Since we didn't get to chat Tuesday night about the ballad event of the season on Idol, I thought I would do a quick blog on the way the kick off show went last night. Before I say too much, I want to tell you that I though Simon was way off base Tuesday night criticizing Kris Allen. That was my favorite of the night. Adam's take on "Feeling Good" I hope to never have to endure again. My bottom was Allison and Matt with Matt going home. I at least got the going home part correct. I loved Danny Gokey's "Come Rain or Come Shine" and I thought Allison's "Someone to Watch over me" was fantastic. Matt's "My Funny Valentine" was really great as well, but I think he lacks that natural charisma that the others seem to have. Hopefully a year on tour will correct that, because the guy has got so much talent. Maybe then he will be able to afford to have that mole removed.
I will share a few random comments about the evening.
Is Simon losing interest this season? Is it all the cross continental trips to do Brits Have Talent and American Idol at the same time? He was way too sweet last night, telling them they were all great and it was anyone's competition. He obviously doesn't really have a favorite to win, which is really odd because he has every other season.
Next, was that the stupidest Ford commercial to date?
Natalie Cole got so thin. She was so tall and skeletal. It was disturbing.
How weird was the food fight that Idol tells the birthday kids to have (Danny and Allison) and then the presentation of the $6000 cleaning invoice to Danny on the live show? Are we running out of people promoting their new Cd's? You know they could make the show a half hour.
Taylor Hicks, the season 5 winner sang. He was the season 5 winner. How about that?
Jamie Foxx borrowed Kanye's Robot voice for the longest r & b song that I ended up not sitting through. (Thank you Tivo). You have got to love him being all sincere about how great it was to work with each contestant and oh, go see "the Soloist".
Adam was put on Ryan's hot spot when asked to stand by the winning duo, Danny and Allison or Matt and Kris. He picks Danny and Allison, but whoops, he was wrong! I have to say I was not sad to see Adam in the bottom two. He is not EVERYBODY's favorite, and he certainly isn't the most talented in the group. I am glad for the others to see that the prize could just as easily be theirs.
This show just got a whole lot more interesting folks.
To those who were looking for a post yesterday, a thousand apologies. The night got away from me.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Disco?
Well all I can say is I am glad the hype about “the save" is over. Let’s face it; Anoop, Lil and Matt are all going to go before the other four. Does it really matter in what order? Disco is the theme, which should be interesting. Simon’s t-shirt is amazingly thin tonight. Ryan dives right in, so I will too.
Lil Rounds "I'm Every Woman"
Lil Rounds does not understand the whole originality concept. This performance had only one thing going for it, she did look beautiful and she did have fun, like most of us do when we have had a few drinks and get a microphone in our hands. The actual lyrics mostly went to the backup girls. I am not sure what exactly she was singing up there, but I am pretty convinced that no amount of coaching at this point is going to get through to her. Randy said it was all over the place. Kara thought she didn’t find her inner goddess. Paula started the first of many painful analogies. Simon told her it was her last chance and she blew it.
Kris Allen "She Works Hard For the Money"
After the last few weeks, I think this guy deserves to win this whole thing. This was a fantastic version of the song and without any theatrics or flash. He has a great voice, but he also has a deep understanding of music. The arrangement was surprising and original, and just like last week I could listen to it again. Kara was blown away. Paula went into something about not caring if he shopped the women’s department. I have to say, I was as confused as Simon. Simon thought it was brilliant and so did Randy.
Danny Gokey "September"
Danny always delivers a solid vocal every week, and this was no exception. He has a really beautiful voice and a ton of passion, but for me the performance was almost a little lazy. It was definitely better than Lil, but I am not sure I will necessarily be hearing that tune in my head at the end of the show. The judges love him, but Simon brings a dose of reality. He didn’t bring anything special to piece, and at this point you have to. Danny is going to have to up his game, because there is too much talent in the room.
Allison Iraheta "Hot Stuff"
From the first note I am blown away at how this young girl can make any song she sings sound like she wrote it. I was completely worried about her trying to stand in those ungodly high heels, but she worked it out and had a great performance. Even the “hot hot hot hot, stuuufff” worked, which was a shocker. Randy and Kara didn’t care for the arrangement but loved her. Let’s just leave Paula out of it. Simon thought it was brilliant. On a side note, her hair looked the best it has all season.
Adam Lambert "If I Can't Have You"
I still think Adam is a little too theatrical for my pop radio taste, but he has an amazing voice and I can’t wait every week to see what he will fearlessly commit himself to. I thought his arrangement of the song was original and as always he had a perfect vocal. I definitely prefer cleaned up Adam to eyeliner Adam, but this was not a song that I would buy. That being said, it was a memorable performance, although I wasn't feeling that the emotion was quite as real as Paula thought it was. Randy thinks he is ready, and even though I don’t care for the song, he is probably right. He is a seasoned performer and he was born to be on that stage. Ryan points out that Paula is a pool of Abdul. Egad.
Matt Giraud "Stayin' Alive"
Matt gave a really solid vocal on this, and although he got a little out of breath, he had a decent performance. He will still be in the bottom three, but it was a much better performance than last week, so at least if he goes it is on a good note. Randy, Kara, and Paula thought it was great, but Simon said it was fine for “Idol Land” but in the real world it didn’t work. Isn’t that true of most of these songs?
Anoop Desai "Dim All the Lights"
Vocally this was pleasant, but Anoop has no charisma. You can scruff up his face all you want to, he doesn’t have the”it” factor like the others do. I was confused as to why he picked this song, and even more confused by the way they arranged it, but he did sing it well. If I don’t watch the cheesy performance it is a little more tolerable. The judges thought he hit his stride, except for Simon who thought it was his worst performance. I don’t know if I would go that far, but it was probably the most forgettable one.
Bottom three: Lil, Anoop, and Matt.
Going home: Lil. Tune in tonight….
Lil Rounds "I'm Every Woman"
Lil Rounds does not understand the whole originality concept. This performance had only one thing going for it, she did look beautiful and she did have fun, like most of us do when we have had a few drinks and get a microphone in our hands. The actual lyrics mostly went to the backup girls. I am not sure what exactly she was singing up there, but I am pretty convinced that no amount of coaching at this point is going to get through to her. Randy said it was all over the place. Kara thought she didn’t find her inner goddess. Paula started the first of many painful analogies. Simon told her it was her last chance and she blew it.
Kris Allen "She Works Hard For the Money"
After the last few weeks, I think this guy deserves to win this whole thing. This was a fantastic version of the song and without any theatrics or flash. He has a great voice, but he also has a deep understanding of music. The arrangement was surprising and original, and just like last week I could listen to it again. Kara was blown away. Paula went into something about not caring if he shopped the women’s department. I have to say, I was as confused as Simon. Simon thought it was brilliant and so did Randy.
Danny Gokey "September"
Danny always delivers a solid vocal every week, and this was no exception. He has a really beautiful voice and a ton of passion, but for me the performance was almost a little lazy. It was definitely better than Lil, but I am not sure I will necessarily be hearing that tune in my head at the end of the show. The judges love him, but Simon brings a dose of reality. He didn’t bring anything special to piece, and at this point you have to. Danny is going to have to up his game, because there is too much talent in the room.
Allison Iraheta "Hot Stuff"
From the first note I am blown away at how this young girl can make any song she sings sound like she wrote it. I was completely worried about her trying to stand in those ungodly high heels, but she worked it out and had a great performance. Even the “hot hot hot hot, stuuufff” worked, which was a shocker. Randy and Kara didn’t care for the arrangement but loved her. Let’s just leave Paula out of it. Simon thought it was brilliant. On a side note, her hair looked the best it has all season.
Adam Lambert "If I Can't Have You"
I still think Adam is a little too theatrical for my pop radio taste, but he has an amazing voice and I can’t wait every week to see what he will fearlessly commit himself to. I thought his arrangement of the song was original and as always he had a perfect vocal. I definitely prefer cleaned up Adam to eyeliner Adam, but this was not a song that I would buy. That being said, it was a memorable performance, although I wasn't feeling that the emotion was quite as real as Paula thought it was. Randy thinks he is ready, and even though I don’t care for the song, he is probably right. He is a seasoned performer and he was born to be on that stage. Ryan points out that Paula is a pool of Abdul. Egad.
Matt Giraud "Stayin' Alive"
Matt gave a really solid vocal on this, and although he got a little out of breath, he had a decent performance. He will still be in the bottom three, but it was a much better performance than last week, so at least if he goes it is on a good note. Randy, Kara, and Paula thought it was great, but Simon said it was fine for “Idol Land” but in the real world it didn’t work. Isn’t that true of most of these songs?
Anoop Desai "Dim All the Lights"
Vocally this was pleasant, but Anoop has no charisma. You can scruff up his face all you want to, he doesn’t have the”it” factor like the others do. I was confused as to why he picked this song, and even more confused by the way they arranged it, but he did sing it well. If I don’t watch the cheesy performance it is a little more tolerable. The judges thought he hit his stride, except for Simon who thought it was his worst performance. I don’t know if I would go that far, but it was probably the most forgettable one.
Bottom three: Lil, Anoop, and Matt.
Going home: Lil. Tune in tonight….
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Idol Goes to the Movies
Tonight's theme is songs from the movies, and as a mentor we have Quentin Tarantino. If you recall season three (Fantasia year) Quentin was a guest judge on the show, and didn’t pull any punches. In this role, he seemed as crazy excited to work with the singers as they were to be in his presence.
Now we get the bad news. Because of all of the extra jabber causing them to run into Fringe last week,(and it isn’t the girls Simon) we only get to hear 2 judges after each contestant sings. They call it team judging, but I think it stinks. Let’s face it, he may be cruel, but 99% of the time Simon’s is the only advice worth listening to. After wasting about 10 minutes explaining all of this and watching highlights of Quentin’s movies, we begin.
Allison Iraheta "Don't Want To Miss a Thing," from Armageddon
What Allison lacks in personality and personal style she makes up for in pure raw talent. From the first note she really sells this song, even through a pretty weird rearrangement of the bridge. By the end of it I don’t even care that she has parachute pants on under a dress. Paula says something about Allison’s “special sauce” which borders on creepy and inappropriate, and Simon tells her she is the girl’s only hope and could be there at the end of this competition.
Anoop Desai "(Everything I do) I do it For You," from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
I really love this song, and I like the few liberties Anoop takes with the melody. He has a really great vocal, but for me the performance is average at best. He is starting to come off a little boring. Quentin told him to rough it up, and although I am not 100% sure what that meant, I am sure he didn’t do it. Randy thought it was a nice job, and so did Kara. I bet Simon would have had a slightly different spin. Anoop just doesn’t quite have the charisma that the other contestants do, and although he certainly should not go home after this performance, with what he is up against I bet he is in the bottom again.
Adam Lambert "Born To Be Wild," from Easy Rider
I know immediately that Adam is going to bring out the scream, even before he starts. Once again he is caked up with eyeliner, lipstick, nail polish and those skinny pants that I really don’t like. Once he starts singing though, I have to be honest, it is a vocal masterpiece and thoroughly entertaining. I prefer a cleaned up Adam singing a ballad; because the scream is just a little too much for me. Paula rambles out a few nonsensical clichés and Simon tells him the truth. Half of the audience will love it and the other half will hate it, but the vocal was fantastic.
Matt Giraud "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," from Don Juan DeMarco
This is a great song, and I have so much hope for Matt because he is back behind the piano and he looks pretty relaxed. The problem is he is trying to make a Bryan Adams song an R & B song, and the runs start falling off pitch immediately. He actually has a few moments that cause me to wince. It is such a bummer, because I think this guy has great talent, but is still trying to find himself. Randy points out the pitch problems. Kara tells him if you are going to add crazy runs to a classic melody they have to be perfect, and the weren’t.
Danny Gokey "Endless Love," from Endless Love
Why a duet Danny? All I can picture is me and Katy Chura (high school friend, co-sandwich girl) singing into our bread knives at Ruma’s Deli-fighting over who gets the girl part. But I digress. This night is starting to feel like somebody’s wedding reception in 1985. He starts off rough for me, mainly because he is singing both parts to himself and he is probably getting confused. Midway through, he does build into a nice performance that is obviously heartfelt and emotional, and well sung. Paula must be stopped. I am gathering in between the nonsense that she liked it at the same point that I did. Simon was a little disappointed after seeing what David Cook could do with a Lionel Richie song, but appreciated his emotional connection. This guys is so popular, he will be fine.
Kris Allen "Falling Slowly," from Once
Now I am totally apoplectic because my cable has done some weird freezing thing and I don’t hear the song until the last note. I had to go and watch it later on line. I am a huge fan of this song, and I think that Kris gets everything about it right. This laid back guy is the real deal, and I am so excited to see what he is going to do each week. Randy didn’t get it, but Kara thought it was one of his best moments. This is the kind of emotional connection that I am looking for, and can only imagine how great it could have been on my big screen tv instead of on my laptop.
Lil Rounds "The Rose," from The Rose
Lil Rounds has no choice but to bring back the funk if she wants to stay in this thing, and she decides to make the Rose a gospel song? I will hand it to her that she is trying to make her mark, and if you play gospel in your car, well then you probably aren’t totally disappointed like me. I thought it was an average vocal, and although she looked great, I didn’t even really like what she did with the song if I am being honest. She is another Matt, with all that talent and training, week after week she still doesn’t get it. Paula had some offering of nonsense that I fast forwarded, but Simon told her it was the wrong song for her. Lil got a little bit sassy, which coupled with a boring performance should seal her fate.
Best of the night: Kris, Allison, Adam, Danny
Bottom three: Anoop, Matt, Lil
Going home: Lil
Now we get the bad news. Because of all of the extra jabber causing them to run into Fringe last week,(and it isn’t the girls Simon) we only get to hear 2 judges after each contestant sings. They call it team judging, but I think it stinks. Let’s face it, he may be cruel, but 99% of the time Simon’s is the only advice worth listening to. After wasting about 10 minutes explaining all of this and watching highlights of Quentin’s movies, we begin.
Allison Iraheta "Don't Want To Miss a Thing," from Armageddon
What Allison lacks in personality and personal style she makes up for in pure raw talent. From the first note she really sells this song, even through a pretty weird rearrangement of the bridge. By the end of it I don’t even care that she has parachute pants on under a dress. Paula says something about Allison’s “special sauce” which borders on creepy and inappropriate, and Simon tells her she is the girl’s only hope and could be there at the end of this competition.
Anoop Desai "(Everything I do) I do it For You," from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
I really love this song, and I like the few liberties Anoop takes with the melody. He has a really great vocal, but for me the performance is average at best. He is starting to come off a little boring. Quentin told him to rough it up, and although I am not 100% sure what that meant, I am sure he didn’t do it. Randy thought it was a nice job, and so did Kara. I bet Simon would have had a slightly different spin. Anoop just doesn’t quite have the charisma that the other contestants do, and although he certainly should not go home after this performance, with what he is up against I bet he is in the bottom again.
Adam Lambert "Born To Be Wild," from Easy Rider
I know immediately that Adam is going to bring out the scream, even before he starts. Once again he is caked up with eyeliner, lipstick, nail polish and those skinny pants that I really don’t like. Once he starts singing though, I have to be honest, it is a vocal masterpiece and thoroughly entertaining. I prefer a cleaned up Adam singing a ballad; because the scream is just a little too much for me. Paula rambles out a few nonsensical clichés and Simon tells him the truth. Half of the audience will love it and the other half will hate it, but the vocal was fantastic.
Matt Giraud "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman," from Don Juan DeMarco
This is a great song, and I have so much hope for Matt because he is back behind the piano and he looks pretty relaxed. The problem is he is trying to make a Bryan Adams song an R & B song, and the runs start falling off pitch immediately. He actually has a few moments that cause me to wince. It is such a bummer, because I think this guy has great talent, but is still trying to find himself. Randy points out the pitch problems. Kara tells him if you are going to add crazy runs to a classic melody they have to be perfect, and the weren’t.
Danny Gokey "Endless Love," from Endless Love
Why a duet Danny? All I can picture is me and Katy Chura (high school friend, co-sandwich girl) singing into our bread knives at Ruma’s Deli-fighting over who gets the girl part. But I digress. This night is starting to feel like somebody’s wedding reception in 1985. He starts off rough for me, mainly because he is singing both parts to himself and he is probably getting confused. Midway through, he does build into a nice performance that is obviously heartfelt and emotional, and well sung. Paula must be stopped. I am gathering in between the nonsense that she liked it at the same point that I did. Simon was a little disappointed after seeing what David Cook could do with a Lionel Richie song, but appreciated his emotional connection. This guys is so popular, he will be fine.
Kris Allen "Falling Slowly," from Once
Now I am totally apoplectic because my cable has done some weird freezing thing and I don’t hear the song until the last note. I had to go and watch it later on line. I am a huge fan of this song, and I think that Kris gets everything about it right. This laid back guy is the real deal, and I am so excited to see what he is going to do each week. Randy didn’t get it, but Kara thought it was one of his best moments. This is the kind of emotional connection that I am looking for, and can only imagine how great it could have been on my big screen tv instead of on my laptop.
Lil Rounds "The Rose," from The Rose
Lil Rounds has no choice but to bring back the funk if she wants to stay in this thing, and she decides to make the Rose a gospel song? I will hand it to her that she is trying to make her mark, and if you play gospel in your car, well then you probably aren’t totally disappointed like me. I thought it was an average vocal, and although she looked great, I didn’t even really like what she did with the song if I am being honest. She is another Matt, with all that talent and training, week after week she still doesn’t get it. Paula had some offering of nonsense that I fast forwarded, but Simon told her it was the wrong song for her. Lil got a little bit sassy, which coupled with a boring performance should seal her fate.
Best of the night: Kris, Allison, Adam, Danny
Bottom three: Anoop, Matt, Lil
Going home: Lil
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Top 8
I have to watch the show on the fly after I returned from the theater, skipping the judge’s comments for the most part. Therefore this will be short and sweet. By the way, I love Paula’s dress tonight, and the goofy baby pictures of the judges. I didn’t care for Paula’s comment about Ryan’s teeth. I know a few people who were tortured with bad teeth as kids and have spent a lot of money trying to get over it. For some reason people who were born with good teeth always think a buck tooth joke is a good idea. Hope I cleared that up. The theme is music from the year you were born, which for most of these people really wasn’t that long ago.
Danny Gokey, "Stand by Me"
This arrangement is so 80’s it is cracking me up. I don’t love this version, but I do enjoy Danny singing it. If I am being honest, it is not going to be one I download or really remember tomorrow, but I love this guy and I am pretty sure I am not alone.
Kris Allen, "All She Wants to Do is Dance"
I have been so impressed with Kris Allen more and more each week, so I am bummed out that he picks this song. I really have hated this song even when it was supposedly popular the first time around. I do like the way Kris rocks it out in the crowd, and he has definitely reworked the melody to suit his style. I still love Kris but sorry. I still don’t like this song.
Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got To Do With It"
Lil is channeling Tina as she marches around the stage, and from the vocal to the bad impersonation, I am pretty much done with her. She blew it for me last week when she did that Celine Dion song, and now I think there is a reason she has not progressed in her singing career. She just doesn’t get it. When Paula tells you it is karaoke, it is time to pack up.
Anoop Desai, "True Colors"
Anoop is yo-yoing week to week, and this week it is another solid performance. I love this song, and he exceeds my expectations with his interpretation. I wish I had time to hear what the judges think, but I am on a mission to get through this so you will just be stuck with my opinion. I think it is soulful and sincere.
Scott MacIntyre, "The Search is Over"
Egad. I really can’t stand this song, and I am completely confused by the electric guitar. Not only does he do nothing original with the arrangement (besides the inappropriate usage of the electric guitar) his vocal is painful at times and I find myself fast forwarding portions of it. I don’t even care what the judges think, this was awful. Unless the rest of the contestants blow it, it is the worst of the evening and he should go home for it.
Allison Iraheta, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
I have always loved this song and for being such a young girl, she still brings the heartache and the passion. The only thing that drives me crazy about Allison is sometimes she leaves the beginning consonants off of her words and they come out garbled. I still think the girl has crazy potential and I enjoy her performance.
Matt Giraud, "Part-Time Lovers"
Matt decides to find his inner Justin, and actually has a great vocal and performance. The problem I have with Matt is that he cares so much what everyone thinks of him. Matt is way too sensitive. I think he was brilliant this week, but what will happen next week? He has not been as consistent as he should be since he is loaded with talent.
Adam Lambert, "Mad World"
Oh boy do I love this song. I play the original on my IPod all of the time. Say what you want about Adam, whether you love him or hate him, he is always professional and he is always true to himself. He is in a different league than the other singers, probably because of his experience but also because he is the polar opposite of Matt Giraud. He never shows any neediness on stage and doesn’t compromise or regret any performance decisions. I bet he is even more incredible live.
Bottom 3 will be Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. Goodbyes will be to Scott this week if there is a God.
Danny Gokey, "Stand by Me"
This arrangement is so 80’s it is cracking me up. I don’t love this version, but I do enjoy Danny singing it. If I am being honest, it is not going to be one I download or really remember tomorrow, but I love this guy and I am pretty sure I am not alone.
Kris Allen, "All She Wants to Do is Dance"
I have been so impressed with Kris Allen more and more each week, so I am bummed out that he picks this song. I really have hated this song even when it was supposedly popular the first time around. I do like the way Kris rocks it out in the crowd, and he has definitely reworked the melody to suit his style. I still love Kris but sorry. I still don’t like this song.
Lil Rounds, "What's Love Got To Do With It"
Lil is channeling Tina as she marches around the stage, and from the vocal to the bad impersonation, I am pretty much done with her. She blew it for me last week when she did that Celine Dion song, and now I think there is a reason she has not progressed in her singing career. She just doesn’t get it. When Paula tells you it is karaoke, it is time to pack up.
Anoop Desai, "True Colors"
Anoop is yo-yoing week to week, and this week it is another solid performance. I love this song, and he exceeds my expectations with his interpretation. I wish I had time to hear what the judges think, but I am on a mission to get through this so you will just be stuck with my opinion. I think it is soulful and sincere.
Scott MacIntyre, "The Search is Over"
Egad. I really can’t stand this song, and I am completely confused by the electric guitar. Not only does he do nothing original with the arrangement (besides the inappropriate usage of the electric guitar) his vocal is painful at times and I find myself fast forwarding portions of it. I don’t even care what the judges think, this was awful. Unless the rest of the contestants blow it, it is the worst of the evening and he should go home for it.
Allison Iraheta, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
I have always loved this song and for being such a young girl, she still brings the heartache and the passion. The only thing that drives me crazy about Allison is sometimes she leaves the beginning consonants off of her words and they come out garbled. I still think the girl has crazy potential and I enjoy her performance.
Matt Giraud, "Part-Time Lovers"
Matt decides to find his inner Justin, and actually has a great vocal and performance. The problem I have with Matt is that he cares so much what everyone thinks of him. Matt is way too sensitive. I think he was brilliant this week, but what will happen next week? He has not been as consistent as he should be since he is loaded with talent.
Adam Lambert, "Mad World"
Oh boy do I love this song. I play the original on my IPod all of the time. Say what you want about Adam, whether you love him or hate him, he is always professional and he is always true to himself. He is in a different league than the other singers, probably because of his experience but also because he is the polar opposite of Matt Giraud. He never shows any neediness on stage and doesn’t compromise or regret any performance decisions. I bet he is even more incredible live.
Bottom 3 will be Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. Goodbyes will be to Scott this week if there is a God.
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