The auditions are finally over and I, for one, couldn't be more excited!
Randy starts the night off using words like "skees" and we once again see Simon Cowell's heart isn't really made of stone!
Jorge Nunez (20) "My Way": This guy has a pretty strong voice. He's like the Puerto Rican Josh Groban... maybe a stint on broadway is the way to go. I kinda get the Marc Anthony comparison (is that dude even making music anymore?)
Will he make the Top 36: He'll make it... if not for talent for diversity factors
**What was up with Cowell's Omaha diss? (that's where Cook auditioned)
**Anyone else wondering why "The World's Most Beautiful Baby" contest was held in Michigan?
Melinda Camille (21) "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone: Her voice was okay, but she was a complete NUTJOB!
Will she make the Top 36: nah
Jackie Tohn (20) "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz: She definitely gets the award for dumbest song choice. I'll say I liked her voice A WHOLE LOT more than I actually liked her!
Will she make the Top 36: She's different... yeah
**"You've got to stop saying please" -- Simon hates a beggar!
Nick Mitchell (27) "And I Am Telling You": This guy was annoying and sung like an old jewish woman. He belongs in a one man show off Broadway (very off!)
Will he make the Top 36: Not a chance
Ashley Hollister (21) "Baby It's You": Sing out of your nose much?
Will she make the Top 36: Nope
Kenny Hoffpauer (16) "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz: I liked his tone, but not unique at all
Will he make the Top 36: Nah...
Kendall Beard (23) "The Ashes" by Martina McBride: The singing was slightly above average. Her voice actually reminded me of a less whiny Kristy Lee Cook!
Will she make the Top 36: Probably... every season needs a country singer
Monique Garcia Torres (16) "Can't Hurry Love" and "I Turn to You": Her voice isn't strong enough to compete with the other girls! Maybe after a few years... her little brother was cute though.
Will she make the Top 36: Not this time around
** Wilam Dafoe is back!!
Patricia Lewis Roman (20) "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston: She was no where near go enough! She busked her way through the song... I'd have passed!
Will she make the Top 36: No way...
** I enjoy Randy's dancing almost as much as Ryan & Simon laughing at him!!!
9 contestants from Puerto Rico, 26 from New York...
Bring on HOLLYWOOD!!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"Shiny Happy People..."
Well there was barely an Archuleta mention, but Paula did get in a plug for "High School Musical 1, 2 and 3... and probably 4, 5 and 6" Ha- Paula made a joke!
We started the night off with our very own Osmond (hey! Dancing with the Stars had one, we should too)
David Osmond (28) "Something Within Me" by Take 6: So his voice is pretty good (reminiscent of Luke Menard), he's cute, he's got "celebrity" status plus a sob story... what more could Idol want? Oh, you want commercial success too?
Will he make the Top 36? I actually think the Osmond name will hurt him with the judges.
**Best quote of the night... "You sounded like a baby" - thank you Simon Cowell for helping us all imagine what an infant singing would sound like!
**Don't we all wish we had our own "Grabbit"? No? Just me?
** Tonight's "staged or not staged" segment -- Ryan's pep-talk... once again my verdict is a big fat WHO CARES... I'd love a daily pep-talk from Mr. Seacrest!
Frankie Jordan (24) "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse: Boo! Not a Winehouse fan... not a Frankie fan! She was arrogant and marginally annoying! Oh yeah, her voice was pretty pedestrian too!
Will she make the Top 36? I certainly hope not, but every season has the chick I choose to vote against!
Megan Corkery (23) "Can't Help Lovin' That Man": She definitely had a distinct, memorable voice... and I think I liked it! She's also commercial in that edgy non-commercial sorta way! I think she's what Carly Smithson could have been without all the bad press last year! I did enjoy Simon saying she was the one he'd remember and then later asking Ryan what her name was... priceless!
Will she make the Top 36? I think Simon will fight tooth & nail for her... unless she falls apart in Hollywood
*sidenote: apparently all 20-something moms aspire to win a reality competition... how many have we seen this season?
-DAVID COOK, DAVID COOK, DAVID COOK, A Daily AntheM!!!!! Second use during Season 8! I love it!
Austin Sisneros (17) "When I Look to the Sky" by Train: My response to this kid was literally... eh. I think he could have use another year or two to find his voice!
Will he make the Top 36? I'd say no, but do the names Garrett Haley or Will Makar mean anything to you? Probably not! Idol does like their unassuming teenage contenders that never make it past the semis!
Jarrett Barnes (24) "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae: Seriously? At first I didn't even think this kid made it through until I saw him in a later montage.. oh well... let's just say I wasn't all that impressed!
Will he make the Top 36? No?
Taylor Vaifanua (16) "Joyful, Joyful": Jordin 2.0 (they said, I said.. who wouldn't say it? look at her!) I'm calling "church" singer on this one... not just because of the choice hymn, but watch her mouth while she sings... total chin-quiver! It'll annoy me all season! That being said she does have a very commerical face and natural talent, but I can't see Jive signing Jordin 2.0 when they've already got the original version!
Will she make the Top 36? Definitely...
Rose Flack (17) "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carol King: Seriously all I could focus on was how dirty her feet were... did you see them? GROSS! I guess her voice was okay... kinda the female Jason Castro! I do dig her name... totally sounds Old Hollywood glamour!
Will se make the Top 36? I don't think she'll get there on vocals... personality + story is a whole different ballgame...
Apparently tonight was like watching "AI: the new class"... same ole characters, just all new faces!
13 tickets... we saw 7!
Tomorrow night is (finally) the end of auditions! 2 hours... 2 cities... hold on to you hats! All I'm saying is... NYC and San Juan better bring it!
We started the night off with our very own Osmond (hey! Dancing with the Stars had one, we should too)
David Osmond (28) "Something Within Me" by Take 6: So his voice is pretty good (reminiscent of Luke Menard), he's cute, he's got "celebrity" status plus a sob story... what more could Idol want? Oh, you want commercial success too?
Will he make the Top 36? I actually think the Osmond name will hurt him with the judges.
**Best quote of the night... "You sounded like a baby" - thank you Simon Cowell for helping us all imagine what an infant singing would sound like!
**Don't we all wish we had our own "Grabbit"? No? Just me?
** Tonight's "staged or not staged" segment -- Ryan's pep-talk... once again my verdict is a big fat WHO CARES... I'd love a daily pep-talk from Mr. Seacrest!
Frankie Jordan (24) "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse: Boo! Not a Winehouse fan... not a Frankie fan! She was arrogant and marginally annoying! Oh yeah, her voice was pretty pedestrian too!
Will she make the Top 36? I certainly hope not, but every season has the chick I choose to vote against!
Megan Corkery (23) "Can't Help Lovin' That Man": She definitely had a distinct, memorable voice... and I think I liked it! She's also commercial in that edgy non-commercial sorta way! I think she's what Carly Smithson could have been without all the bad press last year! I did enjoy Simon saying she was the one he'd remember and then later asking Ryan what her name was... priceless!
Will she make the Top 36? I think Simon will fight tooth & nail for her... unless she falls apart in Hollywood
*sidenote: apparently all 20-something moms aspire to win a reality competition... how many have we seen this season?
-DAVID COOK, DAVID COOK, DAVID COOK, A Daily AntheM!!!!! Second use during Season 8! I love it!
Austin Sisneros (17) "When I Look to the Sky" by Train: My response to this kid was literally... eh. I think he could have use another year or two to find his voice!
Will he make the Top 36? I'd say no, but do the names Garrett Haley or Will Makar mean anything to you? Probably not! Idol does like their unassuming teenage contenders that never make it past the semis!
Jarrett Barnes (24) "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae: Seriously? At first I didn't even think this kid made it through until I saw him in a later montage.. oh well... let's just say I wasn't all that impressed!
Will he make the Top 36? No?
Taylor Vaifanua (16) "Joyful, Joyful": Jordin 2.0 (they said, I said.. who wouldn't say it? look at her!) I'm calling "church" singer on this one... not just because of the choice hymn, but watch her mouth while she sings... total chin-quiver! It'll annoy me all season! That being said she does have a very commerical face and natural talent, but I can't see Jive signing Jordin 2.0 when they've already got the original version!
Will she make the Top 36? Definitely...
Rose Flack (17) "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carol King: Seriously all I could focus on was how dirty her feet were... did you see them? GROSS! I guess her voice was okay... kinda the female Jason Castro! I do dig her name... totally sounds Old Hollywood glamour!
Will se make the Top 36? I don't think she'll get there on vocals... personality + story is a whole different ballgame...
Apparently tonight was like watching "AI: the new class"... same ole characters, just all new faces!
13 tickets... we saw 7!
Tomorrow night is (finally) the end of auditions! 2 hours... 2 cities... hold on to you hats! All I'm saying is... NYC and San Juan better bring it!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
"Don't stop believin' you say?"
Too late... audition city #5 and I have officially lost hope in Season 8! (Okay not really... because, of course, I'll continue to watch, but not with anticiaption of the next David Cook!)
**sidenote: Journey is AWESOME.. with or without Randy Jackson!**
I don't care how completely staged Ryan and Simon's car ride was... I vote... awesome! They may be this seasons cutest BFFs! I am quite the fan of those two hanging out more. What am I not a fan of? The judging musical chairs... half the time Simon was cut out of the shot... what up with that?
On to the "talent"... (check out those quotes... that's what we call sarcasm...)
Joshua Ulloa (22) "Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye: Is season 8 the season of the screamers? This kid annoyed me to no end! Word to the wise Josh, being compare to Justin Guarini.. not quite sure that a compliment! Unless you're goal is to host reality chats or break into country music with John Rich...
Will he make the Top 36? Nope... not a chance
Sharon Wilbur (25) "Superstar" by Leon Russell: This chick was a little on the annoying side as well, but her tone was kind of interesting.. I guess. I do love when we get glimpses into the world of "happy" Simon Cowell... awww puppies!
Will she make the Top 36? Nope
"Jungle Adventures" with Ryan Seacrest and the giant gnats... coming to a TV near you! I love this guy!
Julissa Veloz (19) "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston: I prefer listening to her versus watching her... she actually got a pretty good voice! Once again she terribly annoying (is there something in the Florida water? subtle dig at Syesha) Ps. What was up with Paula running out of the audition and the contestant having to console her? CRAZY.. she's totally flipped her lid!
Will she make the Top 36? Her voice is not different or distinct enough... so no?
Random bits:
"we did you a huge solid" - who in the world does Kara thinks she is?
Randy Jackson has a biggest fan?!?! Get out of town!
What was with the crazy lap judging? Poor Ryan...
How did Simon feel about Day 1? "I'm trying to remember... mostly terrible" -- baha!
Jasmine Murray (16) "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie: First off, I hate this song... that really doesn't bode well for this chick! Second... NASALLY!!!! ... really that's all I have to say! Will she make the Top 36? I really hope not... I couldn't sit through her singing anything else... EVER!
"you'll see me around" - George Ramirez's parting words to Ryan Seacrest! Yep, kid he'll totally see you around the next time he va-ca's in Jacksonville!
Jacksonville.. affectionally called "the river city by the sea"... I can definitely feel the affection radiating from a nickname like that!
T. K. Hash (23) "Imagine" by John Lennon: He's a comeback kid, which worked sorta well for Danny and pretty well for Chikezie last year, but I just don't think this guy has a commerically stand-out voice! Maybe he'll surprise me in Hollywood...
Will he make the Top 36? I'm gonna give him a second chance to impress
Ann Marie Boskovich (23) "Bubbly" by Colbie Calliet: I actually really liked her voice! She had a singer/songwriter vibe that I think is very fresh! I actually liked her better pushing her voice on the snippet she sang before the judges told her to "be someone else"... go figure!
Will she make the Top 36? I think she's got a shot!
Michael Pirelli was Josiah 2.0! He even had the slight british-ness to his singing! I guess they had enough whininess last year... probably for the best!
16 tickets to Hollywood... we only saw 6 of them actually sing! I did a little math and through 5 audition cities exactly 100 people have been put through to Hollywood and we've only seen 46 of them! Here's hoping they're saving the real talent for those Kodak!
Tomorrow is Salt Lake City.. the home of one David Archuleta and apparently Idol is getting it's very own Osmond. Pure excitment... or something like that...
**sidenote: Journey is AWESOME.. with or without Randy Jackson!**
I don't care how completely staged Ryan and Simon's car ride was... I vote... awesome! They may be this seasons cutest BFFs! I am quite the fan of those two hanging out more. What am I not a fan of? The judging musical chairs... half the time Simon was cut out of the shot... what up with that?
On to the "talent"... (check out those quotes... that's what we call sarcasm...)
Joshua Ulloa (22) "Let's Get it On" by Marvin Gaye: Is season 8 the season of the screamers? This kid annoyed me to no end! Word to the wise Josh, being compare to Justin Guarini.. not quite sure that a compliment! Unless you're goal is to host reality chats or break into country music with John Rich...
Will he make the Top 36? Nope... not a chance
Sharon Wilbur (25) "Superstar" by Leon Russell: This chick was a little on the annoying side as well, but her tone was kind of interesting.. I guess. I do love when we get glimpses into the world of "happy" Simon Cowell... awww puppies!
Will she make the Top 36? Nope
"Jungle Adventures" with Ryan Seacrest and the giant gnats... coming to a TV near you! I love this guy!
Julissa Veloz (19) "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston: I prefer listening to her versus watching her... she actually got a pretty good voice! Once again she terribly annoying (is there something in the Florida water? subtle dig at Syesha) Ps. What was up with Paula running out of the audition and the contestant having to console her? CRAZY.. she's totally flipped her lid!
Will she make the Top 36? Her voice is not different or distinct enough... so no?
Random bits:
"we did you a huge solid" - who in the world does Kara thinks she is?
Randy Jackson has a biggest fan?!?! Get out of town!
What was with the crazy lap judging? Poor Ryan...
How did Simon feel about Day 1? "I'm trying to remember... mostly terrible" -- baha!
Jasmine Murray (16) "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie: First off, I hate this song... that really doesn't bode well for this chick! Second... NASALLY!!!! ... really that's all I have to say! Will she make the Top 36? I really hope not... I couldn't sit through her singing anything else... EVER!
"you'll see me around" - George Ramirez's parting words to Ryan Seacrest! Yep, kid he'll totally see you around the next time he va-ca's in Jacksonville!
Jacksonville.. affectionally called "the river city by the sea"... I can definitely feel the affection radiating from a nickname like that!
T. K. Hash (23) "Imagine" by John Lennon: He's a comeback kid, which worked sorta well for Danny and pretty well for Chikezie last year, but I just don't think this guy has a commerically stand-out voice! Maybe he'll surprise me in Hollywood...
Will he make the Top 36? I'm gonna give him a second chance to impress
Ann Marie Boskovich (23) "Bubbly" by Colbie Calliet: I actually really liked her voice! She had a singer/songwriter vibe that I think is very fresh! I actually liked her better pushing her voice on the snippet she sang before the judges told her to "be someone else"... go figure!
Will she make the Top 36? I think she's got a shot!
Michael Pirelli was Josiah 2.0! He even had the slight british-ness to his singing! I guess they had enough whininess last year... probably for the best!
16 tickets to Hollywood... we only saw 6 of them actually sing! I did a little math and through 5 audition cities exactly 100 people have been put through to Hollywood and we've only seen 46 of them! Here's hoping they're saving the real talent for those Kodak!
Tomorrow is Salt Lake City.. the home of one David Archuleta and apparently Idol is getting it's very own Osmond. Pure excitment... or something like that...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
"Cross your fingers, toes and anything else you got..."
So I FINALLY have a job interview! It's the job I really want and would be perfect for (everyone thinks so... not just me!) It's on Tuesday, January 27th @ 9 AM.
Here's hoping for a clear answer and a clear direction!
Here's hoping for a clear answer and a clear direction!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"Gettin' lucky in Kentucky?"
I think so... Louisville had a few kids that might actually be worth watching!
Ryan and his horse race lingo was priceless... as was Simon's AWESOME announcing (I love with Simon imitates us southeners! It cracks me up!)
The show started off with a bang... and by bang I mean Simon totally called some girl a donkey!!!! What up with that?
Joanna Pacitti (23) "We Belong" by Pat Benatar: I really like the song choice and thought it show off her voice pretty well... She is 100% Carly Smithson 2.0, former record contract and all!
Will she make the Top 36: I'd count on it... she's what we call a plant! :)
Brent Keith Smith (28) "Can't Get Enough" by Bad Company: He has a good country tone... something Idol hasn't seen yet in a guy (Sorry Josh Gracin, Bucky Covington & Phil Stacey) so... I liked him. Not sure if country music is shopping for a new "it" guy. He's already tried his luck on Nashville star but whatevs...
Will he make the Top 36: Yep, yep, yep...
Matt Giraud (23) "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin Degraw: "Piano" guy! My immediate reaction when he started to sing was: Man, I like his tone. He got a little breathy as he went along and reminds me more of Chris Rich's than Elliott's (but I get Simon's comparison)
Will he make the Top 36: We'll see how he fairs in Hollywood! I'm not completely sold yet...
-- Oh man... Nerdy Ross and Paula's straw... hilarious!
-- I also love the quick glimpse of Brent Keith Smith hi5ing the jockies!
Alexis Grace (20) "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin: She's cute and commerical, but I don't know if her sound is commerical... maybe that's a good thing. She had a cute... non-annoying backstory definitely a plus. Her intro was to "Walking in Memphis" - awesome song, plus a Carrie outro (a little pimping??)
Will she make the Top 36: I think she'll add a different vibe if she does, but not sure her voice is strong enough to sell records.
-- I loved Ryan running in during the "woo!" guy just to make sure everything was okay! He's a hoot!
Ryan and his horse race lingo was priceless... as was Simon's AWESOME announcing (I love with Simon imitates us southeners! It cracks me up!)
The show started off with a bang... and by bang I mean Simon totally called some girl a donkey!!!! What up with that?
Joanna Pacitti (23) "We Belong" by Pat Benatar: I really like the song choice and thought it show off her voice pretty well... She is 100% Carly Smithson 2.0, former record contract and all!
Will she make the Top 36: I'd count on it... she's what we call a plant! :)
Brent Keith Smith (28) "Can't Get Enough" by Bad Company: He has a good country tone... something Idol hasn't seen yet in a guy (Sorry Josh Gracin, Bucky Covington & Phil Stacey) so... I liked him. Not sure if country music is shopping for a new "it" guy. He's already tried his luck on Nashville star but whatevs...
Will he make the Top 36: Yep, yep, yep...
Matt Giraud (23) "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin Degraw: "Piano" guy! My immediate reaction when he started to sing was: Man, I like his tone. He got a little breathy as he went along and reminds me more of Chris Rich's than Elliott's (but I get Simon's comparison)
Will he make the Top 36: We'll see how he fairs in Hollywood! I'm not completely sold yet...
-- Oh man... Nerdy Ross and Paula's straw... hilarious!
-- I also love the quick glimpse of Brent Keith Smith hi5ing the jockies!
Alexis Grace (20) "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin: She's cute and commerical, but I don't know if her sound is commerical... maybe that's a good thing. She had a cute... non-annoying backstory definitely a plus. Her intro was to "Walking in Memphis" - awesome song, plus a Carrie outro (a little pimping??)
Will she make the Top 36: I think she'll add a different vibe if she does, but not sure her voice is strong enough to sell records.
-- I loved Ryan running in during the "woo!" guy just to make sure everything was okay! He's a hoot!
Kris Allen (23) "A Song For You" by Leon Russell: This guys got a smooth voice and he's pretty cute... here's hoping we see more of him in Hollywood.
Will he make the Top 36: Idol always needs their pretty boys... right?
Felicia Barton (26) "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae: I really liked this chick even in the few seconds we saw of her...
Will she make the Top 36: I think she's got a chance
Ryan Johnson (27) "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke: This was the kid that stood out to me the most! I think he looks and sounds the part... can't wait to see more of him in Hollywood.
Will she make the Top 36: I'm going with YES!
Shera Lawrence (23): I didn't even write down the song she sang... what does that tell you? Pass...
Will she make the Top 36: I'd falling in the NO camp... unless cannon fodder to prop up some girls is needed.
Leneshe Young (18) "Natty" by original song: She's so not my style, but she'll be a hit! Plus she got a Kelly Clarkson outro!
Will she make the Top 36: Unless she pulls a "Baylie Brown" in Hollywood... I predict she'll be in the Top 12...
19 golden tickets in all... apparently I think the word "outro" is cool... and Louisville (of all places) didn't disappoint!
Next week is the last of the auditions! YAY! Shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! Glimpses of the talent in Jacksonville, Salt Lake City, New York and San Juan!
See ya then...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
"Commericals with a side of Idol..."
It's never a good thing when you are more entertained by the commericals than the Idol contestants themselves!
San Francisco was another downer... here are the highlights and low-lights
Tatiana del Toro (23) "Never Loved a Man" by Aretha Franklin: Her voice was decent... if she'd let up on the runs and such a little bit, but she is by far the most annoying person EVER!!! She was totally scripted for TV... right done to the faker-than-fake laugh!
Will she make the Top 36: Dear heavens I hope not!
"we built this city-we built this city-on rock and roll"... priceless!
Jesus Valenzula (29) "Nice and Slow" by Usher: I would have passed. His tone and inflection were weird and he just tried way too hard... his kids were cute though.
Will he make the Top 36: Nope.. not a chance.
how awesome was rubix cube dude?
"no, no... a heart of ROCKS!" -- a Paula Abdul gem is response to Kara saying Simon had a heart of stone... hahaha.. she's a nut!
"who wants a shot of Akila?" -- Oh Ryan! ps. this chick was CRAZY!!!!
John Twiford (27) "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder: Good tone, great song! He kinda peaked my interest...
Will he make the Top 36: depends on if he gets a personality... or if we ever see him again...
Alison Iraheta (16) and Raquel Houghton (28): We just saw a glimpse, but I wasn't really impressed either way...
Adam Lambert (26) "Bohemian Rahpsody" by Queen: I will agree with Simon, he definitely puts off a theatrical vibe, but he does have a strong range and I think I like his voice! Plus... he was in WICKED! I love WICKED! for that he gets the benefit of the doubt... and till he does something over-the-top annoying!
Will he make the Top 36: I kinda see this kid as a shoe- in!
Kai Kalama (26) "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by the Platters: He definitely gets the difficulty prize... the song showed he has range and talent. But Simon's right... without a personality boost no ones gonna vote.
Will he make the Top 36: possibly if he comes out of his shell a bit.
Wow! Only 12 golden tickets! That's not too hot San Fran...
Louisville is tonight... here's hoping some one stands out!
San Francisco was another downer... here are the highlights and low-lights
Tatiana del Toro (23) "Never Loved a Man" by Aretha Franklin: Her voice was decent... if she'd let up on the runs and such a little bit, but she is by far the most annoying person EVER!!! She was totally scripted for TV... right done to the faker-than-fake laugh!
Will she make the Top 36: Dear heavens I hope not!
"we built this city-we built this city-on rock and roll"... priceless!
Jesus Valenzula (29) "Nice and Slow" by Usher: I would have passed. His tone and inflection were weird and he just tried way too hard... his kids were cute though.
Will he make the Top 36: Nope.. not a chance.
how awesome was rubix cube dude?
"no, no... a heart of ROCKS!" -- a Paula Abdul gem is response to Kara saying Simon had a heart of stone... hahaha.. she's a nut!
"who wants a shot of Akila?" -- Oh Ryan! ps. this chick was CRAZY!!!!
John Twiford (27) "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder: Good tone, great song! He kinda peaked my interest...
Will he make the Top 36: depends on if he gets a personality... or if we ever see him again...
Alison Iraheta (16) and Raquel Houghton (28): We just saw a glimpse, but I wasn't really impressed either way...
Adam Lambert (26) "Bohemian Rahpsody" by Queen: I will agree with Simon, he definitely puts off a theatrical vibe, but he does have a strong range and I think I like his voice! Plus... he was in WICKED! I love WICKED! for that he gets the benefit of the doubt... and till he does something over-the-top annoying!
Will he make the Top 36: I kinda see this kid as a shoe- in!
Kai Kalama (26) "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by the Platters: He definitely gets the difficulty prize... the song showed he has range and talent. But Simon's right... without a personality boost no ones gonna vote.
Will he make the Top 36: possibly if he comes out of his shell a bit.
Wow! Only 12 golden tickets! That's not too hot San Fran...
Louisville is tonight... here's hoping some one stands out!
Friday, January 16, 2009
"Noop Dawg..."
If this kid makes it to the Top 36... he's TOTALLY getting my vote!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHRoZherdM -- "Angel of Mine" by Monica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5O1O06m14s -- "Kiss Kiss" by Chris Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvHZl5WKT_E -- "My Love" by Justin Timberlake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfy6HpId5F0 -- "Here and Now" by Luther Vandross
These are a few he sings lead on... but there's more! I am once again... enamored with an AI contestant... go figure!
Check out his acapella group @ http://www.youtube.com/user/clefhangerfan or http://www.clefthanger.com/
AWESOME!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHRoZherdM -- "Angel of Mine" by Monica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5O1O06m14s -- "Kiss Kiss" by Chris Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvHZl5WKT_E -- "My Love" by Justin Timberlake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfy6HpId5F0 -- "Here and Now" by Luther Vandross
These are a few he sings lead on... but there's more! I am once again... enamored with an AI contestant... go figure!
Check out his acapella group @ http://www.youtube.com/user/clefhangerfan or http://www.clefthanger.com/
AWESOME!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
"Apparently lightning doesn't strike twice..."
So I was a little bored with Idol last night... no one really stood out or even peaked my interest! The only joy was all the David Cook love! Anyone catch the awesome Idol/DC promo? Very nice... plus how cute were his Mom and Stepdad "strolling" through downtown KC? Beth is sooo cute! The only real bummer was no DC in person (he was on tour) and no Andrew! I love that kid!
Anyways... since the night was kind of a bust I'll just run through the highlights real quick!
- "oh-freakin-yeah" just might be my new catch phrase!
- I loved Ry's shirt... very hip dude!
- I laughed out loud at Simon's response to random off-key guy's request to do another song...
- clever usage of the song rights... let's play the real one right after someone sings it... oh Idol...
- random ninja guy steals some kid's hat during the "gimmick" montage... cracked me up!
Now quick overview of the Talent...
Ashley Anderson (20) "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis: She might have looked like Leona, but no where near the voice! Her voice was pedestrian at best.
Will she make the Top 36? For now.. I say no! There's got to be better talent out there.
Casey Calson (20) "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton: She was cute, once again her voice didn't wow me, but it wasn't cookie cutter. She definitely got the commercial look.
Will she make the Top 36? I'd say she might have a shot... I wonder if she plays any instruments?
Von Smith (22) "Over the Rainbow": This was a crappy audition.... he over powered just about every note. There was like one soft little note, that I was feeling then he went all screechy again! Either I'm tone deaf (ok, so I am) or the judges know something about this kid I don't... hmm?
Will he make the Top 36? 4 yeses after an audition like that... yep I'd say we'll see this guy again.
Michael Castro (20) "In Love With a Girl" by Gavin Degraw: He had the Dave Cook audition hair :) which was pretty bad! His singing was a 2nd rate Gavin impression so I wasn't all that impressed! He does have that "winning castro" charm though. ** Jason Castro is still clueless**
Will he make the Top 36? nah... not unless he gets A LOT better!
Matt Breitzke (27) "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers: This guys got a good tone, but nothing extraodinary! Simon likes his heart and his ambition... Simon's gone all soft!
Will he make the Top 36? well seeing that he's very similar to Michael Sarver from the night before... one of them probably will.
Jessica Furney (19), India Morrison (22) and Jamar Rogers (26): I'd have passed on all 3
Will they make the Top 36? not a chance... unless we need some cannon fodder!
Danny Gokey (28) "Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye: I really like the soul-ting of this guy's voice. His sob story was a little much, but it's Idol... they've got to exploit something!
Will he make the Top 36? I could see it happening, but he's got to tone down the story a bit.
Anoop Desai (21) "Thank You" by Boyz II Men: This is becoming the "go to" song of the auditions... I really like this kid's tone! Possibly my favorite of KC, very surprising!
Will he make it to Top 36? If they're looking for diversity this kid's a shoe in! Plus "Noop-Dawg" is an awesome nickname... I'd vote just because of that! :)
Asa Barnes (28) "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson: I think I liked Asa- the person better than Asa- the singer. His voice was pretty good, but his smile and attitude were great!
Will he make the Top 36? hmm.. on vocal talent? probably not!
Dennis Brigham (19) "With You" by Chris Brown: No where near good enough, I'd have passed on this kid too.
Will he make the Top 36? Not a chance...
Lil Rounds (23) "All I Do" by Stevie Wonder: She has a pretty good voice, but not my cup of tea. I don't think she'll stand out anymore than other female, black singers of past seasons.
Will she make the Top 36? Yep... the judges fall all over themselves for the divas every year!
All in all... 26 golden tickets!
All in all... the KC didn't quite represent!
I'm looking for someone to win my heart from the very beginning (ala Clay, Carrie or Cook... apparently a "C" is need in their name...)
Pretty sure next week is Louisville and San Francisco... here's hoping we find some Season 8 size talent!
Anyways... since the night was kind of a bust I'll just run through the highlights real quick!
- "oh-freakin-yeah" just might be my new catch phrase!
- I loved Ry's shirt... very hip dude!
- I laughed out loud at Simon's response to random off-key guy's request to do another song...
- clever usage of the song rights... let's play the real one right after someone sings it... oh Idol...
- random ninja guy steals some kid's hat during the "gimmick" montage... cracked me up!
Now quick overview of the Talent...
Ashley Anderson (20) "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis: She might have looked like Leona, but no where near the voice! Her voice was pedestrian at best.
Will she make the Top 36? For now.. I say no! There's got to be better talent out there.
Casey Calson (20) "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton: She was cute, once again her voice didn't wow me, but it wasn't cookie cutter. She definitely got the commercial look.
Will she make the Top 36? I'd say she might have a shot... I wonder if she plays any instruments?
Von Smith (22) "Over the Rainbow": This was a crappy audition.... he over powered just about every note. There was like one soft little note, that I was feeling then he went all screechy again! Either I'm tone deaf (ok, so I am) or the judges know something about this kid I don't... hmm?
Will he make the Top 36? 4 yeses after an audition like that... yep I'd say we'll see this guy again.
Michael Castro (20) "In Love With a Girl" by Gavin Degraw: He had the Dave Cook audition hair :) which was pretty bad! His singing was a 2nd rate Gavin impression so I wasn't all that impressed! He does have that "winning castro" charm though. ** Jason Castro is still clueless**
Will he make the Top 36? nah... not unless he gets A LOT better!
Matt Breitzke (27) "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers: This guys got a good tone, but nothing extraodinary! Simon likes his heart and his ambition... Simon's gone all soft!
Will he make the Top 36? well seeing that he's very similar to Michael Sarver from the night before... one of them probably will.
Jessica Furney (19), India Morrison (22) and Jamar Rogers (26): I'd have passed on all 3
Will they make the Top 36? not a chance... unless we need some cannon fodder!
Danny Gokey (28) "Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye: I really like the soul-ting of this guy's voice. His sob story was a little much, but it's Idol... they've got to exploit something!
Will he make the Top 36? I could see it happening, but he's got to tone down the story a bit.
Anoop Desai (21) "Thank You" by Boyz II Men: This is becoming the "go to" song of the auditions... I really like this kid's tone! Possibly my favorite of KC, very surprising!
Will he make it to Top 36? If they're looking for diversity this kid's a shoe in! Plus "Noop-Dawg" is an awesome nickname... I'd vote just because of that! :)
Asa Barnes (28) "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson: I think I liked Asa- the person better than Asa- the singer. His voice was pretty good, but his smile and attitude were great!
Will he make the Top 36? hmm.. on vocal talent? probably not!
Dennis Brigham (19) "With You" by Chris Brown: No where near good enough, I'd have passed on this kid too.
Will he make the Top 36? Not a chance...
Lil Rounds (23) "All I Do" by Stevie Wonder: She has a pretty good voice, but not my cup of tea. I don't think she'll stand out anymore than other female, black singers of past seasons.
Will she make the Top 36? Yep... the judges fall all over themselves for the divas every year!
All in all... 26 golden tickets!
All in all... the KC didn't quite represent!
I'm looking for someone to win my heart from the very beginning (ala Clay, Carrie or Cook... apparently a "C" is need in their name...)
Pretty sure next week is Louisville and San Francisco... here's hoping we find some Season 8 size talent!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
"Oh how I missed you..."
Don't you just love being reunited with an old friend?
Idol's back kiddies and they're promising bigger talent (than Dave Cook? not likely) and all kinds of new surprises! (sneek peek: Top 36 instead of Top 24 this year!)
Season 8 starts off with a super nostalgic montage... and sadly, but surely I'm able to recall each of those moments as if I'd actually been there myself! We're treated to a range of Idol's best and worst (and even a quick glimpse of Dunkleman... he's got to be kicking himself now) and end with a parting shot of the reigning Idol himself... David Cook (who'll be touring this spring starting Feb. 13th... just a little free publicity).
*Question: how much do I love seeing Cook's face during that opening sequence?
*Answer: so much... I watched it twice!
COOK MONTAGE!?! Man, I am loving Season 8! Oh goodness how great were those little girls? I've watched the entire video on youtube... hilarious! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70f0chZVudA)
Now all we need is a patented over dramatic pitch and a little "THIS is American Idol" from Seacrest and Season 8 can officially begin... in Phoenix, Arizona!
DAY 1
We're introduced to new judge Kara DioGuardi. My thoughts... she can write a song, but can she judge one?
Train wrecks... what would the auditions be without them? There was "ROTC/ tap dancing" Tuan, crying "faux-rocker in a box" Randy, crazies ruining awesome 80's songs, but the prize has to go to Michael Gurr whose creepy take on a great Carrie Underwood song... left me cringing and shaking with laughter!
Talents...
Emily Wynne-Hughes (21) "Barracuda" by Heart: I'm not completely sold on Emily's vocal strength. She's a poor man's Carly Smithson. I don't think this was the right song choice for her... it's not a song you take lightly. ps. she has Snow White tattooed on her arm... what up with that?
Will she make the top 36? Hmm.. not likely!
J.B. Ahfua (16) "Flying Without Wings" by Ruben Studdard: This kid's only 16?!? To steal a phrase from Randy Jackson... crazy, mad, hot talent dawg! AND... he cried! How cute!
Will he make the top 36? I'd like to see him there!
Arianna Asfar (16) "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae: This was a great song choice for her voice, plus she's super cute (come on, adopt-a-granfriend... adorable)Will she make the top 36? I think her voice may need to grow a bit more!
Kara's first day reaction... "I've got a sweet gig..." yes ma'am you do.
My first day reaction... "Alright Phoenix, way to go..."
DAY 2
Train wrecks... Conneticut country girl Lea Marie was crazy... seriously! And the squinty guy.. oh man.. the squinty guy... hilarious!
Talents...
Stevie Wright (16) "At Last" by Etta James: She got a really promising voice. Great tone and it didn't make it look like she was try too hard.
Will she make the Top 36? She could be a contender... reminds me of Alaina Whitaker just less annoying!
Michael Sarver (27) "Thank You" by Boyz II Men: I definitely liked this guy... plus he's a dad! Simon crowned him as likeable (which Simon find almost on par with talent these days). He's crappy Matt, but not so crappy (from season 3)
Will he make the Top 36? Not sure... but if he does get to the voting stages I see him sticking it out for a bit.
Katrina Darrell (20) "Visions of Love" by Mariah Carey: First off someone needs to pop this chick upside her head, secondly she just might be the reason "pretty girls" get so much hate, thirdly she needs to put some clothes on and fourthly her voice wasn't even close!
Will she make the Top 36? I sincerely hope not!
Brianna Quijada (22) "Let's Hear it for the Boy" by Denise Williams: The song was way too big. Then she butchered "Killing Me Softly"... but she was cute and spunky and once again we see Simon really does have a heart! **1st Simon won tie-breaker**
Will she make the Top 36? She won't even get past Round 1 in Hollywood!
Deanna Brown (25) "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding: I really dug this chick's raspy tone! Her voice and look were definitely memorable (in a good way)!
Will she make the Top 36? If they want to try the Amanda Overmyer route in a less grating package... yep!
Creepy Cody Sheldon (17) "What a Wonderful World" Jim Morrison: Eh? I'd have passed. His voice was okay, but nothing spectacular! He has really pretty eyes though...
Will he make the Top 36? Nope.. not a chance...
Alex Wagner Thugman (19) "Baby Come to Me" by James Ingram: He's my 2nd chance at Kyle Ensley!!!!! I loved this kid... not for his talent, but his complete awkward attempts at jokes! "Abkazzia, Zimbabwee & Canada" or "I could sing 'God Save the Queen'... I'm joking I don't know the words" or "that would be a good joke.. if it made sense" or "I'm not gonna score well with the British audience"... riot, this kid!
Will he make the Top 36? probably not... but a girl can dream right?
Scott MacIntyre (22) "And So it Goes" by Billy Joel: First off, rockin' awesome song choice! He's got a pretty solid voice.. I was actually more impress with the piano playing. He'll definitely get a fair share of air-time. How awkward was the Hi5 exchange with Ryan? Wowsers!
Will he make the Top 36? I'll reserve my judgement on this one... it'd be a great story, but how does one vote off the blind guy?
**27 golden tickets in all! (we saw 11)**
So FINAL THOUGHTS....
I'm enjoying the slightly tamer, nicer Idol. We still get the bad auditions, but a hint of heart! I think Idol may have blown their budget this season on background music... it was like everyone got their own theme song! Plus anyone else wondering if Paula & Randy got some kind of sunglasses sponser this year? What up with that? New judge Kara... so far so good and even Simon seemed to be enjoying himself! All in all Phoenix had some pretty good talent and was a great kick off to Season 8. Tomorrow is Kansas City... home of THE DAVID COOK! Plus was that a little Jason Castro I saw???
But for now... adieu, adieu, adieu!
Idol's back kiddies and they're promising bigger talent (than Dave Cook? not likely) and all kinds of new surprises! (sneek peek: Top 36 instead of Top 24 this year!)
Season 8 starts off with a super nostalgic montage... and sadly, but surely I'm able to recall each of those moments as if I'd actually been there myself! We're treated to a range of Idol's best and worst (and even a quick glimpse of Dunkleman... he's got to be kicking himself now) and end with a parting shot of the reigning Idol himself... David Cook (who'll be touring this spring starting Feb. 13th... just a little free publicity).
*Question: how much do I love seeing Cook's face during that opening sequence?
*Answer: so much... I watched it twice!
COOK MONTAGE!?! Man, I am loving Season 8! Oh goodness how great were those little girls? I've watched the entire video on youtube... hilarious! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70f0chZVudA)
Now all we need is a patented over dramatic pitch and a little "THIS is American Idol" from Seacrest and Season 8 can officially begin... in Phoenix, Arizona!
DAY 1
We're introduced to new judge Kara DioGuardi. My thoughts... she can write a song, but can she judge one?
Train wrecks... what would the auditions be without them? There was "ROTC/ tap dancing" Tuan, crying "faux-rocker in a box" Randy, crazies ruining awesome 80's songs, but the prize has to go to Michael Gurr whose creepy take on a great Carrie Underwood song... left me cringing and shaking with laughter!
Talents...
Emily Wynne-Hughes (21) "Barracuda" by Heart: I'm not completely sold on Emily's vocal strength. She's a poor man's Carly Smithson. I don't think this was the right song choice for her... it's not a song you take lightly. ps. she has Snow White tattooed on her arm... what up with that?
Will she make the top 36? Hmm.. not likely!
J.B. Ahfua (16) "Flying Without Wings" by Ruben Studdard: This kid's only 16?!? To steal a phrase from Randy Jackson... crazy, mad, hot talent dawg! AND... he cried! How cute!
Will he make the top 36? I'd like to see him there!
Arianna Asfar (16) "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae: This was a great song choice for her voice, plus she's super cute (come on, adopt-a-granfriend... adorable)Will she make the top 36? I think her voice may need to grow a bit more!
Kara's first day reaction... "I've got a sweet gig..." yes ma'am you do.
My first day reaction... "Alright Phoenix, way to go..."
DAY 2
Train wrecks... Conneticut country girl Lea Marie was crazy... seriously! And the squinty guy.. oh man.. the squinty guy... hilarious!
Talents...
Stevie Wright (16) "At Last" by Etta James: She got a really promising voice. Great tone and it didn't make it look like she was try too hard.
Will she make the Top 36? She could be a contender... reminds me of Alaina Whitaker just less annoying!
Michael Sarver (27) "Thank You" by Boyz II Men: I definitely liked this guy... plus he's a dad! Simon crowned him as likeable (which Simon find almost on par with talent these days). He's crappy Matt, but not so crappy (from season 3)
Will he make the Top 36? Not sure... but if he does get to the voting stages I see him sticking it out for a bit.
Katrina Darrell (20) "Visions of Love" by Mariah Carey: First off someone needs to pop this chick upside her head, secondly she just might be the reason "pretty girls" get so much hate, thirdly she needs to put some clothes on and fourthly her voice wasn't even close!
Will she make the Top 36? I sincerely hope not!
Brianna Quijada (22) "Let's Hear it for the Boy" by Denise Williams: The song was way too big. Then she butchered "Killing Me Softly"... but she was cute and spunky and once again we see Simon really does have a heart! **1st Simon won tie-breaker**
Will she make the Top 36? She won't even get past Round 1 in Hollywood!
Deanna Brown (25) "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding: I really dug this chick's raspy tone! Her voice and look were definitely memorable (in a good way)!
Will she make the Top 36? If they want to try the Amanda Overmyer route in a less grating package... yep!
Creepy Cody Sheldon (17) "What a Wonderful World" Jim Morrison: Eh? I'd have passed. His voice was okay, but nothing spectacular! He has really pretty eyes though...
Will he make the Top 36? Nope.. not a chance...
Alex Wagner Thugman (19) "Baby Come to Me" by James Ingram: He's my 2nd chance at Kyle Ensley!!!!! I loved this kid... not for his talent, but his complete awkward attempts at jokes! "Abkazzia, Zimbabwee & Canada" or "I could sing 'God Save the Queen'... I'm joking I don't know the words" or "that would be a good joke.. if it made sense" or "I'm not gonna score well with the British audience"... riot, this kid!
Will he make the Top 36? probably not... but a girl can dream right?
Scott MacIntyre (22) "And So it Goes" by Billy Joel: First off, rockin' awesome song choice! He's got a pretty solid voice.. I was actually more impress with the piano playing. He'll definitely get a fair share of air-time. How awkward was the Hi5 exchange with Ryan? Wowsers!
Will he make the Top 36? I'll reserve my judgement on this one... it'd be a great story, but how does one vote off the blind guy?
**27 golden tickets in all! (we saw 11)**
So FINAL THOUGHTS....
I'm enjoying the slightly tamer, nicer Idol. We still get the bad auditions, but a hint of heart! I think Idol may have blown their budget this season on background music... it was like everyone got their own theme song! Plus anyone else wondering if Paula & Randy got some kind of sunglasses sponser this year? What up with that? New judge Kara... so far so good and even Simon seemed to be enjoying himself! All in all Phoenix had some pretty good talent and was a great kick off to Season 8. Tomorrow is Kansas City... home of THE DAVID COOK! Plus was that a little Jason Castro I saw???
But for now... adieu, adieu, adieu!
Monday, January 12, 2009
"My Little Corner of the World"
Everybody needs a little change in their life...
it's the beginning of the end or is it the end of the beginning?
So why start a blog?
it's the beginning of the end or is it the end of the beginning?
So why start a blog?
- it's my own personal diary -- that anyone with a computer can read... hm?
- I have thoughts... lots of them (some relevant, some ridiculous, mostly random) and this seems like as good as place as any to put them.
- I wanna remember... I tend to forget...
So whether one person, no person or a gaggle of people read this blog... it's all good, it's mainly for my own benefit! It's gonna be chalked full of the hard hitting stuff that really matters like....
American Idol... which starts tomorrow! So I will definitely be back Wednesday morning to share more than you probably ever wanted to know! :-)
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