The Top seven finalists opened the show with a very festive group performance of Dancing In The Streets that Martha and the Vandellas took to #2 in 1964. It was all fun and partying as it culminated in a rainbow colored balloon drop. The party had to come to an though when Joshua got the news that he is safe while Hollie had to take the first place in the bottom three.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, was in the audience to share his exciting news that he will be headlining in Las Vegas later this year. Taylor then introduced the Season 8 Miss American Idol winner, Kris Allen to the stage so he could debut his new single The Vision Of Love. After getting past the initial disappointment that, despite the song title, this has nothing to with the amazing Mariah Carey, it turns out the the song is actually a pretty nice little uptempo number that shows off his smooth vocal range.
Skylar learned that she is safe, but Elise heard the news that she is once again in the bottom three.
LMFAO had a huge 2011 scoring two huge #1 hits on the Billboard HOT 100 with Party Rock Anthem and Sexy and I Know It. Tonight they showed that they are keeping the party going in 2012 with their latest single Sorry For The Party Rocking. It's another dance jam with a great beat that also shows off their wonderful sense of humor.
With Jessica and Phillip both being safe that left Colton to join Hollie and Elise in the bottom three. Sadly, with the judge's SAVE already being used there was nothing to save Colton from having his first visit to the bottom three actually having him be sent home. The American Idol journey for this talented and charismatic young man has come to an end tonight as he was revealed as the lowest vote getter of the week.
Once again, I only correctly predicted one of the bottom three and it was Elise who I got right. She really has to be the one going home next week....
Showing posts with label Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Top 11 Sing Motown
Tonight the top 11 finalists made a selection from the legendary Motown catalog:
I Heard It Through The Grape Vine was a huge hit twice for Motown. Gladys Knight and The Pips took it to #2 in 1967 and then Marvin Gaye took it to #1 for 7 weeks in 1968. It's a fantastic song that Casey Abrams simply screamed his way through adding nothing likeable or refreshing.
Heat Wave was also a smash hit two times. Martha and the Vandellas took it to #4 in 1963 and Linda Ronstadt hit #5 with it in 1975. Thia Megia has a sweet, pure and melodic voice that made this song sound fun and fresh. She's young and dynamic and each week we see more of her potential realized.
You're All I Need To Get By was a hit in the Billboard HOT 100 four times! The classic version is by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that hit #7 in 1968. Thank goodness Jacob Lusk had some good back-up singers on stage with him to make his version listenable.
You Keep Me Hanging On is one of those rare songs that actually hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 by two different artists. First by Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1966 and then again by Kim Wilde in 1987. The judges have been raving about Lauren Alaina since they first saw her, and tonight she actually provided something worthy of praise.
Hello was a #1 hit for Lionel Richie for 2 weeks in 1984. Stefano Langone used this simple ballad to showcase his fantastic voice and to connect perfectly with the audience.
You Really Got A Hold On Me peaked at #8 in 1963 for the Miracles. Haley Reinhart completely butchered this lively tune with her choppy vocals and a clunky arrangement.
For Once In My Life hit #2 in 1968 for Stevie Wonder. Scotty McCreery did a wonderful job transforming this song into a meaningful classic country story song. The substance of the lyrics truly came through combined with his rugged deep voice.
All In Love Is Fair is a track from Stevie Wonder's 1973 Grammy winning Album of the Year, Innervisions. Pia Toscano completely owned this song and wrapped her outstanding vocals all over it. Fantastic!
Tracks of My Tears was a hit on the Billboard HOT 100 three times including the original 1965 version by the Miracles. Paul McDonald took his guitar in had and re-worked this into an easy going folk-rock ballad.
Dancing In The Streets is yet another Motown classic to hit the Billboard chart three times from acts as diverse as Martha and the Vendellas, van Halen, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Naima Adedapo added her own unique diversity to her funtabulous performance with an African inspired, bongo infused dance break mixed in with her great vocals.
Living For The City was a #8 smash for Stevie Wonder in 1973. James Durbin showed off his energetic stage presence as he completely worked every member of the audience with his amazing vocals. Outstanding.
It was a great night of musical entertainment. Fans are picking their favorites and casting their votes so you voice to keep your choice safe. My prediction for the bottom three goes completely against the mis-guided gushing from the judges: Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk will get the lowest number of votes with Haley finally getting sent home.
I Heard It Through The Grape Vine was a huge hit twice for Motown. Gladys Knight and The Pips took it to #2 in 1967 and then Marvin Gaye took it to #1 for 7 weeks in 1968. It's a fantastic song that Casey Abrams simply screamed his way through adding nothing likeable or refreshing.
Heat Wave was also a smash hit two times. Martha and the Vandellas took it to #4 in 1963 and Linda Ronstadt hit #5 with it in 1975. Thia Megia has a sweet, pure and melodic voice that made this song sound fun and fresh. She's young and dynamic and each week we see more of her potential realized.
You're All I Need To Get By was a hit in the Billboard HOT 100 four times! The classic version is by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that hit #7 in 1968. Thank goodness Jacob Lusk had some good back-up singers on stage with him to make his version listenable.
You Keep Me Hanging On is one of those rare songs that actually hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 by two different artists. First by Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1966 and then again by Kim Wilde in 1987. The judges have been raving about Lauren Alaina since they first saw her, and tonight she actually provided something worthy of praise.
Hello was a #1 hit for Lionel Richie for 2 weeks in 1984. Stefano Langone used this simple ballad to showcase his fantastic voice and to connect perfectly with the audience.
You Really Got A Hold On Me peaked at #8 in 1963 for the Miracles. Haley Reinhart completely butchered this lively tune with her choppy vocals and a clunky arrangement.
For Once In My Life hit #2 in 1968 for Stevie Wonder. Scotty McCreery did a wonderful job transforming this song into a meaningful classic country story song. The substance of the lyrics truly came through combined with his rugged deep voice.
All In Love Is Fair is a track from Stevie Wonder's 1973 Grammy winning Album of the Year, Innervisions. Pia Toscano completely owned this song and wrapped her outstanding vocals all over it. Fantastic!
Tracks of My Tears was a hit on the Billboard HOT 100 three times including the original 1965 version by the Miracles. Paul McDonald took his guitar in had and re-worked this into an easy going folk-rock ballad.
Dancing In The Streets is yet another Motown classic to hit the Billboard chart three times from acts as diverse as Martha and the Vendellas, van Halen, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Naima Adedapo added her own unique diversity to her funtabulous performance with an African inspired, bongo infused dance break mixed in with her great vocals.
Living For The City was a #8 smash for Stevie Wonder in 1973. James Durbin showed off his energetic stage presence as he completely worked every member of the audience with his amazing vocals. Outstanding.
It was a great night of musical entertainment. Fans are picking their favorites and casting their votes so you voice to keep your choice safe. My prediction for the bottom three goes completely against the mis-guided gushing from the judges: Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk will get the lowest number of votes with Haley finally getting sent home.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Top 10 sing Motown
To celebrate 50 years of the biggest hits of all time, the top 10 finalists made a trip to Hitsville USA where much of the Motown music catalog was recorded. They had the chance to meet Motown founder, Berry Gordy, and work with #1 hit maker Smokey Robinson.
In 1973 Marvin Gaye spent two weeks at #1 with Let's Get It On. Matt Giraud started out at the piano with his lackluster rendition of the song. After he stepped away from the piano he was completely overindulgent in his belief that he can can put more emphasis on shaking hands with the crowd than showing off that he can sing. His voice is bland and uninteresting and it was embarrassing when he got in the judges faces and sang directly to them.
In 1965 Marvin Gaye reached #6 with How Sweet It Is To Loved By You. Ten years later James Taylor did it one better by peaking at #5 with his cover. Kris Allen stood center stage with his guitar and did his best to make the song his own. His vocals are good, but still the best thing he has going for him is his looks. He's perfect for videos, but without the visual there's no reason to listen.
In 1966 Diana Ross and the Supremes spent two weeks at #1 with You Can't Hurry Love. Scott MacIntyre stayed true to himself and performed his rendition from the comfort of his piano. He added a new and different arrangement to this classic hit with some jazzy energy coupled with the background singers on stage with him. No matter what he does, Scott's genuine love of music and talent shines through and tonight was no exception.
In 1968 Stevie Wonder spent two weeks at #2 with For Once In My Life. Megan Joy (who has dropped her last name) also tried to bring some jazzy style to her rendition of the song. She definitely leaves her personal stamp on everything, but it isn't always something that keeps you coming back for more. This performance was all over the place and not in a good way.
In 1965 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles peaked at #16 with Ooo Baby Baby. Thirteen years later Linda Ronstadt bested that by hitting #7. Anoop Desai proved that he has the vocal ability to rise to the challenge and show he can tackle this extremely difficult song to bring to life. While he glided effortlessly into a smooth falsetto, he is still struggling to find some stage presence. He's either cartoonish or completely boring like he was tonight.
In 1966 The Tempations hit #13 with Ain't Too Proud To Beg. Michael Sarver took this over the top high energy song and successfully drained the life out of it. His dance moves were sorely lacking and his vocals were nothing to speak of. All he can do now is not be too proud to beg for votes.
In 1963 Martha Reeves and the Vandellas hit #4 with Heat Wave. Twelve years later Linda Ronstadt had to settle for peaking at #5. Lil Rounds has proven week after week that she has a wonderful voice. Tonight she got up there in a fabulous frock with flouncy fringe and honored the legendary Motown history with a sincere tribute. In doing so, she sacrificed the chance to elevate the song and make it her own. It could have been so much more, but it was still one of the best.
In 1965 Smokey Robinson and Miracles hit #16 with The Tracks of My Tears. Eleven years later Linda Ronstadt's cover version only hit #25. Adam Lambert rose all the way to the top of any and all charts with his exceptional version of this tender ballad. It was a subtle performance, yet electrifying at the same time. His vocal range simply shined through with this unique and tender arrangement. He's proving himself as a real star.
In 1966 The Temptations only hit #29 with Get Ready. You may be more familiar with the version by Rare Earth that hit #4 in 1970. Danny Gokey's version is one that was instantly forgettable. His amateurish screams coupled with his stumbling dance moves were only a few parts of this mess. If only he had spent the entire performance blending in with the back-up singers because that was the best part.
In 1972 The Temptations spent one week at #1 with Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Allison Iraheta came here tonight to show that she did not belong in the bottom three last week. She used her throaty voice to leave her mark on this dynamic song and it was pure entertainment. A great effort that should keep her safe for another week.
My prediction for the bottom three is picking up where I left off last week: Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver should take the first two positions. Are fans still jumping on the bandwagon for Danny? I hope not. The boys should be joined in the bottom three by Megan Joy. My prediction for the finalist who will be going home is Michael Sarver.
In 1973 Marvin Gaye spent two weeks at #1 with Let's Get It On. Matt Giraud started out at the piano with his lackluster rendition of the song. After he stepped away from the piano he was completely overindulgent in his belief that he can can put more emphasis on shaking hands with the crowd than showing off that he can sing. His voice is bland and uninteresting and it was embarrassing when he got in the judges faces and sang directly to them.
In 1965 Marvin Gaye reached #6 with How Sweet It Is To Loved By You. Ten years later James Taylor did it one better by peaking at #5 with his cover. Kris Allen stood center stage with his guitar and did his best to make the song his own. His vocals are good, but still the best thing he has going for him is his looks. He's perfect for videos, but without the visual there's no reason to listen.
In 1966 Diana Ross and the Supremes spent two weeks at #1 with You Can't Hurry Love. Scott MacIntyre stayed true to himself and performed his rendition from the comfort of his piano. He added a new and different arrangement to this classic hit with some jazzy energy coupled with the background singers on stage with him. No matter what he does, Scott's genuine love of music and talent shines through and tonight was no exception.
In 1968 Stevie Wonder spent two weeks at #2 with For Once In My Life. Megan Joy (who has dropped her last name) also tried to bring some jazzy style to her rendition of the song. She definitely leaves her personal stamp on everything, but it isn't always something that keeps you coming back for more. This performance was all over the place and not in a good way.
In 1965 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles peaked at #16 with Ooo Baby Baby. Thirteen years later Linda Ronstadt bested that by hitting #7. Anoop Desai proved that he has the vocal ability to rise to the challenge and show he can tackle this extremely difficult song to bring to life. While he glided effortlessly into a smooth falsetto, he is still struggling to find some stage presence. He's either cartoonish or completely boring like he was tonight.
In 1966 The Tempations hit #13 with Ain't Too Proud To Beg. Michael Sarver took this over the top high energy song and successfully drained the life out of it. His dance moves were sorely lacking and his vocals were nothing to speak of. All he can do now is not be too proud to beg for votes.
In 1963 Martha Reeves and the Vandellas hit #4 with Heat Wave. Twelve years later Linda Ronstadt had to settle for peaking at #5. Lil Rounds has proven week after week that she has a wonderful voice. Tonight she got up there in a fabulous frock with flouncy fringe and honored the legendary Motown history with a sincere tribute. In doing so, she sacrificed the chance to elevate the song and make it her own. It could have been so much more, but it was still one of the best.
In 1965 Smokey Robinson and Miracles hit #16 with The Tracks of My Tears. Eleven years later Linda Ronstadt's cover version only hit #25. Adam Lambert rose all the way to the top of any and all charts with his exceptional version of this tender ballad. It was a subtle performance, yet electrifying at the same time. His vocal range simply shined through with this unique and tender arrangement. He's proving himself as a real star.
In 1966 The Temptations only hit #29 with Get Ready. You may be more familiar with the version by Rare Earth that hit #4 in 1970. Danny Gokey's version is one that was instantly forgettable. His amateurish screams coupled with his stumbling dance moves were only a few parts of this mess. If only he had spent the entire performance blending in with the back-up singers because that was the best part.
In 1972 The Temptations spent one week at #1 with Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Allison Iraheta came here tonight to show that she did not belong in the bottom three last week. She used her throaty voice to leave her mark on this dynamic song and it was pure entertainment. A great effort that should keep her safe for another week.
My prediction for the bottom three is picking up where I left off last week: Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver should take the first two positions. Are fans still jumping on the bandwagon for Danny? I hope not. The boys should be joined in the bottom three by Megan Joy. My prediction for the finalist who will be going home is Michael Sarver.
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