Tonight we get to know what the top 12 girls can really do - they can pick any song they want to present themselves to America for the first time:
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood had a huge hit in 2009 with Cowboy Casanova that went on to win the CMT Video of the Year. Chelsea Sorrell has a very nice girl next door look and can also sing pretty well, but she doesn't even come close to how outstanding Carrie is.
Heart took What About Love to #10 in 1985. Erika Van Pelt went through the motions and did an acceptable version of the song.
Adele included One and Only on her 2012 Grammy winning Album of the Year 21. Jen Hirsh tried to make this wonderful song her own, but she ended up missing the mark.
Otis Redding took Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay to #1 in 1968. Brielle Von Hugel genuinely thinks that she is a bluesy, soulful rocker chick but it wasn't convincing from this performance at all.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson included Feeling Good on her 2011 album I Remember Me. Hallie Day provided a very classy and powerful vocal interpretation of this inspirational anthem. Very good.
One of Rod Stewart's earliest hits was Stay With Me in 1972. Skylar Laine was totally on fire as she served up a very convincing rendition complete with a sparkling short dress and moves to impress.
Lonestar to Amazed to #1 in 2001. Baylie Brown is an exceptionally beautiful young woman. Her looks are simply stunning and she dazzled in a lovely long gown. I don't even remember if she sang....
Christina Aguilera performed Reflections on the soundtrack to the Disney animated film, Mulan. Holly Cavanagh may appear to be small and meek, but when she opens her mouth to sing she is a giant of epic proportions. This is a song with many big notes and she was able to rise to the challenge with ease.
Eurythmics took Sweet Dreams to #1 in 1983. Haley Johnsen was totally an alterna-goth-rock grrrrrl out there showing off for the crowd. It was kinda good, but mostly all over the place.
Go Light Your World was just an all around wrong song to be performed tonight. Shannon Magrane clearly has no interest in being a real life mainstream pop superstar.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson performed the song Love You I Do in the film, DreamGirls. Jessica Sanchez rose above all of the competition with her completely excellent version of this song. She has everything it takes to be the next American Idol from her exceptional vocal range to her commanding stage presence.
Adele's One and Only was already performed tonight, but this time Elise Testone got it right. She sat at the piano and truly brought the song to life with her thoughtful vocal interpretation.
Now it's up to America to vote and you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/.
My top 5 will be: Hallie Day, Skylar Laine, Hollie Cavanagh, Jessica Sanchez, and Elise Testone.
And Jessica Sanchez is my early favorite. :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Top 13 boys take their first shot...
Tonight we get to know what these top 13 boys can really do - they can pick any song they want to present themselves to America for the first time:
Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera took Moves Like Jagger to #1 in 2011. Reed Grimm reinvented this piece of dance pop and turned it into a freestyle jazz extravaganza. It was an impressive example of his fun showmanship and style.
Aretha Franklin took Think to #7 in 1968. Adam Brock did his best to channel the black woman that he believes is trapped inside of him with this performance, but the reality is that he's just a white guy with limited vocal talent.
Earth Wind and Fire never released Reasons as a single. Deandre Brackensick sang this album track in his falsetto with some pretty good skill and he belted out a great note at the end.
Paramore's Decode was included on the 2008 Twilight soundtrack. Colton Dixon expressed that he is the height of teen fashion with his hair and style, and his vocals were pretty good also.
Sara Bareilles included Gravity as the closing track on her 2007 release Little Voice. Jeremy Rosado is a very sweet young man with a good vocal range. It's a nice combination.
The Jackson 5 took Never Can Say Goodbye to #2 in 1971. Aaron Marcellus provided a pretty standard reading of this wonderful R&B jam, but he failed to elevate it to a higher level.
Hunter Hayes released Storm Warning in 2011. Chase Likens is a very handsome guy who could be a big country star. He has a great voice and performed this recent hit very well.
Cyndi Lauper took True Colors to #1 in 1986. Creighton Fraker is an outstanding talent who can convey an impressive depth of emotion with every beautiful note that he sings.
Phil Collins took In The Air Tonight to #19 in 1981. Phillip Phillips took a risk and re-interpreted this song as a bluesy guitar driven jam. He is very like-able so even though it was almost unrecognizable it still worked.
Adele just hit #1 a few weeks ago with Set Fire To The Rain. Eben Franckewicz is only 15, but he has a smooth and clear vocal range. He may have bitten off more than he could chew with this current and familiar hit, but he managed to pull it through.
Heejun Han takes the description "bad personality" to a whole new level as working with special needs kids and singing about angels doesn't help to dig him out of the hole at all.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson included You Pulled Me Through on her Grammy winning debut album. Joshua Ledet belted out this anthem with his best gospel wail and brought the house down.
Luther Vandross won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 2003 for Dance With My Father. Jermaine Jones has a very deep voice and served up a pretty good version of the song.
Now it's up to America to vote and you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/.
My top 5 will be: Reed Grimm, Deandre Brackensick, Colton Dixon, Creighton Fraker, and Eben Franckewicz.
And Creighton Fraker is my early favorite. :)
Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera took Moves Like Jagger to #1 in 2011. Reed Grimm reinvented this piece of dance pop and turned it into a freestyle jazz extravaganza. It was an impressive example of his fun showmanship and style.
Aretha Franklin took Think to #7 in 1968. Adam Brock did his best to channel the black woman that he believes is trapped inside of him with this performance, but the reality is that he's just a white guy with limited vocal talent.
Earth Wind and Fire never released Reasons as a single. Deandre Brackensick sang this album track in his falsetto with some pretty good skill and he belted out a great note at the end.
Paramore's Decode was included on the 2008 Twilight soundtrack. Colton Dixon expressed that he is the height of teen fashion with his hair and style, and his vocals were pretty good also.
Sara Bareilles included Gravity as the closing track on her 2007 release Little Voice. Jeremy Rosado is a very sweet young man with a good vocal range. It's a nice combination.
The Jackson 5 took Never Can Say Goodbye to #2 in 1971. Aaron Marcellus provided a pretty standard reading of this wonderful R&B jam, but he failed to elevate it to a higher level.
Hunter Hayes released Storm Warning in 2011. Chase Likens is a very handsome guy who could be a big country star. He has a great voice and performed this recent hit very well.
Cyndi Lauper took True Colors to #1 in 1986. Creighton Fraker is an outstanding talent who can convey an impressive depth of emotion with every beautiful note that he sings.
Phil Collins took In The Air Tonight to #19 in 1981. Phillip Phillips took a risk and re-interpreted this song as a bluesy guitar driven jam. He is very like-able so even though it was almost unrecognizable it still worked.
Adele just hit #1 a few weeks ago with Set Fire To The Rain. Eben Franckewicz is only 15, but he has a smooth and clear vocal range. He may have bitten off more than he could chew with this current and familiar hit, but he managed to pull it through.
Heejun Han takes the description "bad personality" to a whole new level as working with special needs kids and singing about angels doesn't help to dig him out of the hole at all.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson included You Pulled Me Through on her Grammy winning debut album. Joshua Ledet belted out this anthem with his best gospel wail and brought the house down.
Luther Vandross won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 2003 for Dance With My Father. Jermaine Jones has a very deep voice and served up a pretty good version of the song.
Now it's up to America to vote and you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/.
My top 5 will be: Reed Grimm, Deandre Brackensick, Colton Dixon, Creighton Fraker, and Eben Franckewicz.
And Creighton Fraker is my early favorite. :)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The wait is over!!!!
The last album of all new material from the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood was all the way back in 2009 when she released the multi-platinum hit filled smash, Play On.
But the long wait for another new album is finally over as the first single from a new album was just released today. It's called Good Girl and it is an astounding example of Carrie at her best. It is a fun and bouncy vocal anthem and it is pure joy to listen to.
In another bit of exciting news, the wait is also over for something new from the Season 2 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken. He is back on TV participating in the latest season of the Celebrity Apprentice. While it's great that he is doing something with some high exposure, unless he sings every week, I don't think I will be watching.
The good news is that he also has a new single that is available for download at itunes. It is called Bring Back My Love and it is a lush and grand ballad that shows off his crystal clear and impressive vocals.
Both of these songs are now in heavy rotation on my play lists. LOVE THEM BOTH!!!
But the long wait for another new album is finally over as the first single from a new album was just released today. It's called Good Girl and it is an astounding example of Carrie at her best. It is a fun and bouncy vocal anthem and it is pure joy to listen to.
In another bit of exciting news, the wait is also over for something new from the Season 2 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken. He is back on TV participating in the latest season of the Celebrity Apprentice. While it's great that he is doing something with some high exposure, unless he sings every week, I don't think I will be watching.
The good news is that he also has a new single that is available for download at itunes. It is called Bring Back My Love and it is a lush and grand ballad that shows off his crystal clear and impressive vocals.
Both of these songs are now in heavy rotation on my play lists. LOVE THEM BOTH!!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Idols at the Grammys
There were no new Grammy wins for any of the Miss American Idol finalists this year, but they were still a very big part of the show.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, performed her nominated duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Wanna Stay.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, looked absolutely flawless and stunning as she performed It Had To Be You with Tony Bennett from his album Duets II. She then was a presenter for this year's award for Best New Artist.
With the very unfortunate passing of Whitney Houston, Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson was called upon to sing I Will Always Love You in tribute to the pop music legend. It was a very tasteful and powerful rendtion performed with class and style.
It also turns out that the final new material from Whitney Houston is going to be released this summer in the film and soundtrack for Sparkle starring the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, performed her nominated duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Wanna Stay.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, looked absolutely flawless and stunning as she performed It Had To Be You with Tony Bennett from his album Duets II. She then was a presenter for this year's award for Best New Artist.
With the very unfortunate passing of Whitney Houston, Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson was called upon to sing I Will Always Love You in tribute to the pop music legend. It was a very tasteful and powerful rendtion performed with class and style.
It also turns out that the final new material from Whitney Houston is going to be released this summer in the film and soundtrack for Sparkle starring the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Idols are a #1 Smash Hit!
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katherine McPhee is officially a smash hit as her new TV show, Smash, came in at #1 for the timeslot with 11.5 million viewers.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, also moves up to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 this week with her uptempo pop anthem "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)".
This becomes her third #1 song on the chart. Her first Billboard HOT 100 #1 was "A Moment Like This" that stayed there for two weeks in 2002. She returned to the summit with "My Life Would Suck Without You" for two weeks beginning this week in 2009.
"Stronger" soars to the Hot 100's top spot with top Airplay Gainer honors of 58 million audience impressions. This is up 49% from last week according to Nielsen BDS.
The song sold 237,000 downloads this week and this is up 6% from last week. This total sales in one week is Kelly's second-best sales week ever, outpaced only by the first week sales of "My Life Would Suck Without" selling 280,000.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, also moves up to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 this week with her uptempo pop anthem "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)".
This becomes her third #1 song on the chart. Her first Billboard HOT 100 #1 was "A Moment Like This" that stayed there for two weeks in 2002. She returned to the summit with "My Life Would Suck Without You" for two weeks beginning this week in 2009.
"Stronger" soars to the Hot 100's top spot with top Airplay Gainer honors of 58 million audience impressions. This is up 49% from last week according to Nielsen BDS.
The song sold 237,000 downloads this week and this is up 6% from last week. This total sales in one week is Kelly's second-best sales week ever, outpaced only by the first week sales of "My Life Would Suck Without" selling 280,000.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
SUPER American Idols!
Fun Fact: in the last 5 years the National Anthem at the Super Bowl has been performed 4 times by an American Idol finalist or winner! 2008 - Jordin Sparks, 2009 - Jennifer Hudson, 2010 - Carrie Underwood and 2012 - Kelly Clarkson!
In addition to the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner doing the National Anthem at this year's Super Bowl, there was also some significant presence of some other Idols there over the weekend.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol, Fantasia, brought the house down with a rousing performance at the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Concert.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, performed a live concert for CMT Crossraods at the Super Bowl Pepsi Fan Jam with American Idol judge Steven Tyler and Aerosmith. They performed duets of many of their hits including an astounding mash-up of their songs Dream On and Just A Dream.
Super Bowl weekend ended with the premier of the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Katherine McPhee starring in Smash. There were so many commercials for Smash shown during the game that it was sure to be a huge hit in the ratings. It's a great show and it desrves to be a huge hit!
In addition to the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner doing the National Anthem at this year's Super Bowl, there was also some significant presence of some other Idols there over the weekend.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol, Fantasia, brought the house down with a rousing performance at the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Concert.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, performed a live concert for CMT Crossraods at the Super Bowl Pepsi Fan Jam with American Idol judge Steven Tyler and Aerosmith. They performed duets of many of their hits including an astounding mash-up of their songs Dream On and Just A Dream.
Super Bowl weekend ended with the premier of the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Katherine McPhee starring in Smash. There were so many commercials for Smash shown during the game that it was sure to be a huge hit in the ratings. It's a great show and it desrves to be a huge hit!
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