First let me start by saying that for me tonight was a real night of American Idols. I just spent 4 hours in the new Meadowlands Stadium -- first night anyone had been in there for an event. Today they announced that we had won the bid for the 2014 Superbowl -- first time ever I believe. Bon Jovi performed to open the stadium. Train opened - amazing. Then JBJ and Richie, Tico and David came out for 2 and a half hours. These guys know how to please a crowd. And knowing their history -- original Jersey boys who had a small dream that grew into a bigger dream that became history, it was amazing. Over 50,000 people filled a stadium in Jersey and sang along loud and proud for the WHOLE night. Fireworks, energy of people, in an open air stadium. It was beautiful. He was beautiful. We were beautiful. Jersey, the Jovi and me and my best friends. Amazing.
Back to NYC and the Idol finale. Tonight is historical for another reason. It is Simon Cowell's farewell to American Idol. Randy did not boo tonight when Simon was introduced. He stood up and cheered. Ryan opened explaining that going into the finale Lee and Crystal were only separated by 2% of votes. Wow. Lee and Crystal joined him and got to see the crowds in their hometowns. What a moment. Top 12 came out in prep school uniforms (Ed, did you notice? We are so on target for someone's Sept celebration!) Opened with a bang with Alice Cooper singing School's Out for Summer. In the audience - -Carrie with fiance Mike Fisher, Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks (wow I thought they had diswowned him), Jordin Sparks.
Idol finally acknowledged last season's winner Kris Allen who got to perform The Truth. The judges mics were on over him. I like his current single Live Like We're Dying. Not the best song ever, but it has really gotten to me. This one proved a singer songwriter type can deliver a song. Not the best, but well done.
Tribute to Simon's professionalism. Funny old clips with commentary. Sad how many of those moments I have seen.
Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly perform How Deep Is You Love by the BeeGees. She did her weird slow soft voice in harmony with Aaron. No question she was probably the best singer this season, but her style was a whole different story. Then the real BeeGees came out! Or the BeeGees who are still alive. They all sang together. So weird and dated.
Blake Lewis and Matt Giraud in the audience.
Michael Lynch came out to sing Taking It to the Streets and then Michael McDonald joined him. Taylor Hicks must have been kicking himself -- that was his Idol!
Dane Cook came out and did a weird song compilation of Simon's insults -- note Ellen did not think it was funny at all. Then he was joined by past Idol audition freaks and one of them went crazy and they cut to commercial. Bad but fast.
Top 12 girls -- Lacey, Didi, Katie, Paige, Siobhan come out singing Christina Aguilera's Beautiful -- not a good choice considering Mercedes's Glee version. But of course Crystal can sing it. Then into Christina's Fighter. Much better. Katie was actually really good. Even Paige redeemed herself. I think I know who is coming out next...Christina!!! And she blows them out of the water. Step back Top 12 girls - -you are now background singers. I would have been psyched to see this in person. Christina solos a new song. Gorgeous, gorgeous vocal.
Ricky Gervais comes on via satellite praising Simon and making fun of how much money Simon makes -- funny as always.
Lee comes out singing Hall and Oates. Andrew, Casey ,Michael, Aaron and Tim join him. Wonder who is coming out next? Tim and Casey rock it, Aaron and Mike are so so. Hall and Oates come out with You Make My Dreams Come True. I love this song. I'm rocking and bopping along as we speak. Umm but I have no actual voice because I just tried to sing louder than all of Meadowlands Stadium for 3 hours. Good news for my neighbors.
Crystal comes out with Ironic by Alanis. Nice pairing her with Alanis. This is what Crystal could do commercially. And let me add that my karaoke version of You Oughta Know rocks. God Alanis has such an amazing voice. Crystal did so well with her. So cool.
All these stars have already performed as we hit one hour mark. Wow.
Carrie!!!!!!!!!!!!! With Undo It which is going to be a smash penned by Kara DioGuardi. Five years ago I sat in that audience when she was crowned winner of American Idol. God this is unbelievable. Carrie is gorgeous.
Casey sings Every Rose Has Its Thorns and Brett Michaels who just almost died of a brain hemorrhage comes out to sing with him. The song is a classic, but I would have stood up for Brett anyway. You gotta give him credit for fighting.
Lee comes out to do a Chicago medley with Chicago. I am a HUGE fan of Chicago. I know it is dated, but Lee as always puts a modern spin on it with his voice. God I wish Peter Cetera would come out. That would be crazy. But no it is the Peter wanna be. Come on I want some You're the Inspiration. Does Lee really know Chicago? I am 10 years older than him and I only know the old songs from my older sisters. He did really well! Cool.
Simon montage as the flirt. I am so glad they kept in all the Paula footage. Then the new footage of him and Ellen. Funny.
Larry Platt comes out with Pants on the Ground with dancers from So You Think You Can Dance. This was voted as most remembered performance of the season. Yes, probably right.
Oh my god, William Hung came out. Larry Platt was doing sit up teasers on the stage. So ridiculous but people do love those crazy auditions.
Paula Abdul came out to give a dedication to Simon. In her crazy loony way, which now I miss, she fumbled through her speech, and made it a point to call out the issues with her having left the show, but she genuinely does have a relationship with Cowell and I think it was real for her to have been there. And as she said from experience the show can go on without a certain judge. Is she Simon though? No. But as Simon said, he got to go out his way, on his terms and having made his mark. He is a superstar thanks to us watching this show but also thanks to him and this character he created. He thanked us (and me) for the best 10 years of his life.
Season 1 Winner Kelly (looking amazing) comes out followed by Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Jordin, Taylor, Kris. WHERE IS DAVID COOK???? Wow, the past seven winners singing "Together we are one". What amazing talent. What great singers. WOW WOW WOW. Now who is going to deny this show has created stars? COME ON! Then tons of other finalists join the group in their signature white. David Archuleta, Ace Young, Justin Guarini, Kimberly Caldwell, Michaela Gordon, Blake Lewis, Alison Iraheta, Melinda Doolittle, Constantine Maroulis, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice, Elliot Yamin, Chris something, Matt Giraud, this year's Top 12. Paula sat on Simon's lap to watch (and she stole some of his thunder, but knowing she is genuinely his friend makes it okay). He goes to the stage. "I didn't think I was going to be this emotional, but I genuinely am...You know what the truth is, when everyone asks, who's gonna replace me, who is gonna be the next judge? The truth is you guys (me) are the judge of this show and you've done an incredible job over the years." Well said Simon. Well said as always. He is right. We vote, we control who wins in the end. He has been there for entertainment and for me in particular to feel right about my critiques. Can the show go on? If people can sing, yes. It can. Will I cry over another judge leaving? No. Did I cry over Simon, yes. Am I over emotional after Bon Jovi? Yes. Is it late? Yes. Whew.
Top 12 on stage and then JANET JACKSON comes out. Love her short hair cut. Love the gown. She sings -- I don't feel like I have heard her sing without tons of backing tracks in so long. Quiet sweet voice. Not dynamic, but sweet. Then she changed into a catsuit number and performed Nasty Boys. I mean...so cool.
Back to the story of Crystal and Lee who both auditioned in Chicago. Idol clearly reminded us of the story of this show -- two ordinary people who make this journey to superstardom.
Nice duet of Lee and Crystal singing I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends -- I don't know the real title right now. Then Joe Cocker comes out. Crystal steals it from him. Oh no, Joe takes it back. I love these finales because it must be so cool for these contestants to be around and sing with all of these legends. Even past winners are legendary for them.
Okay before the winner is revealed, let me reiterate my thoughts on these two. First, these are the correct top 2. Second, Crystal has an amazing instrument. Third, Lee has a more commercial, modern voice and style. Lastly, for me, either can win, but Lee will be a bigger success. He is a person to root for, there is something in his personality that has touched me and I think millions of others. Crystal is such a talent and could win without question and would be deserving of it, but for me it is Lee.
Lee WINS (by the way, I have been right every single season with the exception of Ruben and Clay - I thought Clay would win). Lee is overwhelmed. Oh god, I hate to see Crystal's face, she is so good. What a genuine guy. He sings Beautiful Day. Better than last night. Lee Dewyze is the American Idol.
Another season is over. I have been honored to guide you through another season of pop culture ecstasy. I know, it wasn't the best season of this show, but we made someone's dreams come true, and in my mind, there can never be anything bad about that. Thank you Simon Cowell for entertaining us and thank you all for reading this.
The blog is not over yet! I have much to say about Glee next week -- I have been saving it all up. Plus, more Lost thoughts to come!
Good night and one last thank you Jon Bon Jovi, you made it a great night for me out in Jersey. I love my pop culture obsessions, so don't be ashamed of yours...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
This is It
Okay, so here we go -- down to Crystal and Lee, who will be your...next...American Idol? For a relatively boring season, the good news is that the Top 2 were exactly who they should be. So at least we know one of the best two will win. For me, it is about Lee. I love Crystal's talent and her voice, but Idol is about the story too, following this unknown person, learning about them, caring about them and wanting them to achieve the biggest dream they can. There is a hunger in Lee that has, for me, given him an edge in my heart. What I would love? That they both have hit records and success, but only one can wear the crown.
This season finale is overshadowed by 2 things -- Sunday's Lost Finale which was so epic that I can't muster up the same energy for anything else and the end of Simon Cowell on Idol. Can the show succeed without him? I don't know. I think if the contestants are intriguing and talented, yes. But one thing is for sure, it will never be the same without Simon.
Ryan opens the show and Crystal and Lee enter with a trip down the aisle. Crystal could not make it down the aisle. She stopped and dropped her mic and stopped again and went -- weird. Lee was soaking it all in. I can't believe they are both 24 -- she seems so much older, but it could be the parenthood thing. Three songs each tonight -- a favorite from the season, a pick by Simon Fuller (interesting he has never done this before) and then the new single.
Lee starts off with The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkle. Odd that both finalists are guitar playing singer songwriter types. It doesn't mesh wit the huge arena audience. I still like Lee's tone, and the anthem song works better than the first time he did it, but it wasn't a moment to rock my world. Randy agrees he needs to bring more energy. Ellen is very proud of Lee and thought it was better than the first time as well. Kara liked the believable quality of the song. Simon says this is the big one so there should be more passion. I agree. I give him a B.
Crystal opens with Me and Bobby McGee. She isn't swallowing the words as much as she normally did. She really went all out with the song then and hit it all. She gave it her quality of higher energy but no screaming, real voice quality and musicianship as Kara would say. Randy says she has great energy, Ellen thought it was compelling and Kara thinks she has fire in her belly. Simon reminded everyone that Crystal hasn't been her best the past few weeks while praising her talents. I give her an A-
Simon Fuller picks Everybody Hurts by REM for Lee. Wow, great, great choice. Nice guitar playing Lee -- it gave it a rhythm like an anthem. The choir came out. He tried to make a plea to the audience. Randy said it started out pitchy but he made it work. Ellen said he kept building up the energy but then pulling back. Kara said it wasn't the perfect vocal, but his strength is that he is emotionally accessible and he tells a story. Agree. Simon thought it was a brilliant song choice for him but he still feels the nerves. Simon told him to come out for his last performance with a 10 out of 10 because he is capable of it -- it was a real mentor type of speech - -I think Simon is really rooting for Lee. I give him a B+
Simon Fuller picks Black Velvet for Crystal. Another great choice with range and blues. Crystal came down the steps but seemed so uncomfortable. And she was wearing the most hideous dress ever. Hideous. Her voice was a little more strained, but then she went off on a velvety smooth long note. But then she did a screamy ending. Ehh this didn't do it for me -- it just wasn't that smooth. Randy thinks she is in it to win it. Ellen thought it was fantastic. Kara said she can tell Crystal wants it. Simon doesn't like the song -- take that Simon Fuller. Yet he thought Crystal nailed it and was impressed. I give her a B
The last round. Wow -- the single is a cover. U2's Beautiful Day for Lee. Idol finally learned something -- to sell this single, they can't do an original. Lee sings without an instrument. Good song for him. He focuses on singing it. Midway, he jams into it -- stomping his foot, feeling the rhythm. Finally gives it his energy. Well done, solid. I'm not jumping up and down, but this is not the season of over the top vocals. Not a diva in sight. And that may be why the season feels a little lackluster. But this is genuine effort. Randy says he felt his discomfort in moving around, but then he hit his groove. Ellen is super proud of Lee and his growth and that he took in all of the energy of the crowd. Kara admits that it wasn't a perfect performance, he got swallowed up by the song, but she says he has one of the most commercial voices of the season and he deserves to be here tonight. Simon says that this is the final time he is going to judge this show and I well up with tears. "I just want to say about you that this is what this competition was designed for which is somebody who needs a break, having a normal job working in a paint shop. You've worked hard, you've remained a really, really nice person throughout and I genuinely wish the best for you. You're a great guy." I think Simon almost cried and I did knowing he is leaving. Okay, he didn't almost cry, I was just saying that to make myself feel better for tearing up about a judge on Idol. I give Lee an A-
Crystal sings her single Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin. She sits on a stool and plays acoustically with a choir behind her. Effortlessly she sings. With passion. She sings and gives us the closest to a diva moment this season has had. Really beautiful. Really beautiful. Crystal feels the emotion. A moment. Randy thinks it was incredible. Ellen loves how unique she is -- she is in a league of her own. Kara says her past critique has always been the walls Crystal puts up but with that song she blossomed. Before Simon can say his judgement, Crystal gives him her two cents saying he has been amazing with his critiques and she knows this is his last season and she thanks him and wishes him well with his future endeavours, not that it matters coming from her but she wished him well. Nice. Simon talks about the love fest and says he thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night. "Since this is gonna be the final critique I'm ever going to give, I would just like to say that was outstanding." Tears again -- for Simon. I give her an A.
What a lovely evening. Full of love and sweetness and simple genuine feeling. Ryan once again odes Simon and says tomorrow night will be full of some surprises for Simon as well. I am so glad!! That makes me so happy. I am so excited for the finale.
So based on tonight, here is where Lee and Crystal stand.
Lee
The Boxer B
Everybody Hurts B+
Beautiful Day A-
Average B+
Crystal
Me and Bobby McGee A-
Black Velvet B
Up to the Mountain A
Average A-
So Crystal wins, right? I don't think it matters. I think they both did well, I think Lee is more commercially viable, I think part of me still wants him to win because of that eager look in his eye. But you know what i think the most? I think I will miss Simon Cowell.
One surprise I heard about tomorrow? Paula is back to say good bye to Simon.
Rundown for tomorrow -- I have Bon Jovi at the new Meadowlands Stadium so I will watch Idol late tomorrow or early Thursday. So blog will be delayed, but better believe it will be there!!!!!!!! I wouldn't let you down.
Umm why is Will Young (the first Pop Idol) standing like a corpse on the stage. Talk about no emotion. Love watching the top 12 watch the clips on stage. What a journey for them -- what an amazing journey.
I can't believe another season is almost over. My god, my life has passed nine years since this show started. Okay, I can't get into this now -- that's another blog for another time, not to all my fans :)
Yes I had tears over Simon Cowell tonight and I put that in writing -- I am certainly not ashamed of my obsessions...
This season finale is overshadowed by 2 things -- Sunday's Lost Finale which was so epic that I can't muster up the same energy for anything else and the end of Simon Cowell on Idol. Can the show succeed without him? I don't know. I think if the contestants are intriguing and talented, yes. But one thing is for sure, it will never be the same without Simon.
Ryan opens the show and Crystal and Lee enter with a trip down the aisle. Crystal could not make it down the aisle. She stopped and dropped her mic and stopped again and went -- weird. Lee was soaking it all in. I can't believe they are both 24 -- she seems so much older, but it could be the parenthood thing. Three songs each tonight -- a favorite from the season, a pick by Simon Fuller (interesting he has never done this before) and then the new single.
Lee starts off with The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkle. Odd that both finalists are guitar playing singer songwriter types. It doesn't mesh wit the huge arena audience. I still like Lee's tone, and the anthem song works better than the first time he did it, but it wasn't a moment to rock my world. Randy agrees he needs to bring more energy. Ellen is very proud of Lee and thought it was better than the first time as well. Kara liked the believable quality of the song. Simon says this is the big one so there should be more passion. I agree. I give him a B.
Crystal opens with Me and Bobby McGee. She isn't swallowing the words as much as she normally did. She really went all out with the song then and hit it all. She gave it her quality of higher energy but no screaming, real voice quality and musicianship as Kara would say. Randy says she has great energy, Ellen thought it was compelling and Kara thinks she has fire in her belly. Simon reminded everyone that Crystal hasn't been her best the past few weeks while praising her talents. I give her an A-
Simon Fuller picks Everybody Hurts by REM for Lee. Wow, great, great choice. Nice guitar playing Lee -- it gave it a rhythm like an anthem. The choir came out. He tried to make a plea to the audience. Randy said it started out pitchy but he made it work. Ellen said he kept building up the energy but then pulling back. Kara said it wasn't the perfect vocal, but his strength is that he is emotionally accessible and he tells a story. Agree. Simon thought it was a brilliant song choice for him but he still feels the nerves. Simon told him to come out for his last performance with a 10 out of 10 because he is capable of it -- it was a real mentor type of speech - -I think Simon is really rooting for Lee. I give him a B+
Simon Fuller picks Black Velvet for Crystal. Another great choice with range and blues. Crystal came down the steps but seemed so uncomfortable. And she was wearing the most hideous dress ever. Hideous. Her voice was a little more strained, but then she went off on a velvety smooth long note. But then she did a screamy ending. Ehh this didn't do it for me -- it just wasn't that smooth. Randy thinks she is in it to win it. Ellen thought it was fantastic. Kara said she can tell Crystal wants it. Simon doesn't like the song -- take that Simon Fuller. Yet he thought Crystal nailed it and was impressed. I give her a B
The last round. Wow -- the single is a cover. U2's Beautiful Day for Lee. Idol finally learned something -- to sell this single, they can't do an original. Lee sings without an instrument. Good song for him. He focuses on singing it. Midway, he jams into it -- stomping his foot, feeling the rhythm. Finally gives it his energy. Well done, solid. I'm not jumping up and down, but this is not the season of over the top vocals. Not a diva in sight. And that may be why the season feels a little lackluster. But this is genuine effort. Randy says he felt his discomfort in moving around, but then he hit his groove. Ellen is super proud of Lee and his growth and that he took in all of the energy of the crowd. Kara admits that it wasn't a perfect performance, he got swallowed up by the song, but she says he has one of the most commercial voices of the season and he deserves to be here tonight. Simon says that this is the final time he is going to judge this show and I well up with tears. "I just want to say about you that this is what this competition was designed for which is somebody who needs a break, having a normal job working in a paint shop. You've worked hard, you've remained a really, really nice person throughout and I genuinely wish the best for you. You're a great guy." I think Simon almost cried and I did knowing he is leaving. Okay, he didn't almost cry, I was just saying that to make myself feel better for tearing up about a judge on Idol. I give Lee an A-
Crystal sings her single Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin. She sits on a stool and plays acoustically with a choir behind her. Effortlessly she sings. With passion. She sings and gives us the closest to a diva moment this season has had. Really beautiful. Really beautiful. Crystal feels the emotion. A moment. Randy thinks it was incredible. Ellen loves how unique she is -- she is in a league of her own. Kara says her past critique has always been the walls Crystal puts up but with that song she blossomed. Before Simon can say his judgement, Crystal gives him her two cents saying he has been amazing with his critiques and she knows this is his last season and she thanks him and wishes him well with his future endeavours, not that it matters coming from her but she wished him well. Nice. Simon talks about the love fest and says he thought that was by far the best performance and the song of the night. "Since this is gonna be the final critique I'm ever going to give, I would just like to say that was outstanding." Tears again -- for Simon. I give her an A.
What a lovely evening. Full of love and sweetness and simple genuine feeling. Ryan once again odes Simon and says tomorrow night will be full of some surprises for Simon as well. I am so glad!! That makes me so happy. I am so excited for the finale.
So based on tonight, here is where Lee and Crystal stand.
Lee
The Boxer B
Everybody Hurts B+
Beautiful Day A-
Average B+
Crystal
Me and Bobby McGee A-
Black Velvet B
Up to the Mountain A
Average A-
So Crystal wins, right? I don't think it matters. I think they both did well, I think Lee is more commercially viable, I think part of me still wants him to win because of that eager look in his eye. But you know what i think the most? I think I will miss Simon Cowell.
One surprise I heard about tomorrow? Paula is back to say good bye to Simon.
Rundown for tomorrow -- I have Bon Jovi at the new Meadowlands Stadium so I will watch Idol late tomorrow or early Thursday. So blog will be delayed, but better believe it will be there!!!!!!!! I wouldn't let you down.
Umm why is Will Young (the first Pop Idol) standing like a corpse on the stage. Talk about no emotion. Love watching the top 12 watch the clips on stage. What a journey for them -- what an amazing journey.
I can't believe another season is almost over. My god, my life has passed nine years since this show started. Okay, I can't get into this now -- that's another blog for another time, not to all my fans :)
Yes I had tears over Simon Cowell tonight and I put that in writing -- I am certainly not ashamed of my obsessions...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
LOST ends
I had to say something right? I won't go into every detail and analysis -- I will allow my friends at EW give you the full breakdown, but I will share my thoughts on what made this show one of the best series on television ever. Ever.
Let's start with the re-cap / celebration show. I loved that while re-capping, the actors were allowed to reminisce on their characters, the stories, their fellow actors. It was a bit jarring to hear Naveen Andrews and Daniel Dae Kim and Yun Jin Kim speak in their real accents. But then you realize how well these actors brought us into their world.
From the beginning, there were so many questions about this show -- where is the island, who is the monster, is this purgatory? But I believe in the end, the story never strayed from what it initially introduced to us. Science versus belief, we all have a purpose and the relationships we create define who we are. This is why, despite all the mysteries and confusion, this show brought me in and kept me for six years.
Let's talk about the other highlight of the show -- the storytelling. Unbelievable plot twists explained, no fear of losing integral characters, the ability to introduce new characters we care about -- Ben, Penny, Desmond, Juliet. A blend of realism, science fiction, suspense and fantasy with the characters at the core. And the guts to take chances -- to shift from flash backwards to flash forwards to flash sideways. Not to mention the time jumping within the show itself.
Of course none of this could have worked without this cast. Matthew Fox, played Jack, the ultimate hero who you rooted for even when he failed. Terry O'Quinn, who as Locke began the show playing the ultimate believer and then became ultimate villain. Michael Emerson who played Ben so that you could understand his point of view as twisted as it was. Josh Halloway whose Sawyer was witty, angry yet full of the most love the show gave us. Evangeline Lilly whose Kate was half girl next door and half murderer and then the ultimate mother. I could go on and on because every single actor was great on this show (okay except for Boone and Shannon in the beginning).
That is my tribute for now as I settle in for the finale. More to come...
So much to absorb, but already great moments. Rose and Bernard were allowed to live on the island this whole time. Richard can now age since Jack is the chosen one to replace Jacob. Jin and Sun got their happy ending in Sideways world. And I kept wondering about Jack's son in the Sideways world -- well look at that, Juliet is his son's mother and she is alive and they work together in the same hospital. The Sideways world as Desmond describes it was the happiness that Jack always looked for. Sawyer passes Juliet in Sideways world and nothing happens. So are Jack and Juliet meant to be and Sawyer and Kate meant to be? Sayid finds Shannon -- I totally forgot about them! Even Sayid gets happiness in Sideways world. And Boone is in on it. Everyone in Sideways world remembers life on the Island. How will this all come together? Ahhhh the tension is killing me.
Jack and Locke work together to lower Desmond into the light, the same way they worked together to lower him into the hatch. "You're not John Locke," says Jack -- Jack has taken on the hope and faith of the real Locke, finally after six years. Desmond uncorks the light and an explosion occurs. The Man in Black and Jack can be hurt again -- their inability to live forever seemingly disappears and all are human again.
In Sideways world Kate delivers Aaron with Claire again and now the all knowing Charlie and Claire reunite with Aaron. Desmond asks Kate if she understands and she says "It's what I owe him." Aaron's family is back together.
And now back on the Island, all hell breaks loose, literally. Such double entendre between Jack and Locke on the island and in Sideways world. On the island, the two battle, Locke almost kills Jack, Kate shoots Locke and Jack gives the shove to Locke off the cliff, supposedly ending the life of the Man in Black. Sideways world, Jack gives Locke the ability to walk again, Locke sees his island life and he says, "Jack, I hope that somebody does for you what you just did for me." But is he talking about giving him back his life or taking it away as Jack did on the island? And island Locke had noticed that Jack got to be the chosen one too easy...
Sawyer sees Jin and Sun in the hospital and vows to protect them -- Sun, all knowing says, it's okay, we are safe. And that takes away Sawyer's responsibility for letting the bomb go off.
Jack goes to undo what Desmond has done with Ben and Hurley while Kate and Sawyer take the boat to the plane. Kate says to Jack, "Tell me I'm gonna see you again." And Jack and Kate have another epic kiss. Tears rolling down my cheeks. "I love you," she says. "I love you," he says. And they separate. They each have to do what they have to do...
Juliet and Sawyer meet in Sideways world hospital and a search for a candy bar brings them their moment of realization -- they found each other again. "Kiss me James. You got it Blondie." So it is Sawyer and Juliet after all.
Sideways world is giving us everything we could hope for -- all of the happy endings. But what will happen when the worlds collide? Or do they collide? Just realized that Jack has not had his revelation yet. Not fully. Kate sees him and she knows everything. She tried to give him his memory back. He doesn't understand yet.
On the island, Jack anoints Hurley the chosen one -- makes sense since he was the holder of the numbers. Jack goes to fix the light. Kate, Hurley, Claire, Frank, Richard and Sawyer's partner take off in the plane. The light comes back, the water comes back and Ben and Hurley lift out Desmond, not Jack. Okay, I know I'm just reiterating what you saw, but I can't help it -- I'm so into it.
Back in Sideways world, they all reunite where Christian Shepard's body lies. Locke and Ben reunite and Ben admits he was jealous of Locke -- he wishes he had been chosen by the Man in Black, or at least that is my interpretation. Or was it just that Locke had been special all along.
We all know what happened next. So I leave you with these words.
"Dad?" "Hello Jack." "I don't understand. You died." "Yeah. Yes I did." "Then how are you here right now?" "How are you here?" "I died too." "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, son." "I love you." "I love you too Son."
"Are you real?" "I sure hope so. Yeah I'm real, you're real, everything that's ever happened to you is real. All those people in the church, they're all real too." "They're all, they're all dead?" "Everyone dies sometime kiddo. Some of them before you, some long after you."
"Why are they all here now?" "Well there is no now, here." "Where are we Dad?" "This is a place that you all made together so that you could find one another. The most important part of your life was the time that you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone Jack. You needed all of them and they needed you." "For what?" "To remember and to let go."
"Kate, she said we were leaving." "Not leaving, no, moving on." "Where are we going?" "Let's go find out."
And he reunites with all in the church. Locke, Desmond and Penny, Boone, Hurley, Sayid and Shannon, Sawyer and Juliet, Sun and Jin, Claire and Charlie and Aaron, Rose and Bernard, and Kate. All in heaven.
It was purgatory after all, and when he was ready to leave, to move on from the death of his father, to close his eyes, they all meet again in heaven. Oceanic Flight 815 crashed and there were no survivors.
REVISION -- Once again, Lost got me -- I thought I had it all figured out (of course since I was blogging I should have stopped and thought about it. But in the end, here is how it really went down. Everything that happened on the Island did -- Sideways world was purgatory and when they all met again, they went to heaven together. That's why Dad said it was all real but they waited for each other whenever each of them died in Sideways world and then moved on to Heaven together. Still totally satisfying. Still best show ever. Still got me.
Let's start with the re-cap / celebration show. I loved that while re-capping, the actors were allowed to reminisce on their characters, the stories, their fellow actors. It was a bit jarring to hear Naveen Andrews and Daniel Dae Kim and Yun Jin Kim speak in their real accents. But then you realize how well these actors brought us into their world.
From the beginning, there were so many questions about this show -- where is the island, who is the monster, is this purgatory? But I believe in the end, the story never strayed from what it initially introduced to us. Science versus belief, we all have a purpose and the relationships we create define who we are. This is why, despite all the mysteries and confusion, this show brought me in and kept me for six years.
Let's talk about the other highlight of the show -- the storytelling. Unbelievable plot twists explained, no fear of losing integral characters, the ability to introduce new characters we care about -- Ben, Penny, Desmond, Juliet. A blend of realism, science fiction, suspense and fantasy with the characters at the core. And the guts to take chances -- to shift from flash backwards to flash forwards to flash sideways. Not to mention the time jumping within the show itself.
Of course none of this could have worked without this cast. Matthew Fox, played Jack, the ultimate hero who you rooted for even when he failed. Terry O'Quinn, who as Locke began the show playing the ultimate believer and then became ultimate villain. Michael Emerson who played Ben so that you could understand his point of view as twisted as it was. Josh Halloway whose Sawyer was witty, angry yet full of the most love the show gave us. Evangeline Lilly whose Kate was half girl next door and half murderer and then the ultimate mother. I could go on and on because every single actor was great on this show (okay except for Boone and Shannon in the beginning).
That is my tribute for now as I settle in for the finale. More to come...
So much to absorb, but already great moments. Rose and Bernard were allowed to live on the island this whole time. Richard can now age since Jack is the chosen one to replace Jacob. Jin and Sun got their happy ending in Sideways world. And I kept wondering about Jack's son in the Sideways world -- well look at that, Juliet is his son's mother and she is alive and they work together in the same hospital. The Sideways world as Desmond describes it was the happiness that Jack always looked for. Sawyer passes Juliet in Sideways world and nothing happens. So are Jack and Juliet meant to be and Sawyer and Kate meant to be? Sayid finds Shannon -- I totally forgot about them! Even Sayid gets happiness in Sideways world. And Boone is in on it. Everyone in Sideways world remembers life on the Island. How will this all come together? Ahhhh the tension is killing me.
Jack and Locke work together to lower Desmond into the light, the same way they worked together to lower him into the hatch. "You're not John Locke," says Jack -- Jack has taken on the hope and faith of the real Locke, finally after six years. Desmond uncorks the light and an explosion occurs. The Man in Black and Jack can be hurt again -- their inability to live forever seemingly disappears and all are human again.
In Sideways world Kate delivers Aaron with Claire again and now the all knowing Charlie and Claire reunite with Aaron. Desmond asks Kate if she understands and she says "It's what I owe him." Aaron's family is back together.
And now back on the Island, all hell breaks loose, literally. Such double entendre between Jack and Locke on the island and in Sideways world. On the island, the two battle, Locke almost kills Jack, Kate shoots Locke and Jack gives the shove to Locke off the cliff, supposedly ending the life of the Man in Black. Sideways world, Jack gives Locke the ability to walk again, Locke sees his island life and he says, "Jack, I hope that somebody does for you what you just did for me." But is he talking about giving him back his life or taking it away as Jack did on the island? And island Locke had noticed that Jack got to be the chosen one too easy...
Sawyer sees Jin and Sun in the hospital and vows to protect them -- Sun, all knowing says, it's okay, we are safe. And that takes away Sawyer's responsibility for letting the bomb go off.
Jack goes to undo what Desmond has done with Ben and Hurley while Kate and Sawyer take the boat to the plane. Kate says to Jack, "Tell me I'm gonna see you again." And Jack and Kate have another epic kiss. Tears rolling down my cheeks. "I love you," she says. "I love you," he says. And they separate. They each have to do what they have to do...
Juliet and Sawyer meet in Sideways world hospital and a search for a candy bar brings them their moment of realization -- they found each other again. "Kiss me James. You got it Blondie." So it is Sawyer and Juliet after all.
Sideways world is giving us everything we could hope for -- all of the happy endings. But what will happen when the worlds collide? Or do they collide? Just realized that Jack has not had his revelation yet. Not fully. Kate sees him and she knows everything. She tried to give him his memory back. He doesn't understand yet.
On the island, Jack anoints Hurley the chosen one -- makes sense since he was the holder of the numbers. Jack goes to fix the light. Kate, Hurley, Claire, Frank, Richard and Sawyer's partner take off in the plane. The light comes back, the water comes back and Ben and Hurley lift out Desmond, not Jack. Okay, I know I'm just reiterating what you saw, but I can't help it -- I'm so into it.
Back in Sideways world, they all reunite where Christian Shepard's body lies. Locke and Ben reunite and Ben admits he was jealous of Locke -- he wishes he had been chosen by the Man in Black, or at least that is my interpretation. Or was it just that Locke had been special all along.
We all know what happened next. So I leave you with these words.
"Dad?" "Hello Jack." "I don't understand. You died." "Yeah. Yes I did." "Then how are you here right now?" "How are you here?" "I died too." "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, son." "I love you." "I love you too Son."
"Are you real?" "I sure hope so. Yeah I'm real, you're real, everything that's ever happened to you is real. All those people in the church, they're all real too." "They're all, they're all dead?" "Everyone dies sometime kiddo. Some of them before you, some long after you."
"Why are they all here now?" "Well there is no now, here." "Where are we Dad?" "This is a place that you all made together so that you could find one another. The most important part of your life was the time that you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone Jack. You needed all of them and they needed you." "For what?" "To remember and to let go."
"Kate, she said we were leaving." "Not leaving, no, moving on." "Where are we going?" "Let's go find out."
And he reunites with all in the church. Locke, Desmond and Penny, Boone, Hurley, Sayid and Shannon, Sawyer and Juliet, Sun and Jin, Claire and Charlie and Aaron, Rose and Bernard, and Kate. All in heaven.
It was purgatory after all, and when he was ready to leave, to move on from the death of his father, to close his eyes, they all meet again in heaven. Oceanic Flight 815 crashed and there were no survivors.
REVISION -- Once again, Lost got me -- I thought I had it all figured out (of course since I was blogging I should have stopped and thought about it. But in the end, here is how it really went down. Everything that happened on the Island did -- Sideways world was purgatory and when they all met again, they went to heaven together. That's why Dad said it was all real but they waited for each other whenever each of them died in Sideways world and then moved on to Heaven together. Still totally satisfying. Still best show ever. Still got me.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Who are the finalists?
I think everyone is on the same page -- Casey is going home and Lee is now the official heart of this show. Is Crystal talented? Sure. Is she original? Sure. But Lee is genuine and nervous and sweet and amateurish and there is something about him that this season needed. And after all the bs and all of the not great contestants and all the judges drama, we got what we needed from Idol -- someone to beLEEve in.
So episode opens and Ryan announces Justin Bieber and a new talent Justin Garland. I totally thought I heard the kid who has the youtube video of Paparazzi by Lady Gaga was going to be on, but it is this guy Justin. Let's see who he is.
The Top 3 come out. Casey, Crystal, Lee. Ryan talks to them about perspective of the show since the beginning. Casey says it was surreal (okay Ryan says it and he agrees). Crystal admits that she didn't know how much goes into the show (supports my theory that she thought she was better than this show). Lee once again is wide eyed and excited about how much he learned about himself doing the show. Ryan asks if any of them pictured themselves winning. Actually the best question Ryan has ever asked. Casey said he couldn't imagine it because he never thought he'd make it this far. Crystal says yes she did think about it and as much as she has enjoyed the experience, she wants to win it. Lee says he wants to win but winning seemed so far away throughout the experience but getting so close now really makes him want it. Ryan asked if taking care of personal life versus the show was hard and it was interesting how much Crystal opened up about the fact that she has real issues -- she has to take care of a 3 year old and her diabetes. Very honest.
First hometown visit -- Casey goes to Texas. Trip to Fox studios, his high school football field filled with fans, and then a hospital visit to the hospital that saved his life six years ago when he was in an accident. I forgot this had happened to him. Playing the guitar means so much more to him. I wish we saw moments like this more recently. It gives the contestants character. That is actually why Hollywood rounds and Auditions are so important -- those episodes give us emotional context.
New artist Travis Garland was found by Perez Hilton. Perez has lost a lot of weight and runs a record label now -- unbelievable. He thinks Travis is better than Justin Timberlake. Ummm not possible. Cute guy, fast forward.
Idol auditions next season are going to Jersey City -- hysterical.
Crystal heads to Toledo. She is very mature and poised. Crystal signed the chest of a hysterical fan who told her he is turning her signature into a tattoo. Visit to downtown, she got a key to the city and performed. Went to Dad's and saw her son. Then a street parade and the emotion got her. She was performing her own original songs on the road already. She wrote Holy Toledo to support Ohio. It made her cry. Note that I am not saying much commentary on this. I know a lot of people from Ohio.
Lee goes home to Chicago -- appearance at an AT&T store :), first pitch at Cubs game, visit to elementary school. These kids were going nuts! Went to the paint store. Wow they really want him to be the everyman. Visit to the paint store made him cry. Visit home. All the screaming fans reminded me of myself and Ed at the Idol finales. Okay, we're not that crazy. Okay, we are. His theme song in the performances is "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Love it. Crying.
Justin Bieber performs. Not my cup of tea, but I think this kid has some talent. Ummm but I did fast forward because I don't care.
I am having serious issues with Lost and 24 ending this season. It upsets me.
Okay, this is it. Results. There cannot be any surprises tonight. Ryan recapped judges reactions to last night and obviously Casey is going home. First person safe? LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank god and baby Jesus. (Don't ask where that saying comes from). Crystal is safe and the top two are exactly right. Casey is going home but once again, I don't think this is sad. I think he got a great opportunity. And he showed great moments. Who is that sweet girl her picked up? I think it's his niece. If only he could have performed Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder would probably roll over in his grave before he allowed that) he could have had another moment for me.
Are we ready for next week? Wow another season flew by. Top 2 finale -- Crystal and Lee. As it should be. Let's clean the slate and let them battle it out. Looking forward to it! Sugarland concert this weekend -- can't wait!
Remember, no matter what other people say, don't be ashamed of your obsessions -- they are yours.
So episode opens and Ryan announces Justin Bieber and a new talent Justin Garland. I totally thought I heard the kid who has the youtube video of Paparazzi by Lady Gaga was going to be on, but it is this guy Justin. Let's see who he is.
The Top 3 come out. Casey, Crystal, Lee. Ryan talks to them about perspective of the show since the beginning. Casey says it was surreal (okay Ryan says it and he agrees). Crystal admits that she didn't know how much goes into the show (supports my theory that she thought she was better than this show). Lee once again is wide eyed and excited about how much he learned about himself doing the show. Ryan asks if any of them pictured themselves winning. Actually the best question Ryan has ever asked. Casey said he couldn't imagine it because he never thought he'd make it this far. Crystal says yes she did think about it and as much as she has enjoyed the experience, she wants to win it. Lee says he wants to win but winning seemed so far away throughout the experience but getting so close now really makes him want it. Ryan asked if taking care of personal life versus the show was hard and it was interesting how much Crystal opened up about the fact that she has real issues -- she has to take care of a 3 year old and her diabetes. Very honest.
First hometown visit -- Casey goes to Texas. Trip to Fox studios, his high school football field filled with fans, and then a hospital visit to the hospital that saved his life six years ago when he was in an accident. I forgot this had happened to him. Playing the guitar means so much more to him. I wish we saw moments like this more recently. It gives the contestants character. That is actually why Hollywood rounds and Auditions are so important -- those episodes give us emotional context.
New artist Travis Garland was found by Perez Hilton. Perez has lost a lot of weight and runs a record label now -- unbelievable. He thinks Travis is better than Justin Timberlake. Ummm not possible. Cute guy, fast forward.
Idol auditions next season are going to Jersey City -- hysterical.
Crystal heads to Toledo. She is very mature and poised. Crystal signed the chest of a hysterical fan who told her he is turning her signature into a tattoo. Visit to downtown, she got a key to the city and performed. Went to Dad's and saw her son. Then a street parade and the emotion got her. She was performing her own original songs on the road already. She wrote Holy Toledo to support Ohio. It made her cry. Note that I am not saying much commentary on this. I know a lot of people from Ohio.
Lee goes home to Chicago -- appearance at an AT&T store :), first pitch at Cubs game, visit to elementary school. These kids were going nuts! Went to the paint store. Wow they really want him to be the everyman. Visit to the paint store made him cry. Visit home. All the screaming fans reminded me of myself and Ed at the Idol finales. Okay, we're not that crazy. Okay, we are. His theme song in the performances is "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Love it. Crying.
Justin Bieber performs. Not my cup of tea, but I think this kid has some talent. Ummm but I did fast forward because I don't care.
I am having serious issues with Lost and 24 ending this season. It upsets me.
Okay, this is it. Results. There cannot be any surprises tonight. Ryan recapped judges reactions to last night and obviously Casey is going home. First person safe? LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank god and baby Jesus. (Don't ask where that saying comes from). Crystal is safe and the top two are exactly right. Casey is going home but once again, I don't think this is sad. I think he got a great opportunity. And he showed great moments. Who is that sweet girl her picked up? I think it's his niece. If only he could have performed Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder would probably roll over in his grave before he allowed that) he could have had another moment for me.
Are we ready for next week? Wow another season flew by. Top 2 finale -- Crystal and Lee. As it should be. Let's clean the slate and let them battle it out. Looking forward to it! Sugarland concert this weekend -- can't wait!
Remember, no matter what other people say, don't be ashamed of your obsessions -- they are yours.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Top 3 -- someone is in it to win it!
First, read this -- an article by Michael Slezak in last week's NYT Style Section who could be me, but who officially gets paid by Entertainment Weekly to write the online blogs about American Idol every time it is on. I read his blog every morning post Idol -- hey you read my blog, right? http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/fashion/16Idol.html?ref=fashion
Here is the top 3 fight for the finale -- a song by judge's choice, and a song by their own choice. Finale is definitely going to be Lee and Crystal as it should be. But I will vote regardless. Michael Slezak watches the show and then blogs, I normally watch as I blog. But I don't get paid to do it, and only 4 or 5 of my readers comment, therefore, I cannot afford my time to watch, take notes, then write. Plus I am smart and can come up with a thesis in the edit.
Casey -- He starts off the night -- hmmm producers obviously want Crystal and Lee in the finale so Casey goes first. "It's Alright By Me" which I don't know. I actually agree with Randy that the choice was too safe. Casey, do you want to win? This was not the song to choose. You had all your choice and this was not big enough. Ellen thought he should blow us away. He didn't. Kara and Simon said he shouldn't have chosen this song to win it. I agree. Casey needs a good producer to work with who will guide him on song choice. Because he will not win this contest, but if a good producer believes in him, he could have a good career. BUH BYE
Crystal -- "Come to My Window" Great choice I think, and she chose it to have fun. She brought the harmonica back, but I'm not sure why. "I Don't Care What They Think, I Don't Care What They Say" (lyrics from the song) I think Crystal actually believes this. She did a strong concise job with a song she likes and was laid back about it. It was good, but really this blew it out of the box? This gets someone to the final two? I just don't think she believes she needs to win it to win it anymore. I think Crystal thinks, just get by and win and then be who you want to be. Don't worry about winning. Simon thinks she was honest and this was the song that proves she always stood by who she is. I'm sorry, but show some heart and energy. She doesn't seem to care.
Come on Lee -- you seem to actually be nervous on this show -- you must believe in this journey. Prove it! And he did. "Simple Man" Lee picked a song that related to his journey and it showed from note one. He sang it and put his whole heart in. Finally a contestant is in it to win it. Randy agreed wholeheartedly. "Somebody here is feeling like he can win this!" Ellen thinks he is taking it seriously, Kara said he did what every contestant should do -- and round 1 goes to Lee. Simon asked him why he picked it and allowed Lee to explain his connection. Simon felt his song choice was on the money and that he crushed the other two contestants and this actually excited Lee. Lee is the only contestant that actually cares and it shows. This is who deserves it!
Randy and Kara have to team up to choose a song for Casey. "Daughters" by John Mayer. Good choice I think. Relevant, modern, come on Casey, you know you are number three, but Crystal doesn't seem to be in it to win it, so blow it away. I don't know if Casey can beat Crystal and I don't think he should, but this gives him a great send off -- could he record a John Mayer type of record? Yes. So no matter what, he can keep his head held high. Randy appreciated his own song choice. Ellen did too. Kara thought this showed his artistic choice. Simon thought it was a lazy song choice and they should have given Casey a bigger vocal moment and Kara fought that this song was about an emotional climax as opposed to a vocal climax. Once again, I wish it was totally stripped down to create that moment. Basically, it leaves Casey with a solid send off, not a trip to top 2. BUH BYE again
Ellen gets to choose Crystal's song. She chooses "Baby I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. Will this give her a moment? Crystal isn't playing an instrument. You know what she proves? If you can sing, you don't have to change it that much, you don't have to change the arrangement. Wow -- she blew it out of the park and sang it with emotion and moved around. But she kept saying Baby I'm a man -- I guess the gender bending doesn't matter to Ellen, but it did kind of stand out to me. Crystal rocked it -- she sang her heart out and gave it her spin and added a gospel moment. Randy said great song, great vocal and Crystal is in it to win it too. Ellen was so happy. Kara thought she showed parts of her voice we haven't heard and did it without an instrument. Simon doubted the song choice but thought Crystal proved she has soul and that she will be thanking Ellen for putting her in the final. I want Crystal to be excited and thankful and exhalted and she simply is not. Okay I'll save this argument for the end.
Lee -- gets Simon's choice. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. Simon admits we have heard this song before and he wants Simon to get a moment. I personally feel this song is overdone -- Jeff Buckley, Jason Castro on Idol, Tim Urban just this season, JT and Matt Morrison on the Haiti Relief Telethon this year -- too many versions, too hard to compare and I don't think this is Lee's voice match up at all -- he has never been a falsetto singer so it will be a challenge for him to pull this off. I took my hands off the keyboard to listen. Lee took it to a rocker zone -- not the stripped down version. Somehow he got to have the backup singers come out like a gospel choir. He went falsetto but also rocked it harder. He played the guitar, he had emotion. He had emotion and hit the notes. Michael Slezak thinks he was off key several times this season. Simon was proud. I was proud. Randy said Lee throwed down the real gauntlet to win the whole thing. Lee was unbelievable. Lee thanked Simon for the song choice. Ellen said thank you to Simon for the song choice because it was stunning. Kara said Lee is what this show is all about -- "somebody who starts in one place and ends up here tonight in an incredible epic moment. You are the heart of this show this season and you just owned the entire night" I could not have said it better myself. Simon said he is very very very proud of Lee. Lee's lip was trembling. Simon said he proved he is a fantastic singer, a great person and Simon hopes he makes it through to next week.
This is why I love Lee. I want to see someone's dream come true -- I don't care if he or she is slick or well spoken or camera ready. This show is about the person who can touch my heart and who I can believe in. I am ready to love talent, plain and simple. Will the winner always become a superstar? We don't always know. But I believe in the ones who have genuine talent and are willing to continue to work their asses off and fight -- as Daughtry said, stay hungry. They deserve to win. Lee was the only one who proved he is hungry tonight. He will definitely need to continue to work hard, but he has the heart that makes this show for me.
LEE, LEE, LEE. Oh and tomorrow I have thoughts on the end of Simon, but first read the NYT article - it is good and it explains a lot of me.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they can still touch you.
Here is the top 3 fight for the finale -- a song by judge's choice, and a song by their own choice. Finale is definitely going to be Lee and Crystal as it should be. But I will vote regardless. Michael Slezak watches the show and then blogs, I normally watch as I blog. But I don't get paid to do it, and only 4 or 5 of my readers comment, therefore, I cannot afford my time to watch, take notes, then write. Plus I am smart and can come up with a thesis in the edit.
Casey -- He starts off the night -- hmmm producers obviously want Crystal and Lee in the finale so Casey goes first. "It's Alright By Me" which I don't know. I actually agree with Randy that the choice was too safe. Casey, do you want to win? This was not the song to choose. You had all your choice and this was not big enough. Ellen thought he should blow us away. He didn't. Kara and Simon said he shouldn't have chosen this song to win it. I agree. Casey needs a good producer to work with who will guide him on song choice. Because he will not win this contest, but if a good producer believes in him, he could have a good career. BUH BYE
Crystal -- "Come to My Window" Great choice I think, and she chose it to have fun. She brought the harmonica back, but I'm not sure why. "I Don't Care What They Think, I Don't Care What They Say" (lyrics from the song) I think Crystal actually believes this. She did a strong concise job with a song she likes and was laid back about it. It was good, but really this blew it out of the box? This gets someone to the final two? I just don't think she believes she needs to win it to win it anymore. I think Crystal thinks, just get by and win and then be who you want to be. Don't worry about winning. Simon thinks she was honest and this was the song that proves she always stood by who she is. I'm sorry, but show some heart and energy. She doesn't seem to care.
Come on Lee -- you seem to actually be nervous on this show -- you must believe in this journey. Prove it! And he did. "Simple Man" Lee picked a song that related to his journey and it showed from note one. He sang it and put his whole heart in. Finally a contestant is in it to win it. Randy agreed wholeheartedly. "Somebody here is feeling like he can win this!" Ellen thinks he is taking it seriously, Kara said he did what every contestant should do -- and round 1 goes to Lee. Simon asked him why he picked it and allowed Lee to explain his connection. Simon felt his song choice was on the money and that he crushed the other two contestants and this actually excited Lee. Lee is the only contestant that actually cares and it shows. This is who deserves it!
Randy and Kara have to team up to choose a song for Casey. "Daughters" by John Mayer. Good choice I think. Relevant, modern, come on Casey, you know you are number three, but Crystal doesn't seem to be in it to win it, so blow it away. I don't know if Casey can beat Crystal and I don't think he should, but this gives him a great send off -- could he record a John Mayer type of record? Yes. So no matter what, he can keep his head held high. Randy appreciated his own song choice. Ellen did too. Kara thought this showed his artistic choice. Simon thought it was a lazy song choice and they should have given Casey a bigger vocal moment and Kara fought that this song was about an emotional climax as opposed to a vocal climax. Once again, I wish it was totally stripped down to create that moment. Basically, it leaves Casey with a solid send off, not a trip to top 2. BUH BYE again
Ellen gets to choose Crystal's song. She chooses "Baby I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. Will this give her a moment? Crystal isn't playing an instrument. You know what she proves? If you can sing, you don't have to change it that much, you don't have to change the arrangement. Wow -- she blew it out of the park and sang it with emotion and moved around. But she kept saying Baby I'm a man -- I guess the gender bending doesn't matter to Ellen, but it did kind of stand out to me. Crystal rocked it -- she sang her heart out and gave it her spin and added a gospel moment. Randy said great song, great vocal and Crystal is in it to win it too. Ellen was so happy. Kara thought she showed parts of her voice we haven't heard and did it without an instrument. Simon doubted the song choice but thought Crystal proved she has soul and that she will be thanking Ellen for putting her in the final. I want Crystal to be excited and thankful and exhalted and she simply is not. Okay I'll save this argument for the end.
Lee -- gets Simon's choice. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. Simon admits we have heard this song before and he wants Simon to get a moment. I personally feel this song is overdone -- Jeff Buckley, Jason Castro on Idol, Tim Urban just this season, JT and Matt Morrison on the Haiti Relief Telethon this year -- too many versions, too hard to compare and I don't think this is Lee's voice match up at all -- he has never been a falsetto singer so it will be a challenge for him to pull this off. I took my hands off the keyboard to listen. Lee took it to a rocker zone -- not the stripped down version. Somehow he got to have the backup singers come out like a gospel choir. He went falsetto but also rocked it harder. He played the guitar, he had emotion. He had emotion and hit the notes. Michael Slezak thinks he was off key several times this season. Simon was proud. I was proud. Randy said Lee throwed down the real gauntlet to win the whole thing. Lee was unbelievable. Lee thanked Simon for the song choice. Ellen said thank you to Simon for the song choice because it was stunning. Kara said Lee is what this show is all about -- "somebody who starts in one place and ends up here tonight in an incredible epic moment. You are the heart of this show this season and you just owned the entire night" I could not have said it better myself. Simon said he is very very very proud of Lee. Lee's lip was trembling. Simon said he proved he is a fantastic singer, a great person and Simon hopes he makes it through to next week.
This is why I love Lee. I want to see someone's dream come true -- I don't care if he or she is slick or well spoken or camera ready. This show is about the person who can touch my heart and who I can believe in. I am ready to love talent, plain and simple. Will the winner always become a superstar? We don't always know. But I believe in the ones who have genuine talent and are willing to continue to work their asses off and fight -- as Daughtry said, stay hungry. They deserve to win. Lee was the only one who proved he is hungry tonight. He will definitely need to continue to work hard, but he has the heart that makes this show for me.
LEE, LEE, LEE. Oh and tomorrow I have thoughts on the end of Simon, but first read the NYT article - it is good and it explains a lot of me.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they can still touch you.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Who goes home tonight? Plus some Lost and FNL thoughts!!
Tonight is a big night for Rachna. Yes we are going down to the final 3, but that's not it! Yes, Daughtry is performing and most likely he is performing Life After You which is extremely meaningful to me right now, but that's not it! Yes Fantasia came back who in the third season brought me fully into the Idol world, but that's not it! THE JOVI IS PERFORMING! And no matter what they sing, no matter how much hairspray is in Jon's hair, no matter how many buttons Richie keeps open on his shirt, this brings me joy and I deserve joy. Wow this blog is getting personal.
The show opens with a well produced movie credits montage -- too bad they don't spend this much time giving the contestants options of songs to sing that are relevant. Ouch! I am on fire tonight. Ryan announces tickets for the tour go on sale this weekend - don't care! Then Fantasia comes out and performs a nice song. Bittersweet it is called and my god she says her daughter is now 9 years old. Wow. Wow. Time passes.
Ryan sits with the contestants and describes all of the magic that awaits the Top 3 when they go home this week for the hometown tour. A huge public appearance filled with lots of hometown fans! A family visit! An appearance at a local AT&T store! What? That is supposed to be exciting? Geez. Nice montage of past top 3 hometown visits. Finally they acknowledged that Kris Allen won last year. Ryan interviews the top 4 on what they are looking forward to going home. Lee is such a nice guy. He just wants to have that experience. Sweet.
Wow the contestants families are on the stage. That's a new one! Results already. Ryan discusses Mike and Casey's duet to begin. Then Crystal and Lee's duet is discussed. Casey is SAFE. WHAT? Oh my god, I'm so scared now. I'm glad he's safe and I hope they are doing this for drama but Mike is going, right?
Wow Daughtry does September. This song kills me. Uggh knife to my heart. It was this week in Daughtry's season that he was voted off. What a talent. So losing Idol is not the be all end all. I've said it before -- if you are an artist, this exposure can propel you to the top. Key phrase If you are an artist. If Ryan asks him what it felt like to get kicked off I will shoot him. He actually kept it classy and I love the advice Chris gave the contestants about stying hungry and sticking to the music you want to do. This was super important to him -- he was seasoned enough to know what was best for his album and succeeded because of it.
Results again. Michael, Lee and Crystal. Kara said Michael should have done a song that expressed himself in an artist. Lee defended himself that he didn't sing it karaoke and he could have done more with the arrangement and a lot of people could have sang it at karaoke and he's happy with what he did...(there was even more than that). Simon thought Crystal redeemed herself and was back in the game. Lee is safe. Talk about creating drama -- is Crystal really in the bottom 2? Or did they put her there for drama?
Jon Bon is wearing the open shirt tonight. I like that Richie's mic is turned up full blast. I just updated my facebook status that Jon Bon Jovi can be my superman any night. Ha ha, I'm funny now. Finally an episode where the performances were all live. Number one touring band in the world. And I will see them on May 26th. LIVE IN MEADOWLAND STADIUM!
Wow, Fox finally ran that Lane Bryant lingerie ad. So not controversial. (For those who haven't heard, the ad was banned but VS ads which are just as racy (or more so) aren't)
Well Mike, this is the end of the road for you. You were saved, you got your second chance. And now you can spend some time with your family! I give it to Mike that he provided some nice dramatic moments this season.
Okay so I got my top 3 -- Crystal, Lee and Casey. Bring it on kids! Let's make these last two weeks exciting and inspiring -- earn your top 3 status!
That's about as motivational as I can get.
One note on Lost. Last night's episode was not necessary in my mind -- didn't really explain anything that needed explaining but I give the writers the benefit of the doubt that they are going to rock my world in the last 4 hours. I will talk about this show for the rest of my life. Genius.
Friday Night Lights returned last week and every single second was outstanding. Even though different characters have left over the seasons (their students actually grow up and leave the town unlike other shows) since the heart of the show is Eric and Tammy, the show remains just as strong. Kudos to the casting team for bringing in some new interesting characters. Hate JD McCoy who came on last year, hate his father. (But I already care enough to hate them) Love the new player on Eric's team and am intrigued by the new girl that Riggins met. Can't wait to spend the next 13 weeks or so with them all. Nice way to ease into summer.
Good night folks. Tomorrow I see Elton and Sting and Gaga.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they give you something to say.
The show opens with a well produced movie credits montage -- too bad they don't spend this much time giving the contestants options of songs to sing that are relevant. Ouch! I am on fire tonight. Ryan announces tickets for the tour go on sale this weekend - don't care! Then Fantasia comes out and performs a nice song. Bittersweet it is called and my god she says her daughter is now 9 years old. Wow. Wow. Time passes.
Ryan sits with the contestants and describes all of the magic that awaits the Top 3 when they go home this week for the hometown tour. A huge public appearance filled with lots of hometown fans! A family visit! An appearance at a local AT&T store! What? That is supposed to be exciting? Geez. Nice montage of past top 3 hometown visits. Finally they acknowledged that Kris Allen won last year. Ryan interviews the top 4 on what they are looking forward to going home. Lee is such a nice guy. He just wants to have that experience. Sweet.
Wow the contestants families are on the stage. That's a new one! Results already. Ryan discusses Mike and Casey's duet to begin. Then Crystal and Lee's duet is discussed. Casey is SAFE. WHAT? Oh my god, I'm so scared now. I'm glad he's safe and I hope they are doing this for drama but Mike is going, right?
Wow Daughtry does September. This song kills me. Uggh knife to my heart. It was this week in Daughtry's season that he was voted off. What a talent. So losing Idol is not the be all end all. I've said it before -- if you are an artist, this exposure can propel you to the top. Key phrase If you are an artist. If Ryan asks him what it felt like to get kicked off I will shoot him. He actually kept it classy and I love the advice Chris gave the contestants about stying hungry and sticking to the music you want to do. This was super important to him -- he was seasoned enough to know what was best for his album and succeeded because of it.
Results again. Michael, Lee and Crystal. Kara said Michael should have done a song that expressed himself in an artist. Lee defended himself that he didn't sing it karaoke and he could have done more with the arrangement and a lot of people could have sang it at karaoke and he's happy with what he did...(there was even more than that). Simon thought Crystal redeemed herself and was back in the game. Lee is safe. Talk about creating drama -- is Crystal really in the bottom 2? Or did they put her there for drama?
Jon Bon is wearing the open shirt tonight. I like that Richie's mic is turned up full blast. I just updated my facebook status that Jon Bon Jovi can be my superman any night. Ha ha, I'm funny now. Finally an episode where the performances were all live. Number one touring band in the world. And I will see them on May 26th. LIVE IN MEADOWLAND STADIUM!
Wow, Fox finally ran that Lane Bryant lingerie ad. So not controversial. (For those who haven't heard, the ad was banned but VS ads which are just as racy (or more so) aren't)
Well Mike, this is the end of the road for you. You were saved, you got your second chance. And now you can spend some time with your family! I give it to Mike that he provided some nice dramatic moments this season.
Okay so I got my top 3 -- Crystal, Lee and Casey. Bring it on kids! Let's make these last two weeks exciting and inspiring -- earn your top 3 status!
That's about as motivational as I can get.
One note on Lost. Last night's episode was not necessary in my mind -- didn't really explain anything that needed explaining but I give the writers the benefit of the doubt that they are going to rock my world in the last 4 hours. I will talk about this show for the rest of my life. Genius.
Friday Night Lights returned last week and every single second was outstanding. Even though different characters have left over the seasons (their students actually grow up and leave the town unlike other shows) since the heart of the show is Eric and Tammy, the show remains just as strong. Kudos to the casting team for bringing in some new interesting characters. Hate JD McCoy who came on last year, hate his father. (But I already care enough to hate them) Love the new player on Eric's team and am intrigued by the new girl that Riggins met. Can't wait to spend the next 13 weeks or so with them all. Nice way to ease into summer.
Good night folks. Tomorrow I see Elton and Sting and Gaga.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they give you something to say.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Top 4
Okay, so last week I was super duper angry. This week, my month of music began and it is hard for me to be as angry. Last night I saw Lady Antebellum in concert -- their amazing harmonies, their truth in words, their beauty (or hotness), I cried. Tonight I saw American Idiot on stage and once again the words of amazing music makers moved me. The force of voices from a stage singing lyrics of anger, desperation, hope, love, pain. They moved me.
To find that same inspiration while watching Jamie Foxx is a little bit of a stretch. But he is trying very hard to motivate these contestants. I like his out of the box techniques, but can they work or is he just trying to be dramatic. Are you a contestant or an artist? That is his challenge. Once again the contestants have to sing songs from movies and once again the list is mostly of songs that have already been sung on the Idol stage.
Lee -- "Kiss From a Rose" Lee opens with a song that I don't love. Go Seal, but I don't ever need to hear this song again. Kind of pitchy, still his rocker style, but not moving enough for me. MOVE ME. Randy didn't like his song choice. Ellen agreed he could have done more but loved him. Kara criticized but thinks she can hear him on the radio. Simon says there are so many brilliant songs and make it original. Uhh the list is not that long. Simon gives him the contestant shirt. Lee tried to defend his song choice but lamely said he picked a song he liked. Lee will be dueting with Crystal. Producers choice I'm sure. I mean, VOTE, but I hope this isn't the best of tonight.
Michael -- He and Jamie must have had an intense situation. "Will You Be There" Jamie was funny trying to make him dance. Wow he got a gospel backup. I have to admit the guy can sing. But is he relevant? He did a solid job, but he doesn't grab my heart. Ooh Ellen called him out for having a goal to finish top three and not win. She said he didn't do anything new. Kara said he played it too safe. Simon lost it trying to understand the movie Free Willy but congratulated him on his 100% effort. I get that. BUH BYE because his time is done.
I want to know how the duet partners were picked but this manipulative show probably won't tell us.
COME ON -- Kris Allen stole last season with Falling Slowly and now Crystal and Lee duet on it? Were there no other options -- this was just last season! Mind you I die for this song, so the tears may start. I like that they sang to each other. Crystal's voice is so gorgeous. And his rocker tone with her clean voice is so nice. I hated the camera spinning around them, it made me dizzy. But they did a nice job -- they blended yet retained their individual styles. And it did feel original. Simon thought it was fantastic. Crystal said Lee is her musical crush -- mine too.
Casey -- "Mrs Robinson" Jamie gave him the artist shirt for being able to look him in the face. Casey was surrounded by the sway bots while he played a ukelele. It was a very Jason Castro moment. I like the simple sweetness of it. His voice sounded good. But I wanted a more emotional moment I think. But taking a classic and doing a Plain White Tees spin could work in his favor. It was a risk but showed artistry as Kara likes to say. Randy tried to say he picked the song because of the Kara crush -- Randy's finest moment. But he didn't love it. Ellen liked the change up. Kara thought he wasn't comfortable being vulnerable. Simon thought it was lazy and he could have made a bigger impact. VOTE because he needs to stay over Mike.
Are the contestants told they cannot complain about the list of songs they can pick from? Why doesn't anyone complain?
Crystal -- "I'm Alright" Love that she is singing this song by Kenny Loggins. She got back to her roots. And brought back her coolness, but I felt like she lost the melody of the song trying to switch it up. Ellen thought she made it better. Kara and Randy gave her the artist tee. Simon said she is back in the game. VOTE obviously
Now Casey and Mike do Bryan Adams "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" Love the black suits. Casey is such a great guitar player. Mike has a smoother voice than Casey. Interesting for them to be paired up since one of them is most likely going home. They did a nice duet. Nice choreography.
I can't even explain why Mike doesn't work for me -- logically, he has a great voice, he has style, he has confidence. But Casey is fresh, modern, different and HOT.
Best joke ever on Idol -- Ellen says, "Yes I have really loved a woman."
Tomorrow night Fantasia and Daughtry and BON JOVI!!!!!!!!! Someone out there must really like me and want me to be happy. Thanks Idol - the duets were great tonight. The individual performances? Ehhh.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they can move you.
To find that same inspiration while watching Jamie Foxx is a little bit of a stretch. But he is trying very hard to motivate these contestants. I like his out of the box techniques, but can they work or is he just trying to be dramatic. Are you a contestant or an artist? That is his challenge. Once again the contestants have to sing songs from movies and once again the list is mostly of songs that have already been sung on the Idol stage.
Lee -- "Kiss From a Rose" Lee opens with a song that I don't love. Go Seal, but I don't ever need to hear this song again. Kind of pitchy, still his rocker style, but not moving enough for me. MOVE ME. Randy didn't like his song choice. Ellen agreed he could have done more but loved him. Kara criticized but thinks she can hear him on the radio. Simon says there are so many brilliant songs and make it original. Uhh the list is not that long. Simon gives him the contestant shirt. Lee tried to defend his song choice but lamely said he picked a song he liked. Lee will be dueting with Crystal. Producers choice I'm sure. I mean, VOTE, but I hope this isn't the best of tonight.
Michael -- He and Jamie must have had an intense situation. "Will You Be There" Jamie was funny trying to make him dance. Wow he got a gospel backup. I have to admit the guy can sing. But is he relevant? He did a solid job, but he doesn't grab my heart. Ooh Ellen called him out for having a goal to finish top three and not win. She said he didn't do anything new. Kara said he played it too safe. Simon lost it trying to understand the movie Free Willy but congratulated him on his 100% effort. I get that. BUH BYE because his time is done.
I want to know how the duet partners were picked but this manipulative show probably won't tell us.
COME ON -- Kris Allen stole last season with Falling Slowly and now Crystal and Lee duet on it? Were there no other options -- this was just last season! Mind you I die for this song, so the tears may start. I like that they sang to each other. Crystal's voice is so gorgeous. And his rocker tone with her clean voice is so nice. I hated the camera spinning around them, it made me dizzy. But they did a nice job -- they blended yet retained their individual styles. And it did feel original. Simon thought it was fantastic. Crystal said Lee is her musical crush -- mine too.
Casey -- "Mrs Robinson" Jamie gave him the artist shirt for being able to look him in the face. Casey was surrounded by the sway bots while he played a ukelele. It was a very Jason Castro moment. I like the simple sweetness of it. His voice sounded good. But I wanted a more emotional moment I think. But taking a classic and doing a Plain White Tees spin could work in his favor. It was a risk but showed artistry as Kara likes to say. Randy tried to say he picked the song because of the Kara crush -- Randy's finest moment. But he didn't love it. Ellen liked the change up. Kara thought he wasn't comfortable being vulnerable. Simon thought it was lazy and he could have made a bigger impact. VOTE because he needs to stay over Mike.
Are the contestants told they cannot complain about the list of songs they can pick from? Why doesn't anyone complain?
Crystal -- "I'm Alright" Love that she is singing this song by Kenny Loggins. She got back to her roots. And brought back her coolness, but I felt like she lost the melody of the song trying to switch it up. Ellen thought she made it better. Kara and Randy gave her the artist tee. Simon said she is back in the game. VOTE obviously
Now Casey and Mike do Bryan Adams "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" Love the black suits. Casey is such a great guitar player. Mike has a smoother voice than Casey. Interesting for them to be paired up since one of them is most likely going home. They did a nice duet. Nice choreography.
I can't even explain why Mike doesn't work for me -- logically, he has a great voice, he has style, he has confidence. But Casey is fresh, modern, different and HOT.
Best joke ever on Idol -- Ellen says, "Yes I have really loved a woman."
Tomorrow night Fantasia and Daughtry and BON JOVI!!!!!!!!! Someone out there must really like me and want me to be happy. Thanks Idol - the duets were great tonight. The individual performances? Ehhh.
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...they can move you.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Irrelevant
Ok, so we all know this season is disappointing. And since I watched LOST tonight and literally lost it with the emotional overload, and Glee brings tears to my eyes with performances, it is even more obvious that there is an emotional connection missing from Idol this season. But let's take it for what it is -- a possibility for someone to jumpstart their career. We can't judge it until we see if someone can build a career off of this. Adam Lambert almost did, Kris Allen did not. What will happen with this season?
Show opens with cool emotional montage and then the contestants come out in tuxes and sing Sinatra medley. Only Lee sounded modern. But once again, up against Glee, hearing a medley on Idol now feels even more tired and old. Boring, old, not fresh.
Bad news that Jamie Foxx is the mentor again next week with songs of the cinema which could be an open enough category for modernity. Ugggh hate Jamie.
The show tries to tell us how these "normal" people's lives have been changed by Idol. The paint salesman, student, mother etc now have an exciting performance night!!!! Whatever, these stories are not inspiring anymore. Oh my god, the stand in judges look just like the real judges - that is spooky. I love seeing the contestants' excitement behind the scenes, but the show is constantly touting the birth of a superstar from normal people but they need another superstar like Carrie Underwood to prove the value. Love David Cook, but he isn't a superstar. The only superstars from Idol have been Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson (not necessarily thanks to Idol?) That's it.
Wow they have to wear their tuxes the whole time. Ryan goes to results. Lee, brought to center of stage. You know what, Lee is a real person. I fall for the self deprecation. Simon felt he believed himself last night. Lee is safe.
Then cut to a pre-taped performance by Gaga. This is where Idol still fails. Gaga is about the performance, but Idol's cheap producers need to give her a stage sans contestants or judges or live audience because they act like a cheap show. I want to see Mike and Lee and Casey and Crystal and even Aaron reacting to her performance. I want to see Simon's face and Ellen dance. I don't need to see a Gaga video. I could watch her video online if I wanted that. Idol grew and gained live performances by major acts getting a stage in front of 30 million, now 20 million viewers, but doesn't give them a live performance. CHEAP.
Judges come back as if they had just stepped aside, no THEY WERE NOT EVEN THERE! Nice clips with Harry Connick. Once again proved that he is awesome. Glad he got the chance. He deserved it. Love that he said pitchy does not exist. Out of tune is the right phrase. Love him. Give him his own show. Harry performs live. Audience reacts because they are actually there. Judges react because they are there. But Harry picks a boring song because sometimes the greatest of actors are too full of themselves to realize what is appropriate on a live TV show for 12-30 year olds. Like how I left myself and most of you out of the age frame? Ha. Umm the swaybots in the pit are swaying their arms anyway to a slow song! CHEAP production again.
Note to insert. THANK GOD I DID NOT SELL MY BON JOVI TICKETS TO GO TO IDOL FINALE THIS SEASON.
Oh, now here it comes -- after a great insult at Ellen, Harry brings out the top 5 to sing his songs with him. Casey rocked it, but Lee kicked it out of the park. Crystal was a great female for the whole thing. Okay, Lee made it awesome again. As much as I love Harry. This music would NEVER be on the radio today. Harry is not on the radio. So as much as I love him the irrelevancy shines through AGAIN. His, when I met Frank story was cool though.
Okay, back to results. Lee is safe. Crystal goes to far side of stage, Michael goes to near side. Aaron (and the crowd goes nuts, why?) goes to Mike. Casey joins Crystal. So Crystal and Casey versus Aaron and Mike. Lee is asked if he would choose - why would he? So Ryan moves on. Mike and Aaron are the bottom two. Unnecessary drama. Oh but YES, Casey is safe!!! Aaron and Michael are finally bottom two. Big man and little man. Aaron goes home.
Fine.
I guess Michael should have been saved weeks ago because he is still here. I still think Aaron has aged 10 years on this show. He looks haggard and out of it. I hate the going home song this season. I think it is by an old British Pop Idol winner - again relevancy? Aaron got to sing, whatever.
Good night, don't be ashamed of your obsessions even when you are not feeling obsessed by them right at this moment.
Show opens with cool emotional montage and then the contestants come out in tuxes and sing Sinatra medley. Only Lee sounded modern. But once again, up against Glee, hearing a medley on Idol now feels even more tired and old. Boring, old, not fresh.
Bad news that Jamie Foxx is the mentor again next week with songs of the cinema which could be an open enough category for modernity. Ugggh hate Jamie.
The show tries to tell us how these "normal" people's lives have been changed by Idol. The paint salesman, student, mother etc now have an exciting performance night!!!! Whatever, these stories are not inspiring anymore. Oh my god, the stand in judges look just like the real judges - that is spooky. I love seeing the contestants' excitement behind the scenes, but the show is constantly touting the birth of a superstar from normal people but they need another superstar like Carrie Underwood to prove the value. Love David Cook, but he isn't a superstar. The only superstars from Idol have been Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson (not necessarily thanks to Idol?) That's it.
Wow they have to wear their tuxes the whole time. Ryan goes to results. Lee, brought to center of stage. You know what, Lee is a real person. I fall for the self deprecation. Simon felt he believed himself last night. Lee is safe.
Then cut to a pre-taped performance by Gaga. This is where Idol still fails. Gaga is about the performance, but Idol's cheap producers need to give her a stage sans contestants or judges or live audience because they act like a cheap show. I want to see Mike and Lee and Casey and Crystal and even Aaron reacting to her performance. I want to see Simon's face and Ellen dance. I don't need to see a Gaga video. I could watch her video online if I wanted that. Idol grew and gained live performances by major acts getting a stage in front of 30 million, now 20 million viewers, but doesn't give them a live performance. CHEAP.
Judges come back as if they had just stepped aside, no THEY WERE NOT EVEN THERE! Nice clips with Harry Connick. Once again proved that he is awesome. Glad he got the chance. He deserved it. Love that he said pitchy does not exist. Out of tune is the right phrase. Love him. Give him his own show. Harry performs live. Audience reacts because they are actually there. Judges react because they are there. But Harry picks a boring song because sometimes the greatest of actors are too full of themselves to realize what is appropriate on a live TV show for 12-30 year olds. Like how I left myself and most of you out of the age frame? Ha. Umm the swaybots in the pit are swaying their arms anyway to a slow song! CHEAP production again.
Note to insert. THANK GOD I DID NOT SELL MY BON JOVI TICKETS TO GO TO IDOL FINALE THIS SEASON.
Oh, now here it comes -- after a great insult at Ellen, Harry brings out the top 5 to sing his songs with him. Casey rocked it, but Lee kicked it out of the park. Crystal was a great female for the whole thing. Okay, Lee made it awesome again. As much as I love Harry. This music would NEVER be on the radio today. Harry is not on the radio. So as much as I love him the irrelevancy shines through AGAIN. His, when I met Frank story was cool though.
Okay, back to results. Lee is safe. Crystal goes to far side of stage, Michael goes to near side. Aaron (and the crowd goes nuts, why?) goes to Mike. Casey joins Crystal. So Crystal and Casey versus Aaron and Mike. Lee is asked if he would choose - why would he? So Ryan moves on. Mike and Aaron are the bottom two. Unnecessary drama. Oh but YES, Casey is safe!!! Aaron and Michael are finally bottom two. Big man and little man. Aaron goes home.
Fine.
I guess Michael should have been saved weeks ago because he is still here. I still think Aaron has aged 10 years on this show. He looks haggard and out of it. I hate the going home song this season. I think it is by an old British Pop Idol winner - again relevancy? Aaron got to sing, whatever.
Good night, don't be ashamed of your obsessions even when you are not feeling obsessed by them right at this moment.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sinatra
Oh yeah, Harry Connick -- opening with letting him say "This is American Idol" just brought the heat back to this show. In my dreams, Harry Connick Jr just talks to me with his Louisiana accent. Love him.
Why does Randy boo every time Ryan introduces Simon? So dumb.
Crystal is rocking a gown as the solo girl. She looks gorgeous. I was feeling ehhh about this week, but I gotta say that Harry is changing the energy of the night. So tonight is not just Sinatra night, but interpretation night. Okay, let's see what happens when Harry gets his hands on the contestants. Good sign number one -- Harry is rewriting their arrangements with them. This guy is so cool. He is setting the tone for what a real mentor ship should be on Idol. Is he really speaking in that cool cat manner? It's crazy good.
Wow, Nancy and Tina Sinatra brought Simon a Frank Sinatra monogrammed handkerchief. Weird moment - why Simon?
Aaron -- "Fly Me To The Moon" He still has some pitch problems and seems timid. Got better as the tempo increased. Each contestant will really get to sing a lot of the song this time. He started getting the hang of it about halfway through. Decent, better than recent performances. I am loving that we get to watch Harry on stage the whole night. Randy finally got around to saying Aaron did a nice job. Ellen liked that she didn't hear country in it. Kara thought last week was really strong (?) and he needs more stage presence. Simon thinks he tries hard -- who cares at this point? BUH BYE
Casey -- Love the vest, love the ponytail. All of you better pick up that phone and vote for Casey tonight -- it was too close last time. The lighting on Harry during the on camera talking is weird - he looks like he has red hair. "Blue Skies" Started a little off, then he got into it. His voice sounds strained. Stop smiling Casey. This one is not working for me. I think his voice is tight and he is not relaxed. Too much singing for him in a way. It was not bluesy. Randy said it was his worst performance. Ellen is cracking a joke at Harry every time. Pretty funny. Ellen thought Casey's performance was stiff. Geez, I'm scared that Casey will leave. Kara said Casey sounded like a lamb when he held notes. Simon further embarrassed him by saying that he can get another gig next week meaning he will be gone. These judges are so awkward with criticism. It is so uncomfortable. Thank you Harry for saying that Casey killed it in rehearsal and that in Casey's defense it is hard to hear on stage. Crossing my fingers for Casey. OK
Crystal -- "Summer Wind" Crystal looks great but this feels so traditional. At least in the beginning. Once she hits the belting in the second verse, I was much more drawn into it. I have a hard time catching the words sometimes when she sings softly, and that is not just because I am deaf. I wish she had really hit it out of the ball park with her voice. Randy, who cares what he says? Ellen, she said exactly what I was thinking of the swallowing of her words. Kara liked her phrasing. Once again, whatever. Simon wasn't sure if this was the song for her. Now it is time for her to be in it to win it says Simon. Crystal did a good job of defending herself. She has really grown more comfortable in her own skin for sure. VOTE
Mike -- Umm did Harry say the F word to big Mike? He was telling him how to interpret the song and said "Tell you girl, you look f***ing gorgeous" Please don't tell me I am really losing my hearing that much? He must have said freaking. Love Harry calling him bro over and over
so funny. "The Way You Look Tonight" Too tired of a song? Just thinking about the judges said earlier about someone not switching it up much. How can they change it up when they have to perform with a big band on stage? Mike is fine and you know what? He hits the notes. You can hear him and hear the words and the melody. I know everyone wants him out, but I'm ready for Aaron to leave over Mike. Just saying. Randy loved it - I don't think it was that great, but Randy tends to go overboard. Ellen and Kara liked it. Kara's hair is awesome tonight. I want her hair. Simon thinks he put himself back in the game. Fantastic, Well done. WOW, was it that good? OK
Lee -- Come on, baby, blow it out of the water. Make it fresh and new and strong - you can do it! Harry loves him. And Harry's wife does too. Love that Lee really looks up to him. "That's Life" Harry thinks Lee looks like him. Love Harry on the organ. Lee got the best arrangement. Lee's voice modernizes it. It sounds like him, not a copycat of Frank. His smirk is so cool. The ending was a bit choppy, but that might have been the arrangement. He is so cute when he went to hug Harry. Was this the best performance ever? No, but it finally had some energy. Randy loved that he stayed his rocker self. Ellen thinks if this was the last night of performances he would have won the whole thing (agreed). Kara asks, do you think you can win? Lee says absolutely, but Kara still pushes that he needs to write it down and believe it. Why don't they think he believes it? Simon says Harry brought out his personality and confidence. And says it was by far the best performance of the night. Not saying much to get that this season, but I'm happy for Lee. I think he is the most relevant singer in the bunch and can make 19 a lot of money.
In all honesty, the order of the night is:
Lee
Crystal
Mike
Aaron
Casey
But Mike or Aaron need to go home. Aaron ideally. Voting a lot of Casey, Crystal and OF COURSE LEE who rocks my world. Harry Connick Jr, I love you, and Lee Dewyze, I love you too. Wow -- Gaga flew back from the Met and performs on Idol tomorrow - should be cool. Can't wait to watch Glee and the Glist -- I know many of you want me to blog on Glee, but I seriously need to do things other than blog. Maybe next season?
don't be ashamed of your obsessions, that's right Harry watch out for me....
Why does Randy boo every time Ryan introduces Simon? So dumb.
Crystal is rocking a gown as the solo girl. She looks gorgeous. I was feeling ehhh about this week, but I gotta say that Harry is changing the energy of the night. So tonight is not just Sinatra night, but interpretation night. Okay, let's see what happens when Harry gets his hands on the contestants. Good sign number one -- Harry is rewriting their arrangements with them. This guy is so cool. He is setting the tone for what a real mentor ship should be on Idol. Is he really speaking in that cool cat manner? It's crazy good.
Wow, Nancy and Tina Sinatra brought Simon a Frank Sinatra monogrammed handkerchief. Weird moment - why Simon?
Aaron -- "Fly Me To The Moon" He still has some pitch problems and seems timid. Got better as the tempo increased. Each contestant will really get to sing a lot of the song this time. He started getting the hang of it about halfway through. Decent, better than recent performances. I am loving that we get to watch Harry on stage the whole night. Randy finally got around to saying Aaron did a nice job. Ellen liked that she didn't hear country in it. Kara thought last week was really strong (?) and he needs more stage presence. Simon thinks he tries hard -- who cares at this point? BUH BYE
Casey -- Love the vest, love the ponytail. All of you better pick up that phone and vote for Casey tonight -- it was too close last time. The lighting on Harry during the on camera talking is weird - he looks like he has red hair. "Blue Skies" Started a little off, then he got into it. His voice sounds strained. Stop smiling Casey. This one is not working for me. I think his voice is tight and he is not relaxed. Too much singing for him in a way. It was not bluesy. Randy said it was his worst performance. Ellen is cracking a joke at Harry every time. Pretty funny. Ellen thought Casey's performance was stiff. Geez, I'm scared that Casey will leave. Kara said Casey sounded like a lamb when he held notes. Simon further embarrassed him by saying that he can get another gig next week meaning he will be gone. These judges are so awkward with criticism. It is so uncomfortable. Thank you Harry for saying that Casey killed it in rehearsal and that in Casey's defense it is hard to hear on stage. Crossing my fingers for Casey. OK
Crystal -- "Summer Wind" Crystal looks great but this feels so traditional. At least in the beginning. Once she hits the belting in the second verse, I was much more drawn into it. I have a hard time catching the words sometimes when she sings softly, and that is not just because I am deaf. I wish she had really hit it out of the ball park with her voice. Randy, who cares what he says? Ellen, she said exactly what I was thinking of the swallowing of her words. Kara liked her phrasing. Once again, whatever. Simon wasn't sure if this was the song for her. Now it is time for her to be in it to win it says Simon. Crystal did a good job of defending herself. She has really grown more comfortable in her own skin for sure. VOTE
Mike -- Umm did Harry say the F word to big Mike? He was telling him how to interpret the song and said "Tell you girl, you look f***ing gorgeous" Please don't tell me I am really losing my hearing that much? He must have said freaking. Love Harry calling him bro over and over
so funny. "The Way You Look Tonight" Too tired of a song? Just thinking about the judges said earlier about someone not switching it up much. How can they change it up when they have to perform with a big band on stage? Mike is fine and you know what? He hits the notes. You can hear him and hear the words and the melody. I know everyone wants him out, but I'm ready for Aaron to leave over Mike. Just saying. Randy loved it - I don't think it was that great, but Randy tends to go overboard. Ellen and Kara liked it. Kara's hair is awesome tonight. I want her hair. Simon thinks he put himself back in the game. Fantastic, Well done. WOW, was it that good? OK
Lee -- Come on, baby, blow it out of the water. Make it fresh and new and strong - you can do it! Harry loves him. And Harry's wife does too. Love that Lee really looks up to him. "That's Life" Harry thinks Lee looks like him. Love Harry on the organ. Lee got the best arrangement. Lee's voice modernizes it. It sounds like him, not a copycat of Frank. His smirk is so cool. The ending was a bit choppy, but that might have been the arrangement. He is so cute when he went to hug Harry. Was this the best performance ever? No, but it finally had some energy. Randy loved that he stayed his rocker self. Ellen thinks if this was the last night of performances he would have won the whole thing (agreed). Kara asks, do you think you can win? Lee says absolutely, but Kara still pushes that he needs to write it down and believe it. Why don't they think he believes it? Simon says Harry brought out his personality and confidence. And says it was by far the best performance of the night. Not saying much to get that this season, but I'm happy for Lee. I think he is the most relevant singer in the bunch and can make 19 a lot of money.
In all honesty, the order of the night is:
Lee
Crystal
Mike
Aaron
Casey
But Mike or Aaron need to go home. Aaron ideally. Voting a lot of Casey, Crystal and OF COURSE LEE who rocks my world. Harry Connick Jr, I love you, and Lee Dewyze, I love you too. Wow -- Gaga flew back from the Met and performs on Idol tomorrow - should be cool. Can't wait to watch Glee and the Glist -- I know many of you want me to blog on Glee, but I seriously need to do things other than blog. Maybe next season?
don't be ashamed of your obsessions, that's right Harry watch out for me....
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