” but I don’t think I would have chosen “Sugarfoot” for the other David. Another hmmmm. . .
I look forward to this final performance show every year, yet I always feel a little melancholy, too. Thrilled that we get to enjoy three songs from each competitor, but sadness that this will be the next to the last show of the season.
Guest mentors last night were Clive Davis, the man with the golden ears (hell, all his body parts must be gold) and LORD Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Round 1 songs were Clive’s choice: ”I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 for Big D and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John. Lord declares Big D’s song “tough” and admonishes Lil’ D to keep his eyes open.
Big D was first and all I could say was “wow”!! He was relaxed, seemed VERY comfortable singing in front of 7,000 fans, and was totally in the zone!!
Lil’ D’s rendition of the Elton John classic was also “wow” --- powerful and probably the most emotional delivery I’ve seen from Lil’ D all season.
The next song choice for each was culled from the original song contest. Producers chose what they deemed to be the top ten songs and each David got to choose their personal favorite from among those.
Big D chose “Dream Big” by Emily Shackelton --- lucky girl!! Possibly the first time she’s heard her song done “for real” and it’s sung by this incredibly talented guy!! I thought the song was decent but he did a great job, too!!
Lil’ D’s choice was “In This Moment” by Ryan Gilmore. I kept thinking how, for the rest of their lives, these two songwriters would be telling people “The first time I heard my song performed for real was. . .”
Lord was worried about Big D’s voice and joked that the lyrics sounded like they had been written by Simon (Lord is just a natural comedian).
Big D sang --- wow, wow, wow. I thought it was the perfect song choice; Simon was the only judge not thrilled.
Lil D sang --- again, wow, wow, wow.
The last song was each contestant’s personal choice: Big D chose Collective Soul’s “The World I Know”. I thought he did an outstanding job, and brought his own flavor to this piece. Again, Simon wasn’t too thrilled. Seeing his emotional reaction at the applause was really sweet. You can tell he’s grateful for every moment. Although I loved his rendition, I, too, wondered how much better he could have delivered “Billy Jean” although I also understood his reason for choosing something new.
And, was it just an honest reaction or a little strategy to throw in the comment about wanting to try something new instead of doing something he’d already done? I could almost see Lil’ D going into a panic about having chosen “Imagine” for his last performance.
If he did panic, he managed to pull off an even better performance this second time than the first time he sang this song. It was nearly perfect!!
Whatever happens, I’m happy!! I couldn’t begin to tell you who was the best. To be honest, I voted twice --- once for each.
The only thing that keeps coming to mind is that Lil’ D is 17 years old --- so incredibly talented at his age that perhaps that makes him the better performer? I don’t think either one really cares that much at this point. They both seemed to be about having fun and giving it one last effort before they go off to their careers. Let’s be honest, they BOTH are going on to big, big careers, whether they win or not.
However, in all fairness, I really should predict a winner. I think it will be David Archuleta.
But I’ll be first in line to buy David Cook’s first CD!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
And Then There Were Two. . .
Last night’s show was very satisfying, despite the predictable outcome of the voting.
Ryan opened the show by announcing that Fantasia would be the guest star. We were, once again, tortured with the group singing “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” (well, by the end of the show, ONE of them would be stopped). Maybe the theme was hinting at not stopping them from a career in music in general. . .
This week’s Ford commercial, again, was very cute. I wondered who REALLY drove David’s car away at the end (tinted windows, very convenient). Don’t know if he drives yet, but I get the idea maybe his dad hasn’t allowed him to do any of that stuff yet.
They also announced that 56 million votes were recorded, which always astounds me. If “we” were half as diligent about voting for elected officials as we seem to be in voting for American Idol. . .
However, I have to confess that I voted for the first time ever on Tuesday night. Thought it was time to commit.
There was the expected recap of Tuesday night’s show --- well, they have to rehash every detail if they want to stretch this show into an hour!!
Fantasia was next with her performance of “Bore Me” --- yes, Fantasia is probably the edgiest former Idol contestant who’s still out there performing, and yes, she did have Crayola red hair (she told Ryan she just “tried it”). Either she was on speed or she just really gets into performing, because they practically had to hose down the stage when she was done --- that girl was on fire!!
Simon was utterly stunned --- his blank, slack-jawed expression caught on camera at the close of Fantasia’s number was PRICELESS!! Finally, Simon at a loss for words!!
Lil’ David was called to the stage first, and we watched his Hometown Visit footage. He was so overwhelmed by the size of the crowds and the welcome he received that he was moved to tears. What a cutie!!
Syesha’s Hometown Visit footage was next; she was also overcome by tears, even (or despite) when the mayor of Sarasota did a handstand onstage during her welcome there!!
Lil’ David and Syesha waited on the sofa while we watched David’s Hometown Visit video. Surprisingly, I thought David would hold it together, but, he too was moved to tears by the support and love he felt from the huge hometown crowds.
They all must be so secluded during this process that they have NO idea what’s really in store for them when this is over. I mean, to hear that 56 million votes were received is different from actually seeing a major part of those votes crowding around a stage in your hometown screaming to see YOU!!
Thankfully Ryan didn’t drag out the “axing” too much and quickly announced that it would be a Duel of the Davids on next week’s show and that Syesha would be going home. She “sang” one more time. She actually lip-synced her song, and pretty well, too until the end when she stopped mouthing and the last note continued. . .without her. I guess that’s understandable, due to the highly emotional state they were all in. But still. . .
In any case, this contest comes down to the two Davids, as I predicted earlier in the season. What happens next week is anyone’s guess. Last year I thought for sure that Blake would be the winner, yet America chose the less edgy, more ballad-y performer. It could go that way again this year --- who knows??
Although Lil’ David has had a place in my heart since the beginning, I’m really rooting for David Cook to win it all this year. Hey, we all know that both of them will have contracts and careers when this is over. But there’s a part of me that really feels like David Cook deserves this and hopes that he wins.
One week until we’ll know!!
Ryan opened the show by announcing that Fantasia would be the guest star. We were, once again, tortured with the group singing “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” (well, by the end of the show, ONE of them would be stopped). Maybe the theme was hinting at not stopping them from a career in music in general. . .
This week’s Ford commercial, again, was very cute. I wondered who REALLY drove David’s car away at the end (tinted windows, very convenient). Don’t know if he drives yet, but I get the idea maybe his dad hasn’t allowed him to do any of that stuff yet.
They also announced that 56 million votes were recorded, which always astounds me. If “we” were half as diligent about voting for elected officials as we seem to be in voting for American Idol. . .
However, I have to confess that I voted for the first time ever on Tuesday night. Thought it was time to commit.
There was the expected recap of Tuesday night’s show --- well, they have to rehash every detail if they want to stretch this show into an hour!!
Fantasia was next with her performance of “Bore Me” --- yes, Fantasia is probably the edgiest former Idol contestant who’s still out there performing, and yes, she did have Crayola red hair (she told Ryan she just “tried it”). Either she was on speed or she just really gets into performing, because they practically had to hose down the stage when she was done --- that girl was on fire!!
Simon was utterly stunned --- his blank, slack-jawed expression caught on camera at the close of Fantasia’s number was PRICELESS!! Finally, Simon at a loss for words!!
Lil’ David was called to the stage first, and we watched his Hometown Visit footage. He was so overwhelmed by the size of the crowds and the welcome he received that he was moved to tears. What a cutie!!
Syesha’s Hometown Visit footage was next; she was also overcome by tears, even (or despite) when the mayor of Sarasota did a handstand onstage during her welcome there!!
Lil’ David and Syesha waited on the sofa while we watched David’s Hometown Visit video. Surprisingly, I thought David would hold it together, but, he too was moved to tears by the support and love he felt from the huge hometown crowds.
They all must be so secluded during this process that they have NO idea what’s really in store for them when this is over. I mean, to hear that 56 million votes were received is different from actually seeing a major part of those votes crowding around a stage in your hometown screaming to see YOU!!
Thankfully Ryan didn’t drag out the “axing” too much and quickly announced that it would be a Duel of the Davids on next week’s show and that Syesha would be going home. She “sang” one more time. She actually lip-synced her song, and pretty well, too until the end when she stopped mouthing and the last note continued. . .without her. I guess that’s understandable, due to the highly emotional state they were all in. But still. . .
In any case, this contest comes down to the two Davids, as I predicted earlier in the season. What happens next week is anyone’s guess. Last year I thought for sure that Blake would be the winner, yet America chose the less edgy, more ballad-y performer. It could go that way again this year --- who knows??
Although Lil’ David has had a place in my heart since the beginning, I’m really rooting for David Cook to win it all this year. Hey, we all know that both of them will have contracts and careers when this is over. But there’s a part of me that really feels like David Cook deserves this and hopes that he wins.
One week until we’ll know!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Judges Choice, Producer's Choice, Contestant's Choice
Hmmm. . . a teenager, an actress and a bartender. . . fighting for the title of American Idol. Who will win? Who wants it most? I have some theories. . .
I’ve mentioned more than a few times that there’s something in Lil’ David’s eyes. It’s very possibly the reason his natural singing style is to keep them closed. Now that he’s consciously trying to connect with the audience by keeping them open, they say a lot. I’ve always seen them tinged with a deep sadness, even when he’s talking to Ryan and listening to the judges. At first, I thought it was nerves, but I think he’s sad. Sad and scared --- sad that his dad can’t just enjoy this journey with him, but that he has to be such an ass he’s been banned from backstage. And I think there’s fear in his eyes, too. Fear that he just might win the title and fear that, when it’s over and if he wins, his dad will have access to him again and will most probably make his life miserable. I’m hoping that Lil’ David has someone who is talking to him about the possibility of being emancipated and I hope if that happens, someone will take him under their wing and protect him from the other people in the world who would love to exploit him, other than his dad. So, unless he knows he can be free from his dad if he wins, I’m guessing at this point he really doesn’t want it at all.
And Syesha --- well, we’ve all seen her suddenly become totally relaxed in front of the audience. She claims she’s decided she’s “just going to have fun” and that her stage fright is over. I think that she’s fine knowing that she’s not going to win, and she knows that she will whisked off to Broadway and enjoy what she enjoys --- acting and singing. She knows she’s not going to win, but she’s good with that.
David knows he has a really good chance to win, but I think he’s a little worried, too. Winning will totally change his life and take him away from his family, and especially his brother, who is so sick right now and may not survive. It would be sad to know that something he’s always dreamed about will take him away from his family during this family crisis.
But, I think David Cook wants it the most right now, and I’m hoping he gets it.
Okay, so the show opens with the usual introduction of the judges. Paula looks great for once --- hair is done nicely and it looks like she has a demure little eyelet dress that actually has a lining. She looks as if she’s dressed age-appropriate for once. But my first judgment of her wardrobe for the night is proved oh, so wrong, when later in the night Paula stands up and reveals that what I thought was a demure little dress is actually just the top part of a leather bustier!! I should have known better than to think Paula could or would dress decently!!
Last night’s show required the contestant to sing three songs each: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the producers and one of their own choosing.
This year’s hometown visits were drastically downplayed --- at most a 45-second clip announcing the judge’s song choice for each of them. None of the tearful reactions at parades in their honor from past years.
Paula chose Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” for Lil’ David. And, that started my next rant.
I cannot tell you how sick and tired I am of hearing the judges talk about the contestants having chosen songs by big artists, and songs that are “too big” for them. But, when it’s time for the judges to choose songs, they select songs by artists like Billy Joel, Roberta Flack and Alicia Keyes. Can’t get much bigger than those three!! I mean, if the contestants had made those choices themselves, they’d have been reamed during judging!! Unfair!!
At any rate, Paula chose probably my most favorite Billy Joel song (and I was quite the Billy Joel fan back in the day). I enjoyed hearing the song so much that I’ll be downloading both versions (Lil’ David’s AND Billy Joel’s) to my iPod today. I thoroughly enjoyed Lil’ David’s take on the song and thought he sang it flawlessly. Perfect but somewhat predictable choice for him, though.
Randy chose Alicia Keyes’ “If I Ain’t Got You” for Syesha. Technically, she was right on, but it was really just Syesha singing Alicia Keyes --- she sounded like her and didn’t try to make any changes or even sing it like Syesha. She had some trouble with the high notes, but she did look great in her gorgeous dress. However, the song choice was predictable for Syesha and was one she might have chosen for herself.
Simon chose “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. Say what you will, but Simon had the right idea --- not a song-style you would imagine David singing, also a song originally done by a woman --- how much further out of his comfort range could he push him??? And all I can say is “WOW”. Totally believable coming from him!!
Lil’ David’s personal choice was “With You” by Chris Brown. Eager to show he’s more than a balladeer, he let go a little with this song. I think he did well, he’s no Chris Brown, but, hey, he didn’t do badly for a 17-year old white boy!!
Syesha’s choice was “Fever” by Peggy Lee --- the judges thought it was an odd choice for her to make, but, if you think about the possibility of Syesha going directly to theatre, this was the perfect choice for her. She did a decent job, but this performance, again this week, was more about the incredibly short dress and sexy moves than about her singing ability. She really played the sex card on this one!!
David personal choice was “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. I’ve only heard this on the soundtrack to “Walk to Remember”, but he did an excellent job and made me want to hear it again. Smart move!!
I think the producers are good at their job, because they proved they really don’t know anything about music by the choices they made.
Lil’ David sang Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” --- too saccharine sweet even for David, although he sang it flawlessly. Whether it’s the tone of his voice or his little riffs, he always manages to make a song his own, no matter how bad the song is.
Rhianna’s “Hit Me Up” was the producers choice for Syesha. Again, a predictable choice for Syesha, but I thought it was just okay.
And Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for David??? Talk about predictable?? Haven’t they watched the show?? Don’t they know that he seems to do best with songs that SEEM to be way out of his comfort zone?? This was predictable, but again, a very solid performance.
I’m thinking the Jason Castro fans have fled to David Cook’s camp, making him safe this week.
I’m sure Syesha will be going home.
I think once Syesha is gone, her fans will flock to the Lil’ David camp.
If that happens, it will be a very, very close race to the finish. However, if it’s not the two Davids who go on to the final show next week, I’ll be totally shocked.
I’ve mentioned more than a few times that there’s something in Lil’ David’s eyes. It’s very possibly the reason his natural singing style is to keep them closed. Now that he’s consciously trying to connect with the audience by keeping them open, they say a lot. I’ve always seen them tinged with a deep sadness, even when he’s talking to Ryan and listening to the judges. At first, I thought it was nerves, but I think he’s sad. Sad and scared --- sad that his dad can’t just enjoy this journey with him, but that he has to be such an ass he’s been banned from backstage. And I think there’s fear in his eyes, too. Fear that he just might win the title and fear that, when it’s over and if he wins, his dad will have access to him again and will most probably make his life miserable. I’m hoping that Lil’ David has someone who is talking to him about the possibility of being emancipated and I hope if that happens, someone will take him under their wing and protect him from the other people in the world who would love to exploit him, other than his dad. So, unless he knows he can be free from his dad if he wins, I’m guessing at this point he really doesn’t want it at all.
And Syesha --- well, we’ve all seen her suddenly become totally relaxed in front of the audience. She claims she’s decided she’s “just going to have fun” and that her stage fright is over. I think that she’s fine knowing that she’s not going to win, and she knows that she will whisked off to Broadway and enjoy what she enjoys --- acting and singing. She knows she’s not going to win, but she’s good with that.
David knows he has a really good chance to win, but I think he’s a little worried, too. Winning will totally change his life and take him away from his family, and especially his brother, who is so sick right now and may not survive. It would be sad to know that something he’s always dreamed about will take him away from his family during this family crisis.
But, I think David Cook wants it the most right now, and I’m hoping he gets it.
Okay, so the show opens with the usual introduction of the judges. Paula looks great for once --- hair is done nicely and it looks like she has a demure little eyelet dress that actually has a lining. She looks as if she’s dressed age-appropriate for once. But my first judgment of her wardrobe for the night is proved oh, so wrong, when later in the night Paula stands up and reveals that what I thought was a demure little dress is actually just the top part of a leather bustier!! I should have known better than to think Paula could or would dress decently!!
Last night’s show required the contestant to sing three songs each: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the producers and one of their own choosing.
This year’s hometown visits were drastically downplayed --- at most a 45-second clip announcing the judge’s song choice for each of them. None of the tearful reactions at parades in their honor from past years.
Paula chose Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” for Lil’ David. And, that started my next rant.
I cannot tell you how sick and tired I am of hearing the judges talk about the contestants having chosen songs by big artists, and songs that are “too big” for them. But, when it’s time for the judges to choose songs, they select songs by artists like Billy Joel, Roberta Flack and Alicia Keyes. Can’t get much bigger than those three!! I mean, if the contestants had made those choices themselves, they’d have been reamed during judging!! Unfair!!
At any rate, Paula chose probably my most favorite Billy Joel song (and I was quite the Billy Joel fan back in the day). I enjoyed hearing the song so much that I’ll be downloading both versions (Lil’ David’s AND Billy Joel’s) to my iPod today. I thoroughly enjoyed Lil’ David’s take on the song and thought he sang it flawlessly. Perfect but somewhat predictable choice for him, though.
Randy chose Alicia Keyes’ “If I Ain’t Got You” for Syesha. Technically, she was right on, but it was really just Syesha singing Alicia Keyes --- she sounded like her and didn’t try to make any changes or even sing it like Syesha. She had some trouble with the high notes, but she did look great in her gorgeous dress. However, the song choice was predictable for Syesha and was one she might have chosen for herself.
Simon chose “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack. Say what you will, but Simon had the right idea --- not a song-style you would imagine David singing, also a song originally done by a woman --- how much further out of his comfort range could he push him??? And all I can say is “WOW”. Totally believable coming from him!!
Lil’ David’s personal choice was “With You” by Chris Brown. Eager to show he’s more than a balladeer, he let go a little with this song. I think he did well, he’s no Chris Brown, but, hey, he didn’t do badly for a 17-year old white boy!!
Syesha’s choice was “Fever” by Peggy Lee --- the judges thought it was an odd choice for her to make, but, if you think about the possibility of Syesha going directly to theatre, this was the perfect choice for her. She did a decent job, but this performance, again this week, was more about the incredibly short dress and sexy moves than about her singing ability. She really played the sex card on this one!!
David personal choice was “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. I’ve only heard this on the soundtrack to “Walk to Remember”, but he did an excellent job and made me want to hear it again. Smart move!!
I think the producers are good at their job, because they proved they really don’t know anything about music by the choices they made.
Lil’ David sang Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” --- too saccharine sweet even for David, although he sang it flawlessly. Whether it’s the tone of his voice or his little riffs, he always manages to make a song his own, no matter how bad the song is.
Rhianna’s “Hit Me Up” was the producers choice for Syesha. Again, a predictable choice for Syesha, but I thought it was just okay.
And Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for David??? Talk about predictable?? Haven’t they watched the show?? Don’t they know that he seems to do best with songs that SEEM to be way out of his comfort zone?? This was predictable, but again, a very solid performance.
I’m thinking the Jason Castro fans have fled to David Cook’s camp, making him safe this week.
I’m sure Syesha will be going home.
I think once Syesha is gone, her fans will flock to the Lil’ David camp.
If that happens, it will be a very, very close race to the finish. However, if it’s not the two Davids who go on to the final show next week, I’ll be totally shocked.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
From Four to Three
51 million votes, the Top 3 within 1 million votes of each other (that’s close?), Bo Bice (wow, she writes facetiously) and Maroon 5.
The question of the night (perhaps the entire season): When will Paula hire a PROFESSIONAL stylist?? I have not doubt she has a stylist, but she needs a good one, not the one she’s using now. She looked like she’d been plucked from a magazine page from the 80’s. . . and not in a cool, hip, retro way.
The usual horrific group sing: Reelin’ in the Years. I want the season to end just so we’re not subjected to these group sings again (unless you go to an Idol Tour concert).
The boooorrriing recap of last night (we were all there, and if you weren’t you don’t care to see it again, anyway).
Lil’ David is called onstage and quickly declared “safe”.
We’re treated to a video clip/montage of the Final 4 and their recent trip to Las Vegas to see Cirque du Soleil’s “Love”. Color me jealous!!! Two of my most favorite things in the same place: Beatles music and Cirque du Soleil!! AND they got to meet the cast!! I hope they appreciated the entire experience.
David is brought onstage and Ryan actually says “Hungry Like the Woof” --- I’m sure of it because we re-wound it three times (okay, two times we couldn’t hear it because we were laughing SO hard!!). David is declared “safe”.
That leaves Jason and Syesha staring into the TV monitor backstage realizing they are the Bottom 2. No surprises there!
This week’s Ford commercial is “Ring of Fire” -- Ryan teases them all about their costumes.
We are again subjected to the questions from the viewers.
I know what some of you are thinking. You’re remembering how much I used to hate the Ford commercials and how this year I thought most of them were cute. This does NOT mean that next year I might grow to enjoy the questions from viewers. With the exception of Simon’s childhood first kisser last week, I’ve only endured this part of the show --- there has been absolutely NO enjoyment.
Maroon 5 was next, performing their new single. I’m usually a Maroon 5 fan, but it just sounded like the song was sung in too high a key --- the release features Rhianna, so maybe this is what it needed. I fast-forwarded through most of this. The lead singer IS cute, though, and was entertaining while he was talking with Ryan.
Syesha continues to look confident, as if she’s sure that she won’t be going home.
Bo Bice is next, with his new single “Witness”. I was never a Bo fan, and I wasn’t converted last night. He’s no Daughtry!! However, I like that he doesn’t try to hide the fact that he has a family and he announces that he and his wife have a new baby boy on the way.
With very little suspense, Ryan announces that Jason is going home (shock) and Syesha will be in the Top 3.
Jason looks relieved and actually is the most relaxed he’s ever been as he sings “I Shot the Sheriff” again. His comment about how he didn’t know how he was going to handle choosing and memorizing three songs had he continued is right on the money. He’s happy to go home and no one was crying.
I don’t even need to hear any more performing to feel that Syesha will go home next week. However, after that, it’s anyone’s guess.
I’ll be shocked and surprised if it doesn’t come down to a duel of the Davids --- if it ends up Syesha and one of the Davids, it will be a slaughter. At least if the David duke it out at the end, it will be an even match.
Can’t wait!!
The question of the night (perhaps the entire season): When will Paula hire a PROFESSIONAL stylist?? I have not doubt she has a stylist, but she needs a good one, not the one she’s using now. She looked like she’d been plucked from a magazine page from the 80’s. . . and not in a cool, hip, retro way.
The usual horrific group sing: Reelin’ in the Years. I want the season to end just so we’re not subjected to these group sings again (unless you go to an Idol Tour concert).
The boooorrriing recap of last night (we were all there, and if you weren’t you don’t care to see it again, anyway).
Lil’ David is called onstage and quickly declared “safe”.
We’re treated to a video clip/montage of the Final 4 and their recent trip to Las Vegas to see Cirque du Soleil’s “Love”. Color me jealous!!! Two of my most favorite things in the same place: Beatles music and Cirque du Soleil!! AND they got to meet the cast!! I hope they appreciated the entire experience.
David is brought onstage and Ryan actually says “Hungry Like the Woof” --- I’m sure of it because we re-wound it three times (okay, two times we couldn’t hear it because we were laughing SO hard!!). David is declared “safe”.
That leaves Jason and Syesha staring into the TV monitor backstage realizing they are the Bottom 2. No surprises there!
This week’s Ford commercial is “Ring of Fire” -- Ryan teases them all about their costumes.
We are again subjected to the questions from the viewers.
I know what some of you are thinking. You’re remembering how much I used to hate the Ford commercials and how this year I thought most of them were cute. This does NOT mean that next year I might grow to enjoy the questions from viewers. With the exception of Simon’s childhood first kisser last week, I’ve only endured this part of the show --- there has been absolutely NO enjoyment.
Maroon 5 was next, performing their new single. I’m usually a Maroon 5 fan, but it just sounded like the song was sung in too high a key --- the release features Rhianna, so maybe this is what it needed. I fast-forwarded through most of this. The lead singer IS cute, though, and was entertaining while he was talking with Ryan.
Syesha continues to look confident, as if she’s sure that she won’t be going home.
Bo Bice is next, with his new single “Witness”. I was never a Bo fan, and I wasn’t converted last night. He’s no Daughtry!! However, I like that he doesn’t try to hide the fact that he has a family and he announces that he and his wife have a new baby boy on the way.
With very little suspense, Ryan announces that Jason is going home (shock) and Syesha will be in the Top 3.
Jason looks relieved and actually is the most relaxed he’s ever been as he sings “I Shot the Sheriff” again. His comment about how he didn’t know how he was going to handle choosing and memorizing three songs had he continued is right on the money. He’s happy to go home and no one was crying.
I don’t even need to hear any more performing to feel that Syesha will go home next week. However, after that, it’s anyone’s guess.
I’ll be shocked and surprised if it doesn’t come down to a duel of the Davids --- if it ends up Syesha and one of the Davids, it will be a slaughter. At least if the David duke it out at the end, it will be an even match.
Can’t wait!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Final Four -- Rock 'n Roll
Last night’s show with the Final 4 showcased the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame; they were able to choose songs by any musician who had been inducted. Quite the selection!! Each sang two selections and thankfully, they had enough time to do so without being pushed on and off the stage like the previous week.
David started the show with “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran. I love his voice, don’t particularly like the song, but I liked the way HE made it sound, although he didn’t really change it up at all, even though he mentioned that he would make it his own. Wonder what happened? Well, in addition to the stress of this contest, he has a lot on his mind, so I’m letting him off the hook for this one.
Syesha came next --- her first choice was “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner. She was outfitted in a dress reminiscent of one Tina might have worn, her dance moves were great, but I thought her singing was pitchy in places. For me it turned out to be more of a showcasing of her dancing rather than her singing.
Jason (after admitting he had only heard of a few songs on the list) chose Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”. Although he made a lot of changes and really made the song sound like his, it was only okay for me. More and more it seems like Jason’s really out of his league at this point and honestly, he looks and acts as if he’s ready to go home. The fact that he chose a Bob Marley song was also a little annoying to me --- just because he wears dreads??
Lil’ David chose “Stand By Me” by Benny King for his first performance. As always, he adapted the song just enough to make it sound original, without obliterating the original. Fabuloso!!
The judges really hammered Jason on his performance and were pretty much unanimous in thinking Lil’ David’s was the best so far.
David’s second choice was “Baba O’Riley” by the Who. It seemed as if he had returned to his zone, changed it up a la Cook-style, and sounded much better this time out. Much more “Cook-y” than the first song he sang.
Syesha’s second choice song was “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I loved her dress, but again, for me it was just okay. I felt badly, especially after she started crying --- evidently, she had really done her research and identified strongly with the song. That, plus the strain of being in the Top 4 I think just overwhelmed her suddenly. Or maybe it was a ploy for votes. . . you never know.
Jason bravely returned to the stage after his earlier chastisement to sing Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, an obvious choice for his folk-singer persona. All was going relatively well until he completely forgot almost a full line of lyrics. Granted, he recovered well, but to forget lyrics at this point??? He’s almost asking to be sent home.
Lil’ David ended the show by singing “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley. I wasn’t too sure about this one. After all, the kid’s only 17 and OBVIOUSLY hasn’t had much life experience, however he really pulled it out on this one. Again, changing it up without defiling the original. It was a really, really good performance.
My problem with this show: Jason got reamed for his first choice. He was told that he should NEVER have chosen a Bob Marley song. I’m not sure why; I’m sure it’s not because he was the Rasta King. However, Syesha took on TINA TURNER and not one judge said a thing. And Lil’ David sang ELVIS --- again, no criticism.
And, after all, the song choices were from anyone who had been inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, which ALREADY places them in the icon category. I was really puzzled by it all.
At any rate, Jason is one of the obvious choices for Bottom 2, not because he took on an icon, but because his performances have become haphazard and lazy. I’m predicting Syesha will be there with him. Although Jason would be my choice to go home this week, I’m predicting Syesha will be the one to leave. I just think Jason’s fan base is really, really big and, after all, Syesha has been in the Bottom Two or Three five times already.
Who will be the Final 3? If Jason stays, it will technically be the Final 2, because he’s not nearly as talented as the Davids.
David started the show with “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran. I love his voice, don’t particularly like the song, but I liked the way HE made it sound, although he didn’t really change it up at all, even though he mentioned that he would make it his own. Wonder what happened? Well, in addition to the stress of this contest, he has a lot on his mind, so I’m letting him off the hook for this one.
Syesha came next --- her first choice was “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner. She was outfitted in a dress reminiscent of one Tina might have worn, her dance moves were great, but I thought her singing was pitchy in places. For me it turned out to be more of a showcasing of her dancing rather than her singing.
Jason (after admitting he had only heard of a few songs on the list) chose Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”. Although he made a lot of changes and really made the song sound like his, it was only okay for me. More and more it seems like Jason’s really out of his league at this point and honestly, he looks and acts as if he’s ready to go home. The fact that he chose a Bob Marley song was also a little annoying to me --- just because he wears dreads??
Lil’ David chose “Stand By Me” by Benny King for his first performance. As always, he adapted the song just enough to make it sound original, without obliterating the original. Fabuloso!!
The judges really hammered Jason on his performance and were pretty much unanimous in thinking Lil’ David’s was the best so far.
David’s second choice was “Baba O’Riley” by the Who. It seemed as if he had returned to his zone, changed it up a la Cook-style, and sounded much better this time out. Much more “Cook-y” than the first song he sang.
Syesha’s second choice song was “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I loved her dress, but again, for me it was just okay. I felt badly, especially after she started crying --- evidently, she had really done her research and identified strongly with the song. That, plus the strain of being in the Top 4 I think just overwhelmed her suddenly. Or maybe it was a ploy for votes. . . you never know.
Jason bravely returned to the stage after his earlier chastisement to sing Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man”, an obvious choice for his folk-singer persona. All was going relatively well until he completely forgot almost a full line of lyrics. Granted, he recovered well, but to forget lyrics at this point??? He’s almost asking to be sent home.
Lil’ David ended the show by singing “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley. I wasn’t too sure about this one. After all, the kid’s only 17 and OBVIOUSLY hasn’t had much life experience, however he really pulled it out on this one. Again, changing it up without defiling the original. It was a really, really good performance.
My problem with this show: Jason got reamed for his first choice. He was told that he should NEVER have chosen a Bob Marley song. I’m not sure why; I’m sure it’s not because he was the Rasta King. However, Syesha took on TINA TURNER and not one judge said a thing. And Lil’ David sang ELVIS --- again, no criticism.
And, after all, the song choices were from anyone who had been inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, which ALREADY places them in the icon category. I was really puzzled by it all.
At any rate, Jason is one of the obvious choices for Bottom 2, not because he took on an icon, but because his performances have become haphazard and lazy. I’m predicting Syesha will be there with him. Although Jason would be my choice to go home this week, I’m predicting Syesha will be the one to leave. I just think Jason’s fan base is really, really big and, after all, Syesha has been in the Bottom Two or Three five times already.
Who will be the Final 3? If Jason stays, it will technically be the Final 2, because he’s not nearly as talented as the Davids.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Ding Dong, Brooke is Gone. . .
While watching the show last night I had a HUGE “ah-hah” moment. . . regarding the title one of the songs that Jason sang the night before which was “Forever in Blue Jeans”, not “Reverend Blue Jeans” (for those of you who read my last blog BEFORE I edited it today).
I had a really plausible explanation ready --- all about how some of us grew up without computers (gasp!) and in a time when lyric sheets weren’t included in every album. I was ready to tell about the lengths we had to go through to obtain lyrics “back in the day” --- putting the needle on the record (vinyl) on a turntable, playing a few measures, stopping it, jotting the few words down that we had caught, replacing the needle on the record, and so on until we had captured every word. I was going to talk about how easy it is for young kids to “mistake” a lyric (i.e., Jose can you see?).
However, turns out Neil Diamond released that song in 1979 --- well past the time of no lyrics included (okay, still no computer in my house) AND at a time in my life when I was old enough to have understood the lyrics. Guess my love of Neil Diamond had faded by then and I just wasn’t paying that much attention to the lyrics at all. Evidently, what I heard was Reverend Blue Jeans and nothing else. . . otherwise I would have figured out the song wasn’t about some very relaxed, cool, traveling preacher!!
The only excuse I have is that it was a busy time in my life --- our first child was 3 years old, we had only recently moved to California and I evidently had more in my head than the desire to really hear the lyrics to Neil Diamond songs. Hey, I was really young still and obviously having too much fun!
Okay, now on to last night’s show!!
Can I tell you how empty that stage looked to me suddenly, with only five performers standing there?? It does make the “group sing” less annoying to me as the group gets smaller --- less voices to compete with and stumble over. Can’t say the Neil Diamond medley was very interesting, though.
After the inevitable comments about the night before, Ryan moved directly into the results. Jason was brought out first and pronounced “safe”. He looked relieved and a little surprised.
Lil’ David was also pronounced “safe” --- he always looks surprised that he’s still there, or is it relief that his Dad won’t be mad??
David was also pronounced “safe”. It was looking like a great results show!!
That, of course, left Syesha and Brooke in the Bottom 2.
Ryan gave them a short reprieve and sent them to the couch to “enjoy” Neil Diamond’s performance as well as Natasha Beddingfield’s.
Ryan then launched into what has become my least favorite segment: the questions from the viewers. However, last night was amusing when Simon’s first crush phone in to ask him if he remembered their first kiss. Really caught Simon off-guard, but definitely piqued his interest. I wouldn’t be surprised if Simon took a flight up to northern California last night after the show!!
Syesha and Brooke were again asked to join Ryan center stage where Brooke (already in tears) was quickly told that she was going home. (Sometimes wishes DO come true!!)
After much crying and very vocal sobbing, Brooke attempted to sing --- why DO they do that?? I mean, think about it. . . it’s usually someone who is NOT the best who is then asked to sing a song that they undoubtedly massacred the night before only NOW they have to sing while they’re fighting off tears!!! It’s torture --- for the VIEWERS!!!
Syesha has now clinched the record for being in the Bottom 2 or 3 the most times without being sent home. Phil from Season 7 was sent home the 5th time he was in the Bottom 2-3. Last night was Syesha’s 5th time to be in the Bottom 2-3.
It’s looking like it might be three guys facing it off for the title this year!!
I had a really plausible explanation ready --- all about how some of us grew up without computers (gasp!) and in a time when lyric sheets weren’t included in every album. I was ready to tell about the lengths we had to go through to obtain lyrics “back in the day” --- putting the needle on the record (vinyl) on a turntable, playing a few measures, stopping it, jotting the few words down that we had caught, replacing the needle on the record, and so on until we had captured every word. I was going to talk about how easy it is for young kids to “mistake” a lyric (i.e., Jose can you see?).
However, turns out Neil Diamond released that song in 1979 --- well past the time of no lyrics included (okay, still no computer in my house) AND at a time in my life when I was old enough to have understood the lyrics. Guess my love of Neil Diamond had faded by then and I just wasn’t paying that much attention to the lyrics at all. Evidently, what I heard was Reverend Blue Jeans and nothing else. . . otherwise I would have figured out the song wasn’t about some very relaxed, cool, traveling preacher!!
The only excuse I have is that it was a busy time in my life --- our first child was 3 years old, we had only recently moved to California and I evidently had more in my head than the desire to really hear the lyrics to Neil Diamond songs. Hey, I was really young still and obviously having too much fun!
Okay, now on to last night’s show!!
Can I tell you how empty that stage looked to me suddenly, with only five performers standing there?? It does make the “group sing” less annoying to me as the group gets smaller --- less voices to compete with and stumble over. Can’t say the Neil Diamond medley was very interesting, though.
After the inevitable comments about the night before, Ryan moved directly into the results. Jason was brought out first and pronounced “safe”. He looked relieved and a little surprised.
Lil’ David was also pronounced “safe” --- he always looks surprised that he’s still there, or is it relief that his Dad won’t be mad??
David was also pronounced “safe”. It was looking like a great results show!!
That, of course, left Syesha and Brooke in the Bottom 2.
Ryan gave them a short reprieve and sent them to the couch to “enjoy” Neil Diamond’s performance as well as Natasha Beddingfield’s.
Ryan then launched into what has become my least favorite segment: the questions from the viewers. However, last night was amusing when Simon’s first crush phone in to ask him if he remembered their first kiss. Really caught Simon off-guard, but definitely piqued his interest. I wouldn’t be surprised if Simon took a flight up to northern California last night after the show!!
Syesha and Brooke were again asked to join Ryan center stage where Brooke (already in tears) was quickly told that she was going home. (Sometimes wishes DO come true!!)
After much crying and very vocal sobbing, Brooke attempted to sing --- why DO they do that?? I mean, think about it. . . it’s usually someone who is NOT the best who is then asked to sing a song that they undoubtedly massacred the night before only NOW they have to sing while they’re fighting off tears!!! It’s torture --- for the VIEWERS!!!
Syesha has now clinched the record for being in the Bottom 2 or 3 the most times without being sent home. Phil from Season 7 was sent home the 5th time he was in the Bottom 2-3. Last night was Syesha’s 5th time to be in the Bottom 2-3.
It’s looking like it might be three guys facing it off for the title this year!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Neil Diamond Night
I wasn’t sure how Neil Diamond week would be. . . heck, I haven’t been sure about ANY of the mentors so far. . .
The show, as you know if you watched, was TOTALLY unsettled. This is the first week of two songs per contestant --- I think they should wait until it’s down to four or even three to do the two-song thing. Everyone and everything was SO rushed!! Run onstage, sing, Ryan practically shoves you offstage, next contestant on. . . no time for one-on-one judging of the first performances, which was DEFINITELY a problem with poor Paula.
Each contestant was shown rehearsing with Neil Diamond, announcing which two songs they would sing. Then we got to hear what Neil thought about each person and how he felt they would do.
Jason started with “Forever in Blue Jeans”. I thought he looked more comfortable than he ever has onstage, I enjoyed his rendition and also thought it was much stronger than last week. Loved when he showed his lower register.
David was next with “I’m Alive” --- Neil mentioned that David’s rendition had given him goose bumps. Ditto with me.
Brooke sang “I’m a Believer” (who would have guessed?). I was actually pleasantly surprised that she didn’t overdo the theatrics like I expected. However, the lyric is “not a trace” --- Brooke sang “without a trace” which is a TV show, not the lyric from this song.
Lil’ David sang “Sweet Caroline” --- I really liked the way he changed it up. His voice, as always, was strong and pure, every note on key.
Syesha wrapped up the first round of performances with “Hello”. Technically it was well sung, but this song is sad and melancholy, rather plaintive. Syesha smiled and mugged for the camera during her performance and kind of ruined the song for me.
If you didn’t see the show, they mentioned in each clip of contestant and Neil time that each person would sing two songs and which songs they would sing. To further throw everything off, they waited until everyone had sung one song, brought everyone out, and had each judge to a VERY short critique on each person.
When it was Paula’s turn, she started with Jason, gave a few words about his performance, and then launched into “then your second song. . . “ Simon tried to stop her (which Paula mistook for Simon’s regular antics), then Randy interrupted her by saying that they were just critiquing the first song. Paula looked stunned and actually uttered “oh, I thought you sang twice already”.
I racked it up to Paula’s natural wackiness, coupled with the frenetic pace of the show. Some viewers are seeing Paula’s flub last night as “proof” that the show is rigged. However, judges DO watch the rehearsals, and Paula’s notes MAY have been taken at that time. But, there’s no telling where Paula’s head is at. . . ever!! Total space cadet!
Ryan moved the show rapidly into round two. Jason chose “September Morn” for his second song of the night. I enjoyed this performance, too, although Jason’s attempts at moving around the stage are still really awkward. He could have performed this song while seated and it would have been as if not more effective.
David sang “All I Really Need is You” -- another stellar performance!! If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times --- this guy BETTER end up winning, or at the very least in the top 2.
Brooke returned to her safety zone behind the piano and sang “I Am, I Said” --- I don’t want to keep harping on Brooke but she chose quite possibly the MOST difficult song to sing, shook like a leaf, has now affected this weird over-vibrato in her voice and how did she think she would be able to see the lyrics she wrote on her palm if she was playing the piano??? Maybe Brooke’s operating with the other half of Paula’s brain!!
Lil’ David’s second song choice was “America” --- anyone who thought he wouldn’t choose this is on crack, although I don’t think he chose this song as a smart move, like Simon wanted the public to think --- totally opposite from Kristy Lee’s strategy with her earlier plea to patriotic America. David chose this song because of his beliefs, not because he thought more people might vote for him. After all, it’s about COMING to America (as in immigrants) and not all Americans are in favor of ANYONE coming to their country (“they’re taking all our jobs”, “they’re sitting around collecting welfare”). So, if you think about it, choosing that song may have been a RISKY move.
Syesha wrapped up the night by singing “I Thank the Lord for the Night Time”. It was a solid, Broadway-esque performance. Not enough to take her to the finals.
My choices for Bottom 2: Brooke and Syesha.
I predict American will send” Brooke and Jason.
I HOPE Brooke will go home, but I fear Jason will leave first and we’re gonna have to listen to Brooke for possibly one or even two more weeks.
Not as bad as Kristy Lee, but close. . .
The show, as you know if you watched, was TOTALLY unsettled. This is the first week of two songs per contestant --- I think they should wait until it’s down to four or even three to do the two-song thing. Everyone and everything was SO rushed!! Run onstage, sing, Ryan practically shoves you offstage, next contestant on. . . no time for one-on-one judging of the first performances, which was DEFINITELY a problem with poor Paula.
Each contestant was shown rehearsing with Neil Diamond, announcing which two songs they would sing. Then we got to hear what Neil thought about each person and how he felt they would do.
Jason started with “Forever in Blue Jeans”. I thought he looked more comfortable than he ever has onstage, I enjoyed his rendition and also thought it was much stronger than last week. Loved when he showed his lower register.
David was next with “I’m Alive” --- Neil mentioned that David’s rendition had given him goose bumps. Ditto with me.
Brooke sang “I’m a Believer” (who would have guessed?). I was actually pleasantly surprised that she didn’t overdo the theatrics like I expected. However, the lyric is “not a trace” --- Brooke sang “without a trace” which is a TV show, not the lyric from this song.
Lil’ David sang “Sweet Caroline” --- I really liked the way he changed it up. His voice, as always, was strong and pure, every note on key.
Syesha wrapped up the first round of performances with “Hello”. Technically it was well sung, but this song is sad and melancholy, rather plaintive. Syesha smiled and mugged for the camera during her performance and kind of ruined the song for me.
If you didn’t see the show, they mentioned in each clip of contestant and Neil time that each person would sing two songs and which songs they would sing. To further throw everything off, they waited until everyone had sung one song, brought everyone out, and had each judge to a VERY short critique on each person.
When it was Paula’s turn, she started with Jason, gave a few words about his performance, and then launched into “then your second song. . . “ Simon tried to stop her (which Paula mistook for Simon’s regular antics), then Randy interrupted her by saying that they were just critiquing the first song. Paula looked stunned and actually uttered “oh, I thought you sang twice already”.
I racked it up to Paula’s natural wackiness, coupled with the frenetic pace of the show. Some viewers are seeing Paula’s flub last night as “proof” that the show is rigged. However, judges DO watch the rehearsals, and Paula’s notes MAY have been taken at that time. But, there’s no telling where Paula’s head is at. . . ever!! Total space cadet!
Ryan moved the show rapidly into round two. Jason chose “September Morn” for his second song of the night. I enjoyed this performance, too, although Jason’s attempts at moving around the stage are still really awkward. He could have performed this song while seated and it would have been as if not more effective.
David sang “All I Really Need is You” -- another stellar performance!! If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times --- this guy BETTER end up winning, or at the very least in the top 2.
Brooke returned to her safety zone behind the piano and sang “I Am, I Said” --- I don’t want to keep harping on Brooke but she chose quite possibly the MOST difficult song to sing, shook like a leaf, has now affected this weird over-vibrato in her voice and how did she think she would be able to see the lyrics she wrote on her palm if she was playing the piano??? Maybe Brooke’s operating with the other half of Paula’s brain!!
Lil’ David’s second song choice was “America” --- anyone who thought he wouldn’t choose this is on crack, although I don’t think he chose this song as a smart move, like Simon wanted the public to think --- totally opposite from Kristy Lee’s strategy with her earlier plea to patriotic America. David chose this song because of his beliefs, not because he thought more people might vote for him. After all, it’s about COMING to America (as in immigrants) and not all Americans are in favor of ANYONE coming to their country (“they’re taking all our jobs”, “they’re sitting around collecting welfare”). So, if you think about it, choosing that song may have been a RISKY move.
Syesha wrapped up the night by singing “I Thank the Lord for the Night Time”. It was a solid, Broadway-esque performance. Not enough to take her to the finals.
My choices for Bottom 2: Brooke and Syesha.
I predict American will send” Brooke and Jason.
I HOPE Brooke will go home, but I fear Jason will leave first and we’re gonna have to listen to Brooke for possibly one or even two more weeks.
Not as bad as Kristy Lee, but close. . .
Thursday, April 24, 2008
One, Two, Three Shocks --- Carly's Out!!
Sorry about the lateness of this posting --- I hate it when my job gets in the way of my personal activities!!!
Last night’s show opened with the surprising announcement that IDG has only raised $65 million so far --- not nearly as much as last year. What’s up with that? What if they start charging $1 for each vote call/text and raise money that way??
Tonight’s Ford commercial was fabulous!!! They even managed to make Lil’ David look halfway tough!!
After a short, awkward session with Lord ALW (not very comfortable in front of an audience) and a rehash of the previous night’s performances, Ryan dove right into the announcements.
The “Davids” were brought out first and very quickly pronounced “safe”. How either one could have thought there was even a chance at their elimination, I don’t know, yet Lil’ David looks amazed each week that he’s declared safe. Does he doubt his own talent??
The camera catches Jason yawning backstage --- unfortunate for someone who could very well be going home that night!
Next, we’re treated with a segment about past Idol contestants on Broadway. . . both of them. Clay Aiken in “Spamalot” and Tamyra Gray in “Rent”. Clay’s hair looks atrocious and thankfully it’s just for the role; the photo on his new release shows a much better ‘do.
After the visit to Broadway we’re treated to Simon’s newest discovery: Leona Lewis. She’s gorgeous and sings like a goddess --- my daughter remarks that she might be the next Mariah, only not slutty.
Brooke and Syesha are beckoned onto the stage. Syesha fully expects to end up on the Bottom 2 stools, and Brooke looks like she knows she’ll be going home that night. In the night’s first shocker, Brooke is declared safe --- and at that moment, no one is more surprised than Brooke herself!! I’m thinking it must have been the sympathy vote.
Poor Syesha is relegated to the stools again.
Carly and Jason are called out next. Jason is convinced he’s the other half of the Bottom 2 and even possibly going home. His only discernable comment is that he refuses to sing again.
In the night’s second shocker, Jason is declared safe and Carly, now the other half of the Bottom 2, is asked to reprise her performance from the night before.
Carly belts out another great rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, then is sent to the stools. Syesha also repeats her performance from the night before. This time she puts a little more “theatre” into it, but is also a little lackluster. It’s almost as if she thinks she must be going home if it’s between her and Carly.
Carly and Ryan are caught in a frame kibitzing during Syesha’s performance, which is pitchy and sloppy.
And then the third shocker of the night: Carly is told she’s going home and Syesha is safe. Brooke and Jason look shell shocked and a little sheepish --- they both know it should have been one of them.
Carly looks oddly at peace with the decision (think a label’s already been talking with her?). No sobbing, no tears. She knows she’ll be okay.
Neil Diamond is next week’s mentor.
And Brooke is the new Kristy Lee.
Last night’s show opened with the surprising announcement that IDG has only raised $65 million so far --- not nearly as much as last year. What’s up with that? What if they start charging $1 for each vote call/text and raise money that way??
Tonight’s Ford commercial was fabulous!!! They even managed to make Lil’ David look halfway tough!!
After a short, awkward session with Lord ALW (not very comfortable in front of an audience) and a rehash of the previous night’s performances, Ryan dove right into the announcements.
The “Davids” were brought out first and very quickly pronounced “safe”. How either one could have thought there was even a chance at their elimination, I don’t know, yet Lil’ David looks amazed each week that he’s declared safe. Does he doubt his own talent??
The camera catches Jason yawning backstage --- unfortunate for someone who could very well be going home that night!
Next, we’re treated with a segment about past Idol contestants on Broadway. . . both of them. Clay Aiken in “Spamalot” and Tamyra Gray in “Rent”. Clay’s hair looks atrocious and thankfully it’s just for the role; the photo on his new release shows a much better ‘do.
After the visit to Broadway we’re treated to Simon’s newest discovery: Leona Lewis. She’s gorgeous and sings like a goddess --- my daughter remarks that she might be the next Mariah, only not slutty.
Brooke and Syesha are beckoned onto the stage. Syesha fully expects to end up on the Bottom 2 stools, and Brooke looks like she knows she’ll be going home that night. In the night’s first shocker, Brooke is declared safe --- and at that moment, no one is more surprised than Brooke herself!! I’m thinking it must have been the sympathy vote.
Poor Syesha is relegated to the stools again.
Carly and Jason are called out next. Jason is convinced he’s the other half of the Bottom 2 and even possibly going home. His only discernable comment is that he refuses to sing again.
In the night’s second shocker, Jason is declared safe and Carly, now the other half of the Bottom 2, is asked to reprise her performance from the night before.
Carly belts out another great rendition of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, then is sent to the stools. Syesha also repeats her performance from the night before. This time she puts a little more “theatre” into it, but is also a little lackluster. It’s almost as if she thinks she must be going home if it’s between her and Carly.
Carly and Ryan are caught in a frame kibitzing during Syesha’s performance, which is pitchy and sloppy.
And then the third shocker of the night: Carly is told she’s going home and Syesha is safe. Brooke and Jason look shell shocked and a little sheepish --- they both know it should have been one of them.
Carly looks oddly at peace with the decision (think a label’s already been talking with her?). No sobbing, no tears. She knows she’ll be okay.
Neil Diamond is next week’s mentor.
And Brooke is the new Kristy Lee.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lordie!! It's LORD Andrew Lloyd Webber!!
And the mentor tonight is. . . LORD Andrew Lloyd Webber. Why?? How are they going to NOT sound Broadway, singing Broadway? Or, should they be presumptuous enough to CHANGE music written by one of the most prolific songwriter/lyricists known to man??? Talk about between a rock and a hard place. . .
And watching the montage for Lord ALW I felt a little sorry for him. He started out as a rather unfortunate looking child, morphed into an awkward pre-teen, then into a rather cute teenager, then a fast downhill slide into the caricature that is today's Andrew Lloyd Webber.
On to the contestants who were charged with an impossible task this week. . .
Syesha bravely (and wisely) chose “One Rock and Roll Too Many”. Brave because she totally ignored any of the advice given her by Lord Webber, wise because it was one of his more obscure pieces. She looked gorgeous, Simon pronounced her sexy, and technically her performance was great, but she didn’t bring the feelings and emotion into the song that I think she could have.
Jason was up next, singing “Memories”. I love Jason, but I knew he was in trouble when he admitted that not only had he never seen any of the musicals the songs were pulled from, he didn’t even know the context of the song he chose. Someone get him a computer and show him “Google”. First, I can’t believe someone could be into music and not have a wider knowledge of music in general. Second, I can’t believe that he wasn’t even aware of the origin of the song (I’ve never seen “Cats”, either, but I know full well where the song comes from and what the play is about.) Third, I can’t believe he wouldn’t have researched it before he performed. I hope it’s not too late for him to have learned that lesson.
At this point in the show, I was wondering how many time we would hear the ridiculous comment “it’s not your style of music”??? Come on. . . how many of these kids would have CHOSEN to sing a Broadway tune?? With all the talk of having to prove themselves as a pop idol??? Make some sense, here, folks!!
Brooke provided the best Lord ALW comment of the night. (And, by the way, I loved him, because he didn’t hold back, didn’t try to be so BLOODY politically correct and nice to everyone. If he wasn’t sure how someone would do, he didn’t candy-coat his comments. Must be the British influence.)
We had to put the show on “pause” when he said: “I don’t think that girl had a CLUE about what she was singing about.” He was correct, even when Brooke commented that she “got it” after their piano chat.
Her song choice was “You Must Love Me”. Once again, Brooke’s nerves got the best of her --- she started, then realized several phrases into the song that she had forgotten the lyrics, stopped the orchestra and asked them to begin again. Brave? I think so (as did Simon). But this debacle caused Paula to utter the first ever absolutely honest, un-whitewashed comment ever heard from her mouth: never, never stop and start over. Naturally, after having to begin again, Brooke lost sight of what the song was about, she never stopped shaking and the performance was a complete disaster.
I don’t think Brooke has what it takes to be a professional performer --- too, too overly sensitive.
Lil’ David was in his element --- the only performer brave enough to change up the music. He kept the feeling and the theme of the original, yet made it appealing to a broader audience. This kid could make Broadway “cool” to a whole new group of music lovers!! Fabulous and fierce!!
Carly came out in a fantastic outfit that not only suited her personality, it made her look like a star!! She chose “All I Ask of You” but was persuaded to change to “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Lord Webber. Thankfully, she listened. It was an excellent choice for her and an excellent performance.
David closed the show with “Music of the Night” and also with the surprise (to me) that he had participated in musical theatre most of his life. Somehow, I didn’t see him as the theatre type. Boy, was I wrong!! David’s performance: I loved it, loved it. P.S. I loved it.
I feel he truly delivered not only the technical part of the song but the emotion. Almost at the end, when he opened his eyes to look directly into the camera, an audible sigh was heard in our living room. He was absolutely dreamy last night!!
My choice for Bottom 2: Brooke and Jason. I’ll be shocked if I’m wrong. And Brooke should be sent home. She just doesn’t have what it takes. She could be a coffeehouse singer, in front of small groups, with lots of family and friends telling her how great she sounds. She’s not capable of taking the reality of having a music career.
And watching the montage for Lord ALW I felt a little sorry for him. He started out as a rather unfortunate looking child, morphed into an awkward pre-teen, then into a rather cute teenager, then a fast downhill slide into the caricature that is today's Andrew Lloyd Webber.
On to the contestants who were charged with an impossible task this week. . .
Syesha bravely (and wisely) chose “One Rock and Roll Too Many”. Brave because she totally ignored any of the advice given her by Lord Webber, wise because it was one of his more obscure pieces. She looked gorgeous, Simon pronounced her sexy, and technically her performance was great, but she didn’t bring the feelings and emotion into the song that I think she could have.
Jason was up next, singing “Memories”. I love Jason, but I knew he was in trouble when he admitted that not only had he never seen any of the musicals the songs were pulled from, he didn’t even know the context of the song he chose. Someone get him a computer and show him “Google”. First, I can’t believe someone could be into music and not have a wider knowledge of music in general. Second, I can’t believe that he wasn’t even aware of the origin of the song (I’ve never seen “Cats”, either, but I know full well where the song comes from and what the play is about.) Third, I can’t believe he wouldn’t have researched it before he performed. I hope it’s not too late for him to have learned that lesson.
At this point in the show, I was wondering how many time we would hear the ridiculous comment “it’s not your style of music”??? Come on. . . how many of these kids would have CHOSEN to sing a Broadway tune?? With all the talk of having to prove themselves as a pop idol??? Make some sense, here, folks!!
Brooke provided the best Lord ALW comment of the night. (And, by the way, I loved him, because he didn’t hold back, didn’t try to be so BLOODY politically correct and nice to everyone. If he wasn’t sure how someone would do, he didn’t candy-coat his comments. Must be the British influence.)
We had to put the show on “pause” when he said: “I don’t think that girl had a CLUE about what she was singing about.” He was correct, even when Brooke commented that she “got it” after their piano chat.
Her song choice was “You Must Love Me”. Once again, Brooke’s nerves got the best of her --- she started, then realized several phrases into the song that she had forgotten the lyrics, stopped the orchestra and asked them to begin again. Brave? I think so (as did Simon). But this debacle caused Paula to utter the first ever absolutely honest, un-whitewashed comment ever heard from her mouth: never, never stop and start over. Naturally, after having to begin again, Brooke lost sight of what the song was about, she never stopped shaking and the performance was a complete disaster.
I don’t think Brooke has what it takes to be a professional performer --- too, too overly sensitive.
Lil’ David was in his element --- the only performer brave enough to change up the music. He kept the feeling and the theme of the original, yet made it appealing to a broader audience. This kid could make Broadway “cool” to a whole new group of music lovers!! Fabulous and fierce!!
Carly came out in a fantastic outfit that not only suited her personality, it made her look like a star!! She chose “All I Ask of You” but was persuaded to change to “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Lord Webber. Thankfully, she listened. It was an excellent choice for her and an excellent performance.
David closed the show with “Music of the Night” and also with the surprise (to me) that he had participated in musical theatre most of his life. Somehow, I didn’t see him as the theatre type. Boy, was I wrong!! David’s performance: I loved it, loved it. P.S. I loved it.
I feel he truly delivered not only the technical part of the song but the emotion. Almost at the end, when he opened his eyes to look directly into the camera, an audible sigh was heard in our living room. He was absolutely dreamy last night!!
My choice for Bottom 2: Brooke and Jason. I’ll be shocked if I’m wrong. And Brooke should be sent home. She just doesn’t have what it takes. She could be a coffeehouse singer, in front of small groups, with lots of family and friends telling her how great she sounds. She’s not capable of taking the reality of having a music career.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Basking in the Glory. . .
My apologies for not getting this up sooner --- I was basking in the glory of Kristy Lee being sent home!!!
Actually, to be honest, even though I’ve been begging for weeks for her to be sent home, at the last moments before Ryan announced who would be leaving I actually wanted Brooke to go more than I did Kristy Lee. Did Brooke really think that by shouting “no” she would be able to protect anyone?? When, oh when, are they going to understand that SOMEONE GOES HOME EACH WEEK??? That’s how we end up with a winner, folks!!
Ryan opened the show by announcing that they had received 36 million votes the night before and that Mariah Carey and Elliott Yamin would be performing. Okay, so even if 90% of those votes were the same people voting repeatedly, that would mean that means that 3.6 million people picked up their phones and cast a vote. That’s just plain crazy!!
As he does each week, Ryan introduced the judges and GOOD GOD!! What was that around Paula’s neck??? My daughter said it was the sash that comes with prom dresses (the item that no one actually ever uses/wears) but she also had a gigantic blossom of some kind attached to it --- the flower was almost as big as her head (and Paula has a bigger than average noggin)!!
The group sang “One Sweet Day” --- another week of painful group singing.
Then they dove right in to making the announcements.
Jason was invited onstage and directed to form a group to Ryan’s left. David was next, and was asked to form a group to Ryan’s right. At this point, I’m thinking that MAYBE Jason ended up in the Bottom 3. . .
Carly came out and is sent to Jason’s group --- still not nervous, because Carly’s been in the Bottom 3 a couple of times already.
Then, Kristy Lee came out and was sent to David’s group. I started to sweat at that point, because we all knew that whoever was put in David’s group was NOT going to go home UNLESS David somehow ended up in the Bottom 3 (and, at that point, the planet would implode).
Cut to the Ford commercial (I Want to Break Free), which, again surprisingly, was really cute!!
Elliott came out, with his new grill, to sing “Free”. He is still SO adorable and I’m very happy that he got a chance to get his teeth fixed AND happy that it didn’t mess with his singing ability. Sad news at the end that his adorable mom had passed away, but I felt good knowing that she had a chance to share in his success and see him make his dream come true. It said a lot for Elliott that he could come onstage just a few short days later and share his talent with us.
Syesha was called onstage next and sent to Jason’s group.
Brooke came out next and was sent to David’s group. Now I really started to sweat --- David Cook was standing in a group with two people who had been in the Bottom 3, one of them SEVERAL times!!!
That’s when it hit me!! The groups had NOTHING to do with who was going home. Either Ryan was going to call someone out of a random group and tell them “goodbye” or something else was going to happen!
Questions from the fan came next. Some things we learned (but could have gone without knowing):
- the guy who bought Kristy Lee’s horse won’t sell him back to her
- Randy’s first record purchase was Led Zeppelin, Beatles, and James Brown
- Paula’s was Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire, and Carole King
- Simon’s was Paula Abdul (yuck, yuck)
- Paula was unable to come up with an answer about which one of her songs describes her relationship with Simon
- Simon actually had to explain to someone that “theme park”, “karaoke” and “beefless burger” used to describe performances were all terms that mean horrible
- David is single
Mariah came out next to lip sync and incredibly long song, dressed in a Lycra dress. Who wears Lycra anymore except figure skaters and strippers???
RECAP: One group was comprised of Syesha, Carly, and Jason. The other group was David, Kristy Lee, and Brooke. Ryan invited Lil’ David out and told him he’s safe, then asked David to swap places with Syesha. Then he asked Lil’ David to join the group HE felt would be safe, which of course, he refused to do by sitting down on the stage ½ way between each group.
Lil’ David missed Ryan’s lame hints at trying to get him to move to the “safe” group, so Ryan ended up leading the group TO Lil’ David. We learned then that David, Carly, Jason, and Lil’ David were all safe and the Bottom 3 were Kristy Lee, Syesha, and Brooke.
Syesha was quickly declared safe. The judges were asked to make their obligatory unfavorable comments, much like pouring salt on a wound. I couldn’t wait for Ryan to say that Kristy Lee would be leaving. . . and then Brooke threw her arms around Kristy Lee, and called out “no, no” as if that would stop anyone from leaving. It was at that point that I decided I could stand Kristy Lee another week if they sent Brooke home.
However, Ryan announced that Kristy Lee would be leaving, Kristy Lee broke down in tears (I think it was because she was so happy she wouldn’t be humiliated anymore by being in the Bottom 3), and she (thank God) sang for the last time on the show.
It was a long time coming! Now, if Brooke goes home, the world will be a better place for me!! AND if I can figure out how David Hernandez, Amanda, Chikizie, Ramiele, and Michael got sent home the FIRST TIME they were in the Bottom 3 and it took Kristy Lee four times in the Bottom 3 to be sent home. . . oh wait, I think I got it!!
Actually, to be honest, even though I’ve been begging for weeks for her to be sent home, at the last moments before Ryan announced who would be leaving I actually wanted Brooke to go more than I did Kristy Lee. Did Brooke really think that by shouting “no” she would be able to protect anyone?? When, oh when, are they going to understand that SOMEONE GOES HOME EACH WEEK??? That’s how we end up with a winner, folks!!
Ryan opened the show by announcing that they had received 36 million votes the night before and that Mariah Carey and Elliott Yamin would be performing. Okay, so even if 90% of those votes were the same people voting repeatedly, that would mean that means that 3.6 million people picked up their phones and cast a vote. That’s just plain crazy!!
As he does each week, Ryan introduced the judges and GOOD GOD!! What was that around Paula’s neck??? My daughter said it was the sash that comes with prom dresses (the item that no one actually ever uses/wears) but she also had a gigantic blossom of some kind attached to it --- the flower was almost as big as her head (and Paula has a bigger than average noggin)!!
The group sang “One Sweet Day” --- another week of painful group singing.
Then they dove right in to making the announcements.
Jason was invited onstage and directed to form a group to Ryan’s left. David was next, and was asked to form a group to Ryan’s right. At this point, I’m thinking that MAYBE Jason ended up in the Bottom 3. . .
Carly came out and is sent to Jason’s group --- still not nervous, because Carly’s been in the Bottom 3 a couple of times already.
Then, Kristy Lee came out and was sent to David’s group. I started to sweat at that point, because we all knew that whoever was put in David’s group was NOT going to go home UNLESS David somehow ended up in the Bottom 3 (and, at that point, the planet would implode).
Cut to the Ford commercial (I Want to Break Free), which, again surprisingly, was really cute!!
Elliott came out, with his new grill, to sing “Free”. He is still SO adorable and I’m very happy that he got a chance to get his teeth fixed AND happy that it didn’t mess with his singing ability. Sad news at the end that his adorable mom had passed away, but I felt good knowing that she had a chance to share in his success and see him make his dream come true. It said a lot for Elliott that he could come onstage just a few short days later and share his talent with us.
Syesha was called onstage next and sent to Jason’s group.
Brooke came out next and was sent to David’s group. Now I really started to sweat --- David Cook was standing in a group with two people who had been in the Bottom 3, one of them SEVERAL times!!!
That’s when it hit me!! The groups had NOTHING to do with who was going home. Either Ryan was going to call someone out of a random group and tell them “goodbye” or something else was going to happen!
Questions from the fan came next. Some things we learned (but could have gone without knowing):
- the guy who bought Kristy Lee’s horse won’t sell him back to her
- Randy’s first record purchase was Led Zeppelin, Beatles, and James Brown
- Paula’s was Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire, and Carole King
- Simon’s was Paula Abdul (yuck, yuck)
- Paula was unable to come up with an answer about which one of her songs describes her relationship with Simon
- Simon actually had to explain to someone that “theme park”, “karaoke” and “beefless burger” used to describe performances were all terms that mean horrible
- David is single
Mariah came out next to lip sync and incredibly long song, dressed in a Lycra dress. Who wears Lycra anymore except figure skaters and strippers???
RECAP: One group was comprised of Syesha, Carly, and Jason. The other group was David, Kristy Lee, and Brooke. Ryan invited Lil’ David out and told him he’s safe, then asked David to swap places with Syesha. Then he asked Lil’ David to join the group HE felt would be safe, which of course, he refused to do by sitting down on the stage ½ way between each group.
Lil’ David missed Ryan’s lame hints at trying to get him to move to the “safe” group, so Ryan ended up leading the group TO Lil’ David. We learned then that David, Carly, Jason, and Lil’ David were all safe and the Bottom 3 were Kristy Lee, Syesha, and Brooke.
Syesha was quickly declared safe. The judges were asked to make their obligatory unfavorable comments, much like pouring salt on a wound. I couldn’t wait for Ryan to say that Kristy Lee would be leaving. . . and then Brooke threw her arms around Kristy Lee, and called out “no, no” as if that would stop anyone from leaving. It was at that point that I decided I could stand Kristy Lee another week if they sent Brooke home.
However, Ryan announced that Kristy Lee would be leaving, Kristy Lee broke down in tears (I think it was because she was so happy she wouldn’t be humiliated anymore by being in the Bottom 3), and she (thank God) sang for the last time on the show.
It was a long time coming! Now, if Brooke goes home, the world will be a better place for me!! AND if I can figure out how David Hernandez, Amanda, Chikizie, Ramiele, and Michael got sent home the FIRST TIME they were in the Bottom 3 and it took Kristy Lee four times in the Bottom 3 to be sent home. . . oh wait, I think I got it!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
What the Heck's a "Mimi"??
Mariah Carey night. . . it puzzles me why they constantly chide contestants about singing songs that are “too big” or getting them compared to the original artist. The message these kids get is: pick songs that were not done well by the original artists, pick obscure music that no one knows (so you can’t be compared with anyone), pick songs by crappy artists??? And then they have them start out the season singing BEATLES and move on to Mariah Carey (okay, Dolly was somewhere in there, too, but not everyone likes Dolly’s music, so they were pretty safe). And, it was okay for me to have Mariah mentor this week, because I’m not her biggest fan. But apparently, she’s an icon in the eyes of the judges, so I’m not quite getting why she was chosen --- it’s almost as if the contestants were being set up.
Lil’ David started off the show by singing “When You Believe”. It was a predictable but excellent choice for him --- he was able to put his whole heart into lyrics that he really felt. I just wish he didn’t look so scared every time he finishes. I’m hoping it’s more about the size of the audience and less about how is father will react.
Carly was next, dressed like a star (except for the heavy black tights) --- she looked fab! Her choice was “Without You”. I thought it was a great song for her, she sang it well. The judges reactions were lukewarm --- I’m getting that feeling I get every season that the voting is being “driven” by the judges, that they’re trying to steer the voters in a certain direction. Several weeks ago, Carly could do no wrong. I don’t see her performances getting any weaker, yet she’s fallen out of favor for some reason. Hubbie’s facial tattoos?? Fallout over early season accusations of setting up the contest?? It’s a mystery to me, but it will be a shame if this girl goes home at this point in the contest.
Syesha was next, in a horrible gold lame dress (too long, too old for her) singing “Vanishing”. Not being a big Mariah fan, it probably didn’t help that I had never heard this song. Either it’s an awkwardly written song or Syesha was off because it sounded VERY off-key to me for measures at a time. However, the judges seemed to like this performance --- maybe they’re more familiar with her choice than I was??
Brooke just can’t seem to let go of the one successful night she had singing “Let it Be” at the piano ---- it just seems like she’s trying to recapture that moment week after week. She chose “Hero” and tried to create an “unplugged” at the piano. . . didn’t work for me AT ALL. She was pitchy throughout, then starting increasing the tempo and shaking like a leaf --- seemed like the faster she went the more nervous she got and the more nervous she got the faster she went. She completely fell apart. Again, faced off the judges close to tears the whole time.
Kristy Lee came out and sang “Forever” --- she looked fabulous, glittery eyeliner aside (I’m beginning to think it’s tattooed on), but sounded especially nasally doing her countrified version.
Technology screwed me over AGAIN last night --- I was recording the show, as usual, on our Comcast DVR in high-def, and was watching something else in the “Tivo” room. I found myself strangely drawn to watch the show live, WHICH I SHOULD HAVE DONE, because Comcast suddenly “switched off”, then came back on. My husband, who was watching the Shark’s playoff game, estimated it was around 9:00p.m. Turns out it was BEFORE then, just before the last two performances of the night. So, the cable turned off, then turned back on, but the recording turned off. . . and stayed off, totaling cutting off the show just as Ryan was getting ready to introduce David’s performance.
By the time I found this out, hubby was already in bed, so I couldn’t even fire up the computer and watch the video clips of David and Jason until this morning.
HOWEVER, it was worth the wait in both cases: David’s rendition of “Always Be My Baby” was outrageously good! He makes Mariah songs palatable for me! This kid can do no wrong in my eyes!!
And, although I was initially a little nervous about Jason singing Mariah, I thought his take on “I Don’t Wanna Cry” was also very, very good. He reached a little further this week and put more of his own stamp on the song.
I think this is the last week of Bottom 3, and my choices for these slots are: Kristy Lee, Brooke, and Syesha.
However, I think the American public will throw Carly in there with Brooke and Syesha --- there’s a big group of Kristy Lee supporters out there.
Kristy Lee. . . this year’s Sanjaya. . .
Lil’ David started off the show by singing “When You Believe”. It was a predictable but excellent choice for him --- he was able to put his whole heart into lyrics that he really felt. I just wish he didn’t look so scared every time he finishes. I’m hoping it’s more about the size of the audience and less about how is father will react.
Carly was next, dressed like a star (except for the heavy black tights) --- she looked fab! Her choice was “Without You”. I thought it was a great song for her, she sang it well. The judges reactions were lukewarm --- I’m getting that feeling I get every season that the voting is being “driven” by the judges, that they’re trying to steer the voters in a certain direction. Several weeks ago, Carly could do no wrong. I don’t see her performances getting any weaker, yet she’s fallen out of favor for some reason. Hubbie’s facial tattoos?? Fallout over early season accusations of setting up the contest?? It’s a mystery to me, but it will be a shame if this girl goes home at this point in the contest.
Syesha was next, in a horrible gold lame dress (too long, too old for her) singing “Vanishing”. Not being a big Mariah fan, it probably didn’t help that I had never heard this song. Either it’s an awkwardly written song or Syesha was off because it sounded VERY off-key to me for measures at a time. However, the judges seemed to like this performance --- maybe they’re more familiar with her choice than I was??
Brooke just can’t seem to let go of the one successful night she had singing “Let it Be” at the piano ---- it just seems like she’s trying to recapture that moment week after week. She chose “Hero” and tried to create an “unplugged” at the piano. . . didn’t work for me AT ALL. She was pitchy throughout, then starting increasing the tempo and shaking like a leaf --- seemed like the faster she went the more nervous she got and the more nervous she got the faster she went. She completely fell apart. Again, faced off the judges close to tears the whole time.
Kristy Lee came out and sang “Forever” --- she looked fabulous, glittery eyeliner aside (I’m beginning to think it’s tattooed on), but sounded especially nasally doing her countrified version.
Technology screwed me over AGAIN last night --- I was recording the show, as usual, on our Comcast DVR in high-def, and was watching something else in the “Tivo” room. I found myself strangely drawn to watch the show live, WHICH I SHOULD HAVE DONE, because Comcast suddenly “switched off”, then came back on. My husband, who was watching the Shark’s playoff game, estimated it was around 9:00p.m. Turns out it was BEFORE then, just before the last two performances of the night. So, the cable turned off, then turned back on, but the recording turned off. . . and stayed off, totaling cutting off the show just as Ryan was getting ready to introduce David’s performance.
By the time I found this out, hubby was already in bed, so I couldn’t even fire up the computer and watch the video clips of David and Jason until this morning.
HOWEVER, it was worth the wait in both cases: David’s rendition of “Always Be My Baby” was outrageously good! He makes Mariah songs palatable for me! This kid can do no wrong in my eyes!!
And, although I was initially a little nervous about Jason singing Mariah, I thought his take on “I Don’t Wanna Cry” was also very, very good. He reached a little further this week and put more of his own stamp on the song.
I think this is the last week of Bottom 3, and my choices for these slots are: Kristy Lee, Brooke, and Syesha.
However, I think the American public will throw Carly in there with Brooke and Syesha --- there’s a big group of Kristy Lee supporters out there.
Kristy Lee. . . this year’s Sanjaya. . .
Friday, April 11, 2008
Lucky 7
My apologies to Mariah Carey --- apparently I totally missed her performance on this year’s Idol Gives Back show. . . not my favorite performer, but I didn't leave her out of the last blog just because I can't stand her!!
Idol Gives Back donations were totalling $60million last night --- phone lines and web site is still open for further donations.
The show opened with what I thought was an odd choice of songs: “Shout to the Lord”. I guess if this was an individual song choice from a contestant it wouldn’t have seem strange to me, but it seemed a little peculiar to pretty much require the contestants to sing it. For me, it brought a religious aspect to the show that I thought might be off-putting to some of the American public. Just my opinion!
Pleas for further donations continued through last night’s show with appearances by: Zack & Cody, Dr. Phil, Ricki Lake and Jim Carrey.
Their was a repeat of last year’s musical montage; this year’s song was “I’m a Believer” and included these celebrities as well as others I didn’t recognize: Rob Schneider, George Lopez, Michael Chiklis, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Phil, Kyra Sedgwick, Mary Murphy, Camryn Manheim, Ricki Lake, Selma Blair. I always like this segment, as the people who appear seem to be letting their guard down a little and just having a lot of fun. Sort of like the photos from Sundance!
No time was wasted in bringing out the first of the contestants and giving results:
Brooke - safe (really??)
David - safe (even though he thought he might be in the bottom 3)
Lil’ David - safe (quaking in his shoes waiting for his dad’s reaction)
More film footage of Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha in Angola visiting children who struggle every day to survive --- both orphaned and not. I’m not sure how they managed to come home without 20-30 Angolan orphans. These segments have been particularly heart wrenching for me to watch.
Jordin Sparks and Cris Brown sang “No Air” --- great song, but Jordin is either a better actor or she was just way more into it that Cris. He eventually just looked a little uncomfortable, but sang great!! Jordin seemed a little awkward with all the “ain’ts” in the song, but she managed to pull it off.
More contestants:
Jason - safe
Kristy Lee - safe (now I’m starting to get worried)
This leaves Syesha, Carly and Michael backstage, knowing that they are the Bottom 3. Although the stools are set up onstage, they are spared with having to sit in them.
Bono stumps for One.org, then equal airtime is given to: Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama. John McCain’s attempt at humor was just painful!!
Then came the “Daughtry” moment --- Syesha and Carly were declared safe and, with all three of them in shock, Michael was told his journey was done.
With Michael’s face showing obvious shock and Carly’s “no, no, no” in the background, Ryan starts talking as if MAYBE they’re going to ignore the voting and not send anyone home, then quickly tells Michael he is, indeed, going home.
In my shock, I had to force myself to remember last year and that moment when Daughtry was told he was leaving and think about how much airplay his music has gotten since then, how he not only appeared on Idol Gives Back the night before, but they sent him and his band to Africa. Where was Taylor Hicks?
So, now that the shock has worn off, I’m assured that Michael Johns WILL get a contract; we’ll be hearing his songs on the radio this time next year. . . maybe even more than the person who walks away with the title.
I had to wonder, though, what it might have been like when the contestants arrived at their home away from home. Did they commiserate about how much they would miss Michael? Or did the accusations start to flow (“It should have been you!”, “You suck, you should have been gone 3 weeks ago?” “I can’t believe you’re still here and Michael’s gone?”).
You have to wonder. . .
Idol Gives Back donations were totalling $60million last night --- phone lines and web site is still open for further donations.
The show opened with what I thought was an odd choice of songs: “Shout to the Lord”. I guess if this was an individual song choice from a contestant it wouldn’t have seem strange to me, but it seemed a little peculiar to pretty much require the contestants to sing it. For me, it brought a religious aspect to the show that I thought might be off-putting to some of the American public. Just my opinion!
Pleas for further donations continued through last night’s show with appearances by: Zack & Cody, Dr. Phil, Ricki Lake and Jim Carrey.
Their was a repeat of last year’s musical montage; this year’s song was “I’m a Believer” and included these celebrities as well as others I didn’t recognize: Rob Schneider, George Lopez, Michael Chiklis, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Phil, Kyra Sedgwick, Mary Murphy, Camryn Manheim, Ricki Lake, Selma Blair. I always like this segment, as the people who appear seem to be letting their guard down a little and just having a lot of fun. Sort of like the photos from Sundance!
No time was wasted in bringing out the first of the contestants and giving results:
Brooke - safe (really??)
David - safe (even though he thought he might be in the bottom 3)
Lil’ David - safe (quaking in his shoes waiting for his dad’s reaction)
More film footage of Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha in Angola visiting children who struggle every day to survive --- both orphaned and not. I’m not sure how they managed to come home without 20-30 Angolan orphans. These segments have been particularly heart wrenching for me to watch.
Jordin Sparks and Cris Brown sang “No Air” --- great song, but Jordin is either a better actor or she was just way more into it that Cris. He eventually just looked a little uncomfortable, but sang great!! Jordin seemed a little awkward with all the “ain’ts” in the song, but she managed to pull it off.
More contestants:
Jason - safe
Kristy Lee - safe (now I’m starting to get worried)
This leaves Syesha, Carly and Michael backstage, knowing that they are the Bottom 3. Although the stools are set up onstage, they are spared with having to sit in them.
Bono stumps for One.org, then equal airtime is given to: Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama. John McCain’s attempt at humor was just painful!!
Then came the “Daughtry” moment --- Syesha and Carly were declared safe and, with all three of them in shock, Michael was told his journey was done.
With Michael’s face showing obvious shock and Carly’s “no, no, no” in the background, Ryan starts talking as if MAYBE they’re going to ignore the voting and not send anyone home, then quickly tells Michael he is, indeed, going home.
In my shock, I had to force myself to remember last year and that moment when Daughtry was told he was leaving and think about how much airplay his music has gotten since then, how he not only appeared on Idol Gives Back the night before, but they sent him and his band to Africa. Where was Taylor Hicks?
So, now that the shock has worn off, I’m assured that Michael Johns WILL get a contract; we’ll be hearing his songs on the radio this time next year. . . maybe even more than the person who walks away with the title.
I had to wonder, though, what it might have been like when the contestants arrived at their home away from home. Did they commiserate about how much they would miss Michael? Or did the accusations start to flow (“It should have been you!”, “You suck, you should have been gone 3 weeks ago?” “I can’t believe you’re still here and Michael’s gone?”).
You have to wonder. . .
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Idol Gives Back. . .
Tonight's show opened with the current Idol contestants singing "Please Don't Stop the Music". Then the onslaught of celebrities began only to be interrupted by commercials and the contestants singing "Seasons of Love": Nascar's Jimmy Johnson, George Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Maria Shriver, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Connelly, Snoop Dogg (and a friend, I know not whom), Kobe Bryant, Triple H, Paula, Randy, Carrie Underwood, Teri Hatcher, the Man from TV Band, crazy Mary Murphy and her British co-host, Jonas Brothers, Billy Crystal, Miley Cyrus, Bono, Julianne Moore, Fergie, John Legend, Hart, John Cena, Adam Sandler, Eli and Peyton Manning, David and Victoria Beckham, Annie Lennox, Kiefer Sutherland, Celine Dion, Jimmy Kimmel, Simon, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Sarah Silverman, Forest Whitaker (and his wife), Gordon Brown, Keith Urban, Reese Witherspoon, Dane Cook, Alicia Keyes, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Billy Ray Cyrus, Robin Williams, Rob Schneider, Tyra Banks, David Spade, Brad Pitt, Daughtry. . . then my DVR stopped at the "delete/don't delete" cue, telling me that the show had gone over. Why don't I ever remember to set it to record over???
Anyway, the point of tonight's blog is: all these people made time in their very busy lives to appear on this show to plead with the American public to give to some very, very worthy causes. If you watched the show and weren't moved to tears by the injustice: of children in New Orleans who still aren't back in their homes, of children in Africa who have been orphaned -- some of whom have no one to take care of them, of children who are dying of malaria because they lack the resources to buy a $10 mosquito net, of children in Kentucky who are living WAY below the poverty level for whom a child's book is a luxury, then you're a robot.
Please give. If each American gave $1 it would be over $300 million to help. Give up that latte tomorrow morning and send the $4 to Idol Gives Back. Quit talking about how the world needs to change and send some money; every little bit helps.
Imagine what we could do. Your money will go to one of these charities: the Children's Defense Fund; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right (a campaign launched by Pitt to help New Orleans rebound from Hurricane Katrina); Malaria No More; Save the Children, and the Children's Health Fund. Please know that these charities benefit CHILDREN most of all.
Thank you Coca Cola, Freemantle Media, Ford, Allstate Insurance, Mac Aids Fund, 19, iTunes, AT&T and New Corporation.
Anyway, the point of tonight's blog is: all these people made time in their very busy lives to appear on this show to plead with the American public to give to some very, very worthy causes. If you watched the show and weren't moved to tears by the injustice: of children in New Orleans who still aren't back in their homes, of children in Africa who have been orphaned -- some of whom have no one to take care of them, of children who are dying of malaria because they lack the resources to buy a $10 mosquito net, of children in Kentucky who are living WAY below the poverty level for whom a child's book is a luxury, then you're a robot.
Please give. If each American gave $1 it would be over $300 million to help. Give up that latte tomorrow morning and send the $4 to Idol Gives Back. Quit talking about how the world needs to change and send some money; every little bit helps.
Imagine what we could do. Your money will go to one of these charities: the Children's Defense Fund; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right (a campaign launched by Pitt to help New Orleans rebound from Hurricane Katrina); Malaria No More; Save the Children, and the Children's Health Fund. Please know that these charities benefit CHILDREN most of all.
Thank you Coca Cola, Freemantle Media, Ford, Allstate Insurance, Mac Aids Fund, 19, iTunes, AT&T and New Corporation.
Eight isn't enough. . .
Okay, first off I'm going to apologize for the lateness of this post. . . I know your Wednesday morning isn't the same without being able to read my comments first thing (ha, ha). Thanks to a couple of co-workers (y'all know who you are) I was at home today with a sore throat. I used to use my sick days to stay home so as NOT to infect my co-workers, but all bets are off now.
I was mostly underwhelmed by Tuesday's show --- or it was the sore throat coming on, one of the two.
Ryan introduced the judges, as always. Randy was his usual jovial self, Paula had some god-awful bustier on with no shaping --- actually made it look like she had it on backwards, and Simon, owing to Paula's bust spilling out the top of her outfit, simply looked twitterpated. Paula's outfit has now been named "Boobs in Toyland".
This was "Inspiration Song" week --- each contestant got to choose a song that inspired them, except David Archuleta who's obviously not allowed to make any of his own decisions to due his unbearable intolerable stage father. . . my household is hoping that he gets emancipated from the tyrant as soon as the show is over.
Michael chose "Dream On" by Aerosmith -- I really liked it until he went into the falsetto. It was totally unnecessary and ended up marring his performance for me.
I absolutely didn't agree with the judges view on the songs the contestants chose. I think, for the most part, they suited each one of them.
Syesha sang "I Believe" by Fantasia --- she made it her own and didn't even try to mimic Fantasia but was still "dinged" by the judges for attempting such a "big" song. And if they don't choose a "big" song they're accused of choosing some obscure piece of music. Give 'em a break. She did a good job --- still hasn't matched her Hollywood week performance as far as I'm concerned but it was better than some of her recent performances.
Jason came out and sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", the updated version that was done by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole. Although it was kinda cool that he showed everyone he COULD play the ukelele, I think it would have sounded a bit more original had he sung the updated version but accompanied himself on guitar. Just a thought. . .
Kristy Lee san "Anyway" by Martina McBride and was NOT told she attempted a "big" song (which it was and which she did not equal). She has developed a permanent whiny tone to her voice and looked like she had dabbled in a Hello Kitty makeup box --- glitter eyeliner (which she wears EVERY week), glitter nail polish (do they sell that anywhere else but the kiddie section) and that horrific glitter tank. However, it WAS skin-tight, which will be what carries her through another week.
David Cook chose "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace --- I love him but it wasn't my favorite performance from him. I think he knew it wasn't his best, too, by his reactions to the judges comments. However, this kid is WAY too talented to have one mediocre performance knock him off the show.
Carly sang "The Show Must Go On" by Queen --- talk about "big" songs, taking on Freddy Mercury!! I never loved the song, but she did a great job with it.
Lil' David sang "Angels" by Robbie Williams. As usual, he sang straight from the heart and every note was "spot on" to borrow a phrase from Simon.
Brooke ended the show with "You've Got A Friend", which, yes, was sung by James Taylor, but it was written and performed recorded first by Carole King. Wish the show had ended with David's performance because watching Brooke was painful. She is WAY too earnest and somehow has this idea that, if she cries she won't get voted off. Please prove her wrong.
For me, either Kristy Lee or Brooke can go home this week --- I think they're equal in lack of talent.
I think it might end up being Kristy Lee, Brooke and Syesha in the bottom three. America may send Syesha home, and I only say that because they usually don't get sent home in order of lack of talent --- there's always at least one contestant who stays around WELL past the point of being on equal footing with the others.
I was mostly underwhelmed by Tuesday's show --- or it was the sore throat coming on, one of the two.
Ryan introduced the judges, as always. Randy was his usual jovial self, Paula had some god-awful bustier on with no shaping --- actually made it look like she had it on backwards, and Simon, owing to Paula's bust spilling out the top of her outfit, simply looked twitterpated. Paula's outfit has now been named "Boobs in Toyland".
This was "Inspiration Song" week --- each contestant got to choose a song that inspired them, except David Archuleta who's obviously not allowed to make any of his own decisions to due his unbearable intolerable stage father. . . my household is hoping that he gets emancipated from the tyrant as soon as the show is over.
Michael chose "Dream On" by Aerosmith -- I really liked it until he went into the falsetto. It was totally unnecessary and ended up marring his performance for me.
I absolutely didn't agree with the judges view on the songs the contestants chose. I think, for the most part, they suited each one of them.
Syesha sang "I Believe" by Fantasia --- she made it her own and didn't even try to mimic Fantasia but was still "dinged" by the judges for attempting such a "big" song. And if they don't choose a "big" song they're accused of choosing some obscure piece of music. Give 'em a break. She did a good job --- still hasn't matched her Hollywood week performance as far as I'm concerned but it was better than some of her recent performances.
Jason came out and sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", the updated version that was done by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole. Although it was kinda cool that he showed everyone he COULD play the ukelele, I think it would have sounded a bit more original had he sung the updated version but accompanied himself on guitar. Just a thought. . .
Kristy Lee san "Anyway" by Martina McBride and was NOT told she attempted a "big" song (which it was and which she did not equal). She has developed a permanent whiny tone to her voice and looked like she had dabbled in a Hello Kitty makeup box --- glitter eyeliner (which she wears EVERY week), glitter nail polish (do they sell that anywhere else but the kiddie section) and that horrific glitter tank. However, it WAS skin-tight, which will be what carries her through another week.
David Cook chose "Innocent" by Our Lady Peace --- I love him but it wasn't my favorite performance from him. I think he knew it wasn't his best, too, by his reactions to the judges comments. However, this kid is WAY too talented to have one mediocre performance knock him off the show.
Carly sang "The Show Must Go On" by Queen --- talk about "big" songs, taking on Freddy Mercury!! I never loved the song, but she did a great job with it.
Lil' David sang "Angels" by Robbie Williams. As usual, he sang straight from the heart and every note was "spot on" to borrow a phrase from Simon.
Brooke ended the show with "You've Got A Friend", which, yes, was sung by James Taylor, but it was written and performed recorded first by Carole King. Wish the show had ended with David's performance because watching Brooke was painful. She is WAY too earnest and somehow has this idea that, if she cries she won't get voted off. Please prove her wrong.
For me, either Kristy Lee or Brooke can go home this week --- I think they're equal in lack of talent.
I think it might end up being Kristy Lee, Brooke and Syesha in the bottom three. America may send Syesha home, and I only say that because they usually don't get sent home in order of lack of talent --- there's always at least one contestant who stays around WELL past the point of being on equal footing with the others.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
(Workin') 9 to 8. . .
Last night’s show opened, as always, with a group song. Haven’t heard one yet that sounds good --- these kids were never meant to be in a group --- I wonder if they’ll ever stop forcing them to sing together??
Judges were introduced (as if we don’t already know who they are) and, after Simon’s comments on Carly’s stylist from the night before, I’m shocked he didn’t comment on Paula’s hooker-ish outfit. Forget about who’s dressing Carly!! Who’s dressing Paula??? It was horrendous!
The show thankfully moved quickly into announcements about who was safe and who would be in the bottom three.
Michael - safe
Little David - safe
Carly - safe (America came to its senses)
Questions from the viewers --- tonight Ryan selected a wrong question to put up on the screen, but he DID choose one viewer out of the 12-25 age range. However, when he gave the age of the viewer (52) he made it sound like it was:
- shocking that the woman could use a computer at her age
- amazing that she was up that late
- astounding that she was still able to speak clearly
I mean, he said “52” like it was 102!!! C’mon Ryan, not all your viewers are 12.
More announcements. . .
David C. - safe
Ramiele - Bottom Three
Kristy Lee - Bottom Three
Syesha - safe
Brooke and Jason were brought out together and quickly dispatched; Jason to the “safe sofa” and Brooke pronounced as in the Bottom Three.
The only surprise here was that the rest of the country agreed with me about who should be in the Bottom Three!!!
At this point, Ryan could have told Brooke SHE was going home and I wouldn't have been sad. . . she brought herself up to a whole new annoyance level with me with her weeping. Hell, she KNEW she wasn't going home yet --- Ramiele was a shoe-in at that point. Then Ryan asked her why she was crying and she said it was the emotion of the moment and seeing the last clip (Ethiopian street children). Okay, okay, the clip brought tears to MY eyes, but Brooke was crying because her feelings were hurt that she had been put in the Bottom Three!! After all her soothing the audience when they "boo" Simon when he's bashing Brooke. . . she's been so kind/condescending to everyone she couldn't understand how they could NOT have voted for her!!
As Ryan announced that Ramiele was going home, I should have been disappointed that it wasn’t Kristy Lee, but honestly. . . either one would have made me happy.
Nevertheless, Kristy Lee is becoming the Sanjaya for me this year --- and she doesn’t have as much personality as he did.
Judges were introduced (as if we don’t already know who they are) and, after Simon’s comments on Carly’s stylist from the night before, I’m shocked he didn’t comment on Paula’s hooker-ish outfit. Forget about who’s dressing Carly!! Who’s dressing Paula??? It was horrendous!
The show thankfully moved quickly into announcements about who was safe and who would be in the bottom three.
Michael - safe
Little David - safe
Carly - safe (America came to its senses)
Questions from the viewers --- tonight Ryan selected a wrong question to put up on the screen, but he DID choose one viewer out of the 12-25 age range. However, when he gave the age of the viewer (52) he made it sound like it was:
- shocking that the woman could use a computer at her age
- amazing that she was up that late
- astounding that she was still able to speak clearly
I mean, he said “52” like it was 102!!! C’mon Ryan, not all your viewers are 12.
More announcements. . .
David C. - safe
Ramiele - Bottom Three
Kristy Lee - Bottom Three
Syesha - safe
Brooke and Jason were brought out together and quickly dispatched; Jason to the “safe sofa” and Brooke pronounced as in the Bottom Three.
The only surprise here was that the rest of the country agreed with me about who should be in the Bottom Three!!!
At this point, Ryan could have told Brooke SHE was going home and I wouldn't have been sad. . . she brought herself up to a whole new annoyance level with me with her weeping. Hell, she KNEW she wasn't going home yet --- Ramiele was a shoe-in at that point. Then Ryan asked her why she was crying and she said it was the emotion of the moment and seeing the last clip (Ethiopian street children). Okay, okay, the clip brought tears to MY eyes, but Brooke was crying because her feelings were hurt that she had been put in the Bottom Three!! After all her soothing the audience when they "boo" Simon when he's bashing Brooke. . . she's been so kind/condescending to everyone she couldn't understand how they could NOT have voted for her!!
As Ryan announced that Ramiele was going home, I should have been disappointed that it wasn’t Kristy Lee, but honestly. . . either one would have made me happy.
Nevertheless, Kristy Lee is becoming the Sanjaya for me this year --- and she doesn’t have as much personality as he did.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Music by Dolly
Tonight's show opened with an April Fool's Day joke by Ryan. . . almost as funny as when a couple of my co-workers walked in this morning, convinced that the news on the radio was true. They heard that Syesha had been removed from the competition and replaced by Sanjaya!! It took them a while to believe that it was just a cruel joke. . .
Dolly Parton was this week's mentor --- I'm not the biggest country music fan, but I do love Dolly. She's sweet, she's real and I just like her voice! She's also an incredibly talented songwriter, as we saw in tonight's show.
Brooke opened the show by singing "Jolene". She was a little shaky at the start, a little unsure, but she ended a little stronger. It wasn't a horrible performance, but I wish she'd stop trying to play to the camera --- it always comes off making her look really awkward. And, please Brooke, stop telling the audience "it's all right".
David C. was next, singing his own arrangement of "Little Sparrow". I was a little nervous when I heard him say it was his arrangement (flashbacks of Josiah dismissing the band) but I had no reason to be worried. David gave an outstanding performance, and showed everyone that he has everything it takes to be an American Idol. It was an awesome performance!! Each week I think he can't get any better. . . and then he does.
Tiny, star-struck Ramiele was next singing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". For me her performance was just "a-ight". Even on the "post-David" high it was indeed "cruise ship" caliber and a little karaoke.
Jason sang "Travelin' Through" --- I thought it was a very strong showing, second only to his "Hallelujah" night. He's been coasting through on his stage presence and the "cute" factor, but tonight showed that he is also a talented singer.
"Here You Come Again" was Carly's choice tonight. I loved the way she sang this song and thought it was better than Dolly's own version. Great choice, excellent performance! I even thought her wardrobe was much better!
Every time David Cook delivers a stellar performance, I begin thinking that Little David will fall to second place in my heart. . . and then Little David comes out and delivers a performance like tonight's "Smoky Mountain Memories". Somehow he manages to look like he's ALMOST ready to burst into tears without having his voice crack. He pours his whole heart into every song he sings. Love him!! Great choice, excellent delivery!!
Kristly Lee chose "Coat of Many Colors" and also chose to go shoeless to play the "aw shucks" card. All I can say is yuck. Please, please send this girl home.
Syesha (and not Sanjaya) was next with "I Will Always Love You" --- written by Dolly and made famous by Whitney. It was a brave choice (as the judges hardly ever like the Idol's versions better), but I think she did a commendable job. I wish she had sung it all the way through the way she started it --- I think it would have been less "Whitney-ish" if she had kept the ballad-like sound throughout.
Michael wrapped up the show with "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". He delivered a bluesy version with some delicious, smoky tones. . . mmm, baby!! He's back!
My rankings:
1. David C.
2. Little David
3. Michael
4. Carly
5. Jason
6. Syesha
7. Brooke
8. Ramiele
9. Kristy Lee
My bottom three would be: Brooke, Ramiele and Kristy Lee and Kristy Lee would go home. However, I predict that America will put Syesha, Ramiele and Brooke in the bottom three and will send Syesha home.
Dolly Parton was this week's mentor --- I'm not the biggest country music fan, but I do love Dolly. She's sweet, she's real and I just like her voice! She's also an incredibly talented songwriter, as we saw in tonight's show.
Brooke opened the show by singing "Jolene". She was a little shaky at the start, a little unsure, but she ended a little stronger. It wasn't a horrible performance, but I wish she'd stop trying to play to the camera --- it always comes off making her look really awkward. And, please Brooke, stop telling the audience "it's all right".
David C. was next, singing his own arrangement of "Little Sparrow". I was a little nervous when I heard him say it was his arrangement (flashbacks of Josiah dismissing the band) but I had no reason to be worried. David gave an outstanding performance, and showed everyone that he has everything it takes to be an American Idol. It was an awesome performance!! Each week I think he can't get any better. . . and then he does.
Tiny, star-struck Ramiele was next singing "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". For me her performance was just "a-ight". Even on the "post-David" high it was indeed "cruise ship" caliber and a little karaoke.
Jason sang "Travelin' Through" --- I thought it was a very strong showing, second only to his "Hallelujah" night. He's been coasting through on his stage presence and the "cute" factor, but tonight showed that he is also a talented singer.
"Here You Come Again" was Carly's choice tonight. I loved the way she sang this song and thought it was better than Dolly's own version. Great choice, excellent performance! I even thought her wardrobe was much better!
Every time David Cook delivers a stellar performance, I begin thinking that Little David will fall to second place in my heart. . . and then Little David comes out and delivers a performance like tonight's "Smoky Mountain Memories". Somehow he manages to look like he's ALMOST ready to burst into tears without having his voice crack. He pours his whole heart into every song he sings. Love him!! Great choice, excellent delivery!!
Kristly Lee chose "Coat of Many Colors" and also chose to go shoeless to play the "aw shucks" card. All I can say is yuck. Please, please send this girl home.
Syesha (and not Sanjaya) was next with "I Will Always Love You" --- written by Dolly and made famous by Whitney. It was a brave choice (as the judges hardly ever like the Idol's versions better), but I think she did a commendable job. I wish she had sung it all the way through the way she started it --- I think it would have been less "Whitney-ish" if she had kept the ballad-like sound throughout.
Michael wrapped up the show with "It's All Wrong But It's All Right". He delivered a bluesy version with some delicious, smoky tones. . . mmm, baby!! He's back!
My rankings:
1. David C.
2. Little David
3. Michael
4. Carly
5. Jason
6. Syesha
7. Brooke
8. Ramiele
9. Kristy Lee
My bottom three would be: Brooke, Ramiele and Kristy Lee and Kristy Lee would go home. However, I predict that America will put Syesha, Ramiele and Brooke in the bottom three and will send Syesha home.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Another One Bites the Dust. . .
Why is it that every year they adopt ONE format for the “boot” show and stick to it all season? Isn’t there a way to mix it up a little? Really, if I wanted to I could take what I wrote for the last show and just edit the names because the shows are all so similar.
Group song. . . show clips of each performance from the night before. . . bring out a few contestants and pronounce their sentence (sofa or bottom three). . . Ford commercial. . . bring out a few more contestants. . . announce the theme or guest for next week. . . take some questions from viewers. . . talk about Idol Gives Back and watch some clips of that. . . guest performer/former contestant. . . bring out the last three contestants. . . gather the bottom three and announce who goes home.
Group song always sucks --- I’ve never been to one of the tour concerts, but imagine that they don’t get any better and the only parts I’d enjoy would be when each contestant (except for the sucky one who always gets to go on tour) sings solo.
Chikizie - in the bottom three
Brooke - safe
Carly - safe
Ford commercial --- which I thought was the best and most creative yet. I remember a time when I hated these!!
Little David - safe
David - safe
Syesha - bottom three
Michael - safe
Announcement that Dolly Parton will be next week’s guest --- which makes me think that Kristy Lee will be sticking around for another week at least.
Questions from the viewers (go Danville, CA) --- the questions are mostly ridiculous (Chikizie are you single? Little David, why did you choose the song you sang last night? Simon, what do I need to do to take Ryan’s place? Brooke, if you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Simon, do you consider yourself to be the most attractive person on the show?) BTW: Chikizie is single, Little David already explained (twice) why he chose his song, Simon commented that you “don’t need a lot of talent”, Brooke would sing with John Mayer, Simon states that “it’s not what I say, it’s what other people say”. Touché Simon!!
Video clips of Kimberly Locke, what she’s been doing, etc., then a performance by the former contestant. Great performance, but unfortunate choice of wardrobe, especially for someone who’s just lost 40 lbs.
Ramiele - safe (this is where the Earth starts spinning off it’s axis for me)
Jason and Kristy Lee come out together --- Kristy Lee is declared safe and Jason is declared in the bottom three.
Before Jason has a chance to sit in the “bottom three” tractor seat, Ryan calls Chikizie and Syesha over to join Jason.
Ryan asks Jason if he’s surprised and Jason starts a mumbling ramble that Ryan interrupts by letting him know he’s safe.
Syesha and Chikizie are left holding each other --- you can see in Syesha’s eyes that she can’t imagine that it’s her time to go, but Chikizie has a resigned look.
Ryan tells Chikizie that he’s going home.
Chikizie ends the show by singing a repeat of the night before, this time even better.
This may be a tip-off to whether a guy or girl is leaving --- if one of the bottom two is a girl and both are asked to sing BEFORE they say who’s going home, then it’s the girl going home (because the girls always cry so much it makes it hard for them to sing after hearing the bad news), but if they wait, then it’s a guy going home.
Let’s see if that theory pans out!!
Anyway, just because I predicted correctly this doesn’t mean I’ve become a better judge of musical talent. It may mean that I’ve become a better judge of how the public will vote.
I’m already predicting that Kristy Lee won’t go home next week because Dolly will help her along. I do know that, from now on, it’s going to be very difficult to choose who should stay and who should go UNLESS David Cook keeps hitting those grand slams!! That guy rocks!!
Group song. . . show clips of each performance from the night before. . . bring out a few contestants and pronounce their sentence (sofa or bottom three). . . Ford commercial. . . bring out a few more contestants. . . announce the theme or guest for next week. . . take some questions from viewers. . . talk about Idol Gives Back and watch some clips of that. . . guest performer/former contestant. . . bring out the last three contestants. . . gather the bottom three and announce who goes home.
Group song always sucks --- I’ve never been to one of the tour concerts, but imagine that they don’t get any better and the only parts I’d enjoy would be when each contestant (except for the sucky one who always gets to go on tour) sings solo.
Chikizie - in the bottom three
Brooke - safe
Carly - safe
Ford commercial --- which I thought was the best and most creative yet. I remember a time when I hated these!!
Little David - safe
David - safe
Syesha - bottom three
Michael - safe
Announcement that Dolly Parton will be next week’s guest --- which makes me think that Kristy Lee will be sticking around for another week at least.
Questions from the viewers (go Danville, CA) --- the questions are mostly ridiculous (Chikizie are you single? Little David, why did you choose the song you sang last night? Simon, what do I need to do to take Ryan’s place? Brooke, if you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Simon, do you consider yourself to be the most attractive person on the show?) BTW: Chikizie is single, Little David already explained (twice) why he chose his song, Simon commented that you “don’t need a lot of talent”, Brooke would sing with John Mayer, Simon states that “it’s not what I say, it’s what other people say”. Touché Simon!!
Video clips of Kimberly Locke, what she’s been doing, etc., then a performance by the former contestant. Great performance, but unfortunate choice of wardrobe, especially for someone who’s just lost 40 lbs.
Ramiele - safe (this is where the Earth starts spinning off it’s axis for me)
Jason and Kristy Lee come out together --- Kristy Lee is declared safe and Jason is declared in the bottom three.
Before Jason has a chance to sit in the “bottom three” tractor seat, Ryan calls Chikizie and Syesha over to join Jason.
Ryan asks Jason if he’s surprised and Jason starts a mumbling ramble that Ryan interrupts by letting him know he’s safe.
Syesha and Chikizie are left holding each other --- you can see in Syesha’s eyes that she can’t imagine that it’s her time to go, but Chikizie has a resigned look.
Ryan tells Chikizie that he’s going home.
Chikizie ends the show by singing a repeat of the night before, this time even better.
This may be a tip-off to whether a guy or girl is leaving --- if one of the bottom two is a girl and both are asked to sing BEFORE they say who’s going home, then it’s the girl going home (because the girls always cry so much it makes it hard for them to sing after hearing the bad news), but if they wait, then it’s a guy going home.
Let’s see if that theory pans out!!
Anyway, just because I predicted correctly this doesn’t mean I’ve become a better judge of musical talent. It may mean that I’ve become a better judge of how the public will vote.
I’m already predicting that Kristy Lee won’t go home next week because Dolly will help her along. I do know that, from now on, it’s going to be very difficult to choose who should stay and who should go UNLESS David Cook keeps hitting those grand slams!! That guy rocks!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Songs from the Year You (They) Were Born. . .
Last night’s AI highlighted “Songs from the Year You Were Born”, you being each contestant. . . which basically became “Songs from the 80’s”.
Ramiele came out first singing “Alone” from 1987 --- this little pixie is SO cute, and adorable and she absolutely wowed me during auditions, but she has not only NOT improved, I think her audition was a lucky fluke for her. Not so lucky for us because, as we already know, the HUGE Filipino contingency will keep her in the contest long after she should have gone home.
Jason was next, singing Sting’s “Fragile” from 1987. It was nice, I love the song, don’t know if he really could have changed it without killing it but if he’s to stay in the contest, he HAS to bring his “Hallelujah” abilities each week.
Syesha chose “If I Were Your Woman” from 1987 --- she was much better than last week (apologies to my sister who was blown away by her performance this week), but I’m not sure it will be enough to keep her here. She’s already been in the bottom three.
“If Only” from 1985 was Chikezie’s selection last night. He sang it perfectly --- perfect pitch, great phrasing. I really loved it but I’m not sure he’s a fan favorite.
Brooke tried for a repeat of her “Let it Be” performance by sitting at the piano for “Every Breath You Take” from the Police in 1983. I will say this: I hated it the least of all her performances. Kudos for beginning again, because you pretty much can’t fix it if you start off-key unless you just stop and start over. Could have put your ear to the keyboard and played that first note for yourself just before the camera got to you, but what can I say?
The Michael Johns we saw during Hollywood Week was back last night! He sang “We Will Rock You” from 1978 (one of only three songs last night NOT from the 80’s). It seemed as if some kind of weight was lifted from him --- he was lighter and looked as if he was enjoying being onstage. Hope it continues!
Carly sang “Turn Around” from 1983 --- not one of my favorite songs, thanks to the over-play it got on the radio at that time. She did a pretty good job, but it was not her best performance by far.
Little David sang “You’re the Voice” from 1990 --- I’m not sure there were more than ½ dozen people in the audience, including the judges, who had ever heard it. Nevertheless, as Randy commented, David could sing the phone book and make us want to go out and buy it. He definitely chooses his songs for their content and what they mean to him, not because he thinks the audience will like them. As usual, except for that one time, a flawless performance.
Lil’ Kristy Lee came out and proved that she has a brain (or she at least listened to someone else who has a brain). She chose “God Bless the USA” from 1984. She didn’t have to sing every note on-key (and good thing, because she DIDN’T) and she didn’t even have to remember the words because who’s NOT going to vote for her when she sings a song like that??? As Simon said “Brilliant song choice” however, if he DIDN’T say it was a brilliant performance. It wasn’t.
Last night they saved the best for last: David Cook sang “Billy Jean” from 1982. When I heard which song he was to perform, in my head I said “Whaaa??” I couldn’t imagine him singing a Michael Jackson hit. Boy, was I wrong!! He did to “Billy Jean” what Daughtry did to “Walk the Line”. For close to 30 seconds I wasn’t even sure what song he was singing. He sang it well, he definitely made it his own, and I’d listen to it on my iPod (and will) even though I’m not a particular fan of MJ (he creeps me out).
I ranked the performances as follows:
1. David Cook
2. David Archuleta
3. Michael
4. Chikiezie
5. Jason
6. Carly
7. Brooke
8. Syesha
9. Ramiele
10. Kristy
I’m guessing Syesha, Carly and Chikezie are in the bottom three tonight, not because they belong there, (my choices would be Kristy, Syesha and Ramiele). Even thought Kristy Lee should go home (followed closely by Ramiele) I think they’ll eliminate Syesha or Chikezie tonight.
Ramiele came out first singing “Alone” from 1987 --- this little pixie is SO cute, and adorable and she absolutely wowed me during auditions, but she has not only NOT improved, I think her audition was a lucky fluke for her. Not so lucky for us because, as we already know, the HUGE Filipino contingency will keep her in the contest long after she should have gone home.
Jason was next, singing Sting’s “Fragile” from 1987. It was nice, I love the song, don’t know if he really could have changed it without killing it but if he’s to stay in the contest, he HAS to bring his “Hallelujah” abilities each week.
Syesha chose “If I Were Your Woman” from 1987 --- she was much better than last week (apologies to my sister who was blown away by her performance this week), but I’m not sure it will be enough to keep her here. She’s already been in the bottom three.
“If Only” from 1985 was Chikezie’s selection last night. He sang it perfectly --- perfect pitch, great phrasing. I really loved it but I’m not sure he’s a fan favorite.
Brooke tried for a repeat of her “Let it Be” performance by sitting at the piano for “Every Breath You Take” from the Police in 1983. I will say this: I hated it the least of all her performances. Kudos for beginning again, because you pretty much can’t fix it if you start off-key unless you just stop and start over. Could have put your ear to the keyboard and played that first note for yourself just before the camera got to you, but what can I say?
The Michael Johns we saw during Hollywood Week was back last night! He sang “We Will Rock You” from 1978 (one of only three songs last night NOT from the 80’s). It seemed as if some kind of weight was lifted from him --- he was lighter and looked as if he was enjoying being onstage. Hope it continues!
Carly sang “Turn Around” from 1983 --- not one of my favorite songs, thanks to the over-play it got on the radio at that time. She did a pretty good job, but it was not her best performance by far.
Little David sang “You’re the Voice” from 1990 --- I’m not sure there were more than ½ dozen people in the audience, including the judges, who had ever heard it. Nevertheless, as Randy commented, David could sing the phone book and make us want to go out and buy it. He definitely chooses his songs for their content and what they mean to him, not because he thinks the audience will like them. As usual, except for that one time, a flawless performance.
Lil’ Kristy Lee came out and proved that she has a brain (or she at least listened to someone else who has a brain). She chose “God Bless the USA” from 1984. She didn’t have to sing every note on-key (and good thing, because she DIDN’T) and she didn’t even have to remember the words because who’s NOT going to vote for her when she sings a song like that??? As Simon said “Brilliant song choice” however, if he DIDN’T say it was a brilliant performance. It wasn’t.
Last night they saved the best for last: David Cook sang “Billy Jean” from 1982. When I heard which song he was to perform, in my head I said “Whaaa??” I couldn’t imagine him singing a Michael Jackson hit. Boy, was I wrong!! He did to “Billy Jean” what Daughtry did to “Walk the Line”. For close to 30 seconds I wasn’t even sure what song he was singing. He sang it well, he definitely made it his own, and I’d listen to it on my iPod (and will) even though I’m not a particular fan of MJ (he creeps me out).
I ranked the performances as follows:
1. David Cook
2. David Archuleta
3. Michael
4. Chikiezie
5. Jason
6. Carly
7. Brooke
8. Syesha
9. Ramiele
10. Kristy
I’m guessing Syesha, Carly and Chikezie are in the bottom three tonight, not because they belong there, (my choices would be Kristy, Syesha and Ramiele). Even thought Kristy Lee should go home (followed closely by Ramiele) I think they’ll eliminate Syesha or Chikezie tonight.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
. . . and Then There Were Ten
The show opened with the announcements about who the mentors would be this year. . . I’m a little scared. Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond will be spending time with the contestants sharing their vast knowledge. I’m not sure how much of a help Mariah Carey’s going to be. . .
Ryan also announced the songwriter competition, which I had totally forgotten about. Then, as my daughter, Krista, pointed out, Ryan pulled a “Heidi Klum” and announced “the votes are in and someone will be out”. For the rest of the night, I kept hearing Heidi proclaim “yaw in” every time Ryan directed someone to the sofas!!
The big part of this particular episode was that ONLY THE TOP TEN GO ON TOUR. I think that really sucks!! You wait for hours/days for an audition, you get sent ahead, you end up in Hollywood, you endure THAT nightmare, you make the top 24, more emotional turmoil, you end up in the top 12, go to the big stage and two songs later you end up NOT going on tour. And, it seems like every year someone like Kristy Lee (Sanjaya, Jasmine Trias) ends up in the top 10 (and on tour) for some unknown reason and another more talented contestant gets left behind. Maybe they should change it to the top eight or six go on tour. . . anything to keep the Kristy Lee’s and Sanjaya’s off the tour!!!
Ryan didn’t waste any time in bringing contestants onstage, one at a time, and giving the results.
Brook was rather quickly declared “safe”. Then, out came Carly, who he announced to MY surprise as being voted in the bottom 3. This year’s shocker!! Shades of the Daughtry fiasco!! Poor Carly was relegated to the tractor-seat chairs, barely able to contain her tears.
David Archuleta and Michael each came out and were sent to the safety of the sofas, no surprises there.
Next came the making of this week’s Ford video, which I didn’t hate (either the making of or the video). It was really cute!
David C. came out and got his “safe” pronouncement, then Kristy Lee was sent to the chairs with Carly.
Jason and Ramiele were declared “safe” --- a little surprised that Ramiele made it, but then reminded myself about the power of the Filipino vote (what kept Jasmine Trias on so long – Season 4).
The new segment, questions from the viewers came next. Boring, although this week Ryan didn’t blatantly ignore questions from the folks over 25.
Kelly Pickler’s guest appearance was next. I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would --- she was rather pixie-cute and those new boobs didn’t intrude on her performance too much!!
Ryan reminded us all about “Idol Gives Back” and showed a short clip of Fantasia and Elliott distributing mosquito nets (purchased with the $76 million that was donated last year). Fantasia was asked to sing by some of the townspeople where they were visiting and Elliott had a baby named after him, which brought him to tears. Nice segment.
Syesha marched out next to be sent to the safety sofa, then Chikezie and Amanda came out together. Chikizie was told “yaw in” and Amanda was told she also was voted in the bottom 3 --- another shocker for me.
Carly was declared “safe”, Kristy “safe” and Amanda was told “yaw out”. HUGE surprise (you could have heard my exclamation in the next county --- if you did, I’m apologizing right here). No way did I think Amanda would go home sooner than Kristy Lee.
I’ll be working up my courage all week to be able to listen to another of her performances, but I hope against hope that she’ll go home next week.
AND that the voting public comes to their senses --- Carly in the bottom 3??? Are you nuts??
Ryan also announced the songwriter competition, which I had totally forgotten about. Then, as my daughter, Krista, pointed out, Ryan pulled a “Heidi Klum” and announced “the votes are in and someone will be out”. For the rest of the night, I kept hearing Heidi proclaim “yaw in” every time Ryan directed someone to the sofas!!
The big part of this particular episode was that ONLY THE TOP TEN GO ON TOUR. I think that really sucks!! You wait for hours/days for an audition, you get sent ahead, you end up in Hollywood, you endure THAT nightmare, you make the top 24, more emotional turmoil, you end up in the top 12, go to the big stage and two songs later you end up NOT going on tour. And, it seems like every year someone like Kristy Lee (Sanjaya, Jasmine Trias) ends up in the top 10 (and on tour) for some unknown reason and another more talented contestant gets left behind. Maybe they should change it to the top eight or six go on tour. . . anything to keep the Kristy Lee’s and Sanjaya’s off the tour!!!
Ryan didn’t waste any time in bringing contestants onstage, one at a time, and giving the results.
Brook was rather quickly declared “safe”. Then, out came Carly, who he announced to MY surprise as being voted in the bottom 3. This year’s shocker!! Shades of the Daughtry fiasco!! Poor Carly was relegated to the tractor-seat chairs, barely able to contain her tears.
David Archuleta and Michael each came out and were sent to the safety of the sofas, no surprises there.
Next came the making of this week’s Ford video, which I didn’t hate (either the making of or the video). It was really cute!
David C. came out and got his “safe” pronouncement, then Kristy Lee was sent to the chairs with Carly.
Jason and Ramiele were declared “safe” --- a little surprised that Ramiele made it, but then reminded myself about the power of the Filipino vote (what kept Jasmine Trias on so long – Season 4).
The new segment, questions from the viewers came next. Boring, although this week Ryan didn’t blatantly ignore questions from the folks over 25.
Kelly Pickler’s guest appearance was next. I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would --- she was rather pixie-cute and those new boobs didn’t intrude on her performance too much!!
Ryan reminded us all about “Idol Gives Back” and showed a short clip of Fantasia and Elliott distributing mosquito nets (purchased with the $76 million that was donated last year). Fantasia was asked to sing by some of the townspeople where they were visiting and Elliott had a baby named after him, which brought him to tears. Nice segment.
Syesha marched out next to be sent to the safety sofa, then Chikezie and Amanda came out together. Chikizie was told “yaw in” and Amanda was told she also was voted in the bottom 3 --- another shocker for me.
Carly was declared “safe”, Kristy “safe” and Amanda was told “yaw out”. HUGE surprise (you could have heard my exclamation in the next county --- if you did, I’m apologizing right here). No way did I think Amanda would go home sooner than Kristy Lee.
I’ll be working up my courage all week to be able to listen to another of her performances, but I hope against hope that she’ll go home next week.
AND that the voting public comes to their senses --- Carly in the bottom 3??? Are you nuts??
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
They Made the Beatles Boring. . .
I was truly looking forward to last night’s show. Who wouldn't be??? After all, there were several really cool performances last week when the contestants were allowed to choose songs from the Lennon/McCartney songbook. This week they were given the entire Beatles collection to choose from --- surely something magical would happen.
This was what my grandmother meant when she would tell me: “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched!”
Or, what Felix meant when he told Oscar: “When you assume you make an ass out of you and me.”
Somehow, nearly all the contestants managed to make an episode that was showcasing the BEATLES into a virtual snooze-fest.
Once again, I’ll score them: (1) fabulous, (2) okay, (3) please go home.
Amanda was first on stage, looking fabulous. Her choice was “Back in the U.S.S.R.” which, given a few minutes, I could have predicted she’d choose. This girl may be cool, but she really is beginning to sound like she only has one gear. She definitely has a distinct sound but every song sounds the same. It didn’t suck; I gave it a ‘2’.
Next out was Kristy Lee --- don’t they have stylists at this point? If so, hers should be fired. Kristy’s hair was straight out of a Dallas hair salon, her dress was hideous, and Kristy, only a VERY select few people on this earth can pull off the cowboy boots with a dress thing. . . and you’re not one of them. It ended up looking like what my girls and I call “the day after Christmas” when you go to the mall and every kid between 6 and 11 has on every piece of clothing they received on Christmas morning, whether it goes together or not. Add to that the fact that she pretty much killed “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” --- pitchy in parts and not in the right key for her and I gave her a ‘3’.
David Archuleta chose “The Long and Winding Road” for his performance --- brave, since it does have a lot of lyrics and he DID forget the lyrics last week. He redeemed himself with a flawless performance --- his clear, pure, sincere style, totally on-key and with just enough changes to make it his without disrespecting the original. I gave him a ‘1’.
“A Day in the Life” was Michael’s choice --- quite a risk because he had to cut it down to 1 ½ minutes. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work. It was pitchy in sections and he muffed the words (he really though at least one of the judges would mention that, but he was spared). I think Michael should start singing music he enjoys and stop inserting the emotional factor of dedicating songs to loved ones. It was disappointing to me because I’m a big fan. I gave him a ‘2’.
Brooke (a.k.a. Stevie Nicks, a.k.a. Oldest 24-year Old in the World) chose to follow her “judge-approved” performance last week with “Here Comes the Sun”. Due to the fact that she’s obviously a real hippy-dippy type, she chose a yellow dress (also hideous and a bit see-through) and a song with about 5 notes and 4 words in the lyrics. You see, very few people can sing that song and not sound like an idiot with lyrics like “Du dn du du”. It was the longest 1 ½ minutes of the night, especially when she started “dancing” (and I put that in quotes because it was very reminsent of the “whirling dervish” dancers you see at some concerts who actually were real hippies in their time). I gave her a ‘2’.
I was really looking forward to David Cook’s performance; he chose to sing “Daytripper”. Maybe it was the fact that it isn’t a real favorite of mine anyway, OR that the first part of the show had already soured the experience or the Peter Frampton touch he inserted. For me it was just okay. He looks and acts like a performer though. My score: 2.
Carly came out next to sing “Blackbird” (according to Simon first known as “Sparrow”) --- one of my favorites. She did make the song her own, and changed up the usual flavor of her performances but I was terribly distracted by the top she was wearing. To me it looked like she had just won the Kentucky Derby. And, since I’ve said this several times at home already, I hope she’s in the early stages of pregnancy. If she’s not it’s unfortunate because she looks as if she is. I gave her a ‘1’ only because her technique was flawless, even though she kind of choked over one part of the lyrics (I think the next stanza came up too quickly for her).
Jason sang the classic “Michelle” --- I sincerely wish he had sung it from a stool on a darkened stage. He’s so uncomfortable without his guitar that he ends up just looking awkward. His movements didn’t match the song. Sadly I gave him a ‘2’.
I was equally not impressed by Syesha’s performance of “Yesterday”. I liked the way she sat on the stage with the guitarist, but it seemed like she as trying to connect with him and not the audience. I have her a ‘2’.
Chikezie selected “I’ve Just Seen a Face”, starting out soft and serious and moving to a rockin’ ending. If he’d left out the bluegrass guitar he MIGHT have been able to pull off the harmonica, but it was a brave, out-of-the-box choice that worked very well. My score: 1.
Poor pitiful Ramiele picked “I Should Have Known Better” and she should have. . . I’m beginning to think her audition performance was a fluke because this little gal sounds more like Karaoke Night each week. My score: 3.
I predict Kristy Lee, Syesha and Ramiele will be in the bottom three. I’m hoping Kristy Lee gets sent home.
I’m also declaring last night’s show the most boring (so far) of this season. How that could happen with Beatles songs, I don’t know.
This was what my grandmother meant when she would tell me: “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched!”
Or, what Felix meant when he told Oscar: “When you assume you make an ass out of you and me.”
Somehow, nearly all the contestants managed to make an episode that was showcasing the BEATLES into a virtual snooze-fest.
Once again, I’ll score them: (1) fabulous, (2) okay, (3) please go home.
Amanda was first on stage, looking fabulous. Her choice was “Back in the U.S.S.R.” which, given a few minutes, I could have predicted she’d choose. This girl may be cool, but she really is beginning to sound like she only has one gear. She definitely has a distinct sound but every song sounds the same. It didn’t suck; I gave it a ‘2’.
Next out was Kristy Lee --- don’t they have stylists at this point? If so, hers should be fired. Kristy’s hair was straight out of a Dallas hair salon, her dress was hideous, and Kristy, only a VERY select few people on this earth can pull off the cowboy boots with a dress thing. . . and you’re not one of them. It ended up looking like what my girls and I call “the day after Christmas” when you go to the mall and every kid between 6 and 11 has on every piece of clothing they received on Christmas morning, whether it goes together or not. Add to that the fact that she pretty much killed “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” --- pitchy in parts and not in the right key for her and I gave her a ‘3’.
David Archuleta chose “The Long and Winding Road” for his performance --- brave, since it does have a lot of lyrics and he DID forget the lyrics last week. He redeemed himself with a flawless performance --- his clear, pure, sincere style, totally on-key and with just enough changes to make it his without disrespecting the original. I gave him a ‘1’.
“A Day in the Life” was Michael’s choice --- quite a risk because he had to cut it down to 1 ½ minutes. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work. It was pitchy in sections and he muffed the words (he really though at least one of the judges would mention that, but he was spared). I think Michael should start singing music he enjoys and stop inserting the emotional factor of dedicating songs to loved ones. It was disappointing to me because I’m a big fan. I gave him a ‘2’.
Brooke (a.k.a. Stevie Nicks, a.k.a. Oldest 24-year Old in the World) chose to follow her “judge-approved” performance last week with “Here Comes the Sun”. Due to the fact that she’s obviously a real hippy-dippy type, she chose a yellow dress (also hideous and a bit see-through) and a song with about 5 notes and 4 words in the lyrics. You see, very few people can sing that song and not sound like an idiot with lyrics like “Du dn du du”. It was the longest 1 ½ minutes of the night, especially when she started “dancing” (and I put that in quotes because it was very reminsent of the “whirling dervish” dancers you see at some concerts who actually were real hippies in their time). I gave her a ‘2’.
I was really looking forward to David Cook’s performance; he chose to sing “Daytripper”. Maybe it was the fact that it isn’t a real favorite of mine anyway, OR that the first part of the show had already soured the experience or the Peter Frampton touch he inserted. For me it was just okay. He looks and acts like a performer though. My score: 2.
Carly came out next to sing “Blackbird” (according to Simon first known as “Sparrow”) --- one of my favorites. She did make the song her own, and changed up the usual flavor of her performances but I was terribly distracted by the top she was wearing. To me it looked like she had just won the Kentucky Derby. And, since I’ve said this several times at home already, I hope she’s in the early stages of pregnancy. If she’s not it’s unfortunate because she looks as if she is. I gave her a ‘1’ only because her technique was flawless, even though she kind of choked over one part of the lyrics (I think the next stanza came up too quickly for her).
Jason sang the classic “Michelle” --- I sincerely wish he had sung it from a stool on a darkened stage. He’s so uncomfortable without his guitar that he ends up just looking awkward. His movements didn’t match the song. Sadly I gave him a ‘2’.
I was equally not impressed by Syesha’s performance of “Yesterday”. I liked the way she sat on the stage with the guitarist, but it seemed like she as trying to connect with him and not the audience. I have her a ‘2’.
Chikezie selected “I’ve Just Seen a Face”, starting out soft and serious and moving to a rockin’ ending. If he’d left out the bluegrass guitar he MIGHT have been able to pull off the harmonica, but it was a brave, out-of-the-box choice that worked very well. My score: 1.
Poor pitiful Ramiele picked “I Should Have Known Better” and she should have. . . I’m beginning to think her audition performance was a fluke because this little gal sounds more like Karaoke Night each week. My score: 3.
I predict Kristy Lee, Syesha and Ramiele will be in the bottom three. I’m hoping Kristy Lee gets sent home.
I’m also declaring last night’s show the most boring (so far) of this season. How that could happen with Beatles songs, I don’t know.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
12 Aspiring Idols Singing on the Stage. . .
Apparently, I've caused a stir by changing my picture. My family is relieved that I replaced what they call "the convict photo". My mom likes this one better but wonders why I didn't take off my sunglasses. I'm okay with the new photo, but still think I can take a better one. Stay tuned.
Okay, I could do a blow-by-blow of the entire show like some/most blogs do, but anyone who's seen these results shows knows they're a huge waste of airtime, no one's really sitting on the edge of their seat and we all just want to know who's going home.
Not saying they weren't, at one time (say, Season 1) a little suspenseful and mildly entertaining, but pretty much after this many seasons we just want to know: who goes home?
So, in fast forward (and probably not in the correct order) we see the requisite cheesy car commercial (actually a little entertaining this one), everyone does a number together (they always sound horrible, as if they had 1/2 hour to rehearse) and Ryan asks people to stand up, rehashes their performance, then tells them each, in turn, to sit down. . . they're safe.
Blah, blah, blah back and forth with the judges about what they're thinking (they're thinking they want to know who goes home), then Ryan asks three people to stand, rehashes their performances, tells two, in turn, that they can sit down and asks the third (in this case, Syesha) to come to the stage as she is in the bottom three (no surprise to anyone, even Syesha). Syesha repeats her performance from the night before, but I couldn't bring myself to listen to it again.
More rehashing, more film footage, I think Kat McPhee sang a song somewhere in there (looks good, has lost a lot of weight, but didn't perform as well as most of the contestants sitting on the stage), then Ryan starts Part 2 of who's staying, who's leaving. You can probably tell that I fast-forward through most of this.
More people are declard safe and in the (almost) end, David Hernandez and Kristi Lee join Syesha as this week's Bottom Three.
Kristi performs (couldn't subject myself to that again, either) and David sings again (listened to him and he was actually better than the night before). If David had done as well the night before as he did in his "farewell" performance he might not have been voted in the Bottom Three.
David is still pretty sure he won’t necessarily be sent home.
Ryan lets Syesha rejoin the Safe Group, then lets David know that he IS going home.
I was actually a little surprised. Although I was really let down by David’s performance, I thought Kristy Lee should have gone home first, then David (probably) next week, unless he managed to redeem himself.
Kristy, however, has no chance of redeeming herself, so unless everyone else forgets their lyrics and sing off-key next week, I’m already predicting she’ll be next.
I’m still waiting for some surprises this season. At this point if everyone stays at the level they’re at and no one does the “wow” performance, you can almost plot out the order everyone will go home.
Hoping it doesn’t go that way and at some point I get surprised!
Looking forward to next week and more Beatles music!!
Okay, I could do a blow-by-blow of the entire show like some/most blogs do, but anyone who's seen these results shows knows they're a huge waste of airtime, no one's really sitting on the edge of their seat and we all just want to know who's going home.
Not saying they weren't, at one time (say, Season 1) a little suspenseful and mildly entertaining, but pretty much after this many seasons we just want to know: who goes home?
So, in fast forward (and probably not in the correct order) we see the requisite cheesy car commercial (actually a little entertaining this one), everyone does a number together (they always sound horrible, as if they had 1/2 hour to rehearse) and Ryan asks people to stand up, rehashes their performance, then tells them each, in turn, to sit down. . . they're safe.
Blah, blah, blah back and forth with the judges about what they're thinking (they're thinking they want to know who goes home), then Ryan asks three people to stand, rehashes their performances, tells two, in turn, that they can sit down and asks the third (in this case, Syesha) to come to the stage as she is in the bottom three (no surprise to anyone, even Syesha). Syesha repeats her performance from the night before, but I couldn't bring myself to listen to it again.
More rehashing, more film footage, I think Kat McPhee sang a song somewhere in there (looks good, has lost a lot of weight, but didn't perform as well as most of the contestants sitting on the stage), then Ryan starts Part 2 of who's staying, who's leaving. You can probably tell that I fast-forward through most of this.
More people are declard safe and in the (almost) end, David Hernandez and Kristi Lee join Syesha as this week's Bottom Three.
Kristi performs (couldn't subject myself to that again, either) and David sings again (listened to him and he was actually better than the night before). If David had done as well the night before as he did in his "farewell" performance he might not have been voted in the Bottom Three.
David is still pretty sure he won’t necessarily be sent home.
Ryan lets Syesha rejoin the Safe Group, then lets David know that he IS going home.
I was actually a little surprised. Although I was really let down by David’s performance, I thought Kristy Lee should have gone home first, then David (probably) next week, unless he managed to redeem himself.
Kristy, however, has no chance of redeeming herself, so unless everyone else forgets their lyrics and sing off-key next week, I’m already predicting she’ll be next.
I’m still waiting for some surprises this season. At this point if everyone stays at the level they’re at and no one does the “wow” performance, you can almost plot out the order everyone will go home.
Hoping it doesn’t go that way and at some point I get surprised!
Looking forward to next week and more Beatles music!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lennon/McCartney Night
SO couldn't wait for last night's show --- after all, Beatles are: 1) classic and 2) what I would choose to listen to if I could only listen to one type/artist for the rest of my life.
After some momentary panic about whether the show was recording (Beauty and the Geek lost) I decided I would rate each performer as a 1 (best), 2 (mediocre) or 3 (can go home).
Syesha sang "Got to Get You Into My Life" - not my favorite performance, I didn't feel like she injected enough of herself into it. Score: 2
Chickizie chose "She's a Woman" and absolutely blew me out of the water. Started out all bluesy, O Brother Where Art Thou and ended up rockin' it out of the house!! I was really a little surprised that he had that in him. Score: 1
Ramiele came out singing "In My Life" - even though this is hands-down one of my all-time favorite Beatles' tunes, and I know she does well with the ballads, it wasn't my favorite with her. She may have already peaked. Score: 2
Cutie Jason sang "If I Fell" - another one of my all-time faves! Loved his rendition and feel like he really can't do much wrong at this point. Score: 1
Carly chose "Come Together" - not sure how fair that was since she admitted she sings it almost every week in her other life as a performer at the bar she works for. Not suprisingly, she did a great job and made it her own. Score: 1
David C.'s choice was "Eleanor Rigby" - not my favorite Beatles' tune. . . until last night! Wow!! Great vocals, totally made it a David Cook song --- hit it out of the park! Score: 1
Brooke sang "Let it Be" - I didn't really care for it only because she reminds me of Stevie Nicks (and she's still seems really old), but Simon loved it. Score: 2
David H. chose "Saw Her Standing There" - another all-time favorite. Didn't love his rendition. David may also have already peaked. Score: 3
Amanda, although she lost points with me for admitting that she'd never heard the song, sang "Can't Do That" - again this week, love her when she can do her "Janis" thing but I feel like she has trouble with real melody parts. Can't understand how you can love/do music and not have heard every Beatles song ever written. Score: 2
Michael's choice was "Across the Universe" - another of my favorites recently made popular again with the movie of the same name. This guy's starting to scare me, he's performing as if he doesn't have any more to give or learn. Score: 2
Kristy Lee sang "Eight Days a Week" as a country tune. Although this song always had a slight country flavor and could have been sung with a country bend, she made it sound like a cartoon. Very frenetic and (agree with the judges) Dolly Parton-esque. Score: 3
After some momentary panic about whether the show was recording (Beauty and the Geek lost) I decided I would rate each performer as a 1 (best), 2 (mediocre) or 3 (can go home).
Syesha sang "Got to Get You Into My Life" - not my favorite performance, I didn't feel like she injected enough of herself into it. Score: 2
Chickizie chose "She's a Woman" and absolutely blew me out of the water. Started out all bluesy, O Brother Where Art Thou and ended up rockin' it out of the house!! I was really a little surprised that he had that in him. Score: 1
Ramiele came out singing "In My Life" - even though this is hands-down one of my all-time favorite Beatles' tunes, and I know she does well with the ballads, it wasn't my favorite with her. She may have already peaked. Score: 2
Cutie Jason sang "If I Fell" - another one of my all-time faves! Loved his rendition and feel like he really can't do much wrong at this point. Score: 1
Carly chose "Come Together" - not sure how fair that was since she admitted she sings it almost every week in her other life as a performer at the bar she works for. Not suprisingly, she did a great job and made it her own. Score: 1
David C.'s choice was "Eleanor Rigby" - not my favorite Beatles' tune. . . until last night! Wow!! Great vocals, totally made it a David Cook song --- hit it out of the park! Score: 1
Brooke sang "Let it Be" - I didn't really care for it only because she reminds me of Stevie Nicks (and she's still seems really old), but Simon loved it. Score: 2
David H. chose "Saw Her Standing There" - another all-time favorite. Didn't love his rendition. David may also have already peaked. Score: 3
Amanda, although she lost points with me for admitting that she'd never heard the song, sang "Can't Do That" - again this week, love her when she can do her "Janis" thing but I feel like she has trouble with real melody parts. Can't understand how you can love/do music and not have heard every Beatles song ever written. Score: 2
Michael's choice was "Across the Universe" - another of my favorites recently made popular again with the movie of the same name. This guy's starting to scare me, he's performing as if he doesn't have any more to give or learn. Score: 2
Kristy Lee sang "Eight Days a Week" as a country tune. Although this song always had a slight country flavor and could have been sung with a country bend, she made it sound like a cartoon. Very frenetic and (agree with the judges) Dolly Parton-esque. Score: 3
Thinking that they had, once again, saved the best for last, out came David Archuleta. I knew in my head that, at some point, he was going to disappoint me. I guess my heart didn't want it to happen. He did warn everyone, in a way. He expressed some reservations about his upcoming performance of "We Can Work it Out".
Even when it happened, when he TOTALLY forgot the lyrics so early in the song, I didn't want to believe it. Did he just slur the words? Was it the cold he sounded like he was dealing with? No. The small but mighty David Archuleta actually forgot the lyrics. . . twice. . . no, three times. In any other season, this would have been an unforgiveable offense. However, due to the strength of this particular performer, I think he deserves at least another chance.
Even the better performances of the night had lyric "misses"; in David Cook's "Eleanor Rigby" it's "darning his socks" not "wearing his socks", in Kristy Lee's "Eight Days a Week" the lyric was supposed to be "always on my mind".
But David Archuleta's HUGE error was the brain fart heard 'round the country. I'm hoping he's allowed to stay until next week and learns a HUGE lesson --- no matter what, you MUST know the lyrics. I think if John and Paul were watching they'd agree he deserves another chance.
My score for David A.: 2 (hurts me to write that)
Send David Hernandez home --- I think he's shown us everything he has. And PLEASE send Kristy Lee home and put us out of the misery of having to listen to her again.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
