American Idol - The Finalè

Carrie Underwood's debut LP Some Hearts has just been certified sextuple platinum by the RIAA. It sounds fantastic, but sounding fantastic doesn't match as fantastic a feat that it truly is. Only one other, yes I said ONE, country female artist has attained such a tremendous height, LeAnn Rimes did in 1996 with her debut Blue. Some Hearts has sold six million copies in the US, spent 26 weeks at number one in the Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. Topping that same chart for multiple weeks at a time in 2005, 2006, 2007. Think about it. Boggling.

The 2007 American Idol has a great career ahead of them if the producers at Entertainment 19 have learned anything from Carrie Underwood and Some Hearts. We will see four final four in the future, because after having been introduced to Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones who can imagine that a musical career isn’t in their futures? For Melinda, I think there is a soul album awaiting her talent and spark, for LaKisha it will be the bright lights of the Great White Way or even film. We shall see, and we shall see it soon.

Tonight it was all about Beat Box Blake and Jordin…and song choices. Because folks we all know it’s about song choice. Each contestant chose their favorite song from the season, a new song, and then performed the winning composition of the American Idol Song Search This Is My Now.

So we’ll delve first into Blake, because, well he did win the coin toss.

Blake, ever so intelligently chose to perform Bon Jovi’s You Give Love A Bad Name. I think it was better than the first time he performed the song. The opening was about the same, but he rocked the chorus, his interaction with the drummer was fabulous. A solid performance. Winning him kudos from the judges as the best individual performance of the night.

For his second song, Blake made a bad choice, Maroon5’s She Will Be Loved. Not that it isn’t a good song, it’s just not This Love or You Give Love A Bad Name. First off boy didn’t your mama teach you how to dress? Argyle and stripes? Hideous. And the performance while not bad, was just blasé.

Song number three of the night, wasn't his moment. I really feel sorry for Blake because the choice of songs was out of his hands, and it was out of his realm. He was almost lucky that his wardrobe was drawing my attention away from the song and his flat voice.

Fashion Faux Pax.

First off, I notice that Gawd Awful metallic argyle sweater, secondly the silver tie, and thirdly silver metallic shoes, and fourthly the song totally is not Blake. Flat, Flat, Flat notes. Plus, Blake should get handicapped for the terrible back up singing.

Jordin was stellar. Her opening song of the night was new to her – Christina Aguleira’s Fighter. Awesome top. The performance had attitude, rockier choice than in the past, contemporary choice, great performance. Did I mention the awesome top?

She chose Martina McBride’s A Broken Wing for her repeat song. Beautiful. Her solemn open was pure, her close was powerful.

In the movie Best Little Whorehouse In Texas Dolly Parton sings I Will Always Love You (the best song Parton ever wrote.) At the end of the song her voice breaks with emotion – it rips my heart out every time I hear it. Jordin ripped my heart out tonight with her presentation of the finalè song This Is My Now. The song totally fit her, the emotion at the end was almost her undoing, and if it hadn’t come naturally, which I think it did because I think she started thinking at the end of the song, I would have suggested she fake the emotion.

Tonight it comes down to voting for the singer who has been your favorite all season long, because tonight they were both stars. They are both worthy of contracts. They are both worthy of careers. We will definitely see them both again.

BUT, didn’t Constantine look like a biker out of his element?

Oh, GO JORDIN!!!!

Oh, I’m writing this before the ending of Dancing With The Stars, and I am so in awe of both Apolo & Julianne and Joey & Kim. But I am voting al Apolo and Julianne because of their chemistry and her choreography. This season of Dancing With The Stars has been fabulous.

Sith.

American Idol – the Semi Finals 2007

After a night of great singing I conclude, there are no bad singers in the 2007 Semi-finals of American Idol. They are all awesome in their own rights and I was reminded of that each time they sang. I was boggled a few times at the song choices, as you will see below, but then I always am during this week of the competition, each year. Sometimes I don’t think judges and producers have a good grasp of things. But despite the lemons, Melinda, Blake, and Jordin made Key Lime pie AND IT WAS DELICIOUS.

Jordin, wasn’t she just so adorable in her montage when she talked about being at the bottom of the escalator? She was genuine and lovely.

Tonight was the first time voting that I ran into busy lines. And there were three lines per wannabe. So I started with the first line, moved to the second, and ended up doing the majority of my massive voting with line three, because I don’t want to see Jordin out this week. Despite the fact her first two song choices were hideous.

Song 1: Judge – Simon Cowell – Wishing on a Star / Rose Royce – weird choice, but then it is from a judge, but Jordin did a nice job, the song is forgettable, Jordin never is.

Song 2: Producers – She Works Hard for the Money / Donna Summers. What a suck ass selection. Jordin gave it her best, I didn’t like something at the ending, but she did well. Interesting outfit, it made her much slimmer in appearance.

Song 3: Jordin chose I Who Have Nothing / Shireley Bassey & Tom Jones, wow, she gives me goosebumps. She sang it before, back in March I think, but wow, I she is amazing.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blake – I missed Blake’s National Anthem at the Mariners game the other night, but my husband commented on it. I did like the clip with him beat boxing with Sir Mix A Lot on his trip home to the Sound. This week Blake has been selected as the poster boy for Vote For The Worst. Personally at this point in the there isn’t a bad singer in the competition. I don’t see Blake in the top two and apparently a phone survey conducted by Rassmussen Reports found that 36 percent polled believe he should go this week, 41 percent polled think Blake Lewis will go home this week. But, tonight the guy totally shone. He is hip, he listened and toned it down while still boxing to the beat,

Song 1: Judge – Paula Abdul - Roxanne / Police – excellent song choice, but the wardrobe just totally cracked me up, Dagwood does Rock. Vocals were good, but his Roxanne ranged on yelling.

Song 2: Producers – This Love / Maroon5 – awesome song choice. His vocals were good, his beat box right on and not over done. I very much enjoyed this selection.

Song 3: Blake chose When I Get You Alone – Robin Thicke. I’m not a Robin Thicke fan, but the song seem to fit Blake. I didn’t know the song so I didn’t get a that haunting feeling of the original version and the beat box was nice. I like how he went light tonight. The song was very contemporary and him.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Melinda – This girl has a bright future ahead of her. What an incredible and versatile talent. I know that it drives people crazy that she is demure and even in denial at times about praised heaped on her, but tonight in her montage, I was touched by her humbleness when they unveiled her street sign. She is gracious.

Song 1: Judge – Randy – I Believe In You and Me / Whitney Houston – pfft, pfft, pfft -hairball. Argh, I despise Whitney, to the point I will not play her during my airshift (I also don’t play Mariah.) But this is Melinda, and I ♥ Melinda, she is so amazing, but her MEEEEEE hurt my ears.

Song 2: Producers – Nutbush City Limits / Ike and Tina Turner. Wow, this song so fit Melinda to a T. She rocked the song, moved out of her shy demeanor and got down – Tina watch out there’s a new set of pipes in town.

Song 3: Melinda chose I’m A Woman / Peggy Lee, she did this back in March and rocked it as good then as she did tonight, but now she seems more comfortable, performed, but wasn’t too hammy but was much more relaxed. Paid tribute to her back ground by interacting and showcasing the back up singers.

I can’t choose one over the other in who was the best, because they all shine. And I am happy with the final three because I have liked them through the entire season. Maybe not every performance was perfect, but they are the top three I wanted.

♫ Melinda
♫ Jordin
♫ Blake

Whose going home? I think Blake is going, but not in shame and we’ll see him again soon.

Okay, I don’t usually say anything about Dancing With The Stars here. But Karin got me so hooked this season. And I have to say, Apolo and Julianne were robbed last night. I don’t think Laila Ali is a bad dancer, but I don’t think she’s as good as Apolo or Joey. There I said it. Ian, you’re a class act. They all make me want to go dancing.

Sith.

Kiki We Knew You Well

I knew it would be LaKisha or Beat Box Blake going home this week, but I couldn’t decide who would hold more sway: Vote For The Worst, who was backing Kiki this week, or the ‘tweeners over whom Beat Box Blake holds reign of developing, hormone ravaged hearts swooning across the heartland. The fingers and redialers of ‘tweeners nationwide held on for the night.

Kiki said she knew her time was up, that Simon had portend the outcome and she knew he was right. But Kiki we shall see you and your booming voice again soon. Because I know Kiki can up hold the tradition of the majority of the fourth voted out. Chris Daughtry, Tamyra Gray, and Josh Gracin were all voted out in the same week of their respective competitions. Daughtry and Gracin have both sold more copies than three of the past Idol winners – Ruben, Fantasia, and Taylor. So in that respect LaKisha has a bright future ahead. Are you trying to remember who were the other two voted out in same week? Anthony Federov and La Toya London.

Over all I only have three critiques over Kiki’s American Idol run. She doesn’t pick the songs that are right for her. She doesn’t finesse her selections to become the song – a good talent becomes one with the song. And finally she doesn’t listen to the critiques given her and take them to heart. She has an amazing talent, I pray she is in the majority and has a wonderful career ahead, because we shall be the beneficiaries if she does.

Now for a major bitch. I’ve always been irked by the group medleys performed over the years. They usually suck, do not fit the voices and styles of the singers, and they apparently get no direction beyond here sing this song.

My GAWD!

The Bee Gees medley had to be the worst in American Idol history. Maurice Gibb is rolling over in his grave. And for those of you who thought that Barry Gibb is aging well, heads up. Look over at your beloved spouse and then look at Barry again. Your spouse should win hands down or you need glasses. And Barry’s rendition of To Love Somebody only underlined again how awesome Jordin’s version was.

Next week the Terrific Three go home. The other thing they do (if Idol history holds up) is sing a cut of their own choosing, one of the judge’s choosing (which usually is a bad choice), and a third song choice that is chosen in a fashion I can’t remember – by Clive Davis or something, remind me, please. Only two more sing offs left. If I were betting I’d would say Jordin to win (my fav) and Melinda to place. But stranger things have happened. Who do you think will take the contract? And along with a recording contract do they still win a million dollars? Hmmm.

Sith

Hmmm, did you feel as empty as I did?

American Idol – Week Twelve

9 for 15

Oh, a sincere ho hum this week. For those interested Paris Bennett’s debut effort came out earlier today. I noticed All Music dot Com failed to rate Princess P. The efforts begins with Hail to the Princess. I think I’ll stop there.

In other Idol news Kelly Clarkson’s third album, My December, is set to drop July 24th. The multi platinum Daughtry still sits at number 5 in the Billboard 200, for the 23rd week. Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts, has climbed back into the top ten, sitting at number 8 this week, Some Hearts has been certified platinum five times over and is in its 76th week on the charts. Bucky Covington’s debut is at number 24 this week, having debuted on the charts last week at number 4. Elliot Yamin remains in the top 100 at number 77.

And btw, despite what Ryan Seacrest said on American Idol the other week, Taylor Hicks has not sold 2 million copies, well maybe if you add album sales, singles, digital downloads, oh and ringtones together you might get. Nahhhhh.

Ohhh, and Ruben Studdard, you have to add all of his albums and singles together to get two million, but he has sold that much. Having gone platinum (sales of 1 million) with his 2004 album Soulful, it’s all in the way you twist the numbers. But you too can check it out using the the RIAA’s searchable database and Billboard’s Hot 200 Album charts.

Music of the Brother’s Gibb was this week’s vocal point. Strange choice for three women and a beat box. I must be feeling a bit negative…duh Cele…because I kept thinking about what a fox Barry Gibb use to be. My how time flies. But the music of the Bee Gee’s will live ever on, despite what American Idol hopefuls do to abuse the lyrics. Let’s face it, most Bee Gee music was written for guys to sing in light, breathy, falsetto harmonies, and yet despite that I thought the girls gave it a good heave ho. So what did they do?

Melinda took the stage first and fifth in the evening. First performing Inside and Out, and later How Do You Mend A Broken Heart? I appaud that she didn’t want to sing negative words, but then why did you chose How Do You Mend A Broken Heart? Does that require two ??’s In her opening number she reminded me of Donna Summers, I think it was the 1970s Diva voice quality. In her second I liked the performance because of her tonal qualities. But unlike the judges I didn’t like the end.

Beat Box Blake failed miserably in my esteem. He should have sang Jive Talking. I feel strongly about this, I said so on Karin’s blog last week. In You Should Be Dancing Blake’s beat boxing good in the middle section but in the beginning sequences and the end to me it was to abrupt, jarring, and sharp. The Judges may never have heard of This Is Where I Came In from the 2001 album of the same title, but I certainly have, (Hmmmm, my job may have something to do with that) and he butchered it. And the bizarre part, I kept thinking this is what Bono would sound like if he sang the Bee Gees. I beg forgiveness from Bono.

Kiki has been selected as this week’s poster child by Vote for the Worst. Sorry Kiki, it’s a dirty job and I guess someone has to do it. She opened with Staying Alive and I absolutely hated the ending (I think the judges liked that part.) Run To Me was much much better, minus a bad note here or there.

Jordin was the bright spot of the night, she shown with To Love Somebody. Note she is the one performer this year that has learned from the past – choose a song that gives you the long notes, that is how you wow the judges. LONG NOTES. I enjoyed how she accented the vocals. A Woman In Love was not as good, but it was much better than the rest, and yet it fell into that classification of having been done by a great, and I kept comparing her to Streisand.

And Randy don’t give me that Mariah CRAP, my gawd, comparing any singer to Mariah is a death nell in my book. I get pissed that they all flick so much shit at Simon, which my friend Sid would totally love, but while Simon may not have a subtle delivery in his critique, he is usually right on in what he has to say.

This week’s Kudos to…drumroll please…

♫ Jordin
♪ Melinda gets my honorable mention

And my, oh so said to see you go for the week goes to Blake. Sad, sad. But when you get down to the final four it should be hard to see them go. I do think we will see Blake again, maybe him and Chris Richardson will join up for a boy band because they would do well. BUT WAIT!!!! It could be Kiki because Blake does have a large fan base, but then Kiki has Vote for the Worst. Gosh, we’ll find out Wednesday night.

Sith

This Ain't Your Mama's Rock N' Roll

American Idol - Week Eleven

8 for 15

I went to beauty college at the height of Glam Rock. While all the other students (all a good ten years younger than me) were hot on Tom Cruise, I thought ♥ Jon Bon Jovi ♥ totally rocked. Now don’t get me wrong, after a statement like that you’d be thinking that I get hot and droolly after rockers in tight jeans. The truth is I’ve never been one of those women, but ♥Jon Bon Jovi♥ pushed my envelope.

Well damnation and frustration, he’s just not as hot without the hair, but then I’m twenty years older too, he looks loads better than me. Plus, the man can still rock. And I really thought he was a great mentor for the Idol Wannabe’s this week. I really felt for Gina that she was Sanjaya’d (Survivor has Pagonged – Idol now has Sanjaya’d) out before she could relish in rock week. I am of mixed emotions about the performances this week. Two simply shown and I found myself in contrast on what the judges said more than once.

Wow, only six, it’s a short list now and two go home. I’m worried for my girl so I spent the first hour after the show was over voting at least 80 times for Jordin, because I fear for her American Idol safety. So now that you know I have voted like a tweener for the last three weeks, let’s see how the Finalist did tonight.

Phil was up first singing Blaze of Glory from the Young Guns soundtrack. It was a good choice for him, he felt comfortable in the song and relished in the vocals. I was of mixed emotions leaning towards favorable.

Jordin, oh mi poor Jordin. She opted for Living On A Pray. I thought she opened well, but she lost it each time in the chorus. When she had a good rocker rasp in some places, in others she was borderline screaming. I would really like to have seen her sing Midnight in Chelsea. Now, what I love about Jordin. She knew it wasn’t her week, at the age of 17 she has more maturity in admitting her short comings and listening to the critics than most. For that she is Stardom bound already. Please vote for her that’s 1 866 43657 02

Lakisha really chose her song well. Her rendition of This Ain’t A Love Song was one of two highlights of the night. Lakisha radiated her song from the heart.

Beat Box Blake, I have admired him since day one. Tonight when he sang, and I mean sang You Give Love A Bad Name I thought he was excellent. But when he beat boxed he lost me. I have to say I did love the record player open, I loved some of the stutters, but for the most part the beat box lost me.

Chris performed Dead Or Alive from Young Guns. Ho Hum, it didn’t work for me. I can’t say it was bad, it was just blah.

And Melinda went with the latest Bon Jovi cut Have A Nice Day. She totally connected with the intent of the song, wore the attitude and delivered it with resounding quality and sass. I loved it.

Two Wannabe’s go home Wednesday night, oh please I hope it’s not Jordin, I mean I voted like four score times. Maybe I should make it a gross? I’ve got two more hours.

So my top two choices, and I’m not sure which was better, but they definitely both were the best…

♫ LaKisha
♫ Melinda

Going home? Gosh I’ve no clue. I have to say if I alone were to pick who was gone, it would be Chris and most likely Phil, but it could be anybody Wednesday night. Hey but we do get to see Bon Jovi rock the show, and maybe we’ll get some tight jeans to boot. Slippery When Wet. Heavy Sigh.

Sith.

American Idol - Week Ten or It's All In The Second Half

I’m 8 for 15

Was it me or did you expect Bono to actually show up and be tonight’s mentor? Well that is what I expected when Ryan Seacrest announced him as the night’s mentor. I’m guessing now in hindsight it was as the mentor on how we should be in our interaction to the world around us and beyond. I applaud Bono for his use of celebrity, I truly believe it is how a celebrity should use their status and fame, and yet so few do. Princess Diana, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Harry Belefonte, Paul Newman, and Joanne Woodward, just to name a few, burn with a proactive flame inside them that puts anything I can do to shame, and I am humbled by their efforts and accomplishments.

Bono’s flame and vision has driven him so far, that it was almost the end of U2 as we know it. From his humble beginnings as Paul Hewson, Bono has stepped out of his past to create a tomorrow for many who might otherwise have known none. I, on the other hand, forever wonder if my money is going into a hungry tummy or some middleman’s wallet. If Bono walked up to me tomorrow and asked me to give, I’d stick money in his hands, no questioned asked. I trust him, like I trust my local agencies; it’s all the ones in between my hometown and his efforts that scare the bejebbers out of me.

OH.MI.GOSH I have wander well off subject, surprise! I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on both Idol Give Back and on tonight’s performances.

As I said, It’s All In The Second Half. We are down to six, and they are for the most part shiny bright. But now I’ve come to a new dilemma: Who is bad enough to go now that I don’t have Sanjaya to target? Well Vote for the Worst has taken care of my quandary, they’ve now appointed the pasty pate’d Phil Stacey as their post boy. Opps! Hold on I need to vote again.

So it was songs of change, inspiration, emotion. Interesting song choice by some of the remaining contestants, and inspired choices by the rest, let’s begin.

Chris Richardson kicked off the night with one of my favorite Eric Clapton songs. I love Eric Clapton and was happy to here someone had chosen Change the World. In the first notes I was dismayed, Chris is no Eric Clapton, he just didn’t have the right voice for the beginning, but then he hit his stride in the second half of the song. Wow, while I did agree with Randy about the singing, Chris isn’t in it to win, I do have to say I liked the second part of the presentation.

Melinda sang Faith Hill’s There Will Come A Day. Her dress totally sucked, her hair and make up were perfection. The opening of the song didn’t do anything for me, then I began to notice the subtle differences to her presentation of the song and Faith Hill’s. Once again the second half of the performance totally sucked me in.

Blake chose the classic John Lennon anthem, Imagine. How can you not hear that song and think? Okay, that is my response to the song. My response to Blake’s version was, hohum. Once or twice his vocal attitude caught my attention, but other than that, nothing, nada.

Lakisha covered Fantasia Barrino’s I Believe and I am going to go against what each of the judge’s said. She sang it better than Fantasia. Not to say that she doesn’t get too powerful, but I felt she made the song hers. She sang with conviction and promise. There just two or three little notes that were in question. And the dress, very nice.

Phil, the ashen wonderboy. Wow, is that dude white, or what? And his eyes are so big he could be a Furby. Now if you think I mean the furry little electronic doll that snores on me and falls forever asleep, you are wrong. I am a Furby by birth, and one trait many of us have are big eyes and butts. I was blessed with both, Phil is obviously only part Furby (if any truly at all) because the man was born with no ass. He does have a lovely voice, although there are a lot of other songs I would have like to have seen him chose over Garth’s The Change. Phil did show some interesting vibrato in his performance and a bit of his range.

Jordin, She has my votes, oh wait let me vote again. Okay, she has my vote for American Idol. If there is one hing the Sanjaya travesty proved to me, it is the power of the vote. So as I say often (but it’s usually about politics) early vote and vote often. Anyway, back to Jordin. Girlfriend, hated the dress. But even a butt ugly dress can’t stop that awesome voice or hide that beautiful face. She shown tonight, pulling out a gospel classic, You Will Never Walk Alone Jordin put every bit of herself and emotion into it. Breathe Taking. Oh wait, gotta vote.

So for tonight my kudos to…

♫ Jordin (I know you’re not surprised, but she totally rocks)
♫ Melinda
♪ and my honorable mention to Lakisha

I’m going to put Chris in the bottom, but darn it could be Phil, or even Blake. Hmmm hard call I know, but it will be male going tomorrow night.

So how did you vote? Often I hope.

Sith

Oh, Happy Day!!!!

I am so happy it is a dark day in the Sanjaya Universe.

Oh sad, too bad....for him.

I am a wee bit ticked blogger wouldn't let me up load my banner thanking America for their 38 Million Votes, I know Tish, Karin, Amie, and I did our parts.

La la la la all is beautiful.

American Idol Week 9 - Country Week

I am 7 for 15

Or as Karin Tabke would say, “OH.MI.GAWD. Sanjaya sings with a country accent.” I think that translates in to, “Lord have mercy on us all.”

Martina McBride is one of my favorite country singers, and if you wonder from where I speak put on her Christmas album and listen to Oh, Holy Night I dare you to listen only once. Wow, she is breath taking. Her song Concrete Angel, released in 2006 is heart breaking and beautiful. So I was pleased to read McBride would be mentoring the American Idol wannabees this week. And while she wasn’t bad, except for in one or two instances I didn’t see where she really gave much critique to her mentorees. But then that tends to be the case for more mentors on AI. How sad, so bad. Come on guys it should be more than just a photo op.

We’ll get to the break down in a minute, but first some 2006 American Idol Alum news. Bucky Covington fans will rejoice to know their favorite country son has released his self titled debut. Covington gets some help from Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller, who not only appeared on the set but produced. Covington’s first single, Different World is still in the chart's top forty (which translates into somewhere outside of the top 10.)

Elliot Yamin’s self titled debut effort sits atop the Independent Album charts. His first two singles Moving On and Waiting For You are radio ready with an infectious sound that will have you tapping your feet and memorizing the words.

Chris Daughtry remains at number one on the Hot Adult Contemporary charts with It’s Not Over for it’s eighth week. Carrie Underwood has just hit number one on the Hot Country Tracks chart with her single Wasted (her fourth number one Country hit.) And of course Underwood dominated the ACM awards Monday night for the second year in a row. Her song Before He Cheats won the top "CMT Music Awards Video of the Year" and the "Female Video of the Year" while the video also snagged a win for the "Video Director of the Year" for director Roman White.

It has been a good year for American Idol.

So back to this week and our American Idol wannabees. How did they stack up in my humble opinion? Hmmm It was a mixed bag at best. There were those who absolutely shined, those who were abominable, and then there was Sanjaya. Codeine anybody?

Phil, kicked off the evening with a cover of Keith Urban’s Where the Black Top Ends. My favorite Keith Urban cut, it’s not the first time it’s been covered on AI, in 2003 Carmen Rasmussen sang it as her Country offering, and then in 2005 the song was done as a group performance. How did Phil Stacy do? Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t like the ending, but Phil really nailed the song, he looked happy, comfortable, and in his groove.

BTW did you see Simon grab Paula’s nose during Phil’s performance?

Jordin Sparks, every Tuesday evening I look forward to seeing what this mind boggling talent is going to perform. She became everything a singer should be when singing A Broken Wing. Wow, she became the song – in tone, voice, and emotion. I was blown away, and didn’t she look fabulous? I want that dress. Every week when Simon says, “For just 17…” I think of the Janis Ian song, At Seventeen. But in the Jordin Sparks version it’s all about being a winner.

In every year of American Idol someone has gotten up and covered Bonnie Raitt’s Something to Talk About. This year it has actually be done a few times, and the only person who has ever nailed it was Sabrina earlier in the season and she’s gone. The reason she is gone sang it tonight, err, wrong choice of words, caterwaul his way through the song making me rue the song having ever been written. Ugh. The absolute worst performance of the night.

Before the judges give their comments and critiques I jot down my thoughts really fast so I won’t be influenced by what they say. I’m always surprised when my thoughts differ so vastly from theirs. And proud when my thoughts are close to theirs. The next two really under score this.

Lakisha covered Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take The Wheel. I liked the start of the song, you could tell Kiki related to the first verse. But then came the chorus and the whole thing fell apart for me. Kiki needs to learn to tone down her power - She was too much for the song.

Chris chose Rascal Flatt’s Mayberry. His performance was nasally and it didn’t work for me. During the critiques after Simon commented, Chris said it was suppose to be nasally, that is a singing style. Well nasal isn’t a singing style and I thought he was being defensive, until I watched the recap at the end and realized that he was trying to sound just like Gary Levox…and failed.

Melinda sang Julie Reeves Trouble Is A Woman. While I have heard of Julie Reeves, I’d never heard of the song. What I have to say about the performance is this. Melinda shouldn’t sing country, but what she did do is take the song, make it her own and have a hell of a good time. I thought the song and Melinda were entertaining – when I wasn’t thinking how hideous that top was – but I didn’t care for the ending.

Beat Box Blake covered When The Stars Go Blue, while it was country week and they were all thinking he was covering Tim McGraw the wascally wabbit was really covering Bono’s interpretation of the same hit two years yearlier. For the most part I liked his performance, but it had some really rough spots for me. And Dude! You don’t wear argyle during Country Week, I mean that is just begging for fashion bad karma.

I voted for Jordin, like a gizillion times tonight, that is why I am late getting this online. Please forgive me, but it was important. Like Ryan says, vote to keep your favorite in the contest.
Tonight I thought Jordin stole the show, I agree with Simon she has a shot to win this, but the other person holding the cards is Melinda.

Tonight I give my kudos to…
♫ Jordin
♫ Melinda
♪ Phil gets this week’s honorable mention the guy rocked it.

And please I’m getting really tired of writing Sanjaya’s name here as the TOTAL loser, but because he’s still here that makes us, the unhappy viewers at home the losers. Please vote for your favorites. A.LOT.

Sith

Sanjaya is a Weapon of Mass Distraction

I’m 7 for 14

There is a new website out there with a new strategy aimed at combating the effects of Vote for the Worst. Then maybe we could rid ourselves of the Weapon of Mass Distraction known as Sanjaya Malakar. The concept at Vote Against Vote For The Worst is that every state is assigned a contestant. I lucked out because Oregon is assigned Jordin Sparks. Every contestant has several states to vote for them, oh wait, every contestant except Sanjaya. Nice thought, but did anyone except me know about it? Cross your fingers.

Hmmm, tonight I did just about everything I could do to have to keep from blogging about tonight’s American Idol. Everything, except go to bed. Isn’t Jennifer Lopez stunning? I had kind of worried when she married Mark Anthony, I mean he’s a Latin cad, or I guess I should say he was. But wow, she glows and tonight she was a pretty decent mentor for the remaining eight finalists.

But Latin week is never a good thought. And barring the first season, I think this is the first Latin inspired week they’ve had on American Idol before (I could be wrong.) Don’t get me wrong, I like Latin music, infectious beat, or sultry and sexy, yummy. But tonight I just wanted to say, “Oye, va!” (think that in your best Yiddish accent please.) I worried some one would sing Turn the Beat Around, Why worry? Because the judges never like it. Remember Carmen Rasmussen singing it back in year two? She has that great quality to her voice, captured the spirit of the song, and got panned by the judges. Okay, not Paula because before this season I don’t think Paula panned anyone.

So how did the finalists do?

Melinda gave us a very nice rendition of Sway. You can currently hear Michael Bublè singing this standard on Music of Your Life. I thought Melinda did a nice job, she doesn’t believe she is sexy so it didn’t come across as sexy, but I give her credit for trying to do that. I have to say I forgot to take notes until her performance was over. She’s that good. I just wish she’d hit lower register notes.

Lakisha covered the Miami Sound Machine’s Conga I didn’t get it. OH.MI.GOD.SHOOT.ME.NOW. I agreed with Paula on something. Kiki has that big beautiful voice, but it doesn’t wrap around the rhythm of the fast paced Conga.

Chris Robinson received kudos from the judges for his cover of Rob Thomas and Santana’s Smooth. I didn’t get it, the whole time I wanted Rob Thomas to sing. It took me back to what the judges are always telling the contestants and which I will completely paraphrase. “When you choose something remarkable, by a remarkable singer, you stand the chance of falling far short in comparison.”

Haley should be singing on a cruise ship somewhere under the Mediterranean. She was totally out of breath through her entire rendition of Miami Sound Machines’ Turn the Beat Around.

Phil had the unfortunate choice of Maria Maria. Where Chris R failed to sound like Rob Thomas, Phil was lucky in my esteem that Musiq sucks in the first place. I never liked the song and despite a flat note and that end cracking, he didn’t do, too bad. What distracted me through his whole performance was finger prints, I wanted to clean the guitar face of greasy finger smudges.

Jordin doesn’t just have a spark, she totally sparkles. I so disagreed with Simon and that is rare in of itself. I loved Jordin’s cover of the Rhythm is Going To Get You. Gloria Estefan and band would have felt proud at the performance. By the way, for being 51, I voted at least eleven times for Jordin tonight. I won’t make the mistake I did last week and watch another of my favorites go. And she is my assignment from vote against vote for the worst.

Blake chose a Mark Anthony song and did a good job. I really liked the way he delivered I Need To Know. It had a good feel, good delivery, good every thing.

Sanjaya. Ugh, what can I say? I don’t like this kid, I’m not sure he can do anything to change my feelings, but I will try to be honest. He didn’t do a bad job, but I didn’t buy his performance. Besamè is a mellow mournful song, Sanjaya smiled through most of his performance. His voice was not smooth and he tried to power through and ended up yelling a few of the words.

This week I liked

♫ Jordin
♫ Blake
♪ with an honorable mention to Melinda

This week I am crossing my fingers, but not holding my breathe.
sith

American Idol Week Seven

Tony Bennett and The Great American Song Book

7 for 13

This is usually one of my least favorite weeks. Don’t get me wrong I love Adult Standards, but most Idol wannabes fail miserably to shine in this week. Tony Bennett is so adorable, and still sounds fabulous in the Elegant Eighties of his life. What a man, what a singer, and he didn’t do to bad as a guest judge, better than Diana Ross at least.

How do you put a new spin on an old classic? It’s not hard and as a contestant you are most likely to hit on one of the two main speed bumps ahead of you.

1) Sounding out of your element, because your voice, mood, and lack of interpretation don’t fit the song

2) Destroying it with your interpretation that you stand out like Chippendale at the Easter Parade

So how did they do?

First up my favorite guy of the competition Beat Box Blake. His rendition of Bobby Darin’s Mack the Knife was upbeat, showed some nice tones in his voice, and I liked the ending.

Phil Stacy offered up the Cole Porter classic Night and Day. Oh mi gawd it reminded me of Mel Torme’ singing Blue Moon. It was nice, but I didn’t like it.

Melinda Doolittle, wow the Gershwins never sounded better. This lady his one hell of a show stopper.

Chris Richardson offered up the Duke’s Don’t Get Around Much Anymore. It sounded like he lost his boy band, stepped out of the shadows and gave it his best. The song showed his character and that he has range. For once I liked Chris Richardson.

Jordin Sparks, this lady amazes me every time, and I think it was the first time I truly disagreed with Simon. Now Sid is shaking his head and say, “See, what have I been telling you Cele?” I am a Barbara Striesand fan. Now when Jordin sang On A Clear Day no flowers began blooming, the sun wasn’t shining, but I was smiling. She gave it a fresh, up beat, application for an open great performance.

Gina Glocksin, people please vote for Gina, I’m so afraid she’s going to go home before her time. I like this lady, and the rocker stepped out of her box and gave a nice clear presentation of Nat King Cole’s Smile. It’s not her genre, it showed, but she didn’t come off uninterested, campy, or bad.

Sanjaya sang Cheek to Cheek. He sang it flat, he sang it campy, he sang it pitchy and it came off a smarmy presentation. Then he had the audacity to be smug. I tried so hard to watch as little as possible and turned it over to watch Jessica Stein get blown up on NCIS.

Haley, oh Haley. Ain’t Misbehavin’ came off very home town theatre. She has a pretty voice but should be singing in a revue, honey, you’re no Ella Fitzgerald.

And finally Lakisha covered Billie Holiday’s Stormy Weather. Not my favorite singer of the night, but by far not the worse. Hmmmm, I guess I have no comments about the performance. I could take it or leave it, I think part of that has to do with her stage movements, but the dress was very lovely.

So, not a lot to say over all. No words of wisdom to impart about American Idol, how the alum are fairing this week. Oh sheesh, any thing. Why? Because I know Sanjaya will be there next week. But I did hear someone was thinking about or suggesting a lawsuit against Vote For The Worst. Which I didn’t think was possible, but you can read about it here in the Chicago Suntimes. On the other hand death threats against the website’s owners are terrible. So sad. Just as sad has how they are screwing up the future for people who needed and deserved the help.

So my favs this week

♫ Melinda
♫ Jordin
♪ with an honorable mention to Chris R.

And I continue to pin my hopes that the person to get the boot will be Sanjaya. I know the best laid plans of mice and me.

Sith

American Idol Week Six – Pop Week

I am 7 for 12

Isn’t Gwen Stefani so cute? What a career. Mother, wife, singer, designer, and mentor, and she looks so adorable through out, very Orange County blonde – but I bet she’s never surfed. I am glad to know that she is going back to her band, and soon No Doubt fans everywhere will have new tunes from the pens of Kanal and Stefani to bop to.

Have you ever considered the impact that American Idol has on the American music charts? In truth it is mind boggling. My station plays a very eclectic mix of music; Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporary or CHR, a dose of Oldies (1967 to 1980), with some top ten Country thrown in for good measure. In today’s music market you don’t have a chart without it an American Idol or alum in the mix.

So what you are seeing today, will help calculate the Billboard Hot 200 album charts and Hot 100 singles charts. Consider the album chart and we’ll just look inside the 100 (because I don’t buy the subscription for the remaining 100 listings – cheap bitch, I know)

Formerly number one, Daughtry’s self titled debut is sitting at number 4 in its seventeenth week in the Billboard Hot 200, and has now gone platinum two times over, spawning to date two hits – the solid gold, number one for five weeks running It’s Not Over, and Home – this year’s Idol exit song.

Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts is enjoying it’s 70th week in the Billboard 200, has been certified platinum, by the RIAA, five times over. Singles from her debut effort have taken her into the Hot Country Tracks chart four times; Wasted (# 6 this week,) Don’t Forget To Remember Me(#2), Before He Cheats (#1), and Jesus, Take The Wheel (#1.) And those are just the ones in the top ten.

Katherine McPhee’s debut is sitting at number 73, after peaking at #2 in its debut week seven weeks ago.

As you can see, the impact is huge. Millions of albums and singles sold; the power that turns your radio dial on. So let’s see how they did this week.

Lakisha kicked off the evening with a cover of Donna Summer’s The Last Dance. My immediate response, I thought this was Pop night – er, I’m not a disco person. She has far too much voice for the song. I just didn’t like the performance, although she was good.

Chris Sligh – Performed the Police’s Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Good song choice, when he started singing I thought of Christopher Cross for some reason. I didn’t think he was bad. But the darn echo effect was terrible, it kept pulling my attention away from the performance, but not enough to miss the flat spots.

Gina – I love Gina. Boy she picked a perfect song for her, The Pretender’s I’ll Stand By You. A great song choice, she performed it well, put her own mark on the song and sang her heart out. Kudos. She was the best female performance until Melinda sang. But I didn’t like the top she was wearing.

Sanjaya – Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!!

So many thoughts, none are positive and ranting won’t make me feel better about this guy. First off, what a suck up, last week, this week, next week, and the week after he will suck up. What’s with the hair? A Faux Hawk for a Faux Singer. Dude, No Doubt is a Ska band, they sing Ska songs, get a clue. No amount of Bath Water will help you.

Haley – Looked pretty, she chose a pretty song, changed up the arrangement, and sang a pretty cover of True Colors it wasn’t Cyndi Lauper and definitely not Phil Collins. It just fell flat for me.
Phil – chose Every Breath She Takes by the Police. I was impressed. I remember several weeks back he did a song, I can’t remember which, but he impressed me. In the weeks since I’d wondered why. Tonight I remember why, he was very good, wonderful, his ability shown through, and he under played the song perfectly. But the echo, sigh.

Melinda – wow, she too chose Donna Summers, but it was night in day for me from Lakisha’s performance. I don’t even like Heaven Knows but OH.MY.GOSH when Melinda sings it doesn’t make a difference if you don’t like the song, she is so wow factor.

Blake didn’t beat box tonight – and for me it was down hill from there. I love his beat box, it gives everything a Blake touch, tonight’s song was bland, but it wasn’t terrible, it was just bland. Oh, Blake sang a love song by The Cure.

Jordin – I can’t believe this girl is only 17 years old. She is so incredibly talented. Covering No Doubt’s Hey, Baby she remembered it was Ska, she gave it her own personality, she made it her own and she had a good time doing it. I loved it.

Chris R – Sang No Doubt’s Don’t Speak and all I can say is Boy Band. He just doesn’t cut it for me.

My Favorites for the week…
♫ Melinda
♫ Jordin
♪ Gina

Malakar was by far the worst, and he has to go, but I know he will survive because the Dark Force is with him.

So have faith. I know that while Malakar and the Dark Force will prevail more often than I want, the cream of American Idol will eventually rise to the top. Claim music charts and make millions. While the Sanjayas, Taylors, and Reubens will fade into music obscurity.

And I want to say thank you to Karin Tabke at well Karin Tabke for allowing me to guest blog for her, covering this week's American Idol performances.

Sith.

American Idol Week 5 - The British Invasion

I’m 7 for 11

Not one single American Idol has ever sung and will never sing the first hit of the British Invasion. And all for a good reason, the first number one to hit American soil in the second British Invasion was an instrumental. Two years before the Beatles claimed the hearts of screaming, crying young American girls everywhere a group named the Tornadoes hit number one on the US Pop charts with the instrumental Tellstar (named for the satellite.)

I love British Invasion music; understandably, I was in the second grade when the Beatles landed. So I know the words to every one of the songs sung last night. I enjoyed the music. I enjoy the celebrity guest and thought Lulu especially rocked and got into the gig. So how did the Idols do? Not bad over all, even the guys seemed to bring it. But Gawd! What was with the crying girl? I mean Sanjaya is no Ringo, he’s not even a Peter Noonan, or for that thought a Peter Tork. Opps! Wrong invasion.

And we can now see the influence of the American Idolist style team. Jordin’s straight hair, perfection. Melinda’s new cut, very nice but it will take some getting use to. And Chris has put his glasses back on.

So let’s get down to it, how did they do in my humble opinion? Not bad over all. I’ll give them an 85, No one forgot the words and you could dance to it, well if you could remember how to pony, swim, or jerk. Oh, and I have to say, from the moment they announced the week was British Invasion, I knew Beat Box Blake would chose the Zombie’s Time Of The Season.

Haley – picked the right song, Billy Davis’ Tell Her. But did anyone notice she lost her breath twice during her performance?

Chris R – Sang a nasally rendition of Gary and the Pacemaker’s Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying. I wasn’t sold on this performance and felt he should have chosen a Bee Gees song. Gary wrote the song after his girl friend left him, it is a sad, lonely song, I didn’t get that from Chris’ performance. While Gary won back his girl friend with the song, Chris didn’t win me over.

Stephanie Edwards – I usually like this Idolist, but last night’s cover of Dusty Springfield’s You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me missed the mark. Edwards started the song off late falling behind the music, she caught up, but I never got caught up in the song.

Beat Box Blake – I already said it, I knew this song was perfect for him and he nailed it. Although that dancing thing is weird, it did match the song strangely. Now in all honesty Blake was flat once or twice, and fell behind at one point. And.Yet.I.Still.Loved.His.Performance. The best male performance for the night.

Lakisha Jones – darn, I wish she would have picked Cilla Black’s You’re My World, but no she chose Shirley Bassey’s Diamond Are Forever. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good performance, she became Shirely Bassey (literally,) but I really (along with Lulu) thought the other would have been a better choice. She was flawless and yet, I still wanted the other song.

Phil Stacey – Covering the Nashville Teens Tobacco Road was… a good choice, but when Stacey couldn’t hit the notes or wanted to power into the lyrics he yelled. And unlike the judges I thought the ending sucked.

Jordin Sparks - Truly sparkled, this was one of my favorite performances of the night. Choosing I Who Have Nothing was inspired. Her performance was inspired. Where as Lakisha became Shirely Bassey, Jordin became the song. Only 17 years old, wow. She blew me away, I was captivated by her performance, her voice, her.

Sanjaya Malakar – have you noticed Malakar is really close to malarkey? Just sayin’. Sanjaya chose the Kinks’ You Really Got Me, and really for him it was a good choice. But excuse me, The Kinks / Herman’s Hermits? No one would weigh the two against each other in song selection, it's apples and oranges. For the most part he performed well, there were parts I liked, but he’s Sanjaya and my enjoyment of his song was lost in the ending. And the fact that he’s Sanjaya. See this is where past performances tarnish the present. I am still hoping he’s gone.

Gina – I love this girl. She looks like a star. She chose Paint It Black by the Stones. My morning DJ thinks it should be Gina going this week. I disagree. She did have a bad start and she needed to hit her lower registers better, but I thought she did fine. She’s no Sanjaya. Thank God. I want to see this girl in a knee length black duster, black leathers, and white or burgundy silk. She just looks the part.

Chris Sligh – it was so nice to hear him say he’s a fan of the British Invasion. Great song choice, the Zombies’ She’s Not There was a perfect fit. Chris did a good job, enjoyable performance. Chris listens to his critiques, takes them to heart. And I do like him better with his glasses.

Melinda Doolittle – Goosebumps. I had never heard As Long As He Needs Me, but it will forever be a song I equate with her. Wow, stellar performance, hideous blouse. I like the haircut, but I liked her hair before.

Did you notice no one sang a Beatles tune?

The Best this week

♫ Jordin Sparks
♪ Melinda Doolittle

I am still begging America to send Sanjaya home, don’t let Vote for the Worst win again, the results are just to painful if he stays.

Sith

American Idol week 4 – I had a great title for this post last night, but that was last night

I’m 7 for 10

When I was growing up in the late sixties and early seventies, I loved Diana Ross and the Supremes. I watched any show they were on, all their specials, bought their albums, sobbed during Lady Sings The Blues. Did you know that when they were signed by Berry Gordy to Motown they were the Primettes? Yep, the female answer to the Primes… aka the Temptations. Then Diana became a Diva and began the spiral out of the spotlight.

Last night she gave the American Idol contestants terrible advice, if she gave them (individually) any advice. She told them to enunciate, to not cut any of the words, and project – okay that part was good advice. And it must be something in the Arizona air because I thought she was channeling my Aunt Maria. Basically what I got from her was, here’s a photo op on TV’s biggest two nights, smile for the camera and don’t screw up my songs, they are perfect as there are. Hence the death spiral from the spotlight.

What the majority of the contestants didn’t do last night was feel their song choice. Each week the judges implore the AI wanna be’s to make a song their own.

Every week Lakisha feels her song, she wears it like a dress. This week’s cover of God Bless the Child was no exception. Lakisha delivers a memorable performance each time she takes the stage. She becomes the song. I liked the dress, but it would have looked nicer in a textured silk, in a colour other than white. And she should have used a mic stand.

Melinda, this woman puts a new meaning into the word dynamite. Wow, She has star power. I didn’t know the song Home but she made me love it and her anew. She needs fresher brighter clothing.

Gina rocked with a nice performance of Love Child, but I think Ross’ advice was her doom.

Jordin, what a doll.

A blog I visit daily, Karen Tabek, commented that Haley’s response to her performance and missed words was endearing, I have to agree. In the past she seemed to think she knew more than the judges. This week she was human. My only critique with her song is that she didn’t feel it. Missing You is a haunting song of loss and heart break. Haley tends to power through a song instead of caressing and molding it.

With each passing week we are going to see what the American Idol fashion and hair stylist can do. I have to agree Chris S should keep his glasses, Melinda needs a fresher look, and that dress Haley was wearing? OHMIGOD, it was as bad as the blouse thingie that Carrie Underwood wore the week before.

The guys were total duds. While I didn't like either Chris' or Blake's takes on their songs, I give them props for the effort and attempts. As I said before, each week they are urged to take chances, make themselves stand out. I liked Beat Box Blake’s arrangement of You Keep Me Hanging On, but Blake himself sang it monotone and with absolutely no energy.

Chris, Endless Love, ugh, I hate the song all over again, but dude you tried.

Phil, hideous, you over sang I’m Gonna Make You Love Me.

The other Chris sucked the life out of The Boss.

Something that most singers in this competition fail to get at the beginning of each cycle of American Idol is that
1) the judges do know what they are talking about, and
2) they (the contestants) don't understand or feel their songs. Endless Love is a song that sucks, and Missing You - come on that is a heart felt song that should be sung with tears and emotion.

The Best
♫ Melinda
♪ Lakisha

God, people PLEASE I IMPLORE YOU vote out Sanjaya and put us out of his misery.

American Idol - Week Three

So far in the count I am 5 for 8

America last year you voted Chris Daughtry out, and Taylor Hicks American Idol. Once again, DUDES! What were you thinking? Taylor Hicks opening salvo into the album charts, released in December, is no longer in the top half of the Billboard 200 album chart. Chris Daughtry and band’s self titled debut, dropped just this past November, has made number one on the Billboard Album Charts, not once, but twice now and was certified double platinum this week by the Recording Industry Association of America, per Billboard and counts by Nielsen Sound Scan.

In keeping score, Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts has gone and receive multi platinum status from the RIAA five times over – count them five times platinum and sixty two weeks on the Billboard 200. The girl rocks.

Now for the present – Each and every week (all three in counting) the girls have stepped up to the mic, claimed the stage and blown the guys out of the water. This week the chasm between gender talent was as wide as the Grand Canyon. And the sad part is, with the gender equality two, possibly three unworthy guys will make it into the American Idol top twelve, leaving girls far more talented out in the cold. A travesty.

So how do I break it down? The guys totally sucked this week, and I will never be able to forgive Jared for destroying my favorite Stevie Wonder song. Jared, If You Really Love Me is all about harmony – dude, step away from the mic. From Sanjaye to Phil the male talent walked out of the building with Blake’s last beat and reappear until Chris danced on to the stage.

The best guys of the night
♫ Blake, dude you rock, I loved the hip-hop, ska, reggae thing, but DO NOT DANCE.
♪ Chris Sligh, good vocals, the song didn’t do anything for me, but your voice made up for it.

Going this week for the guys…(well we can hope at least)
○ Sanjaye, totally lack luster and boring
○ Jared, argh you destroyed that song, my favorite Wonder song. Unforgivable.

From the first female performance of Wednesday night, game was back on. I feel dumb for repeating the same words of the judges, but the girls do bring their game to each performance. I think if Jordin could have held a high note for a while she’d have wowed the judges more, Benatar is in a league of her own and hard to copy, but I think Jordin is up to the task. I was kind of surprised by Melinda’s choice of songs, but she brought the house down. And LaKisha, well all I can say is, “Whitney, who?”

Well okay most of the girls. Haley needs to listen to the judges. Simon may lack finesse, but his critiques are spot on, listen to him Haley because right now you’re mediocre at best. Haley’s performance immediately reminded me of a beauty pageant talent round. I didn’t care for Stephanie’s song, but her voice was good. Sabrina’s performance was good, I liked the song, but I did not like the arrangement. And Gina, girl I like you, your spunk, and your style, but you did yell a bit.

The best women of the night…
♫ Lakisha, girl you’re gold
♪ Melinda, she brought home the bacon.

Girls I think should go home…(see I’m learning)
○ Antonella, I was a bit excited when I heard her choice, until she hit the flat notes, time and again
○ Haley, she knows it all so why bother critiquing her?

Now I have to say, did you catch the Visa commercial? The shoes that lady ended up with by the end of the commercial, too cute.

American Idol - Week Two

I am 3 for 4

What is this sass? I can’t believe it. Simon Cowell, may be a bit rough in his delivery, but he is nothing but honest in his critique of American Idol wanna be’s. And remember at this early stage of the game, 19 of them are just that, wanna be’s. Well no, that really isn’t fair or true. There are several who are total stars and will not be the American Idol 2007.

The past is a good example of this. Who the heck is Ruben Studdard, and what makes America think he’s an Idol? I mean really, “they” behind Idol boast big numbers for Ruben, but really his numbers are piddly. He hit two on the Billboard Hot 100 with Flying Without Wings in the wake of his victory and that was the best he did. And Sorry 2004, well damn he should be sorry. From that same season, which is two if you’re counting, Clay Aiken has listed in the Top Forty, Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporary Charts, and Mainstream, and while some think his popularity is waning, in truth that has yet to be seen. Then you have Kimberly Locke, her star is on the rise, each song she releases does better and is finding her landing consistently in the Adult Contemporary charts instead of the Urban or Dance Charts. Then there is Josh Gracin. Wow, what a country hottie. He is definitely the most successful of the season two finalist, including Clay and Ruben. Gracin has consistently has landed in the Hot Country Tracks top ten. From Season two Clay has sold the most, Josh has charted the best.

So what did I see last night? The boys were like hot and cold water. Beat Box Blake rocked on Virtual Insanity, the guy is definitely versatile. I wasn’t a fan of Sundance, but he made Mustang Sally ride. But then there was the hold cold side of the equation. It just didn’t’ seem like the guys learned. I mean what was Sanjaye thinking? So here is my break down and predictions for the guys…
♥ Absolutely loved Beat Box Blake
♦ Jared totally hit it with Let’s Get It On

Going this week
Sanjaye, there is no getting around it, dude sign up for American Idol camp
and I am stuck between Brandon Rogers and Nicholas Pedro (Brandon Dude what were you thinking?)


For the Girls, wow, LaKisha, Melinda, Sabrina, Stephanie, and Jordin have brought it two weeks in a row. I would vote LaKisha in right now, but Jordin touches my heart. I have to ask, Stephanie what in the hell was with that song, girl friend you are so much better. Huge improvement for Gina. So here is my breakdown…
♥ Absolutely loved Melinda
♦ LaKisah can probably do any type of song she wants

Going this week:
Alaina - honey give it up.
Antonella with Leslie and Haley vying for her slot to leave.

American Idol week one

I never watched season one of American Idol. I have no clue what was on, it doesn’t matter I’m sure it’s not on TV now, because well it is historical fact “What Calista likes, gets the ax.”

But I did pick up the show in season two and sat in silent shock when Josh Gracin was dumped in favor of Ruben (who?), Kimberly Locke was axed in favor of Ruben (who?), and Clay Aiken came in second to Ruben WHO? Oh, the inhumanity of it all, what a joke. Season three held the totally unmemorable, but totally rebounded in season four.

Season Five, well shit folks who in Season Five hasn’t gotten a recording contract? What it is eight now out of the twelve top finalists? As a DJ I watch the Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporary, and Hot Country Tracks Charts – so I have an idea of who did what, when, and where.

Season Six has come to the watch able portion of our programming. I love the competition. I love Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson is holding his own this year, and while I think you need two positives to replace a negative Paula Abdul just doesn’t cut it for me. She may the feminine factor to the show but she ads no knowledge or usable information.

With the first week of Season Six performances in the bag, we have been shown a definite demarcation line in talent. Night one, with three exceptions for me was lack luster. I know that Sundance was a favorite, but his butchering of Night’s In White Satin found me echoing my thoughts last week, “How did he make it?” I was embarrassed for Sanjay, and I missed about three of the early performance, or I just don’t remember them to comment. But I will say standout performances from Tuesday night include:
•Phil, who despite some pitch problems, really showed me his stuff.
•Chris Slight, who I just adore
•The Other Chris, who surprised me
♥And my final choice for Tuesday night kudos – Beat Box Brandon, the guy stole the show.

Wednesday night began spectacular and divided the wanna be’s with the true stars. Someone white will be going home tonight for certain.
•Stephanie opened the show wowing the universe
•Sabrina showed how it should be done – what a great selection
•Melinda can sing, but please someone help her dress and stand
•Jordin was awesome, this girl has a future – and you can’t go wrong with Tracy Chapman
♥I was a bit worried when the announced what Lakisha would perform, wow was I wrong the girl stole the entire show from a night of incredible and forgettable performances.

My picks for going home, tonight…
Girls: Amy Krebs and Alaina Alexander (although Leslie and Nicole were pretty bad)
Guys: Paul Kim and Rudy Cardenes (I didn’t see then all so, I’m shooting in the dark)

Thoughts?