Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Top 6 - Shania Twain Week
Shania Twain week offered a few surprises for me. A contestant that I didn't think could ever do any wrong had a mis-step and another that I was done with impressed me with his performance. Maybe this season isn't as easy to predict as I thought it was.
Lee: ("You're Still The One") Shania was right when she encouraged Lee to start with the almost acoustic verse. Unlike the judges, I enjoyed the beginning and ending better than the middle (on which he was shouting a little) but I enjoyed him overall.
Big Mike: ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing") I completely left Mike off of my review last week so I guess I wasn't overly impressed (and neither were most of you because only 3 people caught it and brought it to my attention). I wasn't all that impressed this week either. It wasn't all that special before he ended with the dreaded falsetto note which is guaranteed to get you on my Worst list. I was also offended on behalf of Luther Vandross when Ellen and Simon compared Mike to him. He wished that he had even a portion of Luther's talent and vocals. Please do me a favor and hit the road this week.
Casey: ("Don't") My favorite performance of the night. I had written Casey off but he is just so darned good when playing the acoustic and singing from the heart ("Jealous Guy") and he even left out the goat!
Crystal: ("No One Needs To Know Right Now") I didn't get her performance this week. It started wrong and never got on track. I still love Crystal but this just wasn't for her and was all over the place. I must give a shout out to someone that I know who has done a much better job with this song on an amateur level... Leslie Netta back when she was still Leslie Starnes. :)
Aaron: ("It's In The Way You Love Me") Aaron was solid this week because he stuck to a song that is perfect for him. It was also really sweet that he was singing it for his Mom for all she has done for him.
Siobhan: ("Any Man of Mine") I had high hopes for this one but it just couldn't live up to my expectations. It was all over the place and the screech followed by the bad note was almost a perfect ending to the disaster that was this performance.
The Best
Casey
Lee
Aaron
The Worst
Mike
Siobhan
Crystal
I hope that Big Mike gets the boot on the results show this week. The producers owe me the result that I want in payment for having to sit through 2 performances by the worst singer in country music, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. Another thing, how in the world did Shakira end up performing on the results show for country week? She is many things but she is not country.
Lee: ("You're Still The One") Shania was right when she encouraged Lee to start with the almost acoustic verse. Unlike the judges, I enjoyed the beginning and ending better than the middle (on which he was shouting a little) but I enjoyed him overall.
Big Mike: ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing") I completely left Mike off of my review last week so I guess I wasn't overly impressed (and neither were most of you because only 3 people caught it and brought it to my attention). I wasn't all that impressed this week either. It wasn't all that special before he ended with the dreaded falsetto note which is guaranteed to get you on my Worst list. I was also offended on behalf of Luther Vandross when Ellen and Simon compared Mike to him. He wished that he had even a portion of Luther's talent and vocals. Please do me a favor and hit the road this week.
Casey: ("Don't") My favorite performance of the night. I had written Casey off but he is just so darned good when playing the acoustic and singing from the heart ("Jealous Guy") and he even left out the goat!
Crystal: ("No One Needs To Know Right Now") I didn't get her performance this week. It started wrong and never got on track. I still love Crystal but this just wasn't for her and was all over the place. I must give a shout out to someone that I know who has done a much better job with this song on an amateur level... Leslie Netta back when she was still Leslie Starnes. :)
Aaron: ("It's In The Way You Love Me") Aaron was solid this week because he stuck to a song that is perfect for him. It was also really sweet that he was singing it for his Mom for all she has done for him.
Siobhan: ("Any Man of Mine") I had high hopes for this one but it just couldn't live up to my expectations. It was all over the place and the screech followed by the bad note was almost a perfect ending to the disaster that was this performance.
The Best
Casey
Lee
Aaron
The Worst
Mike
Siobhan
Crystal
I hope that Big Mike gets the boot on the results show this week. The producers owe me the result that I want in payment for having to sit through 2 performances by the worst singer in country music, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. Another thing, how in the world did Shakira end up performing on the results show for country week? She is many things but she is not country.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Top 7 - Songs That Are Supposed To Inspire Us
This theme week is usually pretty lame each season and this year did not give us anything that we weren't expecting. Someone needs to completely overhaul the themes for this show before it completely self destructs (oh, wait. I think that has already gotten a pretty good start.) We need new themes people! Watching the Madonna episode of Glee last night made me long for a Material Girl theme week. :)
Casey James: ("Don't Stop" - Fleetwood Mac) Casey was consistent this week. He has definitely settled in to what he is going to do and doesn't really seem all that interested in what the judges have to say anymore. It was a decent performance, I guess, but nothing special. Tim will save him this week.
Lee DeWyze: ("The Boxer" - Simon & Garfunkel) A couple of bad notes but really pretty good overall. He has grown week to week and I felt he connected more this week with the audience. I would buy a cd from him. :)
Tim Urban: ("Better Days" - Goo Goo Dolls) The first half was very rough and all over the place but Tim got a little better about half way through. I thought that Aaron was going to do Tim a favor and throw himself on the going home spike with "I Believe I Can Fly" but...
Aaron Kelly: ("I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly) I must admit that I am not a fan of this song or the original recording artist. I detest it actually. When I saw the song spoiler list, I thought this was it for Aaron but he surprised me. There were some wonky notes but that is expected with this kind of song. He may be in the bottom 3 but I don't think he will get sent home.
Siobhan Magnus: ("When You Believe" - Whitney/Mariah) I am not a fan of this song, or the movie that it is from, either. I thought that Siobhan took a large step towards getting her act together this week. She has been off since the Chaka Khan song and has been stumbling around trying to find her way. The notes were good so I am confused as to why the judges found her lacking.
Crystal Bowersox: ("People Get Ready" - The Impressions ) Crystal returned to the pimp spot this week for which I was prepared to criticize the producers. Needless to say she deserved the pimp spot and didn't waste her opportunity. The acoustic opening was beautiful and she maintained that feeling throughout the song to the end when she lost it and tried to make all of us cry along with her. Wonderful!
The Best
Crystal, Siobhan, Lee
The Worst
Tim
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Mike
Casey James: ("Don't Stop" - Fleetwood Mac) Casey was consistent this week. He has definitely settled in to what he is going to do and doesn't really seem all that interested in what the judges have to say anymore. It was a decent performance, I guess, but nothing special. Tim will save him this week.
Lee DeWyze: ("The Boxer" - Simon & Garfunkel) A couple of bad notes but really pretty good overall. He has grown week to week and I felt he connected more this week with the audience. I would buy a cd from him. :)
Tim Urban: ("Better Days" - Goo Goo Dolls) The first half was very rough and all over the place but Tim got a little better about half way through. I thought that Aaron was going to do Tim a favor and throw himself on the going home spike with "I Believe I Can Fly" but...
Aaron Kelly: ("I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly) I must admit that I am not a fan of this song or the original recording artist. I detest it actually. When I saw the song spoiler list, I thought this was it for Aaron but he surprised me. There were some wonky notes but that is expected with this kind of song. He may be in the bottom 3 but I don't think he will get sent home.
Siobhan Magnus: ("When You Believe" - Whitney/Mariah) I am not a fan of this song, or the movie that it is from, either. I thought that Siobhan took a large step towards getting her act together this week. She has been off since the Chaka Khan song and has been stumbling around trying to find her way. The notes were good so I am confused as to why the judges found her lacking.
Crystal Bowersox: ("People Get Ready" - The Impressions ) Crystal returned to the pimp spot this week for which I was prepared to criticize the producers. Needless to say she deserved the pimp spot and didn't waste her opportunity. The acoustic opening was beautiful and she maintained that feeling throughout the song to the end when she lost it and tried to make all of us cry along with her. Wonderful!
The Best
Crystal, Siobhan, Lee
The Worst
Tim
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Mike
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Top 9 Part Deux - Elvis
I have been dreading the show this week since the Screech mentoring session rumors started. Adam didn't blow me away as a judge but he had better advice then Gwen Stefani. See, I can be nice to him. Now, if only we didn't have to sit through one of his performances on the results show. Ugh!
Crystal Bowersox: ("Saved") I got home late and missed Crystal's performance so I am judging her based only upon the recap from the end of the show. It seemed pretty good, more of the same. I think I would have preferred it if she had chosen a different song this week. Elvis had a ton of hit songs -- I don't know why she couldn't have found something else.
Andrew Garcia: ("Hound Dog") First, Ryan should stop asking him questions prior to his performances as he just doesn't have anything interesting to say. This boring, toneless version of the song didn't do Andrew any favors. It granted him a place as one of the two contestants to go. I am more than ready to say goodbye.
Tim Urban: ("Can't Help Falling In Love") Timmeh! Wow! Timmy has just about completely won me over. He has been so much better for the past two weeks while playing the guitar. He should never perform without it again. I have almost been able to put "Apologize" out of my memory. Almost. I also applaud Tim for not taking Screech's advice about the falsetto at the end. The falsetto should always be left out of a performance. Go Timmeh!
Lee DeWyze: ("A Little Less Conversation") I loved the acoustic start. Lee was very solid this week -- one of his best and one of my favorites this season.
Aaron Kelly: ("Blue Suede Shoes") I appreciate that Aaron attempted to step out of his ballad comfort zone this week but even he knew that it really didn't work. Aaron may be too young and inexperienced for Idol. He hasn't grown week over week and just doesn't have what it takes to stick around. He will more than likely join Andrew in going home this week.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Suspicious Minds") There is no arguing that Siobhan is a talented singer with a beautiful voice but she seems to be struggling to pull together a completely wonderful performance of the right song. The beginning of this was not very good but it got much better towards the middle (even with the scream). Not my favorite from her but much better than her Chaka Khan from a few weeks ago.
Michael Lynche: ("In The Ghetto") Siobhan helped Mike find this song which he seemed to have never heard before. I am not sure how that is possible but whatever. She should have kept it for herself. The beginning of the song was okay until he busted out the falsetto and I lost interest. Like Tim, he should only perform with a guitar on all future performances.
Katie Stevens: ("Baby What Do You Want Me To Do") I was not impressed. There were worse performers than Katie which may save her for another week but I am over her and ready for her to go. She should be thanking Andrew and Aaron for hooking her up this week.
Casey James: ("Lawdy Miss Clawdy") Casey did not take advantage of the pimp spot this week. His performance was nothing special and he brought back the goat vibrato which I decided it just unacceptable if he is not singing softly. He won't be in danger of being sent home because he is "cute" but he can't get by on that forever.
The Best
Tim (!), Lee
The Worst
Andrew, Aaron, Katie
The Rest
Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Casey
Crystal Bowersox: ("Saved") I got home late and missed Crystal's performance so I am judging her based only upon the recap from the end of the show. It seemed pretty good, more of the same. I think I would have preferred it if she had chosen a different song this week. Elvis had a ton of hit songs -- I don't know why she couldn't have found something else.
Andrew Garcia: ("Hound Dog") First, Ryan should stop asking him questions prior to his performances as he just doesn't have anything interesting to say. This boring, toneless version of the song didn't do Andrew any favors. It granted him a place as one of the two contestants to go. I am more than ready to say goodbye.
Tim Urban: ("Can't Help Falling In Love") Timmeh! Wow! Timmy has just about completely won me over. He has been so much better for the past two weeks while playing the guitar. He should never perform without it again. I have almost been able to put "Apologize" out of my memory. Almost. I also applaud Tim for not taking Screech's advice about the falsetto at the end. The falsetto should always be left out of a performance. Go Timmeh!
Lee DeWyze: ("A Little Less Conversation") I loved the acoustic start. Lee was very solid this week -- one of his best and one of my favorites this season.
Aaron Kelly: ("Blue Suede Shoes") I appreciate that Aaron attempted to step out of his ballad comfort zone this week but even he knew that it really didn't work. Aaron may be too young and inexperienced for Idol. He hasn't grown week over week and just doesn't have what it takes to stick around. He will more than likely join Andrew in going home this week.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Suspicious Minds") There is no arguing that Siobhan is a talented singer with a beautiful voice but she seems to be struggling to pull together a completely wonderful performance of the right song. The beginning of this was not very good but it got much better towards the middle (even with the scream). Not my favorite from her but much better than her Chaka Khan from a few weeks ago.
Michael Lynche: ("In The Ghetto") Siobhan helped Mike find this song which he seemed to have never heard before. I am not sure how that is possible but whatever. She should have kept it for herself. The beginning of the song was okay until he busted out the falsetto and I lost interest. Like Tim, he should only perform with a guitar on all future performances.
Katie Stevens: ("Baby What Do You Want Me To Do") I was not impressed. There were worse performers than Katie which may save her for another week but I am over her and ready for her to go. She should be thanking Andrew and Aaron for hooking her up this week.
Casey James: ("Lawdy Miss Clawdy") Casey did not take advantage of the pimp spot this week. His performance was nothing special and he brought back the goat vibrato which I decided it just unacceptable if he is not singing softly. He won't be in danger of being sent home because he is "cute" but he can't get by on that forever.
The Best
Tim (!), Lee
The Worst
Andrew, Aaron, Katie
The Rest
Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Casey
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Top 9 - Lennon/McCartney Songbook
Lennon/McCartney week once again. With some exceptions this was a much better week for Idol overall. There were more good performances this week then we have had yet. Maybe there is a glimmer of hope for this season after all.
Aaron Kelly: ("The Long and Winding Road") Aaron continued with his usual routine. Ballad, ballad, boring ballad. Aaron seems to be losing his way and should find himself in the bottom 3 this week.
Katie Stevens: ("Let It Be") Unlike Aaron, Katie changed it up some. It was better than she usually is but it was still pretty boring. I don't know who is dressing the contestants this year but her outfit was a cross of Stephanie Tanner (Full House) and I Dream of Jeannie. Not good.
Andrew Garcia: ("Can't Buy Me Love") Andrew continued to attempt to dig himself out of the hole he has been in since the Top 24 but he fell a little short. At least it didn't put me to sleep. Poor Andrew just doesn't have a good enough voice for this kind of competition but his fans are keeping him in it.
Mike Lynche: ("Elinor Rigby") Over singing and corny hand gestures were back. Boo! This is David Cook's song. Mike just didn't measure up. He needs look back at his performance from last week if he wants to improve.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Come Together") Crystal continues to coast to the finale. There isn't anyone else that can really touch her at this point when it comes to being comfortable on stage and putting heart and soul into a song.
Tim Urban: ("All My Lovin'") This was Tim's best performance so far. I was actually surprised. He is much better when playing the guitar because it hides the deer in the headlight stare that he usually has. He should make it at least a few more weeks based on his competition.
Casey James: ("Jealous Guy") Casey let the guitar take a back seat to his vocals this week with great results. He leaned a little too much on the vibrato but this was my favorite performance from him so far this season.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Across The Universe") Very subdued performance but her voice was beautiful and flawless (and she left out the scream!). Keep it up, Siobhan!
Lee DeWyze: ("Hey Jude") Lee continues to improve week after week. He was much more confident and it came through with stronger vocals during his performance. I do agree with Simon though that he should have left out the bagpipes.
The Best
Casey, Crystal, and Siobhan
The Worst
Aaron, Andrew, Big Mike
The Rest
Katie, Tim, Lee
DialIdol Results It looks like DialIdol has finally gotten it together and they are predicting that Crystal and Lee are the only contestants that are safe. Andrew, Tim, and Aaron will be be in the bottom three if they are right.
Results Show and Next Weeks Mentor - Okay, Idol producers. We all know how the machine works at this point and we have resigned ourselves to sitting through an hour long results show for 5 minutes of actual results but you owe us better than what we have been getting this season. Cut the cheesy lip-synch o-rama that the contestants go through each Wednesday. We are not interested. Also, it is hypocritical of you to pass judgment on any of the contestants, no matter how bad they are, and then traipse out a bunch of no talent lackeys in front of them each week for a "performance". Kesha, Usher, Miley, and Orianthi are the bad performances that I can remember off of the top of my head. Only the former Idols have really been decent so far and they are thrown to the beginning of the show (and are forced to sing a song that is not their own) like it is an obligation that the producers must get through to move on with the show. Maybe if you would bring on people that can actually sing and perform these kids would get the idea. On that note, they are bringing back Adam Lambert as the mentor next week. WHAT?!?!?! This is absolutely ridiculous. They continue to pimp him even though he... DIDN"T WIN and HAS NOT HAD HUGE SUCCESS. If you are going to bring back an Idol to mentor the kids why not find someone that has moved on to an actual career consisting of more than one hit song and album. Dare I suggest Carrie Underwood, Daughtry or even Kellie Pickler? Nope, they must pimp Adam (even though they won't acknowledge Kris Allen) because they are still determined to make him a star. No matter what the public thinks. Guess what, Powers That Be? He is not going to be a huge star. His fade from fame started the minute Season 8 ended (and is why his performances since have been desperately "wicked" in an attempt to get some publicity). Next week will be absolutely painful no matter the theme.
Aaron Kelly: ("The Long and Winding Road") Aaron continued with his usual routine. Ballad, ballad, boring ballad. Aaron seems to be losing his way and should find himself in the bottom 3 this week.
Katie Stevens: ("Let It Be") Unlike Aaron, Katie changed it up some. It was better than she usually is but it was still pretty boring. I don't know who is dressing the contestants this year but her outfit was a cross of Stephanie Tanner (Full House) and I Dream of Jeannie. Not good.
Andrew Garcia: ("Can't Buy Me Love") Andrew continued to attempt to dig himself out of the hole he has been in since the Top 24 but he fell a little short. At least it didn't put me to sleep. Poor Andrew just doesn't have a good enough voice for this kind of competition but his fans are keeping him in it.
Mike Lynche: ("Elinor Rigby") Over singing and corny hand gestures were back. Boo! This is David Cook's song. Mike just didn't measure up. He needs look back at his performance from last week if he wants to improve.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Come Together") Crystal continues to coast to the finale. There isn't anyone else that can really touch her at this point when it comes to being comfortable on stage and putting heart and soul into a song.
Tim Urban: ("All My Lovin'") This was Tim's best performance so far. I was actually surprised. He is much better when playing the guitar because it hides the deer in the headlight stare that he usually has. He should make it at least a few more weeks based on his competition.
Casey James: ("Jealous Guy") Casey let the guitar take a back seat to his vocals this week with great results. He leaned a little too much on the vibrato but this was my favorite performance from him so far this season.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Across The Universe") Very subdued performance but her voice was beautiful and flawless (and she left out the scream!). Keep it up, Siobhan!
Lee DeWyze: ("Hey Jude") Lee continues to improve week after week. He was much more confident and it came through with stronger vocals during his performance. I do agree with Simon though that he should have left out the bagpipes.
The Best
Casey, Crystal, and Siobhan
The Worst
Aaron, Andrew, Big Mike
The Rest
Katie, Tim, Lee
DialIdol Results It looks like DialIdol has finally gotten it together and they are predicting that Crystal and Lee are the only contestants that are safe. Andrew, Tim, and Aaron will be be in the bottom three if they are right.
Results Show and Next Weeks Mentor - Okay, Idol producers. We all know how the machine works at this point and we have resigned ourselves to sitting through an hour long results show for 5 minutes of actual results but you owe us better than what we have been getting this season. Cut the cheesy lip-synch o-rama that the contestants go through each Wednesday. We are not interested. Also, it is hypocritical of you to pass judgment on any of the contestants, no matter how bad they are, and then traipse out a bunch of no talent lackeys in front of them each week for a "performance". Kesha, Usher, Miley, and Orianthi are the bad performances that I can remember off of the top of my head. Only the former Idols have really been decent so far and they are thrown to the beginning of the show (and are forced to sing a song that is not their own) like it is an obligation that the producers must get through to move on with the show. Maybe if you would bring on people that can actually sing and perform these kids would get the idea. On that note, they are bringing back Adam Lambert as the mentor next week. WHAT?!?!?! This is absolutely ridiculous. They continue to pimp him even though he... DIDN"T WIN and HAS NOT HAD HUGE SUCCESS. If you are going to bring back an Idol to mentor the kids why not find someone that has moved on to an actual career consisting of more than one hit song and album. Dare I suggest Carrie Underwood, Daughtry or even Kellie Pickler? Nope, they must pimp Adam (even though they won't acknowledge Kris Allen) because they are still determined to make him a star. No matter what the public thinks. Guess what, Powers That Be? He is not going to be a huge star. His fade from fame started the minute Season 8 ended (and is why his performances since have been desperately "wicked" in an attempt to get some publicity). Next week will be absolutely painful no matter the theme.
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