Top 9 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

So today they pick from the always controversial Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...good field from which to mine.

Look how pretty Jennifer looks! And Steven was coherentish during the intro. Randy shut up.

Jacob Lusk – Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson) - Fabulous song; keep it under control Jacob; nice, he's singing it really well, a little screaming is fine; he looked good no weird faces; it was fine but a little boring... Score - 6.

Haley Reinhart - Piece of My Heart - Before the break Ryan said she's doing Janis! OH NO SHE IS NOT! No! Just no!; GAH! She's doing Janis!; she looks good; sounds bad; you don't have to growl every word!; I don't like it; how do you make Janis boring? I love that song and she killed it. Score - 4.

Casey Abrams – Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival) - fabulous song!; I'm digging the bass; I like it; he's a little weird still, but it works here; it was good; OK so I'm starting to get Casey. Score - 8

Lauren Alaina – Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin) - really Alaina? You're doing Aretha?; a phenomenal song! not loving the look; actually it's not bad; ok...she only yelled a little; it was really quite good; but she's still boring. Score - 7.

James Durbin – While My Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison) – beautiful song; wow his voice is beautiful; he can do soft!; and then he yelled! and it was good! loved it!... Score - 9.

Scotty McCreery – That's Alright Mama (Elvis Presley) – Love this song!; he's changing it up; oh no...he tried to be sexy and that was bad; "all hat and no cattle" Steven?; I don't know the performance was weird, I didn't hate it, but I'm confused; his voice was excellent as always, but I don't think I can deal with a sexy Alfred E. Newman; the girls rushing the stage - staged or really bad security?. Score - 9.

Pia Toscano – River Deep Mountain High (Tina Turner) – one of my favorite songs ever!; she's gorgeous!; she was fantastic; classy as hell; WOW! Loved it! She nailed it! Score - 10.

Stefano Langone – When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge) – another favorite songs; a difficult song; he's really cute; he has such a pretty voice ooh a little edge!; then it got sweet; it was less boring but still needs a little ooomph. Score - 8.

Paul McDonald – Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash) – amazing songl the train is comin' 'round the bend and headed for a train wreck; awful; he's smiling too much, treating it like a party song - it's about PRISON! Paul; he needs to go NOW; he has no voice. Score – 2


Who I Think *Should* Go: Paul McDonald

Who I Think *Will* Go: Paul McDonald

I think it was Pia's night. What did you think?

American Idol - Still Top 11! - Elton John

Elton John! YAAAAAAY!!!

Have they done Elton John before? There's certainly a lot to choose from...

So let's talk about last week's results and "the save". I absolutely, positively agree with the save. It's not time for Casey to leave yet. So tonight we lose two - and I know *exactly* who they should be!

Scotty McCreery – Country Comfort – haha! I never heard this before - but he found the *one* country Elton John song! He looked great, comfortable, almost too easy...whether I agree with the format or not, this show expects the participants to try different genres - it's time for him to do it; it was perfect but safe. Score - 9.

Naima Adedapo – I'm Still Standing – uh oh...great song, but she's doing it reggae style; omg it's not bad!; she looks great and her voice is excellent today; I really liked it; and it was gutsy! Because she took the risk and I think it worked, I'm giving her a perfect score. Score – 10.

Paul McDonald – Rocket Man – great song! Come on I wanna like you Paul; omg the outfit - Duuuude - no!; and he needs to shave his neck; OK...I'm sorry I'm done with him; he has no voice; there's no *there* there; this is just painful; time to go. Score – 3

Pia Toscano – Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me – a beautiful song; again - gorgeous!; she's doing another ballad, but a great one; don't do it...don't over sing it; ok...she kept it under control; this was very good. Score - 8.

Stefano Langone – Tiny Dancer – one of my favorite songs; so cute!; he has such a pretty voice but it's a difficult song; it was good, but not great; he's not going to win this; it was a little boring. Score - 6.

Lauren Alaina – Candle in the Wind - song...meh; she looks nice; she's singing it well, but this seems like an easy song; it wasn't bad but I just didn't care; ok she's pulling a Pickler and I really don't like Pickler. Score - 7.

James Durbin – Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting – woooo! Fun song! He looks great; sounds better; excellent stage presence! He rocked it! He may be the one... Score - 10.

Thia Megia – Daniel – amazing song; don't love the outfit; she has a beautiful voice; OK...she did well; it was pretty. Score – 7.

Casey Abrams – Your Song - beautiful song!; YAY! Loving the haircut and beard trim!; oooh I like this; restrained, pretty; really good; a little yelly, but he can't help himself; didn't love the high note; but that was a great performance; he's far from my favorite, but he definitely deserves to be in the show for a while; I absolutely agree with the Save he may be top 3 material - maybe. Score - 8

Jacob Lusk – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - not my favorite song; ugh awful start; he singing too high or something; he looks pissed which is the wrong emotion for this song; and there's the yelling; gah! No; what was that face?; this ladies and gentlemen is over singing; Hated it! Score - 3.

Haley Reinhart - Benny and the Jets - I love this song; Hello legs thanks for coming because thank god she has her looks; the singing? Awful; she has the stage presence of a turnip; she needs to sing "These Boots Were Made for Walking" in a mini skirt as she walks the hell out; Score - 1.

Who I Think *Should* Go: Haley Reinhart and Paul McDonald

Who I Think *Will* Go: Paul McDonald and Stefano Langone

How fabulous did JLo look? Steven once again - no clue what he's talking about, but I like the guy! Oh and there's Randy.

Tonight, there were some very good performances, some train wrecks, not much that was great. What did you think?

American Idol - Top 11 - Motown!

Wooooo Motown!

This can be very good or horribly bad...I love Motown but I've seen it mangled on AI. Let's see what happens. Oy, I'm guessing Jennifer was going for the retro thing with the eyeshadow!

Casey Abrams – I Heard It Through The Grapevine - fantastic song!; NO! Screaming! OK, it got less bad but I don't like it. He's too affected...too too! I think I officially don't like this guy. Score - 5

Thia Megia – Heat Wave – Excellent song!; agai she looks beautiful; sounds good, the lows are a little wonky but I'm liking it; lost it a bit towards the end; she has a pretty voice; it was good, not great. Score – 7.

Jacob Lusk – You're All I Need To Get By - interesting choice, not an obvious hit, but good song; See? They said he was overdoing it before; ok I like this he has a great voice; much much better!; if he can maintain the control throughout the competition this may work; awww nana!; god Ryan is an idiot! Score - 9.

Lauren Alaina – You Keep Me Hanging On - great song; she looks great; oh wait...this is working; omg I like it!; OK wow! that was really good. Score - 8.

Stefano Langone – Hello – meh, the song, I don't love it; he's cute; not bad; he just has a really good voice; see, the high parts worked; I like this kid; . Score - 8.

Haley Reinhart - You Really Got A Hold On Me - fantastic song!; she looks beautiful; good thing she's working the legs because the singing, not so much; ok really awful; the ending made my ears bleed omg; once again I have a total disconnect with the judges. Score - 4.

Scotty McCreery – For Once In My Life – amazing song, not easy to do it justice - he looks good; he's actually pulling this off sorta- a countrifiedish version; that voice!!! ok Scottie no dancing, don't do that again; he's gonna be a country singer, but he did really well, this could have been a train wreck. Score - 8.

Pia Toscano – All In Love Is Fair – I don't know this song; she's gorgeous!; she's started off great...don't start with the yelling! (sigh) she's yelling; well the yelling wasn't awful and the last note was really good; I liked it. Score - 7.

Paul McDonald – Tracks Of My Tears – fantastic song; he looks good but the hair?; this guy makes me nervous; well I didn't hate it; he can't dance with the guitar - that's a good thing; does he still have a cold? I don't know, I'm just not getting him . Score – 6

Naima Adedapo – Dancing In The Street – I love this song! she looks great!; she sounds great; yes! Loving the dancing!!! She's my girl! Score – 10.

James Durbin – Living for the City – my absolute favorite Stevie Wonder song; looks good; started off weakish (for him - great for anyone else) but he worked it out; even with screeching he controls the screech; it wasn't his best, bit his not best is still really really good. Score - 9.

Who I Think *Should* Go: Haley Reinhart

Who I Think *Will* Go: Haley Reinhart

I'm really impressed with Jennifer's judging - she actually has relevant stuff to say. Steven cracks me up. And then there's Randy.

I thought all in all this was a great show. What did you think?

American Idol - Top 12 - Songs From The Year They Were Born

Week 2 - Here we go...

How much did I love Steven's outfit and Jennifer's mega hair? Lots! Randy? Meh. It's nice that they’ll be donating proceeds to help Japan…American Idol cares!

Naina Adedapo – What's Love Got To Do With It? – fantastic song; ambitious; I like this girl; outfit is weird but it works for her; bad arrangement; she doesn't have the voice for this; this was bad …Score – 4

Paul McDonald – I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues – Another great song! Oh...he sounds bad; he looks good, I should like this guy, but no; and really no dancing Paul! Just no! I'm n it sure what "pitchy" is but I think he's that. Score - 4.

Thia Megia – Colors of The Wind – Beautiful song; she looks fantastic!; her voice is still uneven for me; I like her but I'm underwhelmed by her voice; this isn't a particularly challenging song she should have done better. Score – 6.

James Durbin – I'll Be There for You – JOVEEEEE!; good song; he's cute but I'm already over the hair; good performer; good outfit; the scream was good but not too much; I liked it, didn't love it . Score – 8.

Haley Reinhart - I'm Your Baby Tonight - Whitney song, meh; she looks OK; she doesn't have the voice for this song; it's a hard song; it wasn't good; Randy is an idiot he gives her a hard time because she's singing different genres but he gave Thia a hard time because she always sings ballad - shut up Randy!; it wasn't good but it wasn't awful and it was ambitious, good for her, I hope it doesn't cost her. Score - 6.

Stefano Langone – If You Don't Know Me By Now – great song; he looks great; looks comfortable on stage; I like it, the song suits his voice; lost control at the end, to much hollering. Score - 7.

Pia Toscano – Where Do Broken Hearts Go – don't love the song; she looks beautiful; shrieking! Noooo; I didn't like it. Score - 5.

Scotty McCreery – Can I Trust You With My Heart? – I don't know the song, but I don't care - I love this kid's voice!; again, will he be able to do something other country?; it was beautiful, loved it! Nothing wrong with it, perfect for me! Score - 10.

Karen Rodriguez – Love Will Lead You Back - good song; Miami girl!!!; she looks gorgeous, great dress, rocking the hair and earrings; I like that she didn't do a Hispanic singer today but still slipped in a little Spanish - very cool; very good. Score – 9.

Casey Abrams – Smells Like Teen Spirit - good song; playing bass; I don't like the affectation with his voice; sounds like Jack Black in "School of Rock"; it didn't work for me at all; too much; he took a risk and it didn't pay off; still hate the beard and the hair. Score – 6.

Lauren Alaina – I'm the Only One - fantastic song; she's too boring for this song; her voice wasn't bad but she has no stage presence; hair's too big lipstick's too red; I found myself wanting it to just be over. Score – 5.

Jacob Lusk – Alone - great song; interesting choice; horrible outfit!; started off ok when it was soft, and then he started with the yelling! good voice but the yelling ruined it for me. Score – 6.

Who I Think *Should* Go: Lauren Alaina

Who I Think *Will* Go: Haley Reinhart

Do you think Randy is a fool? Is Steven taking Paula's place for random chattering? Are you liking Jennifer Lopez more than you used to?

American Idol - Top 13 - Their Musical Idols

OK, I didn't watch American Idol in any significant way last season, therefore I didn't Blog about it. I swore I wouldn't watch it this season, but I caught part of one of the audition shows - which I never watch and on which I have never commented - and I was impressed with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez as well as with the talent. So...I'm gonna give it a whirl.

First my usual disclaimer: (I am copying this with minimal amendment from the last Top 13 post I Blogged in 2009).

If you haven't read my recaps before here's the deal - these are my wholly subjective, thoroughly meaningless, untrained musings on the "I don't want to watch but somehow I watch" TV phenomenon that is American Idol. I have absolutely no business judging any of these people because I have no musical training or talent *whatsoever* - not that this lack of knowledge or ability stops me from singing often and loudly - but hey! they put themselves up there, so I judge them and mock them. It amuses me.

Because it's the first recap first of the season I'll give you my opinion of them based on first impression and then after the double-dash " - - " and song title, I'll comment specifically on Wednesday night's performances and give them a "grade" on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst. In the upcoming weeks I'll only comment on and grade the performances. Here we go...

Lauren Alaina – GAH Outfit! She seems too fluffy - - Any Man of Mine – Great song that she made boring; her voice is fine but she had zero sex appeal, which this song calls for; Meh…Score – 3

Casey Abrams – Needs a haircut and beard trim right now! He might be handsome, but we can’t tell through the “Grizzly Adamness” - - With a Little Help From My Friends – Good song but has been overdone; great voice!; good outfit; good performance but too manic – I think he was channeling Joe Cocker and it wasn’t pretty. Score - 8.

Ashthon Jones – Beautiful girl, fabulous dress - - When You Tell Me That You Love Me – I don’t know this song; her voice was uneven but seems like it could be good; too shriek; I think the song was too difficult; not a good performance. Score – 3.

Paul McDonald – cute, quirky, I want to like this guy - - Come Pick Me Up - I don’t know the song; where was his voice?; husky is fine but this was none existent; oh no he’s “dancing”? Well, he was twitching around on stage and it wasn’t good – he needs to never dancing again; that was pretty much awful. Score – 4.

Pia Toscano – she’s gorgeous! - - All By Myself – great song but she went with Celine Dion shriekeramic arrangement! I mean come on! Just do it like Eric Carmen wrote it and dial the volume down by like a million; great dress except for the Superman cape; between shrieks I heard a good voice, I could probably like her singing; good stage presence. Score – 7.

James Durbin – cute guy; I read he suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome and is Autistic – good for him that’s he’s doing this - - Maybe I'm Amazed – great song and he totally nailed it! Wow! Loved the voice, loved the performance; great high notes with no yelling – imagine that! I found nothing wrong with it, so he gets a perfect score! Score 10.

Haley Reinhart – she said “a lot more better” – HA! I like her - - Blue – this was a hard song and she did well; looks good; great dress; she got better as the song went on. Score – 8.

Jacob Lusk – Meh, he’s OK seems nice enough - - I Believe I Can Fly – I hate this song! Oy with the yelling; does he always do this Revival Preacher thing. Score - 4.

Thia Megia – beautiful girl, seems sweet - - Smile – I don’t love the song; great dress; great voice; she did the best she could with a boring song, not a good choice. Score - 7.

Stefano Langone – cute guy, a nice Italian boy - - Lately – I don’t know the song; good voice but he was uneven; he got better towards the end, but I’m not sure what he was trying to do with it. Score - 6.

Karen Rodriguez – How cute is she? Pretty girl, I like her - - I Could Fall in Love – Great song; she looks gorgeous, great dress; she’s clearly working the Hispanic angle, that could get old real quick, we’ll see; she did well with the song. Score – 7.

Scotty McCreery – What me worry? Hello Alfred E. Newman! - - The River – Great song, I love that he kept the original arrangement; umm Wow! Where did that voice come from? It totally doesn’t match his looks but I love it; I liked his look, he looked comfortable on stage; I wonder how he’ll do with non-country music; again nothing I didn’t like, so perfect score! Score – 10.

Naina Adedapo – So this is this season’s “quirky chick”; she’s beautiful but might be flakey - - Umbrella – Great song! Loved loved loved the reggae/rap thing; look! She can dance!; her voice was a bit uneven, maybe because of the dancing but I loved this performance. Score – 9.

Who I Think *Should* Go: Lauren Alaina

Who I Think *Will* Go: Ashthon Jones

So, what do you think? Who do you like? What aboout the judges - good, bad, indifferent.

YAY Kris!

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What a great American Idol finale! The guest performances were great and the underdog win was perfect! And Kara out-singing Bikini Girl, and then flashing her own bikini was awesome - I actually disliked Kara less because of it.

I really got the sense that Kris and Adam were friends and that Adam was genuinely happy for Kris. And I thought Kris was sincere when he said Adam deserved to win.

Adam will be just fine...he's ready to be a star right now. Kris will come out even better after he's American Idolized.

All in all I thought it was a great season!

American Idol Recap - The Finale

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This was very different from the last two seasons where I had a clear cut favorite up against performers I *really* didn’t like - Archuleta and Blake. As different in style as they are – and we’re talking polar opposites! - I like both Adam and Kris very much. While I think either would represent American Idol beautifully - I think Kris has more to gain from the American Idol *machine* than Adam, who I consider to already be a polished performer.

For the final the guys had to sing three songs: their choice from prior performances, the Producer’s choice, and the so-called “Coronation Song”, as many in the Blogosphere have dubbed the first single to be released by the winner - they both had to sing the same song, but they were able to arrange it any way they wanted.

Performer’s Choice

Adam – Mad World – I consider this to have been his best performance of the season, so I was glad he performed it again tonight; I find Adam’s voice to be achingly beautiful when he sings softly as he did on this song tonight; he is so dramatic but he pulls it off; I love the outfit and the lights and the smoke; the performance was perfect. My score – 10

Kris – Ain’t No Sunshine – amazing performance the first time and this one, more energized, was even better; his voice was beautiful, capturing the emotion of the song simply and perfectly; and he is so cute! My score - 10

Producer’s Choice

Adam – A Change Is Gonna Come – fantastic song; he looks great; he did the whole screaming thing – which while I don’t like it I recognize he does it very well; he hit that last note and gave a great performance, I just didn’t love it. My score – 9

Kris – What’s Going On – another R&B classic; I like his arrangement, again he knows how to control his voice; he’s mellow but never boring; beautiful. My score – 10

No Boundaries (IMO the song itself is awful)

Adam – way too screechy for my taste; the song didn’t flow; the arrangement didn’t match the lyrics; far from his best; I really didn’t like this performance. My score – 8

Kris – I thought this was a better arrangement for the song making more sense for the lyrics; he seemed to be straining as if the notes were too high for; while I liked his version better than Adam’s I still don’t like the song. My score – 9

Average Scores:

Adam – 9.0
Kris - 9.6

Who I would prefer win:
Kris

Who I think will win:
Adam

Who do you think will win? What do you think about Adam and Kris? Do you think Danny and/or Allison should have been there instead of Adam or Kris?

See you next season - maybe!

American Idol Recap - Top 3 - Where the Boys Are

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Well, it’s almost over. Frankly, I wouldn’t have a problem with any of the remaining three winning this thing, I think they’re all very talented. However, I have to say I was a little disappointed tonight, I expected everyone to bring their A+ game and I don’t think they did.

First the Judges choices:

Danny – Dance Little Sister – (Paula); I’ve never heard the song, so I really don’t know if he “made it his own”; he sounded good and looked good; I liked the performance but found it a bit boring. My score - 8

Kris - Apologize – (Randy and Kara); I love this song and I loved the performance; he sounded great and connected with the emotions of the song; he hit the high notes nicely and as usual he looked adorable. My score - 9

Adam – One – (Simon); fantastic song and a good choice for Adam; the slow parts were beautiful, but the high parts were good but too “screamy” for me; not my favorite of his performances, I expected better. My score - 9

Now the Singers’ choices:

Danny – You Are So Beautiful – A beautiful song but way too safe a choice for tonight; it suits his voice and the arrangement was good; I liked it better in the high parts; he should have taken more of a risk; he was fine but I’m disappointed. My score - 8

Kris – Heartless – A Kanye West song! *That* ladies and gentlemen was brave! He did an acoustic arrangement for a hip hop song and he nailed it; I loved, loved, loved this; excellent vocal; very cool. IMO this was the performance of the night. My score - 10

Adam – Crying – great song; didn’t love the arrangement; again too much screaming, but unlike Danny’s Aerosmith performance last week, Adam was screaming in tune. This is Adam, of course it was a good performance, but it was predictable and disappointing; he could have done and has done much, much better. My score - 9

My average scores:
Danny – 7.5
Kris – 9.5
Adam - 9

Who I Think Should Go Home:
Danny

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Kris

Were you disappointed? Did your favorite meet your expectations? Do you think it’s a done deal and Adam is going to win?

American Idol Recap - Top 4 - Rock Week

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Rock is really not my genre and this week’s “mentor” Slash scares me - but I have to say the songs tonight weren’t bad. I’m also thrilled that they *finally* did what I had been saying they should do for years – duets! I loved that! I think how a *pop star* handles duets is relevant, since they will eventually have to do it – be it in awards shows, or benefit shows, or tribute records, etc.

First I’ll review the duets:

Danny and Kris – Renegade – loved it! Excellent pairing and an excellent song for them; they harmonized really well and sounded better together than not. My scores: Duet – 10; Danny – 9; Kris – 8.

Adam and Allison – Slow Ride – good song, but I think they could have probably found a better one for these two; they sounded great, both together and apart; fantastic performance. My scores: Duet – 10; Adam – 10; Allison – 10

Now for the individual performances…

Adam – Whole Lotta Love – Wow! He seemed perfectly at ease; he owned the stage; he was doing way too much screaming for my taste but that's how the song goes and he did it perfectly, I didn’t hear a bad note, his control was incredible; while I don’t like the song at all, I loved the performance. My score – 10

Allison – Cry Baby – very gutsy and risky on Allison’s part and she totally pulled it off; she has the perfect voice to sing Janis Joplin; she looked OK, but I liked her duet outfit better; the hair which has been bothering me all season looked good for tonight’s genre; I haven’t really *gotten* her throughout the season, but tonight without a doubt it was my absolute favorite performance for her; this is definitely her genre. My score – 10

Kris – Come Together – great song; as usual he looked adorable; he sounded OK, but it was a bit boring; in addition to his voice and looks, Kris’ strength has been that he makes performing seem easy, today it didn’t flow, it didn’t seem easy; even though he pulled it off it was his weakest performance. My score – 8

Danny – Dream On – great song…but not for Danny; Ouch! While there were some good moments, it really fell apart towards the end; when he started with the high notes he sounded hoarse and that final note was a crime against music and all that is good; both in this song and in the duet he seemed winded on the long notes, like he was running out of steam; I think this may be the end of the road for Danny. My score – 7

Who I Think Should Go Home:
Danny

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Danny

So...

Do you think that in order for Adam to lose this thing he'd pretty much have to kill and eat Paula's chihuahua on stage? Does Slash scare you too? Did Rock Week put the *Go* in Gokey?

American Idol Recap - Top 5 - Rat Pack/Standards

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In prior years I’ve said that “Standards” is my favorite American Idol theme. I love these songs and adding the Rat Pack twist was fun. But Jamie Foxx? Really?

Kris – The Way You Look Tonight – I love this song; this boy is so damned cute!; he updated the arrangement a little but stayed true to the song; the thing with Kris is he doesn’t have a great big voice but he really knows how to work with what he’s got and picks songs that fit his voice; I really liked the performance. My score – 9

Alison – Someone To Watch Over Me – Another favorite for me; I liked what she was wearing and thought she looked lovely – except for the god-awful hair; finally she sang a song that is age appropriate but her voice just doesn’t work for the song, she doesn’t sound vulnerable enough; this is probably the performance I’ve least disliked by her, but although her voice was as always good, I didn’t like it. My score (based on voice quality not performance) – 8

Matt – My Funny Valentine – (sigh) a boring song by a boring guy; I really expected him to shine in this category and he just didn’t; it got better towards the end of the song and he hit the last note nicely but I have been over him since he made the Top 13! My score – 7

Danny – Come Rain or Come Shine - love the song, great choice for him; he looked great and sounded fantastic; his smoky voice worked really well for this genre; he needed to “bring it” and he did; excellent! My score – 9

Adam – Feeling Good – I really don’t like this song, but Adam totally nailed it; I knew he would do well in this genre; he totally owned the stage, the song and the audience; it was a bit over-the-top but it worked; I think this was the performance of the night. My score - 10

Who I Think Should Go Home:
Matt (surprise!)

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Matt

What do you think? Do you like the old standards? Was Adam too much?

American Idol Recap - Top 7: The Sequel - Disco Week

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OK. I have no words for last week’s “saving” of Matt so…interpret my silence.

*Three* Donna Summer songs! Was this Disco Week or Donna Summer Week? Well, when you think about it – is there a difference, really?

I have to say - this week was a surprise for me for several reasons. I thought it would be disastrous for Kris and Danny and I thought it would be a boogie wonderland for Adam and maybe even Lil. Great spinning disco balls, was I wrong!

Now, put on your highly flammable but shiny qiana shirts with your ankle-threatening platform shoes and let’s boogie-oogie-oogie

Lil – I’m Every Woman – fantastic song, horrible performance; she looked good, but her voice was all over the place and shrieky; say goodbye to Lil. My score – 5

Kris – She Works Hard for the Money – Wow! He went acoustic and it was awesome! He looked adorable; his voice was spot on; loved it, loved it, loved it; I will download this version; for me, the performance of the night. My score – 10

Danny – September – An Earth, Wind and Fire classic and he nailed it; he looked great and sounded better; his high notes were excellent; loved him, but he really needs to *not* dance! My score – 9

Alison – Hot Stuff – No, no, no! Literally minutes before she sang I told my husband that I really, really, really didn’t want to hear a 16 year old sing: “I’m looking for some hot stuff baby this evening, I need some hot stuff, baby tonight”, and sure enough – the 16 year old sang it. She looked like a cheap hooker; her voice as always was strong, but she wasn’t at her best; I didn’t like anything about the performance; again – I just don’t get her. My score – 6

Adam – If I Can’t Have You – great song, disappointing performance; OK, so maybe *I* was the only one that wanted him to bust out and sing “It’s Raining Men”, but I hated this arrangement; he looked great and his voice was as usual fantastic, if a bit shrieky. But no…just no. My score - 8.

Matt – Staying Alive – No the irony did not escape me (sigh, rolling eyes). Anyway, great song - boring performance; he looked good, what with the hat covering the pimple of doom; the performance was a little frenetic; his voice was OK, but that last note was brutal. So can he please leave *now*? My score – 6

Anoop – Dim All The Lights - Great song and he looked fantastic, I’m loving the fuzzy Anoop! He sounded good, looked comfortable, hit the high notes. I really liked it. My score - 9


Who I Think Should Go Home:
Lil and Matt

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Lil and Matt

What do you think? Are we *finally* getting rid of Matt? Is it the end of the road for Lil?

American Idol Recap - Top 7 - Songs from Movies

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Wow! Talk about a huge pool of songs! I wonder if they had some parameters. And Quentin Tarantino – love him!

Allison – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – I love this song! Her outfit was better than usual; her voice was fine, but I thought not as good as usual – however the judges were raving, so what do I know? I still don’t get her. My score – 7

Anoop – (Everything I Do) I Do It for You – The song is OK but a bit boring; he looks good, I like the outfit; sounds really good, he held a pretty note in the middle of the song; even though the song isn’t my favorite I liked the performance; I like Anoop a lot. My score – 8

Adam – Born To Be Wild – One of the best songs ever! Now see, this time he changed the arrangement, but it was OK because it stayed true to the spirit of the song; I liked the changes, they suit his voice and style; he looks great; the high notes were awesome; Wow! My score – 10

Matt – Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? - beautiful song; pretty piano playing; his voice is awful tonight; uh oh…boring Matt is back (yawn). My score – 6

Danny – Endless Love – another beautiful song; he looks good; his voice sounds great with a lot of emotion; very sweet rendition; I loved it. My score – 9

Kris – Falling Slowly – I don’t know this song; it’s pretty; he looks cute as usual; he sounds great; the high notes were beautiful but the song was a bit boring. My score – 8

Lil – The Rose – a great song; she looks good; her voice is off, alternately wavering and shouting; this was bad; I think she’s done. My score - 5


Who I Think Should Go Home:
Lil

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Lil – she saved Matt’s azz this week!

What do you think? Is Lil going home?

American Idol recap - Top 8 - Songs From The Year You Were Born

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OK, so if I had to sing a song from the year I was born (1963), I’d pick “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons, or “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul and Mary – but I think I’d be *pitchy* on "Puff". Which song would you pick?

Flash forward 45 years and we have the Top 8…

Danny – 1980 – Stand By Me - Hated the arrangement of this beautiful song; his voice sounded different to me, but still good; I liked the end more than the rest of the song; it was OK, but not a favorite. My score - 8

Kris – 1985 – All She Wants To Do Is Dance – I love this song; I think all the judges were sharing Paula’s drugs, because they were kvetching, but I thought he did an excellent job!; he looked great and sounded great; I love how easy and no-frills his performances are but he’s not boring. My score – 9

Lil – 1984 – What’s Love Got To Do With It – Lil, Lil, Lil…Tina Turner? Really? She managed to make this fantastic song boring! Her voice as usual was great and I liked how she looked, but it her lame-azzed Tina imitation was a big mistake; she seems to be self-destructing. My score - 7

Anoop – 1986 –True Colors – Anooooooooooooop’s in da’house! Love the song, loved the performance, love Anoop! Flush from the Tar Heels victory last night, homeboy *brung it*!; he makes me smile. My score - 9

Scott – 1985 – The Search Is Over – The search may be over, but sadly Scott’s performances aren’t – yet; please America…make…it…stop! This performance was just god-awful; he was yelling – that’s not emotion, that’s just loud; the guitar looked like a limp appendage, there was no reason for it to be there, it served no purpose – what will he bring out next (if he survives), a bassoon? He needs to be gone. My score - 4

Allison – 1992 (!) – I Can’t Make you Love Me – OK, you know what? Just kill me now; go ahead – I don't care I’m gonna say it: I didn’t like this performance *at all*! Yes her voice was great as always, fine, whatever; the song was *completely* inappropriate and nonsensical for a 16 year old! Hello? Have the judges *listened* to the words? Talk about “too old for her” – isn’t that what the judges bitched about to Alexis? And again, despite the quality of her voice, I just don’t like how she looks, performs, moves, etc. And OHMYGOD – what was that child wearing? It was like a punk rumba outfit! Just no! My score – 7

Matt – 1985 – Part Time Lover – Damn it all if the boy didn’t suck me back in; I really liked this! I love the song, and that blue-eyed soul thing he had going really worked for me; he wasn’t boring this week; and the cocked hat covered the forehead pimple which is always a good thing. My score - 8

Adam – 1982 – Mad World – Wow! I didn’t know the song and it didn’t matter – I loved it! I love, love, love low key Adam; he looked great and that falsetto at the end was amazing; totally connected emotionally; I’m changing my mind I think Adam is going to win this thing. My score - 10


Who I Think Should Go Home:
Scott

Who I Think Will Go Home:
Lil

What do you think? Will America put me out of my misery and send Scott home?

American Idol Recap - Top 9 - Popular Downloads

Anoop – Usher’s Caught Up - I don’t know the song; he looks good but the song isn’t a good choice because it’s not really “singable”; actually I don’t like the song; he looks pissed – I think he’s trying to be “gangsta” and it’s just not working. My score: 6

Megan – Bob Marley’s Turn Your Lights Down Low – good song; she looks beautiful; I know a lot of people don’t like her, but I really do; her voice is weird but interesting; I don’t know how long she’ll last, but I liked the performance. My score: 8

Danny – Rascal Flatt’s What Hurts the Most – I don’t know the song but it doesn’t matter, I love this performance; he sang the hell out of the song; Danny’s back! My score: 9

Allison – No Doubt’s Don’t Speak – Great song; hate the outfit!; I don’t like the arrangement, it seems like it’s too low for her; the guitar is irrelevant, this song doesn’t need a guitar, it’s a prop; I really didn’t like this. My score: 6

Scott – Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are – Really? All the songs he could pick and he picked *this* song? I know, I know, it’s a good song, it’s a classic, but not the most exciting choice; as usual his piano playing is great, but his voice is just not there; he yelled where it didn’t belong; train wreck. My score: 5

***Flubbed Technical Music Reference Alert*** - Paula, whether or not an orchestra is part of the arrangement has nothing to do with whether or not it was “more legato”, which means “musical notes are played or sung smoothly without interruptions between notes”.

Matt – The Fray’s You Found Me – Great song, bad performance; I barely recognized the song; well, at least he wasn’t boring, he was just bad. My score: 5.

Lil – Celine Dion’s I Surrender – I don’t know the song probably because I avoid Celine Dion like the bubonic plague; Lil looked beautiful and her voice was fantastic, but as with most of Celine’s songs, it’s too “shouty”; while technically strong, I found the performance boring. My score: 7

Adam – Wild Cherry’s Play That Funky Music – fantastic song!; he messed around with the arrangement again, but he kept the chorus intact, so I can handle it; he looked and sounded fantastic; he’s growing on me; the performance was good but I wouldn’t download it, I’ll stick to the original - yes I'm old. My score: 8

***Flubbed Pop Reference Alert*** - Ummm…Kara honey, it was Studio 54, not 57!

Kris – Bill Withers' Ain’t No Sunshine – Fantastic song, fantastic performance!; he totally brings it without any bells and whistles, he just sings beautifully; he’s cute as hell; now, see – compare this performance to Scott’s both performed a ballad on a piano, but Kris was anything but boring. The performance of the night! My score: 9

Who I Think *Should* Go Home:
Scott

Who I Think *Will* Go Home:
Megan

What do you think?

American Idol Recap - Top 10 - Motown

Rather than start all the comments with “great song!” let’s just assume those words are there unless I say otherwise. I mean – it’s Motown – great songs by default. And how much do we love Smokey Robinson? And I loved that he actually gave them usable advice.

Matt – Let’s Get It On – You know I’ve found him boring thus far, but today I liked him a lot! He was comfortable without the piano, he looked good, kinda sexy, I liked it – not boring. My score – 8

Kris – How Sweet It Is – This guy is so cute! He sounded smooth with little hints of roughness that was hot; very likable; a powerful but understated performance; he makes it look easy. My score – 9

Scott – You Can’t Hurry Love – (Yawn) I wish he had hurried this performance! He needs to get gone; while his piano playing is lovely, his voice just isn’t there for me; he just didn’t engage me even though the song is wonderful; boring. My score – 6

Megan – For Once In My Life – she looked beautiful; even though her vocal was wobbly and far from perfect there’s something about her – not just her beauty - that I find compelling, she entertains me and is pleasantly unpredictable; I like this girl, but she may be in trouble tonight. My score – 7

Anoop – Ooh, Baby, Baby – Love him! Sensitive Anoop is back and he’s damned good; he hit the high notes well on a really difficult song; sweet, powerful performance. My score – 8

Michael – Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – Ummm…no. I like Michael, and I like his voice, but this wasn’t good; he didn’t sell the lyrics and the feeling of the song; IMO he’s in trouble. My score – 6

Lil – Heatwave – One of the few songs performed tonight that I don’t really like; I’m disappointed she didn’t sing Gladys knight – she would have been perfect!; she looked beautiful and of course sounded great, but she could have done so much better. My score – 8

Adam – Tracks of My Tears – OMG! Adam is SO the man! I triple loved this! Acoustic Adam is awesome; he looked great, sounded great; owned the song and gave the performance of the show; I have forgiven him for last week. My score – 10!

Danny – Get Ready – He didn’t listen to Smokey’s advice but it worked out; he was really good; difficult to follow Adam’s performance but he held his own; I liked it a lot. My score – 9

Allison – Papa Was a Rolling Stone – of course she sang it wonderfully, but I didn’t feel it; I don’t know what it is but I just don’t get her; she is leaps and bounds better than Megan, yet I prefer Megan; didn’t like the outfit at all. My score - 8

Who I Think *Should* Go Home:

Scott

Who I Think *Will* Go Home:

Michael

What do you think?

American Idol Recap – Week 2 – Grand Ole Opry

Country Week is always a tough week for the singers, if it’s not your genre it is dangerous terrain. Now, I’m not the biggest country music fan in the world, but I like some of it and this week they sang some of my favorites. That wound up being very good and very bad. Very,very bad.

OK, here we go…

Michael – Garth Brooks’ Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up) – he’s cute, he looked like he was having a good time, but I expected much better from him. I didn’t know the song, and I found it annoying. Meh…My score: 6

Allison – Patty Loveless’ Blame It On Your Heart – another song I don’t know; I didn’t like the outfit; the girl has a good voice, no question and it seems like a good choice for her even though it was a little screamy for me; I didn’t really like it. My score: 7

Kris – Garth Brooks’ To Make You Feel My Love – OMG He’s adorable; beautiful song and he sang it so simply and sweetly, no yelling or theatrics, he just sang; I was riveted watching him; loved it. My score: 9

Lil – Martina McBride’s Independence Day – Great song for her; I completely disagree with the judges – hello! she didn’t sound R&B because you know why? It was *country night*! She got the feeling of the song, do the judges not listen to the words? She nailed the strong high notes – she was excellent, I got chills! Unlike the dumb-azzed Kara and randy I’m *glad* she didn’t sign “I Will Always Love You”. Loved her! My score: 9

Adam – (allegedly) Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire – NO, NO, NO!!! Bad Adam!!! You do not mess with Johnny Cash people! Remember last season, on week 1 of the Top 12 during the first half of Beatles Week, when the god-awful Kristy blasphemed “8 Days a Week” by *countryfying* it? Well, this was the same only backwards. Now I like Adam a lot, but the whole thing was wrong - so let’s just pretend this aberration didn’t happen, and never speak of it again. My score: 3

Scott – Martina McBride’s Wild Angels – I don’t know the song, and from what I heard I didn’t like it. I thought his low notes were weird; piano was nice; I thought it was boring. My score: 5

Alexis – Dolly Parton’s Jolene – Great song choice; she looks beautiful and she sounds amazing; once again the judges apparently haven’t listened to the words because they kept telling her she didn’t sound dirty enough, well it’s not a dirty song – it’s a pleading song, she sang it just right. My score: 9

Danny – Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel – ACK! I *hate* this song, so pretty much anyone could have sung this and I would have hated it. But Danny's still my guy; hated the outfit; his voice was OK, not his best by far; just too cheesy. My score: 6

Anoop – Willie Nelson’s You Are Always on My Mind – another beautiful, iconic song, but Anoop, unlike Adam, was smart enough to respect the song and the genre. He sang it beautifully; he did so much better than I expected tonight; I never lost interest. My score: 9

Megan – Patsy Cline’s I Go Walking After Midnight – I love this classic and I think it was the perfect song for her; she looked beautiful! The minute she started singing I was confused as to what she was doing, I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t get it – I thought it was some weird affectation; later they explained she had Influenza B (?) and she had been to the hospital. While she didn’t perform as well as I think she could have with this song, I think she still did pretty well. My score – 7

Matt – Carrie Underwood’s So Small – (zzzzzzz – Huh? What? Yawn...) Boring. I’ve never heard the song and I thought both the song and Matt were boring. I think he’s a much better piano player than singer. I’m so done with him. My score: 4


Who I think is going home:
Scott

Who I would send home:
Matt

What do you think? Who was your favorite? Tell me in my Comments...

American Idol 8 - Top 13

If you haven't read my recaps before here's the deal - these are my wholly subjective, thoroughly meaningless, untrained musings on the "I don't want to watch but somehow I have to watch" TV phenomenon that is American Idol.

I have absolutely no business judging any of these people because I have no musical training or talent *whatsoever* - not that this lack of knowledge or ability stops me from singing often and loudly - but hey! they put themselves up there, so I judge them and mock them. It amuses me.

Because it's the first recap first I'll give you my opinion of them based on prior shows and then after the double-dash " - - " and song title, I'll comment specifically on Tuesday night's performances. In the upcoming weeks I'll only comment on the performances. Here we go...

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Lil Rounds - The One That Can Sing: She's really good, probably the best pure singer, but I don't think she can win - - "The Way You Make Me Feel": great song; don't like the outfit; I didn't love the performance because it was to shouty; but again, the girl can sing. My score: 7

Scott Macintyre - The Blind Guy: Nice guy, nice enough voice, but I don't think he'd be in the Top 13 if he wasn't blind - sorry! - - "Keep the Faith": Don't know the song; don't like the song, it's to "revival-ly"; he looks comfortable behind the piano and seems to play it well; too shrieky; boring. My score: 5

Daniel Gokey - The Widower Guy: This is my guy, he's my early prediction to win the whole shebang! - - "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)": I love this guy! He sang a great song and gave it a bit of a new spin; looked great and comfortable on stage; excellent! My score: 9

Michael Sarver - The Oil Rig Guy: Adorable big teddy bear of a guy, even though he insists he's not "country" I still get a Rascal Flatts vibe from him - - "You Are Not Alone": pretty song; he looks cute; he sang it sweetly in good voice; seemed comfortable; I liked it. My score: 8

Jasmine Murray - The Pretty Little Girl: She's cute as a button and seems very sweet but IMO she has no business being in the top 13 - - "I'll Be There": beautiful song, she looks gorgeous, she sang fine, but the song was too old for her. My score: 6

Kris Allen - The Cute One: He's cute and he has a good voice, I think he'll get the teen girl vote, he'll be around for a while - - "Remember the Time": He's frickin' adorable! Weird song choice if he wanted to play the guitar; he was OK. My score: 6

Allison Iraheta - The "Oh My God She's Only 16!" One: I know she can sing, I know everybody is raving about her but so far I'm "just not feelin' her Dawg" - - "Give In To Me": I don't know the song and I don't like it, but it doesn't matter, she *rocked it*! *now* "I'm feelin' her"; she looked great and gave a great performance. My score: 8

Anoop Desai - The Indian Guy: I really like him; he has a good voice, good stage presence and a great personality, I think he'll be around for a while - - "Beat It": Well, after this performance, I *don't* necessarily think he'll be around for a while unless his personality carries him through; I was really disappointed; his voice was uneven; I didn't like the outfit; it didn't work. My score: 6

Jorge Nuñez - The Puerto Rican: I'm happy he's there because we needed someone from the Puerto Rico audition and it COULDN'T have been Tatiana (full-body shudder); he has a good voice a la Marc Anthony but I don't think he'll last too long - - "Never Can Say Goodbye": great song, he sounded good, but "She's Out of My Life" would have been a better choice for his old school love ballad crooner style; I liked his performance. My score - 7

Megan Corkrey - Tattoo Girl: I like her a lot, she's my favorite girl in the top 13; I like the Duffy vibe; I hope she's around for a while - - "Rockin' Robin": IMO the perfect song for her, in fact when I was thinking of who should sing what, I paired this song with her!; she looked beautiful and sounded great; although we could have done without the "caw caw" at the end (!), I disagree with the judges. My score: 8

Adam Lambert - Broadway Guy: I like him a lot; top 3 material IMO - - "Black or White" - he nailed it! Perfect song for his over the top style; looked good, sounded good, he owned the stage. My score: 9

Matt Giraud - The Boring Guy: Bleh...I got nothing for this guy - - "Human Nature" - (yawn) OK, now that I saw him perform, I've still got nothing; a fantastic song, but the performance didn't do it for me *at all*; the piano was "whatever", the vocal gymnastics unnecessary; ummm...yeah...no! My score: 5

Alexis Grace - The Blonde: I don't get all the hoopla, yes she can sing well, but I don't really remember her for anything but the purple streak in her hair - - "Dirty Diana": OK, *now* I get all the hoopla! The girl can wail! Wow! I'd never heard the song but I loved it! She looked amazing and turned in a great performance. My score: 9

Who do I think *they'll* send home?

Jorge and Megan

Who do *I* think should go home?

Scott and Matt

What do you think?