American Idol - Top 9 Reviews

Well -- American Idol contestants performed some of the most popular downloaded songs on iTunes.

First, I have to comment about the performing order. I'm not sure how they select the order of contestants to perform, but obviously those who go later in the competition seem to have an advantage.

Second, Simon -- I love you and think you're right most of the time, but WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR HAIR? Holy cow... it looks SO bad! ("Not to be rude." haha). It was kind of a flat top tonight but parted down the middle. It reminded me of the parting of the Red Sea from the 10 Commandments. :)

Here are my comments about tonight's American Idol (I would love to hear your opinions as well):

Anoop Desai: Usher "Caught Up". Anoop is a good singer. I didn't like the performance nor the song choice for him, and he seemed like he was trying to be intense. It didn't come across well for me. Simon's comment that it was "a complete and utter mess" I thought was a bit harsh, but I did agree that it didn't really work for him. I predict he will be in the bottom 3 this week.

Megan Joy: Bob Marley "Turn Your Lights Down Low". I actually liked Megan during the auditions and I know some who love her. I think she's a darling girl, but she is beginning to feel stagnant and I can't wait for her performances to be over. She could have potential and if she could really find her niche and make everything her own, she would do better. I did not like her song choice this week at all. It felt really flat. Simon said, "boring, indulgent monotonous." Randy "like watching paint dry." I do think if her response had been humble and funny rather than a flippant comment she may have a chance to stay, but as it is, unless someone else really messes up, I think she's at risk for going home. I think she'll be in the bottom 3 for sure.

Danny Gokey: Rascal Flatts "What Hurts the Most". I love him. Have I said before that I love him? (Big grin). He is SO REAL. That is what I love the most. I actually got goosebumps during his performance. The crowd seemed to feel it too and Cara nailed it when she commented "you moved everyone in this room emotionally." Even Simon loved him "It was your best performance of the season." This is one I'll for sure buy.

Allison Iraheta: No Doubt "Don't Speak". So I didn't like this one at all. It felt like she was yelling the song and even Simon commented similarly. She really can sing and I think she's safe this week, but I didn't think there was any real connection.

Scott MacIntyre: Billy Joel "Just the Way You Are." I really like Billy Joel and this song, but it was kind of painful to listen tonight. I actually like Scott as a person (not that I know him, but I like what he seems to be). However, I have a hard time listening to him sing - it feels to me like the same tone and feeling through every single song - no dynamics and the tone is not my favorite. BUT... it's personal taste here, because he obviously can sing. Just not someone that I would ever pay to hear sing. Since he was in the bottom 3 last week, I actually think he could go home this week, and possibly end up keeping Megan in the competition.

Matt Giraud: The Fray "You Found Me". I found Matt's performance down in the audience surrounded by fans a bit strange. I didn't really like the song that much, but he did a good job. I just didn't think it showcased him very much. Simon "I didn't get it at all. Very uptight." I actually did agree with Simon in the fact that he seemed to not really be himself - more like trying to be someone else. I wonder if since Matt was in the bottom three last week, if his fans will band together to keep him here another week. He really is talented, but I do wonder if he has found a fan base that will be loyal enough to keep him around.

Lil Rounds: Celine Dion "I Surrender". When Lil started to sing, I was worried. I thought it was going to be a mess. But she actually did a really good job. I was impressed. My concern for her is that she may not have enough of a "Lil Rounds" flavor in everything she does - she kind of becomes what she is singing, rather than taking the song and making it "Lil". She really can sing though! "Your personality is being sucked out of you" (Simon). Lil's daughter is darling - and hugging Randy was priceless. That actually may end up keeping Lil around (haha).

Adam Lambert: Wild Cherries "Play that Funky Music". I actually love this song, but "ick" is all I can say. Obviously Adam made it completely his style (felt like something you might see Mick Jagger or even Twisted Sister or some hard rock group doing, but again, I did not like it at all. His performance felt like he was just screaming it - he can hit crazy notes. I am sure others will love it - but I absolutely hated it! Funny that Paula mentioned Mick Jagger and Stephen Tyler. He is so cute and I really want to like him, but I just can't. Obviously he is going to be wildly popular for a long time and have a fantastic career, but ugh. (Actually I felt the same way about Chris Doughtry when he was on American Idol - I hated his vibrato - but I love him now and love the Doughtry album. So there may be a chance that Adam will grow on me, but for now, I don't think so.)

Kris Allen: "Ain't No Sunshine". Kris is growing on me. I think he always seems to be himself and brings his own style to whatever he does. The first week I thought he didn't stand out enough, but he's doing great. I loved his performance. I can easily see him having a great career. Simon "Your best performance so far."

My predictions for the bottom three tomorrow: Anoop, Megan and Scott. But as for who will go home - it's really a toss up for me. What do you think???

American Idol - What's up with the Lip Syncing?

With over 36 million votes from last night it seems American Idol is still going strong.

But what was up with the lip-syncing for the opening number. Totally cheesy. I wonder if they are just preparing the contestants for future concerts (jk). I don't know if they were trying to use "studio" recording rather than live or if it was using the old mikes or what. But wow - it was BAD and completely obvious! I was NOT impressed!

Was anyone else bugged besides me? (Please sound off about lip-syncing on American Idol!)

Is it okay to tout a "live" competition but have it succumb to the lip sync crutch? Why? Why would they even try it? It's obvious the contestants didn't know how to "hide" their mouths against their mikes - and so poorly executed. Why did they just not sing live? Was it for the sound quality of a group performing in a huge venue?

Anyway, on to the recap...

The bottom three: Matt Giraud (wow, I was surprised by this one. If it had been week 1 or 2 then I might have agreed, but I thought he was proving himself the past few weeks). Michael Sarver (predicted this one). Scott MacIntyre. Wow - I actually thought that between Scott and Megan - it would have been Megan in the bottom three.

And I'm sure I'll be run out of town on this one but I thought the duet between Joss Stone and Smokey Robinson was terrible. They were each okay singing individually, but together it felt like a mess. Perhaps it was the combination or the version mix but I did not like it at all!

The bottom 2: They sent Scott MacIntryre back to safety. And then it was down to Michael and Matt. Kind of a surprising bottom 2.

STEVIE WONDER! Wahoo! I love Stevie Wonder. There is no one else like him! Loved the medley he performed.

So the American Idol contestant going home is....

Michael Sarver. (Good bye and good luck!) I like Michael and wish him the best. Best quote of the night: (Michael) "I have to sing after Stevie, oh crap!" :)

Finally - American Idol Top 10 Recap

So I finally got the chance to review American Idol from Last night (while I'm TiVo-ing the results show from tonight). We'll see how well I can do. :)

American Idol celebrates Motown!

Matt Giraud: "Let's Get it On". I loved Matt's version of the song. Very soulful. I think he is really starting to shine. The first week or two I wondered if he would stand out enough, but tonight he really did Motown justice.

Kris Allen: "How Sweet It Is". He's pretty good, and I think his performance will get him through another week. But I don't think he stands out enough as an individual to get to the top 5.

Scott MacIntyre: "You Can't Hurry Love". Okay, so I've really tried to take the best I could from Scott's performances, but I just have a hard time listening to him. I would never buy an album that he did - it's just the tone/quality of his voice that I don't love. But I know a few people who really love listening - so obviously it's just personal taste. He's talented, but just not my taste.

Megan Joy: "For Once in My Life". Honestly, I thought the song was a mess. All of the judges agreed. I wasn't sure if she has a cold or if it was too low for her, but it did not work at all. She is so different but I wonder if people will relate to her style in comparison with some of the others. I know people who love her the most, but some comments I've received indicate that others really think she is terrible. It's probably either a love or hate thing. I did agree with the judges that she's at risk and since she's been in the bottom before, I think she may be going home tomorrow (tonight).

Anoop Desai: "Ooh Baby Baby". I just thought the song was way too slow and I got bored and wanted to fast forward. He can sing well, but I didn't like the song choice for him at all - especially in this venue. You either need energy or tons of emotion to connect with the audience. He just did the song well, but no real connection for me.

Michael Sarver: "Ain't To Proud to Beg". I like Michael but I don't think he's an American Idol star. I'm afraid his performances the past couple of weeks have kind of been messy, just singing, rather than really shining.

Lil Rounds: "Heat Wave". Wow - what's up with the hair? I'm sure it was a throw back to the original Motown stylings along with the outfit, but wo... I think Lil can really sing well. I'm sure she'll have a career after American Idol is over, but I'm not loving her lately. I think she's kind of lost her own individual identity. I don't see her in a specific niche and that's a problem for this kind of competition.

Adam Lambert: "The Tracks of My Tears". Wo - again with the hair on this show. I know I've commented before that I felt that Adam was hiding behind his hair. He was not hiding tonight. I liked seeing his face much better - but it did not feel at all like what you would expect from "Adam Lambert". Even the song choice was very different. I'm wondering how Adam fans will respond to the performance. I don't like his style AT ALL - and tonight didn't change my opinion. I just don't think there is an emotional connection between him and the music and the audience. But obviously many people feel differently than I do. I didn't like the song choice or performance, but that's just me. The judges all gush over him - and I don't get it. And his responses to the judges comments do not feel genuine to me. It feels like the "polite and expected thank you". Okay - enough of that. He will obviously have a huge career but I won't be rushing out to buy his album.

Danny Gokey: "Get Ready". Perma grin for me! I love Danny! He just connects with the music and has a huge soul. He has the coolest voice. Even though the song choice was not my favorite - I wish he would have had a huge shining moment in the song - but the whole thing was just upbeat and fun rather than having a building climax. But I still loved it. Gasp "clumsy and amateurish" from Simon. What?!? It's obvious that Simon is pulling for Adam to win the whole competition. (Just like I'm pulling for Danny -- to each his own.)

Allison Iraheta: "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". She still has a cool rocker voice. For sure she is going to have a great and successful album (if she gets the right direction on the songs to include). She's still not my favorite and I thought the song choice was rambling and didn't blow me away. But she's so unique I think her fan base will keep her around.

So my predictions about the bottom three: I think Megan Joy, Michael Sarver will for sure be in the bottom 2, and the third will either be Scott MacIntyre, or Anoop Desai. I predict Megan Joy will go home.

Okay - so now I'm posting - and then I'll watch the results show and see how well I did. :) Fun...

American Idol Top 10 Recap

So.... I had to TiVo American Idol last night and haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I'll see if I can get to it tonight before the results show. But I'd love to hear feedback from you all about who did well and predictions on who you think will leave this week.

American Idol - Down to the Top 10

Well, obviously American Idol is not fixed as reported earlier by TV Guide. :)
I was a little surprised that Allison Iraheta was in the bottom three, but having Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace in the bottom 2 was not that surprising. And very telling that Randy actually called Alexis by the wrong name. That has been my problem with her as well - she's not as memorable as some of the others. Anyway, Alexis Grace was finally sent home and not saved by the judges.

I did love the duet by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis. Man that girl can sing - she's just beautiful and extremely talented. I love to see how someone from a small farm town can end up on the path to share their talents with the world. Very cool.

American Idol Goes Country

I think some of the American Idol contestants will do very well singing country. I'm not sure how Adam Lambert will twist a country song to his style, but I feel sure he'll do it. Anyway, here are my reviews from tonight's American Idol show.

Michael Sarver: Garth Brooks "Ain't Goin' Down". I just don't think anyone can do a Garth Brooks song justice. There is only one Garth! It was kind of a mess for me although Michael looked like he was having fun.

Allison Iraheta: Patty Loveless "Blame it on Your Heart". Even though she is not my favorite, I think Allison did a very good job. I predict she'll be around for quite a while and although she won't win the competition, she will go on to have a great music career.

Kris Allen: Garth Brooks "To Make You Feel My Love". I actually really liked the way Kris performed the song (except for the last note). But again, no one can really compete with Garth. However, it was different enough that I thought it was good.

Lil Rounds: Martina McBride "Independence Day". So her performance was good, but it is fairly evident that some people just are not made to sing country music. I think if she had put her own R&B spin on the song, perhaps it would have been better - making it her own, rather than just singing it okay. (I did think it was funny that Simon couldn't get her name right and kept calling her "little".) LOL.

Adam Lambert: Johnny Cash "Ring of Fire" He just comes across as being cocky for me. I loved Randy Travis' reaction to Adam's nail polish and the version of the song. Oh my heck, what a strange version of the song. I wonder how Johnny Cash would respond to that! Obviously it was Adam's style. I did not like it AT ALL. But he will have a fan base. Simon's comments: "What the hell was that?" LOL. "Indulgent rubbish, and horrific." I actually was glad Simon was vocal about not liking it and his response was priceless.

Scott MacIntyre: Martina McBride "Wild Angels". He does a pretty good job and the song was okay. It just didn't seem to be something that was spectacular. He is likeable and his responses back to the judges was nicely done. I know people who love him, but he's not my favorite.

Alexis Grace: Dolly Parton "Jolene". She can sing well, but I thought the song was really boring and repetitive. I'm not sure if she'll be around for next week, and the audience reaction was polite.

Danny Gokey: Carrie Underwood "Jesus Take the Wheel". Brought tears to my eyes. He truly has a gift of expression in his music. I loved it!!!! Still my favorite! Can't wait until he has an album. And the audience reaction went on and on.

Anoop Desai: Willie Nelson "You're Always on My Mind". Anoop did a great job. It was much better than last week. His response to the positive feedback from the judges was a little over-confident and may hurt him.

Megan Joy: "I Go Walking After Midnight". She is so unique. I like her, but because she is so different I'm not sure she'll get enough of the main-stream voters. She is certainly talented and a cute girl. (Did she change her name this week? Last week she was going by Megan Joy Corkrey.) Even being sick, she did great.

Matt Giraud: Carrie Underwood "So Small". He sang very well. I like him. Not sure what else I can say about him.

My dream would be that Adam Lambert would be eliminated this week based on his performance. But obviously he won't go home. But I think those at risk are Michael Sarver and Lil Rounds, and perhaps Megan Joy or Anoop. It's hard to say at this point. It will be fun to see. Who do you think will be eliminated next?

American Idol - Fixed?

As reported by TV Guide:
Another week, another "scandalous" (and unsubstantiated) bit of American Idol buzz.

This time, the talk is that Season 8's final four have already been decided on by producers and judges, and that two of said "chosen ones" in fact have been ruled out as possible winners.

As whispered to the New York Daily News' Gatecrasher column, a female Idol staffer is going around claiming that "the last four are going to be Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Adam Lambert and Alexis Grace." When asked if this was mere opinion or fact, the employee attested, "Those are the people" — suggesting that Idol execs are steering the results, and perhaps have done so in the past.

The series' supposed snitch also is alleging that Idol mucky-mucks have ruled out Adam and Lil as eventual winners because "they're too much like" past runners-up Chris Daughtry and Fantasia, respectively.

So, though Adam and Lil may be the better singers of the supposed final four, "The producers really want it to be Danny of Alexis," the loose-lipped show staffer is said to be avowing.

Fox reps have no comment on the alleged tinkering.

What's your take, Idol fans? Do you think the show would dare to attempt to manipulate the results? If so, do you think this has been going on all along, or perhaps was instituted after Ruben emerged as a clinker of an Idol?

Jasmine and Jorge are gone from American Idol!

Well, I have to admit that I predicted the castoffs from American Idol incorrectly but I was not really surprised that both Jasmine and Jorge were eliminated. I was a little surprised that Jorge went home over Anoop -- however, at this stage, it truly does depend on the hometown support and how much the community stands behind their contestants.

Anyway, I can't wait until next week. :)

Reviews of the American Idol Top 13 of 2009!

So I've been a bit distracted with work lately, and haven't typically had time to watch American Idol until several days after airing (thank heavens for TiVo!) Which has meant no real reviews of performances as the results have already aired before I have had time to watch.

(But please note -- I have already predicted Danny as the winner -- several weeks ago. I want to go on record that my prediction still stands. big grin.)

Also quick note: I love the new judge Kara. She gives great feedback, is well-spoken and I like the fact that she can hold her own against Simon.

So here are the recaps and my thoughts about each contestants' performance tonight:

Lil Rounds: I like her. I think she'll have a good shot at success whether she wins American Idol or not. I think the only thing that might hurt her in this competition is that she seems too "put together" and at times America seems to vote for the underdog. However, the video about her life and the hardships she has experienced may help people connect to her. I thought she did a great job with her song "The Way She Makes Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. My guess is that she will make the top 5 at least. Simon's comment about hating what she was wearing was actually right. Her outfit was not really flattering on her and I think she'll get better at styling as time goes on.

Scott MacIntyre: "Keep the Faith". It was nice to have Scott behind the piano. He's a very talented piano player. Although the quality of his voice and tone is not as refined as many of the other contestants. I think he will continue on for a while as he is likeable and people will cheer for his success and overcoming his visual challenges.

Danny Gokey: "PYT". He has the coolest voice. I didn't love the jacket he was wearing but I LOVED his performance. He certainly knows how to get a crowd going. I think I had a perma-grin while he was performing. He is so likeable and already my favorite hands-down. I love his humility, and the joy he transmits while singing. The fact that he can be real about his dancing (admitting it's hard to sing and dance together). LOVE HIM!!!

Michael Sarver: "You're Not Alone". I like Michael. I have from the beginning. But I was not blown away by the song or performance. Perhaps it's coming from following Danny and the passion and energy, but it kind of fell flat for me, seeming to be at one level. He did a good job, but just not spectacular. The judges all seemed to like him, and he did sing well, but again, not my favorite. I think he runs the risk of having his performances not be as memorable as some of the others.

Jasmine Murray: "I'll Be There". It was nice for her to choose a song that Michael Jackson sang when he was young, as her voice fit the tone fairly well. She seemed to hit a few pitchy places and I found myself getting bored with the song. She's a darling girl and can sing, but I am not sure she'll get the following she needs to stay very long. The judges didn't give her rave reviews either, they were almost half-hearted compliments.

Kris Allen: "Remember the Time". The fact that he is married may hurt his popularity. He's so cute and typically the young girls vote for the cute single guys. I did not like the song choice or the version he performed. It felt boring and slow. I don't think it showcased his voice at all. I don't know if dancing around and playing the guitar made him sound bad but it definitely was not my favorite. I think with him being married and with this performance he may be at risk for going home this week. Interesting that Simon mentioned "not bringing out the wife so early".

Allison Iraheta: "Give In to Me". She will get the rocker vote this year for sure. I like the quality of her voice. She is not my personal favorite but I think she'll get pretty far. The only risk I see is that she seems a little too cocky and a bit immature (but she's 16 and that's kind of to be expected.) She reminds me of Miley Cyrus when she speaks and performs. That may convert into tons of votes for her. Time will tell.

Anoop Desai: "Beat It". He is very likeable and cute. I am glad he is in the top 13. I think if he can get a cool hair cut and younger style, he'll do well. The hair is going in the right direction, but not quite there yet. Honestly the song choice was the worst of the night so far. It did NOTHING to showcase his voice. I did not like anything about the choice. If people are going to vote based on tonight's performance alone, I predict he will go home. There is a chance he will stay because people like him but I actually think he is at risk.

Jorge Nunez: "Never Can Say Goodbye" He is darling! He just exudes joy and delight. I didn't like the song choice for him, but man that boy can sing! I think he'll stick around as people connect to him, but it was not my favorite.

Megan Joy Corkrey: Wow what a perfect song for her. It completely fits her personality. "Rockin' Robin". She's darling and I love that her son is her world. It's obvious that she loves him. She's kind of funny when she performs - a little ditsy and new-agey, but also a bit alternative. She can certainly sing and is really likeable. The cawing at the end was corny but I actually liked the song. Paula chose the right word "Quirky" for her. I think she'll stay at least another week, but I'm not sure if she'll end up being around very long. Simon said it was a mess (and it was, but I thought it fit her.)

Adam Lambert: "Black and White" Some of my friends and family absolutely love him. I am not sure what it is about him but I cannot connect with him. I think perhaps it's the feeling that he's hiding behind his hair, or the fact that I can't tell if he's acting feminine or trying to be "in". But he goes from being kind of "rocker" to feeling a little "girly" for me. He is a really cute guy, but I have a hard time knowing what he is trying to be. He can sing for sure. I hate the black nail polish and the screaming performance (not my style). I predict he'll get to the top 3 or 4 and people will either love him or hate him. But for sure he is not my favorite. The fact that Paula gets emotional while gushing about him, I just don't understand it. I don't think he'll win because I think as time goes by, there will be a bit more of a disconnect and feeling of humility/sincerity that will come from him (as opposed to Danny).

Matt Giraud: "Human Nature". I loved that he was behind the piano. I did have a hard time with the performance though. I didn't like the song choice. It didn't really stand out or really showcase him. I like him but I think his connection to American Idol fans is less than some of the others and he won't get the votes he needs to continue on. Even the audience reaction was much less than many of the others.

Alexis Grace: "Dirty Diana". She's a cute girl. The only issue I have with her is that she's forgettable. I honestly did not remember her from Hollywood week or auditions. She can sing but I did not like the song choice at all. I actually think will go home this week.

So after all is said and done - it was a great American Idol this week. I thought everyone did well. There are a few standouts including Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert. But several are at risk. I think possibly Alexis Grace and Kris Allen will go home. If Kris stays then either Matt Giraud or Anoop Desai will go home. It's hard to tell at this stage -- it really depends on their hometowns and how many people connected with them during the audition process. I guess we'll all see tomorrow.