Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

American Idol, Top 7

Well, this is the Top 7 again, but really, it's the first time for me since I didn't do the blog recap thing last week. Here we go:

Lil Rounds: "I'm Every Woman." First things first: can she rock a pantsuit or what? Lookin' Good, Lil! The song was fine--entertaining enough, but I'll agree with the judges--a touch on the karaoke side.

Kris Allen: "She Works Hard For the Money." Seriously? He is singing a chick song? OK--I stand corrected! It was original, fun, new, and completely believable! I really, really like him!

Danny Gokey: "September." I got up and DANCED to this one! So much fun!!! Not to sound like a broken record, but I really, really like him too! I couldn't stop dancing. He's just a flat out good performer.

Alison Iraheta: "Hot Stuff." She's too young to sing this song, in my opinion. I do not like her outfit, I do not like her song. But, I have to admit, the girl can throw out song vocals!!!

Adam Lambert: "If I Can't Have You." I did not even recognize this song--and I am normally considered quite the songstress. Michael had to sing the "real" version for me. Paula's reaction (teary eyes) was a bit over the top, but I'm not there, so I don't know. Maybe that's how it came across if you were there live...but I didn't get that same feeling. He is an excellent vocalist, performer, bla bla bla bla bla....he's just in it to win it.

Matt Giraud: "Stayin' Alive." Fun. I liked it! I liked it a lot better than what Simon did. He kept it true to the Disco theme, but modernized it a bit. I had fun with it. I'm glad he stuck around another week.

Anoop Desai: "Dim All the Lights." I have never heard this song either. He hit some great notes, but it was a bit boring. Loved his pink sweater tonight!

I don't know who's going home, but I think Adam, Danny, and Kris are definitely safe. The others....well, it could be anybody. Two people will go home tomorrow night and then it starts to get down to the wire! I'm still thinking Danny & Adam will be in the finale.

Your thoughts?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

American Idol, Top 8

I haven't done a recap in a few weeks--"too busy" is all I can say.

And still, I have nothing much for you today either....
except: my DVR cut off at 1 hour (the time allotted for the show, per Fox) and I missed Adam Lambert's song, which was apparently the song of the night. Simon gave it a standing ovation, I hear! First time ever, as far as I know and I've watched all seasons faithfully (except season 2, my apologies to Ruben.)

The other thing I want to comment on is how I REALLY disliked how they had Matt Giraud and Kris Allen singing on a little stage in the crowd the last 2 weeks. (Last week it was Matt on the keyboard and this week was Kris on guitar). For one thing, it makes me nervous that some tween is going to reach out and pinch them mid-performance, causing them to YELP! instead of sing. The other thing is that you can't get a good camera angle on them with the crowd around and I think that affects viewers' perception of the song/performance. AND--coincidence or not: the judges panned both performances.

If I were a contestant and the producer suggested that next week I perform on the little side stage, I'd think twice before accepting that proposal.

That's it. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

American Idol Top 10, March 25

Matt Giraud, "Let's Get It On." This is ambitious--tackling a Marvin Gaye CLASSIC. I was glad to see him get out from behind the piano--I was afraid that was becoming a crutch for him. I thought his version was amazing! I liked how he started with just his voice and the piano, but then built up to the band and backup singers...it was great.

Kris Allen, "How Sweet It Is." Not sure why he has numbers on the shoulders of his shirt. I'm not really getting his wardrobe choice tonight. His song is just fine. A little on the cutesy side. Nothing amazing or overwhelming for Kris' performance tonight.

[Total Aside: I am watching this episode on my new & lovely DVR and I fast forward through all the commercials EXCEPT...the Sonic commercials! Those of you who know me know that I do love some Sonic Diet Coke with vanilla about once a day....but apart from that, those commercials make me laugh! The newest one with the mom & son just cracks me up..."I was taking a nap and you woke me up saying, 'mama needs a junior candy sundae.' "]

Scott McIntyre, "You Can't Hurry Love." Nothing amazing in this song for me. Please, please don't get me wrong: he is talented, that is true. He can tickle the ivories and he can carry a tune, but it just isn't "wow-ing" me tonight.

I think the judges are being very generous tonight.

Megan Joy, "For Once In my Life." What happened to her last name? Where's the Corkey? Anyways, her hair, jewelry, dress and performance all add up to make me think "cabaret cruise ship singer." NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. In fact, that's a secret ambition of my own (well, ok, it's not such a secret--most people know that about me). But, cabaret cruise ship singer and American Idol cannot co-exist within the same being.

Anoop Desai, "Ooh Baby Baby." I don't really know what to say about this. I guess I agree with Kara: he did a pretty good job. It was fine, but I was a little bored.

Michael Sarver, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." He looks too happy and giddy to be begging his woman not to leave. He's just having a good time with this song--he's not connecting with the emotion of the song. I ain't too proud to beg you NOT to vote for. PLEASE, please please....let him go home.

Lil Rounds, "Heatwave." It was alright. I thought she would completely shine here--but I didn't find anything spectacular. I think she's cute as can be, though--great personality!

Adam Lambert, "Tracks of my Tears." This is my FAVORITE Motown song. ELVIS? He looks like Elvis. With a plastic wig. But, I am totally loving the arrangement. It was completely original and amazing. I might be downloading this one from itunes.

Danny Gokey, "Get Ready." Lots of energy and a solid vocal performance, but it seemed a little old fashioned to me. It wasn't very original. I understand that it's a classic song and there's not much to change or tweak....but after hearing Adam's completely original performance before him, Danny needed to bring something more artistic to the table.

Allison Iraheta, "Papa was a Rolling Stone." This girl is too young to be this good! She is so comfortable on the stage and shows such maturity in her stage presence, vocals and the fact that she can stand (much less DANCE) in those heels astounds me.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

American Idol, Top 11

Here we go--another round:

Michael Sarver: "Ain't Goin' Down Til the Sun Comes Up." I didn't think this showed any range at all. The song only had about 3 or 4 notes total through the whole thing and it was hard to understand.....even for me who knew most of the words. On another topic....did you see the harmonica dude holding a microphone and harmonica-izing at the same time? Talent. Pure talent. But, we're not voting for harmonica dude. We're also not voting for Michael Sarver. I think he's performed his last time on this stage.

Allison Iraheta: "Blame It On Your Heart." She can actually pull off a country song! Her voice suits country, which I was surprised to hear. What's ironic is that Patti Loveless also has an unnatural shade of red dye on her hair just like Allison. Coincidence? I think not.

Kris Allen: "To Make You Feel My Love." No guitar tonight? He did well! The falsetto note at the end was a dangerous move, but he did it and it worked. Randy called him "a Tender Dawg" and I agree--it was a great performance. He had really good vocal control through the entire song.

Lil Rounds: "Independence Day." Did you know that magenta is the color of spring this year? It is. Go out and buy yourself some hot pink to wear just like Lil did tonight---she looked lovely! Her song, however.....very flat. Didn't like her performance which surprised me because I was under the impression that she could do no wrong. She'll still be back next week. Hopefully by then, Simon will realize that her name is LIL, not LITTLE, and that LIL can be short for names like "Lily" or "Lillian."

Adam Lambert: "Ring of Fire." I hated this performance. I agreed with Simon--it was terrible.

Scott McIntyre: "Wild Angels." Looks like a stylist got a hold of his hair--THANKFULLY. He had a much better haircut this week. Regarding his performance, it was miles better than last week. I didn't think he deserved to be here last week....but this week was such an improvement that I have decided to let him stay. Especially since he got a decent haircut. Anyways, I liked the stripped-down beginning of the song.

Alexis Grace: "Jolene." It wasn't nearly as "edgy" as her past performances, but I still enjoyed it. I wish she'd done something modern with a little rock to it by Sugarland or Gretchen Wilson.

Danny Gokey: "Jesus Take the Wheel." I didn't like the verse but the chorus was amazing. He seemed so disconnected to the emotion of the song during the verses--it was like he didn't really know what he was singing. But the soul shined through on the chorus. The crowd loved it.

Anoop Desai: "You Were Always On My Mind." Oh boy, I was nervous when he said this was what he was going to sing. He was going for the stripped down, vulnerable Anoop--perhaps trying to be a "Tender Dawg" like Kris Allen. I actually had CHILLS listening to him sing this. It was fabulous. Simon said he went from "zero to hero"--his favorite performance of the night. I think I agree. (Sorry Danny, sorry Kris--I'm still a fan, but Anoop won me over...just for tonight.)

Megan Joy Corkey: "Walkin' After Midnight." The first thing I'll say is that she needs more supportive undergarments. OK, moving on, her makeup looks great. ONTO THE MUSIC....which I know is what we're really judging here...I didn't think she really made it her own--it still sounded like Patsy Cline's version to me. I mean, there was a little bluesy-ness to it, but it still sounded like Patsy to me. So apparently, she's been in the hospital with the flu, and I think the judges are giving her extra good marks because they're judging her not just as "MEGAN" but as "MEGAN WITH THE FLU." Anyways, I thought it was fine. Not super memorable, but it was fine.

Matt Giraud: "So Small." Big night for Carrie Underwood with 2 of her songs being performed tonight. What a great tribute to her since this is where she got her start. I think this was a pretty solid performance--except the very last note was flat. Very vulnerable, solid performance by a talented guy.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

American Idol: Top 13, recap 1

I've been waiting....not so patiently....for the top 12 on AI to commence so I could begin a new blog series. Well, now it's the Top 13 and here I go:

Lil Rounds: Um, yes. She is good, better, and best, all wrapped up into one. Loved her spin on "The Way You Make Me Feel". A little bluesy, a little soulfulness--loved it! So comfortable on the stage. That is the way to kick it off, Lil! And, contrary to Simon's critique on her style, I loved her top! The one-shoulder number suited her just fine.

Scott McIntyre: "Keep the Faith" I do like his piano skills. He is unbelievably talented, but his vocals, y'all, his vocals are not "Top 12 (13?)" material, in my book. I know that's going to be controversial for me to say that--you're thinking, "but he's blind! the obstacles he's overcome! doesn't that count for something?!?" And, yes it does. But I'm going to stand by my original stance that his vocals don't "wow."

Danny Gokey: "PYT." LOVE HIM. I was so fearful that he'd start to fall apart during the Top 12 (13?) when they started picking themes and was nervous that he wouldn't be able to handle a Michael Jackson song....but he did. With pizazz. And then some. Paula sees him going all the way to the finals and I believe we'll follow him all the way there.

Michael Sarver: "You are Not alone" Good vocals. But a touch boring. Sorry.

Jasmine Murray: "I'll be there." She has a great voice, but I'm going to agree with the judges that she needs to add some youthfulness to her vibe. Oh, there goes Randy with a "name drop." He cracks me up when he throws a name like "I recorded that with Mariah..." out there as if he's still trying to establish his credibility for being on the judging panel.

Kris Allen: "Remember the Time" Sadly, I don't 'remember the time' that this dude went to try outs or Hollywood Week and I don't 'remember the time' he sang during Top 36. So, I was a little confused when he showed up on stage with a guitar--he was brand new to me. But, IMPRESS ME he did! Loved his version of the song. Couldn't hear the guitar at all, though--I kept asking Michael if he could hear it or if they had it unplugged or what? So, was that just for "looks" or stage-comfyness so he didn't have to feel awkward to figure out what to do with his hands/make up dance moves? Who knows. Hopefully, next week we shall find out! I liked him--really, really liked him! I felt so bad for his wife when Simon suggested that he should've kept her hidden for a while [in order to get more female votes, I guess]. She looked extremely uncomfortable. Randy redeemed the comment though when he said "love the song....love the wife...." or something like that.

Allison Iraheta: "Give in to Me" Song was fine. She's cornered the market on the "edgy rocker chick" personna. Please, stylist, make her change her hair to a normal color. PLEASE.

Anoop Desai: "Beat It." I like this guy. But. I did not like this song. WAY too karaoke. And I have seen my fair share of karaoke, so trust me on this one.

Jorge Nunez: "Never Can Say Goodbye" Great vocals. But, like I said about Michael Sarver: BORING. We ended up fast forwarding (I finally have DVR!!!) through part of his song. And, like I told Michael last night, generally I am biased against men who weigh less than me, so this was a strike against him before the song even began. Sorry, Jorge.

Megan Joy Corkey: "Rockin' Robin." Seriously? Did she just sing this song? Did she just tweet & caw her way through this? It was cute, but more like "cruise ship revue flash back to the 50's" cute, not "American Idol Top 12 (13?)" cute. I think this is going to send her home!

Adam Lambert: "Black and White" Do you remember the video for this song back in the day? It had people staring at the camera, doing a little dance, then suddenly, they'd morph into someone else...different nationality, etc-- Well, my sibs & I would stand in front of a mirror and try to re-enact that. We'd sing the song, then take turns stepping up to the mirror for a quick dance before going to the back of the line. ANYWAYS. That had nothing to do with Adam Lambert's performance last night, which was nothing less than that of a very seasoned performer who knows who he is and what his angle/market is going to be. There are all kinds of people like him here in Nashville who have been trying to make it in Country Music for YEARS and they are talented beyond belief. Anyways, he knocked it out of the park.

Matt Giraud: "Human Nature" Good vocals, nice piano. Forgettable, though. And, Yes, he still looks like Justin Timberlake.

Alexis Grace: "Dirty Diana" I thought she did a great job. She seems so emotion-less when facing the judges, though--you don't get any sense of her personality when she's interacting with them. But, judging on the performance, she's confident, sassy, got an incredible vocal range, and cute as a button. Even with the hot pink streaks in her hair.

Want some more reviews? Check out Boomama's blog and recaps by clicking here.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Biggest Loser & American Idol "tidbits"

We were glued to the TV this week for the auditions on American Idol Tuesday & Wednesday night. It made for some very entertaining viewing. I have to say I was most intrigued by "bikini girl" and how she made it past the judges!

Anyways, I found a great write-up somebody did who auditioned at the same gig as "bikini girl" and she described the audition process--there is some major editing going on, there--it's not always what you see on TV!

If you want to check it out, click here. The author says the crowd BOO'd when bikini girl got her golden ticket.

We also enjoyed a healthy dose of Biggest Loser this week (flipping back & forth between AI and BL on Tuesday night). Great episode--these contestants feel so much NICER than last season! The former model, Tara (green team) is so supportive of everybody. LOVE her. And what about BOB going off on Joelle!!! I really wish Joelle's teammate had stayed at the ranch instead of her--the teammate wanted it more and was more motivated.

Total sadness when Jerry had to leave; everybody was heartbroken!

That's it for now--the kids are off school today for cold temps, so I'm off to find new ways to entertain them when it's too cold to go outside.