What kind of song can the finalists open with when the theme is songs from the year they were born? The answer is so obvious - Right Back Where We Started From! The disco smash that Maxine Nightingale kept at #2 for two weeks in 1976. The Top 10 finalists were clearly having fun as they gave this preview of what they will be doing on the summer tour.
Chikezie was the first to hear that he must sit in one of the stools reserved for the bottom three. Brooke White was the first to be sent to the safety of the couch followed by Carly Smithson. David Archuleta then heard the news that he could sit his cute little self down on the couch and David Cook then joined him. Syesha Mercado, unfortunately, had to join Chikezie in the stool next to him. Michael Johns had the good fortune to make it to safety.
Season Two Miss American Idol will be remembered for having the three most worthy vocalists remaining in the final three: Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke. The Season Two Miss American Idol second runner up, Kimberley Locke, has managed to make a pretty good place for herself in this tough business having quite a few hits on the adult contemporary charts as well as having a holiday themed hit every Christmas. She came back to the American Idol stage tonight looking very sophisticated and classy and sounding as great as always.
Ramiele Malubay was very relieved to hear that she can go sit on the couch. Kristy Lee Cook also is safe leaving Jason Castro to join Syesha and Chikezie. But Jason wasn't there for long as he was quickly sent to the couch. Syesha has been in this position before so close to being sent home and then at the last second hearing that she is safe. Chikezie's boring song choice sealed his fate.
This unpredictable season has continued to take twists and turns as I only got one of my predictions right. Looking back, I wish I had been brave and predicted Jason Castro would be in the bottom three. While the voters are finally getting it right with Jason, they are still allowing Brooke and Ramiele to come back each week. And poor Syesha is going to have to come up with some amazing over the top gimmick to keep her safe - It worked for Kristy Lee Cook!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Top 10 sing their beginnings
Tonight the top 10 finalists had to select a song that was a hit the year they were born.
Ramiele Malubay was born in 1987 when Heart spent three weeks at #1 with Alone. This song has become an American Idol favorite clearly because it allows the finalist to show off their entire range. Ramiele probably gave us her best vocal so far, but she doesn't have much of a gimmick to make her extra memorable.
Jason Castro was born in 1990 when Sting released Fragile. Rather than pursuing the haunting introspection of the original, Jason stuck with his limited abilities and made this song into a laid back spanish bilingual salsa. Because of his immaturity it was the same old gimmick with the guitar and the weak vocals.
Syesha Mercado was born in 1987 and for some reason she selected a song that Gladys Knight took to the top 10 in 1971, If I Were Your Woman. It's a great song but this arrangement wasn't as interesting as the original. Syesha still found a way to let her voice take center stage and sound as good as we always thought she could.
Chikezie was born in 1985 when Luther Vandross released If Only For One Night. For the past couple of weeks Chikezie has strutted his stuff showing a full range of performance versatility, but tonight he fell back into a rut. This was a very bland imitation of the original.
Brooke White was born in 1983 when the Police spent eight weeks at #1 with Every Breath You Take. Those were eight long boring weeks back then so it wasn't much for Brooke to work with, but it was actually a good fit for her performance limitations. She sat behind the piano and played in her comfort zone, even after a shaky start.
Michael Johns was born in 1978 when Queen hit the top 5 with We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions. It was a very good choice that Michael decided to sing a medley of both songs because he had the chance to truly entertain the crowd with rocking energy. He knows what he does best and this song allowed him to do it.
Carly Smithson was born in 1983 when Bonnie Tyler spent four weeks at #1 with Total Eclipse Of The Heart. This is a dramatic power ballad that allowed Carly to exhibit everything she can do better than the other finalists. It was passionate, intense and completely entertaining.
David Archuleta was born in 1990 and for some reason he picked an obscure song called You're The Voice by John Farnham. This was not a good song choice at all so he had to completely depend on that adorable cute face and sincere personality to make it work. It goes without saying that he has enough cuteness and sincerity to make anything work.
Kristy Lee Cook was born in 1984 when Lee Greenwood first served the world his patriotic anthem God Bless The USA. Kristy is a sweet talented young woman, but if she wants to have a chance in this competition she's going to need a much bigger gimmick to keep her alive. This was a blatant attempt to appeal to the audience that no one else is playing to and it will most likely work.
David Cook was born in 1982 when Michael Jackson took the world by storm and dominated the top of the charts for seven weeks with Billie Jean. David truly has the gimmick that is gonna take him to the finals. He has once again reinvented an oldie by turning it into an electrifying rock jam. David could easily be topping the charts very soon.
This season has proven itself to be very unpredictable. It doesn't matter if your the best vocalist in the competition, like Carly, you can still end up in the bottom three. Syesha found herself there as well, but I'm still gonna predict who I think SHOULD be in the bottom three. Brooke made up for her stammering start, but I don't think well enough. Chikezie should be joining Brooke because he settled back into bland. Ramiele's lack of a distinctive identity will not only have her in the bottom three with Brooke and Chikezie, but it should be sending her home.
Ramiele Malubay was born in 1987 when Heart spent three weeks at #1 with Alone. This song has become an American Idol favorite clearly because it allows the finalist to show off their entire range. Ramiele probably gave us her best vocal so far, but she doesn't have much of a gimmick to make her extra memorable.
Jason Castro was born in 1990 when Sting released Fragile. Rather than pursuing the haunting introspection of the original, Jason stuck with his limited abilities and made this song into a laid back spanish bilingual salsa. Because of his immaturity it was the same old gimmick with the guitar and the weak vocals.
Syesha Mercado was born in 1987 and for some reason she selected a song that Gladys Knight took to the top 10 in 1971, If I Were Your Woman. It's a great song but this arrangement wasn't as interesting as the original. Syesha still found a way to let her voice take center stage and sound as good as we always thought she could.
Chikezie was born in 1985 when Luther Vandross released If Only For One Night. For the past couple of weeks Chikezie has strutted his stuff showing a full range of performance versatility, but tonight he fell back into a rut. This was a very bland imitation of the original.
Brooke White was born in 1983 when the Police spent eight weeks at #1 with Every Breath You Take. Those were eight long boring weeks back then so it wasn't much for Brooke to work with, but it was actually a good fit for her performance limitations. She sat behind the piano and played in her comfort zone, even after a shaky start.
Michael Johns was born in 1978 when Queen hit the top 5 with We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions. It was a very good choice that Michael decided to sing a medley of both songs because he had the chance to truly entertain the crowd with rocking energy. He knows what he does best and this song allowed him to do it.
Carly Smithson was born in 1983 when Bonnie Tyler spent four weeks at #1 with Total Eclipse Of The Heart. This is a dramatic power ballad that allowed Carly to exhibit everything she can do better than the other finalists. It was passionate, intense and completely entertaining.
David Archuleta was born in 1990 and for some reason he picked an obscure song called You're The Voice by John Farnham. This was not a good song choice at all so he had to completely depend on that adorable cute face and sincere personality to make it work. It goes without saying that he has enough cuteness and sincerity to make anything work.
Kristy Lee Cook was born in 1984 when Lee Greenwood first served the world his patriotic anthem God Bless The USA. Kristy is a sweet talented young woman, but if she wants to have a chance in this competition she's going to need a much bigger gimmick to keep her alive. This was a blatant attempt to appeal to the audience that no one else is playing to and it will most likely work.
David Cook was born in 1982 when Michael Jackson took the world by storm and dominated the top of the charts for seven weeks with Billie Jean. David truly has the gimmick that is gonna take him to the finals. He has once again reinvented an oldie by turning it into an electrifying rock jam. David could easily be topping the charts very soon.
This season has proven itself to be very unpredictable. It doesn't matter if your the best vocalist in the competition, like Carly, you can still end up in the bottom three. Syesha found herself there as well, but I'm still gonna predict who I think SHOULD be in the bottom three. Brooke made up for her stammering start, but I don't think well enough. Chikezie should be joining Brooke because he settled back into bland. Ramiele's lack of a distinctive identity will not only have her in the bottom three with Brooke and Chikezie, but it should be sending her home.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Results - Beatles night - Part 2
Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond have been revealed as the Season Seven American Idol mentors - Quite impressive! Not so impressive was the medley of Beatles songs the top 11 finalists opened the show with.
One by one the finalists were to come center stage and find out if they get to sit comfortably on the couch and make the top 10 or sit in one of the stools reserved for the bottom three. Brooke White made it to the couch while Carly Smithson, in a shocker, had to go sit in the first stool. David Archuleta is safe and so is Michael Johns. David Cook was the next to make the safety of the couch while Kristy Lee Cook had to sit on a stool next to Carly. Jason Castro and Ramiele Malubay also got the good news of being in the top 10.
In Season Five Kellie Pickler was very easily written off as the poor man's Carrie Underwood. She managed to make the top 10 that year despite her limited vocal range and ditzy persona. In the time since then Ms. Pickler has actually released a very good collection of songs on her debut album and has become quite the respectable live performer. She came back to the American Idol stage to sing her crowd pleaser, Red High Heels and while she still doesn't come close to the sales and talents of the Supreme Miss American Idol, Carrie, she still pulled off some good entertainment.
Syesha Mercado was the next to find out she is safe followed by Chikieze. That left Amanda Overmyer to join Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook in the bottom three. Carly Smithson was sent back to safety as was Kristy Lee Cook. In an unexpected twist, Amanda Overmyer has ended up as the lowest vote getter of the week and we have seen the last of her Janis Joplin southern rock musical interpretations.
I only got one of my predictions correct this week and while I am disappointed to see Amanda leave too soon, I am glad that Kristy Lee Cook is getting the chance to bring her girl next door persona back for another week. I gotta wonder what is wrong with these voters? Carly Smithson has one of the best voices ever to sing on the American Idol stage and yet people are calling in for Brooke White and Jason Castro. Brooke and Jason both score 10's when it comes to good personalities, but they are sorely lacking in vocal range and stage presence. Who knows what surprises we'll get next week.
One by one the finalists were to come center stage and find out if they get to sit comfortably on the couch and make the top 10 or sit in one of the stools reserved for the bottom three. Brooke White made it to the couch while Carly Smithson, in a shocker, had to go sit in the first stool. David Archuleta is safe and so is Michael Johns. David Cook was the next to make the safety of the couch while Kristy Lee Cook had to sit on a stool next to Carly. Jason Castro and Ramiele Malubay also got the good news of being in the top 10.
In Season Five Kellie Pickler was very easily written off as the poor man's Carrie Underwood. She managed to make the top 10 that year despite her limited vocal range and ditzy persona. In the time since then Ms. Pickler has actually released a very good collection of songs on her debut album and has become quite the respectable live performer. She came back to the American Idol stage to sing her crowd pleaser, Red High Heels and while she still doesn't come close to the sales and talents of the Supreme Miss American Idol, Carrie, she still pulled off some good entertainment.
Syesha Mercado was the next to find out she is safe followed by Chikieze. That left Amanda Overmyer to join Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook in the bottom three. Carly Smithson was sent back to safety as was Kristy Lee Cook. In an unexpected twist, Amanda Overmyer has ended up as the lowest vote getter of the week and we have seen the last of her Janis Joplin southern rock musical interpretations.
I only got one of my predictions correct this week and while I am disappointed to see Amanda leave too soon, I am glad that Kristy Lee Cook is getting the chance to bring her girl next door persona back for another week. I gotta wonder what is wrong with these voters? Carly Smithson has one of the best voices ever to sing on the American Idol stage and yet people are calling in for Brooke White and Jason Castro. Brooke and Jason both score 10's when it comes to good personalities, but they are sorely lacking in vocal range and stage presence. Who knows what surprises we'll get next week.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The top 11 sing the music of the Beatles!
The music of the Beatles is so great that it takes two weeks to do it justice. Here is how the top 11 finalists decided to pay tribute:
The Fab Four brought the Liverpool sound across the ocean to the United States and we loved every note. Who would have thought we'd be hearing the music of these British boys interpreted with the southern rock stylings of Amanda Overmyer. Her take on Back in the USSR was just as rousing and energetic as we have come to expect from her. More of the same? Yes, but she's good at it.
Kristy Lee Cook was harshly criticized for her country twist on the song last week, so tonight she took a more straightforward approach. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away was in the movie Help!, but it was never actually a hit for them. It was a one hit wonder for a folk quartet called The Silkie in 1965. Kristy did a fine job with this lovely song. She looks beautiful and has a very nice voice. She's way too sweet to be mean to her.
The final #1 song for the Beatles, The Long And Winding Road, spent two weeks at the top in 1970. David Archuleta performed this song to prove that he is so much more than a cute young fresh face. Even though he stumbled a bit last week, there was no sign of hesitation tonight. He sounded pure and powerful - just like a Miss American Idol winner.
One of the most impressive things about the music of the Beatles is that many of their songs are instantly recognizable even though they were never singles and never hit the Billboard HOT 100. Michael Johns performed one of those classics, A Day In The Life, and he tried to generate his trademark smouldering heat. He just needs to stand there and the temperature begins to rise, even though the end result is a little uneven.
Brooke White broke out of her comfort zone a bit with her rendition of Here Comes The Sun. She did not hide behind a piano or a guitar this time around. It was just her slender frame attempting to dance in a sunny yellow dress. Unfortunately it allowed some performance awkwardness to show through along with some vocal imperfections.
Day Tripper hit the top 5 in 1965 and it was just about as hard rocking as the Beatles ever got. David Cook took that opening electric guitar riff and ran away with it. He is easily proving himself as the best rocker the American Idol stage has ever seen. He's got a very nice personality and you can clearly see his genuine love of music - the areas that the previous rockers in seasons past were lacking.
Carly Smithson just has one of those voices. She has strength coupled with range. She can sing anything, it seems, and make it listenable. The Beatles catalog is amazing and full of some of the catchiest hooks of all time so even though Carly chose to sing Blackbird, one of their least catchy songs, she still managed to make it work. Even so, here's to the hope that she chooses something more fun next week.
It was too late change his mind and pick up his guitar so Jason Castro had to stick with the way he rehearsed it. With this kid it is definitely a personality contest and not a singing contest. He's got a pretty face and those dreadlocks. He brought nothing special vocally to his rendition of Michelle, just his smile. The rest was awkward and imperfect.
Yesterday spent four weeks at #1 in 1965 and since then it has become the most covered song of all time. Syesha Mercado continued the tradition sitting on the edge of the stage with accoustic guitar accompaniment. The end result was very emotionally vulnerable even though she still hasn't found the best way to showcase her vocals.
Chikezie once again tried to step up his game and show more of his range. This time he demonstrated his harmonica skills on I've Just Seen A Face from the Help! album. It's obvious that he's working hard each week as the end result is sweaty and entertaining.
Ramiele Malubay started out a little timid with her light and bouncy version of I Should Have Known Better. As the song went on she started to have fun and sound better. There's a very good voice in there, but she needs to find her confidence and stage presence to really win over the fans.
David Archuleta reclaimed his standing as the clear front runner with his performance tonight while some of the others faltered. My predictions for the most at risk for going home are Brooke White and Jason Castro. They are both very nice personalities, but there vocals are simply not up to par. They should be joined in the bottom three by the wonderfully sweet Kristy Lee Cook. She's very pretty and talented, but she's getting lost in the shuffle.
The Fab Four brought the Liverpool sound across the ocean to the United States and we loved every note. Who would have thought we'd be hearing the music of these British boys interpreted with the southern rock stylings of Amanda Overmyer. Her take on Back in the USSR was just as rousing and energetic as we have come to expect from her. More of the same? Yes, but she's good at it.
Kristy Lee Cook was harshly criticized for her country twist on the song last week, so tonight she took a more straightforward approach. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away was in the movie Help!, but it was never actually a hit for them. It was a one hit wonder for a folk quartet called The Silkie in 1965. Kristy did a fine job with this lovely song. She looks beautiful and has a very nice voice. She's way too sweet to be mean to her.
The final #1 song for the Beatles, The Long And Winding Road, spent two weeks at the top in 1970. David Archuleta performed this song to prove that he is so much more than a cute young fresh face. Even though he stumbled a bit last week, there was no sign of hesitation tonight. He sounded pure and powerful - just like a Miss American Idol winner.
One of the most impressive things about the music of the Beatles is that many of their songs are instantly recognizable even though they were never singles and never hit the Billboard HOT 100. Michael Johns performed one of those classics, A Day In The Life, and he tried to generate his trademark smouldering heat. He just needs to stand there and the temperature begins to rise, even though the end result is a little uneven.
Brooke White broke out of her comfort zone a bit with her rendition of Here Comes The Sun. She did not hide behind a piano or a guitar this time around. It was just her slender frame attempting to dance in a sunny yellow dress. Unfortunately it allowed some performance awkwardness to show through along with some vocal imperfections.
Day Tripper hit the top 5 in 1965 and it was just about as hard rocking as the Beatles ever got. David Cook took that opening electric guitar riff and ran away with it. He is easily proving himself as the best rocker the American Idol stage has ever seen. He's got a very nice personality and you can clearly see his genuine love of music - the areas that the previous rockers in seasons past were lacking.
Carly Smithson just has one of those voices. She has strength coupled with range. She can sing anything, it seems, and make it listenable. The Beatles catalog is amazing and full of some of the catchiest hooks of all time so even though Carly chose to sing Blackbird, one of their least catchy songs, she still managed to make it work. Even so, here's to the hope that she chooses something more fun next week.
It was too late change his mind and pick up his guitar so Jason Castro had to stick with the way he rehearsed it. With this kid it is definitely a personality contest and not a singing contest. He's got a pretty face and those dreadlocks. He brought nothing special vocally to his rendition of Michelle, just his smile. The rest was awkward and imperfect.
Yesterday spent four weeks at #1 in 1965 and since then it has become the most covered song of all time. Syesha Mercado continued the tradition sitting on the edge of the stage with accoustic guitar accompaniment. The end result was very emotionally vulnerable even though she still hasn't found the best way to showcase her vocals.
Chikezie once again tried to step up his game and show more of his range. This time he demonstrated his harmonica skills on I've Just Seen A Face from the Help! album. It's obvious that he's working hard each week as the end result is sweaty and entertaining.
Ramiele Malubay started out a little timid with her light and bouncy version of I Should Have Known Better. As the song went on she started to have fun and sound better. There's a very good voice in there, but she needs to find her confidence and stage presence to really win over the fans.
David Archuleta reclaimed his standing as the clear front runner with his performance tonight while some of the others faltered. My predictions for the most at risk for going home are Brooke White and Jason Castro. They are both very nice personalities, but there vocals are simply not up to par. They should be joined in the bottom three by the wonderfully sweet Kristy Lee Cook. She's very pretty and talented, but she's getting lost in the shuffle.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Results - Beatles night
The top 12 opened the show with a medley of Beatles hits and I gotta tell you, they really reminded me of the Brady kids trying to win the silver platter for their parents. Mike and Carol were so proud to see them on TV that night and I'm sure the finalists had many proud fans cheering them on as well.
Then to the results. Carly Smithson was the first to hear that she is safe followed by Michael Johns. Jason Castro managed to connect with the audience and get enough votes to be safe while Syesha Mercado learned that she is the first to be in the bottom three. Chikieze, Amanda Overmyer and David Cook are all safe for another week while Kristy Lee Cook must join Syesha in the bottom three.
Season Five Miss American Idol First Runner Up, Katherine McPhee, then took the stage with piano accompaniment from David Foster to perform Something which was the B-side to the Beatles 1969 #1 smash Come Together. Turns out that David is working on producing some new material for Katherine's second album. Hopefully he'll be able to crank out some hits for her since nothing from her first release managed to hit the charts in a significant way. Speaking of significant chart hits, the reigning Miss American Idol, Jordin Sparks, recently dropped out of the top 10 with her smash hit Tattoo and her follow up single, No Air, has just leaped up to #6 this week. Ruben couldn't do it. Neither could Fantasia, Carrie or Taylor. She joins Kelly Clarkson as the only Miss American Idols to have more than one top 10 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 from one album.
David Archuleta, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay are all safe and in an unfortunate surprise, David Hernandez must join Kristy and Syesha in the bottom three. But not for long, as Syesha Mercado was sent back to safety and she was quickly followed by Kristy Lee Cook. Handsome young David Hernandez is the first of the top 12 to be going home as the lowest vote getter of the week. Too bad we won't be getting a chance to see him sing and dance across the American Idol stage any more, but he's a man of many talents and he may be dancing for appreciative audiences again soon.
I only correctly predicted one of the bottom three so Syesha is getting another chance to improve her stage presence and style.
Then to the results. Carly Smithson was the first to hear that she is safe followed by Michael Johns. Jason Castro managed to connect with the audience and get enough votes to be safe while Syesha Mercado learned that she is the first to be in the bottom three. Chikieze, Amanda Overmyer and David Cook are all safe for another week while Kristy Lee Cook must join Syesha in the bottom three.
Season Five Miss American Idol First Runner Up, Katherine McPhee, then took the stage with piano accompaniment from David Foster to perform Something which was the B-side to the Beatles 1969 #1 smash Come Together. Turns out that David is working on producing some new material for Katherine's second album. Hopefully he'll be able to crank out some hits for her since nothing from her first release managed to hit the charts in a significant way. Speaking of significant chart hits, the reigning Miss American Idol, Jordin Sparks, recently dropped out of the top 10 with her smash hit Tattoo and her follow up single, No Air, has just leaped up to #6 this week. Ruben couldn't do it. Neither could Fantasia, Carrie or Taylor. She joins Kelly Clarkson as the only Miss American Idols to have more than one top 10 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 from one album.
David Archuleta, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay are all safe and in an unfortunate surprise, David Hernandez must join Kristy and Syesha in the bottom three. But not for long, as Syesha Mercado was sent back to safety and she was quickly followed by Kristy Lee Cook. Handsome young David Hernandez is the first of the top 12 to be going home as the lowest vote getter of the week. Too bad we won't be getting a chance to see him sing and dance across the American Idol stage any more, but he's a man of many talents and he may be dancing for appreciative audiences again soon.
I only correctly predicted one of the bottom three so Syesha is getting another chance to improve her stage presence and style.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The top 12 sing the music of The Beatles!
The pop music catalog begins, ends and is defined by the extensive and diverse songs of The Beatles. From 1964 to 1970 they had 20 #1 chart-topping smash hits and they had 51 songs reach the top 40. The top 12 finalists are being given the privilege to perform the music from this outstanding songbook tonight.
The incredible string of hits ended in 1970 when the Beatles broke up, but in 1976 Got To Get You Into My Life was re-discovered and got enough sales and airplay to get into the top 10. In 1978 Earth Wind and Fire covered it and it became a hit again. Syesha Mercado nervously got on stage to perform the 1978 R&B arrangement of this song, but couldn't quite get it right. She was clearly trying to be fun, but her vocal strengths suffered as a result. She seems to have a difficult time singing and entertaining at the same time.
Chikieze barely made it into the top 12 last week and tonight he completely stepped up to prove that America made the right choice. He did exactly what he had to do to save himself from inevitable elimination with his high energy rendition the 1964 top five hit She's A Woman. It was a surprising breath of fresh air.
In My Life was never a single from their 1965 album Rubber Soul, but it is an instantly recognizable classic. Ramiele Malubay delivered a very sweet and simple interpretation of this lovely ballad rather than offering any special twists. The result was good, but not really impressive.
Another beautiful album track from the 1964 album A Hard Day's Night is If I Fell. Jason Castro stayed true to his standard gimmicks as he sat center stage on a stool strumming his acoustic guitar. He vocal weaknesses show through very clearly when he tries to attempt any key changes or styling. If he didn't have the dreads you wouldn't notice him at all.
For one week in 1969 Come Together was the #1 song in the country. Carly Smithson admitted that this is a long time personal favorite of hers that she performs as often as possible. Her genuine love of singing came through with every powerful note whether she belted or gently serenaded.
In 1966 Eleanor Rigby just missed hitting the top 10. David Cook made it work once so it's a safe bet that he should try it again - take a ballad and make it ROCK. He knows how to elevate a song from safe all the way up to pop music chart topping dangerous. At this point he could release an album of oldies covers and introduce a whole new generation to rocking versions.
Let It Be spent two weeks at #1 in 1970. Brooke White stayed true to her standard gimmicks as she sat at a grand piano to give her heartfelt interpretation. She is much more a sincere and genuine personality that the audience is falling in love with than an exceptional vocalist. She has a limited range when it comes to the highs and lows on the scale, but emotionally she can show the entire spectrum.
In 1964 The Beatles were the new and improved ultra cool teen idols keeping the girls screaming with songs like the top 20 hit I Saw Her Standing There. David Hernandez has everything it takes to grace the pages of the glossy teen magazines of today so his performance should have left us feeling all dreamy. Unfortunately everything didn't fall into place like he had hoped. His voice is still great and his looks are still flawless, but he has to work on choosing the right arrangement to complete the package.
Another album track from the 1964 album A Hard Day's Night is You Can't Do That. Amanda Overmyer stayed true to her standard gimmicks as she recreated this with her southern rock style. We know exactly what to expect from her. We now know what it would sound like if Janis Joplin sang that song. She's not likely going to be capable of broadening her range, but she's entertaining nonetheless.
Across The Universe is a powerful album track from their 1970 release Let It Be. Michael Johns played it safe with this performance. Nothing's going to change his standing as a front-runner more than denying us the fire that we've come to expect from him. We know he's still got it, he's just got to show it more.
Kristy Lee Cook took a risk and rearranged the 1965 #1 smash Eight Days A Week into a country toe tapper. She looked great in her torn jeans and spangled tank and her voice was just as sweet as always. Purists may be upset with the revision, but I think it totally worked. She's got a very like able stage presence that allows her to get away with it.
ALERT THE MEDIA!!!!! The golden child has faltered. Sad but true, David Archuleta walked out on stage and forgot the lyrics to We Can Work It Out. It was a #1 song for three weeks in 1965 - a full 25 years before he was born. We all agree that he's a darling young man, but he had better work harder to learn the music if he wants to remain untouchable. Good , but kinda sloppy.
All of our expectations were turned inside out and upside down tonight while front-runners failed to follow through and dark horses pulled ahead. This season is ruled by strong and distinctive personalities much more than impressive voices. If you can't be quickly defined as the one who "fill in the blank" then you will be going home. I predict that Syesha Mercado will be joined by Ramiele Malubay and Jason Castro in the bottom three. Even though she is probably one of the best girl singers this year, I predict that Syesha will be going home. She'll be a victim of performing first and being forgotten.
The incredible string of hits ended in 1970 when the Beatles broke up, but in 1976 Got To Get You Into My Life was re-discovered and got enough sales and airplay to get into the top 10. In 1978 Earth Wind and Fire covered it and it became a hit again. Syesha Mercado nervously got on stage to perform the 1978 R&B arrangement of this song, but couldn't quite get it right. She was clearly trying to be fun, but her vocal strengths suffered as a result. She seems to have a difficult time singing and entertaining at the same time.
Chikieze barely made it into the top 12 last week and tonight he completely stepped up to prove that America made the right choice. He did exactly what he had to do to save himself from inevitable elimination with his high energy rendition the 1964 top five hit She's A Woman. It was a surprising breath of fresh air.
In My Life was never a single from their 1965 album Rubber Soul, but it is an instantly recognizable classic. Ramiele Malubay delivered a very sweet and simple interpretation of this lovely ballad rather than offering any special twists. The result was good, but not really impressive.
Another beautiful album track from the 1964 album A Hard Day's Night is If I Fell. Jason Castro stayed true to his standard gimmicks as he sat center stage on a stool strumming his acoustic guitar. He vocal weaknesses show through very clearly when he tries to attempt any key changes or styling. If he didn't have the dreads you wouldn't notice him at all.
For one week in 1969 Come Together was the #1 song in the country. Carly Smithson admitted that this is a long time personal favorite of hers that she performs as often as possible. Her genuine love of singing came through with every powerful note whether she belted or gently serenaded.
In 1966 Eleanor Rigby just missed hitting the top 10. David Cook made it work once so it's a safe bet that he should try it again - take a ballad and make it ROCK. He knows how to elevate a song from safe all the way up to pop music chart topping dangerous. At this point he could release an album of oldies covers and introduce a whole new generation to rocking versions.
Let It Be spent two weeks at #1 in 1970. Brooke White stayed true to her standard gimmicks as she sat at a grand piano to give her heartfelt interpretation. She is much more a sincere and genuine personality that the audience is falling in love with than an exceptional vocalist. She has a limited range when it comes to the highs and lows on the scale, but emotionally she can show the entire spectrum.
In 1964 The Beatles were the new and improved ultra cool teen idols keeping the girls screaming with songs like the top 20 hit I Saw Her Standing There. David Hernandez has everything it takes to grace the pages of the glossy teen magazines of today so his performance should have left us feeling all dreamy. Unfortunately everything didn't fall into place like he had hoped. His voice is still great and his looks are still flawless, but he has to work on choosing the right arrangement to complete the package.
Another album track from the 1964 album A Hard Day's Night is You Can't Do That. Amanda Overmyer stayed true to her standard gimmicks as she recreated this with her southern rock style. We know exactly what to expect from her. We now know what it would sound like if Janis Joplin sang that song. She's not likely going to be capable of broadening her range, but she's entertaining nonetheless.
Across The Universe is a powerful album track from their 1970 release Let It Be. Michael Johns played it safe with this performance. Nothing's going to change his standing as a front-runner more than denying us the fire that we've come to expect from him. We know he's still got it, he's just got to show it more.
Kristy Lee Cook took a risk and rearranged the 1965 #1 smash Eight Days A Week into a country toe tapper. She looked great in her torn jeans and spangled tank and her voice was just as sweet as always. Purists may be upset with the revision, but I think it totally worked. She's got a very like able stage presence that allows her to get away with it.
ALERT THE MEDIA!!!!! The golden child has faltered. Sad but true, David Archuleta walked out on stage and forgot the lyrics to We Can Work It Out. It was a #1 song for three weeks in 1965 - a full 25 years before he was born. We all agree that he's a darling young man, but he had better work harder to learn the music if he wants to remain untouchable. Good , but kinda sloppy.
All of our expectations were turned inside out and upside down tonight while front-runners failed to follow through and dark horses pulled ahead. This season is ruled by strong and distinctive personalities much more than impressive voices. If you can't be quickly defined as the one who "fill in the blank" then you will be going home. I predict that Syesha Mercado will be joined by Ramiele Malubay and Jason Castro in the bottom three. Even though she is probably one of the best girl singers this year, I predict that Syesha will be going home. She'll be a victim of performing first and being forgotten.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Top 12 are revealed!
The 16 boys and girls are narrowed down to the Top 12 tonight. While they waited nervously, they had the pleasure of being entertained by the Season Six Miss American Idol First Runner-Up, Blake Lewis. He sang a song called How Many Words from his debut album Audio Day Dream. It's a great pop song that conveys catchy lyrics with his trademark beatboxing and smooth vocals. It was great to see his light as air dance moves on the American Idol stage again. Hopefully this performance will re-ignite sales and airplay of his overlooked release. At this time last year Blake was the clear stand out of the finalists. He was a fresh and unique talent that had never been seen before in the competition. From what we've seen so far this year, there's no one like him in Season Seven.
The boys were first to find out their fate. David Cook was the first to get one of the precious 12 seats followed by David Archuleta and Jason Castro. As for the girls, Brooke White was the first to walk across the stage to take one of the top 12 seats followed by Syesha Mercado. Kady Malloy then heard the news that she didn't make the cut. Unfortunately, her finale had to be that drab song she sang last night clearly reminding us why she didn't get any votes.
David Hernandez was the next boy to do the happy dance into the top 12 as Micheal Johns was close behind. Handsome and charming Luke Menard did not get the happy news as he was told he had to Go-Go. That didn't stop him from jitter-bugging for one last opportunity to hit that high like no one else can.
Ramiele Malubay succeeded against the odds and made it into the top 12 followed by Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer. Kristy Lee Cook and Asia'h Epperson were then asked to stand center stage to find out which one stays and which one goes. Kristy stays and gets the chance to bring her country vibe to the top 12 while Asia'h goes. The clock strikes, the sun begins to fade and even though she wasn't too happy about it, she sang about dancing with somebody who loves her.
Danny Noriega and Chikieze then had to find out who was going to get the final seat in the top 12. This year America got it right. Rather than letting the train wreck continue any longer Chikieze got the good news and we are free from seeing Danny Noriega again. After suffering through his disastrous Tainted Love one last time we can look forward to the rest of the season without him.
This week I got three out of my four predictions correct. That leaves us with the (drum roll please) Miss American Idol Season Seven Top 12!!!
David Cook
David Archuleta
Jason Castro
Brooke White
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smithson
Amanda Overmyer
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikieze
The obvious favorite and front-runner this year is David Archuleta. He should have a very clear path to the crown and he should have the company of Carly Smithson and David Hernandez along the way.
The boys were first to find out their fate. David Cook was the first to get one of the precious 12 seats followed by David Archuleta and Jason Castro. As for the girls, Brooke White was the first to walk across the stage to take one of the top 12 seats followed by Syesha Mercado. Kady Malloy then heard the news that she didn't make the cut. Unfortunately, her finale had to be that drab song she sang last night clearly reminding us why she didn't get any votes.
David Hernandez was the next boy to do the happy dance into the top 12 as Micheal Johns was close behind. Handsome and charming Luke Menard did not get the happy news as he was told he had to Go-Go. That didn't stop him from jitter-bugging for one last opportunity to hit that high like no one else can.
Ramiele Malubay succeeded against the odds and made it into the top 12 followed by Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer. Kristy Lee Cook and Asia'h Epperson were then asked to stand center stage to find out which one stays and which one goes. Kristy stays and gets the chance to bring her country vibe to the top 12 while Asia'h goes. The clock strikes, the sun begins to fade and even though she wasn't too happy about it, she sang about dancing with somebody who loves her.
Danny Noriega and Chikieze then had to find out who was going to get the final seat in the top 12. This year America got it right. Rather than letting the train wreck continue any longer Chikieze got the good news and we are free from seeing Danny Noriega again. After suffering through his disastrous Tainted Love one last time we can look forward to the rest of the season without him.
This week I got three out of my four predictions correct. That leaves us with the (drum roll please) Miss American Idol Season Seven Top 12!!!
David Cook
David Archuleta
Jason Castro
Brooke White
Syesha Mercado
David Hernandez
Michael Johns
Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smithson
Amanda Overmyer
Kristy Lee Cook
Chikieze
The obvious favorite and front-runner this year is David Archuleta. He should have a very clear path to the crown and he should have the company of Carly Smithson and David Hernandez along the way.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The girls last chance to make the top 12
It is now the girls opportunity to get Totally Awesome with 80's songs:
Asia'h Epperson tried to get totally awesome a song that Whitney Houston took to #1 in 1987 for two weeks - I Wanna Dance With Somebody. It's a fun and upbeat song that captures the 80's vibe very well, but her voice is just a pale imitation. She's cute and energetic but it's not enough to compensate.
Kady Malloy failed to get totally awesome because she selected to perform Forever by Queen. The song isn't catchy enough to overcome the fact that it is just too obscure to be entertaining. This nice young girl has had three chances and she still hasn't found her voice.
Amanda Overmyer got totally awesome with the rockin jam that Joan Jett took to the top 10 in 1988. It's called I Hate Myself For Loving You and that's what some people may be thinking after writing Amanda off last week. This song allowed her to do what she does best and it was a lot of fun.
Carly Smithson got totally awesome belting out Cyndi Lauper's I Drove All Night that hit the top 5 in 1989. Carly has the best vocal range of all the girls in the competition and this song allowed her to show it off. Great job.
Kristy Lee Cook got totally awesome with her down home country interpretation of Faithfully. Journey hit the charts with their power ballad in 1983 and Kristy could easily have a country hit with her version today.
Ramiele Malubay tried to get totally awesome with the Phil Collins ballad that spent three weeks at the top of the charts in 1984 - Against All Odds. It's hard to be awesome with a Phil Collins song because he is so boring, but she has a very nice voice and she managed to make it bearable.
Brooke White didn't even try to get totally awesome with the top 5 Pat Benatar smash from 1983 - Love Is A Battlefield. Brooke has a unique style and perspective and she brought her fresh and innocent essence to her performance. She captivated the crowd as she sat on the edge of the stage expressing herself with only an acoustic guitar supporting her. Completely refreshing.
Syesha Mercado thinks she's more totally awesome than she actually is as she attempted to do justice to Whitney Houston's first number one smash. Saving All My Love For You spent one week at the top in 1985. Syesha has a very good voice, but she's not good enough to set herself apart from the original recording. She didn't bring anything new to the performance.
Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook should all be safely in the top 12 because they have distinctive styles, looks and personalities. Honestly, all of the girls could be in danger because none of them hit the ball out of the park tonight. The bottom four is gonna be quite hard to predict. I'm just going to predict that Kady Malloy and Asia'h Epperson will be going home. They've both been struggling to set themselves apart from the crowd and, sadly, they've used up all their chances.
Asia'h Epperson tried to get totally awesome a song that Whitney Houston took to #1 in 1987 for two weeks - I Wanna Dance With Somebody. It's a fun and upbeat song that captures the 80's vibe very well, but her voice is just a pale imitation. She's cute and energetic but it's not enough to compensate.
Kady Malloy failed to get totally awesome because she selected to perform Forever by Queen. The song isn't catchy enough to overcome the fact that it is just too obscure to be entertaining. This nice young girl has had three chances and she still hasn't found her voice.
Amanda Overmyer got totally awesome with the rockin jam that Joan Jett took to the top 10 in 1988. It's called I Hate Myself For Loving You and that's what some people may be thinking after writing Amanda off last week. This song allowed her to do what she does best and it was a lot of fun.
Carly Smithson got totally awesome belting out Cyndi Lauper's I Drove All Night that hit the top 5 in 1989. Carly has the best vocal range of all the girls in the competition and this song allowed her to show it off. Great job.
Kristy Lee Cook got totally awesome with her down home country interpretation of Faithfully. Journey hit the charts with their power ballad in 1983 and Kristy could easily have a country hit with her version today.
Ramiele Malubay tried to get totally awesome with the Phil Collins ballad that spent three weeks at the top of the charts in 1984 - Against All Odds. It's hard to be awesome with a Phil Collins song because he is so boring, but she has a very nice voice and she managed to make it bearable.
Brooke White didn't even try to get totally awesome with the top 5 Pat Benatar smash from 1983 - Love Is A Battlefield. Brooke has a unique style and perspective and she brought her fresh and innocent essence to her performance. She captivated the crowd as she sat on the edge of the stage expressing herself with only an acoustic guitar supporting her. Completely refreshing.
Syesha Mercado thinks she's more totally awesome than she actually is as she attempted to do justice to Whitney Houston's first number one smash. Saving All My Love For You spent one week at the top in 1985. Syesha has a very good voice, but she's not good enough to set herself apart from the original recording. She didn't bring anything new to the performance.
Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson and Kristy Lee Cook should all be safely in the top 12 because they have distinctive styles, looks and personalities. Honestly, all of the girls could be in danger because none of them hit the ball out of the park tonight. The bottom four is gonna be quite hard to predict. I'm just going to predict that Kady Malloy and Asia'h Epperson will be going home. They've both been struggling to set themselves apart from the crowd and, sadly, they've used up all their chances.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The boys last chance to make the top 12
Just like I had hoped the boys got a chance to sing the songs of the Totally Awesome 80's!!!
Luke Menard got totally awesome with the first #1 smash from George Michael and WHAM! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go spent three weeks at the top in 1984 and Luke did a great job hitting that high. He has a very impressive vocal range that can effortlessly reach the difficult upper notes. His problem comes from a lack of stage presence - That pretty face and winning smile can only take him so far.
David Archuleta got totally awesome with the last song that Phil Collins was able to hit the top with. Another Day In Paradise also won the Grammy for Record of The Year in addition to spending four weeks at #1 in 1989. David took this very depressing and boring song and made it a bazillion times better than Phil ever could. He showed off his piano playing skills as well as his complete comfort with being on stage and performing.
Danny Noriega did his best to get totally awesome with the one hit wonder sensation from Soft Cell. Their Tainted Love hit the top 10 in 1982 and he took all the fun out if it. He tried to rock it with a tough guy attitude and it didn't work at all. This kid is completely disingenuous as he repeatedly tries to present himself as something he is not.
David Hernandez was selecting from the wrong decade so he wasn't quite totally awesome, but his vocals were even better than last week. Celine Dion peaked at #2 in 1996 with It's All Coming Back To Me Now which was produced by Jim Stieinman who successful produced a handful of hits in the 80's. Regardless of his ability to comply with the theme, this young man looks and sounds great on stage.
Michael Johns got totally awesome with the completely cool theme song from The Breakfast Club. Simple Minds hit #1 in 1985 with Don't You Forget About Me. He brings a lot of energy and emotion to everything that he sings and this song allowed him to stir up the teenage angst in all of us. Another performance we won't forget about.
David Cook got totally awesome with a thrilling re-invention of Lionel Richie's Hello. When it hit the top for two weeks in 1984 it was a light piano ballad and this guy made it rock. He had his electric guitar out there and he blew the roof off the place. This was one of those performances that will be remembered as a defining moment.
Jason Castro failed to get totally awesome with his folk inspired Jeff Buckley ballad. His quiet interpretation of this obscure song will be overshadowed by the much better song choices and vocal talents of the other boys. Jason got up on stage without his guitar this time so he only had his gimmick of the long dreadlocks to get attention since his voice is kinda bland.
Chikieze tried to get totally awesome by trying to bring out his inner Luther Vandross. He also reached outside of the 80's by selecting a song that Whitney Houston took to #1 in 1991 - All The Man I Need. Luther covered it in 1995, but unlike another contestant who I forgave for not sticking to the theme, I cannot be so kind to Chikieze. He missed the mark with this weak performance.
The Davids: Archuleta, Cook and Hernandez, should all make it very easily into the top 12 along with Michael Johns. The other boys do not have such a sure thing as they face elimination. Luke Menard had the tough position of singing first tonight and may get forgotten even though I think he has the looks and the talent to be in the top 12. Danny Noriega is a mess and should have never made the top 24. Jason Castro and Chikieze are just more boring that the others. Luke, Danny, Jason and Chikieze will be in the bottom four. While I think Danny and Jason SHOULD be going home, my prediction is that Luke and Chikieze will miss out on being in the top 12.
Luke Menard got totally awesome with the first #1 smash from George Michael and WHAM! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go spent three weeks at the top in 1984 and Luke did a great job hitting that high. He has a very impressive vocal range that can effortlessly reach the difficult upper notes. His problem comes from a lack of stage presence - That pretty face and winning smile can only take him so far.
David Archuleta got totally awesome with the last song that Phil Collins was able to hit the top with. Another Day In Paradise also won the Grammy for Record of The Year in addition to spending four weeks at #1 in 1989. David took this very depressing and boring song and made it a bazillion times better than Phil ever could. He showed off his piano playing skills as well as his complete comfort with being on stage and performing.
Danny Noriega did his best to get totally awesome with the one hit wonder sensation from Soft Cell. Their Tainted Love hit the top 10 in 1982 and he took all the fun out if it. He tried to rock it with a tough guy attitude and it didn't work at all. This kid is completely disingenuous as he repeatedly tries to present himself as something he is not.
David Hernandez was selecting from the wrong decade so he wasn't quite totally awesome, but his vocals were even better than last week. Celine Dion peaked at #2 in 1996 with It's All Coming Back To Me Now which was produced by Jim Stieinman who successful produced a handful of hits in the 80's. Regardless of his ability to comply with the theme, this young man looks and sounds great on stage.
Michael Johns got totally awesome with the completely cool theme song from The Breakfast Club. Simple Minds hit #1 in 1985 with Don't You Forget About Me. He brings a lot of energy and emotion to everything that he sings and this song allowed him to stir up the teenage angst in all of us. Another performance we won't forget about.
David Cook got totally awesome with a thrilling re-invention of Lionel Richie's Hello. When it hit the top for two weeks in 1984 it was a light piano ballad and this guy made it rock. He had his electric guitar out there and he blew the roof off the place. This was one of those performances that will be remembered as a defining moment.
Jason Castro failed to get totally awesome with his folk inspired Jeff Buckley ballad. His quiet interpretation of this obscure song will be overshadowed by the much better song choices and vocal talents of the other boys. Jason got up on stage without his guitar this time so he only had his gimmick of the long dreadlocks to get attention since his voice is kinda bland.
Chikieze tried to get totally awesome by trying to bring out his inner Luther Vandross. He also reached outside of the 80's by selecting a song that Whitney Houston took to #1 in 1991 - All The Man I Need. Luther covered it in 1995, but unlike another contestant who I forgave for not sticking to the theme, I cannot be so kind to Chikieze. He missed the mark with this weak performance.
The Davids: Archuleta, Cook and Hernandez, should all make it very easily into the top 12 along with Michael Johns. The other boys do not have such a sure thing as they face elimination. Luke Menard had the tough position of singing first tonight and may get forgotten even though I think he has the looks and the talent to be in the top 12. Danny Noriega is a mess and should have never made the top 24. Jason Castro and Chikieze are just more boring that the others. Luke, Danny, Jason and Chikieze will be in the bottom four. While I think Danny and Jason SHOULD be going home, my prediction is that Luke and Chikieze will miss out on being in the top 12.
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