My rankings after the Girl's Performance 2-19:
1. Alaina Whitaker - Carrie's younger sister? But do we need another Carrie? Carrie seems to be doing fine without the help of a sister.
2. Ramiele Malubay - An amazing, controlled performance. Where does that voice come from?
3. Alexandrea Lushington - Edgy, dynamic, current entertainer. Planned her entrance, got the first standing ovation of the night!
4. Syesha Mercado - Strong, powerful version of "Tobacco Road."
5. Asia'h Epperson - I love her breathy style of singing!
6. Carly Smithson - Great performance but overated.
7. Brooke White - Safe, mellow, average song.
8. Kady Malloy - One of two blondes whose eyes do not look good when they are singing. Another average song.
9. Amanda Overmeyer - A hot mess, but the rockers like her! Seriously, what song did she sing? She would lose on "Don't Forget the Lyrics."
10. Kristy Lee Cook - I disliked this performance the most. Her eyes distracted from the song.
11. Joanne Borgella - eliminated
12. Amy Davis - eliminated
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
AMERICAN IDOL- THE CHOSEN ONES AND THE REST OF THE REALITY TV SUPPORTING CAST
Yes, it is a Reality TV show. Ratings and money are what drive the show. The definition of an American Idol? The singer who will make the most money for 19 and Fremantle. Do I love the show any less knowing that? No. In reality, small r not capital, at the end of the day, we all know that what makes good TV and money is not necessarily the best singer - i.e. Melinda Doolittle from Season 6. Do I wish it was different? Maybe. What if there were 24 equally talented singers, without ever having record deals, that were truly non-professional, with equal amounts of airtime, and judges who gave helpful advice to the contestants. Would you still watch?
So far, it is evident who the Chosen Ones are. Definition of Chosen Ones: Semi-professional, with proven performance skills in one or more areas, different from the previous year's winner in looks and genre, and highly promoted from the beginning. What about Kelly Clarkson? Season 1, there wasn't a proven American Idol formula nor established fanbases prior to the airing of the top 24. Wouldn't it be exciting if someone won, who had little promotion, that came out and surprised the heck out of everyone with "A Star is Born" moment!
Am I still watching? Yes! Wouldn't miss it for the world!
So far, it is evident who the Chosen Ones are. Definition of Chosen Ones: Semi-professional, with proven performance skills in one or more areas, different from the previous year's winner in looks and genre, and highly promoted from the beginning. What about Kelly Clarkson? Season 1, there wasn't a proven American Idol formula nor established fanbases prior to the airing of the top 24. Wouldn't it be exciting if someone won, who had little promotion, that came out and surprised the heck out of everyone with "A Star is Born" moment!
Am I still watching? Yes! Wouldn't miss it for the world!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Best of Show?
The top twelve guys walked down the stairs like they were waiting for their prom dates. The 60's theme and the songs they sang: "Happy Together", "More Than Yesterday", "Breaking Up is Hard To Do", "What a Day For a Day Dream" and "Wait Till the Midnight Hour" along with attire (Chikezie's suit looked like he had matched his date's dress, only missing his carnation on his lapel) and hair - ok, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Leif Garrett Frampton and his vintage (ow) hair, set the stage for the ultimate cheese. Garrett even sounded like he could have been the band singer for the prom band! I had a flashback to the game "Mystery Date", where you opened the door and the date was waiting for you! Dreamy (Luke), Cute (David A.) Surfer (Jason C,) Bad Boy (Robbie -did I make that category up?) and Dud (??? - we'll see Thursday!) Fun!
My pick for best of show, someone who had not been highlighted, whose praises had not already been sung louder than Lakisha Jones' money note ie Michael Johns and David Archuleta, is Jason Castro.
24 of the most talented we have ever had? I'm not so sure after last night. They were ok - good but great?
Said in best Randy's voice: Come on, Come on girls, you need to put your best game face (and vocals) on tonight!
My pick for best of show, someone who had not been highlighted, whose praises had not already been sung louder than Lakisha Jones' money note ie Michael Johns and David Archuleta, is Jason Castro.
24 of the most talented we have ever had? I'm not so sure after last night. They were ok - good but great?
Said in best Randy's voice: Come on, Come on girls, you need to put your best game face (and vocals) on tonight!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 - THE UNVEILING
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 -
THE UNVEILING!
Happy? Sad? Mad? Deep breathing really works! If you didn’t read the spoilers and just went by what was shown of the auditions and Hollywood Week, I’m sure you are wondering who a great deal of these people are! Especially since several of the guys we have only seen for 5 seconds in the “I’m about to be a star” or “Thanks, it’s been real” chair! Your Top 24 are pictured above:
Happy? Sad? Mad? Deep breathing really works! If you didn’t read the spoilers and just went by what was shown of the auditions and Hollywood Week, I’m sure you are wondering who a great deal of these people are! Especially since several of the guys we have only seen for 5 seconds in the “I’m about to be a star” or “Thanks, it’s been real” chair! Your Top 24 are pictured above:
Top 12 Girls:
Amy Davis: Former swim suit model from Indiana – this year’s Haley.
Amanda Overmeyer: Respiratory nurse also from Indiana. Said to be the rocker girl.
Ramiele Malubay: From Miramar, Florida. A Filipino powerhouse in a little package!
Joanne Borgella: Another pretty model, for plus size women. Won a contest called “Mo Niques’ Fat Chance.
Kristy Lee Cook: One of several contestants who have had a failed record deal. She is the most athletic of the group.
Kady Malloy: Has had some indie success with Amie Street (she was the one who did the Britney Spears imitation)
Alexandrea Lushington: A young Melinda Doolittle, who is only 16! Was on Star Search when she was 11. Hails from Douglasville, Georgia.
Brooke White: Carole King made hip! Plays keyboard, also has a couple of cds. Calls Arizona home.
Alaina Whitaker: a 16 year old who thinks she is the next Carrie Underwood!
Syesha Mercado: From Florida, she has been in many commercials and was on the show “The One.”
Carly Smithson: From Ireland originally, has had a major record deal, which flopped. Has been said she is “The Chosen One” by American Idol to win.
Asia’h Epperson: Her father passed away right before her audition. Has a rich, breathy voice.
Top 12 Guys:
David Cook: One of the many rocker guys from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Colton Berry: A theater guy – expect high drama!
Robbie Carrico: From Melbourne, Florida his claim to fame is that he was a boy-bander with some success in the group Boyz-N-Girls United.
Garrett Haley: 17, Leif Garrett and Peter Frampton rolled into one, said to have a high pitched voice. A Mid-Westerner from Ohio.
Jason Yeager: Was on the show “Making the Band.” His mom is a Gospel singer.
Luke Menard: An a’cappella singer in the band Chapter 6. Married!
David Hernandez: From Jordin Spark’s homestate, Arizona. Has nice range – the Rudy Cardenas of Season 7.
Michael Johns: One of the favored ones! Has had a record deal, his own band and comes from the land down under! One of the oldest contestants.
Chikeze Eze: Only African American guy, from California. Loves Soap Operas, Donnie Hathaway and admire’s Michael Jackson moves, style, voice and performances.
David Archuleta: 17, Winner of Star Search when he was 12, from Salt Lake City.
Jason Castro: Dreadlocks! Anxious to hear him!
Danny Norriega: One of the first openly gay contestants. Is Simon ready for him?
Here’s my pick for the top 10. Not in any particular order.
1. Alex Lushington
2. Robbie Carrico
3. David Archuleta
4. Carly Smithson
5. Asia’h Epperson
6. Brooke White
7. Michael Johns
8. Danny Norriega
9. David Cook/Jason Castro/Chikezie Eze
10. Alaina Whitaker/Ramiele Malubay
Amy Davis: Former swim suit model from Indiana – this year’s Haley.
Amanda Overmeyer: Respiratory nurse also from Indiana. Said to be the rocker girl.
Ramiele Malubay: From Miramar, Florida. A Filipino powerhouse in a little package!
Joanne Borgella: Another pretty model, for plus size women. Won a contest called “Mo Niques’ Fat Chance.
Kristy Lee Cook: One of several contestants who have had a failed record deal. She is the most athletic of the group.
Kady Malloy: Has had some indie success with Amie Street (she was the one who did the Britney Spears imitation)
Alexandrea Lushington: A young Melinda Doolittle, who is only 16! Was on Star Search when she was 11. Hails from Douglasville, Georgia.
Brooke White: Carole King made hip! Plays keyboard, also has a couple of cds. Calls Arizona home.
Alaina Whitaker: a 16 year old who thinks she is the next Carrie Underwood!
Syesha Mercado: From Florida, she has been in many commercials and was on the show “The One.”
Carly Smithson: From Ireland originally, has had a major record deal, which flopped. Has been said she is “The Chosen One” by American Idol to win.
Asia’h Epperson: Her father passed away right before her audition. Has a rich, breathy voice.
Top 12 Guys:
David Cook: One of the many rocker guys from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Colton Berry: A theater guy – expect high drama!
Robbie Carrico: From Melbourne, Florida his claim to fame is that he was a boy-bander with some success in the group Boyz-N-Girls United.
Garrett Haley: 17, Leif Garrett and Peter Frampton rolled into one, said to have a high pitched voice. A Mid-Westerner from Ohio.
Jason Yeager: Was on the show “Making the Band.” His mom is a Gospel singer.
Luke Menard: An a’cappella singer in the band Chapter 6. Married!
David Hernandez: From Jordin Spark’s homestate, Arizona. Has nice range – the Rudy Cardenas of Season 7.
Michael Johns: One of the favored ones! Has had a record deal, his own band and comes from the land down under! One of the oldest contestants.
Chikeze Eze: Only African American guy, from California. Loves Soap Operas, Donnie Hathaway and admire’s Michael Jackson moves, style, voice and performances.
David Archuleta: 17, Winner of Star Search when he was 12, from Salt Lake City.
Jason Castro: Dreadlocks! Anxious to hear him!
Danny Norriega: One of the first openly gay contestants. Is Simon ready for him?
Here’s my pick for the top 10. Not in any particular order.
1. Alex Lushington
2. Robbie Carrico
3. David Archuleta
4. Carly Smithson
5. Asia’h Epperson
6. Brooke White
7. Michael Johns
8. Danny Norriega
9. David Cook/Jason Castro/Chikezie Eze
10. Alaina Whitaker/Ramiele Malubay
Wow. Not only talented but one of the prettiest seasons ever!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Have you done that yet Kanye?
Huge Idol presence tonight on the Grammys! So, I missed the first 5 minutes and guess who I see? None other than Carrie Underwood singing "Before He Cheats." She owned the stage! I loved the dancers and she did not disappoint her fans, she hit the power notes at the top of the stairs to end the song. She of course, was probably the prettiest singer there! Carrie and Jennifer Hudson, the only Idols to take home the Grammys!
Fantasia did not win her category for best R&B vocal performance - Alicia Keys won for "No One." Alicia Keys is unstoppable. As much as this song is overplayed on the top 40 radio stations, I still like it a lot!
Daughtry - nominated for best rock album ................DNW! OMG! He lost! SHOCKER! Lost to the Foo Fighters! I would have guessed maybe Bruce Springsteen would have beaten him but the Foo Fighters?
Vince Gill won for best country album. Vince and Amy are the cutest couple, seriously! Vince's one-liner made everyone laugh out loud - when handed his Grammy by Ringo Starr, he said "I have been handed a Grammy from a Beatle. Have you done that yet Kanye?" This was in response to Kanyes' over-the-top postulating of I am the Greatest! At least when Ali said it, he was like-able. No denying his talent as he went on to claim 4 Grammys for the night.
So many incredible performances! Speaking of the Beatles, the tribute to the Beatles had to have been one of the highlights of the evening. I was mesmerized by the singing, the Cirque du Soleil interpretation - my son thought the VW taken apart was amazing; he was hoping they would put it back together! I was feeling sad that Paul wasn't there to see it live. The young man who sang "Let it Be" sang just like the Beatles. I had to sit up and look to see if it was actually his voice! I'll have to look up his name.
My favorite duet was Tina Turner and Beyonce. Be honest. Didn't you think that Beyonce did the rocking hips, the run in place, and head shake, hair fling just like Tina? When Tina started her intro into "Proud Mary", I watched, waiting for it to build uptempo. Words cannot accurately describe this song's effect. You have to feel it to get it. I watched Sanjaya and Melinda Doolittle perform "Proud Mary" together last summer. Their rendition was a surprise to me. Critics felt this song gave both of them a chance to shine, some extremely shocked that Sanjaya could pull it off. I loved it! But last night, Tina was in rare form. The addition of Beyonce was an interesting twist. You just can't touch this performance!
I liked Feist! Never heard of her until last night. I'll be looking for her music. Very catchy beat!
Who Knew: Fergie can sing a ballad! No popping, no hip hopping, just sweet, sweet sounds!
Morris Day and the Time! Brought back memories, then Prince! Wow! Flashback to "Purple Rain!" We were only missing Shelia E.!
One last high-five for the Pavarotti tribute. I am sure he was honored by their moving, spirit-filled song.
My favorite quote: A country song is three chords and the truth.
Grammys 2008 - What fun!
Fantasia did not win her category for best R&B vocal performance - Alicia Keys won for "No One." Alicia Keys is unstoppable. As much as this song is overplayed on the top 40 radio stations, I still like it a lot!
Daughtry - nominated for best rock album ................DNW! OMG! He lost! SHOCKER! Lost to the Foo Fighters! I would have guessed maybe Bruce Springsteen would have beaten him but the Foo Fighters?
Vince Gill won for best country album. Vince and Amy are the cutest couple, seriously! Vince's one-liner made everyone laugh out loud - when handed his Grammy by Ringo Starr, he said "I have been handed a Grammy from a Beatle. Have you done that yet Kanye?" This was in response to Kanyes' over-the-top postulating of I am the Greatest! At least when Ali said it, he was like-able. No denying his talent as he went on to claim 4 Grammys for the night.
So many incredible performances! Speaking of the Beatles, the tribute to the Beatles had to have been one of the highlights of the evening. I was mesmerized by the singing, the Cirque du Soleil interpretation - my son thought the VW taken apart was amazing; he was hoping they would put it back together! I was feeling sad that Paul wasn't there to see it live. The young man who sang "Let it Be" sang just like the Beatles. I had to sit up and look to see if it was actually his voice! I'll have to look up his name.
My favorite duet was Tina Turner and Beyonce. Be honest. Didn't you think that Beyonce did the rocking hips, the run in place, and head shake, hair fling just like Tina? When Tina started her intro into "Proud Mary", I watched, waiting for it to build uptempo. Words cannot accurately describe this song's effect. You have to feel it to get it. I watched Sanjaya and Melinda Doolittle perform "Proud Mary" together last summer. Their rendition was a surprise to me. Critics felt this song gave both of them a chance to shine, some extremely shocked that Sanjaya could pull it off. I loved it! But last night, Tina was in rare form. The addition of Beyonce was an interesting twist. You just can't touch this performance!
I liked Feist! Never heard of her until last night. I'll be looking for her music. Very catchy beat!
Who Knew: Fergie can sing a ballad! No popping, no hip hopping, just sweet, sweet sounds!
Morris Day and the Time! Brought back memories, then Prince! Wow! Flashback to "Purple Rain!" We were only missing Shelia E.!
One last high-five for the Pavarotti tribute. I am sure he was honored by their moving, spirit-filled song.
My favorite quote: A country song is three chords and the truth.
Grammys 2008 - What fun!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Alexandrea Lushington, One of the Young Stars?
Nigel Lythgoe has talked about the young hopefuls as being some of the best he has seen. Speculation has been about David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado and Alexandrea Lushington, all just 16 when they auditioned.
I met Alexandrea at the Atlanta Auditions along with several other hopefuls. This was my first experience attending an American Idol audition and had no idea what to expect. Maybe that was good because I felt something special was going to unfold before my very eyes! That is what is so great about Reality TV; anything can happen and you get to witness it!
Alex is pretty, very tall and has an incredible voice. She has some demos up on her myspace page www.myspace.com/mizalex91
When I met her, I could tell there was a star quality about her and that was without even hearing her sing! I couldn't wait to hear her music! I was not disappointed! She is definitely top 40 material - "I'm Cool" and "Clones" are my favorites of the songs she has up.
A well rounded young teen, Alex is clearly doted on by her large, extended family. After meeting her dad Rene, a tall (you can see where Alex gets her height from) gregarious man who makes sure you know that Alex is not a slacker when it comes to school. He would not let her compete unless her grades were good. It is not just about her singing, she had to earn the right to take off from school work to perform.
I was most impressed by her self-confidence; she is very poised without coming across arrogant (you know how Simon loves to use that phrase -"You aren't as good as you think you are") yet you knew instantly she was going to be a contender; a presence to be reckoned with!
I'm rooting for you Alex! Stay strong and don't forget, it truly is about song choice in this competition. Choose songs that the viewers not only will identify with but that the general public will want to sing along to!
I met Alexandrea at the Atlanta Auditions along with several other hopefuls. This was my first experience attending an American Idol audition and had no idea what to expect. Maybe that was good because I felt something special was going to unfold before my very eyes! That is what is so great about Reality TV; anything can happen and you get to witness it!
Alex is pretty, very tall and has an incredible voice. She has some demos up on her myspace page www.myspace.com/mizalex91
When I met her, I could tell there was a star quality about her and that was without even hearing her sing! I couldn't wait to hear her music! I was not disappointed! She is definitely top 40 material - "I'm Cool" and "Clones" are my favorites of the songs she has up.
A well rounded young teen, Alex is clearly doted on by her large, extended family. After meeting her dad Rene, a tall (you can see where Alex gets her height from) gregarious man who makes sure you know that Alex is not a slacker when it comes to school. He would not let her compete unless her grades were good. It is not just about her singing, she had to earn the right to take off from school work to perform.
I was most impressed by her self-confidence; she is very poised without coming across arrogant (you know how Simon loves to use that phrase -"You aren't as good as you think you are") yet you knew instantly she was going to be a contender; a presence to be reckoned with!
I'm rooting for you Alex! Stay strong and don't forget, it truly is about song choice in this competition. Choose songs that the viewers not only will identify with but that the general public will want to sing along to!
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