So supposedly the girls are better than the guys which I think leaves an opportunity for the guys to blow us away. Umm, maybe not, but some of them, did their job.
Todrick Hall -- He led it off with an unrecognizable, barely sung version of Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone. I was impressed by his cajones (sp?), but he didn't sing, the dancer just danced around it.
Aaron Hall -- The young kid sang a great Rascal Flatts song. Idol would love another country star (Carrie, Kelli Pickler, even Bucky Covington to some degree are selling lots of records). This dweeb is not going to do it. He took on one of the most unique yet weirdly unbelievable voices in all music by doing Rascal Flatts. As a country fan, it made me angry.
Jermaine Sellars -- God this brought me back. I sang Get Here by Oleta Adams so many times, and damn it, I was good at it. This was not good. He took the make it your own and unique vibe from last night too far. I like this guy, but it wasn't very good.
Tim Urban -- He didn't actually make it to the Top 24, but there was a guy who made it to Top 24 who's Mom worked for the St Petersburg paper, who's Dad leaked it to the paper, so the guy was kicked off. So Tim got another shot -- why him over James Purifory who did so well in the auditions (he did the Joan Osbourne redo) I don't get, but they know they make money off of country, so maybe Tim Urban could be Keith Urban. Yeah, not so much. I think his chances are shot after Simon said he shouldn't have been brought back. Yikes. Umm What is adorable about hair that is plastered to his head?
Let me step in and say that Ellen is skating on thin ice -- for a comedian who should be able to speak off the top of her head, she is failing in her critiques. She needs to be a clear voice, not a stutterer. I still believe in her, but we'll see if she can hold her own.
Joe Munoz -- I don't remember him at all. He sings Jason Mraz which shows his ease, but it is forgettable. He got his groove by the end, and the judges like his groove a little but they don't like much tonight.
Tyler Grady -- The wannabe 70s icon sings the 70s song American Woman. This is my least favorite genre, the hippie rocker, but then he let it rock and I thought there was a shot, ugggh, changed my mind. I might not like any of the guys (my twos faves have yet to perform so I have not given up all hope). He sucks.
Lee Dewyze -- Barely saw him before, but from the opening montage, this kid is genuine. And then he sings Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars? Everyone knows it, as it was sung. And he got me right away. A raw, acoustic voice, genuine. Not perfect at all, but real. And he made it his own and I swear if these judges crucify him I will lose it. None of the ones before him should make it through. I love him. His performance proves that 45 seconds or whatever they each get can make an impact. Style and Substance. I can't take the judges right now. Shut up Ellen. Shut up Randy. Shut up Kara. YES SIMON. This is why I will miss Simon. He is "naturally good singer." Thank you Simon. YES. Best so far by a mile or ten miles.
John Park -- Loved his video package and him fawning over Shania (who is due for a great comeback, by the way). And then I fell asleep. God Bless the Child, which meant something to him but did not get translated. This was where I appreciated Ellen's audience voice because I agree that he is someone that hopefully can stick around another week and make it better.
Michael Lynch -- I don't love this guy's voice, but his energy is contagious. And the big guy with the little looking guitar is interesting compared to what we have seen. He needs to prove his vocal chops to match that personality. The judges played into that to keep him. Simon was right on that he needs to sing it, nail it.
Alex Lambert -- Love that he dissed Mary Powers. He needs to move on just because of that. Ummm I take that back. It's A Wonderful World karaoke style. No. No. No. I can't feel it's a wonderful world either. I want to forward it. Here with me, ee. Ouch. Simon thinks he has a good voice but his nerves fought him. I hope for him this is the case. The judges really love him and are pulling for him. Ellen loves that he is holding on the mullet and not letting it go. She needs more of those quips. Wow, he has never sang in front of people -- that is mind blowing. I have sang in front of people more than him (and I always think I need to write the words on my hand which is why I love karaoke). So maybe it was nerves, we'll see.
Casey James -- Look the guy is good looking and he smiled throughout his piece because Kara was being flapped around by the judges. There was a lot of frivolity but I'm glad that after it all, the judges boiled it down to the simple truth. The guy has a personality (and is hot), but he can SING. I actually didn't love the song choice because he didn't get to be serious with it (not his fault). Did anyone else notice the Eddie Vedder quality in his voice? Would love for him to do Pearl Jam, but he probably can't get the rights to it. Coolness.
Andrew Garcia -- This guy is being faulted bacuse he was so original earlier on that he can't keep up with himself. That is bs. I thought he picked a modern song, changed it up, played it coustically, sang well and performed better than maybe 2 others tonight. They act like he was the biggest disaapontment. Can we roll it back to Jermaine or Todd or Tim? Really? They should have supported the fact that he can sing and be original and even if tonight was his best moment, it was far and away superior to 10 out of the 12 so far. Go Andrew - -you were my favorite and I voted to make sure you stay in.
My favorites of the night, Lee, Casey and Andrew. Todd Hall and Tim Urban need to go (I would be fine with Tyler going, but at least he has a personality).
Oh my gosh these blogging sessions are tiring me out - I need someone to just write down what I say as I watch. Typing is too hard! Good night and remember...
Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Top 12 Girls
So the word so far is this is the year for the girls, or at least that's what Simon says. Well then why does it need to go down to 6 girls and 6 guys? Based on a quick overview of the lineup, I think there are more than 6 great girls. But, you know, let's see how it rolls.
First of all, psyched to see the order of the judges. Ellen, Randy, Kara and then Simon. Ellen's explanation of why she moved away from Simon, hysterical. So much better than Simon and Ryan bantering back and forth with hidden gay innuendos.
First up, Paige Miles -- I don't remember her from auditions. She sings It's Alright which I think David Cook sang during his season. I like that she went rock over diva and she sang pretty well, and was confident, but no star quality.
Next up, Ashley Rodriguez -- I liked her from auditions, but then they replayed how she said she is really into Jordin Sparks and how she sang Battlefield at her first audition and I kind of couldn't. Really, of all the artists in the world you choose to hero Jordin Sparks? I mean, I sang Battlefield all summer to myself, but really? And then she chose to sing a Leona Lewis song? Her repertoire goes back to 2009. No star appeal at all.
Can we talk about the hysterical Old Spice commercial? I actually stop my DVR to watch it -- one of the best commercials I have seen in years.
Next up Janell Wheeler -- I really liked her Hollywood Week audition to Estelle acoustic on guitar. I agreed with Ellen that I really like What About Love by Heart and got psyched just because she was singing it. But the other judges are just pushing originality, originality, originality. So the real way to get through is to change up a song. Well then maybe they should just be singing original songs? Let's see if someone in this group can be a David Cook and really be original every time, but those are hard footsteps to follow in. Maybe if someone can just really sing well the judges will be okay.
Lilly Scott -- platinum rebel. Fixing a Hole by the Beatles. She brings out her guitar. She is original because I don't even know this song. But since I'm typing as I write, maybe I don't care. I'm not a fan of the rebel, so we'll see if she can win me over. Song was boring, but she sang okay. And the judges have found their original. I think she is credible, but I'm not won over, once again agree with Simon.
Katelyn Epperly -- I felt this was original but still catchy. Oh Darling. She has an original quality but also a big great voice and I totally agreed with Ellen that she could have been pushing it, but she may be this. I like that Simon didn't quite know what to do with her, but he liked her. Best so far.
Haeley Vaughn -- Oh, she is annoying in her video package. She got her nose pierced! Whatever. Played the guitar, I wanna Hold Your Hand. I don't even recognize it. She likes to wail and add some country. She is gonna get ripped for all the runs and losing the original melody. But she has something there that needs to still be seen, she isn't done. The judges agreed that she is a little all over the place. I'm not ready to get rid of her yet.
Lacey Brown -- Wow, that was bad. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac which I love. I feel like maybe she was screwed by the background singer of the band? Even the Top 12 guys in the audience looked over to them like something was wrong. Yikes, maybe she can do better, but I don't think she will get the chance.
Michelle Delamour -- Don't remember her from auditions either. Fallen by Alicia Keys, that is already a problem for me. But she starts okay. But didn't anyone watch the past seasons? The Alicia Keys wannabes just never make it. We all know every run by heart, so changing it up is too much. At least she showed she can sing. No wow moment as Simon said. Agree with Kara that if she wants to fill that diva role, she needs to hit it every time.
Didi Benami -- Loved her Kara song in Hollywood week. I am really hoping big things for her. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson, but she changed it up. God I love her voice. Such confidence. I loved it. Simon criticized that too many people are trying to sound like Adele and Duffy -- well you guys picked all of them! Kara got that she changed it up. I think her voice is enough to carry her along. They thought it was sleepy. I hope America sees her value.
Siobhan Magnus -- Saw very little of her before. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. This girl is a little twisted. The backup singers made it cheesy but her voice is actually interesting. But she might jump off a bridge soon. Wow, I'm torn. Judges thought she might have been too dark. Worthy of staying.
Crystal Bowersox -- The one I was most anticipating. I thought the Alanis was safe, but I really like this girl. I agree with Simon that she needs to not do songs by singers like her, but step out of that box just so everyone can appreciate her more, but I am so glad to not hear another diva wannabe. She is so smart and cool.
Katie Stevens -- Prime end spot - always a big deal. Grandma with Alzheimer's -- we can't hear this every episode. Yikes, was that mean? Feelin' Good by Michael Buble. I had no idea this was a Michael Buble song! She is sultry and strong and sixteen! Nicely done. She is going to go far. Ahh and Ellen and Simon cut her down for singing too old. That is who she is -- she has always sang that way. I need to rewatch this, Kara said she was pitchy? I missed something. Okay, rewatching. She is going for it and isn't hitting it in the middle of each run, but I thought it was right on.
So, Katelynn won it for me tonight, and I also loved Crystal, Katie, Didi and Siobhan. Lacey, Michelle, or Ashley can go. We are really in it! So psyched to have Idol back in and so far, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life and I'm feeling good!
They messed up showing the recaps with idol numbers and poor Paige lost her voice.
Good night and don't forget, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
First of all, psyched to see the order of the judges. Ellen, Randy, Kara and then Simon. Ellen's explanation of why she moved away from Simon, hysterical. So much better than Simon and Ryan bantering back and forth with hidden gay innuendos.
First up, Paige Miles -- I don't remember her from auditions. She sings It's Alright which I think David Cook sang during his season. I like that she went rock over diva and she sang pretty well, and was confident, but no star quality.
Next up, Ashley Rodriguez -- I liked her from auditions, but then they replayed how she said she is really into Jordin Sparks and how she sang Battlefield at her first audition and I kind of couldn't. Really, of all the artists in the world you choose to hero Jordin Sparks? I mean, I sang Battlefield all summer to myself, but really? And then she chose to sing a Leona Lewis song? Her repertoire goes back to 2009. No star appeal at all.
Can we talk about the hysterical Old Spice commercial? I actually stop my DVR to watch it -- one of the best commercials I have seen in years.
Next up Janell Wheeler -- I really liked her Hollywood Week audition to Estelle acoustic on guitar. I agreed with Ellen that I really like What About Love by Heart and got psyched just because she was singing it. But the other judges are just pushing originality, originality, originality. So the real way to get through is to change up a song. Well then maybe they should just be singing original songs? Let's see if someone in this group can be a David Cook and really be original every time, but those are hard footsteps to follow in. Maybe if someone can just really sing well the judges will be okay.
Lilly Scott -- platinum rebel. Fixing a Hole by the Beatles. She brings out her guitar. She is original because I don't even know this song. But since I'm typing as I write, maybe I don't care. I'm not a fan of the rebel, so we'll see if she can win me over. Song was boring, but she sang okay. And the judges have found their original. I think she is credible, but I'm not won over, once again agree with Simon.
Katelyn Epperly -- I felt this was original but still catchy. Oh Darling. She has an original quality but also a big great voice and I totally agreed with Ellen that she could have been pushing it, but she may be this. I like that Simon didn't quite know what to do with her, but he liked her. Best so far.
Haeley Vaughn -- Oh, she is annoying in her video package. She got her nose pierced! Whatever. Played the guitar, I wanna Hold Your Hand. I don't even recognize it. She likes to wail and add some country. She is gonna get ripped for all the runs and losing the original melody. But she has something there that needs to still be seen, she isn't done. The judges agreed that she is a little all over the place. I'm not ready to get rid of her yet.
Lacey Brown -- Wow, that was bad. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac which I love. I feel like maybe she was screwed by the background singer of the band? Even the Top 12 guys in the audience looked over to them like something was wrong. Yikes, maybe she can do better, but I don't think she will get the chance.
Michelle Delamour -- Don't remember her from auditions either. Fallen by Alicia Keys, that is already a problem for me. But she starts okay. But didn't anyone watch the past seasons? The Alicia Keys wannabes just never make it. We all know every run by heart, so changing it up is too much. At least she showed she can sing. No wow moment as Simon said. Agree with Kara that if she wants to fill that diva role, she needs to hit it every time.
Didi Benami -- Loved her Kara song in Hollywood week. I am really hoping big things for her. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson, but she changed it up. God I love her voice. Such confidence. I loved it. Simon criticized that too many people are trying to sound like Adele and Duffy -- well you guys picked all of them! Kara got that she changed it up. I think her voice is enough to carry her along. They thought it was sleepy. I hope America sees her value.
Siobhan Magnus -- Saw very little of her before. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. This girl is a little twisted. The backup singers made it cheesy but her voice is actually interesting. But she might jump off a bridge soon. Wow, I'm torn. Judges thought she might have been too dark. Worthy of staying.
Crystal Bowersox -- The one I was most anticipating. I thought the Alanis was safe, but I really like this girl. I agree with Simon that she needs to not do songs by singers like her, but step out of that box just so everyone can appreciate her more, but I am so glad to not hear another diva wannabe. She is so smart and cool.
Katie Stevens -- Prime end spot - always a big deal. Grandma with Alzheimer's -- we can't hear this every episode. Yikes, was that mean? Feelin' Good by Michael Buble. I had no idea this was a Michael Buble song! She is sultry and strong and sixteen! Nicely done. She is going to go far. Ahh and Ellen and Simon cut her down for singing too old. That is who she is -- she has always sang that way. I need to rewatch this, Kara said she was pitchy? I missed something. Okay, rewatching. She is going for it and isn't hitting it in the middle of each run, but I thought it was right on.
So, Katelynn won it for me tonight, and I also loved Crystal, Katie, Didi and Siobhan. Lacey, Michelle, or Ashley can go. We are really in it! So psyched to have Idol back in and so far, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life and I'm feeling good!
They messed up showing the recaps with idol numbers and poor Paige lost her voice.
Good night and don't forget, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hollywood Week!
Of course I have to start by talking about Ellen. After 2 hours, I'm convinced. First the starting line she said to SImon, "So this is how it goes, I come on and you leave?" Direct, funny yet serious and you believe her - well spoken and no drama. When she took the line-up and made them all switch from front to back to side, and then the whole group went through? Funny and we need that levity. But her comments so far were real, normal, and she showed she is taking this seriously.
Second note -- this is the season of the singer songwriter which means, I AM GOING TO LOVE THIS SEASON. Not a battle of divas which can be fun, but also tiring. Not a battle of personalities or atleast not so far from what I can tell, so Soul Patrol and Glambert won't suck up my TV time.
Highlights from the individual line-ups that we heard:
Andrew Garcia -- The father who sang Paula Abdul's Straight Up in a folky Jason Mraz way. Like that they still reference Paula without a blink. Good -- she was an important part for 8 years, she should be acknowledged.
Janell Wheeler -- Orlando girl with guitar - folky guitar version of American Boy.
Haeley Vaughn -- Amazing girl with the guitar who had sung country in audition now did another pop country song
Mary Powers -- Mother who sang Sober by Pink. She looks too old for this, but great strong voice. ( I will come to hate her after group auditions)
Lilly Scott -- Ella Fitzgerald whose voice already sounds like it is on a record. It didn't sound live! That Zooey Deschanel style.
Michael Lynch -- Sang John Mayer, his wife is in labor. The crowd sang back-up.
Was sad to see Justin Williams the cancer survivor / crooner go -- it sounds like he didn't pick a good audition song.
Maddy Curtis with the Down's Syndrome brothers sang the weirdest slow song ever so lesson learned for her. Sad :(
Casey James -- who had to take his shirt off, played a blues guitar song. I loved his skill.
Didi Benami -- sang Kara's Terrified. AMAZING -- voice that is interesting and fresh and fun - a little Colbie Caillat inspired, but with a better song. Simon likes Kara's song, he is funny.
Crystal Bowersox -- Natural Woman, got the tattoo of her son. The crowd did the backup again. Such a big gorgeous voice. Simon called her infectious - she had me jumping up.
NOW, the group round begins. This is one of my least favorite moments -- lots of drama and considering they never need to compete together in the competition, is this the best way to judge them? Hopefully the really good ones above still make it through despite the people in their groups.
They find their own groups and pick their songs so fate is in their hands. I know the judges don't see these interactions, but some of these, like Mary Powers, are done in my book. And the dreaded words issue rises again. I also like that the vocal coaches were so intense. Okay, a tear did come to my eyes as Big Mike's wife had the baby and he heard her cry. I'm a sucker for that.
Group highlights:
Ashley Rodriguez who sang Irreplaceable in the groups with the blonde Charity Vance - both through
Big Mike Lynch sings Get Ready with Tim Urban who seems to always slow it down. They both get through.
The groups fighting over Bad Romance were retarded. I thought the first group was not very good but they all got through. The group that was better in rehearsal did a tacky rendition but they got through too. Can we talk about Theri in the one-shouldered leather number with her purple hair hanging over her eyes? She needs to go stat.
Then the Denver nerd group goes on - The Mighty Rangers? They forgot the words and the nerdy guy started to cry. Waah.
Now the group with the girl who went against Meghan Joy last time. They lost a member -- those 85 people who got sent home must be so pissed! She got through and decides not to sing in the group? Jermaine Sellars who had done the Joan Osborne in the first audition blew it out of the water! The whiny girl did not make it through, good riddance. After all her advice, she forgot the words.
So psyched to see Matt Morris who had been in jail. WHY would he pick Sweet Escape for their group? Ugggh these people are so dumb for picking that song!
Janell Wheeler again blew it out of the water in the group with Casey James. And Andrew Garcia hits it with Katie Stevens and JB Afua with Alicia Keys.
I wish we could just watch each group and see what happens in the judging -- Hollywood Week actual singing could be a lot longer without all the group drama. Now here is Mary Powers who has gotten the most airtime out of anyone. She looks 75 years old. She gets through so now we will have to watch her again. Arrgggh
Only 25 got cut in this round. Next week is my favorite -- each takes the stage -- remember when David Cook blew us away? Danny Gokey? Kris Allen?
Now I'm officially excited - aren't you? There are some incredible voices so far! I will try to blog properly next week but Fashion Week has taken over my life. Please don't be angry, you know I'm with you in spirit and I'll definitely give you some blogging love before the Top 24 hit the stage.
Listen people, I'm exhausted and I can still tell you not to be ashamed of your obsessions...even when you should be sleeping instead of blogging.
Second note -- this is the season of the singer songwriter which means, I AM GOING TO LOVE THIS SEASON. Not a battle of divas which can be fun, but also tiring. Not a battle of personalities or atleast not so far from what I can tell, so Soul Patrol and Glambert won't suck up my TV time.
Highlights from the individual line-ups that we heard:
Andrew Garcia -- The father who sang Paula Abdul's Straight Up in a folky Jason Mraz way. Like that they still reference Paula without a blink. Good -- she was an important part for 8 years, she should be acknowledged.
Janell Wheeler -- Orlando girl with guitar - folky guitar version of American Boy.
Haeley Vaughn -- Amazing girl with the guitar who had sung country in audition now did another pop country song
Mary Powers -- Mother who sang Sober by Pink. She looks too old for this, but great strong voice. ( I will come to hate her after group auditions)
Lilly Scott -- Ella Fitzgerald whose voice already sounds like it is on a record. It didn't sound live! That Zooey Deschanel style.
Michael Lynch -- Sang John Mayer, his wife is in labor. The crowd sang back-up.
Was sad to see Justin Williams the cancer survivor / crooner go -- it sounds like he didn't pick a good audition song.
Maddy Curtis with the Down's Syndrome brothers sang the weirdest slow song ever so lesson learned for her. Sad :(
Casey James -- who had to take his shirt off, played a blues guitar song. I loved his skill.
Didi Benami -- sang Kara's Terrified. AMAZING -- voice that is interesting and fresh and fun - a little Colbie Caillat inspired, but with a better song. Simon likes Kara's song, he is funny.
Crystal Bowersox -- Natural Woman, got the tattoo of her son. The crowd did the backup again. Such a big gorgeous voice. Simon called her infectious - she had me jumping up.
NOW, the group round begins. This is one of my least favorite moments -- lots of drama and considering they never need to compete together in the competition, is this the best way to judge them? Hopefully the really good ones above still make it through despite the people in their groups.
They find their own groups and pick their songs so fate is in their hands. I know the judges don't see these interactions, but some of these, like Mary Powers, are done in my book. And the dreaded words issue rises again. I also like that the vocal coaches were so intense. Okay, a tear did come to my eyes as Big Mike's wife had the baby and he heard her cry. I'm a sucker for that.
Group highlights:
Ashley Rodriguez who sang Irreplaceable in the groups with the blonde Charity Vance - both through
Big Mike Lynch sings Get Ready with Tim Urban who seems to always slow it down. They both get through.
The groups fighting over Bad Romance were retarded. I thought the first group was not very good but they all got through. The group that was better in rehearsal did a tacky rendition but they got through too. Can we talk about Theri in the one-shouldered leather number with her purple hair hanging over her eyes? She needs to go stat.
Then the Denver nerd group goes on - The Mighty Rangers? They forgot the words and the nerdy guy started to cry. Waah.
Now the group with the girl who went against Meghan Joy last time. They lost a member -- those 85 people who got sent home must be so pissed! She got through and decides not to sing in the group? Jermaine Sellars who had done the Joan Osborne in the first audition blew it out of the water! The whiny girl did not make it through, good riddance. After all her advice, she forgot the words.
So psyched to see Matt Morris who had been in jail. WHY would he pick Sweet Escape for their group? Ugggh these people are so dumb for picking that song!
Janell Wheeler again blew it out of the water in the group with Casey James. And Andrew Garcia hits it with Katie Stevens and JB Afua with Alicia Keys.
I wish we could just watch each group and see what happens in the judging -- Hollywood Week actual singing could be a lot longer without all the group drama. Now here is Mary Powers who has gotten the most airtime out of anyone. She looks 75 years old. She gets through so now we will have to watch her again. Arrgggh
Only 25 got cut in this round. Next week is my favorite -- each takes the stage -- remember when David Cook blew us away? Danny Gokey? Kris Allen?
Now I'm officially excited - aren't you? There are some incredible voices so far! I will try to blog properly next week but Fashion Week has taken over my life. Please don't be angry, you know I'm with you in spirit and I'll definitely give you some blogging love before the Top 24 hit the stage.
Listen people, I'm exhausted and I can still tell you not to be ashamed of your obsessions...even when you should be sleeping instead of blogging.
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