How about that open! I was in tears within minutes, the hometown visits are one of my favorite episodes of the American Idol season. I'm excited for next week's top three results show already to see them.
This week the contestants are singing two songs - Inspiration and Leiber and Stoller. Awww, Mike Stoller is there!
James is up first with 'Don't Stop Believin''. NO! This song is sacred. Although he does actually sound quite good on it. I still want a Haley, Scotty, Lauren top three though.
Haley is next with MJ's 'What About Us'. She was starting to growl again which I am not really a fan of. I thought she did pretty well though and the crowd loves it! Jo Lo says that Haley isn't as good as James and the other judges agree. Really? I thought she was just as good.
Scotty sings an Alan Jackson song, a patriotic song which usually translates to be gold on Idol. Patriotic songs saved Kristy Lee Cook for several weeks, so surely this can get Scotty to the finals! Come on America!
Lauren sings Martina McBride and almost has a moment, not quite but she was good. But Randy and the judges love it! Randy declares that LAUREN is 'in it to win it". So pretty much everyone is "in it to win it" but Haley? Well according to Randy anyways.
At the end of 'round 1' Randy says that everyone but Haley was good and that she has to up her game. Haley is the new Kris Allen! No matter what she does the judges seem to not like it.
Now it's on to round two!
Haley sings 'I Who Have Nothing' which was previously sung on Idol by Jordin Sparks. Who is on the show tomorrow! She was pretty amazing and she hits the high notes, much better than Lauren. As my friend Shannon said, an Idol needs to be able to hit the high notes! Right at this moment I am hoping for a Haley - Scotty finale. Jo Lo loved Haley's performance and I agreed. I also agreed with Randy who said "everyone needs a moment tonight" and FINALLY Randy thinks Haley is "in it to win it!" Steven had the best sound bite of the night - "You just Reinharted yourself into the middle of next week".
Lady Gaga corrupts and scares Scotty by getting him to pretend that the microphone is his girlfriend. He sings an up tempo song and I like it, although not as much as 'Gone' last week (which I bought by the way). His weird expressions are back though. Scotty, be fun but not weird!
Lauren sings 'Trouble' by Elvis and comes out looking very sultry - go Lauren! She sounds good as usual although still no wow moment for me. Have I just become too complacent?
Finally is James. Which, by the way, is a different order to the first round. Has this happened before? I'm sure it will confuse some voters. James sings 'Love Potion No 9' which I didn't really like it, despite the pink lighting. I thought he was shouting and the arrangement was meant to be cool but I thought it was tyring to hard.
So, that's it for the top four performance show! Tomorrow night the top three will be announced... I'm nervous already!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The AI Top Five - Cast Your Votes!
Here's my take on one of my favourite episodes of the season... Top Five Performance Night!!
Hello Sir Anthony Hopkins! Sheryl Crow is the mentor! Love her music! Tonight they sing two songs, one from the 1960s and one from today. After I was confused when Jacob chose a song from 2008 instead of today, my former guest blogger Shannon pointed out that today must mean after the 1960s. Thanks Shannon.
James and Sheryl Crow singing 30 Seconds to Mars together in rehearsal? LOVE! On the Idol stage though he sounded way too screachy and out of key. I wish Randy would quit saying that James is "in it to win it". For James' 60's song he sang 'You Can't Live' which was good, but not amazing. I feel like each week he is trying to be more like David Cook and not succeeding (of course! Who could be as amazing as D Cook?!). Randy said that he was going to win again, but I just can't see it. Plus, after three rock guys winning for the past three years I think James winning would be bad for the show.
Sorry Jacob, you're sweet, but not an American Idol. And I don't like your take on No Air. I agree with Randy, people should not sing both parts of a song that is meant to be a duet. For his 60's song Jacob sings 'Love Hurts', which Sheryl sounds AMAZING singing. He also has a harp on stage! I didn't love the song though, I just don't like his style of music. Sorry Jacob fans. Mmmm Magnum ice cream commercial! Magnum ice creams are finally in America! Need to get one of those...
I really feel like Lauren needs to wow us tonight. She's always good, but hasn't been amazing lately and from now on you need to be amazing! It's the final five! Lauren is going to sing Carrie? NO! Not allowed! In my ideal world all Carrie songs could only be sung on Idol by Carrie. I love you Lauren, but there's only one Carrie and everyone else fails in comparison. Luckily it's 'Flat on the Floor' and not one of her well known singles. She sounds like she's struggling a bit at the end. I would rather she sang Sara Evans' 'Stronger'. Next she kills it with Simon Cowell's favourite song Unchained Melody, in a good way that is. Am not a fan of the Disney princess dress gone wrong though.
Okay, I know I say this every week, but I am starting to love Scotty. He gets better each week. I really think he could win. And although I think it's about time that a girl won again, there's never been a country guy winner. J Lo's look of surprise and delight after he finished singing summed up his amazing performance. I also loved the song, by Montgomery Gentry, never heard of him before tonight (thanks again Shannon for telling me who he is). And thank you Randy for finally saying that Scotty is in it to win it. Next he sang Elvis' 'Always On My Mind" and it's an awesome performance, but I liked his "new" song more. Agree with J Lo, he's a very well rounded artist.
Hmmm, Haley singing Gaga. This good be amazing or a disaster. It's an unreleased song - 'You and Me' and she's pretty good. It's a ballad which suits her well. Her 'House of the Rising Sun' however, was pretty amazing. I'm hoping it's a Haley, Scotty and Lauren top three after tonight. Please help me with that America!
Hello Sir Anthony Hopkins! Sheryl Crow is the mentor! Love her music! Tonight they sing two songs, one from the 1960s and one from today. After I was confused when Jacob chose a song from 2008 instead of today, my former guest blogger Shannon pointed out that today must mean after the 1960s. Thanks Shannon.
James and Sheryl Crow singing 30 Seconds to Mars together in rehearsal? LOVE! On the Idol stage though he sounded way too screachy and out of key. I wish Randy would quit saying that James is "in it to win it". For James' 60's song he sang 'You Can't Live' which was good, but not amazing. I feel like each week he is trying to be more like David Cook and not succeeding (of course! Who could be as amazing as D Cook?!). Randy said that he was going to win again, but I just can't see it. Plus, after three rock guys winning for the past three years I think James winning would be bad for the show.
Sorry Jacob, you're sweet, but not an American Idol. And I don't like your take on No Air. I agree with Randy, people should not sing both parts of a song that is meant to be a duet. For his 60's song Jacob sings 'Love Hurts', which Sheryl sounds AMAZING singing. He also has a harp on stage! I didn't love the song though, I just don't like his style of music. Sorry Jacob fans. Mmmm Magnum ice cream commercial! Magnum ice creams are finally in America! Need to get one of those...
I really feel like Lauren needs to wow us tonight. She's always good, but hasn't been amazing lately and from now on you need to be amazing! It's the final five! Lauren is going to sing Carrie? NO! Not allowed! In my ideal world all Carrie songs could only be sung on Idol by Carrie. I love you Lauren, but there's only one Carrie and everyone else fails in comparison. Luckily it's 'Flat on the Floor' and not one of her well known singles. She sounds like she's struggling a bit at the end. I would rather she sang Sara Evans' 'Stronger'. Next she kills it with Simon Cowell's favourite song Unchained Melody, in a good way that is. Am not a fan of the Disney princess dress gone wrong though.
Okay, I know I say this every week, but I am starting to love Scotty. He gets better each week. I really think he could win. And although I think it's about time that a girl won again, there's never been a country guy winner. J Lo's look of surprise and delight after he finished singing summed up his amazing performance. I also loved the song, by Montgomery Gentry, never heard of him before tonight (thanks again Shannon for telling me who he is). And thank you Randy for finally saying that Scotty is in it to win it. Next he sang Elvis' 'Always On My Mind" and it's an awesome performance, but I liked his "new" song more. Agree with J Lo, he's a very well rounded artist.
Hmmm, Haley singing Gaga. This good be amazing or a disaster. It's an unreleased song - 'You and Me' and she's pretty good. It's a ballad which suits her well. Her 'House of the Rising Sun' however, was pretty amazing. I'm hoping it's a Haley, Scotty and Lauren top three after tonight. Please help me with that America!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Pia’s Tragic Departure, Jacob’s Survival and Haley’s Transformation
For the past three weeks I’ve been on holiday in the beautiful country of Italy. I had an amazing time, although there was a bump in the road at the start of my vacation. I was in the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento when I got a text from my coworker Sarah, saying that there was an American Idol shocker in the results show. Of course I had to know what it was, which I texted her, while thoughts were running through my mind of who it could be. Scotty? Casey? Surely not my beloved Pia? When I received a text back simply saying ‘Pia!!!!’, I was floored and complained about it for the next week to my poor travel companion and good friend Helen.
Now that I am back in the US, still recovering from the loss of Pia, I’m catching up on all things Idol. There have been some big surprises since three weeks ago. Firstly, how is Jacob still there? He’s so theatrical and not nearly as charismatic as the rest of the Idol contenders. I guess his voice is good, but they should all be good at this stage. He has to go next. My second observation is that Hayley is now fricken amazing! I was very impressed with her rendition of Carole King’s ‘Beautiful’ and she finally proved to me that she deserved to be there. Although if I had to choose between Pia and Haley I’d choose Pia in a heartbeat. This week’s elimination of Casey James was a little sad, but not surprising. Although Casey was interesting and good, he peaked too soon delivering stand out performances during Hollywood Week and at the start of the finals.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the final five do next week. The top five performance show is often one of my favourites of the season, as traditionally they sing two songs for this show. Bring it on!
Now that I am back in the US, still recovering from the loss of Pia, I’m catching up on all things Idol. There have been some big surprises since three weeks ago. Firstly, how is Jacob still there? He’s so theatrical and not nearly as charismatic as the rest of the Idol contenders. I guess his voice is good, but they should all be good at this stage. He has to go next. My second observation is that Hayley is now fricken amazing! I was very impressed with her rendition of Carole King’s ‘Beautiful’ and she finally proved to me that she deserved to be there. Although if I had to choose between Pia and Haley I’d choose Pia in a heartbeat. This week’s elimination of Casey James was a little sad, but not surprising. Although Casey was interesting and good, he peaked too soon delivering stand out performances during Hollywood Week and at the start of the finals.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the final five do next week. The top five performance show is often one of my favourites of the season, as traditionally they sing two songs for this show. Bring it on!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Motown week with the American Idol Top 11
Motown! I LOVE Motown week on Idol, these are all great pop songs and some of my favourite Idol performances have been during Motown week. Like Kimberly Caldwell's 'Nowhere to Run', Kris Allen's 'How Sweet it is to be Loved By You', and Kelly Clarkson's 'You're All I Need to Get By'.
First up, Casey. I'm starting to like him a lot more, although I think he needs to growl a little less. 'Heard it Through the Grapevine' is an amazing song, so good song choice. I really want him to get rid of the ginge beard though, I hope he lets the Idol stylists give them a makeover.
Next is Thea who bravely sings 'Heatwave' which Kimberley Locke sang in season 2 and Jennifer Hudson sang in season 3. I think Thea really needs to show her personailty. Or maybe she doesn't have a personality, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Jacob's up third singing one of my fave Motown songs 'You're All I Need To Get By' and sounded pretty good. I still can't see myself buying his album though.
Lauren sounded amazing singing 'You Keep Me Hanging On' and she seemed a little less annoying than usual. Hmmm, maybe she would make a good Idol winner?
Okay, is it just me or do all the girls have hair extensions now?
I was starting to like Stefano until it was announced that he had chosen to sing Lionel Richie's 'Hello'. Which a. How is that Motown? When I think of Motown I think of the era, Alone was in the 80s and b. IT'S A DAVID COOK CLASSIC!! So the outcome? As I couldn't help compare it to D Cook, it was very disappointing. It didn't sound terrible, but there was nothing special about it.
Oh Haley. You sound pretty good but there's something about you that's not right. I think it's that you have no personality. And as you've been in the bottom three for the past two weeks I think America senses this too.
I am starting to like Scotty more each week. He gave Steve Wonder's 'For Once In My Life' its own spin and it sounded like an instant country hit. I can totally see him having a hit country album and opening for Carrie or Kellie Piockler.
I would say that Pia's 'All in Love is Fair' was almost an Idol moment. She sounds amazing and I think she's my favourite at the moment, she reminds me of Katharine McPhee who I love. But I want her to be a Kelly Clarkson and to sing something fun and not sing a ballad every week!
Paul sang 'Tracks of my Tears' and sounded good, but I don't think it was an 'Idol moment' like Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine has envisaged. He has yet to wow me.
Naima. She drives me crazy with her pitchiness and attitude. But she didn't sound terrible on 'Dancing in the Streets'. Her dancing kind of freaked me out. I did love the cross to Nigel Lythgoe though!
Yay! James gets the pimp spot! He's my Dad's favourite and I think he has a good voice and makes 'Living for the City' sound like an original rock song. Love it! Ryan looks like a midget next to James. He can stand by me whenever he wants!
Who I'm voting for - Scotty, Pia, Lauren, James
Who I want to go - Naima
Who I think will go - Stefano or Haley
First up, Casey. I'm starting to like him a lot more, although I think he needs to growl a little less. 'Heard it Through the Grapevine' is an amazing song, so good song choice. I really want him to get rid of the ginge beard though, I hope he lets the Idol stylists give them a makeover.
Next is Thea who bravely sings 'Heatwave' which Kimberley Locke sang in season 2 and Jennifer Hudson sang in season 3. I think Thea really needs to show her personailty. Or maybe she doesn't have a personality, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Jacob's up third singing one of my fave Motown songs 'You're All I Need To Get By' and sounded pretty good. I still can't see myself buying his album though.
Lauren sounded amazing singing 'You Keep Me Hanging On' and she seemed a little less annoying than usual. Hmmm, maybe she would make a good Idol winner?
Okay, is it just me or do all the girls have hair extensions now?
I was starting to like Stefano until it was announced that he had chosen to sing Lionel Richie's 'Hello'. Which a. How is that Motown? When I think of Motown I think of the era, Alone was in the 80s and b. IT'S A DAVID COOK CLASSIC!! So the outcome? As I couldn't help compare it to D Cook, it was very disappointing. It didn't sound terrible, but there was nothing special about it.
Oh Haley. You sound pretty good but there's something about you that's not right. I think it's that you have no personality. And as you've been in the bottom three for the past two weeks I think America senses this too.
I am starting to like Scotty more each week. He gave Steve Wonder's 'For Once In My Life' its own spin and it sounded like an instant country hit. I can totally see him having a hit country album and opening for Carrie or Kellie Piockler.
I would say that Pia's 'All in Love is Fair' was almost an Idol moment. She sounds amazing and I think she's my favourite at the moment, she reminds me of Katharine McPhee who I love. But I want her to be a Kelly Clarkson and to sing something fun and not sing a ballad every week!
Paul sang 'Tracks of my Tears' and sounded good, but I don't think it was an 'Idol moment' like Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine has envisaged. He has yet to wow me.
Naima. She drives me crazy with her pitchiness and attitude. But she didn't sound terrible on 'Dancing in the Streets'. Her dancing kind of freaked me out. I did love the cross to Nigel Lythgoe though!
Yay! James gets the pimp spot! He's my Dad's favourite and I think he has a good voice and makes 'Living for the City' sound like an original rock song. Love it! Ryan looks like a midget next to James. He can stand by me whenever he wants!
Who I'm voting for - Scotty, Pia, Lauren, James
Who I want to go - Naima
Who I think will go - Stefano or Haley
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Woo Hoo! It's the Idol Top 13!!
I know, I know, I haven't written anything on my blog in forever. I have a good excuse, I promise! And I'll share it when I can. I've been sooo busy I still haven't been able to watch the American Idol top 13 performance show! Yes, this is a travesty. So instead of my recap I have something just as good (well almost as good) from a guest blogger...
Idol Top 13 Quickfire Recap with Spoon
Hope you're all watching Idol! Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox. And for the Kiwis - Fridays and Saturdays on TV2.
Idol Top 13 Quickfire Recap with Spoon
- Am not that into Ashthon, she's acting like a diva already
- I'm totally on team Casey... he's funny and good!
- Paul is annoying me more than I remember. He really does look like a young Rod Stewart.
- I think Pia is good, but she should do something besides ballads....
- I kind of like James now too...
- Haley is a good singer, but I don't like her... don't know why... oh i hate it when people sing "I believe I can fly"... and especially when they try and change it up...
- I think that Thia needs to sing songs that are for people her age... why is she 15 going on 55?
- oh and this Stevie Wonder remix by Stefano? I don't think I ever like Stefano that much...
- oh and can Karen kiss J.Lo's ass anymore? she seems nervous... it was weird...
- I looooooove the River... it's one of my favorite Garth songs! Go Scotty! haha there's a river in the background!
- and at least Naima didn't butcher my fave Rhianna diddy "disturbia"...
Hope you're all watching Idol! Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox. And for the Kiwis - Fridays and Saturdays on TV2.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
American Idol - A New Era
American Idol season 10 has begun. Yes, season 10! I can't believe that my favourite show (of shows currently on TV) has been on for 10 years. Although this season has more changes than ever. And I'm just talking about the judges! Simon, Kara and Ellen are out and Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are in. And it's not necessarily better, or worse, but it is different. It seems a little strange to not hear one of Simon's clever remarks after a terrible performance; but Jennifer and Steven look so comfortable at the judging table it's as if they've been doing this for years. Steven Tyler is hilarious and J Lo is cool and constructive as well as looking gorgeous. American Idol should really be about the contestants and throughout New Jersey, New Orleans and Milwaukee there has been some good talent. No absolute standouts for me, but time will tell.
As far as the other changes go, the most apparent one so far is the new credits, which for the first time introduces non American Idol winners into the mix. As much as I love to have Chris Daughtry given the credit he deserves, it doesn't seem right to me. The credits should be place where the Idol winners get to shine. Although I still think Taylor Hicks shouldn't have won season five, but that's what America decided. I'll have to see how the other changes pan out, but so far I approve. I still heart American Idol.
As far as the other changes go, the most apparent one so far is the new credits, which for the first time introduces non American Idol winners into the mix. As much as I love to have Chris Daughtry given the credit he deserves, it doesn't seem right to me. The credits should be place where the Idol winners get to shine. Although I still think Taylor Hicks shouldn't have won season five, but that's what America decided. I'll have to see how the other changes pan out, but so far I approve. I still heart American Idol.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Winter TV - What New Shows to Watch?
Christmas is over and it's almost New Years, which means that the winter TV season is almost upon us. Which, as well as the return of my beloved American Idol, means the debut of several new shows. I'm most looking forward to two ABC shows. Mr Sunshine, which stars Matthew Perry as a middle aged sports arena manager going though a midlife crisis. I love Matthew Perry and am looking forward to seeing him on the small screen again. The other show I can't wait to see is Off the Map, a medical drama executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. Yes, the Shonda Rhimes of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Off the Map is set in South America and focuses on six doctors and their professional and personal lives. It also stars New Zealand actor Martin Henderson and one of my favourite Friday Night Lights studs Zach Gilford. Happy New Year Y'all!
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