It is the week I have been waiting for. The final two, the Idol finale, and the start of So You Think You Can Dance. I am not sure how I will get anything accomplished! Tonight Adam and Kris were able to pick one song for themselves, Simon Fuller picked a song for them, and they both will perform a song that Kara co-wrote for the finale. Ryan called it a battle between the acoustic rocker and the glam rocker. Randy is dressed in a coat and tie, Kara in a fancy black dress, Paula in a green dress, looking like she has been in the tanning bed just a little too long, and even Simon pulled out a sport coat for the event. The Nokia theatre is full of past contestants and stars, and Ryan wastes no time getting us started.
Adam Lambert lost the coin toss, so he is the first performer of the evening. He starts with "Mad World", a song that I personally loved the first time he sang it. Mom and Gary immediately are distracted by the cowbell(?)sound in the background. It is Adam in all his glory, with the smoke and shadows looking like Keanu in the Matrix with his long coat. I can tease him all I want about the over the top performance (I much preferred him sitting and telling the story the first time around), but vocally it was solid and with the large crowd in that theater, I am sure it had a different effect live. Randy thought it was an A+ performance. Kara was so happy he chose this song and thought he did great. Paula thought he was handsome and she was proud (don't ask me to repeat Paula tonight, it is just too exhausting). Simon thought it was over theatrical, bringing up Phantom of the Opera, but he thought it was a good song for him.
Kris Allen sang "Ain't no Sunshine", and it is even better than his first performance. It for me, feels like a real moment, and I believe him. Randy said he saved the best for last. Kara agreed and said if you can't feel a Kris Allen song than there is something wrong with you. She commented on how in a huge arena, he can still make you feel like he is singing just to you. Paula talked about how he awakens the spirit in each of us. (If you didn't watch it live, fast forward Paula and be glad). Simon said that when Kris made it to this point last week, he wasn't sure America got it right, but after that performance, he absolutely takes it all back.
Simon Fuller picked "Change is Gonna Come" for Adam, and I am impressed with his vocal, and with his control. It is really for me, the best I have heard Adam sing, and I have heard this particular song every single season on Idol, but never with this much originality. Randy said "the reason you are here is that you can sing your face off". (Really?) Kara thought it was his best performance ever and showed both sides of his personality. Paula went on and on and finished with "you will be iconic". (It is painful sometimes to listen to Paula). Simon thought he was 1000% back in the game.
Simon Fuller picked "What's Going On" for Kris, and he sits with his guitar and completely turns this song into a Kris Allen classic. I hear the message behind the music and I totally love his version. Randy said it was a real live duel, but he thought the song was a little light for this point in the competition. Kara thought it was perfect that Simon Fuller gave him this song, and that he was the one who could deliver it and change people with it. Paula thought he tore it up. Simon thought it was like three friends in a bedroom singing, way too laid back for this point in the competition.
The next round is the one I dread every season since "A Moment Like This". I hate the made for Idol song, and I am pretty sure even with Kara's name attached to it, it will still be dumb.
The name of the song is "No Boundaries" and Adam is first.
It is as cheesy as every other one of these songs, and the lyrics actually cause me to wince. It is so trite that I can't wait for it to end, despite how hard Adam is trying to sell it to me-and he tries really hard. Randy thought it was just okay. Kara thanked him for that moment at the end for her. Paula said she is in awe of him and will be a fan forever. Simon started in about "the mountains" in the lyrics and then decided to just not critique the song but Adam's time on the show this season. He complimented him on his talent and his originality, and thought that they had found a contestant with world wide appeal in Adam Lambert.
Kris comes out to sing the song next, and it is only slightly more believable this time around, although vocally it is not exactly in his range. Randy thought he was an amazing competitor and Kara thought he was a compelling artist. Paula thought he did an amazing job. Simon thought he deserved to be in the finale and that he should be so proud of himself.
Who will take the crown when you have two such amazingly talented singers that are so different from each other both perform to the best of their abilities? I of course prefer Kris,but in all fairness to Adam, this is not a judgement on his talent but just the style of music that I prefer. I know just as many Adam fans who will be thrilled after how he performed tonight and no doubt be sure that he has won it. No way can I predict what will happen tomorrow night. It is that time of year when I switch from American Idol gears to So You Think You Can Dance, so this is my final Idol blog. If you aren't a SYTYCD watcher, I will be back next season for AI my faithful readers. Thank you for your comments, your angry emails when you hate my opinion, and always for laughing along with me as we enjoy this crazy pop culture ride that is Idol. I wouldn't be staying up past my bedtime if not for you! Until next season, Idol Annie is signing out.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Semi Final
I don't know about you, but I LOVE homecoming week. There is nothing like watching these idol hopefuls come back to their families and getting to see their reaction to stardom. As always (for me anyway) at this point in the competition, I am over the loss of Allison and ready to move on toward the finale, which is next week my friends! We are only getting an hour tonight. This means the homecoming's will be televised tomorrow night, so we jump right into the judge's choice. Paula had Danny Gokey and she picked "Dance Little Sister". That's right. "Dance Little Sister". Who in the heck would pick such a song for Danny? He actually has a really decent vocal, but I feel like he got so cheated because the song by its nature is not memorable, and there is a reason this was on the back side of "Sign Your Name". Randy thought it was dope. Kara didn't care for his dancing but thought he had a good vocal. Paula quickly reminded Kara that SHE is a choreographer and SHE thought he danced great. Simon thought it was the wrong song choice and he agreed with Kara that the dancing was (in his words) desperate. The judges are fiesty this evening. I LOVE it!
Kris Allen had both Randy and Kara pick "Apologize". He started the song on the piano and even though it sounds pretty close to an identical version to the original, he has a really nice vocal and a great connection to the audience. I really enjoy it, although I am not sure what he could have done artistically to change this up as Kara implied before he began. Randy thought he could make a record with this type of song. Kara was totally disappointed that he didn't do anything to make the song original. Paula thought he hit a bum note loudly, but she was proud of him. Simon asked her how she could say he hit a bum note and that she was proud in the same sentence? Simon also told Kara her comments were a cop out, and that you don't pick a song like that and then criticize the singer for doing it. This resulted in a lot of arguing that had nothing at all to do with poor Kris.
Adam Lambert was lucky enough to have Simon, who picked "One" (personally got a call from Bono apparently), and he decides to start the song very stripped down, which allows you to focus on the lyrics. He does a few things with the melody as the song progresses that didn't not make sense, but he has a captivating performance and keeps the tongue outages to a minimum. I could have done without the heinous screaming of "WHAAAAAAAAAne" toward the end, but Adam has an amazing stage presence and has a way of always reminding everyone about the musicians he works with after each performance, which I do appreciate. I did not appreciate him telling me to rewind it to hear how beautiful the lyrics were, however. I have been listening to U2 since this kid was in diapers. Randy thought it was the hottest and that he was in the game. Kara thought he was a great strategist and that it was unbelievable. Paula was bummed that she had to compliment Simon on his song choice, but thought she was looking at "one American idol" (she had a couple of other lame "one" references, but I will spare you from them).
After getting a refreshing look at Carrie Underwood in Africa showing how Idol gives back has had an impact on Malaria education and protection, we are left with 15 minutes to watch the last three songs, which the contestants got to choose for themselves.
Danny Gokey sings "You are so Beautiful". It is extremely controlled, his performance is honest, and his vocal is raw and powerful. I really enjoy it. It is miles better than his first performance, which I have already forgotten. Randy loved that he can really (3x really) sing. Kara thought it was stunning. Paula thought he left everyone breathless. Simon thought it was a vocal master class.
Kris Allen sings "Heartless" and comes out alone with his guitar and totally nails the performance. I will have this song downloaded on i-tunes before I get off of this computer. I like it SO much better than Kanye's version. I love Kris' way of story telling through music, and he was totally relaxed and true to himself for this performance. Randy liked it better than Kanye's and the Fray's versions. Kara thought it was brave and perfect. Paula said he sang a song about Simon, and then she just said Bravo. Simon had written him off after "Apologize", but all that changed after this performance. Is it me or is Ryan treating Kris like he has already been kicked off the show?
Adam finishes the night with "Cryin" and does his rock, screaming thing. I have to admit, this song suits him 1000 x better than the U2 song, because no one is more over the top than Stephen Tyler. He has a great vocal and an even better performance. He is a natural and he has never had a moment on stage where he wasn't sure of himself and 100% on, even when the arrangements and the deliveries weren't always my thing. Randy thought he was one of the best ever to grace the idol stage. Kara wondered how he hit those notes and still can talk the next day. Paula thought he would have frequent flyer miles from how high in the sky he was. (Dad covers his face with a blanket at this point, he just can't stand one more Paula analogy). Simon said that he deserves to be in the final, so don't assume he will get there, call and vote.
I don't have a clue who goes home tomorrow. These guys each have completely unique gifts to offer, and I won't be surprised if the top four from this group all have a great future. My personal favorite of the night, Kris' Heartless. My least favorite of the night, Danny's "Dance Little Sister" (can you believe it? In the semi finals of all things). Tune in tomorrow, it will be a heartbreaker at this point, no matter who goes home. That being said, I hope it is Danny that goes home.
Kris Allen had both Randy and Kara pick "Apologize". He started the song on the piano and even though it sounds pretty close to an identical version to the original, he has a really nice vocal and a great connection to the audience. I really enjoy it, although I am not sure what he could have done artistically to change this up as Kara implied before he began. Randy thought he could make a record with this type of song. Kara was totally disappointed that he didn't do anything to make the song original. Paula thought he hit a bum note loudly, but she was proud of him. Simon asked her how she could say he hit a bum note and that she was proud in the same sentence? Simon also told Kara her comments were a cop out, and that you don't pick a song like that and then criticize the singer for doing it. This resulted in a lot of arguing that had nothing at all to do with poor Kris.
Adam Lambert was lucky enough to have Simon, who picked "One" (personally got a call from Bono apparently), and he decides to start the song very stripped down, which allows you to focus on the lyrics. He does a few things with the melody as the song progresses that didn't not make sense, but he has a captivating performance and keeps the tongue outages to a minimum. I could have done without the heinous screaming of "WHAAAAAAAAAne" toward the end, but Adam has an amazing stage presence and has a way of always reminding everyone about the musicians he works with after each performance, which I do appreciate. I did not appreciate him telling me to rewind it to hear how beautiful the lyrics were, however. I have been listening to U2 since this kid was in diapers. Randy thought it was the hottest and that he was in the game. Kara thought he was a great strategist and that it was unbelievable. Paula was bummed that she had to compliment Simon on his song choice, but thought she was looking at "one American idol" (she had a couple of other lame "one" references, but I will spare you from them).
After getting a refreshing look at Carrie Underwood in Africa showing how Idol gives back has had an impact on Malaria education and protection, we are left with 15 minutes to watch the last three songs, which the contestants got to choose for themselves.
Danny Gokey sings "You are so Beautiful". It is extremely controlled, his performance is honest, and his vocal is raw and powerful. I really enjoy it. It is miles better than his first performance, which I have already forgotten. Randy loved that he can really (3x really) sing. Kara thought it was stunning. Paula thought he left everyone breathless. Simon thought it was a vocal master class.
Kris Allen sings "Heartless" and comes out alone with his guitar and totally nails the performance. I will have this song downloaded on i-tunes before I get off of this computer. I like it SO much better than Kanye's version. I love Kris' way of story telling through music, and he was totally relaxed and true to himself for this performance. Randy liked it better than Kanye's and the Fray's versions. Kara thought it was brave and perfect. Paula said he sang a song about Simon, and then she just said Bravo. Simon had written him off after "Apologize", but all that changed after this performance. Is it me or is Ryan treating Kris like he has already been kicked off the show?
Adam finishes the night with "Cryin" and does his rock, screaming thing. I have to admit, this song suits him 1000 x better than the U2 song, because no one is more over the top than Stephen Tyler. He has a great vocal and an even better performance. He is a natural and he has never had a moment on stage where he wasn't sure of himself and 100% on, even when the arrangements and the deliveries weren't always my thing. Randy thought he was one of the best ever to grace the idol stage. Kara wondered how he hit those notes and still can talk the next day. Paula thought he would have frequent flyer miles from how high in the sky he was. (Dad covers his face with a blanket at this point, he just can't stand one more Paula analogy). Simon said that he deserves to be in the final, so don't assume he will get there, call and vote.
I don't have a clue who goes home tomorrow. These guys each have completely unique gifts to offer, and I won't be surprised if the top four from this group all have a great future. My personal favorite of the night, Kris' Heartless. My least favorite of the night, Danny's "Dance Little Sister" (can you believe it? In the semi finals of all things). Tune in tomorrow, it will be a heartbreaker at this point, no matter who goes home. That being said, I hope it is Danny that goes home.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rock Week
The theme this week is Rock week and the mentor is Slash. The contestants were able to jam at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip, and some you can tell right off are going to be more natural at this genre than others. Ryan also tells us that for the first time on Idol there will be duets this evening. I guess we will never be going back to an hour and a half, and there isn't quite enough time for them to each do two solos. Shame on you Idol, you have three guys, who gets bad luck of the draw to sing to another guy (I bet I know). Before I start I have to say that this genre was fine for me when I was in high school, but along with my big 80's hair I left this behind a long time ago. I am ambiguous about Slash, and as a mentor all I can really say is that I am happy at his age he is managing to keep his full head of hair. As far as helping the fab four, I am not sure his advice was as great as mentors from past weeks.
Adam Lambert "Whole Lotta Love"
Adam sounds just as good as Led Zepplin and he takes Slash's advice and doesn't sing too much in his higher register. This is a great classic Led Zepplin song and he totally nails it. He stays pretty close to the original, but his performance is strong and his vocal is perfect. Randy said that no one will think about Broadway after this performance,(this is true) and that he was a rock star. Kara one upped him and said Adam is a Rock God. Paula said (I just repeat it folks) that Adam was a whole lotta perfect. (sigh) Simon said it was his favorite of Adam's performances and that nobody would be able to top it.
Allison Iraheta "Cry Baby"
I first notice that she looks really pretty, and her hair (although half purple) looks much softer. She also looks thinner, but that could be the head to toe black. I think she sounds great and performs really well. She has such a similar voice to Janis Joplin's that it is hard for me to tell if she alters the song, but I do enjoy her performance. Randy didn't love the song choice. Kara thought she should have done a different Janis song. Paula thought she did a great job. Simon thought she looked confident and aside from being a little copy cat, she had a great vocal. Allison attempts to explain her song choice reasoning, and then Simon tells her to go ahead and beg.
After some banter, Ryan moves us toward duet number one. Big shock, it is Kris and Danny. They pick "Renegade", which is probably my least favorite Styx song.I guess this isn't exactly a duet, it is dueling solos with two lines of harmony. Who thought this was a good idea? From start to finish it is strange and doesn't sound great. The fact that they can sing in harmony does not help the overall oddness of the duet choice.
Randy liked the harmonies. Kara thought they had some pitchy moments separately but together they were strong.(?) Paula thought they were "powerful" and "compelling". Simon gets the giggles from this useless commentary and says what I am thinking-"I don't know what to say". In the end he says that Danny was better than Kris.
Kris Allen "Come Together"
I am not excited about the song choice, because it I am thinking if he picks Beatles, why not "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"? He proves me wrong right away, and sounds really good. He also looks very comfortable on stage, and he does manage to make the song sound like a Kris Allen song, which is not an easy thing to do. I end up really appreciating and enjoying the performance. Randy thought he still sounded like himself, loved the performance but not the song choice. Kara really didn't like the performance. Paula thought his artistic delivery was great. Simon didn't like it at all. He thought it was like eating ice for lunch (which in his house, this is apparently made with mineral water).
Danny Gokey "Dream On"
Slash thought that Danny was naturally gifted but that the final scream could go either way. Vocally, the song starts off well, but the performance feels forced and awkward. Three quarters of the way through he does some weird "doo doo doo" thing that totally does not work. Then the scream happens and guess what? It goes the wrong way. It really goes the wrong way. As in horrific. Randy said it was not perfect but A+ for trying? Kara thought he added too much swagger. Paula didn't think the song choice was the right one, but that she was a big fan. Simon said the last note was like a horror show but he still thought he would be safe. So how is this right? Kris has a flawless performance and gets raked over the coals and Danny goes down in flames and it is all about the effort?
Next was the duet with Adam and Allison and they pick, of all songs, "Slow Ride". Again, I think it is a dumb song choice with almost no melody, but these two are performing in their comfort zone, so they manage to pull it off. As intended, they are better than duet number one. Better as in they performed better and sang their song better, but would I ever want or need a repeat performance? That would be a big fat no. Why not Cheryl Crow and Kid Rock's rock ballad? It is still a rock song, and at least one that might have been an I-tunes download favorite.
I think it is a shame, because Kris Allen is a hugely talented kid who had one pretty good performance, and it felt like he was set up to go home tonight. I felt that Kris was as uncomfortable as Danny was with this genre, but completely overcame it in his solo where Danny fell flat.
Because of the way the night went down I think Danny and Kris will be in the bottom with Kris going home. I had really hoped for a Kris, Adam finish but I have a feeling that this might not happen. Oh well, Chris Daughtry knows a thing or two about being number four, and look what he has done with it. By the way, tune in tomorrow to see him live....
Adam Lambert "Whole Lotta Love"
Adam sounds just as good as Led Zepplin and he takes Slash's advice and doesn't sing too much in his higher register. This is a great classic Led Zepplin song and he totally nails it. He stays pretty close to the original, but his performance is strong and his vocal is perfect. Randy said that no one will think about Broadway after this performance,(this is true) and that he was a rock star. Kara one upped him and said Adam is a Rock God. Paula said (I just repeat it folks) that Adam was a whole lotta perfect. (sigh) Simon said it was his favorite of Adam's performances and that nobody would be able to top it.
Allison Iraheta "Cry Baby"
I first notice that she looks really pretty, and her hair (although half purple) looks much softer. She also looks thinner, but that could be the head to toe black. I think she sounds great and performs really well. She has such a similar voice to Janis Joplin's that it is hard for me to tell if she alters the song, but I do enjoy her performance. Randy didn't love the song choice. Kara thought she should have done a different Janis song. Paula thought she did a great job. Simon thought she looked confident and aside from being a little copy cat, she had a great vocal. Allison attempts to explain her song choice reasoning, and then Simon tells her to go ahead and beg.
After some banter, Ryan moves us toward duet number one. Big shock, it is Kris and Danny. They pick "Renegade", which is probably my least favorite Styx song.I guess this isn't exactly a duet, it is dueling solos with two lines of harmony. Who thought this was a good idea? From start to finish it is strange and doesn't sound great. The fact that they can sing in harmony does not help the overall oddness of the duet choice.
Randy liked the harmonies. Kara thought they had some pitchy moments separately but together they were strong.(?) Paula thought they were "powerful" and "compelling". Simon gets the giggles from this useless commentary and says what I am thinking-"I don't know what to say". In the end he says that Danny was better than Kris.
Kris Allen "Come Together"
I am not excited about the song choice, because it I am thinking if he picks Beatles, why not "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"? He proves me wrong right away, and sounds really good. He also looks very comfortable on stage, and he does manage to make the song sound like a Kris Allen song, which is not an easy thing to do. I end up really appreciating and enjoying the performance. Randy thought he still sounded like himself, loved the performance but not the song choice. Kara really didn't like the performance. Paula thought his artistic delivery was great. Simon didn't like it at all. He thought it was like eating ice for lunch (which in his house, this is apparently made with mineral water).
Danny Gokey "Dream On"
Slash thought that Danny was naturally gifted but that the final scream could go either way. Vocally, the song starts off well, but the performance feels forced and awkward. Three quarters of the way through he does some weird "doo doo doo" thing that totally does not work. Then the scream happens and guess what? It goes the wrong way. It really goes the wrong way. As in horrific. Randy said it was not perfect but A+ for trying? Kara thought he added too much swagger. Paula didn't think the song choice was the right one, but that she was a big fan. Simon said the last note was like a horror show but he still thought he would be safe. So how is this right? Kris has a flawless performance and gets raked over the coals and Danny goes down in flames and it is all about the effort?
Next was the duet with Adam and Allison and they pick, of all songs, "Slow Ride". Again, I think it is a dumb song choice with almost no melody, but these two are performing in their comfort zone, so they manage to pull it off. As intended, they are better than duet number one. Better as in they performed better and sang their song better, but would I ever want or need a repeat performance? That would be a big fat no. Why not Cheryl Crow and Kid Rock's rock ballad? It is still a rock song, and at least one that might have been an I-tunes download favorite.
I think it is a shame, because Kris Allen is a hugely talented kid who had one pretty good performance, and it felt like he was set up to go home tonight. I felt that Kris was as uncomfortable as Danny was with this genre, but completely overcame it in his solo where Danny fell flat.
Because of the way the night went down I think Danny and Kris will be in the bottom with Kris going home. I had really hoped for a Kris, Adam finish but I have a feeling that this might not happen. Oh well, Chris Daughtry knows a thing or two about being number four, and look what he has done with it. By the way, tune in tomorrow to see him live....
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