I
recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2016. Just for
clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the
eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT
100 during 2016. I happen to be one of those people that believes that
"It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't
know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must
get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.
There
were lots of other songs that I loved in 2016 that failed to make the
top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of
my other favorites in 2016. One thing that I can say about all of these
songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do
better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.
In
the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B
would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT
100.
Stronger Together - Jessica Sanchez: The anthem to celebrate the first woman President of the United States. Now I know something went wrong, but it's still an inspiring anthem.
Perfect Illusion - Lady Gaga:
The public can be so harsh. It's one of her best songs ever but she set the standard for herself so high that it's like nothing is ever going to be good enough again.
Church Bells - Carrie Underwood: Another great story about a man who has done his woman wrong and paid the ultimate price. No one delivers better than Carrie.
Forever Country - Artists of Then, Now and Forever: In celebration of the 50th Annual CMA Awards the biggest in country music all came together to perform this outstanding slice of nostalgia. John Denver would have been very proud.
You Should Be Here
- Cole Swindell: This heartfelt ballad takes you on the emotional roller coaster every time you miss someone and wish they were enjoying a festive moment with you.
We Went - Randy Houser: A high energy two step about some country bumpkins who steal from the rich and give to the poor and it turns into a hot pursuit police chase!
Girl Next Door - Brandy Clark: A wonderful songwriter and performer who is sadly overlooked by the masses. Her breakthrough should be coming any day now with songs this good.
Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw: Beautiful words to live by. Plain and simple, yet completely powerful. The CMT Video of the Year and the CMA Song of the Year.
Move - Luke Bryan: This country boy is shaking it for us and it's always good!
Infamous - Mariah Carey and Jussie Smollett: The legendary diva made an appearance on Empire and she performed this amazing song.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Top 10 Songs of 2016
The Top 10 songs of 2016!!
2016 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:
We Don't Talk Anymore - Selena Gomez with Charlie Puth
Selena is at her most likeable on this buoyant pop track. It's catchy and everything else you want to hear on repeat all year long. Perfect for dancing a west coast swing.
Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande
The title track from her outstanding third album is continuing her streak of delivering catchy hooks, and powerhouse vocals, but this time there is a new level of maturity and sophistication. Perfect for dancing a Viennese waltz.
Can't Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Justin is a master at following the pop music formula and delivering an across the board crowd pleasing dance party anthem. Fun for all ages!!! Perfect for dancing a hustle.
Cheap Thrills - Sia
She's still hiding her face, but for another year she is serving up strong vocals on a great song. Perfect for Dancing a samba.
Cake By The Ocean - DNCE
The Jonas Brothers never gave us a pop anthem that was this good. And who doesn't want to dance and eat cake by the ocean!!! Perfect for Dancing a hustle.
24K Magic - Bruno Mars
Bruno has taken his pop music sensibility and paired it with the classic 80's funk sound of Rick James and Teena Marie. This is a retro jam that is refreshing to hear back on the airwaves.
Side To Side - Ariana Grande
This girl is just working with the best songwriters and producers because everything she releases is better than what everyone else is doing. This time there is a reggae bounce to the groove and it is infectious.
Send My Love - Adele
Admittedly this is my least favorite track on her album 25, but compared to the rubbish that other artists are releasing this is a true gem of amazing vocals and musicality.
Closer - The Chainsmokers
Everything on the radio in 2016 sounded exactly like this song. While most of those other songs are tiresome drivel, this one rose above the rest and didn't totally suck.
7 Years - Lukas Graham
It's a good song. Nice vocals. Lyrics that you can understand and that aren't stupid. The rest of the songs that came out this year were really bad.
2016 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:
We Don't Talk Anymore - Selena Gomez with Charlie Puth
Selena is at her most likeable on this buoyant pop track. It's catchy and everything else you want to hear on repeat all year long. Perfect for dancing a west coast swing.
Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande
The title track from her outstanding third album is continuing her streak of delivering catchy hooks, and powerhouse vocals, but this time there is a new level of maturity and sophistication. Perfect for dancing a Viennese waltz.
Can't Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Justin is a master at following the pop music formula and delivering an across the board crowd pleasing dance party anthem. Fun for all ages!!! Perfect for dancing a hustle.
Cheap Thrills - Sia
She's still hiding her face, but for another year she is serving up strong vocals on a great song. Perfect for Dancing a samba.
Cake By The Ocean - DNCE
The Jonas Brothers never gave us a pop anthem that was this good. And who doesn't want to dance and eat cake by the ocean!!! Perfect for Dancing a hustle.
24K Magic - Bruno Mars
Bruno has taken his pop music sensibility and paired it with the classic 80's funk sound of Rick James and Teena Marie. This is a retro jam that is refreshing to hear back on the airwaves.
Side To Side - Ariana Grande
This girl is just working with the best songwriters and producers because everything she releases is better than what everyone else is doing. This time there is a reggae bounce to the groove and it is infectious.
Send My Love - Adele
Admittedly this is my least favorite track on her album 25, but compared to the rubbish that other artists are releasing this is a true gem of amazing vocals and musicality.
Closer - The Chainsmokers
Everything on the radio in 2016 sounded exactly like this song. While most of those other songs are tiresome drivel, this one rose above the rest and didn't totally suck.
7 Years - Lukas Graham
It's a good song. Nice vocals. Lyrics that you can understand and that aren't stupid. The rest of the songs that came out this year were really bad.
American Idol Grammy Nominations
The nominations for the 59th Grammy Awards have been announced and
once again there were some Miss American Idol finalists who heard their
names called.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is nominated for the Best Pop Solo Performance for her track Piece By Piece that she performed live this season when she was a guest judge.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, is up for Best Country Solo Performance for her track Church Bells.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her track Sleeping With The One I Love.
The winners will be announced on Sunday February 12th.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is nominated for the Best Pop Solo Performance for her track Piece By Piece that she performed live this season when she was a guest judge.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, is up for Best Country Solo Performance for her track Church Bells.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her track Sleeping With The One I Love.
The winners will be announced on Sunday February 12th.
2016 Year End Charts
The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2016 is 25 by Adele.
There was only one Miss American Idol finalist who made an impact on the 2016 year end charts. It's no surprise at it is The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood. The latest release from Carrie Underwood, Storyteller, finishes out the year at #36. She also comes in strong ranking at #98 with her Greatest Hits: Decade #1.
Over on the Top Country Albums chart for 2016 Storyteller lands at #4 for the year while Greatest Hits: Decade #1 is at #25.
The Top 5 singles for 2016 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Love Yourself by Justin Bieber, #2 Sorry by Justin Bieber, #3 One Dance by Drake, WizKid and Kyla, #4 Work by Rihanna and Drake and at #5 Stressed Out by 21 Pilots.
There weren't any Miss American Idol finalists who were able to make a showing on the 2016 Top Billboard HOT 100 hits of the year.
Over on the Billboard 2016 Top Artists of the Year chart the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, can be found at #29. If you only look at the Top Female Artists of 2016 she ends up at #9. And if we look at the Top Country Artists of 2016 Carrie Underwood comes in at #5.
There was only one Miss American Idol finalist who made an impact on the 2016 year end charts. It's no surprise at it is The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood. The latest release from Carrie Underwood, Storyteller, finishes out the year at #36. She also comes in strong ranking at #98 with her Greatest Hits: Decade #1.
Over on the Top Country Albums chart for 2016 Storyteller lands at #4 for the year while Greatest Hits: Decade #1 is at #25.
The Top 5 singles for 2016 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Love Yourself by Justin Bieber, #2 Sorry by Justin Bieber, #3 One Dance by Drake, WizKid and Kyla, #4 Work by Rihanna and Drake and at #5 Stressed Out by 21 Pilots.
There weren't any Miss American Idol finalists who were able to make a showing on the 2016 Top Billboard HOT 100 hits of the year.
Over on the Billboard 2016 Top Artists of the Year chart the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, can be found at #29. If you only look at the Top Female Artists of 2016 she ends up at #9. And if we look at the Top Country Artists of 2016 Carrie Underwood comes in at #5.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
And the Season 15 Miss American Idol winner is...
We all know this is the last season of American Idol and whoever wins tonight will be the last Miss American Idol winner. So while Trent and La'Porsha wait patiently all of the fans were treated to the most fantastic parade of Miss American Idol Superstars!
The show opened with a close up on La'Porsha starting the opening line of Barry Manilow's hit, One Voice. But just like in the song, her voice was joined by one Idol alum after another. It was a rousing and spectacular opening and triggered the first of many tears to be shed throughout the night.
Way back in the finale for Season 1, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini performed a duet of It Takes Two. Tonight, Trent and La'Porsha paid homage to that historic moment with a recreation of that performance.
The show opened with a close up on La'Porsha starting the opening line of Barry Manilow's hit, One Voice. But just like in the song, her voice was joined by one Idol alum after another. It was a rousing and spectacular opening and triggered the first of many tears to be shed throughout the night.
Way back in the finale for Season 1, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini performed a duet of It Takes Two. Tonight, Trent and La'Porsha paid homage to that historic moment with a recreation of that performance.
The Top 2 - Final Face Off
The show started off with the Top three finalists each taking turns performing their debut single. Trent went first with his song Falling. It's a great power ballad that allows him to show off his impressive vocal range. It's already at #14 on the itunes top singles chart. Dalton went next performing his song Strike A Match. He sounded great on this uptempo pop rock jam. His song is at #53 on the itunes chart. La'Porsha's song is called Battles and it's at #44 on the chart. The song is good, but her vocals and performance were better than the song.
Then the announcement was made that unfortunately Dalton was the lowest vote getter last week and he has been eliminated. That leaves Trent and La'Porsha to now face off for our votes and compete for the Season 15 Miss American Idol crown.
Trent seriously knocked it out of the park on his two songs, If You Don't Know Me By Now and Chandelier. He quite simply has an amazing vocal range and he delivered the lyrics beautifully on both of them.
La'Porsha also did very well on her songs A House Is Not A Home and Diamonds. She has an outstanding stage presence that is nothing less than captivating.
This is going to be a very close race as both contestants are very talented. If you go by the itunes sales so far it looks like Trent is going to come out ahead, but are all of those people who are downloading the song also voting? He would be a wonderful Miss American Idol winner, but I am still going to make the prediction that La'Porsha is going to end up taking home the crown.
Then the announcement was made that unfortunately Dalton was the lowest vote getter last week and he has been eliminated. That leaves Trent and La'Porsha to now face off for our votes and compete for the Season 15 Miss American Idol crown.
Trent seriously knocked it out of the park on his two songs, If You Don't Know Me By Now and Chandelier. He quite simply has an amazing vocal range and he delivered the lyrics beautifully on both of them.
La'Porsha also did very well on her songs A House Is Not A Home and Diamonds. She has an outstanding stage presence that is nothing less than captivating.
This is going to be a very close race as both contestants are very talented. If you go by the itunes sales so far it looks like Trent is going to come out ahead, but are all of those people who are downloading the song also voting? He would be a wonderful Miss American Idol winner, but I am still going to make the prediction that La'Porsha is going to end up taking home the crown.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
The Top 3 Sing 3
The top three finalists will compete in three rounds tonight. The first song is one that they chose on their own to dedicate to their home town. The second song is selected by mentor Scott Borchetta and the third song is selected by the judges.
In the wonderful American Idol tradition we were all brought to tears as we watched the top 4 finalists get the heroes welcome and rock star treatment in the home town. It's always an emotional experience for the finalists as well as the audience.
The show got off to an amazing start as MacKenzie's bland and generic performance of Hallelujah turned out to be the last time we need to hear him. He was finally the lowest vote getter this week and he has officially been eliminated from the competition. With him out of the way, we can now enjoy a close race between talented artists.
Dalton performed Calling You, Dancing In The Dark and Everybody Wants To Rule The World. What he lacks in vocal range he completely makes up for with his outstanding ability to interpret song lyrics. In addition, he knows how to re-imagine a song and make it more interesting than the original. And on top of that, he looks great in eye liner.
Trent utilized every last bit of his impressive vocal range on Tennessee Whiskey, Drink You Away and Waiting Game. He is great performer with stage presence that can be sweet and charming at one moment and then desperately passionate the next. He also has a great sense of style.
La'Porsha is destined to be the artist who will be for this generation what Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige were for theirs. She gave every last drop of her diva being to Glory, Stay With Me and Hello. Her voice is powerful and she makes you believe every word that she is saying. She gets into character like a trained actress would and she delivers a performance to remember every time.
All three of these finalists would be a very worthy Miss American Idol winner, but if I have to predict who will be eliminated next, I would have to go with Dalton.
In the wonderful American Idol tradition we were all brought to tears as we watched the top 4 finalists get the heroes welcome and rock star treatment in the home town. It's always an emotional experience for the finalists as well as the audience.
The show got off to an amazing start as MacKenzie's bland and generic performance of Hallelujah turned out to be the last time we need to hear him. He was finally the lowest vote getter this week and he has officially been eliminated from the competition. With him out of the way, we can now enjoy a close race between talented artists.
Dalton performed Calling You, Dancing In The Dark and Everybody Wants To Rule The World. What he lacks in vocal range he completely makes up for with his outstanding ability to interpret song lyrics. In addition, he knows how to re-imagine a song and make it more interesting than the original. And on top of that, he looks great in eye liner.
Trent utilized every last bit of his impressive vocal range on Tennessee Whiskey, Drink You Away and Waiting Game. He is great performer with stage presence that can be sweet and charming at one moment and then desperately passionate the next. He also has a great sense of style.
La'Porsha is destined to be the artist who will be for this generation what Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige were for theirs. She gave every last drop of her diva being to Glory, Stay With Me and Hello. Her voice is powerful and she makes you believe every word that she is saying. She gets into character like a trained actress would and she delivers a performance to remember every time.
All three of these finalists would be a very worthy Miss American Idol winner, but if I have to predict who will be eliminated next, I would have to go with Dalton.
Friday, March 25, 2016
The Top 4 Sing Classic Rock
The finalists are singing classic rock songs tonight in the first round and selections from the Sia songbook in round two. Sia was also there to mentor and perform her latest single, Cheap Thrills.
The parade of past Idol finalists continued with the season 7 Miss American Idol winner David Cook showing up to sing his new song, Heartbeat. The season 5 Miss American Idol 1st runner up Katharine McPhee was also there to recreate the magic moment when she performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Watching Katharine perform really illustrated how the caliber of talented has declined since she was on the show. Her voice and level of talent is so much higher than what the contestants are currently serving. I can't see any of them being able to handle a role like Katharine did in Smash.
The first finalist to be assured a spot on the show next week was La'Porsha. There's no denying that she is the frontrunner in the competition even there her performance of Dead or Alive wasn't exactly mind blowing, it was still very good. She performed Sia's Elastic Heart with passion, energy and outstanding vocals.
I don't have anything good to say about MacKenzie or the judges that put him here or the fans that keep voting for him. There is nothing impressive or exceptional about him. You can go to any high school and find a boy that is doing what he is doing. The fact that the judges even put him in the top 25 illustrates that they are not looking for great vocal talents. The fact that fans are voting for him shows that the bar for what is considered good has been lowered so far down that it has no meaning anymore. MacKenzie took two amazing songs and made them so completely boring he should never be allowed to sing again. I Want You To Want Me and Titanium were completely sad and lifeless in his hands. Anyone who would pick his versions of these songs over the originals clearly does not know how to enjoy music. At this point, I dislike him so much that it looks like he is going to end up being the Season 15 Miss American Idol winner.
Trent has a really impressive vocal range and a wonderful ability to breath new life into an old song. Both Sharp Dressed Man and Chandelier were dynamic and entertaining.
Dalton made the audience cry with his heartfelt reading of God Only Knows. He continued delivering the raw emotions on Bird Set Free. While his vocal range is somewhat limited he at least knows how to make the best of what he has.
Sadly, the most gifted vocalist of the bunch, Sonika, was the lowest vote getter this week and she was eliminated from the competition. We didn't even get to hear her sweet and amazing voice one last time.
I am not going to predict that Mackenzie will be sent home next week, but I clearly want him to be gone.
The parade of past Idol finalists continued with the season 7 Miss American Idol winner David Cook showing up to sing his new song, Heartbeat. The season 5 Miss American Idol 1st runner up Katharine McPhee was also there to recreate the magic moment when she performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Watching Katharine perform really illustrated how the caliber of talented has declined since she was on the show. Her voice and level of talent is so much higher than what the contestants are currently serving. I can't see any of them being able to handle a role like Katharine did in Smash.
The first finalist to be assured a spot on the show next week was La'Porsha. There's no denying that she is the frontrunner in the competition even there her performance of Dead or Alive wasn't exactly mind blowing, it was still very good. She performed Sia's Elastic Heart with passion, energy and outstanding vocals.
I don't have anything good to say about MacKenzie or the judges that put him here or the fans that keep voting for him. There is nothing impressive or exceptional about him. You can go to any high school and find a boy that is doing what he is doing. The fact that the judges even put him in the top 25 illustrates that they are not looking for great vocal talents. The fact that fans are voting for him shows that the bar for what is considered good has been lowered so far down that it has no meaning anymore. MacKenzie took two amazing songs and made them so completely boring he should never be allowed to sing again. I Want You To Want Me and Titanium were completely sad and lifeless in his hands. Anyone who would pick his versions of these songs over the originals clearly does not know how to enjoy music. At this point, I dislike him so much that it looks like he is going to end up being the Season 15 Miss American Idol winner.
Trent has a really impressive vocal range and a wonderful ability to breath new life into an old song. Both Sharp Dressed Man and Chandelier were dynamic and entertaining.
Dalton made the audience cry with his heartfelt reading of God Only Knows. He continued delivering the raw emotions on Bird Set Free. While his vocal range is somewhat limited he at least knows how to make the best of what he has.
Sadly, the most gifted vocalist of the bunch, Sonika, was the lowest vote getter this week and she was eliminated from the competition. We didn't even get to hear her sweet and amazing voice one last time.
I am not going to predict that Mackenzie will be sent home next week, but I clearly want him to be gone.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
The Top 5 sing America's Choice
The finalists are singing songs that were chosen for them by YOU! The public was given the chance to submit song choices and now this is what they were stuck with.
The evening started out with the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st runner up, Adam Lambert performing the song that set him far apart from the rest of his competitors, Mad World. He came back to perform again later in the show. This time it was the debut of his brand new single, Welcome To The Show. Hopefully it will leap to the top of the charts after this.
The first finalist to be assured a spot on the show next week was Trent. The selected for him were Counting Stars and Simple Man. Trent seemed to struggle with the uptempo Counting Stars as he wasn't able to insert much of his stylish personality in the song. Simple Man was all about him being a southern farm boy, but overall this was the weakest we have seen him so far.
Dalton is usually very interesting as well, but he fell flat on both of the songs American chose for him. Numb was just straightforward and bland compared to what we have come to expect from him. While the Sounds of Silence was lyrically interesting for him, his vocals were the worst we have heard so far. It exposed the limits to his vocal range.
La'Porsha has already established herself as a wonderful performer. Her song choices were Ready For Love and No More Drama and they both allowed her to remain comfortable in her role as R&B Diva. She is consistent and maintaining her high standard week after week.
I can't figure out why people keep voting for MacKenzie. This skinny boy with a guitar is so boring and uninteresting I can't imagine ever wanting to buy anything he releases. He performed Wild World and Billie Jean. Wild World was just straightforward and boring while Billie Jean was supposed to be impressive because he did a slowed down acoustic version of a Michael Jackson dance song. He just sucked the life out of it and I couldn't wait for it to be over. His vocal range is minimal and his stage presence is just depressing.
That left Tristan and Sonika in the bottom two. They are both better than all three of the boys by leaps and bounds, but only one of them is going to be saved by the judges tonight and be moving forward in the competition.
Tristan performed a wonderful and heartfelt rendition of Independence Day while Sonika delivered outstanding vocals on Let It Go. The judges decided to keep Sonika who was able to come back and give another wonderful vocal performance on Clarity.
I was completely wrong in my prediction that MacKenzie would be eliminated this week but that's not going to prevent me from once again predicting him to be going home next week. I just don't ever want to hear him again.
While Sonika has sadly been one of the lowest vote getters two weeks in a row now, I still believe that she has the talent and the ability to release the most interesting and marketable album of all of the contestants. She will have a very fresh and contemporary mix of ballads and dance pop hits that will all feature her effortless and sensational vocal gift. She is the only finalist that I am voting for.
The evening started out with the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st runner up, Adam Lambert performing the song that set him far apart from the rest of his competitors, Mad World. He came back to perform again later in the show. This time it was the debut of his brand new single, Welcome To The Show. Hopefully it will leap to the top of the charts after this.
The first finalist to be assured a spot on the show next week was Trent. The selected for him were Counting Stars and Simple Man. Trent seemed to struggle with the uptempo Counting Stars as he wasn't able to insert much of his stylish personality in the song. Simple Man was all about him being a southern farm boy, but overall this was the weakest we have seen him so far.
Dalton is usually very interesting as well, but he fell flat on both of the songs American chose for him. Numb was just straightforward and bland compared to what we have come to expect from him. While the Sounds of Silence was lyrically interesting for him, his vocals were the worst we have heard so far. It exposed the limits to his vocal range.
La'Porsha has already established herself as a wonderful performer. Her song choices were Ready For Love and No More Drama and they both allowed her to remain comfortable in her role as R&B Diva. She is consistent and maintaining her high standard week after week.
I can't figure out why people keep voting for MacKenzie. This skinny boy with a guitar is so boring and uninteresting I can't imagine ever wanting to buy anything he releases. He performed Wild World and Billie Jean. Wild World was just straightforward and boring while Billie Jean was supposed to be impressive because he did a slowed down acoustic version of a Michael Jackson dance song. He just sucked the life out of it and I couldn't wait for it to be over. His vocal range is minimal and his stage presence is just depressing.
That left Tristan and Sonika in the bottom two. They are both better than all three of the boys by leaps and bounds, but only one of them is going to be saved by the judges tonight and be moving forward in the competition.
Tristan performed a wonderful and heartfelt rendition of Independence Day while Sonika delivered outstanding vocals on Let It Go. The judges decided to keep Sonika who was able to come back and give another wonderful vocal performance on Clarity.
I was completely wrong in my prediction that MacKenzie would be eliminated this week but that's not going to prevent me from once again predicting him to be going home next week. I just don't ever want to hear him again.
While Sonika has sadly been one of the lowest vote getters two weeks in a row now, I still believe that she has the talent and the ability to release the most interesting and marketable album of all of the contestants. She will have a very fresh and contemporary mix of ballads and dance pop hits that will all feature her effortless and sensational vocal gift. She is the only finalist that I am voting for.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
The Top 6 sing Idol Favorites
The top 8 finalists are going to perform some of the most popular songs that have been used over and over again in the past 15 seasons of American Idol, but only 6 of them are going to survive to return next week.
But first, Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, has officially achieved another hit after performing on the show 2 weeks ago. Her single Piece By Piece has made its debut on the Billboard HOT 100 this week at #8. Tonight Season 14 Miss American Idol winner, Nick Fradiani, performed his funky new single Get You Home hoping to see it make it's way on to the Billboard charts soon.
The finalists performed duets in the first round. La'Porsha and Trent teamed up to sing See You Again. They were very well matched sounding very good. Avalon faded into the background when she and Sonika performed Rise Up while Sonika shined front and center. Both Dalton and MacKenzie fizzled with their flat reading of I Want It That Way. Lee was also more like a background singer compared to the strength of Tristan on their duet of I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.
The first finalist who is assured a spot on the show next week was La'Porsha. She really rocked the house with her outstanding version of Come Together.
Somehow MacKenzie is safely coming back next week. Tonight his take on You Are So Beautiful couldn't have been more boring. It had no character at all.
Trent, on the other hand, easily made the classic Stand By Me lively, interesting and very entertaining.
Tristan absolutely delivered an emotional powerhouse performance of A Broken Wing. Her vocals were flawless and she surely caused most of the audience to shed a tear or two.
The last finalist to safely get enough votes to come back was Dalton. He performed Eleanor Rigby in a gothic higher energy style that made the song sound fresh for a new audience.
That left the bottom three to be Sonika, Avalon and Lee. There is absolutely no way that Sonika should be at risk of elimination! But I did correctly predict two out of three in Avalon and Lee. They all needed to sing for the judges who will then decide who will be safe and make it into the Top 6.
Avalon performed P.Y.T. and her voice and personality simply was not interesting enough to keep up with such a great song. Lee was next and snoozed his way through Let It Be. Sonika went last and she absolutely breathtaking as she gave amazing vocals on I Have Nothing. Her range is impressive. Her tone is pure. Her voice is simply a pleasure to listen to.
Thankfully the judges made the right choice and Sonika is safely coming back next week.
I am not going to predict a bottom three this time around. La'Porsha, Trent, Tristan, Dalton and Sonika are all exceptionally talented singers and great performers. The only one who doesn't fit in is MacKenzie, so I am predicting that he will be eliminated next week.
But first, Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, has officially achieved another hit after performing on the show 2 weeks ago. Her single Piece By Piece has made its debut on the Billboard HOT 100 this week at #8. Tonight Season 14 Miss American Idol winner, Nick Fradiani, performed his funky new single Get You Home hoping to see it make it's way on to the Billboard charts soon.
The finalists performed duets in the first round. La'Porsha and Trent teamed up to sing See You Again. They were very well matched sounding very good. Avalon faded into the background when she and Sonika performed Rise Up while Sonika shined front and center. Both Dalton and MacKenzie fizzled with their flat reading of I Want It That Way. Lee was also more like a background singer compared to the strength of Tristan on their duet of I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.
The first finalist who is assured a spot on the show next week was La'Porsha. She really rocked the house with her outstanding version of Come Together.
Somehow MacKenzie is safely coming back next week. Tonight his take on You Are So Beautiful couldn't have been more boring. It had no character at all.
Trent, on the other hand, easily made the classic Stand By Me lively, interesting and very entertaining.
Tristan absolutely delivered an emotional powerhouse performance of A Broken Wing. Her vocals were flawless and she surely caused most of the audience to shed a tear or two.
The last finalist to safely get enough votes to come back was Dalton. He performed Eleanor Rigby in a gothic higher energy style that made the song sound fresh for a new audience.
That left the bottom three to be Sonika, Avalon and Lee. There is absolutely no way that Sonika should be at risk of elimination! But I did correctly predict two out of three in Avalon and Lee. They all needed to sing for the judges who will then decide who will be safe and make it into the Top 6.
Avalon performed P.Y.T. and her voice and personality simply was not interesting enough to keep up with such a great song. Lee was next and snoozed his way through Let It Be. Sonika went last and she absolutely breathtaking as she gave amazing vocals on I Have Nothing. Her range is impressive. Her tone is pure. Her voice is simply a pleasure to listen to.
Thankfully the judges made the right choice and Sonika is safely coming back next week.
I am not going to predict a bottom three this time around. La'Porsha, Trent, Tristan, Dalton and Sonika are all exceptionally talented singers and great performers. The only one who doesn't fit in is MacKenzie, so I am predicting that he will be eliminated next week.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
The Top 8 sing Grammy music
The Top 10 are going to perform Grammy winning music tonight but only 8 of them will be moving forward to next week.
But first, remember how the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson came back last week to be a guest judge and to perform? Well after her performance of Piece By Piece on the show, the song has skyrocketed up the charts! The album version went all the way to #1 on the itunes chart for a couple of days. And her record company has released a special "Idol" version of the song so now she actually has TWO songs in the top 10 on the itunes chart with the Idol version at #4 right now while the album version is at #10. Pop singer Demi Lovato performed her current hits Confident and Stone Cold this week. Perhaps she will experience a hefty bump on the charts as a result this week?
The first finalist assured an opportunity to perform next week is Dalton. His version of Radioactive is good, but it's a little less spectacular than what he usually does. But even so, he's still one of the best.
Lee was next and he took on Use Somebody. I applaud his effort to be more than a boring skinny guy with a guitar with this higher energy, rock song, but it was still pretty drab compared to what the others are capable of.
Sonika is easily the most effortlessly talented and gifted vocalist of the bunch. The beautiful sounds that come out of her mouth are pure high quality entertainment. Her version of Since U Been Gone had great energy and flawless vocals.
Mackenzie is just stuck in the boring skinny guy with a guitar rut. He tried to do something interesting with I Wanna Dance With Somebody, but it was just flat and lifeless.
La'Porsha is a genuine artist. She proved that with an impressive rendition of Halo that far exceeded the original.
Trent is also an outstanding artist. He took an old classic like When A Man Loves A Woman and he breathed new life into it.
The last finalist to be assured a place on the show next week was Tristan. She sat at the piano and delivered the most wonderful version of Go Rest High On The Mountain. It was vocally amazing and packed with the most emotional punch of the night.
That left the bottom three vote getters of the week to be Olivia, Avalon and Gianna. I predicted that Lee and Avalon would be going home, so I was only slightly close this week.
Olivia, Avalon and Gianna had to take turns singing and see which one of them the judges would save while the other two would be eliminated.
Avalon went first and performed Earned It. It was nothing special. Olivia went next and poured her heart and soul into Trouble. Gianna went last and gave her best effort into If I Ain't Got You. Personally I think Olivia and Gianna should both have been saved, but for some crazy reason, the judges decided to keep Avalon around.
We had to say goodbye to two very talented young ladies in Olivia and Gianna. My prediction for the bottom three next week is Lee, Mackenzie and Avalon.
But first, remember how the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson came back last week to be a guest judge and to perform? Well after her performance of Piece By Piece on the show, the song has skyrocketed up the charts! The album version went all the way to #1 on the itunes chart for a couple of days. And her record company has released a special "Idol" version of the song so now she actually has TWO songs in the top 10 on the itunes chart with the Idol version at #4 right now while the album version is at #10. Pop singer Demi Lovato performed her current hits Confident and Stone Cold this week. Perhaps she will experience a hefty bump on the charts as a result this week?
The first finalist assured an opportunity to perform next week is Dalton. His version of Radioactive is good, but it's a little less spectacular than what he usually does. But even so, he's still one of the best.
Lee was next and he took on Use Somebody. I applaud his effort to be more than a boring skinny guy with a guitar with this higher energy, rock song, but it was still pretty drab compared to what the others are capable of.
Sonika is easily the most effortlessly talented and gifted vocalist of the bunch. The beautiful sounds that come out of her mouth are pure high quality entertainment. Her version of Since U Been Gone had great energy and flawless vocals.
Mackenzie is just stuck in the boring skinny guy with a guitar rut. He tried to do something interesting with I Wanna Dance With Somebody, but it was just flat and lifeless.
La'Porsha is a genuine artist. She proved that with an impressive rendition of Halo that far exceeded the original.
Trent is also an outstanding artist. He took an old classic like When A Man Loves A Woman and he breathed new life into it.
The last finalist to be assured a place on the show next week was Tristan. She sat at the piano and delivered the most wonderful version of Go Rest High On The Mountain. It was vocally amazing and packed with the most emotional punch of the night.
That left the bottom three vote getters of the week to be Olivia, Avalon and Gianna. I predicted that Lee and Avalon would be going home, so I was only slightly close this week.
Olivia, Avalon and Gianna had to take turns singing and see which one of them the judges would save while the other two would be eliminated.
Avalon went first and performed Earned It. It was nothing special. Olivia went next and poured her heart and soul into Trouble. Gianna went last and gave her best effort into If I Ain't Got You. Personally I think Olivia and Gianna should both have been saved, but for some crazy reason, the judges decided to keep Avalon around.
We had to say goodbye to two very talented young ladies in Olivia and Gianna. My prediction for the bottom three next week is Lee, Mackenzie and Avalon.
Friday, February 26, 2016
The Top 10 Perform for KELLY CLARKSON!
I am happy to reveal that I correctly predicted three out of the four contestants who were eliminated. I was right about Thomas, Jenn and Jeneve, while the other finalist to be eliminated ended up being Manny.
The remaining Top 10 finalists performed and had the chance to get a critique from the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.
Olivia Rox went first performing Katy Perry's Unconditionally. This is a good song, but it didn't really allow Olivia to stand out. She's capable of much more than this.
Gianna Isabella took on the song Listen from the movie musical DreamGirls. Gianna is a very good singer and you could tell she was trying really hard to impress us.
Lee Jean did another song that a skinny little boy with a guitar would do. It was actually called Skinny Love. He's cute and charming, but not an exceptionally talented singer. He's not capable of much more and he's not trying very hard to impress.
Avalon Young should have been eliminated already. Her performances of Stitches was very average and plain and these other contestants could wipe the floor with her.
Dalton Rapattoni is super cute and a super slick performer. He took a little folksy song like Hey There Delialah and punched it up into a punk ska slice of pure entertainment. He is mesmerizing to watch and he sounds great.
Tristan McIntosh is a strikingly beautiful young woman. She performed Nothing Like You very well even though it wasn't quite vocal perfection. She has a very nice vocal gift and she has an endearing stage presence.
MacKenzie Bourg's skinny boy with a guitar performance just left me bored. We've seen it and heard it all before and there's nothing exceptional about it.
La'Porsha Renea performed Diamonds in a way that Rihanna only wishes she could. She packed it full of so much oomph and punch and emotion and meaning that she brought the house down and raised the roof with so much applause from the audience. She is a great performer.
Sonika Vaid is the only contestant who could have followed La'Porsha and raised the bar even higher. She performed Bring Me To Life and her flawless vocals were crystal clear and effortless. She delivered the perfect mix of class, style and high energy passion to keep her as the front runner.
Trent Harmon performed Like I Can almost as well as Sam Smith does. He has a wonderful vocal range and great stage presence. He's an artist and he never needs to hide his skinny body behind a guitar.
Rumor has it that there will be a double elimination next week and my prediction for who should be going is Avalon and Lee.
Kelly Clarkson closed the show with the title track from her latest album, Piece By Piece. It was an emotional vocal showcase that illustrated exactly how American Idol has lasted for 15 seasons. Because the show finds superstars.
The remaining Top 10 finalists performed and had the chance to get a critique from the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.
Olivia Rox went first performing Katy Perry's Unconditionally. This is a good song, but it didn't really allow Olivia to stand out. She's capable of much more than this.
Gianna Isabella took on the song Listen from the movie musical DreamGirls. Gianna is a very good singer and you could tell she was trying really hard to impress us.
Lee Jean did another song that a skinny little boy with a guitar would do. It was actually called Skinny Love. He's cute and charming, but not an exceptionally talented singer. He's not capable of much more and he's not trying very hard to impress.
Avalon Young should have been eliminated already. Her performances of Stitches was very average and plain and these other contestants could wipe the floor with her.
Dalton Rapattoni is super cute and a super slick performer. He took a little folksy song like Hey There Delialah and punched it up into a punk ska slice of pure entertainment. He is mesmerizing to watch and he sounds great.
Tristan McIntosh is a strikingly beautiful young woman. She performed Nothing Like You very well even though it wasn't quite vocal perfection. She has a very nice vocal gift and she has an endearing stage presence.
MacKenzie Bourg's skinny boy with a guitar performance just left me bored. We've seen it and heard it all before and there's nothing exceptional about it.
La'Porsha Renea performed Diamonds in a way that Rihanna only wishes she could. She packed it full of so much oomph and punch and emotion and meaning that she brought the house down and raised the roof with so much applause from the audience. She is a great performer.
Sonika Vaid is the only contestant who could have followed La'Porsha and raised the bar even higher. She performed Bring Me To Life and her flawless vocals were crystal clear and effortless. She delivered the perfect mix of class, style and high energy passion to keep her as the front runner.
Trent Harmon performed Like I Can almost as well as Sam Smith does. He has a wonderful vocal range and great stage presence. He's an artist and he never needs to hide his skinny body behind a guitar.
Rumor has it that there will be a double elimination next week and my prediction for who should be going is Avalon and Lee.
Kelly Clarkson closed the show with the title track from her latest album, Piece By Piece. It was an emotional vocal showcase that illustrated exactly how American Idol has lasted for 15 seasons. Because the show finds superstars.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Voting Begins!
It's the 15th and final season of American Idol and we have finally arrived at the time when the fans can begin to vote.
The first finalist to sing for our votes was Manny Torres. He performed Master Blaster pretty well, but it was really nothing special. He's a good looking guy, but vocally he doesn't stand out as being exceptional.
Gianna Isabella is the daughter of 80's singer Brenda K. Starr of "I Still Believe" fame. Gianna sang I Put A Spell On You and she made her mom very proud. She is a very talented vocalist.
Thomas Stringfellow is a skinny boy with a guitar who is not the best singer in the world. He is actually quite annoying vocally adding very unnecessary squeaks and other sounds to every word that comes out. He sang the Story Of My Life and he ruined it.
Tristan McIntosh has a very sweet voice that goes very well with her charming look and personality. Her version of What Hurts The Most was very well done.
Avalon Young wants to be a hip hop chick so she had to choose something like Yo (Excuse Me Miss) to try and win us over. I didn't find it to be very compelling. Awkward girl.
Jenn Blosil needs to go ASAP. Her rendition of True Colors was not unique. It was not quirky. It was not good at all. She's no Cyndi Lauper and I hope I don't need to hear her again. Awkward girl.
Lee Jean is another little boy with a guitar. He sang Make It Rain. He's not nearly as annoying as Thomas so I can put up with him for a little while I guess.
Sonika Vaid is the clear front runner and a future superstar in the music business. Her voice is exceptional and impressive. She performed I Surrender that was originally done by Celine Dion. Sonika can easily handle songs for real singers.
Jeneve Rose Mitchell is a true cowgirl from the mountains. She is not influenced by pop culture in the least bit. She performed Ring Of Fire in an interesting way, but I just don't think it's what people are going to be interested in hearing or buying. Awkward girl.
MacKenzie Bourg is another skinny boy with a guitar. He performed an original song called Roses. It was kinda OK, but really nothing to make me say wow I need to hear it again.
Four of these finalists are going to be eliminated from the competition tomorrow night. I would be fine with losing most of them to be honest. The skinny little boys with guitars and the awkward girls do nothing for me. I hope that America votes to keep Gianna, Tristan and Sonika in the competition.
My prediction for the four to be eliminated are: Thomas, Avalon, Jenn and Jeneve. You know if I could get rid of more, I would!
The first finalist to sing for our votes was Manny Torres. He performed Master Blaster pretty well, but it was really nothing special. He's a good looking guy, but vocally he doesn't stand out as being exceptional.
Gianna Isabella is the daughter of 80's singer Brenda K. Starr of "I Still Believe" fame. Gianna sang I Put A Spell On You and she made her mom very proud. She is a very talented vocalist.
Thomas Stringfellow is a skinny boy with a guitar who is not the best singer in the world. He is actually quite annoying vocally adding very unnecessary squeaks and other sounds to every word that comes out. He sang the Story Of My Life and he ruined it.
Tristan McIntosh has a very sweet voice that goes very well with her charming look and personality. Her version of What Hurts The Most was very well done.
Avalon Young wants to be a hip hop chick so she had to choose something like Yo (Excuse Me Miss) to try and win us over. I didn't find it to be very compelling. Awkward girl.
Jenn Blosil needs to go ASAP. Her rendition of True Colors was not unique. It was not quirky. It was not good at all. She's no Cyndi Lauper and I hope I don't need to hear her again. Awkward girl.
Lee Jean is another little boy with a guitar. He sang Make It Rain. He's not nearly as annoying as Thomas so I can put up with him for a little while I guess.
Sonika Vaid is the clear front runner and a future superstar in the music business. Her voice is exceptional and impressive. She performed I Surrender that was originally done by Celine Dion. Sonika can easily handle songs for real singers.
Jeneve Rose Mitchell is a true cowgirl from the mountains. She is not influenced by pop culture in the least bit. She performed Ring Of Fire in an interesting way, but I just don't think it's what people are going to be interested in hearing or buying. Awkward girl.
MacKenzie Bourg is another skinny boy with a guitar. He performed an original song called Roses. It was kinda OK, but really nothing to make me say wow I need to hear it again.
Four of these finalists are going to be eliminated from the competition tomorrow night. I would be fine with losing most of them to be honest. The skinny little boys with guitars and the awkward girls do nothing for me. I hope that America votes to keep Gianna, Tristan and Sonika in the competition.
My prediction for the four to be eliminated are: Thomas, Avalon, Jenn and Jeneve. You know if I could get rid of more, I would!
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