This will be a little less comprehensive than other installations but nonetheless, I hope you enjoy. American Idol introduced most of the contestants to '60's Brit Pop this week with their "British Invasion" theme. Talents Lulu and Peter Noone were on hand to coach the girls and the guys respectfully. Noone and Cowell seemed a bit at odds during the show but you never know when the drama on AI is just "Hollywood".
The "Yo! Factor" concept Randy is clinging too still annoys me and Randy mentioned it again tonight. I get "X-Factor" and "Wow Factor" but I'm not down with the "Yo" yet.
I will give a review of the contestants but first, what was up with the crying girl? If you didn't watch, there was a girl in the audience who was crying nearly non-stop and appeared to show an odd level of fanaticism for unfortunate Sanjaya. It was just bizarre. It was painful to watch her every time she was in a shot and I wondered if she was all there. I don't want to say anymore in case there is something wrong with her.
Anyway, how did they do tonight? Before the results show, here is what I think:
Gina Glocksen: For some reason, I was able to guess the song she was going to sing before it was announced. Rocker-chick Gina performed "Painted Black", a favorite Rolling Stones song of mine. She was criticized but I really enjoyed it.
Blake Lewis: My favorite guy! He was great again to night in a very sexy performance. He threw in some beat boxing but is wise to do so in moderation. His dancing was subtle and still, off-the-hook. How can he not be through to the Top 10? He is the best guy in my humble opinion.
Chris Richardson: He sang his song quite well and showed skill in choosing a slower song but similar to Justin Timberlake, I prefer when he does some upbeat numbers. He'll stay through next week.
Chris Sligh: Chris had his glasses back on this week which was a good look that he definitely should stick with. He continues to be solid though he has gotten less and less exciting for me to watch.
Haley Scarnato: Haley had a good time with "Tell Him" and had a good time with a skimpy wardrobe too. Simon was a little randy after her performance and Randy was right there with him. I think she'll be through, for her legs if not for her voice.
Jordin Sparks: This girl is an amazing talent. I loved her song and her performance was very moving and she is one of the only people on the show who actually appears to "feel" her songs and really deliver the words like she means it.
Lakisha Jones: She is consistently good and this week her rendition of "Diamonds Are Forever" was no exception. Simon was unhappy with her look but I thought she looked great and in fact, better than usual. She should get through.
Melinda Doolittle: This is another very consistent girl who will give the boys a run for their money.
Phil Stacey: I do not enjoy seeing Phil. There, I said it. I really want him off the show...along with Sanjaya.
Sanjaya Malakar: I admit, Sanjaya was pretty good this evening, but I still can't really stand to look at him or even listen to him overall.
Soon, we'll be down to 10 as the results come in tomorrow night!
Showing posts with label Simon Cowell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simon Cowell. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
American Idol Top 11
Diana Ross was a very welcome guest this week and offered contestants a great songbook though not all of them took full advantage of her wonderful songs. On a recent Inside the Actors Studio, Ross appeared for 2 hours talking about her musical and film career and quite frequently singing her hits as well. It is definitely one to catch on Tivo next time it is on. If anything for the music and of course through the luxury of fast-forward, if you're bored you can always skip through the parts that don't interest you.
Now, for the review of American Idol with links to performances!
This week Simon and Ryan were more civil and playful in their banter and in general Simon was not as "mean" as he usually is. I call it honest rather than mean but I've also been called rude on occasion. :)
Paula cried...but it was a good performance. Not one to shed so many tears over but with all the Coca-Cola she consumed she was probably overwhelmed with emotion, sugar and caffeine.
Now that they're all together, it is easy to see that collectively the girls are better than the boys, at least so far. Further evidence is seen in the bottom 3 which were all guys.
Now, I'll break it down by contestant (spoiler alert--if you don't know who kicked off yet, you'll know once you read this):
Blake Lewis ("You Keep Me Hanging On"): Blake tried to bring this Motown hit into 2007 with an electronica feel that was heavily criticized by the judges who think Motown sound should stay Motown. They are right to a point but Blake had a good instinct here and his voice sounded good too. I'd like to see him showcase his voice a little more in the future but this was good and something I could listen to again. He got through to next week.
Chris Richardson ("The Boss"): Chris gave a fun performance showing off his moves and making full use of the big stage. His singing however was not too commanding in what seemed like a song that required a little more attitude and volume. Chris is through to the next round though, and should be around for weeks to come.
Chris Sligh ("Endless Love"): Chris tried to make this song his own by adding a different sound but in this case, it really was not right. It was much different than Blake's song transformation and seemed to change the meaning of the song. "Endless Love" is a love song that takes its time. Chris' version sounded much like Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" which just made it weird. He has a great voice and is showing creativity though so it will only get better I'm sure. Can't blame a guy for trying and he'll be there next week.
Gina Glocksen ("Love Child"): This girl rocked it again this week with a provocative song. The cool thing about Gina is that she knows music and appreciates it as displayed in her enthusiasm for Diana Ross. She's through to next week.
Haley Scarnato ("Missing You"): Another lyrics faux-paux happened when Haley took the stage though like Paula said, most of the time no one in the audience will ever know when you make a mistake with words. Haley was visibly upset by her mistake and did not do well to keep her composure during the judges' comments. She did show, finally, why she was there despite any memory lapse and stayed in the memory of the voting public because of an otherwise strong performance. See you next week Haley.
Jordin Sparks ("If We Hold On Together"): Jordin at 17-years old is showing incredible maturity in voice and stage presence. I didn't realize she was only 17 until last night missing that bit when it was mentioned previously. I love this song from The Land Before Time, my favorite animated dinosaur film. It is no surprise she is through to the next round stronger than she started.
Lakisha Jones ("God Bless the Child"): There is little to say other than Lakisha had another strong week with a song that carries a lot of soul. Can't wait to see what she'll do next.
Melinda Doolittle ("Home"): She brought Paula to tears this time with her moving rendition of a song from The Wiz. It was great and Melinda was the only one who was able to do what Diana Ross has done so well...tell a story through the song. She really evokes the emotion of the words through her singing and that is so important especially when the lyrics weigh so much. Keep it up, girl! See you next week.
Phil Stacey ("I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"): He didn't make me love him. I don't know if I'll ever like Phil really. He is just not my favorite idol. He did perform well and I'll give him that though he was still in the bottom 3. Like Paula, I want to say something nice and I've said it. On to the future.
Stephanie Edwards (Love Hangover): I can't help but think of the former host of the Tournament of Roses Parade when I see her name but that fades once this Stephanie Edwards steps on stage. This wasn't her best performance because the best and most fun part of the song wasn't performed but she is talented.
Sanjaya Malakar ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough"): How does this guy keep messing up songs that are so great, and how does he keep showing up with the oddest hair of the group? This week he wasn't responsible for his hair but still, it made him look like a girl not that the hoop earrings didn't help that along. The outbound call centers are in business next week despite Sanjaya's lackluster performance as he is on to the next round after finishing in the bottom three.
Brandon Rogers ("You Can't Hurry Love"): He kept the Motown sound but that wasn't enough because he forgot his words and frankly tried to dance though didn't really have the moves. It was awkward to watch. I'd go on but he got voted off so let's keep moving.
Now, for the review of American Idol with links to performances!
This week Simon and Ryan were more civil and playful in their banter and in general Simon was not as "mean" as he usually is. I call it honest rather than mean but I've also been called rude on occasion. :)
Paula cried...but it was a good performance. Not one to shed so many tears over but with all the Coca-Cola she consumed she was probably overwhelmed with emotion, sugar and caffeine.
Now that they're all together, it is easy to see that collectively the girls are better than the boys, at least so far. Further evidence is seen in the bottom 3 which were all guys.
Now, I'll break it down by contestant (spoiler alert--if you don't know who kicked off yet, you'll know once you read this):
Blake Lewis ("You Keep Me Hanging On"): Blake tried to bring this Motown hit into 2007 with an electronica feel that was heavily criticized by the judges who think Motown sound should stay Motown. They are right to a point but Blake had a good instinct here and his voice sounded good too. I'd like to see him showcase his voice a little more in the future but this was good and something I could listen to again. He got through to next week.
Chris Richardson ("The Boss"): Chris gave a fun performance showing off his moves and making full use of the big stage. His singing however was not too commanding in what seemed like a song that required a little more attitude and volume. Chris is through to the next round though, and should be around for weeks to come.
Chris Sligh ("Endless Love"): Chris tried to make this song his own by adding a different sound but in this case, it really was not right. It was much different than Blake's song transformation and seemed to change the meaning of the song. "Endless Love" is a love song that takes its time. Chris' version sounded much like Coldplay's "Speed of Sound" which just made it weird. He has a great voice and is showing creativity though so it will only get better I'm sure. Can't blame a guy for trying and he'll be there next week.
Gina Glocksen ("Love Child"): This girl rocked it again this week with a provocative song. The cool thing about Gina is that she knows music and appreciates it as displayed in her enthusiasm for Diana Ross. She's through to next week.
Haley Scarnato ("Missing You"): Another lyrics faux-paux happened when Haley took the stage though like Paula said, most of the time no one in the audience will ever know when you make a mistake with words. Haley was visibly upset by her mistake and did not do well to keep her composure during the judges' comments. She did show, finally, why she was there despite any memory lapse and stayed in the memory of the voting public because of an otherwise strong performance. See you next week Haley.
Jordin Sparks ("If We Hold On Together"): Jordin at 17-years old is showing incredible maturity in voice and stage presence. I didn't realize she was only 17 until last night missing that bit when it was mentioned previously. I love this song from The Land Before Time, my favorite animated dinosaur film. It is no surprise she is through to the next round stronger than she started.
Lakisha Jones ("God Bless the Child"): There is little to say other than Lakisha had another strong week with a song that carries a lot of soul. Can't wait to see what she'll do next.
Melinda Doolittle ("Home"): She brought Paula to tears this time with her moving rendition of a song from The Wiz. It was great and Melinda was the only one who was able to do what Diana Ross has done so well...tell a story through the song. She really evokes the emotion of the words through her singing and that is so important especially when the lyrics weigh so much. Keep it up, girl! See you next week.
Phil Stacey ("I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"): He didn't make me love him. I don't know if I'll ever like Phil really. He is just not my favorite idol. He did perform well and I'll give him that though he was still in the bottom 3. Like Paula, I want to say something nice and I've said it. On to the future.
Stephanie Edwards (Love Hangover): I can't help but think of the former host of the Tournament of Roses Parade when I see her name but that fades once this Stephanie Edwards steps on stage. This wasn't her best performance because the best and most fun part of the song wasn't performed but she is talented.
Sanjaya Malakar ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough"): How does this guy keep messing up songs that are so great, and how does he keep showing up with the oddest hair of the group? This week he wasn't responsible for his hair but still, it made him look like a girl not that the hoop earrings didn't help that along. The outbound call centers are in business next week despite Sanjaya's lackluster performance as he is on to the next round after finishing in the bottom three.
Brandon Rogers ("You Can't Hurry Love"): He kept the Motown sound but that wasn't enough because he forgot his words and frankly tried to dance though didn't really have the moves. It was awkward to watch. I'd go on but he got voted off so let's keep moving.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
The Top 12 (American Idol)
Yes folks, American Idol is back and next week the competition heats up when the Top 12 perform and the guys and girls compete against each other for the first time this season. I have a few things to say about what has happened so far.
What's different this season besides the contestants?
1. Ryan Seacrest doesn't end each show with "Seacrest out!" which was actually kind of cool but also kind of played. I can see why he doesn't say it but I do miss it.
2. Randy Jackson doesn't talk about the "Dawg Pound" nor does he say "We got a hot one tonight!" anymore. That would be good if he hadn't replaced it with "YO factor" which seems to be some version of Cowell's "Wow Factor" that is also 10x as annoying to hear him talk about.
3. Paula Abdul is giving good feedback as of late which is an improvement. Tonight she was great...more on that below.
Have there been any surprises?
1. Sundance Head was kicked off which was a big surprise and what made Paula really cool. She was shocked and Simon said people must have had the volume on their TV’s turned off when they didn’t vote for him and instead put Sanjaya through. He is probably the worst contestant ever. Other than maybe “Chicken Little” Kevin from last season but he is staying alive. Perhaps he is outsourcing to a call center and has 200 people calling in for him all at once? Regardless, he can’t make it much farther.
2. Another disappointment and somewhat surprising conclusion tonight was the voting off of Sabrina Sloan. She did a good job but the competition with the girls is very tough.
3. The girls are hands-down better than the boys. There are 3 or 4 really strong guys (Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh and Brandon Lewis and Brandon Rogers respectively) but so far none of them can beat the top girls (Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones).
4. Idol Gives Back: AI is becoming socially responsible this season with their charity programming benefiting young people in Africa and the Mississippi Basin/Louisiana areas of America. The two-night event airs April 24 and 25th and will feature BONO (!), Pink, Gwen Stefani, Josh Grobin and others.
5. Antonella Barba’s photo scandal. I don’t want to make fun of her here but just say that you really need to be careful of who gets a hold of your naked pictures and it is probably best not to take them in the first place. Shame on the jerks who put them out there. She was voted off tonight but deserved to be. She wasn’t that great at all.
Who are the Top 12?
Blake Lewis: Very talented beat-boxer and singer. This is my favorite guy.
Gina Glokson: Cool rocker-chick. Not the best but fun to watch and deserving of her spot.
Brandon Rogers: The guy back-up singer ready for the front lines. He’s good and should be around for the later weeks.
Chris Richardson: The “JT” of the group. He is talented and should at least make it to the Top 6.
Haley Scarnato: She sings well but seems more stage-show than solo artist to me.
Jordin Sparks: Pales compared to the Top 2 girls (in my opinion) but is good.
Chris Sligh: The funny guy has a great voice and will get through a few more weeks.
Lakisha Jones: My 2nd favorite girl and Melinda’s greatest competition. None of the boys have anything on her so far.
Melinda Doolittle: My favorite girl. She was on fire this week and I hope she goes to the Top 2 if not the Top!
Phil Stacey: He does have a decent voice but I think he should be out in the next 3 weeks. He is my least favorite other than Sanjaya. Simon mentioned he looked odd and he does. It takes away from his voice.
Stephanie Edwards: She is good but the girls are so tough.
Sanjay Malakar: I liked him at first but now he needs to go! He cannot compete against anyone else and the worst girl is far superior to him much less the worst guy. He is out of his league now.
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