The Top 10 songs of 2013!!
2013 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:
Come and Get It - Selena Gomez
For the past five years Selena Gomez has been delivering some of the best dance pop music out there, but none of her songs managed to really crossover to the pop mainstream. Finally in 2013 the timing was right for one of her singles to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100. Come and Get It is simply pop music perfection with its catching beat and sing a long chorus. It is so nice to see one of the Disney kids grow up in front of us and be so beautiful and professional.
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Upon first listen you might have thought you were hearing a vintage disco classic, but this dance jam was brand new and taking over radio airplay. Daft Punk have now found themselves nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year with this outstanding single.
The Way - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande successfully embarked on her pop crossover career apart from work on Nickelodeon TV shows with this 90's retro R&B track. Her vocals are reminiscent of Mariah Carey and she presents herself with the highest standard of class and poise. It will be nice to see a lot more of her in the future.
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
All of the pieces come together perfectly making this song impossible to not like. And the fact that the video is full of so many awesome styles of dancing pushes it up even higher on the list of favorites.
Can't Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Their album The Heist is packed with hits, but this is the one that I had playing in heavy rotation all year long. It is the dance party anthem of the year!
Best Song Ever - One Direction
One Direction proved that they had staying power, at least for another year, by releasing super fun songs and videos like this.
Roar - Katy Perry
In 2013 Katy proved that she is still the master at serving up the perfect combination of a catchy pop song with an amazing video. This time she went deep into the jungle to deliver this empowering anthem.
When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars
In this era of Electronic Dance Music domination it is very rare that a tender ballad reaches the top of the charts, Bruno Mars released something that was too good to be ignored. So take heed listeners and treat your boyfriends right while you have them!
Applause - Lady Gaga
The first single from her ArtPop collection is catchy, fun and completely describes the driving force for many to perform in front of the crowds. I mean really, why rehearse for weeks if no audience is there to shower you with praise when you finally perform?
Feel This Moment - Christina Aguilera with Pitbull
Thank goodness Christina found an outlet for her vocal talents on this high energy collaboration with Pitbull. Her solo albums have been dreary lately, but this reminds us why we are keeping her around.
Showing posts with label Christina Aguilera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christina Aguilera. Show all posts
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Top 12 girls take their first shot...
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. :)
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. :)
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, December 8, 2011
The Top 10 songs of 2011!!
2011 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:
Last Friday Night - Katy Perry
No other song this year fully captured the pure joy that pop music can bring into our lives better than this 5th consecutive #1 smash hit from Katy Perry's outstanding album Teenage Dream. The beat is bouncy, the lyrics are fun and the video is quite simply the most amazing star-studded entertainment masterpiece EVER! The electric neon fashions of the 80's are back in full force along with Debbie Gibson, Corey Feldman and Kenny G. And the video not only co-stars both Artie and Blaine from the cast of Glee, but they also covered this great song on an episode of the show this year!
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera
When you take the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 1999 (Christina Aguilera) and pair her with the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 2004 (Maroon 5) you are destined to have a huge hit on your hands. While these two acts combined forces as hosts of the music competition show The Voice, the best thing to come out of it had nothing to do with any of the contestants. It was this incredible musical collaboration that starts out paying tribute to the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, but ends up just being a pounding beat that makes you want to get up and dance the night away.
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
If you wanted to get the dance party started this year, you needed to look no further than the very appropriately titled Party Rock Anthem. It lived up to its name exceptionally well and could be played multiple times through the night and people would be sweating and dancing to it every time with no complaints. Did you know that LMFAO actually stands for Laugh My Fabulous Ass Off?
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
The first single from her second album can be taken as a literal declaration that Adele is going to have it all not only this year, but for many years to come. She was very rightly honored with the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2008 and this song showed that she can keep on getting better.
Give Me Everything - Pitbull with Ne-Yo
All the right pieces in all the right places, expertly executed by talented artists who look and sound great doing it. It's catchy, danceable and everything it should be.
S & M - Rihanna and Britney Spears
Even without the glitz of this high profile pairing of pop princesses, this naughty little number is still a hit in every sense of the word (hit me baby, one more time!). And the fact is that everything Rihanna touched was at the top of the charts this year. Thankfully the jams were infectious tracks like this one.
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Lady Gaga for releasing this genuine anthem of empowerment for all the young gays and lesbians to know that it not only gets better, but in this day and age, it really IS better. This song is a joyous celebration and it inspired an outstanding episode of Glee.
Just A Kiss - Lady Antebellum
This is a beautiful ballad that once again exemplifies the wonderful songwriting and vocal talents in this group. They know how to connect with the audience right to our hearts.
Without You - Usher
After cranking out the best hits of his career in 2010, Usher teamed up with DJ David Guetta to keep up the good work. This is another club friendly dance jam that helps to make up for all the unpleasant arrogance that Usher used to be known for.
Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner returned to the top 10 this year with this impressive pop song that is sure to be just a taste of what she will be giving fans in 2012.
Last Friday Night - Katy Perry
No other song this year fully captured the pure joy that pop music can bring into our lives better than this 5th consecutive #1 smash hit from Katy Perry's outstanding album Teenage Dream. The beat is bouncy, the lyrics are fun and the video is quite simply the most amazing star-studded entertainment masterpiece EVER! The electric neon fashions of the 80's are back in full force along with Debbie Gibson, Corey Feldman and Kenny G. And the video not only co-stars both Artie and Blaine from the cast of Glee, but they also covered this great song on an episode of the show this year!
Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera
When you take the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 1999 (Christina Aguilera) and pair her with the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 2004 (Maroon 5) you are destined to have a huge hit on your hands. While these two acts combined forces as hosts of the music competition show The Voice, the best thing to come out of it had nothing to do with any of the contestants. It was this incredible musical collaboration that starts out paying tribute to the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, but ends up just being a pounding beat that makes you want to get up and dance the night away.
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
If you wanted to get the dance party started this year, you needed to look no further than the very appropriately titled Party Rock Anthem. It lived up to its name exceptionally well and could be played multiple times through the night and people would be sweating and dancing to it every time with no complaints. Did you know that LMFAO actually stands for Laugh My Fabulous Ass Off?
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
The first single from her second album can be taken as a literal declaration that Adele is going to have it all not only this year, but for many years to come. She was very rightly honored with the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2008 and this song showed that she can keep on getting better.
Give Me Everything - Pitbull with Ne-Yo
All the right pieces in all the right places, expertly executed by talented artists who look and sound great doing it. It's catchy, danceable and everything it should be.
S & M - Rihanna and Britney Spears
Even without the glitz of this high profile pairing of pop princesses, this naughty little number is still a hit in every sense of the word (hit me baby, one more time!). And the fact is that everything Rihanna touched was at the top of the charts this year. Thankfully the jams were infectious tracks like this one.
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Lady Gaga for releasing this genuine anthem of empowerment for all the young gays and lesbians to know that it not only gets better, but in this day and age, it really IS better. This song is a joyous celebration and it inspired an outstanding episode of Glee.
Just A Kiss - Lady Antebellum
This is a beautiful ballad that once again exemplifies the wonderful songwriting and vocal talents in this group. They know how to connect with the audience right to our hearts.
Without You - Usher
After cranking out the best hits of his career in 2010, Usher teamed up with DJ David Guetta to keep up the good work. This is another club friendly dance jam that helps to make up for all the unpleasant arrogance that Usher used to be known for.
Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner returned to the top 10 this year with this impressive pop song that is sure to be just a taste of what she will be giving fans in 2012.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Top 12 girls take their first shot...
Tonight we get to know what these top 12 girls can really do - they can pick any song they want to present themselves to America for the first time:
Rihanna took Only Girl in the World to #1 in 2010. Ta-Tynisa Wilson used this Grammy winner for Best Dance Recording to strut her stuff in high heels and belt out some big notes. She did a pretty good job showing off her potential to be a radio friendly hit-maker.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, performed Summertime and to this day set the standard for best Idol performance ever. Naima Adedapo did her best to mix things up with a more bouncy and light jazz arrangement to make the song her own. She was actually quite successful showing off a great vocal range and professional performance style.
Christina Aguilera included Impossible on her 2002 album Stripped. Kendra Chantelle has a nice voice and is quite pretty, but she didn't add anything special or exceptional to her performance of this very hot album track.
Fiona Apple took Criminal to #21 in 1997. Rachel Zevita served up an almost unrecognizable burlesque version of the song that was partially entertaining, but sort of awkward as well. It's clear she has ambitions to be an all around entertainer, but this performance did not showcase her voice at it's best.
Mariah Carey took Hero to #1 for four weeks in 1994. Karen Rodriguez stepped up to the challenge and and hit it out of the park with her wonderful Spanglish interpretation of this popular favorite. She exuded stage presence, confidence and class.
Lauren Turner took the stage and presented herself as a sort of female version of Season 5 Miss American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. She was singing some bluesy number and she was running around all over the stage.
Monica released Love All Over Me from her under appreciated 2010 release Still Standing. Like Monica, Ashthon Jones definitely has all the necessary qualities to be chart-topping hit-making DIVA herself. She looks beautiful and her voice can powerfully belt out the big notes with passion and emotion.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, took Breakaway to #6 in 2004. Julie Zorrilla should unfortunately not expect to have any success after her very weak rendition of the song.
Alicia Keys took Fallin to #1 in 2001. Alicia went on to become a Grammy favorite winning Best New Artist, but Haley Reinhart should not expect the same results at all after this forgettable and clumsy performance.
Irene Cara took Out Here On My Own to #19 in 1980 from the Fame Soundtrack. Thia Megia stood center stage in a spotlight with almost no musical accompaniment and showed all of the other finalists, both the boys and the girls, what it's like to have a truly pure and exceptional vocal instrument. Thia is exactly the kind of talent that American Idol was made for. If America has any sense at all, this extremely talented 15 year old is on the track to reaching her very own success story to FAME!
Country music superstar, Reba, is having current success with her latest single Turn On The Radio. Lauren Alaina infused this fun anthem with some youthful energy and did a great job showing off her nice voice and fun personality.
The Pretenders took I'll Stand By You to #16 in 1994. Pia Toscano did not hold back at all in her genuine efforts to show off that she is the whole package - voice, confidence, beautiful good looks, and stage presence.
Now it's up to America to vote so you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/. My top 5 will be: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones and Naima Adedapo.
Thia Megia is the clear front-runner by a wide margin. :)
Rihanna took Only Girl in the World to #1 in 2010. Ta-Tynisa Wilson used this Grammy winner for Best Dance Recording to strut her stuff in high heels and belt out some big notes. She did a pretty good job showing off her potential to be a radio friendly hit-maker.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, performed Summertime and to this day set the standard for best Idol performance ever. Naima Adedapo did her best to mix things up with a more bouncy and light jazz arrangement to make the song her own. She was actually quite successful showing off a great vocal range and professional performance style.
Christina Aguilera included Impossible on her 2002 album Stripped. Kendra Chantelle has a nice voice and is quite pretty, but she didn't add anything special or exceptional to her performance of this very hot album track.
Fiona Apple took Criminal to #21 in 1997. Rachel Zevita served up an almost unrecognizable burlesque version of the song that was partially entertaining, but sort of awkward as well. It's clear she has ambitions to be an all around entertainer, but this performance did not showcase her voice at it's best.
Mariah Carey took Hero to #1 for four weeks in 1994. Karen Rodriguez stepped up to the challenge and and hit it out of the park with her wonderful Spanglish interpretation of this popular favorite. She exuded stage presence, confidence and class.
Lauren Turner took the stage and presented herself as a sort of female version of Season 5 Miss American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. She was singing some bluesy number and she was running around all over the stage.
Monica released Love All Over Me from her under appreciated 2010 release Still Standing. Like Monica, Ashthon Jones definitely has all the necessary qualities to be chart-topping hit-making DIVA herself. She looks beautiful and her voice can powerfully belt out the big notes with passion and emotion.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, took Breakaway to #6 in 2004. Julie Zorrilla should unfortunately not expect to have any success after her very weak rendition of the song.
Alicia Keys took Fallin to #1 in 2001. Alicia went on to become a Grammy favorite winning Best New Artist, but Haley Reinhart should not expect the same results at all after this forgettable and clumsy performance.
Irene Cara took Out Here On My Own to #19 in 1980 from the Fame Soundtrack. Thia Megia stood center stage in a spotlight with almost no musical accompaniment and showed all of the other finalists, both the boys and the girls, what it's like to have a truly pure and exceptional vocal instrument. Thia is exactly the kind of talent that American Idol was made for. If America has any sense at all, this extremely talented 15 year old is on the track to reaching her very own success story to FAME!
Country music superstar, Reba, is having current success with her latest single Turn On The Radio. Lauren Alaina infused this fun anthem with some youthful energy and did a great job showing off her nice voice and fun personality.
The Pretenders took I'll Stand By You to #16 in 1994. Pia Toscano did not hold back at all in her genuine efforts to show off that she is the whole package - voice, confidence, beautiful good looks, and stage presence.
Now it's up to America to vote so you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/. My top 5 will be: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones and Naima Adedapo.
Thia Megia is the clear front-runner by a wide margin. :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
And the new American Idol is......
Season Nine is coming to an end tonight and in two hours the new American Idol will be revealed, but there's a whole party to be had leading up to that announcement. The top 12 got things started dressed in their prep school uniforms to rock it out with Alice Cooper and his top 10 hit from 1972, School's Out.
Last year at this time Adam Lambert was all over the media on magazine covers and websites as the clear front runner to win the season eight Miss American Idol crown, but in a shocking twist the title ended up going to pretty boy with no personality, Kris Allen. His first single, Live Like We're Dying, was a modest hit that failed to crack the top 10 so I'm sure there's hope that by performing his second single, The Truth, in front of millions of people tonight might make it into a hit.
The Bee Gees spent three weeks at #1 in 1977 with How Deep Is Your Love from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Siobhan Magnus has the voice and the personality that should have gotten her farther in the competition, but instead of being in the finals she had to sing this adult contemporary slow jam with the tiny little pixie, Aaron Kelly. Thankfully, the surviving members, Barry and Robin Gibb, appeared on stage to sing along with them.
The Doobie Brothers, lead by Michael McDonald, took Takin It To The Streets up to #13 in 1976 and he was joined on stage with finalist Michael Lynche. The judges wisely used the save to get Michael all the way up to the final four and earn him this chance to perform with a music industry great.
The top six girls sang a medley of Christina Aguilera hits including Beautiful and Fighter. The winner of the 1999 Grammy for Best New Artist has a new album, Bionic, coming out June 8th so she appeared tonight to debut a new song for the fans. Rather than doing her uptempo dance jam, Not Myself Tonight, she went for an intense ballad that showed off her big voice.
The top six boys sang a medley of Hall & Oates hits including the #1 smash hits I Can't Go For That and Maneater. The most successful duo of all time on the Billboard HOT 100 charts showed up in the flesh to make our dreams come true.
Crystal Bowersox put in the performances necessary all season to show that she is vocally talented and has the performance skills to be a very worthy Miss American Idol winner. She graced the stage to sing the Alanis Morisette song, Ironic, that peaked at #4 in 1996. Crystal sounded much better than the original and she continued to outsing the real Alanis who showed up to sing You Ought To Know along with her.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, season four winner Carrie Underwood has gone on to sell millions of albums, top the charts and win numerous awards including the 2006 Grammy for Best New Artist and the ACM Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Tonight she came back to the American Idol stage to sing the latest single from her smash third album. After making huge hits out of Cowboy Casanova and Temporary Home, Undo It is sure to race up to the top of the country chart.
Bret Michaels and Poison took Every Rose Has Its Thorn to #1 in 1988 and he was joined on stage with this year's 2nd runner up, Casey James to make his "look at me, I'm a live and well" reappearance to the world.
Both Crystal and Lee went to their first American Idol audition in Chicago and Lee is actually from the Chicago suburb, Mount Prospect. So it's quite fitting that the legendary classic rock super group of the same name would be here tonight to sing with Lee. This was the perfect fit for Lee because with the huge horn section you could hardly hear his weak vocals at all.
In honor of this being the last night on American Idol for Simon Cowell, former judge Paula Abdul came back to make a loopy speech in his tribute. It was kinda nice to see her, but it was also pretty awkward. And then things turned around when the parade of Miss American Idol winners started with Season One Winner Kelly Clarkson singing an inspirational ballad. She was joined by Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen. For some reason David Cook couldn't make it, but the season seven 1st runner up David Archuleta lead the pack of other former finalists who filled the stage in appreciation of Simon.
How do you follow such a jam packed stage full of stars? With superstar Janet Jackson of course! She started with a medley of Again and Trust In Me and then shouted "Gimme a beat" and launched into her classic pop jam, Nasty.
With just minutes remaining until one of them is crowned the new Miss American Idol, Crystal and Lee sang a rousing version of With A Little Help From My Friends along with Joe Cocker.
And then the announcement was made. The golden envelope was opened to reveal that the Season Nine Miss American Idol is ... Lee DeWyze!
Crystal was robbed just like Adam Lambert was. I guess we have the American Idol voters to thank for this musical embarrassment.
Last year at this time Adam Lambert was all over the media on magazine covers and websites as the clear front runner to win the season eight Miss American Idol crown, but in a shocking twist the title ended up going to pretty boy with no personality, Kris Allen. His first single, Live Like We're Dying, was a modest hit that failed to crack the top 10 so I'm sure there's hope that by performing his second single, The Truth, in front of millions of people tonight might make it into a hit.
The Bee Gees spent three weeks at #1 in 1977 with How Deep Is Your Love from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Siobhan Magnus has the voice and the personality that should have gotten her farther in the competition, but instead of being in the finals she had to sing this adult contemporary slow jam with the tiny little pixie, Aaron Kelly. Thankfully, the surviving members, Barry and Robin Gibb, appeared on stage to sing along with them.
The Doobie Brothers, lead by Michael McDonald, took Takin It To The Streets up to #13 in 1976 and he was joined on stage with finalist Michael Lynche. The judges wisely used the save to get Michael all the way up to the final four and earn him this chance to perform with a music industry great.
The top six girls sang a medley of Christina Aguilera hits including Beautiful and Fighter. The winner of the 1999 Grammy for Best New Artist has a new album, Bionic, coming out June 8th so she appeared tonight to debut a new song for the fans. Rather than doing her uptempo dance jam, Not Myself Tonight, she went for an intense ballad that showed off her big voice.
The top six boys sang a medley of Hall & Oates hits including the #1 smash hits I Can't Go For That and Maneater. The most successful duo of all time on the Billboard HOT 100 charts showed up in the flesh to make our dreams come true.
Crystal Bowersox put in the performances necessary all season to show that she is vocally talented and has the performance skills to be a very worthy Miss American Idol winner. She graced the stage to sing the Alanis Morisette song, Ironic, that peaked at #4 in 1996. Crystal sounded much better than the original and she continued to outsing the real Alanis who showed up to sing You Ought To Know along with her.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, season four winner Carrie Underwood has gone on to sell millions of albums, top the charts and win numerous awards including the 2006 Grammy for Best New Artist and the ACM Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Tonight she came back to the American Idol stage to sing the latest single from her smash third album. After making huge hits out of Cowboy Casanova and Temporary Home, Undo It is sure to race up to the top of the country chart.
Bret Michaels and Poison took Every Rose Has Its Thorn to #1 in 1988 and he was joined on stage with this year's 2nd runner up, Casey James to make his "look at me, I'm a live and well" reappearance to the world.
Both Crystal and Lee went to their first American Idol audition in Chicago and Lee is actually from the Chicago suburb, Mount Prospect. So it's quite fitting that the legendary classic rock super group of the same name would be here tonight to sing with Lee. This was the perfect fit for Lee because with the huge horn section you could hardly hear his weak vocals at all.
In honor of this being the last night on American Idol for Simon Cowell, former judge Paula Abdul came back to make a loopy speech in his tribute. It was kinda nice to see her, but it was also pretty awkward. And then things turned around when the parade of Miss American Idol winners started with Season One Winner Kelly Clarkson singing an inspirational ballad. She was joined by Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen. For some reason David Cook couldn't make it, but the season seven 1st runner up David Archuleta lead the pack of other former finalists who filled the stage in appreciation of Simon.
How do you follow such a jam packed stage full of stars? With superstar Janet Jackson of course! She started with a medley of Again and Trust In Me and then shouted "Gimme a beat" and launched into her classic pop jam, Nasty.
With just minutes remaining until one of them is crowned the new Miss American Idol, Crystal and Lee sang a rousing version of With A Little Help From My Friends along with Joe Cocker.
And then the announcement was made. The golden envelope was opened to reveal that the Season Nine Miss American Idol is ... Lee DeWyze!
Crystal was robbed just like Adam Lambert was. I guess we have the American Idol voters to thank for this musical embarrassment.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Top 8 boys...
And now it's time for the boys to lip-sync for their lives!!!! Seriously, it probably would sound better if they would lip sync, but here's what they decided to sing....
Owl City just hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 at the end of 2009 with Fireflies. Lee Dewyze did what he's going to do for the rest of the season and he played guitar and sang it with his typical rock guy raspy voice.
Alex Lambert has completely transformed into some one completely different from the timid creature who showed up two weeks ago. His performance of Trouble was confident and strong, yet he still has room to grow if he can start relaxing and having a good time.
Jeff Buckley died way too young in 1997 and never had a chance to see how beloved his version of Hallelujah would become. Tim Urban has also shown very impressive growth as he was able to tackle this classic with pure vocals and emotional depth.
Her first single, Genie In A Bottle, hit #1 for five weeks in 1999 and led to Christina Aguilera winning the Grammy for Best New Artist. Andrew Garcia hoped to recreate the magic by re-imagining this pop nugget in his own special way. It might not have been special enough.
Keith Urban is one of the most popular country artists around so Casey James had some big boots to fill by trying to cover him. Casey may have just exposed that he is coasting on looks and charisma with this bland performance.
Aaron Kelly took on a lovely country ballad from Lonestar and he did his best to prove he can belt out the big notes. After a shaky start, for the most part he was successful. He's good, but he still has room to grow and get better.
Queen hit #13 in 1977 with Somebody To Love and you could tell that Todrick Hall sincerely believes that he's got what it takes to cover this anthem. While he's no showman like Freddie Mercury, he very clearly showed that he's a real performer with stage presence and talent.
In 2002 Maxwell hit the charts with This Woman's Work and Michael Lynche slipped into his falsetto to breathe new life into this song. He just stepped up to the front of the pack with this extremely good vocal performance.
I am very happy to report that the boys far exceeded my low expectations this week. They all stepped up to show that they really want to be here so the prediction of who is going home is going to be difficult. I think it may end up being Andrew Garcia and Todrick Hall who get the lowest number of votes and end up going home.
Owl City just hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 at the end of 2009 with Fireflies. Lee Dewyze did what he's going to do for the rest of the season and he played guitar and sang it with his typical rock guy raspy voice.
Alex Lambert has completely transformed into some one completely different from the timid creature who showed up two weeks ago. His performance of Trouble was confident and strong, yet he still has room to grow if he can start relaxing and having a good time.
Jeff Buckley died way too young in 1997 and never had a chance to see how beloved his version of Hallelujah would become. Tim Urban has also shown very impressive growth as he was able to tackle this classic with pure vocals and emotional depth.
Her first single, Genie In A Bottle, hit #1 for five weeks in 1999 and led to Christina Aguilera winning the Grammy for Best New Artist. Andrew Garcia hoped to recreate the magic by re-imagining this pop nugget in his own special way. It might not have been special enough.
Keith Urban is one of the most popular country artists around so Casey James had some big boots to fill by trying to cover him. Casey may have just exposed that he is coasting on looks and charisma with this bland performance.
Aaron Kelly took on a lovely country ballad from Lonestar and he did his best to prove he can belt out the big notes. After a shaky start, for the most part he was successful. He's good, but he still has room to grow and get better.
Queen hit #13 in 1977 with Somebody To Love and you could tell that Todrick Hall sincerely believes that he's got what it takes to cover this anthem. While he's no showman like Freddie Mercury, he very clearly showed that he's a real performer with stage presence and talent.
In 2002 Maxwell hit the charts with This Woman's Work and Michael Lynche slipped into his falsetto to breathe new life into this song. He just stepped up to the front of the pack with this extremely good vocal performance.
I am very happy to report that the boys far exceeded my low expectations this week. They all stepped up to show that they really want to be here so the prediction of who is going home is going to be difficult. I think it may end up being Andrew Garcia and Todrick Hall who get the lowest number of votes and end up going home.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Results - itunes
After peaking at #9 in 1981, Journey's Don't Stop Believing really has become one of the most downloaded songs of all time. Here we are 27 years later and this classic song is currently #83 on the itunes Top Songs list this week. So tonight the finalists actually gave a literal interpretation of this week's theme and performed this favorite song.
Ryan put the finalists into three groups of three:
Group One: Kris Allen, Meagan Joy, Matt Giraud
Group Two: Lil Rounds, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta
Group Three: Scott MacIntyre, Danny Gokey, Anoop Desai
While the finalists had to wait to find out which group was the bottom three, The Season Seven Miss American Idol winner, David Cook, came back to the American Idol stage hoping to finally have a hit. His first single, Light On, never really managed to get enough airplay or sales to reach the upper portion of the charts so he's hoping the exposure of this live performance of Come Back To Me will ignite some significant action. The good news is that in just three months his debut album has gone Platinum (sales of 1 Million copies) and he was presented with a shiny plaque.
Breaking the finalists into three groups is just as much of a sloppy mess as the lame "itunes top downloads" theme was. In group One, both Kris and Matt are safe while while Meagan is in the bottom three. In group Two, both Lil and Adam are safe while Allison had to join Meagan. In group Three, both Danny and Scott are safe while Anoop rounded out the bottom three.
Lady GaGa spent three weeks at #1 in January on the Billboard HOT 100 with her debut single, Just Dance. This week she has accomplished the rare feat of having her second single, Poker Face, also reach #1. Only artists like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera have managed to do this in the past. Mariah and Christina also went on to win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Lady GaGa brought her exciting and entertaining performance art to the American Idol stage and brought the house down. Could she be on her way to a Grammy?
Allison Iraheta and Anoop Desai were sent back to safety leaving Meagan to perform for the last time. The judges even went so far as to say that they had no plans of using their Judges Save tonight before she sang.
This week I got two out of my three predictions correct. While I thought Anoop would be going home, I'm not surprised that it ended up being Meagan. Do you realize that Season 8 is now left with 6 boy contestants and only 2 girls!?
Ryan put the finalists into three groups of three:
Group One: Kris Allen, Meagan Joy, Matt Giraud
Group Two: Lil Rounds, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta
Group Three: Scott MacIntyre, Danny Gokey, Anoop Desai
While the finalists had to wait to find out which group was the bottom three, The Season Seven Miss American Idol winner, David Cook, came back to the American Idol stage hoping to finally have a hit. His first single, Light On, never really managed to get enough airplay or sales to reach the upper portion of the charts so he's hoping the exposure of this live performance of Come Back To Me will ignite some significant action. The good news is that in just three months his debut album has gone Platinum (sales of 1 Million copies) and he was presented with a shiny plaque.
Breaking the finalists into three groups is just as much of a sloppy mess as the lame "itunes top downloads" theme was. In group One, both Kris and Matt are safe while while Meagan is in the bottom three. In group Two, both Lil and Adam are safe while Allison had to join Meagan. In group Three, both Danny and Scott are safe while Anoop rounded out the bottom three.
Lady GaGa spent three weeks at #1 in January on the Billboard HOT 100 with her debut single, Just Dance. This week she has accomplished the rare feat of having her second single, Poker Face, also reach #1. Only artists like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera have managed to do this in the past. Mariah and Christina also went on to win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Lady GaGa brought her exciting and entertaining performance art to the American Idol stage and brought the house down. Could she be on her way to a Grammy?
Allison Iraheta and Anoop Desai were sent back to safety leaving Meagan to perform for the last time. The judges even went so far as to say that they had no plans of using their Judges Save tonight before she sang.
This week I got two out of my three predictions correct. While I thought Anoop would be going home, I'm not surprised that it ended up being Meagan. Do you realize that Season 8 is now left with 6 boy contestants and only 2 girls!?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
WILD CARD round!
This is the last chance make it or break it opportunity to make it to the TOP 12 of season 8. Here's what the lucky contenders did to try and impress the judges:
Jesse Langseth hoped that she would be hearing something good after singing the Chaka Khan top 5 hit from 1974, Tell Me Something Good. She has the personality and style to shine best when performing live on stage. Really, she would be best playing in a coffee shop or a dive bar. I don' t think the judges are going to think she's big enough for the American Idol stage.
Matt Giraud did his best to get the lovin of the judges with his rendition of the Jackson 5's Who's Lovin You. He worked it by trying to be a blue eyed soul crooner, but he lacked the energy to really breath any life into the performance. Ultimately, he lacks the impressive and effortless vocal range to really stand out.
Megan Joy Corkrey got up there and did her swivel hips moves while singing KT Tunstell's Black Horse and The Cherry Tree. It was a very good choice that illustrates her quirky image and shows more of what she will bring in weeks to come. She has a very good chance of making the cut.
Von Smith tried to rise to the occasion with the top 10 hit from 1976 by Elton John, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. It started out very slow and bland, but he saved it all for the end where he hit the big notes for the climactic finish. It's sad. So sad. It's a sad sad situation that this probably won't be enough to push him into the next round.
Jasmine Murray hoped that by singing the song that first introduced the world to #1 hitmaker and Grammy winner for Best New Artist, Christina Aguilera, the judges would see who she really is inside. It wasn't exactly the song that showcased her as a contemporary chart topper, but it clearly demonstrated that she has an impressive vocal range. She may be getting more chances to show off her stuff.
Ricky Braddy sang the song that Stevie Wonder took all the way to #1 in 1972, Superstition. It's clear that he has a good voice and he did his best to show that he has the stage presence and showmanship to go along with it. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like he has it all. It's not likely that he will be moving on.
You gotta wonder why Tatiana Del Toro decided to sing Whitney Houston's 1985 #1 hit Saving All My Love For You again. She just did it a few weeks ago, albeit pretty well, but it didn't impress the viewers to vote for her back then. While it was just as good this time around it's not likely to make the judges think she can do anything else in coming weeks.
Anoop Desai did his best to impress with the 1988 #1 hit by Bobby Brown, My Prerogative. While he also has a good voice along with a genuine and sincere personality, this song pointed out quite clearly how completely uncool he is. It was vocally bland and the showmanship was very unconvincing. This should be his last chance.
Overall, I don't think this group of lucky 8 finalists did what they had to do to make the best argument for a shot in the top 12.
Here's what the judges decided:
Jasmine Murray got the good news that she has made it into the top 12. Ricky Braddy will not. Megan Joy Corkrey will also be taking her place in the top 12 while Tatiana Del Toro once again did not make the cut. Jesse Langseth also did not. Neither did Von Smith. With just Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai remaining the very lucky twist was revealed that they have both made it into the TOP 13!!!
So here are the finalists who have made it to the next round of competition:
Scott MacIntyre
Adam Lambert
Lil Rounds
Danny Gokey
Jasmine Murray
Alexis Grace
Kris Allen
Jorge Nunez
Michael Sarver
Allison Iraheta
Matt Giraud
Megan Joy Corkrey
Anoop Desai
My prediction is that Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert are going to be headed all the way up to the top three and one of them will be crowned the Season 8 Miss American Idol!
Jesse Langseth hoped that she would be hearing something good after singing the Chaka Khan top 5 hit from 1974, Tell Me Something Good. She has the personality and style to shine best when performing live on stage. Really, she would be best playing in a coffee shop or a dive bar. I don' t think the judges are going to think she's big enough for the American Idol stage.
Matt Giraud did his best to get the lovin of the judges with his rendition of the Jackson 5's Who's Lovin You. He worked it by trying to be a blue eyed soul crooner, but he lacked the energy to really breath any life into the performance. Ultimately, he lacks the impressive and effortless vocal range to really stand out.
Megan Joy Corkrey got up there and did her swivel hips moves while singing KT Tunstell's Black Horse and The Cherry Tree. It was a very good choice that illustrates her quirky image and shows more of what she will bring in weeks to come. She has a very good chance of making the cut.
Von Smith tried to rise to the occasion with the top 10 hit from 1976 by Elton John, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. It started out very slow and bland, but he saved it all for the end where he hit the big notes for the climactic finish. It's sad. So sad. It's a sad sad situation that this probably won't be enough to push him into the next round.
Jasmine Murray hoped that by singing the song that first introduced the world to #1 hitmaker and Grammy winner for Best New Artist, Christina Aguilera, the judges would see who she really is inside. It wasn't exactly the song that showcased her as a contemporary chart topper, but it clearly demonstrated that she has an impressive vocal range. She may be getting more chances to show off her stuff.
Ricky Braddy sang the song that Stevie Wonder took all the way to #1 in 1972, Superstition. It's clear that he has a good voice and he did his best to show that he has the stage presence and showmanship to go along with it. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like he has it all. It's not likely that he will be moving on.
You gotta wonder why Tatiana Del Toro decided to sing Whitney Houston's 1985 #1 hit Saving All My Love For You again. She just did it a few weeks ago, albeit pretty well, but it didn't impress the viewers to vote for her back then. While it was just as good this time around it's not likely to make the judges think she can do anything else in coming weeks.
Anoop Desai did his best to impress with the 1988 #1 hit by Bobby Brown, My Prerogative. While he also has a good voice along with a genuine and sincere personality, this song pointed out quite clearly how completely uncool he is. It was vocally bland and the showmanship was very unconvincing. This should be his last chance.
Overall, I don't think this group of lucky 8 finalists did what they had to do to make the best argument for a shot in the top 12.
Here's what the judges decided:
Jasmine Murray got the good news that she has made it into the top 12. Ricky Braddy will not. Megan Joy Corkrey will also be taking her place in the top 12 while Tatiana Del Toro once again did not make the cut. Jesse Langseth also did not. Neither did Von Smith. With just Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai remaining the very lucky twist was revealed that they have both made it into the TOP 13!!!
So here are the finalists who have made it to the next round of competition:
Scott MacIntyre
Adam Lambert
Lil Rounds
Danny Gokey
Jasmine Murray
Alexis Grace
Kris Allen
Jorge Nunez
Michael Sarver
Allison Iraheta
Matt Giraud
Megan Joy Corkrey
Anoop Desai
My prediction is that Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert are going to be headed all the way up to the top three and one of them will be crowned the Season 8 Miss American Idol!
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