Queen Songs
Not sure that I was a fan of the medley that started the show. There were some good moments but overall it was kind of a hot mess (except for Elise and Skylar).
Jessica - "Bohemian Rhapsody": I did not care for the arrangement of the song. I know that they had to fit it into 90 seconds but the transition to the "rock" part of the song was rough and she was off with the background singers and the music a couple of times during that portion.
Skylar - "The Show Must Go On": To quote Steven, "that was fabulous". Best performance of the first round of the show. Hands down.
Joshua - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love": Joshua screamed and screeched his way through this one and I wasn't loving it. To be fair, he was at a definite disadvantage with the theme this week. I was very confused why he got a standing ovation and Skylar didn't. Guess we know who the judges really want to make the finale. I am going to attempt to not let their pimping cause me to dislike him. Their evil ploy could misfire and cause a backlash that will get him booted from the show.
Elise - "I Want It All": This was in Elise's wheel house. She is always really good when performing a pure rock song. Funny how even though this is, according to Randy, her best performance to date she didn't even get within spitting distance of an ovation from the judges.
Phillip - "Fat Bottomed Girls": Is it wrong to say that I preferred Bucky Covington's version (even though it got him kicked off)?
Hollie - "Save Me": Is this irony or a prayer request? Since she has been the recipient of much hateration over the past few weeks, I hope it was a prayer request. It doesn't matter how well she sang the song, the judges know that she has got to go and they made sure that we know it as well. It annoys me that Jlo spends so much time talking about singing when that is not really what she is known for.
Contestant Choice
Jessica - "Dance With My Father" (Luther Vandross): I totally thought Joshua was going to sing this song and I kind of wish that he had. It was a strong vocal, I suppose, but I still feel kind of, eh, when it comes to Jessica.
Skylar - "Tattoos on This Town" (Jason Aldean): Given how much I love Jason Aldean, I had high hopes for this one. Skylar deliver another strong performance. Go Skylar!
Joshua - "Ready for Love" (India.Arie): Much better than his first song! This performance actually deserved a standing O (not sure about calling the audience to their feet though) A LOT more than his first one. If the judges aren't careful, the backlash will start this week which would be a shame.
Elise - "Bold As Love" (Jimi Hendrix): I thought Elise killed this song (in the good way). Not sure what the judges, except for Jlo who was having a moment of clarity, were listening to but this was Elise's second strong performance of the night.
Phillip - "The Stone" (Dave Matthews Band): Don't worry Ryan, P Squared is not trying to steal your girl (though she is in his age group). Solid DMB cover and great job being hilarious during the video clips.
Hollie - "The Climb" (Miley Cyrus): OMG, I almost fell out of my chair. Hollie got a standing O? What kind of reverse psychology is that? It was all deserved because she was awesome with this one but I didn't think that she would ever feel the love from them again since they have been over her for weeks now.
Best - Skylar and Elise
Worst - Jessica and Joshua (Queen songs)
Should Go Home - Based on tonight... Jessica or Joshua
Will Go Home - Probably Hollie or Elise
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Season 11 - Top 7 Again (Now and Then)
NOW
Hollie - "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele): Redemption for Hollie this week. After the undeserved bloodbath from the judges last week, she came back swinging with strong vocals and a much more comfortable stage presence. I am still not sure about the wardrobe though. Who is helping these girls dress?
Colton - "Bad Romance" (Lady Gaga): I am not sure about the rearrangement of the song and there were not really any dynamics to it. I know that it was supposed to be "risky" since he took on a song from a female performer but it ended up coming across as safe. It doesn't matter though because he will keep on cruising through the competition. Have I mentioned yet that his lack of a top lip is annoying me?
Elise - "No One" (Alicia Keys): Solid vocals on this one. Like Randy, I was glad that she didn't feel the need to run all over the song like she usually does. The wind machine went from looking cool to being overkill but I don't blame her for that. Why did Ryan feel the need to try to make her, and me, cry about her dog?
P Squared - "U Got It Bad" (Usher): I got it bad for Phil. I am a full fledged, unashamed member of the P2 fan club. He is making a mini career out of taking songs from artists that I don't like and making those songs enjoyable for me. I will be downloading this one, for sure. Leesburg, GA has another hot one, y'all.
Jessica - "Fallin'" (Alicia Keys): What in the world was that thing around her neck? I was so distracted by her necklace that she had already sung four lines of the song before I even noticed that she was singing. Once again, she sang well but I still don't fell a connection to her when she sings for some reason.
Skylar - "Born This Way" (Lady Gaga): Miss Skylar put the Mississippi stank on Lady Gaga. Awesome! :)
Joshua - "I Believe: (Fantasia): I love Joshua and he is a phenomenal singer. No one performs this on like Fantasia, who felt every song all the way down to her toes, but Joshua gave a great emotional performance tonight.
THEN
Hollie - "Son of a Preacher Man" (Dusty Springfield): When I saw the song spoilers today, I was hoping that Skylar was going to sing this one. Hollie was not very good one this one. The Powers That Be must be afraid that slamming Hollie will get Jessica kicked off again this week so they felt the need to lavish her with praise.
Colton - "September" (Earth Wind & Fire): Colton must want to go home to choose DeAndre's song like that. The rooster was not very good. I am sure that the tweens will keep him out of the bottom three though.
Elise - "Let's Get It On" (Marvin Gaye): I liked this better when she was sitting on the couch. It kind of fell apart for me once she stood up.
P Squared - "The Midnight Hour" (Wilson Pickett): Woot woot! Phil Phil is in it to win it dawg! ...And he is so dang cute when he is blushing because of Jlo's comments. Stephen pegged it perfectly. He is brilliantly awkward. :)
Jessica - "Try A Little Tenderness" (Otis Redding): I so wanted Joshua to sing this one so I started off disappointed.
Skylar - "Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Marvin Gaye): I don't want to sound like one of the judges but this girl is ready right now!
Joshua - "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke): Thank you Joshua Ledet for kicking Adam Lambert's booty with your performance of this tonight.
Bottom 3 Prediction: Elise, Colton and Jessica
Who Should Go Home: Colton or Elise
Who Will Go Home: Elise or Hollie
Hollie - "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele): Redemption for Hollie this week. After the undeserved bloodbath from the judges last week, she came back swinging with strong vocals and a much more comfortable stage presence. I am still not sure about the wardrobe though. Who is helping these girls dress?
Colton - "Bad Romance" (Lady Gaga): I am not sure about the rearrangement of the song and there were not really any dynamics to it. I know that it was supposed to be "risky" since he took on a song from a female performer but it ended up coming across as safe. It doesn't matter though because he will keep on cruising through the competition. Have I mentioned yet that his lack of a top lip is annoying me?
Elise - "No One" (Alicia Keys): Solid vocals on this one. Like Randy, I was glad that she didn't feel the need to run all over the song like she usually does. The wind machine went from looking cool to being overkill but I don't blame her for that. Why did Ryan feel the need to try to make her, and me, cry about her dog?
P Squared - "U Got It Bad" (Usher): I got it bad for Phil. I am a full fledged, unashamed member of the P2 fan club. He is making a mini career out of taking songs from artists that I don't like and making those songs enjoyable for me. I will be downloading this one, for sure. Leesburg, GA has another hot one, y'all.
Jessica - "Fallin'" (Alicia Keys): What in the world was that thing around her neck? I was so distracted by her necklace that she had already sung four lines of the song before I even noticed that she was singing. Once again, she sang well but I still don't fell a connection to her when she sings for some reason.
Skylar - "Born This Way" (Lady Gaga): Miss Skylar put the Mississippi stank on Lady Gaga. Awesome! :)
Joshua - "I Believe: (Fantasia): I love Joshua and he is a phenomenal singer. No one performs this on like Fantasia, who felt every song all the way down to her toes, but Joshua gave a great emotional performance tonight.
THEN
Hollie - "Son of a Preacher Man" (Dusty Springfield): When I saw the song spoilers today, I was hoping that Skylar was going to sing this one. Hollie was not very good one this one. The Powers That Be must be afraid that slamming Hollie will get Jessica kicked off again this week so they felt the need to lavish her with praise.
Colton - "September" (Earth Wind & Fire): Colton must want to go home to choose DeAndre's song like that. The rooster was not very good. I am sure that the tweens will keep him out of the bottom three though.
Elise - "Let's Get It On" (Marvin Gaye): I liked this better when she was sitting on the couch. It kind of fell apart for me once she stood up.
P Squared - "The Midnight Hour" (Wilson Pickett): Woot woot! Phil Phil is in it to win it dawg! ...And he is so dang cute when he is blushing because of Jlo's comments. Stephen pegged it perfectly. He is brilliantly awkward. :)
Jessica - "Try A Little Tenderness" (Otis Redding): I so wanted Joshua to sing this one so I started off disappointed.
Skylar - "Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Marvin Gaye): I don't want to sound like one of the judges but this girl is ready right now!
Joshua - "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke): Thank you Joshua Ledet for kicking Adam Lambert's booty with your performance of this tonight.
Bottom 3 Prediction: Elise, Colton and Jessica
Who Should Go Home: Colton or Elise
Who Will Go Home: Elise or Hollie
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Season 11 - Top 7: Songs from this Decade
This week I am only giving a quick note on each performance. Sorry guys! Don't know what is wrong with me this season but I am just not that into it. Maybe it is the blatant manipulation each week but I am definitely not as into it this year as I usually am.
Skylar - "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" (Kellie Pickler): Skylar killed this song. What a great way to start the show.
Colton - "I Love The Way You Lie" (Skylar Grey): This was not very good to me. He was singing through his nose again this week and, to be honest, it was a litte whiny.
Elise and Phillip - "Someone I Used To Know" (Gotye): I loved this.
Jessica - "Stuttering" (Jazmine Sullivan): Didn't really do anything for me. She needs to work on enunciating her words and not just making noises when she sings.
Joshua - "Runaway Baby" (Bruno Mars): This was Joshua's best performance of the season for me. I am so glad that he didn't "take it to church" this week.
Skylar and Colton: "Don't You Want To Stay" (Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson): I don't know why the powers that be insist on putting these two together for duets. I just don't think that they blend well. Colton's voice is too soft and he is drowned out by the power of Skylar's voice. Not that it is always a bad thing since it covers up the nasally whine of Colton's voice.
Hollie - "Perfect" (Pink): I thought Hollie redeemed herself this week. I love Pink and this song and she did a good job with it. Nigel's memo is that she has to go so she got the "you look beautiful" treatment.
P Squared - "Get A Little More" (Maroon 5): As someone who detests the music of Maroon 5 and thinks that Adam Levine can't sing, I was not familiar with this song. While I avoid all things Maroon 5, I would listen to his version. :) Jlo and her posse disagree with me. I don't know what game the judges are playing but I don't like it and if this is how the show is going to be then I won't need to watch it next year.
Hollie, Joshua and Jessica - "Stronger" (Kelly Clarkson): I hope that Joshua's fans throw Hollie some love this week since they are best friends. Jessica is never good when singing with someone else and she wasn't good with this either.
Elise - "You and I" (Lady Gaga): This was a big risk for Elise since Haley killed this song last year. She technically sang it okay but it paled in comparison to what Haley had done and for that reason she should have picked something else. Nigel must want Elise to make it through to next week. What is interesting is how the judges slammed this song as not being very good last year when Haley sang it but this year it is a "great" song. Whatever.
Best
Skylar and Joshua
Worst
Colton, Jessica and Elise
Should Go Home: It will never happen but I vote for Colton. After him, it would be Elise based on this week's performances.
Will Go Home: Hollie
Skylar - "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" (Kellie Pickler): Skylar killed this song. What a great way to start the show.
Colton - "I Love The Way You Lie" (Skylar Grey): This was not very good to me. He was singing through his nose again this week and, to be honest, it was a litte whiny.
Elise and Phillip - "Someone I Used To Know" (Gotye): I loved this.
Jessica - "Stuttering" (Jazmine Sullivan): Didn't really do anything for me. She needs to work on enunciating her words and not just making noises when she sings.
Joshua - "Runaway Baby" (Bruno Mars): This was Joshua's best performance of the season for me. I am so glad that he didn't "take it to church" this week.
Skylar and Colton: "Don't You Want To Stay" (Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson): I don't know why the powers that be insist on putting these two together for duets. I just don't think that they blend well. Colton's voice is too soft and he is drowned out by the power of Skylar's voice. Not that it is always a bad thing since it covers up the nasally whine of Colton's voice.
Hollie - "Perfect" (Pink): I thought Hollie redeemed herself this week. I love Pink and this song and she did a good job with it. Nigel's memo is that she has to go so she got the "you look beautiful" treatment.
P Squared - "Get A Little More" (Maroon 5): As someone who detests the music of Maroon 5 and thinks that Adam Levine can't sing, I was not familiar with this song. While I avoid all things Maroon 5, I would listen to his version. :) Jlo and her posse disagree with me. I don't know what game the judges are playing but I don't like it and if this is how the show is going to be then I won't need to watch it next year.
Hollie, Joshua and Jessica - "Stronger" (Kelly Clarkson): I hope that Joshua's fans throw Hollie some love this week since they are best friends. Jessica is never good when singing with someone else and she wasn't good with this either.
Elise - "You and I" (Lady Gaga): This was a big risk for Elise since Haley killed this song last year. She technically sang it okay but it paled in comparison to what Haley had done and for that reason she should have picked something else. Nigel must want Elise to make it through to next week. What is interesting is how the judges slammed this song as not being very good last year when Haley sang it but this year it is a "great" song. Whatever.
Best
Skylar and Joshua
Worst
Colton, Jessica and Elise
Should Go Home: It will never happen but I vote for Colton. After him, it would be Elise based on this week's performances.
Will Go Home: Hollie
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Season 11 - Top 8: Songs of the 80's
Tonight's show was a difficult thing for me. The scripted pimping of contestants was at its most obvious this week and it was really wearing on my nerves. I thought TPTB wanted a girl to win this year? You wouldn't know it based on how much pimping is reserved solely for the male contestants whether deserved or not. I guess they are just minions that do what Uncle Nigel tells them to do. I don't really expect any better from Randy or Jlo but Steven really disappoints me when he gives in and tows the company line.
DeAndre - "I Like It" (DeBarge): DeAndre might like it but I hated it. It checked off all the boxes on my list of things that get on my nerves. Hair flipping. Check. God Awful Falsetto. Check. Check. That "dance" that wants to be a reggae groove but looks more like he is trying to work out a wedgie without using his hands. Check. I was ready for him to go last week and that has not changed. To borrow a line from my friend, Keri... DeAndre you Bracken SUCK! (no matter what JLo says).
Elise - "I Want To Know What Love Is" (Foreigner): This just did not do it for me. I am really sad because I like her voice and any misstep will put her in danger of getting kicked off since she is already at a disadvantage as tweens are guaranteed not to vote for her. Why did she have to pick this song? When I was looking at the song spoilers and making guesses as to who would sing what, I had no idea that this even had the possibility of being so bad. May the odds be ever in my favor and the voting gods will smile down upon me and somehow rig it so that DeAndre goes home instead of Elise.
P Squared - "That's All" (Genesis): I love Phil Phil and his brother. :) This song was a little odd for me because I enjoyed it and yet was kind of scared by it at the same time. I agreed with JLo that it started a little rough but it really improved after the first couple of lines. Was I the only person that found the way Phil sang the line "be together til the end" a little disturbing? Combined with the intense stalker glare, it made me think that the end would come with me being buried in the back yard.
Am I the only one that really dug the "Run To You" Nike commercial/mini movie?
Joshua - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (Simply Red): Taking it to church is starting to get old for me. Technically there was nothing wrong with his singing but the set up prior to the performance and the choir just left a bad taste in my mouth that was multiplied by that hideous Hugh Hefner lounging coat that he was wearing. The sad thing is that no one (judges or TPTB) has the sense to lead him in the right direction which would possibly actually help him have a successful career one day.
Jessica - "How Will I Know" (Whitney Houston): This did absolutely nothing for me. I know that the judges thought it was a "another powerhouse performance" but eh. I only care for her when she sings a ballad. When she is not hitting the glory notes, her voice is nothing spectacular. The same thing happened a few weeks ago when she covered Miami Sound Machine.
Hollie - "What A Feeling" (Irene Cara): I will admit that there were some wonky notes but I thought it was better than Jessica and I didn't understand why she was burned at the stake and got the "at least you looked good" treatment. For some reason they have decided that she has got to go in order to save Jessica for the finale. It would serve them right if their little plan backfired and Jessica and DeAndre were to go before Hollie.
Colton - "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper): Colton was whiny during his duet which I attributed to him not being overly comfortable with covering Kenny Rogers. I now wonder if he is sick or something. He could not have been singing through his nose more. I don't like Gary Le Vox of Rascal Flatts for this exact reason. I haven't noticed it before so I assume that it will go away and that is why the judges didn't call him out on it this week. If I hadn't been so distracted by the odd way his nasal blockage was making him pronounce the words then I actually might have enjoyed this.
Skylar - "Wind Beneath My Wings" (Bette Midler): Good gracious! Who is the powerhouse singer among the girls? I think it is Miss Skylar Laine. Not that I want to associate with JLo when I am currently so miffed at her but that gave me goosies. She totally kicked Jessica's butt and then kicked her in the head while she was down.
Duets
Colton & Skylar - "Islands In The Stream": Skylar makes a much better Dolly than Colton's attempt at Kenny. He is just TOO whiny. Not really sure who thought that this song would be a great idea. Once they heard how bad Colton was at this they should have changed out the song.
Hollie & DeAndre - "I'm So Excited": Upbeat girly songs are Hollie's forte but it didn't help DeAndre at all. I don't blame the song. I blame the singer. Hollie was great!
Elise & P2 - "Stop Dragging My Heart Around": Redemption! I am so buying their version of this from iTunes. It was awesome from start to finish. They should quit Idol and start a duo. I would buy their record.
Jessica & Joshua - "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me": Could they have had more backup singers? This was okay but a little over the top for me.
Who Should Go Home? DEANDRE!!! Please! I can take no more.
Who Will Go Home? I am so afraid that it will be Elise or Hollie but I will be praying that it is DeAndre.
DeAndre - "I Like It" (DeBarge): DeAndre might like it but I hated it. It checked off all the boxes on my list of things that get on my nerves. Hair flipping. Check. God Awful Falsetto. Check. Check. That "dance" that wants to be a reggae groove but looks more like he is trying to work out a wedgie without using his hands. Check. I was ready for him to go last week and that has not changed. To borrow a line from my friend, Keri... DeAndre you Bracken SUCK! (no matter what JLo says).
Elise - "I Want To Know What Love Is" (Foreigner): This just did not do it for me. I am really sad because I like her voice and any misstep will put her in danger of getting kicked off since she is already at a disadvantage as tweens are guaranteed not to vote for her. Why did she have to pick this song? When I was looking at the song spoilers and making guesses as to who would sing what, I had no idea that this even had the possibility of being so bad. May the odds be ever in my favor and the voting gods will smile down upon me and somehow rig it so that DeAndre goes home instead of Elise.
P Squared - "That's All" (Genesis): I love Phil Phil and his brother. :) This song was a little odd for me because I enjoyed it and yet was kind of scared by it at the same time. I agreed with JLo that it started a little rough but it really improved after the first couple of lines. Was I the only person that found the way Phil sang the line "be together til the end" a little disturbing? Combined with the intense stalker glare, it made me think that the end would come with me being buried in the back yard.
Am I the only one that really dug the "Run To You" Nike commercial/mini movie?
Joshua - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (Simply Red): Taking it to church is starting to get old for me. Technically there was nothing wrong with his singing but the set up prior to the performance and the choir just left a bad taste in my mouth that was multiplied by that hideous Hugh Hefner lounging coat that he was wearing. The sad thing is that no one (judges or TPTB) has the sense to lead him in the right direction which would possibly actually help him have a successful career one day.
Jessica - "How Will I Know" (Whitney Houston): This did absolutely nothing for me. I know that the judges thought it was a "another powerhouse performance" but eh. I only care for her when she sings a ballad. When she is not hitting the glory notes, her voice is nothing spectacular. The same thing happened a few weeks ago when she covered Miami Sound Machine.
Hollie - "What A Feeling" (Irene Cara): I will admit that there were some wonky notes but I thought it was better than Jessica and I didn't understand why she was burned at the stake and got the "at least you looked good" treatment. For some reason they have decided that she has got to go in order to save Jessica for the finale. It would serve them right if their little plan backfired and Jessica and DeAndre were to go before Hollie.
Colton - "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper): Colton was whiny during his duet which I attributed to him not being overly comfortable with covering Kenny Rogers. I now wonder if he is sick or something. He could not have been singing through his nose more. I don't like Gary Le Vox of Rascal Flatts for this exact reason. I haven't noticed it before so I assume that it will go away and that is why the judges didn't call him out on it this week. If I hadn't been so distracted by the odd way his nasal blockage was making him pronounce the words then I actually might have enjoyed this.
Skylar - "Wind Beneath My Wings" (Bette Midler): Good gracious! Who is the powerhouse singer among the girls? I think it is Miss Skylar Laine. Not that I want to associate with JLo when I am currently so miffed at her but that gave me goosies. She totally kicked Jessica's butt and then kicked her in the head while she was down.
Duets
Colton & Skylar - "Islands In The Stream": Skylar makes a much better Dolly than Colton's attempt at Kenny. He is just TOO whiny. Not really sure who thought that this song would be a great idea. Once they heard how bad Colton was at this they should have changed out the song.
Hollie & DeAndre - "I'm So Excited": Upbeat girly songs are Hollie's forte but it didn't help DeAndre at all. I don't blame the song. I blame the singer. Hollie was great!
Elise & P2 - "Stop Dragging My Heart Around": Redemption! I am so buying their version of this from iTunes. It was awesome from start to finish. They should quit Idol and start a duo. I would buy their record.
Jessica & Joshua - "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me": Could they have had more backup singers? This was okay but a little over the top for me.
Who Should Go Home? DEANDRE!!! Please! I can take no more.
Who Will Go Home? I am so afraid that it will be Elise or Hollie but I will be praying that it is DeAndre.
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