I would like to start by stating that it was painfully obvious that the finale was not going to be as thrilling this year when Melinda was unfairly ousted last week. Melinda versus Jordin would have been an actual competition. With Blake, not so much.
Blake: He started the night with "Bad Name" which as you all know I HATED THE FIRST TIME. It was just as bad this week and was it seemed a lot longer. He followed that up with yet another song from Maroon 5. Last week their lead singer proved that he can't sing so it is appropriate that he loves to perform their songs. Every time he sang "he will..." it was like fingernails on a chalkboard and made my skin crawl. He finished with that sappy tune chosen by the Idol producers for this year, "This Is My Now". Yuck! This showcased his lack of singing ability (even the judges agreed with me). While I will admit that this is definitely not his type of song and therefore a little unfair to him, if he was as unique and talented as all of his fans think he is than he should have found a way to make it work. Beat boxing anyone? Idol contestants from the past had to sing songs that weren't exactly their style but they managed to work through it. I'm sure Bo Bice wasn't thrilled with "Inside your Heaven" but he made it work the best that he could. The difference is that he could actually sing.
Jordin: She started with "Fighter". When they announced that she was performing this I was very afraid. It is hard for most people to take on Christina though she has done it before. I thought she did a great job with it. The judges accused her of shouting but if they have ever listened to a Christina song then they would know that shouting is her style of singing 75% of the time. "Broken Wing" was my favorite performance from her all season and I am glad that she chose this. Yet again she performed it better than the original. Though the beginning of "This is My Now" was a little rough once she hit the chorus she wiped the floor with Blake as I knew she would.
Overall, this year's finale will come down to a battle between a singer and the dialing fingers of teenage girls all over the country. I voted like a demon last night and was not able to get through but about 100 times for Jordin due to busy signals. Hopefully this is a good sign. DialIdol has predicted that Jordin will win. God, please let them be right.
For those of you that watch Dancing with the Stars, Joey lost to Apollo last night. :(
Until next season...
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Idol Rant 5.16.07
This week on Idol the contestants were forced to perform songs chosen by the judges and the producers before singing something they chose for themselves. As usual for the end of the Idol season, Simon has picked his favorites and spent the majority of his airtime trying to swing the public vote. This is why I dislike Simon. He should do what he is paid to do which is judge the performance of each contestant. Yes, Simon we know you want Melinda in the finals. We now know after last night that you want Blake as well. It would serve Simon and the producers right if one of them did win. They might actually sell less records than Taylor Hicks and Reuben Studdard.
Jordin: Despite Simon's crankiness, I thought she did a good job on "Wishing on a Star". I don't understand how he can pick a song for her to sing and then complain about it. I am sure that she did not come up with the arrangement and that the musicians did (probably with suggestions from the producers). On "Hard for the Money", she did well but the song was definitely dated. Of all the songs to choose from, this is what they came up with? Jordin's final performance was of "I Who Have Nothing". This was my second favorite song that she sang all season (after "Broken Wing") and I thought she was absolutely wonderful. Simon definitely doesn't want her in the final so I did my part to make him miserable tonight by voting for Jordin like a demon. I am very glad that she mouthed off to him after her last song.
Blake: "Roxanne" was hideous. He was off key for most of the song and couldn't seem to keep up with the beat. The drop to the knees move at the end was cheesy and what was up with the pointy sideburns? "This Love" contained all of my favorite elements. There was a fake British accent while dancing badly and even some beat boxing. Blake's last song was some horrible mess originally released by Robin Thicke. As we witnessed a few weeks ago on a results show, Robin can't sing. Then again, neither can Blake which he proved last night.
Melinda: Randy, Randy, Randy. Why did you pick "I Believe in You and Me" of all the Whitney songs? While Melinda did a good job and it was good to see her challenged for a change this is definitely not a great Whitney song. She followed this up with "Nutbush City Limits". What? Again, of all the Tina songs this is the best the producers could come up with? She did a great job and I would love to see her try a much better Tina song. For her final number, Melinda chose "I'm A Woman". This was a solid performance and I enjoyed her use of the background singers (and her wink at her background singer past)
Prediction: If there is any justice in the world, Blake will go home tonight. I am a little worried about Jordin though since Simon basically called for her to go.
Dialidol Results:
Melinda = 29.67
Jordin = 27.74
Blake = 27.15
Vote for Joey on Dancing with the Stars!!
Jordin: Despite Simon's crankiness, I thought she did a good job on "Wishing on a Star". I don't understand how he can pick a song for her to sing and then complain about it. I am sure that she did not come up with the arrangement and that the musicians did (probably with suggestions from the producers). On "Hard for the Money", she did well but the song was definitely dated. Of all the songs to choose from, this is what they came up with? Jordin's final performance was of "I Who Have Nothing". This was my second favorite song that she sang all season (after "Broken Wing") and I thought she was absolutely wonderful. Simon definitely doesn't want her in the final so I did my part to make him miserable tonight by voting for Jordin like a demon. I am very glad that she mouthed off to him after her last song.
Blake: "Roxanne" was hideous. He was off key for most of the song and couldn't seem to keep up with the beat. The drop to the knees move at the end was cheesy and what was up with the pointy sideburns? "This Love" contained all of my favorite elements. There was a fake British accent while dancing badly and even some beat boxing. Blake's last song was some horrible mess originally released by Robin Thicke. As we witnessed a few weeks ago on a results show, Robin can't sing. Then again, neither can Blake which he proved last night.
Melinda: Randy, Randy, Randy. Why did you pick "I Believe in You and Me" of all the Whitney songs? While Melinda did a good job and it was good to see her challenged for a change this is definitely not a great Whitney song. She followed this up with "Nutbush City Limits". What? Again, of all the Tina songs this is the best the producers could come up with? She did a great job and I would love to see her try a much better Tina song. For her final number, Melinda chose "I'm A Woman". This was a solid performance and I enjoyed her use of the background singers (and her wink at her background singer past)
Prediction: If there is any justice in the world, Blake will go home tonight. I am a little worried about Jordin though since Simon basically called for her to go.
Dialidol Results:
Melinda = 29.67
Jordin = 27.74
Blake = 27.15
Vote for Joey on Dancing with the Stars!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Idol Rant 5.9.07
Last Wednesday, when they announced that Barry Gibb would be this week’s mentor, I predicted that this theme was going to be disastrous (brace yourself Blake fans). The night was broken up to give two performances for each contestant. If they were going to have each sing twice they should’ve let them sing a different theme on one of the songs or picked a more current artist for them to cover. Barry Gibb was a 70’s icon and a wonderful songwriter, however, his time has passed and most of his songs are very dated (and he is definitely no longer a sex symbol). That being said, here we go…
Melinda:
“Love You Inside and Out”
After the first few lines, which were a little rough, she hit her stride. She has actually improved her stage presence over the past few weeks. This was not my favorite performance but she did a great job.
“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart”
This was a perfect song choice for her. Definitely her style of music. I also would like to commend her for sticking to her guns and leaving out the “loser” part. Without fail, if an Idol contestant sings about leaving then they will (remember Phil just went out in a “Blaze of Glory”).
Blake:
“Should Be Dancing”
Blake definitely brought the things that I hate about him to this performance with the exception of the British accent. He would have actually had to sing a significant part of the song in order for that to happen. He is taking “suck” to a whole new level. The one thing I would say in his defense as far as Randy is concerned is that Blake did just as much beat boxing last week during his Bon Jovi performance and you thought it was innovative. Obviously, it wasn’t and now you regret creating a monster.
“This Is Where I Came In”
This time Blake decided to dance, beat box, and sing with a British accent. Ugh! I was wondering when the judges would finally ask him to stop beat boxing his performances. At the beginning of the season when they encouraged it, I knew that wouldn’t last. Maybe he has decided he doesn’t want to be on the show anymore now that his boyfriend Chris is gone. His performances last night were his quickest ticket home if not for the votes of teenage girls across the country. Give it up girls he is just not interested.
Lakisha:
"Stayin' Alive"
I don't know why Lakisha bothers to ask for advice from the mentors. At this point, we all know that she is going to ignore their advice and do what she wants anyway. While I agree with the judges that it wasn't very good. It definitely wasn't the worst of the night (Blake).
"Run To Me"
I liked her dress (not to get too much into Paula territory when it comes to complementing the contestants). She definitely attended the shouting school of singing though it didn't do her much good since this was a very boring performance.
Jordin:
"To Love Somebody"
Jordin took the first round. I thought she looked and sounded beautiful which is good because...
"Woman In Love"
she attempted to take on Barbra Streisand with her second song which was really not very good. There were some definite pitch problems and she seemed to be trying to sing in too high of a key. Despite that, the final should be Jordin and Melinda. The two best singers on the show.
Prediction: Lakisha or Blake will go. Please, please, please let it be Blake.
DialIdol Results: Blake and Jordin are safe. Lakisha and Melinda are in danger of leaving. Someone needs to put an end to teenage dialing.
Melinda:
“Love You Inside and Out”
After the first few lines, which were a little rough, she hit her stride. She has actually improved her stage presence over the past few weeks. This was not my favorite performance but she did a great job.
“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart”
This was a perfect song choice for her. Definitely her style of music. I also would like to commend her for sticking to her guns and leaving out the “loser” part. Without fail, if an Idol contestant sings about leaving then they will (remember Phil just went out in a “Blaze of Glory”).
Blake:
“Should Be Dancing”
Blake definitely brought the things that I hate about him to this performance with the exception of the British accent. He would have actually had to sing a significant part of the song in order for that to happen. He is taking “suck” to a whole new level. The one thing I would say in his defense as far as Randy is concerned is that Blake did just as much beat boxing last week during his Bon Jovi performance and you thought it was innovative. Obviously, it wasn’t and now you regret creating a monster.
“This Is Where I Came In”
This time Blake decided to dance, beat box, and sing with a British accent. Ugh! I was wondering when the judges would finally ask him to stop beat boxing his performances. At the beginning of the season when they encouraged it, I knew that wouldn’t last. Maybe he has decided he doesn’t want to be on the show anymore now that his boyfriend Chris is gone. His performances last night were his quickest ticket home if not for the votes of teenage girls across the country. Give it up girls he is just not interested.
Lakisha:
"Stayin' Alive"
I don't know why Lakisha bothers to ask for advice from the mentors. At this point, we all know that she is going to ignore their advice and do what she wants anyway. While I agree with the judges that it wasn't very good. It definitely wasn't the worst of the night (Blake).
"Run To Me"
I liked her dress (not to get too much into Paula territory when it comes to complementing the contestants). She definitely attended the shouting school of singing though it didn't do her much good since this was a very boring performance.
Jordin:
"To Love Somebody"
Jordin took the first round. I thought she looked and sounded beautiful which is good because...
"Woman In Love"
she attempted to take on Barbra Streisand with her second song which was really not very good. There were some definite pitch problems and she seemed to be trying to sing in too high of a key. Despite that, the final should be Jordin and Melinda. The two best singers on the show.
Prediction: Lakisha or Blake will go. Please, please, please let it be Blake.
DialIdol Results: Blake and Jordin are safe. Lakisha and Melinda are in danger of leaving. Someone needs to put an end to teenage dialing.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Idol Rant 5.2.07
Like Jordin’s mother, I grew up on Bon Jovi. I attended my first concert in 1987 at what is now Cricket Arena and saw Bon Jovi perform. The love affair with what is now referred to as the “Hair Bands” of the 80’s began. I have not missed a single Bon Jovi show in Charlotte since (we are talking 20 years worth people). I am also a huge fan of Jon. That being said, I admit that I have a hard time hearing a song that I love (and I love them all) being changed to the point that it is almost unrecognizable. This will be reflected in my review of the show (sorry Laura).
The Best: Melinda. I know it may shock some of you that I picked her when I have not held back on criticizing almost everything about her but her singing voice to this point. I imagined that she would find a way to make the song that she sung sound R&B like Lakisha. I could not have been more wrong. She not only sang well as expected but she managed to hold true to the original while actually rocking and looking great. This made her my favorite this week.
The Rest:
Phil: I had my doubts when they announced which song he was singing but he was actually pretty darn good except for a few notes. He has really improved over the past few weeks. I am a little concerned that the main line of the chorus of his song was “going down in a blaze of glory”. I hope this does not prove prophetic. Hopefully, Worsters got out the vote.
Jordin: Very gutsy song choice. This Bon Jovi song was so popular it even got a sequel. I thought the beginning was a little rocky but I was impressed with how she handled the chorus. The hair was a little wild but I kind of liked it. That’s what my hair does if I dry it. J
Lakisha: Though this is a singing competition, I would like to start with how she looked… Horrible! I know why she wouldn’t sit down to talk with Ryan. She was afraid her girdle would cut her in half. I didn’t think it was possible to make a Bon Jovi song sound R&B. Obviously, I was wrong. Believe it or not, I enjoyed the beginning before she started yelling. Although, I will admit that this was her best performance since she sang Jennifer Hudson at the beginning of the season.
Blake: My favorite Idol to hate. My first reaction was, “Oh, hell no! He has got to go!” I don’t care how musically talented he thinks he is. “Bad Name” was the most popular song of 1987, the song that launched a 20 year career for Bon Jovi and it deserves more respect that that beat boxing, jacket flapping, bad dance move performance that it got. I don’t care if the judges want to spend all week giving him a tongue bath. This was absolutely heinous. Based on the clip played before the performance, Jon seemed to agree with me. Ugh! And who dyes their hair to match their shirt? Lame!
Chris: I really liked this performance in spite of a few bad notes. He sounds much better (less nasally) when he projects his voice and belts it out. However, there is no excuse for forgetting the most significant line of “Dead or Alive”. Simon seemed determined to pick the Idols tonight. Chris and Phil did not deserve the harsh criticism that he heaped on them. He is obviously trying to steer public opinion to get the result that he wants for the finale.
Prediction: Lakisha would have been eliminated last week if the producers hadn’t decided to play nice for charity. So, I am picking Lakisha and Chris to go home, however, if it was Lakisha and Blake that would be AWESOME!!!!!
DialIdol Results
Safe: Jordin and Blake
In Danger of being sent home: Phil, Melinda, Lakisha and Chris
The Best: Melinda. I know it may shock some of you that I picked her when I have not held back on criticizing almost everything about her but her singing voice to this point. I imagined that she would find a way to make the song that she sung sound R&B like Lakisha. I could not have been more wrong. She not only sang well as expected but she managed to hold true to the original while actually rocking and looking great. This made her my favorite this week.
The Rest:
Phil: I had my doubts when they announced which song he was singing but he was actually pretty darn good except for a few notes. He has really improved over the past few weeks. I am a little concerned that the main line of the chorus of his song was “going down in a blaze of glory”. I hope this does not prove prophetic. Hopefully, Worsters got out the vote.
Jordin: Very gutsy song choice. This Bon Jovi song was so popular it even got a sequel. I thought the beginning was a little rocky but I was impressed with how she handled the chorus. The hair was a little wild but I kind of liked it. That’s what my hair does if I dry it. J
Lakisha: Though this is a singing competition, I would like to start with how she looked… Horrible! I know why she wouldn’t sit down to talk with Ryan. She was afraid her girdle would cut her in half. I didn’t think it was possible to make a Bon Jovi song sound R&B. Obviously, I was wrong. Believe it or not, I enjoyed the beginning before she started yelling. Although, I will admit that this was her best performance since she sang Jennifer Hudson at the beginning of the season.
Blake: My favorite Idol to hate. My first reaction was, “Oh, hell no! He has got to go!” I don’t care how musically talented he thinks he is. “Bad Name” was the most popular song of 1987, the song that launched a 20 year career for Bon Jovi and it deserves more respect that that beat boxing, jacket flapping, bad dance move performance that it got. I don’t care if the judges want to spend all week giving him a tongue bath. This was absolutely heinous. Based on the clip played before the performance, Jon seemed to agree with me. Ugh! And who dyes their hair to match their shirt? Lame!
Chris: I really liked this performance in spite of a few bad notes. He sounds much better (less nasally) when he projects his voice and belts it out. However, there is no excuse for forgetting the most significant line of “Dead or Alive”. Simon seemed determined to pick the Idols tonight. Chris and Phil did not deserve the harsh criticism that he heaped on them. He is obviously trying to steer public opinion to get the result that he wants for the finale.
Prediction: Lakisha would have been eliminated last week if the producers hadn’t decided to play nice for charity. So, I am picking Lakisha and Chris to go home, however, if it was Lakisha and Blake that would be AWESOME!!!!!
DialIdol Results
Safe: Jordin and Blake
In Danger of being sent home: Phil, Melinda, Lakisha and Chris
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