Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Quentin Tarantino as a mentor? But 24 and FNL first!

Before I head into tonight's Idol news, let me say a few words about this season of 24. IT IS AWESOME. So much tension that I sit on the edge of my seat every episode. And last night's episode was beyond. Tears at Jack Bauer's reunion with his daughter who for the first time ever was not annoying, just genuine and necessary. And I won't give away the plot twist in case some have it saved on DVR, but WOW. I don't know how they weave these things together, but the writers have really turned it up a notch this season. Amazing.


And let's discuss Friday Night Lights which ended its season last Friday. This season was full of so much heart and soul and the characters are so real, flaws and all. Coach Taylor having to fight for his job using words which so often fail him, but then delivering a speech to his team that pierced through the heart. Tammy, his wife, having to deliver bad news to her husband with just a look. Matt Saracen deliberating over moving on with life or sticking by his grandmother, the one person who had stood by him. Tyra finally realizing that good things can come her way. Lyla choosing to stick by her dreams and not settle despite everything. And Riggins. Riggins delivering some of the funniest moments of the episode by questioning whether college, which never seemed a choice for him, was the path for him. "Where is my me time?" is how he put it although he has lived his whole life as me time. And then Riggins being able to look back on his football journey with pride even without victory. A quintessential episode of an amazing season. Happy to know that they are on for two more. Anyone who has not watched this show - please buy the DVDs -- share them with friends, make it worth the price. It is so fulfilling.


Okay, having said all that, let's move on to tonight's episode. The top 7 sing songs from the cinema and are mentored by Quentin Tarantino -- seriously? I wanna see what advice he gives...So it starts off with a chuckle as Ryan cedes his opening line to Quentin -- This is American Idol delivered by QT, hysterical.


In order to not go over, the judges will take turns commenting -- that is unfortunate because I like to hear Simon's delivery. Isn't the show worth taking an extra 30 minutes of air time? God knows they take that extra time on results night. Stevie is there from the E Street Band! Let's talk about the intro to QT -- you know he made his own opening movie. He loves himself.


Allison -- "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" A lot of Idol contestants have done this, most recently David Cook last season. I'm scared that she got put first since she has been in the bottom before. I think this is a little too hard - she should have picked something else. I felt like she was punching every note. Simon said she is the girl's only hope to win this competition. Paula and Simon like her! I don't want her to go, but this wasn't a winning rendition. VOTE to keep in


Anoop -- "Everything I Do, I Do For You" I had the same concern that Quentin did, was the song too soft for Anoop that they would forget him before the end of the episode? But no, his voice sounds SO GOOD tonight. I'm swooning a little bit. I admit, I used to dream that some guy would sing this to me. I think it was this guy Merle when I was in 9th grade. This was my favorite performance of his. LOVED IT. Even with his sweaty upper lip. Randy and Kara thought it was genuine and heartfelt. I just saw the sleeves of his jacket, though and they are weird bomber jacket sleeves on a blazer? Whatever. VOTE


Adam -- "Born to be Wild" I'll say it again. This guy is talented, Robert Plant reborn and he definitely changes things up. He sings effortlessly and it is a true gift and he performs with such energy. Despite these things, I still don't care. Is it just me? Please let me know if anyone out there feels the same way as me?? Obviously not the audience who was freaking out. I don't care if he is gay or straight, he is just not my type. Totally agreed with Simon that vocally it was incredible, but the performance was a bit like watching Rocky Horror. There is someone in the audience who is seriously screaming like crazy. I want to see what she looks like. OK

Matt -- "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" This song kind of annoys me, so I'm curious to see what he does. Loved the opening, but the cheesiness of the song does come out when the orchestra joins in. I usually like his tone, but yikes, his voice did not hold up at all - major crackage. Nice effort, but not fantastic by any means. It is hysterical to pair Randy with Kara for criticism - she has a lot to say. OK, but I am scared for him. He is so inconsistent.


Danny -- "Endless Love" Love QT's advice for him to not use his hands. Danny did not totally listen. I wish he was wearing a black suit. I love his voice. The grovel is so good. I wanted another moment, but I really liked it. Simon put it well that he did a traditional version of the song which was a little disappointing. I think the judges want him to do well, but it is true that he hasn't shown real originality which is now very important to win. Season 1,2 or 3, he would already have won, but this is just not enough anymore... VOTE to stay in


Kris -- "Falling Slowly" This song is from the movie ONCE which is one of my favorites. I am now going to write in all caps to express my thoughts...I LOVED THIS SO ****ING MUCH. IT WAS A GENUINE MOMENT AND RELEVANT AND MODERN AND COOL AND I LOVED IT. GAVE ME CHILLS. LOVED IT, LOVED IT AND I HAVE ALREADY RE-WATCHED IT THREE TIMES IN THE LAST FIVE MINUTES. No it was not spot on, but that is actually okay for this song, because it is raw and full of emotion. Kris has moved up on my list. Randy, for me for you, I don't care what you thought. It was awesome. Kara, totally got it -- one of his best performances ever. And one of my favorites of the season. VOTE!!!!!!


Lil -- "The Rose" Another one from my repertoire and they gave her the pimp spot...but she is on my list to go this week. I still think her voice is thin, not round like her butt. I just cracked myself up. Mary J came out midway through. The judges wanted this from her so she probably saved herself from elimination. I'm not drinking the kool aid, but I'm glad she redeemed herself a little. Seriously is someone coaching Paula? How did she know that Amanda McBroome wrote this song? Simon got his criticism dead on so I am going to repeat it "I think that you are getting this completely wrong. The song was too soft for you, it was too middle of the road. You had some nice moments in there but there's no excuses anymore, you are not the artist I believe we met seven or eight weeks ago. I'm getting frustrated..." Right on. BUH BYE for me.

So first let me give you the grades for this week, but also, I am going to then give you my personal overall rankings for the season because I need to analyze and you can't tell me not to.

Allison -- B+
Anoop -- A-
Adam -- B
Matt -- C+
Danny -- B
Kris -- A
Lil -- C

Lil, Matt and Danny should be in the bottom 3 and either Lil or Matt will go.

Overall, here is my ranking for the season : Adam (not my fave, but he delivers), Kris (he is moving on up!!), Danny, Allison, Anoop, Matt, Lil.

Looking forward to Jennifer Hudson tomorrow night...going to listen to Kris again and I am admitting that, so remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

No comments: