Search This Blog

Thursday, April 12, 2012

American Idol - Music From 2010 - present

I don't have much to say about last night's show. The remaining seven contestants took to the stage singing songs from 2010 to present. For the most part everyone did a good job. I think Skylar, Colton and Jessica were the best of the evening. The remaining four had unremarkable performances.

Hollie sang better than last week, but I do not think it will be enough to keep her in the contest. I believe Phillip and Elise will round out the bottom three. Phillip is lacking confidence. On more than one occasion, he has made comments a serious contender would not make. At this point is the contest, every contestant should exude star power and confidence. Every performance should be memorable.

*I still think the judges are being weak or wrong in their critiques. Can't figure them out.

Unless there is a total meltdown before next month, I predict that Jessica Sanchez will win American Idol. I believe Colton Dixon will be the runner-up and Joshua Ledet will be closely behind him.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

American Idol - 80's Night

I took a week off from blogging about AI. I needed to regroup after Heejun was not sent home the first time he was up for elimination.

I really thought this week's theme would bring some great performances, but I was disappointed for the most part. As I was taking notes last night, it occurred to me that maybe I'm being too negative, but I'm only reporting on what I see. I am quick to compliment as well and would like to see everyone do great.

Let's get started.

Deandre sang, "I like It" by DeBarge. I remember this song being sexy. This was a very safe song for Deandre. I believe he was born in the wrong time. The 80's and 90's produced some great music that would have been perfect for him. I believe Deandre's niche' in today's music is a very narrow place. I believe Deandre's talent has peaked. His hair may be sexy, but it is so much a part of his image and singing style, it prevents him finding his true self! Also, quit grabbing your crotch when you sing! Deandre's days are numbered.

Observation: Randy Jackson is having some fashion issues. I'm not getting it. J-Lo was looking strange with some bunched up silver floor-length skirt. Not her usual fashion forward self.

Elise sang, "I Wanna Know What Love Is", by Foreigner. After her two previous performances, I was expecting her to tear it up. It was a very karaoke performance. I was unimpressed. Elise was glum and solemn. She looked as though she were sick. She did end the song very well, however. I believe she could have picked a better song. She was missing her usual magic.

Phillip sang, "That's All" by Genesis. This song was a COMPLETE TRAIN WRECK. He was off pitch and flat. I was so disappointed. I am starting to see Phillip in a new light; his singing style is always the same. I think he thinks he's being creative, but I think it's a sloppy mess. He seemed very unsure and unconvincing last night. Phillip's days are numbered I believe.

Observation: The judges were not at all vocal about the bad performances. I was very shocked they didn't come down hard on some of the singers.

Josh Ledet tore it up with, "If You Don't Know Me By Now"! Josh has matured so much. He is in total command when he's on stage. I had goosebumps through the entire song. His performance was the best of the night. Very impressive!

Next was Jessica Sanchez. She sang Whitney Houston's, "How Will I Know." She power-belted this song. I don't think she rehearsed enough. She didn't give the song any sexiness or shape. She did a good job, but it needed work. Did you know Jessica Sanchez is only 16 years old? Well, she is, and she's going to be a star but not this year's American Idol, I don't believe. She lacks singing maturity, but I do love her.

Hollie sang the theme song from Flashdance, "What A Feeling". It was a bit of a roller coaster ride and pitchy. Hollie doesn't have the nerves for this. I think she is a sweet girl, and has potential, but she needs more experience and confidence. I believe she is in danger of going home tonight.

The judges must have been high last night, because they were very laid back and not very critical.

Colton Dixon sang "Time After Time." He did a great job. It was very interesting and very good. I agreed with J-Lo's comments. "It was a musical journey!" Colton is very talented. I do not doubt that he will be a star. The drummer was a genius and was key in making this song such a magical performance.

Skylar was last and sang, "Wind Beneath My Wings." I agreed with the judges that this was her best performance of the competition. She ended her song very well. With that being said, it was not the best performance of the evening. I think that Skylar has peaked. I think she has the potential to be a great country singer, but she lacks the vocal maturity. She needs great coaching.

The top three performers of the evening were, Josh, Jessica and Colton. The bottom three were Hollie, Phillip Phillipps and Elise. I believe Hollie or Phillip will be going home. Of course these are only my observations and opinions. We will see how it pans out tonight.

Friday, March 23, 2012

American Idol - Results Night, Mar 22

The injustice of it all. I predicted two of the bottom three, but never saw Erika as the one going home last night, and that's exactly how it played out. It was a shock to EVERYONE. The bottom three contest were Heejun, Erika and Deandre.

Heejun clearly has not taken this process seriously. He made comments last night that there would be more "craziness next week" but the bigger insult came when he said, "I'm not trying to be a star. I'm just happy where I am! I hope Heejun is confronted next week about his remarks and attitude.

Last night's results left me angry, but I quickly recomposed. These sort of things happen each season and I have already talked about this in previous posts. I'm looking forward to seeing how all of this will pan out.

Happy Birthday Steven Tyler !!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

American Idol - Billy Joel Night

Wednesday night, the ten contestants sang songs from the great Billy Joel. I had forgotten how wonderful his music is. The contestants delivered strong performances, for the most part. It's becoming very clear who the best performers are. I believe this is the most mature group of finalists I have ever seen so early in the contest. Each of them know who they are and what kind of artists they want to be. Last week I said more stars would emerge from this season of contestants than any other. I still believe that. Tommy Hilfiger gave fashion advice to all contestants, but most did their own thing, which I loved.


The evening started off with Deandre Brackensick singing, Only The Good Die Young. I thought his performance was boring and lacked excitement. I really believe his talent has peaked. It was the worst performance of the evening.


Erika Van Pelt was next and sang, New York State of Mind. She took to the stage with a new look; shorter and darker hair. J-Lo compared her look to Pat Benatar, and I totally agree. Her face was visible and she was all smiles. Her performance was very strong. She is a natural on the stage. She was at ease and projected confidence. I think her new look will give her a few more votes...for a while. I still think she is one of the strongest female vocalists, but I think her age will be a factor eventually.


Next up was Joshua Ledet, performing, She's Got A Way. The song did not start out good and lacked feeling. The second half of the song was better. This was not his best performance, but I am confident he will remain safe. Steven Tyler admitted he had never heard this Billy Joel song. Shocking!


*I noticed at this point in the show Randy Jackson's man broach. He has been sporting this new look this season, but I'm not liking it. I love his watches though!


Skylar Laine was up next singing, Shameless. She started the song off at the low end of her register, which made the song a bit awkward and unsure, but it all worked itself out. I like Skylar very much. She remains true to herself. She showed how smart she is by explaining how she had to work the song because of the range of notes. She will be safe this week as well.


Elise Testone came to the stage looking great in a long purple dress. She sang, Vienna. She did a really good job. It was a solid performance. She is getting better and better each week. She will remain safe this week too.


Phil Phillips deconstructed Moving Out and made it his own. It was a great performance. It was a little slow. The song was exciting because you didn't know where it was going. Overall, I thought it was brilliant. He is safe!


Hollie Cavanagh came to the stage looking mighty sparkly and sang Honesty. The look was a bit bigger than her performance. I did not think this was a good song choice and it was pitchy in a few spots. She has a good voice but her nerves get the best of her. She was a bit sharp on a couple of notes in the beginning. Hollie will be in the bottom three.


Heejun Han gave everyone a huge scare. He started his song then stopped it in what appeared to be a mistake. When he resumed, he tore off his shirt and broke out in My Life. It was very shocking and personally, I did not appreciate it. Heejun has a problem deciding what he wants to be; actor, comedian or singer. Steven told Heejun, he needed to take the competition "more seriously"! Heejun will not last much longer in this competition. He dialect prevents him from singing some words clearly. His consonants slur and he doesn't finish other words. Heejun will complete the bottom three in tonight's results show.


Jessica Sanchez and Colton Dixon gave the best performances of the night. Jessica sang, Everybody Has A Dream. It was a very memorable song choice. It could not have been more perfect her. She became the song. Colton accompanied himself on the piano to Piano Man. Colton left me with goosebumps. What an incredible performance. His voice is so crystal clean. I believe the competition will come down to these two.


So my choices for the bottom three are Deandre, Hollie and Heejun. I believe Deandre will remain safe for another week. I don't know who will go home, but I'm leaning towards Heejun.


That's it boys and girls. Stay tuned for results.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Follow Fridays

I don't know if I truly understand the #FF thing on Twitter. How I think it's supposed to work is users suggest people to follow, to other Twitter friends. I thinks that's all fine and dandy. If I think someone is funny, brilliant, interesting or relatable, I will send out #FF's.

This is how I run my twitter. I follow people who are interesting, funny, brilliant and relatable. I choose people who don't have a lot of followers, except for the handful of stars I follow. I like to follow people I feel I have something in common with, and I hope that they will follow me. Twitter just lets you eavesdrop on other people's lives.

I know there are Twitter rankings, like who gets the most #FF's. I think this is so people can see who is popular at the moment. Maybe I am wrong. Having a large following is not important to me. I like my twitterverse small. I like to know and understand all of my tweeps. I hope that my followers will interact with me on some level. I don't understand why some people choose not to. I wish I were as funny and brilliant as some of the people I follow, but I'm not most of the time. Some people are so clever. It's fun watching people be spontaneous and crazy. Twitter is just entertaining.

Some twitter users, use the Twitter platform to promote something they are professionally involved in, like writing, comedy or acting. That is all understandable. What a great way to promote your work and for fans to stay connected. It's all very cool and much different than Facebook.

To me, people on Facebook are all looking to get stroked; looking for instant gratification. FB users remind me of vampires. I just don't want to talk to people all of the time. Actually, FB makes your personal life much smaller. That's how I feel. I do believe it is a great way to stay in touch with far away friends and family, and for sharing pictures. I'm not using FB anymore. Twitter is perfect for me.

This was supposed to be about Follow Friday, but I talked about general Twitter stuff and Facebook. I panic a little on Fridays. I don't know if people are waiting for me to #FF them. I do think it would be cool if some of my tweeps were following each other.

If I'm not see the full picture about some of this Twitter stuff, someone please let me know. I still have to figure out this "Lists" thingy too. Happy Follow Friday!

P.S. My spell check isn't working. Hope ther are no errors.

Idol Results Night - Mar 15, 2012

There were no surprises last night as the bottom three contestants were revealed. Interestingly, Facebook users selected favorites by using the "like" button. Here are their results:

#1: Jessica Sanchez with 44,101
#2: Phillip Phillips with 41,695
#3: Colton Dixon with 38,193
#4: Heejun Han with 19,056
#5: Deandre Brackensick with 19,029
#6: Skylar Laine with 17,848
#7: Hollie Cavanagh with 14,909
#8: Joshua Ledet with 14,774
#9: Elise Testone with 9,974
#10: Shannon Magrane with 9,780
#11: Erika Van Pelt with 9,342
My predictions were spot on as well, but you really never know. The contestant sent home last night was Shannon Magrane. Idol judges have one save they can use up to week five of the competition. The judges agreed that Shannon was the person to send home ;ast night. The difficult cuts have not started yet, but as this competition continues, the quality and confidence of performances will improve. It will turn into a real horse race. Those who can't keep up will fall by the wayside. So far, I don't see a clear frontrunner. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. More Idol blogging next week.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

American Idol - Songs from the year you were born

The interesting thing to witness about this competition, is the amount of growth you see from week to week. I should start out by saying, I didn't vote for anyone this week. I think each contestant had a pretty solid performance last night. I also think the remaining 11 contestants are the strongest stand alone vocalist to date. I believe more stars will be born from this season, than any previous season. That's a pretty big statement.

Instead of tweeting comments during the show last night, I took notes and I'm having a hard time deciding where to begin.

First things first. Jermaine Jones was eliminated from the competition for failing to disclose some unresolved legal matters. That's a very big deal. When I was a member of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus three years ago, a group of 50 of us were selected to audition for Americas Got Talent at the invitation of AGT. The amount of paperwork was ridiculous. Producers want to know EVERYTHING! They want no surprises. My group did make it on TV and advanced to the Las Vegas rounds. However, before we left to go to Vegas, AGT producers cut us from the show. We were never given a reason why.

The two people I scored the lowest last night were, Heejun Han and Shannon Magrane. I do have a feeling that one of my favorites will be eliminated; not because she can't sing, but because she is the oldest contestant. I don't think younger kids can or will relate to her. I'm talking about Erika Van Pelt. She sang her song perfectly last night, but it was a song teens probably didn't know, so I am afraid she is going to go. By the way, she looked hot last night! I DO believe she will be a star.

My notes

Deandre Brackensick has to go. His Milli Vanilli hair is killing me!! Lately, his singing has been irritating me. I don't believe every song should be sung in falsetto. I was expecting his performance to be like everything else he's done, but I was fooled last night when he sang, Endless Love. He actually did a really good job except for the note at the end (falsetto). Deandre didn't smile once last night. He acted like someone threatened to cut off all his hair.

Elise Testone hasn't been my favorite contestant and last week she was pretty close to being sent home. In my opinion, she gave her best performance to date last night. The song was perfect for her. She did a great job

Shannon Magrane sang One Sweet Day, by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. I thought Shannon's version was boring. Love the song, but not by Shannon.

My guy favorite Colton Dixon, sang a rock song, Broken Heart. Never heard of it, but he sang it well. He's going to be a star as well, with or without Idol.

Another person who is going to be a star, with or without Idol, is Skylar Laine. She's going to be a country diva. She was born for this. She reminds me of Reba McEntire.

Hollie Cavanagh sang Power of Love. Just a couple of areas with pitch problems but over all, she did a good job.

Results are tonight and as I always say, you never know how things will pan out. Stay tuned.