The official AI Boards are all a twitter tonight about the news that Crystal was ready to quit. I pretty much said it all in response to the jack butts who were very critical that she would even THINK about passing up this opportunity and how UNGRATEFUL she is for all of her fans and how they are coddling her and that she only did it for publicity etc. However, it won't let me copy and paste from that site so...you will just have to trust me that it was a brilliant defense of Crystal. Or else go the the site yourself...and search for my comment under the name tee70 under the forum topic in General Discussion which is headed *What do you think about the Crystal Bowersox Situation* .... stupid site won't even let me copy and past the link!
Oh the knives are out for our Crystal on that website! People are praying she is the next Melinda Doolittle. People are saying she has no right to be on the show if she is sick. People are saying she is ungrateful and a diva. I had a lot to say but basically said:
As much as it makes me happy to hear her sing, she owes ME nothing. If she thinks its better for her child and for her for her to abandon this Idol thing...then I wish her well. From her original songs, it appears she thinks her mother was not all that great of a mother and I can only guess that she does not want to repeat that with her son. Every working mother feels guilt and its probably worse if you are a single mother. I really don't think she was put on this earth to entertain ME or to win American Idol. If she does its icing on the cake of her life.
One theme among the critics is that she shouldn't be on there because she has diabetes and when she was hospitalized early on they shouldn't have rearranged the schedule for her. After I pointed out that the next time they missed work because of a puny cough or a hangover they should start looking elsewhere *because if you cannot do your job everyday you should be fired*, I addressed those who are *very sorry* about her illness...*but really...this life is so tough and perhaps she just isn't up to it and shouldn't try*. I told them to tell that to Beethoven who composed his 9th symphony while deaf, Mozart who composed the Requiem while dying of kidney disease, and Chopin who wrote nearly everything coughing his lungs up from TB. I also suggested that those who were mocking her illness probably set fire to kittens tails. So...I was on a big Auntee tirade for sure!
I've seen the song list for inspiration week and if they ever drew up a list that had absolutely NOTHING on it that would suit Crystal this is it. Prediction: BM will sing *Its a Wonderful World*.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Mama Sox Out?
We almost lost her, ladies and gentleman:
http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/15/american-idol-crystal-bowersox-ryan-seacrest-quit/
My take:
I've got a daughter who is 6 months old.
If I had to leave my daughter for months at a time to tape cheezy Ford commercials and lip-synch "doo wops" behind a 16 year old with over groomed eyebrows, I'd flip, too. Especially, if I was an honest to God artist who wanted to make a decent living singing the types of songs I wanted to sing, and not by being a corporate sell-out.
Crystal claims she'd never watched AI before trying out. I honestly don't think she knew (1) what she was getting into, and (2) that she was good enough to win this whole frickin' thing.
I get her. She misses her kid, she misses her family, and she sees herself sliding down that slippery slope into auto-tuned, pop artist hell.
I hope, for her sake, her son's sake, and the sake of the show, that she wins this thing and does become a multi-millionaire. She deserves it. And I hope she's willing to make the sacrafice to get there.
http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/15/american-idol-crystal-bowersox-ryan-seacrest-quit/
My take:
I've got a daughter who is 6 months old.
If I had to leave my daughter for months at a time to tape cheezy Ford commercials and lip-synch "doo wops" behind a 16 year old with over groomed eyebrows, I'd flip, too. Especially, if I was an honest to God artist who wanted to make a decent living singing the types of songs I wanted to sing, and not by being a corporate sell-out.
Crystal claims she'd never watched AI before trying out. I honestly don't think she knew (1) what she was getting into, and (2) that she was good enough to win this whole frickin' thing.
I get her. She misses her kid, she misses her family, and she sees herself sliding down that slippery slope into auto-tuned, pop artist hell.
I hope, for her sake, her son's sake, and the sake of the show, that she wins this thing and does become a multi-millionaire. She deserves it. And I hope she's willing to make the sacrafice to get there.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Big Mike
Well, we may disagree about Tim, Casey, and Brooke White...but your bloggers both have the Grandma Goldie *s...t detector* gene that tells us when someone is a phony baloney and BM surely is. I will probably vomit at his *inspirational piece*. Monica will choose to leave the room when he sings. I'm still thinking of that big guy that got cut in Hollywood week who was just as good as BM and thinking...why didn't they put him through instead! I'm sick of BM and his weeping wife.
Predictable, apparently
Last night I would have been okay with several of the contestants going home (BM, Eyebrows, Andrew, Katie, Siobhan), and I'm not shocked or saddened by the loss of Katie and Andrew.
Moving on ...
I have a confession: I was driving home from work a few days ago, and jamming out to a song. It was really good. I was thinking "I wish I had that Shazam app on my iPhone so I knew who this was". I actually sat in my driveway for a minute waiting for it to be over and hoping the DJ would tell me who it was. He did. Adam Lambert? Crap.
While last night's version of What Do You Want From Me was much more theatrical than the radio version (shock!), I like it. Damn it. I like Adam Lambert.
Brooke White and Ponytail Guy (who is that?), on the other hand, I fast-forwarded through. Because I was falling asleep. It's free on iTunes though, so maybe if I have trouble sleeping tonight I'll go download it.
Let me make some observations about Big Mike. Who is very close to bumping Eyebrows from the KK's arch-nemesis spot.
1. Dude, we get that you're huge. Must you also stand with you legs completely wide open? Do you really need to take up as much of the stage as Katie and Tim combined?
2. Once you found out you weren't even in the bottom three, you could have at least pretended to be gracious. Weren't you an actor or something? Or do you care if you look like a total ass hole?
3. Your camera hogging is no longer coincidental. It's completely obvious that you don't even like Andrew or Katie, but were just taking the opportunity to stick your big, arrogant mug in the shot again.
4. You were voted off last week. America is sick of you, and it's coming again, no matter how much the producers show clips of your sobbing wife.
Moving on ...
I have a confession: I was driving home from work a few days ago, and jamming out to a song. It was really good. I was thinking "I wish I had that Shazam app on my iPhone so I knew who this was". I actually sat in my driveway for a minute waiting for it to be over and hoping the DJ would tell me who it was. He did. Adam Lambert? Crap.
While last night's version of What Do You Want From Me was much more theatrical than the radio version (shock!), I like it. Damn it. I like Adam Lambert.
Brooke White and Ponytail Guy (who is that?), on the other hand, I fast-forwarded through. Because I was falling asleep. It's free on iTunes though, so maybe if I have trouble sleeping tonight I'll go download it.
Let me make some observations about Big Mike. Who is very close to bumping Eyebrows from the KK's arch-nemesis spot.
1. Dude, we get that you're huge. Must you also stand with you legs completely wide open? Do you really need to take up as much of the stage as Katie and Tim combined?
2. Once you found out you weren't even in the bottom three, you could have at least pretended to be gracious. Weren't you an actor or something? Or do you care if you look like a total ass hole?
3. Your camera hogging is no longer coincidental. It's completely obvious that you don't even like Andrew or Katie, but were just taking the opportunity to stick your big, arrogant mug in the shot again.
4. You were voted off last week. America is sick of you, and it's coming again, no matter how much the producers show clips of your sobbing wife.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Good Call KK!
I really thought it was going to be Andrew and Aaron going home tonight. Now I really wish they hadn't used the save on BM. He had to hog the limelight even though he was safe. Hugging all over her before she sang and then being the first to grab the camera to hug her again after. He wasn't even in the bottom 3...why do they give him so much face time? I don't like him at all. Katie didn't have it in her to go all the way and I have been highly critical of her but...oh well...she had to go sometime.
Hearing Brooke White sing again made me realize that while Didi BeSorryForMe looked like her, she was a poor man's substitute. I still like Brooke. Although I have no clue why she was hooked up with that guy she sang with who I have never heard of. Apparently, they had never met before a week ago.
I must have seen Adam perform that song on the Vote For the Worst Website because I knew it. I certainly didn't hear it on the radio because I don't listen to music on the radio. He was Adam. I imagine Siobanal was silently seething as Adam started the song slow and soft and then got louder and then hit a high note and then screamed...and that she wanted to storm the judge's desk screaming *What Do You Want From Me?*.
That Aaron is still standing amazes me. From what I can tell the grandma types, like me, are voting for Crystal...the tweens are voting for Tim. Who is voting for Aaron?
This Tim thing is going to get interesting. As the Worsters pointed out...there is only one more fodder candidate to go through (Aaron) before Tim's success really threatens to upset the apple cart in a big way. I don't predict raving reviews for him next week.
Idol Gives Back next week. Sounds like some good guest performers and a real mentor.
I have no idea *wassup* with Ryan last night but he was definitely manic. I missed the slow dance with the Michael Sarver look alike and his reference to Brian Dunkelman. Ryan may be taking amphetamines to keep up with his frantic schedule. Weird!
Hearing Brooke White sing again made me realize that while Didi BeSorryForMe looked like her, she was a poor man's substitute. I still like Brooke. Although I have no clue why she was hooked up with that guy she sang with who I have never heard of. Apparently, they had never met before a week ago.
I must have seen Adam perform that song on the Vote For the Worst Website because I knew it. I certainly didn't hear it on the radio because I don't listen to music on the radio. He was Adam. I imagine Siobanal was silently seething as Adam started the song slow and soft and then got louder and then hit a high note and then screamed...and that she wanted to storm the judge's desk screaming *What Do You Want From Me?*.
That Aaron is still standing amazes me. From what I can tell the grandma types, like me, are voting for Crystal...the tweens are voting for Tim. Who is voting for Aaron?
This Tim thing is going to get interesting. As the Worsters pointed out...there is only one more fodder candidate to go through (Aaron) before Tim's success really threatens to upset the apple cart in a big way. I don't predict raving reviews for him next week.
Idol Gives Back next week. Sounds like some good guest performers and a real mentor.
I have no idea *wassup* with Ryan last night but he was definitely manic. I missed the slow dance with the Michael Sarver look alike and his reference to Brian Dunkelman. Ryan may be taking amphetamines to keep up with his frantic schedule. Weird!
Speaking of Drinking Booze
What was up with Ryan last night?
"My tongue isn't nearly as talented as yours" (family show, much?)
Brian Dunkleman?
Wassssuuup?
Getting his mords wixed?
"Turban"?
Slow dance with Sarver? (Who, apparently, wasn't really Sarver.)
And putting your poor, awkward Mother on camera.
Look, I think everyone is entitled to have an "off" night, but lay off the bottle, Seacrest.
"My tongue isn't nearly as talented as yours" (family show, much?)
Brian Dunkleman?
Wassssuuup?
Getting his mords wixed?
"Turban"?
Slow dance with Sarver? (Who, apparently, wasn't really Sarver.)
And putting your poor, awkward Mother on camera.
Look, I think everyone is entitled to have an "off" night, but lay off the bottle, Seacrest.
All Shook Up
I'm not an Adam Lambert fan. Going back through this blog, you can find countless posts where I rip him to pieces. (And maybe ONE where I might have said he was "okay")
But last night, I kind of liked him. I think he was only there because the producers said "it's Elvis night" and nobody else wanted to be a mentor. But, he was nice to the contestants.
Interesting that not ONE of the contestants took his advice? (Except Crystal with the electric guitar, but I bet she was going to do that anyway) I think so.
Best to Worst:
Tim Tephlon Urban - What?! Yep, I said it. Best performance of the night. Goosebump worthy. Downloadable. Original, current, and every other cliche the judges typically throw elsewhere. Good for you, Tim. I got excited when Adam Lambert gave us a hint about your song right out of the gate, and you didn't disappoint. I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, Tim, because you're freakin' fantastic tonight. I really hope you earned yourself another week with that one.
Lee DeWyze - I see more and more confidence oozing out of him each week, thank God. It's impossible to throw Digideredoos or Bagpipes into a Little Less Conversation, but, apparently, it's also possible to sing that song without making it karaoke. Which Lee did. (Yeah, I'll admit, I was nervous at first.) And that smile ... swoon.
Crystal - She's #3 on my list, but she's the only one I voted for (repeatedly) last night. Why? Because my husband pointed out that she just might be in a bit of trouble. Not because she's not absolutely amazing in every. sense. of. the. word. But, because voters are getting a little panicky about losing their favorites (read: BM). And how do horns and backup singers only make her look BETTER? She's incredible every week.
Here's where it starts to get a little blurry ... because below this line is mostly mediocrity ...
Big Mike - Barely pulls in the #4 slot with In The Ghetto. I like him when he plays the guitar, and that's what sold me here. It was a little slow, and a bit boring. I do want to applaud him for not dancing, not pulling out the top-hat and cane, and not doing 16,000 ridiculous vocal runs - nice restraint. The judges' praise (and panicky voters) should get him by another week.
Casey - After last week's Jealous Man, he almost had me. Then he slumped right back into the same old routine with a "solid", but predictable Lawdy Miss Clawdy. I could go to almost any country concert here in good ol' Kansas and see the exact same performance. Eh.
And here's where it pretty much turns to crap ...
I can't believe I'm going to write this ... Katie - I'm completely annoyed that she thought that Baby What Do You Want Me To Do was lyrically comparable to her situation with the AI judges. It just shows me (again) that she has. no. frickin'. clue. about what she wants/needs to do to win this show and/or have a music career. She's a puppet. Her voice was fine, but I agree with Simon: it was loud and obnoxious.
Siobahn - I, like Kara, am a bit confused. It IS like she's got 2 voices, isn't it? When she started that song (backwards on the stairs?), I actually said "I'm over Siobhan". She did finish it strong ... the scream wasn't at the end ... but I think the damage is done.
Andrew - I actually AM over Andrew. I only woke up to watch him drag the microphone, stand and all, behind the judges. Did you give the Hound Dog valium, Andrew?
Eyebrows - All I can say is "are you serious?" He doesn't think Blue Suede Shoes "fits him" because there's a line about drinking booze. Yeah, Eyebrows, that's why it doesn't "fit" you.
My prediction for the bottom 3: Andrew, Siobhan, and Katie
Going home: Andrew and Katie
But last night, I kind of liked him. I think he was only there because the producers said "it's Elvis night" and nobody else wanted to be a mentor. But, he was nice to the contestants.
Interesting that not ONE of the contestants took his advice? (Except Crystal with the electric guitar, but I bet she was going to do that anyway) I think so.
Best to Worst:
Tim Tephlon Urban - What?! Yep, I said it. Best performance of the night. Goosebump worthy. Downloadable. Original, current, and every other cliche the judges typically throw elsewhere. Good for you, Tim. I got excited when Adam Lambert gave us a hint about your song right out of the gate, and you didn't disappoint. I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, Tim, because you're freakin' fantastic tonight. I really hope you earned yourself another week with that one.
Lee DeWyze - I see more and more confidence oozing out of him each week, thank God. It's impossible to throw Digideredoos or Bagpipes into a Little Less Conversation, but, apparently, it's also possible to sing that song without making it karaoke. Which Lee did. (Yeah, I'll admit, I was nervous at first.) And that smile ... swoon.
Crystal - She's #3 on my list, but she's the only one I voted for (repeatedly) last night. Why? Because my husband pointed out that she just might be in a bit of trouble. Not because she's not absolutely amazing in every. sense. of. the. word. But, because voters are getting a little panicky about losing their favorites (read: BM). And how do horns and backup singers only make her look BETTER? She's incredible every week.
Here's where it starts to get a little blurry ... because below this line is mostly mediocrity ...
Big Mike - Barely pulls in the #4 slot with In The Ghetto. I like him when he plays the guitar, and that's what sold me here. It was a little slow, and a bit boring. I do want to applaud him for not dancing, not pulling out the top-hat and cane, and not doing 16,000 ridiculous vocal runs - nice restraint. The judges' praise (and panicky voters) should get him by another week.
Casey - After last week's Jealous Man, he almost had me. Then he slumped right back into the same old routine with a "solid", but predictable Lawdy Miss Clawdy. I could go to almost any country concert here in good ol' Kansas and see the exact same performance. Eh.
And here's where it pretty much turns to crap ...
I can't believe I'm going to write this ... Katie - I'm completely annoyed that she thought that Baby What Do You Want Me To Do was lyrically comparable to her situation with the AI judges. It just shows me (again) that she has. no. frickin'. clue. about what she wants/needs to do to win this show and/or have a music career. She's a puppet. Her voice was fine, but I agree with Simon: it was loud and obnoxious.
Siobahn - I, like Kara, am a bit confused. It IS like she's got 2 voices, isn't it? When she started that song (backwards on the stairs?), I actually said "I'm over Siobhan". She did finish it strong ... the scream wasn't at the end ... but I think the damage is done.
Andrew - I actually AM over Andrew. I only woke up to watch him drag the microphone, stand and all, behind the judges. Did you give the Hound Dog valium, Andrew?
Eyebrows - All I can say is "are you serious?" He doesn't think Blue Suede Shoes "fits him" because there's a line about drinking booze. Yeah, Eyebrows, that's why it doesn't "fit" you.
My prediction for the bottom 3: Andrew, Siobhan, and Katie
Going home: Andrew and Katie
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Havin'' My Baby
Wait! BM didn't sing Having My Baby? He sang In the Ghetto instead? At least he got in something about mamas and babies! Whew! Vote for BM or his little baby will grow up in the ghetto angry and steal your car and then die in the street in a shootout with the police! And his mama will cry. To be honest, I missed BM's performance. I don't know if the judges praised it or not. How could they not praise him after saving him last week. If they said he stunk tonight they would look like idiots.
The news that Adam Lambert was to be a mentor this week brought out 1500 plus replies on the official AI message board. I'm sure the producers did it solely for ratings. And, of course, we have to have Elvis week because Adam is so very much like Elvis! Not. I didn't hate Adam Lambert. But America didn't love him enough to make him their Idol last year so I'm wondering if more people are watching the results show of Dancing With the Stars so they can see if the world's worst mother gets voted off (sorry KK...but I have come to loathe Kate Gosselin and her fame whoring). Whether Adam was a good mentor or not is hard to tell from the clips that they showed. The idols said he was on Facebook but they may have just been sucking up to the Adam fans.
After the high of the Beatles last week, we are now back to normal which is that the only one who gave a memorable performance is Crystal. I'm like Ellen. I have run out of things to say about her. She is uncanny in choosing songs that suit her voice and then just nailing them.
OMG Andrew...you take one of Elvis's signature songs and turn it into a snoozefest. Adam told you to pick up the beat and you seemed to slow it down instead. Straight Up is oh so far away from you now Andrew and you are the hound dog. Adam said to show some energy and you tried to move around the stage but you just looked like a REALLY bad Elvis imitator. Cornball.
Tim Teflon Urban smiles and smiles and Can't Help Falling In Love and wants us all to know that he knows what falling in love feels like. He has now gone from zero to hero in Simon's view. It was ok to me. I bet he buys another week with that one though. Those little pink cell phones are blasting away with votes for Tim! This kid is dumb like a fox. He has Ellen drinking tequila shots and switching teams! A few more weeks of singing songs about love and Tim may actually WIN this thing!
Lee sings A Little Less Conversation and I thought it was marginally better than OK. I don't much like the song itself. Randy says he is in the zone. Lee attempts to infringe Tim Urban's patented smile but doesn't quite make it.
Aaron is going to sing a fast song. He takes on the 2nd signature Elvis song, Blue Suede Shoes. He is not smart enough to actually WEAR blue suede shoes which would have made his performance visually interesting at least. The judges are way tired of Aaron. They are bored with him. So are we. At this point I am losing interest in this whole production.
And now...what we have ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! Siobahn meets Adam Lambert. W0OHOO! What will these two icons of originality (that is if you didn't live through the 80s) have to say to each other! Turns out not so much. Siobahn starts out slow on Suspicious Minds after Adam told her to pick it up....then she starts singing loud...then she goes for a high note and ......wait for it....the SCREAM! Randy and Ellen only liked the 2nd part. Kara is still confused. Simon said it was erratic and screechy! Maybe she isn't the 2nd coming of Adam Lambert after all! She looks pretty unhappy and tells the judges she doesn't label herself and they shouldn't either. She didn't tell me not to label her so I will. She is banal. Siobanal.
Katie is frustrated with the judges and she wants to throw a little ladylike tantrum about it. She enters through a backdrop of orange and black flickering screens designed to induce epileptic siezures. I don't even remember the name of the song. Simon called it loud and annoying...I agree. Fortunately the show is running late so we don't have to hear the argument about what kind of artist she is supposed to be again. If Katie thinks SHE is frustrated with the judges, I am frustrated with the judges judging Katie. She is NOT that special so quite wasting air time debating her mediocrity.
Casey gives a solid performance of a song I do not now recall either. I lost interest in this show after Siobanal. He was fine. He was Casey.
Who should go home? BM because America spoke last week and I'm sick of him. And Andrew.
Predictions? BM guilted America into voting for him this week so he will stay. I'm betting Andrew and Aaron.
The news that Adam Lambert was to be a mentor this week brought out 1500 plus replies on the official AI message board. I'm sure the producers did it solely for ratings. And, of course, we have to have Elvis week because Adam is so very much like Elvis! Not. I didn't hate Adam Lambert. But America didn't love him enough to make him their Idol last year so I'm wondering if more people are watching the results show of Dancing With the Stars so they can see if the world's worst mother gets voted off (sorry KK...but I have come to loathe Kate Gosselin and her fame whoring). Whether Adam was a good mentor or not is hard to tell from the clips that they showed. The idols said he was on Facebook but they may have just been sucking up to the Adam fans.
After the high of the Beatles last week, we are now back to normal which is that the only one who gave a memorable performance is Crystal. I'm like Ellen. I have run out of things to say about her. She is uncanny in choosing songs that suit her voice and then just nailing them.
OMG Andrew...you take one of Elvis's signature songs and turn it into a snoozefest. Adam told you to pick up the beat and you seemed to slow it down instead. Straight Up is oh so far away from you now Andrew and you are the hound dog. Adam said to show some energy and you tried to move around the stage but you just looked like a REALLY bad Elvis imitator. Cornball.
Tim Teflon Urban smiles and smiles and Can't Help Falling In Love and wants us all to know that he knows what falling in love feels like. He has now gone from zero to hero in Simon's view. It was ok to me. I bet he buys another week with that one though. Those little pink cell phones are blasting away with votes for Tim! This kid is dumb like a fox. He has Ellen drinking tequila shots and switching teams! A few more weeks of singing songs about love and Tim may actually WIN this thing!
Lee sings A Little Less Conversation and I thought it was marginally better than OK. I don't much like the song itself. Randy says he is in the zone. Lee attempts to infringe Tim Urban's patented smile but doesn't quite make it.
Aaron is going to sing a fast song. He takes on the 2nd signature Elvis song, Blue Suede Shoes. He is not smart enough to actually WEAR blue suede shoes which would have made his performance visually interesting at least. The judges are way tired of Aaron. They are bored with him. So are we. At this point I am losing interest in this whole production.
And now...what we have ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! Siobahn meets Adam Lambert. W0OHOO! What will these two icons of originality (that is if you didn't live through the 80s) have to say to each other! Turns out not so much. Siobahn starts out slow on Suspicious Minds after Adam told her to pick it up....then she starts singing loud...then she goes for a high note and ......wait for it....the SCREAM! Randy and Ellen only liked the 2nd part. Kara is still confused. Simon said it was erratic and screechy! Maybe she isn't the 2nd coming of Adam Lambert after all! She looks pretty unhappy and tells the judges she doesn't label herself and they shouldn't either. She didn't tell me not to label her so I will. She is banal. Siobanal.
Katie is frustrated with the judges and she wants to throw a little ladylike tantrum about it. She enters through a backdrop of orange and black flickering screens designed to induce epileptic siezures. I don't even remember the name of the song. Simon called it loud and annoying...I agree. Fortunately the show is running late so we don't have to hear the argument about what kind of artist she is supposed to be again. If Katie thinks SHE is frustrated with the judges, I am frustrated with the judges judging Katie. She is NOT that special so quite wasting air time debating her mediocrity.
Casey gives a solid performance of a song I do not now recall either. I lost interest in this show after Siobanal. He was fine. He was Casey.
Who should go home? BM because America spoke last week and I'm sick of him. And Andrew.
Predictions? BM guilted America into voting for him this week so he will stay. I'm betting Andrew and Aaron.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Out of Order
The contestants are being voted off in the wrong order. That's the only explination. Big Mike isn't going to win this, but it would be wrong for Tim, Katie, and Andrew to stay in the competition longer than him.
So, I see why they didn't save the save. Good call, judges.
Interesting that Tee liked the group number and not the performances, because I'd planned to stage a coup and attempt to get the producers to either (1) make the contestants actually SING the group number, or (2) cut it all together. This is getting ridiculous!
It's obvious that they've all been coached on how to lip-synch correctly: put the microphone up really high so that it covers your mouth. Some are better (Lee) than others (Siobahn). And I MIGHT understand if they were doing some really complicated dance moves while performing, but there not doing anything more than Miley Cyrus did, and not even close to what Jason Derulo and Usher did.
This is a competition that supposedly highlights their VOICES. I understand that once they *make it big*, they'll likely all become canned, auto-tuned, studio version, lip-synchers. But is it too much to ask for them to sing a few songs live now?
As to the actual performances:
I dig Jason Derulo. I wish he had more than 2 songs I know, because I like them both. And I can't say enough about his Michael Jackson inspired dance moves - a jump/split with a mic toss?! Really?! Awesome. (I do think it's weird that he sings his name into his songs, but that's another rant entirely)
I don't think I like Rihanna's new song. And the guy with the saw thing was creepy. But I like the platform, I like the guitar playing (fake as it was), and Oh My God did she POUR that outfit on? She's just gorgeous, and so amazing.
Pukaletta ... I can't believe I'm about to write this. I'm glad Pukaletta came back. Yes, he's sung Imagine 15,000 times before. Yes, he's still got that closed-eyes, lip-licking-slobber, stupid-chuckle thing going. But in a competition where Eyebrows is compared to Pukaletta, his performance made Eyebrows look horrible. Pukaletta's voice is 16 million times better than Eyebrows' voice. Pukaletta plays the piano. And Pukaletta's eyebrows are normal. In short, Eyebrows makes Pukaletta look GOOD.
So, I see why they didn't save the save. Good call, judges.
Interesting that Tee liked the group number and not the performances, because I'd planned to stage a coup and attempt to get the producers to either (1) make the contestants actually SING the group number, or (2) cut it all together. This is getting ridiculous!
It's obvious that they've all been coached on how to lip-synch correctly: put the microphone up really high so that it covers your mouth. Some are better (Lee) than others (Siobahn). And I MIGHT understand if they were doing some really complicated dance moves while performing, but there not doing anything more than Miley Cyrus did, and not even close to what Jason Derulo and Usher did.
This is a competition that supposedly highlights their VOICES. I understand that once they *make it big*, they'll likely all become canned, auto-tuned, studio version, lip-synchers. But is it too much to ask for them to sing a few songs live now?
As to the actual performances:
I dig Jason Derulo. I wish he had more than 2 songs I know, because I like them both. And I can't say enough about his Michael Jackson inspired dance moves - a jump/split with a mic toss?! Really?! Awesome. (I do think it's weird that he sings his name into his songs, but that's another rant entirely)
I don't think I like Rihanna's new song. And the guy with the saw thing was creepy. But I like the platform, I like the guitar playing (fake as it was), and Oh My God did she POUR that outfit on? She's just gorgeous, and so amazing.
Pukaletta ... I can't believe I'm about to write this. I'm glad Pukaletta came back. Yes, he's sung Imagine 15,000 times before. Yes, he's still got that closed-eyes, lip-licking-slobber, stupid-chuckle thing going. But in a competition where Eyebrows is compared to Pukaletta, his performance made Eyebrows look horrible. Pukaletta's voice is 16 million times better than Eyebrows' voice. Pukaletta plays the piano. And Pukaletta's eyebrows are normal. In short, Eyebrows makes Pukaletta look GOOD.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Just Ask the Js!
Ryan announces with much drama, that tonight we will have *Shocking results*. Loyal blog followers, Big and Little J called the bottom 3 a full 4 hours before showtime (and probably last night). As proof, I offer a direct quote from the Js: *All the girls are safe. Andrew, Aaron, and Mike are free to go, in that order*. Pretty savvy AI fans, those Js.
I must confess, I was hoping, for KK's sake that Aaron would go home but evidently grandmas are voting for him. The tweens are definitely keeping Tim Urban in the mix, along with the worsters. And of course, poor Andrew looked so heartbroken on that stool because he just KNEW it was him because EVERYONE loves BM! Clearly everyone does not, but the judges do. They used the save. Next week, BM will sing another song about a woman having a baby in an effort to win over America once again.
I thought the judges would save the save until the last possible week (unless that happened to be the week that Tim Urban is finally voted off) but I didn't think America would catch on to BM's BS so soon. Clearly, Randy would have killed Simon if he hadn't agreed to save BM. And, I suppose, given that Andrew, Aaron, Tim and Katie are still in the mix, it was right to save him.
I'm glad they put the ladies out of their misery early. When they said shocker, I was wondering if Siobahn would be in the bottom 3. She is losing her charm quickly for me. Its good she is still here because she and Adam Lambert can share wardrobe tips next week and harmonize their high notes!
As for the entertainment. I normally loathe the group numbers because they give them such bad songs but I could have easily had 4 group numbers of Beatle's songs from the Idols tonight as opposed to the dreck that paraded around as entertainment. I am NOT a priggish old lady even though the Facebook quiz says I am...I am a very cool old lady. But I DO NOT get this music! I turned off Jason Derulo, Kara's protege. I guess he wrote that piece of garbage he sang. I can see why Kara thinks he is such a genius songwriter...they both write garbage songs.
Archie (or as we refer to him...Pukealetta) reprises Imagine with all its melismatic drama for at least the 3rd time. Would it have killed him to learn another Beatles song? He had his hair cut Beatles fashion which was new. His voice appears to be finally changing. Yawn.
Then Rihanna....who can maybe sing but who would know with that piece of trash song. And what is this new move the ladies are doing where they bend over from the waist down and look like they are vomiting on the floor? Miley Cyrus did it too.
They have not announced the theme for next week, evidently assuming that it doesn't really matter what the idols sing because Adam Lambert will be there. Pfttt!
All I know, is next week I'm looking to the Js to call the bottom 3. And we know 2 of them will be gone.
Once again, I want to encourage anyone reading this to comment. It doesn't matter if you agree with us or not (KK and I have about a 50/50 agreement rate between the two of us and we still love each other). To comment, you have to become a follower. There is a place for you to click to become a follower and then you enter a screen name and a password and you can log in to comment.
I must confess, I was hoping, for KK's sake that Aaron would go home but evidently grandmas are voting for him. The tweens are definitely keeping Tim Urban in the mix, along with the worsters. And of course, poor Andrew looked so heartbroken on that stool because he just KNEW it was him because EVERYONE loves BM! Clearly everyone does not, but the judges do. They used the save. Next week, BM will sing another song about a woman having a baby in an effort to win over America once again.
I thought the judges would save the save until the last possible week (unless that happened to be the week that Tim Urban is finally voted off) but I didn't think America would catch on to BM's BS so soon. Clearly, Randy would have killed Simon if he hadn't agreed to save BM. And, I suppose, given that Andrew, Aaron, Tim and Katie are still in the mix, it was right to save him.
I'm glad they put the ladies out of their misery early. When they said shocker, I was wondering if Siobahn would be in the bottom 3. She is losing her charm quickly for me. Its good she is still here because she and Adam Lambert can share wardrobe tips next week and harmonize their high notes!
As for the entertainment. I normally loathe the group numbers because they give them such bad songs but I could have easily had 4 group numbers of Beatle's songs from the Idols tonight as opposed to the dreck that paraded around as entertainment. I am NOT a priggish old lady even though the Facebook quiz says I am...I am a very cool old lady. But I DO NOT get this music! I turned off Jason Derulo, Kara's protege. I guess he wrote that piece of garbage he sang. I can see why Kara thinks he is such a genius songwriter...they both write garbage songs.
Archie (or as we refer to him...Pukealetta) reprises Imagine with all its melismatic drama for at least the 3rd time. Would it have killed him to learn another Beatles song? He had his hair cut Beatles fashion which was new. His voice appears to be finally changing. Yawn.
Then Rihanna....who can maybe sing but who would know with that piece of trash song. And what is this new move the ladies are doing where they bend over from the waist down and look like they are vomiting on the floor? Miley Cyrus did it too.
They have not announced the theme for next week, evidently assuming that it doesn't really matter what the idols sing because Adam Lambert will be there. Pfttt!
All I know, is next week I'm looking to the Js to call the bottom 3. And we know 2 of them will be gone.
Once again, I want to encourage anyone reading this to comment. It doesn't matter if you agree with us or not (KK and I have about a 50/50 agreement rate between the two of us and we still love each other). To comment, you have to become a follower. There is a place for you to click to become a follower and then you enter a screen name and a password and you can log in to comment.
Tonight on Random Instruments and Weird Outfits:
Overall, it was a great night. How could it not be: Lennon/McCartney and no mentor!
Best to Worst:
(I can't believe I'm about to type this) Casey James - Wow, wow, wow. I'd never heard Jealous Man before, I have no idea what it's supposed to sound like, but how Casey did it was amazing. I had goosebumps. I'm downloading it. It sounded nothing like his same-old-same-old schtick he's had going on since day one, and I loved it.
Crystal - How is it that every. single. week she's in a league of her own? It's like your watching a high school talent show and all of a sudden Aerosmith comes out and performs. Come Together can be performed cheezy, boringly, karaokey ... but not by Crystal. She re-wrote it, added a weird pipe thing, and stole the show. I love her.
Lee DeWyze - I'm sorry, I LOVED the Bagpipes! How are people making fun of that? It was awesome! And I liked the audience sing along, too (I think, mostly, because I've been waiting for Lee to show some confidence, and that looked confident to me). Pssst, he's hot.
Tim Urban - Yeah, it's weird. I still really like him. He sort of changed-up All My Lovin, but didn't ruin it. He's back behind his guitar instead of sliding around the stage. He's got a really good voice! As a side note: if/when this AI gig doesn't pan out for him, he's got a modeling gig right around the corner. He's super good looking in that "unique, Abercrombie & Fitch, lots of hair" way.
Andrew Garcia - I agree with Kara (for once), and I liked the breakdown part of it, but wasn't blown away by the rest of the song. Can't Buy Me Love seems sort of easy. There's like 3 words in the whole song, and maybe 8 notes. So, when he jammed out, it was awesome. But the rest was just Eh.
Big Mike - I just couldn't stop comparing his Elanor Rigby to David Cook's. I have David Cook's version and I still listen to it all of the time, because it's that good. Big Mike's version, while decent, doesn't even come close. And he's so dramatic! He belongs on Broadway. He's not the chilled out, blues/R&B singer that the judges want him to be. He's a dancer. He needs some tights, a top hat and a cane.
Siobahn - Siobahn, Siobahn, Siobahn, why have you forsaken me? I almost considered putting Katie above you on this list! Can you believe it? Katie! You're weird, we get it - you dress weird, your personality is weird, you sing a bit weird - but you can't get by on that alone. Across the Universe was practically unrecognizeable, and just, well, weird.
Katie - Let It Be was her best performance. Which, isn't saying much because you know how I feel about her other performances. Her voice did sound sort of pretty, she was more on key than usual, but I still can't like her. I'm sick of the "what type of artist" bit every week, I'm sick of her being the 1st to hug every contestant that comes backstage so that she can get more camera time, and I'm sick of her constantly being introduced as "17 year old Katie" like her age should be a consession.
Eyebrows - I'm simply giddy about the judge's comments!! I was literally bouncing around, clapping, and laughing as they knocked the stupid smile of his stupid little face. He may have been better served with Imagine-ala-Pukaletta, but was out-bid for that song by the actual Pukaletta. I'm hoping with all hopes that America agrees with the judges and puts him in the bottom three, but he's "still confident", and probably with good reason.
Bottom three: Tim, Andrew, Katie
Going home: Tim
Disclaimer: Some of you might be thinking: how can KK be so mean to these children? They're high school students, for crying out loud. They're 17 and she's saying horribly hurtful things to them. What a bitch.
To that, I respond: Look, if my kid wants to try out for AI when she's 16 or 17, I'm not going to let her. Want to know why? Because she's a KID. Kids shouldn't be "put out there" for an entire world of people to (1) pick apart, (2) bid on as a prom date, (3) miss their Algebra tests. And, if their parents are stupid enough to throw them to the wolves (like Simon and KK), then the kids need to be tough enough to take it. Even if that means that Daddy leaves the bar and comes to Katie's side if/when she's voted off to wipe away her tears. If you give your kid to the world, they need to toughen up quickly, because you knew that's what you were signing them up for in the 1st place.
Best to Worst:
(I can't believe I'm about to type this) Casey James - Wow, wow, wow. I'd never heard Jealous Man before, I have no idea what it's supposed to sound like, but how Casey did it was amazing. I had goosebumps. I'm downloading it. It sounded nothing like his same-old-same-old schtick he's had going on since day one, and I loved it.
Crystal - How is it that every. single. week she's in a league of her own? It's like your watching a high school talent show and all of a sudden Aerosmith comes out and performs. Come Together can be performed cheezy, boringly, karaokey ... but not by Crystal. She re-wrote it, added a weird pipe thing, and stole the show. I love her.
Lee DeWyze - I'm sorry, I LOVED the Bagpipes! How are people making fun of that? It was awesome! And I liked the audience sing along, too (I think, mostly, because I've been waiting for Lee to show some confidence, and that looked confident to me). Pssst, he's hot.
Tim Urban - Yeah, it's weird. I still really like him. He sort of changed-up All My Lovin, but didn't ruin it. He's back behind his guitar instead of sliding around the stage. He's got a really good voice! As a side note: if/when this AI gig doesn't pan out for him, he's got a modeling gig right around the corner. He's super good looking in that "unique, Abercrombie & Fitch, lots of hair" way.
Andrew Garcia - I agree with Kara (for once), and I liked the breakdown part of it, but wasn't blown away by the rest of the song. Can't Buy Me Love seems sort of easy. There's like 3 words in the whole song, and maybe 8 notes. So, when he jammed out, it was awesome. But the rest was just Eh.
Big Mike - I just couldn't stop comparing his Elanor Rigby to David Cook's. I have David Cook's version and I still listen to it all of the time, because it's that good. Big Mike's version, while decent, doesn't even come close. And he's so dramatic! He belongs on Broadway. He's not the chilled out, blues/R&B singer that the judges want him to be. He's a dancer. He needs some tights, a top hat and a cane.
Siobahn - Siobahn, Siobahn, Siobahn, why have you forsaken me? I almost considered putting Katie above you on this list! Can you believe it? Katie! You're weird, we get it - you dress weird, your personality is weird, you sing a bit weird - but you can't get by on that alone. Across the Universe was practically unrecognizeable, and just, well, weird.
Katie - Let It Be was her best performance. Which, isn't saying much because you know how I feel about her other performances. Her voice did sound sort of pretty, she was more on key than usual, but I still can't like her. I'm sick of the "what type of artist" bit every week, I'm sick of her being the 1st to hug every contestant that comes backstage so that she can get more camera time, and I'm sick of her constantly being introduced as "17 year old Katie" like her age should be a consession.
Eyebrows - I'm simply giddy about the judge's comments!! I was literally bouncing around, clapping, and laughing as they knocked the stupid smile of his stupid little face. He may have been better served with Imagine-ala-Pukaletta, but was out-bid for that song by the actual Pukaletta. I'm hoping with all hopes that America agrees with the judges and puts him in the bottom three, but he's "still confident", and probably with good reason.
Bottom three: Tim, Andrew, Katie
Going home: Tim
Disclaimer: Some of you might be thinking: how can KK be so mean to these children? They're high school students, for crying out loud. They're 17 and she's saying horribly hurtful things to them. What a bitch.
To that, I respond: Look, if my kid wants to try out for AI when she's 16 or 17, I'm not going to let her. Want to know why? Because she's a KID. Kids shouldn't be "put out there" for an entire world of people to (1) pick apart, (2) bid on as a prom date, (3) miss their Algebra tests. And, if their parents are stupid enough to throw them to the wolves (like Simon and KK), then the kids need to be tough enough to take it. Even if that means that Daddy leaves the bar and comes to Katie's side if/when she's voted off to wipe away her tears. If you give your kid to the world, they need to toughen up quickly, because you knew that's what you were signing them up for in the 1st place.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Come Together
And it did pretty much come together for the majority of the contestants tonight. And they all got to tell us how much they like each other. And, I think proved, that being a mentor is just really an opportunity for somebody to sell a current record or movie and adds nothing to the performances (as if we needed this proven after Miley Cyrus). Nice of Sir Paul to wish them luck, however.
Why do I love Crystal so much? *I can't wait for Lee and Andrew to get married and have little Danny Gokey babies*. Why didn't I think of that line?
Good news...Aaron did not sing Imagine. Bad news....David Archuleta will perform it tomorrow night for at least the 3rd or 4th time on Idol. Good news for KK...Aaron pretty much sucked tonight. Poor Aaron, trying to find a song that means something to his 16 year old self and chooses a song about a jaded reprobate who finally sees the light and returns to the woman he should never have left behind to find that she didn't think he was all that hot to begin with and has moved on. Aaron says it describes his journey on Idol and his 8 month winding road to fame.
Katie...*she's every one's little sister* (by that do they mean she is annoying as hell and they wish she would just go away...because that is how I see her), She also does an original dance reminiscent of Elaine's on Seinfeld. Then...announces she will go to the prom with the highest voter (we've now established what she is and are just arguing about the price). She sings *Let It Be* basically to Brooke's arrangement but she cannot play the piano like Brooke so she just stands there and shakes her ponytail around. She is not off key and this was, for Katie, her *moment*. I detected, as did Simon, a bit of a country twang in her efforts to *make the song* her own. I do not like this young woman very much. Let it be her last *moment*. And please, judges, I do not CARE what kind of artist she should be.
Andrew...got to love him personally the more you know him. He is not the original genius they said he was but he is not bad and I was entertained if not blown over by *Can't Buy Me Love*. (I think Sir Paul is regretting that his last wife was indeed bought and paid for).
BM does Eleanor Rigby. A total surprise choice but then we find out his dad sang it and BM never fails to bring in some sort of emotional back story to every performance. It was good but it would have been better if I didn't have to watch his corny hand movements. A bit over the top. Randy loves him.
I had no idea what my favorite Crystal would sing. Come Together was not even on my possible list for her. She tweeted yesterday that she *just had to learn the words* and I got a hint then it might be Come Together because its the only Beatles song I can think of where it would be hard to learn the words. I loved her take on it. So much better than Carly's over dramatic diva version of 2 seasons ago. Its not a favorite song of mine but she did great and seemed to be in such a happy open mood tonight. The didgeridoo or whatever guy was great too.
The judges have decided to use reverse psychology on the audience and praise Tim Urban (who got a new haircut for the occasion and looks much less scruffy but still very cute) in hopes he won't get the sympathy vote anymore. All My Lovin' is one of my favorite early Beatles' songs and all I can say is *Wasn't that sweet?*.
Casey has also had a hair change with some highlights and curls. He also abandoned his outlaw duds for a white suit. He probably should have picked a different week to go foppish as there is a rumor on the internet that he is gay. The evidence for that claim is very sparse. I think I have pretty good gaydar and I don't see it. He was overpraised I think tonight. My thought as he was singing that song was *this is like watching that commercial where the swimmers are swimming in molasses*. It was very slow and tedious to me.
Of course Siobahn is going to sing Across the Universe so she can sing Om! She has evidently been reading US magazine because her outfit tonight was a carbon copy of Madonna's daughter Lourdes' outfit pictured in this weeks edition, which was a carbon copy of an early Madonna outfit.
She is like Adam to me...trying too hard to be different and then becoming a caricature. And her fans on the board are just as obnoxious as Adam's fans.
Well, it looks like Lee said...I'll see Crystal's didgeridoo and raise it with a bagpipe! I am a Scottophile (is that a word?) and love bagpipes. But What the Heck? You were doing great Lee (although asking the audience to sing along was a bit big Mikeish) and then down comes this bagpiper? It at least brought some levity into the show. I don't think Lee is going home but that was odd. I do love the song Hey Jude.
So...it was not a terrible night tonight. I have no idea who will be in the bottom 3.
Next week, the idols will be mentored by the one and only ADAM LAMBERT! Which means Idol cannot even pay enough for a real artist to mentor these kids this year.
Hope this publishes...one click and I will know!
Why do I love Crystal so much? *I can't wait for Lee and Andrew to get married and have little Danny Gokey babies*. Why didn't I think of that line?
Good news...Aaron did not sing Imagine. Bad news....David Archuleta will perform it tomorrow night for at least the 3rd or 4th time on Idol. Good news for KK...Aaron pretty much sucked tonight. Poor Aaron, trying to find a song that means something to his 16 year old self and chooses a song about a jaded reprobate who finally sees the light and returns to the woman he should never have left behind to find that she didn't think he was all that hot to begin with and has moved on. Aaron says it describes his journey on Idol and his 8 month winding road to fame.
Katie...*she's every one's little sister* (by that do they mean she is annoying as hell and they wish she would just go away...because that is how I see her), She also does an original dance reminiscent of Elaine's on Seinfeld. Then...announces she will go to the prom with the highest voter (we've now established what she is and are just arguing about the price). She sings *Let It Be* basically to Brooke's arrangement but she cannot play the piano like Brooke so she just stands there and shakes her ponytail around. She is not off key and this was, for Katie, her *moment*. I detected, as did Simon, a bit of a country twang in her efforts to *make the song* her own. I do not like this young woman very much. Let it be her last *moment*. And please, judges, I do not CARE what kind of artist she should be.
Andrew...got to love him personally the more you know him. He is not the original genius they said he was but he is not bad and I was entertained if not blown over by *Can't Buy Me Love*. (I think Sir Paul is regretting that his last wife was indeed bought and paid for).
BM does Eleanor Rigby. A total surprise choice but then we find out his dad sang it and BM never fails to bring in some sort of emotional back story to every performance. It was good but it would have been better if I didn't have to watch his corny hand movements. A bit over the top. Randy loves him.
I had no idea what my favorite Crystal would sing. Come Together was not even on my possible list for her. She tweeted yesterday that she *just had to learn the words* and I got a hint then it might be Come Together because its the only Beatles song I can think of where it would be hard to learn the words. I loved her take on it. So much better than Carly's over dramatic diva version of 2 seasons ago. Its not a favorite song of mine but she did great and seemed to be in such a happy open mood tonight. The didgeridoo or whatever guy was great too.
The judges have decided to use reverse psychology on the audience and praise Tim Urban (who got a new haircut for the occasion and looks much less scruffy but still very cute) in hopes he won't get the sympathy vote anymore. All My Lovin' is one of my favorite early Beatles' songs and all I can say is *Wasn't that sweet?*.
Casey has also had a hair change with some highlights and curls. He also abandoned his outlaw duds for a white suit. He probably should have picked a different week to go foppish as there is a rumor on the internet that he is gay. The evidence for that claim is very sparse. I think I have pretty good gaydar and I don't see it. He was overpraised I think tonight. My thought as he was singing that song was *this is like watching that commercial where the swimmers are swimming in molasses*. It was very slow and tedious to me.
Of course Siobahn is going to sing Across the Universe so she can sing Om! She has evidently been reading US magazine because her outfit tonight was a carbon copy of Madonna's daughter Lourdes' outfit pictured in this weeks edition, which was a carbon copy of an early Madonna outfit.
She is like Adam to me...trying too hard to be different and then becoming a caricature. And her fans on the board are just as obnoxious as Adam's fans.
Well, it looks like Lee said...I'll see Crystal's didgeridoo and raise it with a bagpipe! I am a Scottophile (is that a word?) and love bagpipes. But What the Heck? You were doing great Lee (although asking the audience to sing along was a bit big Mikeish) and then down comes this bagpiper? It at least brought some levity into the show. I don't think Lee is going home but that was odd. I do love the song Hey Jude.
So...it was not a terrible night tonight. I have no idea who will be in the bottom 3.
Next week, the idols will be mentored by the one and only ADAM LAMBERT! Which means Idol cannot even pay enough for a real artist to mentor these kids this year.
Hope this publishes...one click and I will know!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Technical Difficulties
Don't quite know why, but Blogger.com went crazy on me last week. I think I have the problem fixed but we will know Tuesday night.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Tee and Didi
Tee is having posting issues with this blog. But I assure you, she is THRILLED about Didi's exit.
More next week.
More next week.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Stickin' around like, well, Tephlon
HOW did that happen?? Vote for the Worst? Tween girls who surrounded him in the pit? Are there others who want him in their pockets? He does have like 15 siblings, maybe they each have 10 cell phones.
Obviously, Didi wasn't going to win this whole thing. I gave her 2 or 3 more weeks, tops. But (as adorable as I think Tim is) she should have stayed.
It's just a reminder that we're getting down to that part of the competition where somebody has to go home - and you know it's not going to be Eyebrows.
The show must go on. And so will Tephlon Tim.
A quick comment about last night's performances. I'm a fan of Usher and Diddy (although, I did not realize Diddy Dirty Money is the new moniker. Because I'm old and out of touch, I guess.) And I loved the show aspect of the performances - they are both fantastic dancers, I loved the pyrotechnics, and the strobe lights. But what's with every rapper using the T-pain microphone?
I do have to give props to Usher, who actually sang live and did all of those dance moves. As opposed to Diddy Dirty Money who pulled an Ashlee Simpson.
Lennon and McCartney week next week. Always a good time there!
Obviously, Didi wasn't going to win this whole thing. I gave her 2 or 3 more weeks, tops. But (as adorable as I think Tim is) she should have stayed.
It's just a reminder that we're getting down to that part of the competition where somebody has to go home - and you know it's not going to be Eyebrows.
The show must go on. And so will Tephlon Tim.
A quick comment about last night's performances. I'm a fan of Usher and Diddy (although, I did not realize Diddy Dirty Money is the new moniker. Because I'm old and out of touch, I guess.) And I loved the show aspect of the performances - they are both fantastic dancers, I loved the pyrotechnics, and the strobe lights. But what's with every rapper using the T-pain microphone?
I do have to give props to Usher, who actually sang live and did all of those dance moves. As opposed to Diddy Dirty Money who pulled an Ashlee Simpson.
Lennon and McCartney week next week. Always a good time there!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Surprise, surprise ...
I'm shocked, SHOCKED about the performances last night. I was preparing myself for a night of horrible-ness topped off with an undeserved Big Mike butt-kissing of epic porportions.
I'm pleased to say, I was wrong. And so surprised about what I watched!!
Best to Worst:
Lee DeWyze - How does he not know how fantastic he is? Treat Her Like a Lady could absolutely be on his album, and I'd buy it. He picked a great song, sang it perfectly, made it "his own", and was hot. (You didn't think I'd post about him without mentioning that, did you?)
Andrew Garcia - And he sneaks in from behind ... Finally, a night without reminiscing about "Straight Up", because Forever was just as good! This is what a "moment" looks like, boys and girls. This is the Andrew I raved about earlier this year and I hope that he sticks around, because I love it! (And the "Mama, be nice" stuff was just so funny!)
Big Mike - Not even close to the cliched performance I expected from him! I'm a huge fan of India Arie and I could not be more pleasantly surprised about what Big Mike did with Ready for Love. I suspect the judges would have preferred him to sing Ain't No Sunshine so they could tout him as the big, black, R&B star they've been wanting him to be. But I couldn't be happier that he pulled back out the guitar and went back to the Jason Mraz-ish style he tried out with.
Crystal Bowersox - It pains me to put her this low on my list. She's only down here for 1 reason, and Simon called it. Heels? Background singers? 1/2 piano, 1/2 standing-by-the-piano? This is not why I like you Crystal. And even though you sounded fantastic and Midnight Train to Georgia was the perfect song choice, I could not get past the fact that you didn't look like Crystal anymore.
Casey James - I think I liked Hold On, I'm Coming when he was singing it. But I just can't put him any higher on this list. Everything sounds the same to me. He stands there with his guitar and performs the song exactly as it was written, does the same type of song every week, and relies solely on his looks to get by.
Siobhan - I really, really didn't like Through the Fire. It's a big song and I thought she was going to pull it out with her fantastic voice, but it didn't seem like there was one note that was on key in the whole thing (with the exception of her screams). She looked pretty though, and I still love her.
Tim Urban - He's so cute. I just want to put him in my pocket.
Didi Benami - I'm pleased that, in spite of all of Ryan's prodding, she didn't drag the Dead-Friend card back out. Because everybody knows that's what was going on. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted was a bit karaoke, it was a bit overdone, and it was a little weird. But I don't want her to go home. I still like her.
Katie - You're kidding me, right? Aretha? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I could not be more sick of this "let's debate over what kind of artist we're going to mold this little kid into since she has no clue what she wants to do for herself and she'll do whatever we tell her" schtick. And the "who do you trust", "myself" line was absolute BS she pulled out from her copy-Crystal itenerary. Also, I must comment on her hair. My husband told me it was inappropriate to write what I wanted to write about it. So, I'll just say it looks like she visited the beauty school at the trailor park.
Eyebrows - I closed my eyes and told myself I was honestly going to give this kid a chance. Just listen to his voice, KK, I said. People like him, he can't be that bad, I said. 6 words in ... Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone ... and I couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't even stay on pitch for SIX WORDS. (I am relieved to see the judges finally give him a tiny bit of negative-ish criticism, even if it's totally clear that they want him around longer.)
Finally, Usher ... I'm a big Usher fan. He's a fantastic singer and performer (the man can DANCE), and I think he was a fantastic mentor. I liked the advice he gave all of the contestants, even though some didn't follow it (Eyebrows!), and I didn't even mind the 20 minute plug about his new album.
Bottom Three:
Didi, Tim, and Katie
Going home:
Adorable little Tim. He can come live in my pocket when he's voted off.
I'm pleased to say, I was wrong. And so surprised about what I watched!!
Best to Worst:
Lee DeWyze - How does he not know how fantastic he is? Treat Her Like a Lady could absolutely be on his album, and I'd buy it. He picked a great song, sang it perfectly, made it "his own", and was hot. (You didn't think I'd post about him without mentioning that, did you?)
Andrew Garcia - And he sneaks in from behind ... Finally, a night without reminiscing about "Straight Up", because Forever was just as good! This is what a "moment" looks like, boys and girls. This is the Andrew I raved about earlier this year and I hope that he sticks around, because I love it! (And the "Mama, be nice" stuff was just so funny!)
Big Mike - Not even close to the cliched performance I expected from him! I'm a huge fan of India Arie and I could not be more pleasantly surprised about what Big Mike did with Ready for Love. I suspect the judges would have preferred him to sing Ain't No Sunshine so they could tout him as the big, black, R&B star they've been wanting him to be. But I couldn't be happier that he pulled back out the guitar and went back to the Jason Mraz-ish style he tried out with.
Crystal Bowersox - It pains me to put her this low on my list. She's only down here for 1 reason, and Simon called it. Heels? Background singers? 1/2 piano, 1/2 standing-by-the-piano? This is not why I like you Crystal. And even though you sounded fantastic and Midnight Train to Georgia was the perfect song choice, I could not get past the fact that you didn't look like Crystal anymore.
Casey James - I think I liked Hold On, I'm Coming when he was singing it. But I just can't put him any higher on this list. Everything sounds the same to me. He stands there with his guitar and performs the song exactly as it was written, does the same type of song every week, and relies solely on his looks to get by.
Siobhan - I really, really didn't like Through the Fire. It's a big song and I thought she was going to pull it out with her fantastic voice, but it didn't seem like there was one note that was on key in the whole thing (with the exception of her screams). She looked pretty though, and I still love her.
Tim Urban - He's so cute. I just want to put him in my pocket.
Didi Benami - I'm pleased that, in spite of all of Ryan's prodding, she didn't drag the Dead-Friend card back out. Because everybody knows that's what was going on. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted was a bit karaoke, it was a bit overdone, and it was a little weird. But I don't want her to go home. I still like her.
Katie - You're kidding me, right? Aretha? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I could not be more sick of this "let's debate over what kind of artist we're going to mold this little kid into since she has no clue what she wants to do for herself and she'll do whatever we tell her" schtick. And the "who do you trust", "myself" line was absolute BS she pulled out from her copy-Crystal itenerary. Also, I must comment on her hair. My husband told me it was inappropriate to write what I wanted to write about it. So, I'll just say it looks like she visited the beauty school at the trailor park.
Eyebrows - I closed my eyes and told myself I was honestly going to give this kid a chance. Just listen to his voice, KK, I said. People like him, he can't be that bad, I said. 6 words in ... Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone ... and I couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't even stay on pitch for SIX WORDS. (I am relieved to see the judges finally give him a tiny bit of negative-ish criticism, even if it's totally clear that they want him around longer.)
Finally, Usher ... I'm a big Usher fan. He's a fantastic singer and performer (the man can DANCE), and I think he was a fantastic mentor. I liked the advice he gave all of the contestants, even though some didn't follow it (Eyebrows!), and I didn't even mind the 20 minute plug about his new album.
Bottom Three:
Didi, Tim, and Katie
Going home:
Adorable little Tim. He can come live in my pocket when he's voted off.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Drama Queens!
And I don't mean Didi! The right three went to the stools (although Aaron could have gone with them) and I suppose the right one went home, although I expected Didi to last a bit longer. Tim Teflon Urban survives another week to smile and torture the judges with his unique talented self. At some point this will bother me but so far, no one who has gone home from the top 12 was, in my view, a top contender so it doesn't really matter in what order they are eliminated. Plus, Didi WAS worse than Tim on Tuesday night.
No, the drama queens I am referring to are Siobahn and Big Mike. I've always suspected Siobahn's *I'm a geeky little quirky thing with a dark side* persona is a bit of an act. It seems she has a problem with even the mildest form of criticism...flying into a corner backstage and refusing comfort from her comrades. She pronounced *I am not defeated* as if the world stopped spinning on its axis when she gave a bad performance but never fear...she will return and set it spinning again next week. Big Mike has become a ridiculous camera whore and someone needs to tell him to sit his big ass down and quit manhandling the multi-million dollar talent. That deal with Ryan was over the top.
I am venting here because I have vowed to be nice on the Official American Idol website. And I have been for the most part.
I am not a fan of the new R&B music. Ruben and Usher have nice voices but the songs left me cold. Is Diddy formerly Sean Coombs, formerly P. Diddy, formerly Puff Daddy, formerly Snoop Dog? Or is he some other Diddy? At least he modified the words to OMG, using Gosh very clearly so as not to offend the parents of young ones at home.
I don't know if I'm looking forward to Lennon-McCartney or not. The last time they had that theme (two weeks of it in David Cook's season), there were some spectacular hits but mostly misses. It will be interesting to see what they contestants pick from that huge list. I'm going to predict a little bit: Casey and Lee will do one of the rocking songs. Katie will try Let It Be. Siobahn will do Come Together so she can scream or one of the darker songs like Eleanor Rigby or She's Leaving Home. Aaron will try for Imagine (unless its not on the list because Lennon wrote it after the break up) or some other ballad. Andrew will do something acoustic again which is fine with me. No idea what Crystal will choose. I love all of the songs so I just hope they don't mess them up.
Now this blogger program has been acting up. This is the 2nd time I've tried to publish this post or a version thereof. If there is a double posting...sorry.
No, the drama queens I am referring to are Siobahn and Big Mike. I've always suspected Siobahn's *I'm a geeky little quirky thing with a dark side* persona is a bit of an act. It seems she has a problem with even the mildest form of criticism...flying into a corner backstage and refusing comfort from her comrades. She pronounced *I am not defeated* as if the world stopped spinning on its axis when she gave a bad performance but never fear...she will return and set it spinning again next week. Big Mike has become a ridiculous camera whore and someone needs to tell him to sit his big ass down and quit manhandling the multi-million dollar talent. That deal with Ryan was over the top.
I am venting here because I have vowed to be nice on the Official American Idol website. And I have been for the most part.
I am not a fan of the new R&B music. Ruben and Usher have nice voices but the songs left me cold. Is Diddy formerly Sean Coombs, formerly P. Diddy, formerly Puff Daddy, formerly Snoop Dog? Or is he some other Diddy? At least he modified the words to OMG, using Gosh very clearly so as not to offend the parents of young ones at home.
I don't know if I'm looking forward to Lennon-McCartney or not. The last time they had that theme (two weeks of it in David Cook's season), there were some spectacular hits but mostly misses. It will be interesting to see what they contestants pick from that huge list. I'm going to predict a little bit: Casey and Lee will do one of the rocking songs. Katie will try Let It Be. Siobahn will do Come Together so she can scream or one of the darker songs like Eleanor Rigby or She's Leaving Home. Aaron will try for Imagine (unless its not on the list because Lennon wrote it after the break up) or some other ballad. Andrew will do something acoustic again which is fine with me. No idea what Crystal will choose. I love all of the songs so I just hope they don't mess them up.
Now this blogger program has been acting up. This is the 2nd time I've tried to publish this post or a version thereof. If there is a double posting...sorry.
You Heard It Here First!
Two weeks, after I dub Tim Urban, Tim Teflon Urban, the rest of America wakes up and copies me! I should have trademarked the term! Tim doesn't even understand that it means that no matter how awful he is he keeps going through...he thinks it has something to do with him not letting the judges critiques get him down. I'm afraid he is not the brightest bulb on the tree. More about Tim later.
Usher...I had never heard of him (I'm not a big R&B fan) but I do recall seeing him in one of my guilty tabloids involved in a divorce or something. I'll have to google him. He took his mentoring seriously, which was nice and it was good they had someone over 21 to mentor them this week. One good thing about American Idol is that I am learning about new people and new things all the time. For example, do you know what *autotune * is ? I just found out. It some sort of computer program that smooths out the pitch so it makes people sound on tune if they are not. Evidently it is used all the time primarily in the recording studio. This explains why some people sound good on recordings but terrible when they sing live and why so many people like to lip sync rather than perform live. I don't completely understand how it works, despite several people on the Idol board trying to explain it to me...they just used all sorts of computer terms....anyway...its a cheat that is used very commonly and probably by the Idols when they do their studio versions of the songs. If they are using it live then just think how bad Tim Urban must really sound!
On to the critiques...best to worst.
Crystal is still my heroine. The song suited her perfectly (her official fan group wanted her to sing it) and she showed that she can hit some good high notes too without a scream and on pitch! I agree with Simon about the backup singers...they were distracting. Why is it all of her performances seem about 1/2 as long as the rest of them? I just don't want them to end. I thought her high heels were cute but I agree with Simon...don't get caught up in all the wardrobe/personality stuff. Just sing! On the other hand, if she wants to try something new and isn't just doing it because of complaints that she is *always the same*..then go for it.
Lee DeWyze might have had a moment tonight. I was thinking...I'm pretty sure he's going to get the girl no matter if the other guy treats her like a lady or not. How can he not know how good he is?
I'll put Casey and BM side by side. I still don't like BM. But this was his newfound genre (along with his newfound guitar...hmmm...why do I find his love for the guitar a bit phony/baloney...I think he's trying to catch the Crystal/Lee/Casey train). Casey was fine but I'm thinking if he wasn't so picture perfect cute he would be critiqued much more harshly.
What did Sioban do to piss off the judges? I didn't think her song was so bad although I admit her lower register beginning was not that impressive. She really had the most difficult song to do and I thought the judges were unduly harsh on her. Ok, I'm a bit bored of the screaming and her fans on the Idol Website are as obnoxious as Adam Lambert's fans were last year...but I wrote in my notes....*You are NOT going to be the worst performer of the night*.
I was really hoping Andrew would not suck tonight and he didnt. I'm liking him more personally. He will never impress me enough to vote for him but I'm glad he got good reviews tonight and I hope it improves his confidence. I loved him telling his mama to calm down! It was in a sweet way. I liked his mother wearing that zebra top too.
The toddlers....Katie and Aaron. WHY don't they give them the criticism they deserve? Katie's taking on Aretha was arrogance of the highest order. She stayed on key but boy it was a stupid rendition... CHAY IN CHAY IN CHAY IN of fools. And then the stupid discussion about *what kind of artist* she is supposed to be. She is supposed to be home starring in her high school musical, Brigadoon, you idiot judges. And Aaron taking on Ain't No Sunshine after Kris Allen did it so perfectly last year. You know, you know, you know, you know...Aaron? I know a certain blogger who will have no sunshine watching idol UNTIL you are gone!
Tim Teflon Urban does a cheesy version of Sweet Love. He hit one or two notes which I think shows he has some sort of voice but he is just cheese on a stick. Someone need to take some strong steel wool to that teflon and he needs to go home.
But NOTHING was as bad as Didi BeSorryForMe and *What Becomes of the Brokenhearted*. Oh man...she sounded like barfly at your local Karaoke bar after 15 tequila shots. Her voice does have some lyrical qualities but she didn't use them tonight. There was no redeeming quality in that song. And that stupid dramatic *Tell me...Tell me* at the end was like the flies on the cowpatty! (I was going to say maggots on spoiled meat but thought that was too sickening). And I'm pretty sick of her emoting all over the place. Did they show a backstage scene with her?
I liked the backstage scenes! I hope they keep doing that.
If I left anyone out it was because they were even worse than Didi.
The three who should be in the bottom 3 tomorrow night? Tim, Didi, and Aaron. I have no idea who will actually be there.
Usher...I had never heard of him (I'm not a big R&B fan) but I do recall seeing him in one of my guilty tabloids involved in a divorce or something. I'll have to google him. He took his mentoring seriously, which was nice and it was good they had someone over 21 to mentor them this week. One good thing about American Idol is that I am learning about new people and new things all the time. For example, do you know what *autotune * is ? I just found out. It some sort of computer program that smooths out the pitch so it makes people sound on tune if they are not. Evidently it is used all the time primarily in the recording studio. This explains why some people sound good on recordings but terrible when they sing live and why so many people like to lip sync rather than perform live. I don't completely understand how it works, despite several people on the Idol board trying to explain it to me...they just used all sorts of computer terms....anyway...its a cheat that is used very commonly and probably by the Idols when they do their studio versions of the songs. If they are using it live then just think how bad Tim Urban must really sound!
On to the critiques...best to worst.
Crystal is still my heroine. The song suited her perfectly (her official fan group wanted her to sing it) and she showed that she can hit some good high notes too without a scream and on pitch! I agree with Simon about the backup singers...they were distracting. Why is it all of her performances seem about 1/2 as long as the rest of them? I just don't want them to end. I thought her high heels were cute but I agree with Simon...don't get caught up in all the wardrobe/personality stuff. Just sing! On the other hand, if she wants to try something new and isn't just doing it because of complaints that she is *always the same*..then go for it.
Lee DeWyze might have had a moment tonight. I was thinking...I'm pretty sure he's going to get the girl no matter if the other guy treats her like a lady or not. How can he not know how good he is?
I'll put Casey and BM side by side. I still don't like BM. But this was his newfound genre (along with his newfound guitar...hmmm...why do I find his love for the guitar a bit phony/baloney...I think he's trying to catch the Crystal/Lee/Casey train). Casey was fine but I'm thinking if he wasn't so picture perfect cute he would be critiqued much more harshly.
What did Sioban do to piss off the judges? I didn't think her song was so bad although I admit her lower register beginning was not that impressive. She really had the most difficult song to do and I thought the judges were unduly harsh on her. Ok, I'm a bit bored of the screaming and her fans on the Idol Website are as obnoxious as Adam Lambert's fans were last year...but I wrote in my notes....*You are NOT going to be the worst performer of the night*.
I was really hoping Andrew would not suck tonight and he didnt. I'm liking him more personally. He will never impress me enough to vote for him but I'm glad he got good reviews tonight and I hope it improves his confidence. I loved him telling his mama to calm down! It was in a sweet way. I liked his mother wearing that zebra top too.
The toddlers....Katie and Aaron. WHY don't they give them the criticism they deserve? Katie's taking on Aretha was arrogance of the highest order. She stayed on key but boy it was a stupid rendition... CHAY IN CHAY IN CHAY IN of fools. And then the stupid discussion about *what kind of artist* she is supposed to be. She is supposed to be home starring in her high school musical, Brigadoon, you idiot judges. And Aaron taking on Ain't No Sunshine after Kris Allen did it so perfectly last year. You know, you know, you know, you know...Aaron? I know a certain blogger who will have no sunshine watching idol UNTIL you are gone!
Tim Teflon Urban does a cheesy version of Sweet Love. He hit one or two notes which I think shows he has some sort of voice but he is just cheese on a stick. Someone need to take some strong steel wool to that teflon and he needs to go home.
But NOTHING was as bad as Didi BeSorryForMe and *What Becomes of the Brokenhearted*. Oh man...she sounded like barfly at your local Karaoke bar after 15 tequila shots. Her voice does have some lyrical qualities but she didn't use them tonight. There was no redeeming quality in that song. And that stupid dramatic *Tell me...Tell me* at the end was like the flies on the cowpatty! (I was going to say maggots on spoiled meat but thought that was too sickening). And I'm pretty sick of her emoting all over the place. Did they show a backstage scene with her?
I liked the backstage scenes! I hope they keep doing that.
If I left anyone out it was because they were even worse than Didi.
The three who should be in the bottom 3 tomorrow night? Tim, Didi, and Aaron. I have no idea who will actually be there.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Googling Around and Some Idol Gossip
As the final 10 were announced it became clear to me that the only one I really care to hear sing again is Crystal Bowersox. Siobahn might be interesting too...but frankly they could devote the whole hour to Crystal performing and I would be happy pappy.
Her fan site on the official American Idol website is chock full of new information about her songs. I think I told everyone to go to YouTube and search for Crystal Bowersox Farmer's Daughter and on the basis of that song, I speculated that her father was abusive. Then he appeared on the show and she seemed to love him so I thought...well maybe it was not a biographically based song. More recently, some one on Youtube has posted the lyrics and I see what I missed listening to it. The song is evidently about her mother...not her father.
Now I have learned about another original song...Saved By Grace. I have only listened to it once but it appears to be based on her reaction to her pregnancy or more specifically, the father's reaction to the pregnancy and her decision not to get an abortion. I haven't seen the lyrics text yet but that is my first reaction to it.
Also, one of the posters on the site said she met Crystal today while Crystal was shopping in Melrose with her son and boyfriend and that Crystal was very friendly...took 2 pictures with the fan (Crystal said...oh my mouth is open in the first one...lets take another) and seemed very genuine and appreciative of the fan's attention.
I admit it..I want this woman to win this thing so if you like anyone one better than you like her quit reading this blog now. My malevolent eye is on anyone who will keep her from winning!
Her fan site on the official American Idol website is chock full of new information about her songs. I think I told everyone to go to YouTube and search for Crystal Bowersox Farmer's Daughter and on the basis of that song, I speculated that her father was abusive. Then he appeared on the show and she seemed to love him so I thought...well maybe it was not a biographically based song. More recently, some one on Youtube has posted the lyrics and I see what I missed listening to it. The song is evidently about her mother...not her father.
Now I have learned about another original song...Saved By Grace. I have only listened to it once but it appears to be based on her reaction to her pregnancy or more specifically, the father's reaction to the pregnancy and her decision not to get an abortion. I haven't seen the lyrics text yet but that is my first reaction to it.
Also, one of the posters on the site said she met Crystal today while Crystal was shopping in Melrose with her son and boyfriend and that Crystal was very friendly...took 2 pictures with the fan (Crystal said...oh my mouth is open in the first one...lets take another) and seemed very genuine and appreciative of the fan's attention.
I admit it..I want this woman to win this thing so if you like anyone one better than you like her quit reading this blog now. My malevolent eye is on anyone who will keep her from winning!
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