IDOL BEAT: History made! Cue theme from 'Rocky'
April 16, 2009 - 6:33 PM
Rhonda Cloutier
SAVED! Ode to Kara: Six Words! Best night in “American Idol” history!
This week’s theme was movie night and we got to see one of the best TV moments ever happen live with scenes played out from “Rocky Horror” to “Rocky” all in an hour show.
Yes, we had a villain (Simon), a devil’s advocate (Ryan), Meatloaf (Adam), Cougars/dancing girls (Paula and Kara), a Dawg (can’t leave out Randy), the choir, the spectators and then there was Matt Giraud (Rocky).
Matt showed his singing and dancing moves in the group song “Maniac.” It was one of the best live group songs we have heard this season and all the Idols had solos and a chance to shine.
Matt was also shown prominently in the Ford video, driving a Ford Mustang. So, the scene was set – Matt hadn’t given his best performance the night before based on two judge’s opinions but his solos in “Maniac” reminded the viewers why he is a great performer.
Fast forward to Lil Rounds and Matt standing next to Ryan, wondering if they were headed home.
When Ryan announced Lil was safe (really?), Matt was left on the stage to come to grips with his elimination.
“I’m never watching this stupid show again,” was heard across the world or maybe that was just in my head. Ryan reminded Matt that he would be singing “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” for his life, that the judges could use their “save” and that the pressure was on.
At this point, the temperature in the normally chilly studio shot up to 212 degrees, you know the point where water boils and going the extra degree makes you a contender.
Way to go Ryan. Let’s make Matt even more nervous. Matt took the microphone and started crooning – not cawing or flapping his wings but slowly, unfolded a tender love ballad that filled the studio with emotion and captured the essence of the song.
Was it perfect? No, he still had a few notes that weren’t quite reached but hope soared, and as he finished the song, he took it up a few notches from Tuesday night and ended on a sweet, sweet note. Matt made both Paula and Kara want him (in a good way) and the crowd began to chant “Save Matt.” The other contestants were on their feet, joining in the chant whole heartedly.
If Matt has never really ever felt the love before – he owned it last night. Simon as usual gave the last word – if he would have said anything other than “Good News” he would have been mobbed by the crowd and his head asked for.
A moment was made in “American Idol” history. Matt Giraud became the first Idol to ever be saved in the finals.
Matt, moved to tears, was group hugged and lifted up not only by his fellow contestants, who all thought he was worthy of the save, even knowing that it meant two people were going home next week but spiritually lifted as well.
Matt, you are back in it! Cue the theme from “Rocky.”
Rhonda Cloutier lives in Santa Rosa Beach. You can reach her at IdolBeat@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Will Matt Giruad sing for his life?
American Idol Beat 4/15/09
By Rhonda Cloutier
Will Matt Giraud Be Singing For His Life Tonight?
Will the judges finally use their save? Stay tuned! Last night was puzzling. Quentin Tarantino, the guest mentor, is a mastermind at directing but did he really help the singers improve their songs or their deliveries? I was visualizing him casting all seven of the remaining idols in his next movie – we have the Rocky Horror lead, the boy next door distraught by tragedy, the teen heart-throb and then the supporting actors – who at any point can turn in a performance so great that they steal the show from the lead. It’s the supporting actors/singers who have the story arc right now. In every movie (and Reality Shows), as in life, we love to root for the underdogs.
Let’s talk about one of the underdogs, Matt Giraud. This is where the arc is for me. The tortured (yes, I’m talking to you judges) piano player, with a perceived identity crisis, struggles to find himself. I envision Phantom of the Opera meets Rocky, minus the horror. Of all the remaining contestants, he doesn’t need to scream to be heard, he doesn’t need unnatural hair color (I still love you Allison!), or tragic background to elevate him to the forefront. The short-lived, teen heart-throb is not his angle either – he is a “Musician”, with broad appeal. How did he get an identity crisis? The judges gave it to him! Why does he have to be labeled anything? I have enjoyed his repertoire of soul, rock, pop, country and blues. When he sang “So Small”, the Carrie Underwood country hit, he combined all of these elements successfully, without having to stay in the prescribed r&b box. Instead of the Michael Buble or Justin Timberlake comparisons, on this song he reminded me of Darius Rucker. If he goes home tonight, my disappointment will be that we didn’t get to hear a full version of “Georgia on My Mind” (or get to buy it on iTunes!) or my guilty pleasure of “What Goes Around”.
Matt, if you happen to read this, please sing these songs on tour! It will be the only way I will get over the heartbreak of you leaving the show early.
The story, I’m afraid, has already been written. But, it’s not too late; the “Save” could be used. Matt is deserving of the Judges’ free pass. Let’s hope they use it on him!
By Rhonda Cloutier
Will Matt Giraud Be Singing For His Life Tonight?
Will the judges finally use their save? Stay tuned! Last night was puzzling. Quentin Tarantino, the guest mentor, is a mastermind at directing but did he really help the singers improve their songs or their deliveries? I was visualizing him casting all seven of the remaining idols in his next movie – we have the Rocky Horror lead, the boy next door distraught by tragedy, the teen heart-throb and then the supporting actors – who at any point can turn in a performance so great that they steal the show from the lead. It’s the supporting actors/singers who have the story arc right now. In every movie (and Reality Shows), as in life, we love to root for the underdogs.
Let’s talk about one of the underdogs, Matt Giraud. This is where the arc is for me. The tortured (yes, I’m talking to you judges) piano player, with a perceived identity crisis, struggles to find himself. I envision Phantom of the Opera meets Rocky, minus the horror. Of all the remaining contestants, he doesn’t need to scream to be heard, he doesn’t need unnatural hair color (I still love you Allison!), or tragic background to elevate him to the forefront. The short-lived, teen heart-throb is not his angle either – he is a “Musician”, with broad appeal. How did he get an identity crisis? The judges gave it to him! Why does he have to be labeled anything? I have enjoyed his repertoire of soul, rock, pop, country and blues. When he sang “So Small”, the Carrie Underwood country hit, he combined all of these elements successfully, without having to stay in the prescribed r&b box. Instead of the Michael Buble or Justin Timberlake comparisons, on this song he reminded me of Darius Rucker. If he goes home tonight, my disappointment will be that we didn’t get to hear a full version of “Georgia on My Mind” (or get to buy it on iTunes!) or my guilty pleasure of “What Goes Around”.
Matt, if you happen to read this, please sing these songs on tour! It will be the only way I will get over the heartbreak of you leaving the show early.
The story, I’m afraid, has already been written. But, it’s not too late; the “Save” could be used. Matt is deserving of the Judges’ free pass. Let’s hope they use it on him!
Live from Hollywood - it's the Matt Show!
Please read and comment. Just click on the title. Best Night Ever!
Missing in Action again but I'm back with a story to tell!
I have been writing for the Walton Sun, Twittering - you can follow me at Twitter.com/idolbeat
and Facebooking!
But I'm need to be on here to help promote my American Idol for 2009 - Matt Giraud.
I am going to post all my articles in sequence and then will update everyone. I know bloggers all have their favorites and have jumped all over Adam's and Kris's bandwagon but I am here to tell you - Matt is where it's at!
More later!
and Facebooking!
But I'm need to be on here to help promote my American Idol for 2009 - Matt Giraud.
I am going to post all my articles in sequence and then will update everyone. I know bloggers all have their favorites and have jumped all over Adam's and Kris's bandwagon but I am here to tell you - Matt is where it's at!
More later!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Matt Giraud - the One to Watch!
Matt is from my hometown! First time ever I can say an American Idol grew up where I did!
I can't wait to hear him sing and play the piano - maybe even the drums! That would be a first on Idol!
Here are my favorites:
Guys: Matt, Stephen Fowler, Michael Sarver, Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai and Brent Smith - these guys will make the top 12 minus one of them. (probably Michael Sarver)
Girls: Ann Marie, Allison, Felicia, Jackie, Stevie, Jasmine and Lil Rounds.
How about you? Who do you like?
I can't wait to hear him sing and play the piano - maybe even the drums! That would be a first on Idol!
Here are my favorites:
Guys: Matt, Stephen Fowler, Michael Sarver, Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai and Brent Smith - these guys will make the top 12 minus one of them. (probably Michael Sarver)
Girls: Ann Marie, Allison, Felicia, Jackie, Stevie, Jasmine and Lil Rounds.
How about you? Who do you like?
Let's Get It Started!
New article up at Walton Sun:
http://www.waltonsun.com/entertainment/david_2678___article.html/down_stage.html
http://www.waltonsun.com/entertainment/david_2678___article.html/down_stage.html
American Idol 2009! New Idol Judge Believes in Second Chances
AMERICAN IDOL 2009, SEASON 8
AMERICAN IDOLBEAT
BY RHONDA CLOUTIER
I had the chance to sit in on a phone conference with the new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Thursday, January 8th. I am very excited about her addition to the judge’s table; she brings a wealth of experience with her industry background, not only as a songwriter but as a producer as well.
DioGuardi’s songs have been recorded by Natasha Bedingfield, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, Pink and the Jonas Brothers, just to name a few of the diverse, talented singers utilizing her music!
Based on the auditions of Season 8, she thinks there are at least five to ten strong men in the competition, compared to a couple of girls she is excited about. Soulfulness is how she described what the guys have, defining the soulful sound as Maroon 5 like, with at least one of them bringing a new style of genre to American Idol this year. Taking her job seriously, she said she looked at everyone, considered whether they were having an off day and gave second chances if she could; she believes in second chances. Giving thanks to her “Angels”, several who gave her encouragement and guidance along the way in her career, she hopes she can do the same with constructive criticism and words of advice to get the singers started in their careers.
Feisty, upbeat, young and experienced, look for her to have a fresh take on this year’s group of American Idol hopefuls!
The first episodes of American Idol start on Tuesday, January 13th and Wednesday, January 14th. You can email me your thoughts at idolbeat@gmail.com
Spoiler alert: An Osmond’s son (as in the Osmond Brothers!) and a sibling of one of the Season 7 American Idol finalists, auditions!
AMERICAN IDOLBEAT
BY RHONDA CLOUTIER
I had the chance to sit in on a phone conference with the new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Thursday, January 8th. I am very excited about her addition to the judge’s table; she brings a wealth of experience with her industry background, not only as a songwriter but as a producer as well.
DioGuardi’s songs have been recorded by Natasha Bedingfield, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, Pink and the Jonas Brothers, just to name a few of the diverse, talented singers utilizing her music!
Based on the auditions of Season 8, she thinks there are at least five to ten strong men in the competition, compared to a couple of girls she is excited about. Soulfulness is how she described what the guys have, defining the soulful sound as Maroon 5 like, with at least one of them bringing a new style of genre to American Idol this year. Taking her job seriously, she said she looked at everyone, considered whether they were having an off day and gave second chances if she could; she believes in second chances. Giving thanks to her “Angels”, several who gave her encouragement and guidance along the way in her career, she hopes she can do the same with constructive criticism and words of advice to get the singers started in their careers.
Feisty, upbeat, young and experienced, look for her to have a fresh take on this year’s group of American Idol hopefuls!
The first episodes of American Idol start on Tuesday, January 13th and Wednesday, January 14th. You can email me your thoughts at idolbeat@gmail.com
Spoiler alert: An Osmond’s son (as in the Osmond Brothers!) and a sibling of one of the Season 7 American Idol finalists, auditions!
So You Think You Can Dance in VIE magazine!
My article is out in the Spring issue of VIE magazine - review of the tour in Pensacola, interviews with Stephen "Twitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Thayne Jasperson and Kherington Payne and gorgeous pictures of "Twitch", Katee Shean, Chelsie Hightower and Chelsea Traille! to view on line go to http://www.vie-peopleplusplaces.com/ click on view Spring 09 issue.
The article is on page 93 - 96! Love, love the close-up photo of "Twitch".
The article is on page 93 - 96! Love, love the close-up photo of "Twitch".
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