http://www.new-music-now.blogspot.com/
Just somewhere i found...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Your American Idol is David Cook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HByINm6Bgbs
Your new American Idol is (as I told you!) DAVID COOK.
I don’t think this was surprising at all but it really seemed I was in the minority. (I got a lot of emails from people saying they hoped David C won, but thought David A won. I thought that was funny as it proved my point. More people liked David C.) I thought David C won this competition a few weeks ago, and clichéd it during the Top 3 when it became apparent that David A was unwilling or unable to sing anything that reached beyond adult contemporary. I think the Chris Brown song made him seem such and old soul (it seemed so out of place) that it hurt him. It also became apparent that David Cook could sing anything and not be terrible, he did Broadway, he did Roberta Flack, and he was fine.
David Cook is probably my favorite contestant of all time on the show, at least one of them. Unlike previous rockers, he didn’t have weeks where he was totally out of place or totally disinterested. (Daughtry had weeks, specifically his last week, where he didn’t care about the show at all and looked bored.) His body of work actually sounds like an album, probably more so than any artist since Clay way back in Season 2. (We actually put all of Clay’s songs on a cd that my sister listened too for like a year. She might still be listening to it.) The finale was good, although not as good as previous years. It didn’t hold my attention like those did. (Note: Is Amanda just a spoilsport, or drunk, or what was that? She was incoherent, and had trouble moving back and forth). And to totally shred any opinion that anyone might have of my musical tastes, I actually LIKED the final song. Maybe the moment helped. There was actually real emotion. David Archuletta might be better off as 2nd place, being 1st would make him more in the open, more interviews, etc. For a shy kid, that could be real hard. He seemed happy for David. It’s rare the person I want to win actually wins!
The order was definitely terrible, and the top 4/5 probably wasn’t the top 4/5 in terms of talent. We have some terrible performances, and two consistently good performers, and the better one wound up winning. Can’t complain about that too much. Congratulations David Cook, and I look forward to your cd.
BTW, Idol has a bit of a problem for next year. It’s not ratings in the sense people think, it’s still easily the highest rated show. The problem is they charge ad rates for a higher rated show, and they can’t reach that now. One of the people working here has someone he knows in marketing at Fox, and some of the things they are considering are very similar to thoughts I have (transparent data, a new judge, and shorter results shows). This is what I think they need.
1) Change the voting to something more manual. (Joel suggested something such as choosing a 1st and 2nd favorite, this would help mitigate the type of eliminations that have turned Idol into something similar to survivor at times, because people who are so-so but have decent fan bases creep along endlessly, not by being first, but just not from being last.) It would also cut down automated votes. Win-win all around I think.
2) Remove Paula. (Simon voiced some similar read between the line comments on new judges recently.) She’s always been a joke, but if she’s not even really paying attention, she needs to go. She marginalizes the judge’s role on the show by being so ridiculously bad.
3) Release voting data. (If you don’t want to release totals you can do percent, etc. Anything..) TV shows have limited shelf lives. Sports do not. What do sports have that this show does not have? Replaceable judges (refs, umpires) and tons of data to look at. Make Idol this once a year competition, not a once a year TV show. It might even outlast Simon like that. This would also allow Vegas to post real odds, not the odds that they post now that they will only take limited action on.. (They’ll take like $100 bets at most.) Betting increases interest.
4) Revamp what they show for auditions and Hollywood week. They reduced it a bit, which is fine BUT the problem is they reduced it and showed more people at the same time. Therefore, you had less connection with the Top 24/12 once we got there. Seriously, there should not be people in the Top 24 we never have seen considering the Top 24 is known through the editing process. Yes, it probably spoils some of the surprise, but if you ask “who is that?” about someone in the Top 12, that’s just wrong.
The way Idol is going, it’s basically on its last legs, even if it has a great contestant next year that makes it seem like it’s healthier than it is. Let’s see if anyone has the wherewithal to actually go through with some changes, or if they are content to milk it a bit longer as is,
As for the pool winners, the checks are literally in the mail for those of you who did not receive the money in cash yet…next year the pool will have a bonus for picking the winner I think. I need to work through the math a bit more.
I’ll probably discuss a bit more here for a while…
http://idol7pool.blogspot.com/
See you next year….it will be boring without Idol! Lol
JUAN
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Finale...
Ok, i saw the finale live and all of it for once! (I have bad luck with the finale, i've been stuck in other cities, had allergic reactions, etc.) I thought it was actually a great final. The Clay vs. Ruben season was miles better than this but I think people forget the finale was horrible. They were both so nervous, and were so friendly by that time it was an awful show. Carrie, Fantasia were coronations, Kelly was the only one good on her finale, Taylor's season was awful, and last year Jordin sang two (Two!) reprise songs and Blake did everything but announce the Idol single sucked while he was singing it. This was honestly the first finale we have ever had that both singers were good, and both seemed genuinely happy to be there and tried real hard. Kudos to them.
David Cook: I really liked him today. I thought his second song (the idol song) was the weakest performance, but that sing songy happy stupid idol song basically killed any chance of it being great. I was happy that he at least didn't sing something that sounded like a bad "Moment Like This" copy. I loved that he didn't do a reprise (i'm 100% anti reprise) although Simon seemed like he was almost pining for it. And anytime we can get some U2 I am a happy camper. Overall good, but not great. Not a slam dunk that would guarantee he would win.
David Archuletta: He was really good. I think he was better tonight, but I don't think it was anywhere near as much a slam dunk as the judges thought. Personally, i hate the reprise song. As great as it is, there is not anywhere close to the impact. It honestly struck me as a good time to flip over and watch the basketball game. Even Fantasia's "Summertime" way back when lacked impact the second time. It basically reinforces why you like the person if you already do. I don't think anyone not sold hears you sing the same song a second time and has the lightbulb go on that they like you NOW, but not before. His idol song wasn't bad, although it was very over the top corny. I HATE those songs, and I'm at a loss as to why Idol can't ever change anything, especially something the judges complain about every single time. He started with "Don't Let the Sun Come Down on Me" (Clive actually picked good songs this year) which I'm sure reminded some people of when Clay Aiken tore that song up (in a good way) way back in year 2. Simon seemed to think David A did enough to win. Randy and Paula liked him better to I think (especially Randy) but did he do enough to win?
(Note: I don't want to hear even ONE conspiracy theory because the "chosen one" was supposed to be David Cook the last three weeks and he got judged much more harshly today. For the chosen one theory to work, it must be consistent, not change week to week.)
The winner will be...
DAVID COOK.
I don't think David A did enough to win, and I think the fact he did a reprise and David Cook did not really hurt him, rather than have a comparison of the two, it just made him seem uninspired. David Cook just comes off as really genuine, happy to be there, and not young and immature. That's a very good combination. David A was also very good, but I just think there is something lacking there. I must have said this a 100 times, but he skews old, and skewing old is not a good thing when you are 17 and need teen girls to vote and push you to victory.
I'll be pretty suprised tonight if David Cook is not the next american idol. But we will see....)
David Cook: I really liked him today. I thought his second song (the idol song) was the weakest performance, but that sing songy happy stupid idol song basically killed any chance of it being great. I was happy that he at least didn't sing something that sounded like a bad "Moment Like This" copy. I loved that he didn't do a reprise (i'm 100% anti reprise) although Simon seemed like he was almost pining for it. And anytime we can get some U2 I am a happy camper. Overall good, but not great. Not a slam dunk that would guarantee he would win.
David Archuletta: He was really good. I think he was better tonight, but I don't think it was anywhere near as much a slam dunk as the judges thought. Personally, i hate the reprise song. As great as it is, there is not anywhere close to the impact. It honestly struck me as a good time to flip over and watch the basketball game. Even Fantasia's "Summertime" way back when lacked impact the second time. It basically reinforces why you like the person if you already do. I don't think anyone not sold hears you sing the same song a second time and has the lightbulb go on that they like you NOW, but not before. His idol song wasn't bad, although it was very over the top corny. I HATE those songs, and I'm at a loss as to why Idol can't ever change anything, especially something the judges complain about every single time. He started with "Don't Let the Sun Come Down on Me" (Clive actually picked good songs this year) which I'm sure reminded some people of when Clay Aiken tore that song up (in a good way) way back in year 2. Simon seemed to think David A did enough to win. Randy and Paula liked him better to I think (especially Randy) but did he do enough to win?
(Note: I don't want to hear even ONE conspiracy theory because the "chosen one" was supposed to be David Cook the last three weeks and he got judged much more harshly today. For the chosen one theory to work, it must be consistent, not change week to week.)
The winner will be...
DAVID COOK.
I don't think David A did enough to win, and I think the fact he did a reprise and David Cook did not really hurt him, rather than have a comparison of the two, it just made him seem uninspired. David Cook just comes off as really genuine, happy to be there, and not young and immature. That's a very good combination. David A was also very good, but I just think there is something lacking there. I must have said this a 100 times, but he skews old, and skewing old is not a good thing when you are 17 and need teen girls to vote and push you to victory.
I'll be pretty suprised tonight if David Cook is not the next american idol. But we will see....)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Idol Finale!!! Clash of the Davids...
Here we are at the end of another season of the Idol. After a few months, we find ourselves at the finale that was apparent from the second or third week of the Top 12, the rocker David Cook vs. the teen David Archuletta. Neither person has every been in the bottom, not even coming close to a shock elimination.
David Archuletta:
As close to a frontrunner as we have had for the last three seasons, it was almost never in doubt he would be in the Top 12. He actually peaked during the Top 24, with his IMAGINE rendition making him a clear favorite. It actually looked at that point that there was a possibility of this season being like Carrie Underwood's season, with the whole show feeling just like a year long coronation. Since then, he's been consistenly good, but not great. He also suffers from at times feeling like he's a product, that someone else is choosing and arranging what he is doing. He'll pick songs from someone obscure he claims is his favorite, yet he'll not be familiar with The Beatles or Neil Diamond. Also, his youth is either something you find endearing or annoying, he's clearly somewhat shy. Most times he's interviewed, the answers are mostly giggles or 'aw shucks' type responses.
He's also coming in on some negative feelings, with his dad being kicked out of the rehearsals, and then his dad and others around him suggesting Idol is cheating for David Cook (by getting rid of him, of course. As if removing the annoying dad making his son nervous was a bad thing). He also had a bad final week due to the Chris Brown song choice, which was widely ridiculed. (In retrospect, the Chris Brown comparisons did make him look silly.) Still, he has a HUGE fanbase, and it's altogether possible that he goes into this final with more people assured of voting for him. Plus you'd think the Idol song, bad as I'm sure it will be, would suit him more.
He's yet to have his "Summertime" moment. This would be a hell of a time to achieve it.
David Cook:
The rocker who picks great song choices, and does (or chooses) great arrangements for his songs. Unlike David Archuletta, he's has quite a few high moments this season, Hello during the Top 24 (which bumped him up back of the pack to middle of the pack), Billie Jean, and then Always be My Baby during Mariah Carey week. He's older, more experienced, and has nobody annoying him like David Archuletta, so he comes into this week on a pretty good note. He's one of my favorite contestants of all time, and for me is really the high point of what has been a pretty disappointing season. (This season had the malaise of last season, less Melinda, Latoya or Sanjaya's sideshow.)
David Cook seems to have the most fans now, but I doubt he has the same fanatic supporters that David A has carried though. Still, when it's only two left, those fans are marginalized and the general public at large would seem to gravitate toward him. As well, the negative support (VFTW, Morning shows being funny, etc.) is all on David Achuletta's side, which really hurts once you are down to 3 or 4 people.
I've see the song choices, and David Cook's seem better suited to provide him a big moment. David A's big moment would seem to be his reprise song, which if you don't know what it is, you haven't been paying attention. The Idol song would seem to work in David A's favor (since it's destined to be a cheesy pop ballad), but from what I've heard, they are allowed more freedom to arrange it this year, so David Cook may be able to do something with that. You'd figure David A's version would be whatever he's given, more or less.
Should be an interesting show. My prediction - David Cook is great, David Archuletta slightly less (although Randy will say he's super great, best every dawg!) and David Cook becomes the next american idol!
JUAN
David Archuletta:
As close to a frontrunner as we have had for the last three seasons, it was almost never in doubt he would be in the Top 12. He actually peaked during the Top 24, with his IMAGINE rendition making him a clear favorite. It actually looked at that point that there was a possibility of this season being like Carrie Underwood's season, with the whole show feeling just like a year long coronation. Since then, he's been consistenly good, but not great. He also suffers from at times feeling like he's a product, that someone else is choosing and arranging what he is doing. He'll pick songs from someone obscure he claims is his favorite, yet he'll not be familiar with The Beatles or Neil Diamond. Also, his youth is either something you find endearing or annoying, he's clearly somewhat shy. Most times he's interviewed, the answers are mostly giggles or 'aw shucks' type responses.
He's also coming in on some negative feelings, with his dad being kicked out of the rehearsals, and then his dad and others around him suggesting Idol is cheating for David Cook (by getting rid of him, of course. As if removing the annoying dad making his son nervous was a bad thing). He also had a bad final week due to the Chris Brown song choice, which was widely ridiculed. (In retrospect, the Chris Brown comparisons did make him look silly.) Still, he has a HUGE fanbase, and it's altogether possible that he goes into this final with more people assured of voting for him. Plus you'd think the Idol song, bad as I'm sure it will be, would suit him more.
He's yet to have his "Summertime" moment. This would be a hell of a time to achieve it.
David Cook:
The rocker who picks great song choices, and does (or chooses) great arrangements for his songs. Unlike David Archuletta, he's has quite a few high moments this season, Hello during the Top 24 (which bumped him up back of the pack to middle of the pack), Billie Jean, and then Always be My Baby during Mariah Carey week. He's older, more experienced, and has nobody annoying him like David Archuletta, so he comes into this week on a pretty good note. He's one of my favorite contestants of all time, and for me is really the high point of what has been a pretty disappointing season. (This season had the malaise of last season, less Melinda, Latoya or Sanjaya's sideshow.)
David Cook seems to have the most fans now, but I doubt he has the same fanatic supporters that David A has carried though. Still, when it's only two left, those fans are marginalized and the general public at large would seem to gravitate toward him. As well, the negative support (VFTW, Morning shows being funny, etc.) is all on David Achuletta's side, which really hurts once you are down to 3 or 4 people.
I've see the song choices, and David Cook's seem better suited to provide him a big moment. David A's big moment would seem to be his reprise song, which if you don't know what it is, you haven't been paying attention. The Idol song would seem to work in David A's favor (since it's destined to be a cheesy pop ballad), but from what I've heard, they are allowed more freedom to arrange it this year, so David Cook may be able to do something with that. You'd figure David A's version would be whatever he's given, more or less.
Should be an interesting show. My prediction - David Cook is great, David Archuletta slightly less (although Randy will say he's super great, best every dawg!) and David Cook becomes the next american idol!
JUAN
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Song Choice Spoilers, confirmed by TMZ..
David Cook
"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. (Simon's choice)
"Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot.
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith.
Syesha Mercado
"If I Ain't Got You" By Alicia Keys. (Randy's choice)
"Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell (from "Happy Feet").
(Producer's choice)"Fever" -- which has been covered by everyone. (Syesha's choice)
David Archuleta
"And So it Goes" by Billy Joel. (Paula's choice)"
With You" by Chris Brown. (David's choice)
"Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. (Producer's choice)
David A picked a good song for himsel, since the producers are determined to saddle him with songs from the 70's. He'll shine on that. Syesha singing Fever is interesting...it definitely should be memorable and you can win over Simon with the sex kitten routine. Idol obviously picked the Aerosmith song for David Cook, i'm not in love with it but I'm sure he does fine. If Syesha is not going to really really dance, Happy Feet is a stupid choice. So dance she must... Switchback is a nice choice, i like it better than Collective Soul for David (that song choice lacked a certain OOMPH.)
Should be good. David A might come across as slow and boring, but so could David C. Syesha won't, but she has the most possiblity for an all out mess.
JUAN
"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. (Simon's choice)
"Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot.
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith.
Syesha Mercado
"If I Ain't Got You" By Alicia Keys. (Randy's choice)
"Hit Me Up" by Gia Farrell (from "Happy Feet").
(Producer's choice)"Fever" -- which has been covered by everyone. (Syesha's choice)
David Archuleta
"And So it Goes" by Billy Joel. (Paula's choice)"
With You" by Chris Brown. (David's choice)
"Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. (Producer's choice)
David A picked a good song for himsel, since the producers are determined to saddle him with songs from the 70's. He'll shine on that. Syesha singing Fever is interesting...it definitely should be memorable and you can win over Simon with the sex kitten routine. Idol obviously picked the Aerosmith song for David Cook, i'm not in love with it but I'm sure he does fine. If Syesha is not going to really really dance, Happy Feet is a stupid choice. So dance she must... Switchback is a nice choice, i like it better than Collective Soul for David (that song choice lacked a certain OOMPH.)
Should be good. David A might come across as slow and boring, but so could David C. Syesha won't, but she has the most possiblity for an all out mess.
JUAN
Song Choices
I'll update as I get info, and post my thoughts.
David Archuletta
Judge: Billy Joel - And So It Goes (Confirmed)
Producer: Dan Folgerberg - Longer (Unconfirmed but good source)
Personal: ?
Comments: The judges choice is awful, it's a very nice Billy Joel song, but it's not one of his most famous, and I can't see it leaving a mark. It's very similar to the Producer choice in tone and feel, which make's it even worse. Usually the producer's choice are somewhat bland, but the judge's are not. I hate when David A picks old people songs, and he's had two chosen for him.
David Cook
Judge: Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Confirmed)
Producer: ?
Personal: Collective Soul - The World I Know (Confirmed)
I don't like the personal song choice so much, he says he will put some edge to it. I hope so - it's a nice song but something's missing. I love Simon's choice, I think he feels David will arrange it into something spectacular. Funny Simon takes a gamble on his behalf.
Syesha Mercado
Judge: Alecia Keys - If I Ain't Got You (Confirmed)
Producer: ?
Personal: ?
Comments: Randy is setting her up to fail. She can't sing this as well as Alecia Keys does, she's obviously not into mainstream pop songs by her very flat, copycat renditions, and this has a large chance of coming off very flat and copycat. Why Randy?
More to come later...
David Archuletta
Judge: Billy Joel - And So It Goes (Confirmed)
Producer: Dan Folgerberg - Longer (Unconfirmed but good source)
Personal: ?
Comments: The judges choice is awful, it's a very nice Billy Joel song, but it's not one of his most famous, and I can't see it leaving a mark. It's very similar to the Producer choice in tone and feel, which make's it even worse. Usually the producer's choice are somewhat bland, but the judge's are not. I hate when David A picks old people songs, and he's had two chosen for him.
David Cook
Judge: Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Confirmed)
Producer: ?
Personal: Collective Soul - The World I Know (Confirmed)
I don't like the personal song choice so much, he says he will put some edge to it. I hope so - it's a nice song but something's missing. I love Simon's choice, I think he feels David will arrange it into something spectacular. Funny Simon takes a gamble on his behalf.
Syesha Mercado
Judge: Alecia Keys - If I Ain't Got You (Confirmed)
Producer: ?
Personal: ?
Comments: Randy is setting her up to fail. She can't sing this as well as Alecia Keys does, she's obviously not into mainstream pop songs by her very flat, copycat renditions, and this has a large chance of coming off very flat and copycat. Why Randy?
More to come later...
Monday, May 12, 2008
TOP 3 - 2 WEEKS LEFT!!!
Top Three – Pool Scenarios
Danielle, Becky, Hong/Barbara and Leana all win under any scenario. Elliot has a few scenarios he finishes near the top. The problem is, all of our top contestants (everyone who had top five’s who went far) had David Archuletta as 1st – therefore no matter what order the Top Three wind up in, they all remain near the top. (If David A is first, they are all right, if he’s wrong, they are all wrong.) The new pool method did one thing this year, it removed the messy ties we would have had. (We would have had a bunch of people tied, and a bunch blocked from ever winning because so many people picked David A.)
Idol Top Three Preview
One Hour, Three Songs each, one each chosen by the contestant, the producers, and the judges. For any of these categories, there is NO potential of a reprise (something sung before). Both Melinda and Jordin sang songs a second time during this show last year, only Blake had three new songs. This has been disallowed for this year. (My god, Idol learning from their mistakes. That’s bizarre.) For the Judges choices (brace yourselves here) PAULA will be choosing David A’s song (poor him), Randy will be choosing Syesha’s song (Hint: Randy has not gotten the hint that Syesha is more comfortable with non R&B songs) and Simon pick for David Cook (it’s totally not what you’d expect).
Syesha is in a no lose situation here. If she gets to the Top Two, it’s a super upset, and she can’t be any happier. It will also make the finale a coronation for the remaining David, as she has almost no chance of winning this thing. David Cook is really going to shine this week I think. I think his song choices are great (you’ll see) and they will really resonate with the audience. I think he has a real chance for a Fantasia like coronation moment during this week. David Archuletta’s choices, I’m not as enamored with. I think it skews old for him again, and Paula put about 10 seconds of thought into it. I think he goes into this week a bit behind David Cook, and would really benefit from a strong week heading into the finale. The finale is generally a mess, the “Idol Single” always stinks, the contestant’s under perform, and whatever order we head into the final week in, usually holds up. So this week is really important for both of them, less so for Syesha, who really should just take this week as her moment, and enjoy it. I have yet to hear any of the producer’s song choices for the singers, hopefully they are strong. Last year they were not, Final three week was a mess, Melinda pretty much killed herself with a reprise, Blake had songs chosen for him which didn’t fit his voice, and Jordin was the benefactor. This year I think it will be better.
David A’s Dad removed from backstage at Idol.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/11/archuleta.idol.ap/index.html
I really thought David A was better this week, maybe this is why? His dad has now been removed from backstage at TWO different shows.
Danielle, Becky, Hong/Barbara and Leana all win under any scenario. Elliot has a few scenarios he finishes near the top. The problem is, all of our top contestants (everyone who had top five’s who went far) had David Archuletta as 1st – therefore no matter what order the Top Three wind up in, they all remain near the top. (If David A is first, they are all right, if he’s wrong, they are all wrong.) The new pool method did one thing this year, it removed the messy ties we would have had. (We would have had a bunch of people tied, and a bunch blocked from ever winning because so many people picked David A.)
Idol Top Three Preview
One Hour, Three Songs each, one each chosen by the contestant, the producers, and the judges. For any of these categories, there is NO potential of a reprise (something sung before). Both Melinda and Jordin sang songs a second time during this show last year, only Blake had three new songs. This has been disallowed for this year. (My god, Idol learning from their mistakes. That’s bizarre.) For the Judges choices (brace yourselves here) PAULA will be choosing David A’s song (poor him), Randy will be choosing Syesha’s song (Hint: Randy has not gotten the hint that Syesha is more comfortable with non R&B songs) and Simon pick for David Cook (it’s totally not what you’d expect).
Syesha is in a no lose situation here. If she gets to the Top Two, it’s a super upset, and she can’t be any happier. It will also make the finale a coronation for the remaining David, as she has almost no chance of winning this thing. David Cook is really going to shine this week I think. I think his song choices are great (you’ll see) and they will really resonate with the audience. I think he has a real chance for a Fantasia like coronation moment during this week. David Archuletta’s choices, I’m not as enamored with. I think it skews old for him again, and Paula put about 10 seconds of thought into it. I think he goes into this week a bit behind David Cook, and would really benefit from a strong week heading into the finale. The finale is generally a mess, the “Idol Single” always stinks, the contestant’s under perform, and whatever order we head into the final week in, usually holds up. So this week is really important for both of them, less so for Syesha, who really should just take this week as her moment, and enjoy it. I have yet to hear any of the producer’s song choices for the singers, hopefully they are strong. Last year they were not, Final three week was a mess, Melinda pretty much killed herself with a reprise, Blake had songs chosen for him which didn’t fit his voice, and Jordin was the benefactor. This year I think it will be better.
David A’s Dad removed from backstage at Idol.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/11/archuleta.idol.ap/index.html
I really thought David A was better this week, maybe this is why? His dad has now been removed from backstage at TWO different shows.
Later I'll critique the song choices....
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Top 4 - Rock Songs! I miss the song and see on youtube!
I went to visit my new niece, then played with the baby, then realized it was 8:45. UGH! So i got my youtube on and watched in a strange skewed order...
David Cook: I note his number is 1, which means he went first, which means everyone can shut up about him never going first.
Hungry Like The Wolf: Agreed with the judges, it was good, i think it's good enough to pass him through, but not really original in any way. I hate the song so maybe it's me.
Baba O-Reiley: I liked this a lot, he did it in his own way, his reasoning for choosing the song was good. Not as good as he usually is this week but still a very good week by him. Judges love it.
Syesha Mercado
Proud Mary: I don't want to hear this song so I'm going to be negative. She looks good, and she's singing it good, but is this a bold or interesting choice in any way? Has she taken ONE chance this entire competition? I thought the slow sultry beginning was more interesting than the Karaokish ending. Randy loves it, which confirms it was just ok for me. Simon doesn't, which rubber stamps by thoughts.
A Change is Going to Come: Syesha is bound for Broadway. This night cemented that home. I liked it, I didn't see anything that told me "you must put this girl through" but it was ok. Randy hates it. Hmm.. Simon likes it. Syesha cries. Hmm...Jason is in trouble.
Jason Castro
I Shot the Sherrif: UGH UGH UGH. Self indulgent. Hate it. He must get hammered, there are like 50 comments saying "Simon was so mean! Jason is cute, oops I mean talented!". Randy hates it, Paula is ok with it (looking for a new boytoy), and Simon is HARSH. I have to go back to my "shock elimination points" cause we had crying and someone sucking.
Mr. Tambourine Man - Does he forget the words or is the song like that? Simon tells him to pack. He should. I put in about as much or more effort the last few weeks than he has.
David A
Love Me Tender: Very nice. Unlike last week, he picks a song he can really work with and fits his voice. Judges liked it! Me too..
Stand By Me - Also not bad but kind of similar to his first choice. Crowd sounds like they wet their pants, good sign.
Bottom two seems obvious to me Syesha, and Jason. Jason's fans might pull him through, I hope not. Go Syesha!!!!!!!
David Cook: I note his number is 1, which means he went first, which means everyone can shut up about him never going first.
Hungry Like The Wolf: Agreed with the judges, it was good, i think it's good enough to pass him through, but not really original in any way. I hate the song so maybe it's me.
Baba O-Reiley: I liked this a lot, he did it in his own way, his reasoning for choosing the song was good. Not as good as he usually is this week but still a very good week by him. Judges love it.
Syesha Mercado
Proud Mary: I don't want to hear this song so I'm going to be negative. She looks good, and she's singing it good, but is this a bold or interesting choice in any way? Has she taken ONE chance this entire competition? I thought the slow sultry beginning was more interesting than the Karaokish ending. Randy loves it, which confirms it was just ok for me. Simon doesn't, which rubber stamps by thoughts.
A Change is Going to Come: Syesha is bound for Broadway. This night cemented that home. I liked it, I didn't see anything that told me "you must put this girl through" but it was ok. Randy hates it. Hmm.. Simon likes it. Syesha cries. Hmm...Jason is in trouble.
Jason Castro
I Shot the Sherrif: UGH UGH UGH. Self indulgent. Hate it. He must get hammered, there are like 50 comments saying "Simon was so mean! Jason is cute, oops I mean talented!". Randy hates it, Paula is ok with it (looking for a new boytoy), and Simon is HARSH. I have to go back to my "shock elimination points" cause we had crying and someone sucking.
Mr. Tambourine Man - Does he forget the words or is the song like that? Simon tells him to pack. He should. I put in about as much or more effort the last few weeks than he has.
David A
Love Me Tender: Very nice. Unlike last week, he picks a song he can really work with and fits his voice. Judges liked it! Me too..
Stand By Me - Also not bad but kind of similar to his first choice. Crowd sounds like they wet their pants, good sign.
Bottom two seems obvious to me Syesha, and Jason. Jason's fans might pull him through, I hope not. Go Syesha!!!!!!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Brooke White Eliminated! FINAL FOUR!!
Let’s say goodbye to Brooke White!
No shock at all. She was quite emotional about it. She really was a strange and quirky contestant, and maybe more talkative than any contestant ever. She always discussed the judges comments with them. I really don’t have much to say about Brooke, this was a year where the Top 2 were really the Top 2, and the other contestants simply have been weeding themselves out week after week. Save for Michael Johns, no elimination was that shocking or really undeserved.
As for the pool, I’m not listing the Top 10 this week as I think it’s still in flux. Next week though, I’ll go through some winning scenarios with the Top 3 for you, so all of you with a chance to win will know exactly what you need to happen. One person in the pool has David A 1st, and David C second, and obviously they look like they are in good shape, but a lot can change – as we’ve seen before! (Just open the file and you’ll see the Top in order. If you are not close to top 10 (or a little out) and you don’t have at least 3 of 4 remaining, you probably are in trouble!)
Speaking of change- we are at a point where any elimination save a David is pretty much par for the course. This is Final 4 now though, where the shock elimination has typically occurred. (Tamyra Gray, Chris Daughtry, Latoya) What do we require for a Shock Elimination?
1) The person who should be eliminated being so horrifically bad that their fans rush to their aid.
2) The other non eliminated people being very good.
3) The shock eliminated person being very so-so. Not Bad. Just ok. Under the radar.
4) The contestant that is eliminated to honestly have had his popularity with the voters be overstated. People kept saying how much they loved Latoya, but let’s be honest, they were voting for Fantasia. In retrospect People LOVED Tamyra Gray but Nikki had a lot of fans too. Chris Daughtry was in the bottom three two weeks prior. (I bet you all forgot that). It’s conceivable David A could be in this category.
.
Myself, I just see either Syesha or Jason going home. Jason hopefully, because he went home mentally sometime during week 4 so we just need to make it official.
I was amazed how some people took Paula’s strangeness as some grand conspiracy, as Idol being totally scripted, and not just a rubber stamped confirmation that she is the worst judge ever on any show of this type. Read the NY Times article if you can. It’s obvious they spent about 37 seconds researching Idol. (Note: I shouldn’t really be surprised though, Sports shows this week were calling for an NBA player to be suspended for what happened during a game despite the fact that the offending rule has NEVER been called in that manner. None of the talking heads knew that, and they get paid to know sports. NY Times writers won’t care about researching Idol beyond probably a Wikipedia entry.) Paula has crossed over from bad to negligent, basically, she is not even watching the show anymore, most likely because the medication has kicked in too strong by then (and I’m not even joking.)
Next week’s theme is songs from the Rock n Roll hall of fame. This covers a LOT of ground, 60’s girl groups, metal bands, traditional rock bands, performers like Elton John, etc. There is no one contestant this really favors, even though at first glance you’d think David Cook. It should be easy to find something for each contestant to cover, even with the 2 songs per person.
Three more to go!
JUAN
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Neil Diamond Night! Who will go? What is Paula on?
Neil Diamond Night was bizarre. It was so rushed (the pacing of idol has me shaking my head this year; it seems they have extra time when they don’t need it, and no time when they do). It made the first performances feel like throw-aways. It killed me how some of the performers didn’t know the words well at the time they started working with Neil, I knew about Neil Diamond night since the first week. You’d think they’d think about it prior to him showing up, but outside of the two David’s, I don’t think that was the case. (It looked like David C pulled songs out of the catalogue of Neil Diamond songs he does, and David A picked two of his most popular songs.) And of course Paula trying to shred the show’s credibility even further than she usually does.
As for the show, it was kind of blah. I thought the first five performances contained two good performances by both David’s (although the way David A sang Sweet Caroline was weird, it didn’t fit perfectly), an ok performance by Syesha (She’s kind of detached from the audience, it’s hard to explain), Brooke destroying I’m a Believer, and Jason looking so disinterested I think he might be sharing whatever Paula is on. I give Brooke one thing, she seems to want to win although she’s not close to that level, Syesha seems a bit disinterested, and Jason clearly there for the ride.
The second five songs I thought were better. Starting worst to first, I thought Jason was blah again (which Paula decided from his rehearsal (See below), Syesha was ehh (I hated the song choice, and I hated she sang it second. Her weaker performance was second..), Brooke was much better but not great, David A was good (although I HATE that song, it hasn’t aged well, it’s so cheesy) and I think the song choice will help him a lot (not that he needs it) and David C took a less popular song, and made it great, again. David C is the kind of contestant I like, one you can take his body of work during the show, put it together, and it honestly sounds like an album. David A is almost there too. The other contestants, week to week, are not like that. Some of the best prior contestants, Carrie, Chris, Clay, Ruben were like that – they delivered week after week in a consistent style that was there’s.
Paula’s worst idol moment ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AdL_wjdq_8
For those of you wondering what was going on, no the show was live and they were commenting after the first performances. Paula confused her notes from rehearsals with the notes from the show. The judges see the rehearsals so they can get a feel for what the contestant’s are doing. Simon has mentioned in the past that he thought sometime would be a mess from rehearsals but it wasn’t. (They don’t mention that anymore the last few seasons.) Paula, because she is high, an idiot, or some unknown combination of the two not only forgot they only sang one song, but apparently doesn’t make any notes besides those in rehearsal. Fortunately, they could put a hand puppet in between Randy and Paula and have the same impact her comments do, so it doesn’t matter what she says. But that was a mess. To top if off, she tried to say her Jason 2nd song comment was really about David Cook. UGH…a mess. Thank you Simon for shutting her up. Basically, we now know that Paula, as well as being a horrible judge, bases her decisions on the dress rehearsals.
Note: I’m into this puppet idea. Randy, Kermit, and Simon. Kermit saying “Well, you looked nice” after scrunching his face up. How would that not be better than Paula?
As for the bottom three, do I even need to say it? You’d have to think Brooke and Syesha are in the most danger of the three.
As for the show, it was kind of blah. I thought the first five performances contained two good performances by both David’s (although the way David A sang Sweet Caroline was weird, it didn’t fit perfectly), an ok performance by Syesha (She’s kind of detached from the audience, it’s hard to explain), Brooke destroying I’m a Believer, and Jason looking so disinterested I think he might be sharing whatever Paula is on. I give Brooke one thing, she seems to want to win although she’s not close to that level, Syesha seems a bit disinterested, and Jason clearly there for the ride.
The second five songs I thought were better. Starting worst to first, I thought Jason was blah again (which Paula decided from his rehearsal (See below), Syesha was ehh (I hated the song choice, and I hated she sang it second. Her weaker performance was second..), Brooke was much better but not great, David A was good (although I HATE that song, it hasn’t aged well, it’s so cheesy) and I think the song choice will help him a lot (not that he needs it) and David C took a less popular song, and made it great, again. David C is the kind of contestant I like, one you can take his body of work during the show, put it together, and it honestly sounds like an album. David A is almost there too. The other contestants, week to week, are not like that. Some of the best prior contestants, Carrie, Chris, Clay, Ruben were like that – they delivered week after week in a consistent style that was there’s.
Paula’s worst idol moment ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AdL_wjdq_8
For those of you wondering what was going on, no the show was live and they were commenting after the first performances. Paula confused her notes from rehearsals with the notes from the show. The judges see the rehearsals so they can get a feel for what the contestant’s are doing. Simon has mentioned in the past that he thought sometime would be a mess from rehearsals but it wasn’t. (They don’t mention that anymore the last few seasons.) Paula, because she is high, an idiot, or some unknown combination of the two not only forgot they only sang one song, but apparently doesn’t make any notes besides those in rehearsal. Fortunately, they could put a hand puppet in between Randy and Paula and have the same impact her comments do, so it doesn’t matter what she says. But that was a mess. To top if off, she tried to say her Jason 2nd song comment was really about David Cook. UGH…a mess. Thank you Simon for shutting her up. Basically, we now know that Paula, as well as being a horrible judge, bases her decisions on the dress rehearsals.
Note: I’m into this puppet idea. Randy, Kermit, and Simon. Kermit saying “Well, you looked nice” after scrunching his face up. How would that not be better than Paula?
As for the bottom three, do I even need to say it? You’d have to think Brooke and Syesha are in the most danger of the three.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Carly Eliminated! And then there were five...
WOW. Syesha once again escaped from the top 2 (she’s like Houdini) and Brooke and Jason’s panicked fan base’s kept them in. (Both were such a mess that it was obvious they were in trouble and their fans bailed them out.) I though this week in general was a mess but I’ll get to that later. I wanted Carly to say a bit longer but I can’t complain too much, if you take the season as a whole Jason has been better. Brooke should have been the one out in my opinion but Carly wasn’t so far ahead that it matters at this point. It’s the David, and three others. Any of the three staying longer than a David will be shocking.
There is a huge impact on the pool. 55 people had Carly in the Top 5. If you had her 4th or 5th (and your other picks are solid), this won’t kill you, but if you had her first or second this is a huge blow (because the frontrunner based on our initial picks, David Archuletta, is still around.) Right now our leader is Elliot, who has the most point and the most potential points he can get, but also has Brooke White in 2nd. So for him, a shock David Cook elimination would be beneficial For Cookie let’s say, if David A get’s eliminated third and David C wins (not impossible) she’d have two weeks of David C in first place points, which would help her leap over several people. So there are still a lot of people in the game, although if your 1st or 2nd is gone, even if you are near the top, I’d say the chances of you winning are slim.
Our Top 10 (top 4 at end win prizes) – Current Points (Highest Possible Points) – Top 2
1 Elliot 235 (326) David A / Brooke
2 Becky 234 (321) David A / Syesha
2 Danielle 234 (321) David A / David C
4 Nathan 232 (311) David A / Jason C
5 Keisa 229 (293) David A / Carly
5 Leana 229 (293) David A / Carly
5 Maria P 229 (293) David A / Carly
8 Candy 226 (269) Carly / David A
8 Theresa 226 (313) David A / Brooke
10 Tracey 223 (302) Brooke / David A
David A going out 2nd or 3rd will really impact things if it occurs.
As for this week, I thought it was pretty bad. Most of the contestants looked out of their element, and those who were comfortable weren’t fantastic, they were just ok. I thought David A, Carly and Syesha were all about the same level, and brought down by the theme. I think David A missed a chance to really shine, he went really pop which was a bit strange. David C was really good at what he chose, but even that came off as a bit strange because it just didn’t match his style. They should really do away with Broadway themed week, Broadway is like a secondary prize for Idol contestants, you can sing, but you are not marketable and can’t write songs – do broadway! And yet it is a theme. I understand Syesha a bit more after this week, I thought she was this person who desperately wanted to be this R&B diva and kept picking those songs, but she’s not. She apparently is not comfortable with pop – I’m thinking the Whitney copying is more from not knowing what to do then wanting to copy. Interesting. Obviously no matter what the theme is she is in trouble next week.
And the theme next week is Neil Diamond. I actually think it will be a good theme, there are the requisite slow piano / guitar songs for Jason or Brooke, David will find something he can turn into an emo ballad (Sweet Caroline?), David A will have his mushy song, and Syesha will be unable to copy (Unless she does a solo “Barbara Streisand You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore” upon which my head will explode). Should be interesting. There’s actually a longer song list given to the contestants than any week so far this season.
There is a huge impact on the pool. 55 people had Carly in the Top 5. If you had her 4th or 5th (and your other picks are solid), this won’t kill you, but if you had her first or second this is a huge blow (because the frontrunner based on our initial picks, David Archuletta, is still around.) Right now our leader is Elliot, who has the most point and the most potential points he can get, but also has Brooke White in 2nd. So for him, a shock David Cook elimination would be beneficial For Cookie let’s say, if David A get’s eliminated third and David C wins (not impossible) she’d have two weeks of David C in first place points, which would help her leap over several people. So there are still a lot of people in the game, although if your 1st or 2nd is gone, even if you are near the top, I’d say the chances of you winning are slim.
Our Top 10 (top 4 at end win prizes) – Current Points (Highest Possible Points) – Top 2
1 Elliot 235 (326) David A / Brooke
2 Becky 234 (321) David A / Syesha
2 Danielle 234 (321) David A / David C
4 Nathan 232 (311) David A / Jason C
5 Keisa 229 (293) David A / Carly
5 Leana 229 (293) David A / Carly
5 Maria P 229 (293) David A / Carly
8 Candy 226 (269) Carly / David A
8 Theresa 226 (313) David A / Brooke
10 Tracey 223 (302) Brooke / David A
David A going out 2nd or 3rd will really impact things if it occurs.
As for this week, I thought it was pretty bad. Most of the contestants looked out of their element, and those who were comfortable weren’t fantastic, they were just ok. I thought David A, Carly and Syesha were all about the same level, and brought down by the theme. I think David A missed a chance to really shine, he went really pop which was a bit strange. David C was really good at what he chose, but even that came off as a bit strange because it just didn’t match his style. They should really do away with Broadway themed week, Broadway is like a secondary prize for Idol contestants, you can sing, but you are not marketable and can’t write songs – do broadway! And yet it is a theme. I understand Syesha a bit more after this week, I thought she was this person who desperately wanted to be this R&B diva and kept picking those songs, but she’s not. She apparently is not comfortable with pop – I’m thinking the Whitney copying is more from not knowing what to do then wanting to copy. Interesting. Obviously no matter what the theme is she is in trouble next week.
And the theme next week is Neil Diamond. I actually think it will be a good theme, there are the requisite slow piano / guitar songs for Jason or Brooke, David will find something he can turn into an emo ballad (Sweet Caroline?), David A will have his mushy song, and Syesha will be unable to copy (Unless she does a solo “Barbara Streisand You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore” upon which my head will explode). Should be interesting. There’s actually a longer song list given to the contestants than any week so far this season.
JUAN
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
ALW Night!
Wow, i didn't like the show at all. I don't understand the musical theater nights, as i said before - Simon doesn't like it so a tone is set where everyone is going to get half hearted praise at best, which is bad. Plus, some of the artists just won't feel right singing the songs.
Syesha - This was good but to be honest, except that she looked good, was pretty forgettable. Pencil that in with the fact that she went first, she could be in a bit of trouble. I think definite bottom three.
Jason - WHOA. See above where i say some people won't feel right singing the songs. Total mess from start to finish. He might be in danger of going home. What may save him is the level he sucked. A Syesha fan may be complacent as she was not that bad. A Jason fan (dreadhead?) won't be, they KNOW he is in danger.
Brooke - Forgets the words, starts over, looks on the verge of tears the entire time. I like how Paula just wanted her to sing anything and not stop, that would have been great. She could have sang the alphabet song or something. What is Paula on? If you completely forget the song in the first three seconds, keep going!!! She is in trouble.
David A - Messed up the lyrics albeit it briefly. (Haha, does anyone pay closer attention that I do?) Not worth a mention except it was his second time. Funny, if you saw David C and David A, they did what I thought the other would do. I thought David A would do a really dramatic song and belt it out, and he went the popish route. Good though. Safe..
Carly - Simon begrudgingly liked it, the other judges liked it a lot, i thought it was ok. I think this is where we see how big her fanbase is. I can easily see her bottom three still, this is a performance I think would inspire complacency, it was good, but easily forgotten.
David C - Best vocal of the night by far, he looked good, he EASILY will get the most votes this week. I honestly have zero doubt. And yet, Simon said it didn't suit him which summed up 100% why the theme this week was awful.
To wrap it up, Syesha was good but her ceiling is so low i don't know I care, Jason awful, Brooke a trainwreck, David A the ususal solid B to B+ David A performance, Carly good but forgettable, and David C good in a way none of us want him to sing.
Thanks idol for wasting a week of the show. I think Brooke goes, but anyone aside from the David's going would not suprise me.
Syesha - This was good but to be honest, except that she looked good, was pretty forgettable. Pencil that in with the fact that she went first, she could be in a bit of trouble. I think definite bottom three.
Jason - WHOA. See above where i say some people won't feel right singing the songs. Total mess from start to finish. He might be in danger of going home. What may save him is the level he sucked. A Syesha fan may be complacent as she was not that bad. A Jason fan (dreadhead?) won't be, they KNOW he is in danger.
Brooke - Forgets the words, starts over, looks on the verge of tears the entire time. I like how Paula just wanted her to sing anything and not stop, that would have been great. She could have sang the alphabet song or something. What is Paula on? If you completely forget the song in the first three seconds, keep going!!! She is in trouble.
David A - Messed up the lyrics albeit it briefly. (Haha, does anyone pay closer attention that I do?) Not worth a mention except it was his second time. Funny, if you saw David C and David A, they did what I thought the other would do. I thought David A would do a really dramatic song and belt it out, and he went the popish route. Good though. Safe..
Carly - Simon begrudgingly liked it, the other judges liked it a lot, i thought it was ok. I think this is where we see how big her fanbase is. I can easily see her bottom three still, this is a performance I think would inspire complacency, it was good, but easily forgotten.
David C - Best vocal of the night by far, he looked good, he EASILY will get the most votes this week. I honestly have zero doubt. And yet, Simon said it didn't suit him which summed up 100% why the theme this week was awful.
To wrap it up, Syesha was good but her ceiling is so low i don't know I care, Jason awful, Brooke a trainwreck, David A the ususal solid B to B+ David A performance, Carly good but forgettable, and David C good in a way none of us want him to sing.
Thanks idol for wasting a week of the show. I think Brooke goes, but anyone aside from the David's going would not suprise me.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Andrew Lloyd Webber Night
Tonight is musicals night, with only ALW songs. Simon hates musicals, ALW said the song choices were bizarre, and musical night always sucks. SO, prepare for a long boring hour which may result in a strange elimination tommorrow. I hope I'm wrong.
Leona Lewis tommorrow. Simon's protege in action.
Note: I know i didn't post last week about Kristie being gone, I felt sick, then i forgot, because, well - it's Kristie. I thought the only interesting thing there was Brooke at the bottom, hopefully Carly settles in as a solid contestant.
Leona Lewis tommorrow. Simon's protege in action.
Note: I know i didn't post last week about Kristie being gone, I felt sick, then i forgot, because, well - it's Kristie. I thought the only interesting thing there was Brooke at the bottom, hopefully Carly settles in as a solid contestant.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mariah Carey Night...
Show stars with David A, and he's really good. David A is good enough that it wouldn't shock me if he has a moment sometime in the next few weeks that really solidifies him as THE frontrunner, not a frontrunner.
Carly is up and she is pretty good, but she gets little love from the judges. You know, there is a bad habit here from the judges, if you are good, and you don't shine you get criticized, and if you stink, and you stink less than usual, you are given praise.
Syesha is up singing a song called Vanishing, which to be honest, isn't all that at all. Her singing is ok, not great, but good but the song is kind of middling along. Randy gives her a kind of backhanded compliment, which is good for him. Paula too. It's kind of, hey you didn't pick a great song so you did ok cause it didn't suck. Simon agrees with me for once this season (me and him are not on the same wavelength so far).
Note to Syesha - pick a GOOD song and then do it in your own style. Not pick an obscure song so no one knows if you are copying.
Brooke and Kristie battle it out next Ryan says. (I'd think Kristie with her cage fighting training could easily take Brooke.)
Brooke survives the encounter with Kristie and is going to sing HERO. Wow, brave choice. I liked it, i thought it was nice. Simon says its like a hamburger with no bun. WTF..
Kristie - She is doing another obscure song. Note: Theme nights are not for obscure songs. I don't like the song too much although her delivery is not bad. Very 60's sounding.
David Cook is going to sing "Always be my Baby". Crowd is already going wild. I like the arrangement with the violins. It's hard for him to sing...his singing is not that good. But it's 10 times more interesting and entertaining that ANY of the girls. And everyone will remember this tomorrow. Quick, what did Syesha sing? Kristie who just went 10 seconds ago? Carly? Randy should be slapped if he doesn't like this. He does though, and gives him a standing O. Paula says the song could be on a movie soundtrack. She's just gone. Simon LOVES it. I love it. David C is in tears.
Let's close with Jason Castro. Jason gets the Bon Jovi / Blake "I hope he listens to me and doesn't kill my song" message from Mariah about his version of "I Don't Wanna Cry". And off we go, it's really slow and mellow... not bad. He's very unique. Randy is mean about it and makes a Simonesque comparison to a luau. Paula loves it shockingly. She thinks everyone was great. Simon loves it too. Simon says the guys were much better. (No ****)
All girl bottom three, pick any three, and eliminate one, and we'll be fine. Kristie is eh, Carly is the best of the girls but below her potential EVERY week, Brooke is dull, and Syesha clueless. Seriously, if i can pick, keep Carly and remove the others, and if I cannot pick, then anyone.
JUAN
Carly is up and she is pretty good, but she gets little love from the judges. You know, there is a bad habit here from the judges, if you are good, and you don't shine you get criticized, and if you stink, and you stink less than usual, you are given praise.
Syesha is up singing a song called Vanishing, which to be honest, isn't all that at all. Her singing is ok, not great, but good but the song is kind of middling along. Randy gives her a kind of backhanded compliment, which is good for him. Paula too. It's kind of, hey you didn't pick a great song so you did ok cause it didn't suck. Simon agrees with me for once this season (me and him are not on the same wavelength so far).
Note to Syesha - pick a GOOD song and then do it in your own style. Not pick an obscure song so no one knows if you are copying.
Brooke and Kristie battle it out next Ryan says. (I'd think Kristie with her cage fighting training could easily take Brooke.)
Brooke survives the encounter with Kristie and is going to sing HERO. Wow, brave choice. I liked it, i thought it was nice. Simon says its like a hamburger with no bun. WTF..
Kristie - She is doing another obscure song. Note: Theme nights are not for obscure songs. I don't like the song too much although her delivery is not bad. Very 60's sounding.
David Cook is going to sing "Always be my Baby". Crowd is already going wild. I like the arrangement with the violins. It's hard for him to sing...his singing is not that good. But it's 10 times more interesting and entertaining that ANY of the girls. And everyone will remember this tomorrow. Quick, what did Syesha sing? Kristie who just went 10 seconds ago? Carly? Randy should be slapped if he doesn't like this. He does though, and gives him a standing O. Paula says the song could be on a movie soundtrack. She's just gone. Simon LOVES it. I love it. David C is in tears.
Let's close with Jason Castro. Jason gets the Bon Jovi / Blake "I hope he listens to me and doesn't kill my song" message from Mariah about his version of "I Don't Wanna Cry". And off we go, it's really slow and mellow... not bad. He's very unique. Randy is mean about it and makes a Simonesque comparison to a luau. Paula loves it shockingly. She thinks everyone was great. Simon loves it too. Simon says the guys were much better. (No ****)
All girl bottom three, pick any three, and eliminate one, and we'll be fine. Kristie is eh, Carly is the best of the girls but below her potential EVERY week, Brooke is dull, and Syesha clueless. Seriously, if i can pick, keep Carly and remove the others, and if I cannot pick, then anyone.
JUAN
Monday, April 14, 2008
Idol Update - More on elimination, Mariah Week...
Let’s say goodbye to Michael Johns?
WHOA!!! I don’t think anyone expected this. All of a sudden Kristie has regained the fanbase she had at the beginning (I mean way way Top 24 first week beginning) and Syesha continues to squeak by. Carly alternates weeks being in the bottom two, and safe. And Jason Castro is even more up and down, he’s been in the bottom three, but this week he looked like the clear favorite for the week. David A and David C are the only two who have never been in the bottom, and I’d think it will stay like that at least until Top 4.
Michael Johns has some weeks he seemingly should have been in trouble, but he was not. He then had a few weeks he seemed to be developing into a frontrunner. He then had the kiss of death (remember these traits) he was boring and ok, not bad (bad gets severe criticism which rallies the fans), and the bottom people had good weeks. Kristie and Syesha are beginning to take on the Sanjaya role of knocking off deserving contestants one by one.
This didn’t cause ripples in the pool, it caused tidal waves. Only 8 people are left with their top 5, and 5 of those people have Syesha, who I still think is a long shot for the Top 5. It’s interesting now, because there are people who have a lower point total so far, but a larger possible total because they still have higher picks left. Basically, if you have 3 of the top 4, you are near the top.
This week is Mariah Carey weeks. Yes, Mariah’s popular songs are pretty much slated for a certain type of singer, but she has also done acoustic stuff and a ton of covers. She did them “Mariah Style” but it’s certainly not a reach to think someone would take one of these covers as her song. People have had song choices before that were more of a stretch than that. I forget her name, the person during Clay and Ruben’ season that did Whitney songs every week. One week it was like 90’s week, so she did a Whitney cover of a song from the 60’s. My point is, you can twist the theme, and I’m sure people will do so. I’m curious as to Syesha’s song choice, is she stupid enough to take one of the more popular Mariah ballads and get the inevitable (unfavorable) comparison?
I think this is a good week for the girls; they can really try to have a moment, if you can sing anything remotely comparable to Mariah, and it will be a great performance. The guys may have some more trouble. Should be fun.
WHOA!!! I don’t think anyone expected this. All of a sudden Kristie has regained the fanbase she had at the beginning (I mean way way Top 24 first week beginning) and Syesha continues to squeak by. Carly alternates weeks being in the bottom two, and safe. And Jason Castro is even more up and down, he’s been in the bottom three, but this week he looked like the clear favorite for the week. David A and David C are the only two who have never been in the bottom, and I’d think it will stay like that at least until Top 4.
Michael Johns has some weeks he seemingly should have been in trouble, but he was not. He then had a few weeks he seemed to be developing into a frontrunner. He then had the kiss of death (remember these traits) he was boring and ok, not bad (bad gets severe criticism which rallies the fans), and the bottom people had good weeks. Kristie and Syesha are beginning to take on the Sanjaya role of knocking off deserving contestants one by one.
This didn’t cause ripples in the pool, it caused tidal waves. Only 8 people are left with their top 5, and 5 of those people have Syesha, who I still think is a long shot for the Top 5. It’s interesting now, because there are people who have a lower point total so far, but a larger possible total because they still have higher picks left. Basically, if you have 3 of the top 4, you are near the top.
This week is Mariah Carey weeks. Yes, Mariah’s popular songs are pretty much slated for a certain type of singer, but she has also done acoustic stuff and a ton of covers. She did them “Mariah Style” but it’s certainly not a reach to think someone would take one of these covers as her song. People have had song choices before that were more of a stretch than that. I forget her name, the person during Clay and Ruben’ season that did Whitney songs every week. One week it was like 90’s week, so she did a Whitney cover of a song from the 60’s. My point is, you can twist the theme, and I’m sure people will do so. I’m curious as to Syesha’s song choice, is she stupid enough to take one of the more popular Mariah ballads and get the inevitable (unfavorable) comparison?
I think this is a good week for the girls; they can really try to have a moment, if you can sing anything remotely comparable to Mariah, and it will be a great performance. The guys may have some more trouble. Should be fun.
JUAN
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Top 7 Coming Up - Who goes home..
I've just tuned in and we have 4 safe people, and it's Kristie's turn, and she is SAFE. Which means Michael Johns, Syesha Mercado, and Carly Smithson are the bottom three. Carly is noticable unhappy. When she goes home, she will be MAD. It will be the offset of her super happiness when she is safe..
And the person who is safe is NO, no safe. OUT! It's Michael Johns. UGH. Syesha is becoming a problem too, her and Kristie. (Carly I think has potential to win, while neither Syesha or Kristie does which irritates me.) Paula is hugging him. Now Randy. I feel bad, he really didn't deserve to go. I guess, he wasn't going to win so i shouldn't protest too much but still...ugh...
I liked him. I wonder how this affects the pool. I will check later and send out my email.
And the person who is safe is NO, no safe. OUT! It's Michael Johns. UGH. Syesha is becoming a problem too, her and Kristie. (Carly I think has potential to win, while neither Syesha or Kristie does which irritates me.) Paula is hugging him. Now Randy. I feel bad, he really didn't deserve to go. I guess, he wasn't going to win so i shouldn't protest too much but still...ugh...
I liked him. I wonder how this affects the pool. I will check later and send out my email.
Idol Gives Back!!
Despite the Hockey, and the Baseball, and the Basketball, i did manage to see quite a bit of the show. Luckily (ugh) I managed to catch BOTH Miley Cyrus appearances. Nothing against her really, just those songs she was singing was just awful. She needs her dad to craft her a hit maybe?
I loved Carrie Underwood. She is just so far above the singers they have now it's not funny. She's so polished, there is going to be a point in her career that Idol will be an afterthough, not the first thought, which is bizarre.
Nice to see Chris Daughtry but he didn't sing did he? Or did I miss that? I caught Fergie (she's like an idol staple now) The SO YOU THINK WE CAN DANCE numbers at the beginning was fun (I love David Cook embracing the Rhianna song like he did) and I liked how we basically covered every base of the asking for money spectrum, and how England basically gave more than the combined total they got last year, and that Ryan was manically running around throughout.
My daughter really liked Snoop Dogg (she was bouncing the whole time) which made me scared, but that was early and she was still awake so maybe that was it.
Have to mention Annie Lennox too, that was really good.
If we have to vote off someone for last night, I vote Robin Williams. Wow, that was long...
JUAN
I loved Carrie Underwood. She is just so far above the singers they have now it's not funny. She's so polished, there is going to be a point in her career that Idol will be an afterthough, not the first thought, which is bizarre.
Nice to see Chris Daughtry but he didn't sing did he? Or did I miss that? I caught Fergie (she's like an idol staple now) The SO YOU THINK WE CAN DANCE numbers at the beginning was fun (I love David Cook embracing the Rhianna song like he did) and I liked how we basically covered every base of the asking for money spectrum, and how England basically gave more than the combined total they got last year, and that Ryan was manically running around throughout.
My daughter really liked Snoop Dogg (she was bouncing the whole time) which made me scared, but that was early and she was still awake so maybe that was it.
Have to mention Annie Lennox too, that was really good.
If we have to vote off someone for last night, I vote Robin Williams. Wow, that was long...
JUAN
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Here we go...Inspirational songs...
And here we go....
Michael Johns - DREAM ON! His best rocker impersonation, really good but it was like a karaoke performance.
Syesha - She sings Fantasia's song, and then seems irked that she's being compared on it. Didn't we go through this last week? Paula loved it, but Simon said it lacked emotion. It did, Syesha still has no niche, except for Super Karaoke singer...she can do more. I'm not sure she last much longer.
Jason - Singing OVER THE RAINBOW, but apparently a ukelele version. Um..ok... I actually really like this a lot. He's signing better than he has in a while, and although the visual is silly its pretty cool how he's playing. There is always one contestant who is totally unique, but you don't think could win. (Blake was that last year and went really far.) Jason is that for me, he's quickly becoming my favorite left in the competition. Curious on the judges...they LOVE it. Yah...
Kristie is next. Her and Syesha are definintely in bad positions in the show. BUT she is very good. Hey! That was certainly surprising. Paula goes hyperbole which is never good (the week Syesha was bottom two was the week Randy said she sang the best ever.
David C - It's INNOCENT by Our Lady Peace. Good band, good song although David's reasoning for singing it is a stretch. This might not appeal to a lot of people though - they are not that popular. His singing is very so so. Indulgent is the word that I'm coming up with her. Can't wait for Simon to say it. He doesn't say that but says something equal, Paula is having a FIT that Simon doesn't like it.
Carly - THE SHOW MUST GO ON! (Not for Kady who also sang this song.) VERY tough song to sing. She looks nice today, like a pop star. (Simon's words do not go unheeded.) It's not bad, not over the top good though. Carly is like 75% Carrie, she tries the same songs but can't hit those same notes/moments. (In retrospect, Carrie was damn good...) Wow, Paula desparately doesn't want to say anything bad. She might be bottom three again.
Note: If Brooke does not suck, Syesha is in trouble. Brooke has the pimp spot, thats not good for the other girls.
David A next. Love the song, love his performance. He's really and old soul, isn't he? It wasn't even the greatest vocal at times but it didn't matter. Battling with Jason as the best thing on the show easily. Great run at the end. Judges love it.
Brooke - It's like two different shows at this point, or like the AL (Guys) and NL (Girls). Sorry fellow met fans. It's kind of typical Brooke. It's slow and dull. I'm not going to even wait for the judges comments to end what I'm writing. I don't think it matters.
I predict bottom three of Brooke, Kristie and Syesha, with Syesha going home.
Michael Johns - DREAM ON! His best rocker impersonation, really good but it was like a karaoke performance.
Syesha - She sings Fantasia's song, and then seems irked that she's being compared on it. Didn't we go through this last week? Paula loved it, but Simon said it lacked emotion. It did, Syesha still has no niche, except for Super Karaoke singer...she can do more. I'm not sure she last much longer.
Jason - Singing OVER THE RAINBOW, but apparently a ukelele version. Um..ok... I actually really like this a lot. He's signing better than he has in a while, and although the visual is silly its pretty cool how he's playing. There is always one contestant who is totally unique, but you don't think could win. (Blake was that last year and went really far.) Jason is that for me, he's quickly becoming my favorite left in the competition. Curious on the judges...they LOVE it. Yah...
Kristie is next. Her and Syesha are definintely in bad positions in the show. BUT she is very good. Hey! That was certainly surprising. Paula goes hyperbole which is never good (the week Syesha was bottom two was the week Randy said she sang the best ever.
David C - It's INNOCENT by Our Lady Peace. Good band, good song although David's reasoning for singing it is a stretch. This might not appeal to a lot of people though - they are not that popular. His singing is very so so. Indulgent is the word that I'm coming up with her. Can't wait for Simon to say it. He doesn't say that but says something equal, Paula is having a FIT that Simon doesn't like it.
Carly - THE SHOW MUST GO ON! (Not for Kady who also sang this song.) VERY tough song to sing. She looks nice today, like a pop star. (Simon's words do not go unheeded.) It's not bad, not over the top good though. Carly is like 75% Carrie, she tries the same songs but can't hit those same notes/moments. (In retrospect, Carrie was damn good...) Wow, Paula desparately doesn't want to say anything bad. She might be bottom three again.
Note: If Brooke does not suck, Syesha is in trouble. Brooke has the pimp spot, thats not good for the other girls.
David A next. Love the song, love his performance. He's really and old soul, isn't he? It wasn't even the greatest vocal at times but it didn't matter. Battling with Jason as the best thing on the show easily. Great run at the end. Judges love it.
Brooke - It's like two different shows at this point, or like the AL (Guys) and NL (Girls). Sorry fellow met fans. It's kind of typical Brooke. It's slow and dull. I'm not going to even wait for the judges comments to end what I'm writing. I don't think it matters.
I predict bottom three of Brooke, Kristie and Syesha, with Syesha going home.
3 Days of Idol this week!!
Today at 8:00 is inspirational songs. That means things like “I Believe I Can Fly, etc.”. It seems like one of those soft themes that some contestants will try to take advantage of, although with this group any soft theme might result in tons of obscure songs choices (and a Whitney number from Syesha). I’ve seen three of the song choices so far and I am pleasantly surprised, so hopefully the song decisions will continue to be good across the board.
Wednesday at 7:30 (not 8:00) is Idol Gives Back. Yes, the charity stuff idol does sometimes comes off as self serving BUT they raise a ton of money and of the money they make, something like 93% of it goes to charity, which is an amazing percentage. (Most charities, including the one’s you’d think of to help Africa, etc. don’t even approach that dollar figure. I’d assume Fox must be covering a lot of overhead.) There are idols current and old, stars from singing and acting galore, stars from all three seasons of a different Fox reality show (hint hint) performing, and it looks like a really good show, better than last year. It’s taped (although I don’t think Fox will play that up at all) so no surprise non eliminations, etc. I’m not going to name names because I think this show is probably more fun if you don’t know who is on it.
You can see how to make a donation here.
http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/
Thursday at 8:00 (not 9:00) is the results show. Syesha and Kristie should be worried, and Brooke should realize once those two are gone, she’s not far behind. I definitely think it’s possible the David vs. David clash gets derailed at some point, but it’s too soon.
JUAN
Wednesday at 7:30 (not 8:00) is Idol Gives Back. Yes, the charity stuff idol does sometimes comes off as self serving BUT they raise a ton of money and of the money they make, something like 93% of it goes to charity, which is an amazing percentage. (Most charities, including the one’s you’d think of to help Africa, etc. don’t even approach that dollar figure. I’d assume Fox must be covering a lot of overhead.) There are idols current and old, stars from singing and acting galore, stars from all three seasons of a different Fox reality show (hint hint) performing, and it looks like a really good show, better than last year. It’s taped (although I don’t think Fox will play that up at all) so no surprise non eliminations, etc. I’m not going to name names because I think this show is probably more fun if you don’t know who is on it.
You can see how to make a donation here.
http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/
Thursday at 8:00 (not 9:00) is the results show. Syesha and Kristie should be worried, and Brooke should realize once those two are gone, she’s not far behind. I definitely think it’s possible the David vs. David clash gets derailed at some point, but it’s too soon.
JUAN
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ramiele Eliminated - And then there were 8...
Let’s say goodbye to Ramiele!
Kristie took her usual spot in the bottom two, and Brooke rounded it out. The bottom three seems to be worst performance, Kristie, and weak performance from more popular contestant. I can’t imagine Kristie stays much longer, and I also think Syesha is gone soon too. Brooke and Jason are not as good as some of the others, but you think they could have one good week and really move up. I can’t see Syesha or Kristie moving up, Kristie is not that popular and Syesha’s creative zenith was picking the song we all knew she would pick and singing it like we all knew she would. Ramiele had the perfect storm this week, she was boring, not awful (awful is better than so-so, so-so creates apathy) and none of the judges said anything that was anything to rally on. (If Randy said she sucked, her fans would be worried and vote).
Ramiele was picked by 21 people in the top first, some of which picked her first (cough cough) and are therefore in trouble (cough). There are two scoring columns now, the current score and the total possible points, which is what your score would be if your best case top 5 came out now (taking into account who is remaining.) Check out the file and see what I mean.
As for the show, it seems Michael is creeping toward the front pack, if not joining it already. Carly was very good again, and Simon tempered his criticism of her last night (of which Randy jumped back and said something stupid. Randy is usually not a factor, but this year he’s been awful.)
Next week is Idol Gives Back! The theme is inspiration songs, and I do not know what that means. Hopefully there are no Whitney Houston songs, or country songs, or 50’s standards, none of which I find inspirational. I feel inspired for Kristie to go home, so hopefully that is accomplished. The elimination is in a separate show, so no “surprise safety” this year.
JUAN
Ramiele was picked by 21 people in the top first, some of which picked her first (cough cough) and are therefore in trouble (cough). There are two scoring columns now, the current score and the total possible points, which is what your score would be if your best case top 5 came out now (taking into account who is remaining.) Check out the file and see what I mean.
As for the show, it seems Michael is creeping toward the front pack, if not joining it already. Carly was very good again, and Simon tempered his criticism of her last night (of which Randy jumped back and said something stupid. Randy is usually not a factor, but this year he’s been awful.)
Next week is Idol Gives Back! The theme is inspiration songs, and I do not know what that means. Hopefully there are no Whitney Houston songs, or country songs, or 50’s standards, none of which I find inspirational. I feel inspired for Kristie to go home, so hopefully that is accomplished. The elimination is in a separate show, so no “surprise safety” this year.
JUAN
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Elimination Night!!!
Who will go and who will stay?
Super safe: David A, David C, Michael
Relatively safe: Carly
Vulnerable: Jason, Brooke
Very Vulnerable: Ramiele, Syesha, Kristie
I like Ramiele, but I can't complain if she goes. I don't like Kristie, and I think she's just on borrowed time, so if she goes it's ok. Syesha, really dissapointed me last night. I knew what she would sing, I knew she'd try to blast it like Whitney, and I knew the judges would go ehhh.. If I know this, why didn't she know this? Plus, her dollyish version was so nice. I was so pleasantly suprised. Then she shifted to Whitney mode..UGH. She doesn't deserve to go over the other two, but again, if she does go, eh. At this point the only eliminations that would irk me are Jason (although I'd get it), Carly, David A (even though I'd laugh), David C, and Michael.
I'm surprised David A is letting the pack catch up to him. I repeat once more, he is 17. Someone needs to tell him this. My general thoughts on him always is...WOW, he sings good. Why is he singing this song?
Next week is IDOL GIVES BACK. No Ellen hosting I heard, she has a schedule conflict. Bummer, I'm not really a fan but she was funny last year.
Let's begin!!
So far we are looking at the obvious safe people.....David explains what happened to him (his blood pressure spiked, he has a very sick relative).
Ramiele in the bottom.. SHOCKER! (well not really)
Kristie has a note that says Kristie's seat. Makes no sense. Ryan says she has no secret info. She is in the bottom. WTF.
Syesha is SAFE. She didnt want to be compared to Whitney. You know, Blake said in an interview last week, he wonders why people make the same mistakes are prior seasons, don't people watch the show?
Brooke is in the bottom! Jason is safe.
Ramiele is in between the two blondes. She looks like a midget. It's a funny visual.
Simon makes a point on why he told Carly to improve her image. Randy makes a comment making fun of this because, well because he's a tool. Image is important, trying to say its not is stupid.
Who is safe?
Very teary bottom three...(maybe the best looking bottom three ever...)
Brooke is safe (not shocking)
Wow, Kristie will be the best escape artist ever on this show, as Ramiele is gone.
UGH, more Kristie.
And we are out...
JUAN
Super safe: David A, David C, Michael
Relatively safe: Carly
Vulnerable: Jason, Brooke
Very Vulnerable: Ramiele, Syesha, Kristie
I like Ramiele, but I can't complain if she goes. I don't like Kristie, and I think she's just on borrowed time, so if she goes it's ok. Syesha, really dissapointed me last night. I knew what she would sing, I knew she'd try to blast it like Whitney, and I knew the judges would go ehhh.. If I know this, why didn't she know this? Plus, her dollyish version was so nice. I was so pleasantly suprised. Then she shifted to Whitney mode..UGH. She doesn't deserve to go over the other two, but again, if she does go, eh. At this point the only eliminations that would irk me are Jason (although I'd get it), Carly, David A (even though I'd laugh), David C, and Michael.
I'm surprised David A is letting the pack catch up to him. I repeat once more, he is 17. Someone needs to tell him this. My general thoughts on him always is...WOW, he sings good. Why is he singing this song?
Next week is IDOL GIVES BACK. No Ellen hosting I heard, she has a schedule conflict. Bummer, I'm not really a fan but she was funny last year.
Let's begin!!
So far we are looking at the obvious safe people.....David explains what happened to him (his blood pressure spiked, he has a very sick relative).
Ramiele in the bottom.. SHOCKER! (well not really)
Kristie has a note that says Kristie's seat. Makes no sense. Ryan says she has no secret info. She is in the bottom. WTF.
Syesha is SAFE. She didnt want to be compared to Whitney. You know, Blake said in an interview last week, he wonders why people make the same mistakes are prior seasons, don't people watch the show?
Brooke is in the bottom! Jason is safe.
Ramiele is in between the two blondes. She looks like a midget. It's a funny visual.
Simon makes a point on why he told Carly to improve her image. Randy makes a comment making fun of this because, well because he's a tool. Image is important, trying to say its not is stupid.
Who is safe?
Very teary bottom three...(maybe the best looking bottom three ever...)
Brooke is safe (not shocking)
Wow, Kristie will be the best escape artist ever on this show, as Ramiele is gone.
UGH, more Kristie.
And we are out...
JUAN
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Top 9! - Dolly Parton..
And away we go...
(Note: She's written tons of songs that aren't country, so hopefully this isn't country night..)
Kristie - Singing JOLENE..seems to be well received. I hate it. Nothing against her, or her singing, just don't like country. It's actually BROOKE! This is how much attention I was playing, or it deserved.
David C - He is singing some song called Little Sparrow. Not bad. He is the only singer on the show who never has any weak singing moments, he might not be great sometime, but he sings real well.
Ramiele - The band and the background is way too loud, and the song doesn't suit her. I hope it gets better. Like Brooke (not Kristie) it seems well received. Kind of a mess... Simon is going to rip this, he said its cute, she sang it well but its forgettable and very cruise shipish. He was actually nice here.
Jason - Yawn, i hate Dolly night. Stop it. Not bad at all but it was boring.
Carly - This was a great vocal performance but another bad song choice. Simon just wants to go home. Why do we have themse nights where Simon hates the theme?
David A - This is was very good. It was also kind of dull, only about 40 seconds long. Clearly the best of the night but zzzzzz. What is with these songs? Don't get me wrong, this performance was good but this night is awful so far.
Kristie - The real Kristie. Not Brooke. She is singing the coat of many colors. GOD i hate this theme. JUST STOP..STOP.... She gets backhanded compliments.
Syesha - On principle I don't like this and I hope it backfires. Boring boring boring. No one could do an R&B version of Dolly's songs, which there are many, or rock versions, which there are many. No no no. We get super countrified boring versions, and Syesha going with the most predictable boring choice yet. She's going to be ok, i don't even need to see it to know that.
Michael - Needs to be beyond great to save this show. Not enough to save the show, but really really good. Easily the best of the night. GO MICHAEL. The battle has really been joined on the men's side.
My prediction, All girl bottom three, Syesha, Kristie and Ramiele, with Kristie finally leaving us. If Ramiele is not in the bottom three, she's really popular.
JUAN
(Note: She's written tons of songs that aren't country, so hopefully this isn't country night..)
Kristie - Singing JOLENE..seems to be well received. I hate it. Nothing against her, or her singing, just don't like country. It's actually BROOKE! This is how much attention I was playing, or it deserved.
David C - He is singing some song called Little Sparrow. Not bad. He is the only singer on the show who never has any weak singing moments, he might not be great sometime, but he sings real well.
Ramiele - The band and the background is way too loud, and the song doesn't suit her. I hope it gets better. Like Brooke (not Kristie) it seems well received. Kind of a mess... Simon is going to rip this, he said its cute, she sang it well but its forgettable and very cruise shipish. He was actually nice here.
Jason - Yawn, i hate Dolly night. Stop it. Not bad at all but it was boring.
Carly - This was a great vocal performance but another bad song choice. Simon just wants to go home. Why do we have themse nights where Simon hates the theme?
David A - This is was very good. It was also kind of dull, only about 40 seconds long. Clearly the best of the night but zzzzzz. What is with these songs? Don't get me wrong, this performance was good but this night is awful so far.
Kristie - The real Kristie. Not Brooke. She is singing the coat of many colors. GOD i hate this theme. JUST STOP..STOP.... She gets backhanded compliments.
Syesha - On principle I don't like this and I hope it backfires. Boring boring boring. No one could do an R&B version of Dolly's songs, which there are many, or rock versions, which there are many. No no no. We get super countrified boring versions, and Syesha going with the most predictable boring choice yet. She's going to be ok, i don't even need to see it to know that.
Michael - Needs to be beyond great to save this show. Not enough to save the show, but really really good. Easily the best of the night. GO MICHAEL. The battle has really been joined on the men's side.
My prediction, All girl bottom three, Syesha, Kristie and Ramiele, with Kristie finally leaving us. If Ramiele is not in the bottom three, she's really popular.
JUAN
Philipines Consulate asks community to vote for Ramiele
"Dear Friends in Media and Community:
Please find below letter of Mr. Joseph Zing requesting for assistance in promoting Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on Americal Idol.
Your support to our very own kababayan would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.Philippine Consulate General New York
* * *
The Honorable Ms.Rebong:
We write to your honorable office asking for your valuable help in promoting and supporting your very own Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on American Idol.
She has the talent and charisma to reach all the way to the top. However, as she struggles against insurmountable odds, she needs the very committed support of her fellow countrymen in this battle. In fact, she is the only genuine Amateur competing against seasoned professionals.
Any help your office can extend will be greatly appreciated by her committed fans, including the thousands of Filipinos living here in the USA and in the Philippines. Should you have the time, please visit her official fan site at http://www.ramiele.com.
Thank you very much for whatever manner of assistance you may be able to extend to her.
Sincerely,
Joseph Zing"
I love it.
JUAN
Please find below letter of Mr. Joseph Zing requesting for assistance in promoting Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on Americal Idol.
Your support to our very own kababayan would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.Philippine Consulate General New York
* * *
The Honorable Ms.Rebong:
We write to your honorable office asking for your valuable help in promoting and supporting your very own Ramiele Malubay - the Filipina contestant on American Idol.
She has the talent and charisma to reach all the way to the top. However, as she struggles against insurmountable odds, she needs the very committed support of her fellow countrymen in this battle. In fact, she is the only genuine Amateur competing against seasoned professionals.
Any help your office can extend will be greatly appreciated by her committed fans, including the thousands of Filipinos living here in the USA and in the Philippines. Should you have the time, please visit her official fan site at http://www.ramiele.com.
Thank you very much for whatever manner of assistance you may be able to extend to her.
Sincerely,
Joseph Zing"
I love it.
JUAN
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Chikezie Eliminated - Dolly Parton next week?
Let’s say goodbye to Chikezie…
A grand total of 2 people picked Chikezie in the top five in our pool, so this week doesn’t even send a ripple through the standings. I think the pattern so far is unpopular and weak contestants Bottom two, more popular contestant who had bad week #3. Kristie and Syesha are obviously not popular and are in trouble, Kristie did the gimmick song (which I hated) this week and was near the end of the show, and Syesha is a very good singer who for the life of me I can never remember what it is she sang. I find it interesting that Ramiele, Michael and Brooke have never been in the bottom three, but Jason and Carly have. Ramiele may be a strong contestant popularity wise, she sang first, Randy has decided he hated her (I couldn’t stand him this week, he had an agenda to push Syesha (she’s a dark horse to win?), apparently ignoring the fact that the country doesn’t value his opinion at all, and just was a grouchy, uninteresting jerk for almost the show), she sang a song that had the potential for Simon to kill her on (Alone? Carrie’s song?) And she’s safe. Jason I think will be ok; he was about as boring as could be, performed early in the show, and still was only bottom three. Much like Carly did, I think he rebounds.
I thought the real news of this week was David Cook really joining the battle for #1. He was awesome. I was thinking how good the song was, and that I recognized the lyrics and once it hit me what the song was< I was just amazed. David Archuletta committed a cardinal sin; he sang a song that appealed to him and only him. Remember the young people who did well prior? They sang popular songs, songs that it would make sense they’d sing. I’d think David A bounces back and sings something a little bit more recognizable this week but it might be too late to continue as the clear frontrunner, he probably let at least one more horse in David Cook join the race, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a third contestant moves up soon as well toward the front of the pack. (On a side note, Jason is wonderfully goofy, doesn’t seem too sharp, but he seems like he’s enjoying the experience. I also like how Carly is so giddy she is safe, no crocodile tears for the other contestants. She all but high fived Brooke when she got to the chairs. They need to sit her next to Ramiele during eliminations. Ramiele cries when people are called safe even, and Carly does cartwheels it’s not her. Nice dichotomy.)
BTW, why was Michael allowed to sing two songs? What did I miss? Did the rules change?
Next week is Dolly Parton week which I guess is the defacto country week. She’s written more songs than you think, and if you count in songs she covered the list is long enough to warrant a show. If someone can find me a way to contact the idols please do so as I need to make a desperate plea that no one sing I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. (I’m looking at you Syesha…)
I thought the real news of this week was David Cook really joining the battle for #1. He was awesome. I was thinking how good the song was, and that I recognized the lyrics and once it hit me what the song was< I was just amazed. David Archuletta committed a cardinal sin; he sang a song that appealed to him and only him. Remember the young people who did well prior? They sang popular songs, songs that it would make sense they’d sing. I’d think David A bounces back and sings something a little bit more recognizable this week but it might be too late to continue as the clear frontrunner, he probably let at least one more horse in David Cook join the race, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a third contestant moves up soon as well toward the front of the pack. (On a side note, Jason is wonderfully goofy, doesn’t seem too sharp, but he seems like he’s enjoying the experience. I also like how Carly is so giddy she is safe, no crocodile tears for the other contestants. She all but high fived Brooke when she got to the chairs. They need to sit her next to Ramiele during eliminations. Ramiele cries when people are called safe even, and Carly does cartwheels it’s not her. Nice dichotomy.)
BTW, why was Michael allowed to sing two songs? What did I miss? Did the rules change?
Next week is Dolly Parton week which I guess is the defacto country week. She’s written more songs than you think, and if you count in songs she covered the list is long enough to warrant a show. If someone can find me a way to contact the idols please do so as I need to make a desperate plea that no one sing I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. (I’m looking at you Syesha…)
JUAN
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Top 10 Thoughts...
Not a bad show...one of those shows were some of the judge's comments stuck me as odd. Funny so see Randy with an agenda, does he not realize america listens to Simon, and only Simon?
Ramiele - I liked it. She's getting killed in some circles for not being as creative as some of the others, but this is American Idol. All of a sudden obscure songs are better? Let's face it, she sang ALONE, which Carrie killed years ago, and if you are not ok, Simon will kill you. he did not kill her. So she stays...
Kristie - Judges confused me on this. What was so great about it? Maybe i attach this song to obnoxious misplaced patriotism (this strikes me as something you play at a pro-war rally), but maybe that's just me. Hate the song, the vocals were eh, and i didn't get why it was praised. i still think she might be bottom three.
Michael Johns - is it ok to sing TWO songs? He did sing two songs, right? Great performance though, brought it home so strong. Went from floating to being in a real solid place. Ramiele, please note Michael Johns and approach accordingly.
David Cook - WHOA...WHOA...WHOA. Awesome, original, great vocals. One of my favorite contestants every if this keeps up. If you can't find something you want to sing, take something and make it your own. WHOA...
David Archulete - This blew. It was awful. Terrible song choice, he didn't sing well. I agree with Simon, he's being overcoached. A week where he just takes a known song and blows it out would do him wonders. And I don't doubt it's coming.
Syesha - I remember i thought she sang real well. I also don't remember what she sang. At all. Not even a little. I don't feel that's a good sign. I remember Randy did some over the top praise that makes me hate the person singing, like he did with David A and Carly before at different points (You are the dark horse now! Dark Horse for what? Syesha has no chance to win at all, sorry..) I think she could be bottom three.
Carly - Wow, a mess. I didn't like it at all. Didn't show off her vocals, just wasn't that good. I think she easily stays, because she has a lot of fans, and they are scared now and voting. But really not that good.
Chikezie - Too boring, too old fashioned, not good for someone so on the bubble. May go home..
Jason Castro -ZZZZZZZ, at least he understood the criticism. Could be surprise bottom three. No chance to go home, but seriously, he needs to step up.
Brooke White - Boring Boring Boring. She looked real nice, and she seems to be popular, but I didn't get the performance. She has a style she is repeating week to week, but I'm not sure I love it.
If I had to guess, I'd say bottom three is Syesha, Kristie and Chikezie with Chikezie going home.
Kimberly Locke performs tonight I believe.
JUAN
Ramiele - I liked it. She's getting killed in some circles for not being as creative as some of the others, but this is American Idol. All of a sudden obscure songs are better? Let's face it, she sang ALONE, which Carrie killed years ago, and if you are not ok, Simon will kill you. he did not kill her. So she stays...
Kristie - Judges confused me on this. What was so great about it? Maybe i attach this song to obnoxious misplaced patriotism (this strikes me as something you play at a pro-war rally), but maybe that's just me. Hate the song, the vocals were eh, and i didn't get why it was praised. i still think she might be bottom three.
Michael Johns - is it ok to sing TWO songs? He did sing two songs, right? Great performance though, brought it home so strong. Went from floating to being in a real solid place. Ramiele, please note Michael Johns and approach accordingly.
David Cook - WHOA...WHOA...WHOA. Awesome, original, great vocals. One of my favorite contestants every if this keeps up. If you can't find something you want to sing, take something and make it your own. WHOA...
David Archulete - This blew. It was awful. Terrible song choice, he didn't sing well. I agree with Simon, he's being overcoached. A week where he just takes a known song and blows it out would do him wonders. And I don't doubt it's coming.
Syesha - I remember i thought she sang real well. I also don't remember what she sang. At all. Not even a little. I don't feel that's a good sign. I remember Randy did some over the top praise that makes me hate the person singing, like he did with David A and Carly before at different points (You are the dark horse now! Dark Horse for what? Syesha has no chance to win at all, sorry..) I think she could be bottom three.
Carly - Wow, a mess. I didn't like it at all. Didn't show off her vocals, just wasn't that good. I think she easily stays, because she has a lot of fans, and they are scared now and voting. But really not that good.
Chikezie - Too boring, too old fashioned, not good for someone so on the bubble. May go home..
Jason Castro -ZZZZZZZ, at least he understood the criticism. Could be surprise bottom three. No chance to go home, but seriously, he needs to step up.
Brooke White - Boring Boring Boring. She looked real nice, and she seems to be popular, but I didn't get the performance. She has a style she is repeating week to week, but I'm not sure I love it.
If I had to guess, I'd say bottom three is Syesha, Kristie and Chikezie with Chikezie going home.
Kimberly Locke performs tonight I believe.
JUAN
Monday, March 24, 2008
Idol Update - Theme, other...
This Week’s theme..
This week’s theme is not the 90’s, it’s Songs from the Year You were Born, which is the 80’s I think for all contestants except Michael and David A. So basically, it’s 80’s week again. (Note: The show makes a billion dollars, can nobody note that they already did this theme, albeit for a different reason?) They should make theme sing in order, from Michael to David A. But they will not…
1978 - Michael
1982 – David C
1983 – Brooke, Carly
1984 - Kristie
1985 - Chikezie
1987 – Ramiele, Syesha, Jason
1990 – David A
I implore Syesha and Ramiele NOT to sing a Whitney Houston song, I implore all the other girls not to sing Heart songs, and that no one sings a remake released in the 80’s of a 60’s song.
Eliminated Contestants to return?
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/34697/idol-update-wild-policy-to-be-reinstated
The eliminated contestants (5 of them I believe) will return on Idol Gives Back to compete for a spot on the Idol Tour. So if you are a fan of Amanda, Danny, Kady, Luke or any of our other eliminated contestants, you are in luck as they are coming back. When I first saw this I thought it was coming back to the show, and I was horrified (what would I do for the pool?) but it’s just for the tour. To me, this is basically the Danny invitational, he will win, no matter what he does, and will be back on the tour.
I had heard about a twist involving eliminated contestants way back in Week 1, and was absolutely horrified that they’d totally jump the shark and screw up the voting and bring someone back. Thankfully they did not. The competition should be part of the Idol Gives Back show, which has been extended to 2 ½ hours.
JUAN
This week’s theme is not the 90’s, it’s Songs from the Year You were Born, which is the 80’s I think for all contestants except Michael and David A. So basically, it’s 80’s week again. (Note: The show makes a billion dollars, can nobody note that they already did this theme, albeit for a different reason?) They should make theme sing in order, from Michael to David A. But they will not…
1978 - Michael
1982 – David C
1983 – Brooke, Carly
1984 - Kristie
1985 - Chikezie
1987 – Ramiele, Syesha, Jason
1990 – David A
I implore Syesha and Ramiele NOT to sing a Whitney Houston song, I implore all the other girls not to sing Heart songs, and that no one sings a remake released in the 80’s of a 60’s song.
Eliminated Contestants to return?
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/34697/idol-update-wild-policy-to-be-reinstated
The eliminated contestants (5 of them I believe) will return on Idol Gives Back to compete for a spot on the Idol Tour. So if you are a fan of Amanda, Danny, Kady, Luke or any of our other eliminated contestants, you are in luck as they are coming back. When I first saw this I thought it was coming back to the show, and I was horrified (what would I do for the pool?) but it’s just for the tour. To me, this is basically the Danny invitational, he will win, no matter what he does, and will be back on the tour.
I had heard about a twist involving eliminated contestants way back in Week 1, and was absolutely horrified that they’d totally jump the shark and screw up the voting and bring someone back. Thankfully they did not. The competition should be part of the Idol Gives Back show, which has been extended to 2 ½ hours.
JUAN
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Top 10 Announced - Amanda is gone!
Let’s say goodbye to Amanda!
She didn’t have a many people who chose her as David did, so there is not too much impact on the pool. Amanda committed one of the Cardinal sins of Idol (along with picking a song that’s remorseful about leaving or saying goodbye, doing a straight cover of a Celine Dion or Whitney Houston song, or looking overly angry about being in the bottom three), she announced it was ok if she didn’t have Idol, as she had her little bar to return to and her 20 fans to play for. American obliged her. Did Kristy deserve to go? Of course. Kristy wants to be there though, although I don’t think her fans can save her beyond another week. (The file is attached, the standing are still not so interesting. I think we are a few weeks away from that.
Carly in the Top Three was a surprise. She’s kind of coasting though, and she gave one of those preachy explanation of the song choice America hates. Idol is NOT a hardship. Don’t equate it with such.
As for the show. It was really dull, and for the most part, these songs don’t really resonate with the performers. Great songs, yes but a few generations removed from the people singing, which is a problem even though Idol doesn’t want it to be. Next week’s theme is 90’s so it should be a bit better. I really only though David was very good this week, with a couple of other people being just ok. I hate when everyone is bad, the judges are bored, and just them trying to switch up the comments leads to some people getting over praised or bashed unnecessarily.
Carly in the Top Three was a surprise. She’s kind of coasting though, and she gave one of those preachy explanation of the song choice America hates. Idol is NOT a hardship. Don’t equate it with such.
As for the show. It was really dull, and for the most part, these songs don’t really resonate with the performers. Great songs, yes but a few generations removed from the people singing, which is a problem even though Idol doesn’t want it to be. Next week’s theme is 90’s so it should be a bit better. I really only though David was very good this week, with a couple of other people being just ok. I hate when everyone is bad, the judges are bored, and just them trying to switch up the comments leads to some people getting over praised or bashed unnecessarily.
Sign of a bad show, there is nothing I was even remotely tempted to buy from ITunes. Usually there is at least one song I am considering, this week nothing at all. I guess the best thing this week is all my picks are still around!
JUAN
JUAN
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Top 11 Tonight
The Top 11 perform tonight, the second week (so strange) of songs from the Lennon-McCartney songbook. I have no spoilers, no idea what anyone will sing, absolutely no info at all.
Can't wait, I hope it's great! (I actually hope Ramiele and David Cook are great but a great overall show would be nice too...)
JUAN
Can't wait, I hope it's great! (I actually hope Ramiele and David Cook are great but a great overall show would be nice too...)
JUAN
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Pool Begins! Top 12...
This years pool...
There are 60 contestants, which gives us $600 and four prizes: First $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $90 and 4th $60. If there is a tie for a place, those two people share the two prizes, for example, if we had a tie for first, they would share $450, and the next highest would be third place. Great turnout, good luck to everyone.
Our pool loves David and Carly, who had 54 and 57 times picked respectively, with David by far leading the first place votes with 30 (Carly only had 11). David Cook was the next highest with 6 first place votes, and 37 picks overall. Michael Johns and David Castro round out the top 5 most popular in our pool.
Chikezie was the least popular with only 2 5th place votes overall. Amanda and Kristy Lee also had very little support. (Although Kristy Lee did garner a 2nd place vote, Amanda is no higher than 3rd.)
The breakdown is on the file.
Who will stay and go after tonight? I’ll send a score update each week after results are announced. Good luck!
There are 60 contestants, which gives us $600 and four prizes: First $300, 2nd $150, 3rd $90 and 4th $60. If there is a tie for a place, those two people share the two prizes, for example, if we had a tie for first, they would share $450, and the next highest would be third place. Great turnout, good luck to everyone.
Our pool loves David and Carly, who had 54 and 57 times picked respectively, with David by far leading the first place votes with 30 (Carly only had 11). David Cook was the next highest with 6 first place votes, and 37 picks overall. Michael Johns and David Castro round out the top 5 most popular in our pool.
Chikezie was the least popular with only 2 5th place votes overall. Amanda and Kristy Lee also had very little support. (Although Kristy Lee did garner a 2nd place vote, Amanda is no higher than 3rd.)
The breakdown is on the file.
Who will stay and go after tonight? I’ll send a score update each week after results are announced. Good luck!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Top 12 Preview!
We have out top 12...they are (In No Particular Order)
The ringer. This is what she will be known as, despite the fact of two things...
If there is a frontrunner, this is it. David would seem to have it all. He's young, he's likable, he can really, really sing and the judges have embraced him to a ridiculous degree. (The level of hyperbole on him is ridiculous in the judges' comments.) I'm curious if he can live up to the level they have put him at, but then again, he has had one of the more memorable moments in a Top 24 that's been almost devoid of them.
Jason has an interesting backstory. He first was on tv as the love interest of Cheyenne on her MTV reality show. (It's as close you can be to being on tv but NOT being on tv, did anyone honestly watch that?) I also think as stylized as he is, he's genuine. What you are seeing is what he is. He's someone who just wants to play his guitar and sing, whether on Idol or elsewhere. I'm not sure he can win (they are already giving him grief over the guitar) but I didn't even think he'd be Top 12 and look where he is. He's an interesting contestant. He's also on an upward curve, which is a great thing. You need to be best later on, not right away. I think he occupies the niche that Brooke should occupy, just a good soulful folksy singer. One of the peopel who I think really has a chance to win.
I notice he is listed by just one name, like ICHIRO or CHER. Why is this? He is one of my least favorite contestant's, he's pretty much consistently rude to the judges (if he was this gorgeous girl instead of a guy the hatred would be HUGE from the fans), his performances have been so-so and he is really just skating by. I don't think he really has any shot to win. If not the weakest of the Top 12, definitely one of the weaker contestants. Sorry Chikezie. I just don't see him doing that well. Lasting to 7 or 8 would be surprising to me.
The ringer. This is what she will be known as, despite the fact of two things...
1) Idol contestants with proffessional experience don't necessarily do better (they usually do worse).
2) A lot of contestants have had similar levels of experience as she has. (Including everyone's favorite dumb blonde, Kellie Pickler)
There is no doubting that she is very good. But, there is just something about her that has not clicked as much as it should have. She should be a front runner, she actually may be a front runner but she just doesn't feel like it. She has Simon in her corner, which is a plus. She will definitely be a popular pick in the pool. Plus she slammed Sanjaya! This is a smart girl.
If there is a frontrunner, this is it. David would seem to have it all. He's young, he's likable, he can really, really sing and the judges have embraced him to a ridiculous degree. (The level of hyperbole on him is ridiculous in the judges' comments.) I'm curious if he can live up to the level they have put him at, but then again, he has had one of the more memorable moments in a Top 24 that's been almost devoid of them.
He will be a very popular pick in the pool. With us going to Top 5, if he's not in 85% or more of the picks I'll be shocked. Can a young male idol win the competition? It's never happened, but you have to think he has a shot. Great singer, needs a bit of personality, and not that of a 40 year old man. Will it happen?
One of the better singers in the competition, and a real suprise to me. If you remember, her intital audition had Simon arguing with Paula if she just picked her because she was short and cute. He voice belays her size, and she is one of the few singers of the women who seems like she will do well when we get into the inevitable Diva week (whether it be Motown, Celine Dion, etc.) You know it's coming, and you know she'll do well. She needs her own "You will love me" moment and if she gets that, she's capable of winning the whole thing. (I love the racial mix of the popular singers, Irish, Australian, Spanish (Hondurian actually for David A), Filipino (mixed). It's great.)
She's spent the better part of three weeks now making bad song choices. She needs to step it up, find a niche, and just sing. She may have the best female voice in the competition.
A bit of an enigma. He's somewhat bland, and doesn't seem like he tries that hard, but it doesn't come off as a negative. Very polished, but I think that's to be expected of someone his age. He's probably more consistent than anyone (you could argue one or two others) as he's always at least good if not better. I think he is in the same boat as Ramiele, one great performance and he'll go from the middle of the pack straight to the front. He's one of my three favorites (the others being David and Ramiele) and I hope we'll see a lot of him on the show. Needs to step it up.
If I had to pick a winner based only on audition's and nothing else, I would have picked her. Despite having such a gimmick backstory (Kick Boxing, Horse riding) she came across as totally genuine, she's one of the prettiest contestant's she's ever had, very likable, and just nailed her audtion, it was fantastic. Alas, one cannot live on past glories and since then she's been quite shaky. Can she regain the momentum she went into Hollywood week with? She is seemingly still pretty popular, and having a strong initial fanbase is really important. She's in kind of a catch 22, she probably needs to move toward country and that might make her seem kind of a Carrie (Underwood) wannabe, and kind of boring. We will see. (Note: She is the only idol who doesn't have any other contestants listed as her friends on the site. Interesting...) She is closer to the bottom than the top BUT she does have upside potential. She needs to really be good on the first week of the Top 12. Can she?
Brooke White
Hide the R Rated movies, it's Brooke White! As Simon would say, I'm struggling a bit here with Brooke. On the one had, we have a good looking, wholesome folk(?) singer who has been pretty consistent with her performances. On the other hand, we have a bland, boring girl whose insitence on being so wholesome makes her come across as fake at times, just dull at others. So, I'm not sure what is the real deal here. She is someone that, if they get momentum could win the competition. She is also someone who can have one of those bland, not terrible, not great weeks where they just disappear (Apathy is the worst thing that can happen to a contestant.) Very interesting.
Hide the R Rated movies, it's Brooke White! As Simon would say, I'm struggling a bit here with Brooke. On the one had, we have a good looking, wholesome folk(?) singer who has been pretty consistent with her performances. On the other hand, we have a bland, boring girl whose insitence on being so wholesome makes her come across as fake at times, just dull at others. So, I'm not sure what is the real deal here. She is someone that, if they get momentum could win the competition. She is also someone who can have one of those bland, not terrible, not great weeks where they just disappear (Apathy is the worst thing that can happen to a contestant.) Very interesting.
Jason has an interesting backstory. He first was on tv as the love interest of Cheyenne on her MTV reality show. (It's as close you can be to being on tv but NOT being on tv, did anyone honestly watch that?) I also think as stylized as he is, he's genuine. What you are seeing is what he is. He's someone who just wants to play his guitar and sing, whether on Idol or elsewhere. I'm not sure he can win (they are already giving him grief over the guitar) but I didn't even think he'd be Top 12 and look where he is. He's an interesting contestant. He's also on an upward curve, which is a great thing. You need to be best later on, not right away. I think he occupies the niche that Brooke should occupy, just a good soulful folksy singer. One of the peopel who I think really has a chance to win.
The rocker for this season. With the success of Chris Daughtry, it was almost a given. He's been real up and down, had his smart ass moment with Simon (a staple of the male singers this year) He hadn't done a lot to distinguish himself so far until the final week, and he is a rocker in a competition where stylewise, we might have a lot of similar singers in the top 12 this year. A great performance can carry you a long way, and in my opinion, he had the best performance this year. I'm curious if it keeps up. Momentum can be a wonderful thing in this competition, for all the contestants I think David is the one with the most on the line during the Top 12. He can be a frontrunner, or forgotten.
This is the bluesy woman for the year who insists on being a rocker and gets more credit than she deserves because rockers in this competition get credit for being "real" and R&B singers do not. (Doubt me? How about Gina Glocksen. Probably by far one of the weaker singers last year, but people complained to death when she got panned and the Diva's did not, even though she had 1/10 of the voice.) Am I being harsh? Yes. Why? Because so far, she's basically chosen songs which had loud guitars, and little vocals. It's still somewhat of a singing competition, correct? I think so far she has gotten by because she is different, but I can't see that getting her any further. I think her ride stops very early in the Top 12.
I notice he is listed by just one name, like ICHIRO or CHER. Why is this? He is one of my least favorite contestant's, he's pretty much consistently rude to the judges (if he was this gorgeous girl instead of a guy the hatred would be HUGE from the fans), his performances have been so-so and he is really just skating by. I don't think he really has any shot to win. If not the weakest of the Top 12, definitely one of the weaker contestants. Sorry Chikezie. I just don't see him doing that well. Lasting to 7 or 8 would be surprising to me.
A lackluster first two weeks, one good week, and a suprise appearance in the Top 12. David is also our scandal ridden contestant for this year. (I'm not touching it though, but Simon did, if you tivo'd the show rewind to the VERY end of David's song and listen closely...) I don't think he's that good, or that interesting, and he's an almost definite out in the first few weeks. That's not a great endorsement, but I just don't see much there, he's just rounding out the Top 12. Surprisingly, some of the early pool entries see him as a contender. I think that's a real stretch.
Let's be honest, Syesha benefited from a great draw in the competition last week. She was one of the two dueling Whiney performances, BUT she was last, and Asia'h was first. It's a universal truth in Idol, if you are going to be ok, but not great, then go last. And absolutely do not go first. But this is ok for us the viewer, because Syesha is not bad at all. She's been real up and down, and her song choice has been suspect, but that describes 80% of our Top 12. She has the vocal gifts to really shine, it's just a matter if she can find out what Syesha is, and not just copy great performances like this week's Whitney attempt.
Very lackluster Top 24 in my opinion. My favorite performance were Ramiele "You don't have to say you Love Me", David Archuletta "Imagine", David Cook "Hello", and Jason Castro "Hallelujah". I don't think I remember much else. I remember Danny being vampy and fun, and people killing him for it. (Note: I don't want to hear people say Idol contestants are boring, because not being vanilla gets you pegged as awful and the next Sanjaya. It can't be both.) We had one very boring if very icky scandal. (Yuck for David Hernandez, sorry.) We also see what a hypocritical bunch the media and the fans are. Remember last year? 18 Year old pretty girl who though she could be a model and posted pictures. "So disguting, horrible, get her out now, I hate her". 21 year old guy strips naked for other guys. "Crickets......". Hmm...
The Top 12 have no real complaints from me. They contain everyone I thought has a chance, and a good mix of styles. No battling diva's this year, and I am totally fine with that. This is actually the most pop group of contestants ever, it really looks like a bunch you could pull an idol from. I think at least 6 people have a legitimate chance to win, and if I had to rank I would rank
1) David A
2) Carly
3) Jason
4) Ramiele
5-7) David, Michael, Brooke (in some order)
8) Kristy
I don't think David H, Chikezie or Amanda factor in at all, spoilers into the top 7 or 8 at best.
Next week is the Lennon and McCartney songbook. I wonder who will be the mentor? I haven't heard at all. I'm excited looking at all the picks coming in, a great variety of opinions. Let the competition begin.
JUAN
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Our Top 12 - Final Eliminations...
So far we have lost Kady and Luke, hardly shocking. Let's keep up that trend PLEASE.
So far we have
David Cook
David Achuletta
Jason Castro
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Next is Ramiele....safe...yah!!!!!
Carly Smith is of course safe.
Amanda (I can't spell her last name) is...SAFE.
Kristy and Asia'h....Paula rambling....Asia'h is gone. Bad luck, sang a Whitney song first, someone sang a Whitney song last, just bad luck.
Danny and Chikeze, Bye Chikeze....NO, ITS DANNY!!! Wow...suprising. Who becomes the punching bag now??
The Top 12 again is...
David Cook
David Achuletta
Jason Castro
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smith
Ramiele Malubay
Michael Johns
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikezie
LET THE POOL BEGIN!!!
So far we have
David Cook
David Achuletta
Jason Castro
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Next is Ramiele....safe...yah!!!!!
Carly Smith is of course safe.
Amanda (I can't spell her last name) is...SAFE.
Kristy and Asia'h....Paula rambling....Asia'h is gone. Bad luck, sang a Whitney song first, someone sang a Whitney song last, just bad luck.
Danny and Chikeze, Bye Chikeze....NO, ITS DANNY!!! Wow...suprising. Who becomes the punching bag now??
The Top 12 again is...
David Cook
David Achuletta
Jason Castro
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smith
Ramiele Malubay
Michael Johns
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikezie
LET THE POOL BEGIN!!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Idol 03 05 - Top 10 Women
The men raised the bar, will the woman? Song spoilers are out, and we have
Amanda Overmyer -- Joan Jet "Hate Myself For Loving You"
Syesha Mercado -- Whitney Houston "Saving All My Love For You"
Kristy Lee Cook -- Journey "Faithfully"
Asia'h Epperson -- Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Kady Malloy -- Queen "Who Wants To Live Forever"
Carly Smithson -- Cyndi Lauper "I Drove All Night"
Brooke White -- Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield"
Ramiele Malubay -- Phil Collins "Against All Odds"
Yuck Yuck lots of awful choices. Kady especially. I hope she's packed. What is she thinking? I'm going to give my thoughts and thumbs up or down for top 12.
And we are off...
Asia'h - I really think she can sing better than she has. This is pretty good, maybe good enough to get to the top 12. The pole position is awful. Paula is dancing. It's nowhere near that good. Simon is basically like me, that she's picking songs that are too much for her. I like her, let's put her through. Thumbs up.
Kady - Total Eh. Randy says "interesting" song choice, read that as awful song choice. Paula says its her best performance. It might be, but that's not a plus. Simon calls her a stepford wife. Ryan spins it good, it wasn't. Thumbs down.
Amanda - Another song that doesn't require her to sing well. Listen to David Cook yesterday, he SANG. His guitar (which he played) complemented his singing. She yells along to the loud guitar she is not playing. It's actually not that bad, but I don't like that she's not really "singing", it's gimmicky (like Taylor was). Simon really really pushed for her, and she came off young, shy and likable. Hmm...wow, Kady is in trouble. Thumbs Up.
Carly - Really really nice. Hasn't had her "David Cook" moment yet. Paula said she's like a dependable dog. Ryan is being a total bitch and really annoying. Does he have a girlfriend? Does he need to protect every girl? It's obnoxious today, more than normal. Simon is right, Carly picks songs that, while she shines on them, can't be great because they aren't great songs. Thumbs Up.
Kristy - I thought that was a really good performance. The song didn't exactly lend itself to being fantastic but it was nice. I'd like to hear it again. Total Thumbs Up. Simon bashed her a bit. She is sick again Ryan points out. Does she have some terrible disease? It's been three weeks.
Ramiele - Probably can go through no matter what. Only her and Carly could really see that. The song choice is probably not that good unless she NAILS the later notes. She may have the strongest female voice of all the singers. She nailed it pretty much but it didn't have that total song build up so it didn't knock the ball out of the park. She was thinking too much Randy says. That's his thing this year. Paula says she's pretty and innocent. (Rami, don't go over her house alone please.) OMG, this is so bad from Paula. She's rambled for like 2 minutes and said some almost offensive things like 100 times. Simon didn't love it. Thumbs up though.
Note: Ryan is really creeping me out. He does say TMTH. Danny Noriega iss wearing Rami's glasses. Hmm.. So the way I'm looking either Brooke or Syesha needs to go.
Brooke - I don't like the arrangement but it was good enough. She may make it to the top 12. I THINK Thumbs Up based on Simon.
Syesha - This wasn't that good. Kind of forgettable. Randy sums up my thoughts, he says "Good". Thumbs up causs she is last. Asia'h may be in trouble, or Amanda.
Not the greatest show.
JUAN
Amanda Overmyer -- Joan Jet "Hate Myself For Loving You"
Syesha Mercado -- Whitney Houston "Saving All My Love For You"
Kristy Lee Cook -- Journey "Faithfully"
Asia'h Epperson -- Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Kady Malloy -- Queen "Who Wants To Live Forever"
Carly Smithson -- Cyndi Lauper "I Drove All Night"
Brooke White -- Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield"
Ramiele Malubay -- Phil Collins "Against All Odds"
Yuck Yuck lots of awful choices. Kady especially. I hope she's packed. What is she thinking? I'm going to give my thoughts and thumbs up or down for top 12.
And we are off...
Asia'h - I really think she can sing better than she has. This is pretty good, maybe good enough to get to the top 12. The pole position is awful. Paula is dancing. It's nowhere near that good. Simon is basically like me, that she's picking songs that are too much for her. I like her, let's put her through. Thumbs up.
Kady - Total Eh. Randy says "interesting" song choice, read that as awful song choice. Paula says its her best performance. It might be, but that's not a plus. Simon calls her a stepford wife. Ryan spins it good, it wasn't. Thumbs down.
Amanda - Another song that doesn't require her to sing well. Listen to David Cook yesterday, he SANG. His guitar (which he played) complemented his singing. She yells along to the loud guitar she is not playing. It's actually not that bad, but I don't like that she's not really "singing", it's gimmicky (like Taylor was). Simon really really pushed for her, and she came off young, shy and likable. Hmm...wow, Kady is in trouble. Thumbs Up.
Carly - Really really nice. Hasn't had her "David Cook" moment yet. Paula said she's like a dependable dog. Ryan is being a total bitch and really annoying. Does he have a girlfriend? Does he need to protect every girl? It's obnoxious today, more than normal. Simon is right, Carly picks songs that, while she shines on them, can't be great because they aren't great songs. Thumbs Up.
Kristy - I thought that was a really good performance. The song didn't exactly lend itself to being fantastic but it was nice. I'd like to hear it again. Total Thumbs Up. Simon bashed her a bit. She is sick again Ryan points out. Does she have some terrible disease? It's been three weeks.
Ramiele - Probably can go through no matter what. Only her and Carly could really see that. The song choice is probably not that good unless she NAILS the later notes. She may have the strongest female voice of all the singers. She nailed it pretty much but it didn't have that total song build up so it didn't knock the ball out of the park. She was thinking too much Randy says. That's his thing this year. Paula says she's pretty and innocent. (Rami, don't go over her house alone please.) OMG, this is so bad from Paula. She's rambled for like 2 minutes and said some almost offensive things like 100 times. Simon didn't love it. Thumbs up though.
Note: Ryan is really creeping me out. He does say TMTH. Danny Noriega iss wearing Rami's glasses. Hmm.. So the way I'm looking either Brooke or Syesha needs to go.
Brooke - I don't like the arrangement but it was good enough. She may make it to the top 12. I THINK Thumbs Up based on Simon.
Syesha - This wasn't that good. Kind of forgettable. Randy sums up my thoughts, he says "Good". Thumbs up causs she is last. Asia'h may be in trouble, or Amanda.
Not the greatest show.
JUAN
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
03-04 Top 10 Men!
It's time for the top 8 men! The theme is 80's. I think Chikezie, David Cook, Luke Menard, and David Hernandez are the one's on the chopping block. I think the other four are relatively safe. I'll post my thoughts here later on, I doubt I can blog it live like I'd like to.
RICKEY BLOG
Something to pass the time. Really cool blog by a huge huge huge idol fan. Has the news up front about Jordin Sparks, she has a hit single now with Chris Brown.
Quick note to idol contestants, easy on the MYSPACE. Putting a funny picture on MYSPACE (or video) may seem funny but something thats funny as a paper photo might come across strange on the internet. I refuse to start these things but if you have heard anything..only the David H thing seems a big deal and he has no changes of winning anyway. Everything else is total BS (if you want to know what it is ask, but I'm not mentioning...).
Ok, I'm back..
Luke Menard - Wow, that sucked. Jitterbug from Wham. Really sucked. Send him home... Simon totally echoed my thoughts. Nice start!
David Archuletta - I predict he will be better than Luke. (Bold, I know.) He's singing ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE by Phil Collins. It's very good but a little slow and dull. I'd prefer something not so down, but he really, really sings well . Paula notes he's not perfect, but he's perfectly wonderful. Ugh... Simon likes it but says he's not as good as last week. Simon says he'll probably be in the Final Two. Whoa... David says he sang the song to bring attention to homeless people. Thanks David....
Danny Noriega - Danny is talking about falling down in front of someone he likes. Not homeless people. He's also singing Tainted Love. Boy, if he lasts longer than David A I'll burst in happiness. He's not as good, but he's so much more fun. Randy likes it but he's a bit bitchy today, he's having one of those negative days. TMTH! He's the first to coin a phrase! Soul Patrol! Simon hated it. Called him useless. Thanks Simon... That was way too harsh...he should have hit Luke with a bat if he was going to smash Danny like that.
David Hernandez - He talks about a photo shoot. I'll forgo the joke. It's all coming back to him now (Wow, this is too easy). First Celine Dion song, I'm wishing him gone now...... Very good singing even though he couldn't aggravate me on song choice any more if he tried. Simon says David H is defintely going to be there next week. I don't agree, although it's better chance than before.
Michael (Hutchinson) Johns - Not bad at all. Defintely going through although he hasn't had his moment. Simon echoes my thoughts, Michael mentions the breakfast club, great segment.
David Cook - They changed the order cause David didn't have his guitar ready. He's singing Hello as a rock song with electric guitar. I love it, it works totally. That's what i didn't like about David A. 80's, as a theme, and he sings a SLOW BORING song about homelessness. NO NO...campy, fun, kick ass! Back to David, curious what judges say. Most original performance so far this year I think. Randy concurs. And Simon (drumroll) calls it brave and says he loved it. So did I. I want it on ITunes.
Jason Castro - He's singing Hallelulah which I remember from some cartoon as the slow song when the characters separated or something. (Toy Story? Shrek when him and donkey celebrate) I thought it was very interesting. Simon likes it and says Jason is getting better and better. Hmm..
Chikeze - I want David Hernandez and Luke Menard to go, and if Chikeze stinks, he can take their place. Here we go... It's not bad. Won't make you a fan if you aren't already. Definitely fit his style more, and he looked ok today too.
JUAN
RICKEY BLOG
Something to pass the time. Really cool blog by a huge huge huge idol fan. Has the news up front about Jordin Sparks, she has a hit single now with Chris Brown.
Quick note to idol contestants, easy on the MYSPACE. Putting a funny picture on MYSPACE (or video) may seem funny but something thats funny as a paper photo might come across strange on the internet. I refuse to start these things but if you have heard anything..only the David H thing seems a big deal and he has no changes of winning anyway. Everything else is total BS (if you want to know what it is ask, but I'm not mentioning...).
Ok, I'm back..
Luke Menard - Wow, that sucked. Jitterbug from Wham. Really sucked. Send him home... Simon totally echoed my thoughts. Nice start!
David Archuletta - I predict he will be better than Luke. (Bold, I know.) He's singing ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE by Phil Collins. It's very good but a little slow and dull. I'd prefer something not so down, but he really, really sings well . Paula notes he's not perfect, but he's perfectly wonderful. Ugh... Simon likes it but says he's not as good as last week. Simon says he'll probably be in the Final Two. Whoa... David says he sang the song to bring attention to homeless people. Thanks David....
Danny Noriega - Danny is talking about falling down in front of someone he likes. Not homeless people. He's also singing Tainted Love. Boy, if he lasts longer than David A I'll burst in happiness. He's not as good, but he's so much more fun. Randy likes it but he's a bit bitchy today, he's having one of those negative days. TMTH! He's the first to coin a phrase! Soul Patrol! Simon hated it. Called him useless. Thanks Simon... That was way too harsh...he should have hit Luke with a bat if he was going to smash Danny like that.
David Hernandez - He talks about a photo shoot. I'll forgo the joke. It's all coming back to him now (Wow, this is too easy). First Celine Dion song, I'm wishing him gone now...... Very good singing even though he couldn't aggravate me on song choice any more if he tried. Simon says David H is defintely going to be there next week. I don't agree, although it's better chance than before.
Michael (Hutchinson) Johns - Not bad at all. Defintely going through although he hasn't had his moment. Simon echoes my thoughts, Michael mentions the breakfast club, great segment.
David Cook - They changed the order cause David didn't have his guitar ready. He's singing Hello as a rock song with electric guitar. I love it, it works totally. That's what i didn't like about David A. 80's, as a theme, and he sings a SLOW BORING song about homelessness. NO NO...campy, fun, kick ass! Back to David, curious what judges say. Most original performance so far this year I think. Randy concurs. And Simon (drumroll) calls it brave and says he loved it. So did I. I want it on ITunes.
Jason Castro - He's singing Hallelulah which I remember from some cartoon as the slow song when the characters separated or something. (Toy Story? Shrek when him and donkey celebrate) I thought it was very interesting. Simon likes it and says Jason is getting better and better. Hmm..
Chikeze - I want David Hernandez and Luke Menard to go, and if Chikeze stinks, he can take their place. Here we go... It's not bad. Won't make you a fan if you aren't already. Definitely fit his style more, and he looked ok today too.
JUAN
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