The top 8 finalists are singing the music of Motown/Detroit:
I Heard It Through the Grapevine was a huge hit for both Gladys Knight and Marvin Gaye with very different versions. Candice Glover opened the show with a third completely different arrangement of this great song. It was jazzy and sultry and she sounded wonderful.
Madonna hit #1 in 1989 with Like A Prayer. Kree Harrison did a really good job serving as a background singer for Janelle Arthur. Where Kree was bland, boring and almost not even noticeable, Janelle was vibrant and showcasing big star quality.
For Once In My Life was a signature hit song by Stevie Wonder that peaked at #2 in 1968. Lazaro Arbos once again lit up the stage with his radiant smile, outstanding fashion sense and sweet personality. This song allowed him to deliver another crystal clear vocal performance. He can do no wrong!
You Keep Me Hanging On was one of the 12 #1 hit songs by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Janelle Arthur completely exuded even more star quality with her stripped down acoustic version of this classic. She played guitar and her vocals were emotionally heartfelt and she told the story in the lyrics better than anyone ever has.
The Tracks of My Tears was a hit in 1965 for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Devin Velez settled nicely in his comfort zone with this wonderful song. It was simple, straightforward and nothing distracted from his voice.
I'm Gonna Make You Love Me was a huge Motown collaboration by the Supremes and the Temptations that hit #2 in 1968. Tonight the Miss American Idol huge collaboration was delivered by Angie Miller, Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb. Candice and Amber were the ones relegated to back-up singers because they were simply overshadowed by Angie's stellar stage presence and superior vocals.
My Cherie Amour hit #4 in 1969 by Stevie Wonder. Burnell Taylor should just pack his bags and go home now. It was strained, clumsy and awkward. He looks like he's asleep up there.
Shop Around was a #2 smash hit for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1961. Angie Miller completely owned the stage with a hard rock, guitar driven arrangement of this fun song. You couldn't take your eyes off of her because she looked fantastic as she totally worked it out and entertained the crowd.
Lately by Stevie Wonder didn't actually become a hit until 1993 when Jodeci hit #4 with it. Amber Holcomb belted it out exactly how it needs to be done. She has a powerful voice and this song let her show it off.
I Can't Help Myself was a #1 hit for the Four Tops in 1965. Devin, Burnell and Lazaro, unfortunately, struggled to remember the lyrics on the pop classic. At least Devin and Lazaro looked great, but Burnell has a strange eye contact problem. He doesn't seem to be present because he is looking off into space.
Don't Play That Song was a hit for Aretha Franklin in 1970. Kree Harrison served up the most bland stereotypical white girl effort of trying to take on the Queen of Soul. It was pretty embarrassing. Kree has absolutely zero stage presence and no personality.
My prediction for the bottom three is Amber, Kree and Burnell with Burnell finally going home.
Showing posts with label Smokey Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smokey Robinson. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hollywood Week - Season 9
We have finally made it to Hollywood week in Season 9 and we'll have the names of this years top 12 finalists - IN ANOTHER MONTH!!!
While, we're waiting it was nice to see Ellen Degeneres sitting at the judges table for the first time. She was just as insightful and funny as I hoped she would be.
February is Black History Month so our very first black President of the United States invited some of the biggest names in music to perform a celebration of black music at the White House. In addition to legendary names like Natalie Cole and Smokey Robinson, the list included Oscar Winner and Season Three finalist, Jennifer Hudson. She sounded wonderful singing People Get Ready and Someday We'll All Free.
Jennifer Hudson also recently found herself at the #1 position on the Billboard Top Albums chart when she performed Let It Be on the Hope For Haiti Now album.
As we all know from watching Fantasia For Real, she is working very hard to get herself back on the top of the charts. Last week it looks like her record company finally convinced her to reconsider what her first single should be. Fantasia wanted it to be a song called Move On Me, but you just have to look at itunes this week and see that her new single is finally available for download and it's called, Even Angels. It's all the way down at #199 on the itunes sales chart, but at least she has something new out there. She needs something to help her deal with the stress from her ungrateful brothers.
Fantasia's manager arranged for her to meet with a Life Coach who helped her talk through her feelings around having to take care of her family. It was emotional and helpful, but it the next step involved having Grandma come and call for a family meeting. Everybody showed up except for her bratty, arrogant brother, Teeny. It was just more than he could handle at the time.
On his own terms, Teeny decided to secretly go see a performance of his sister in The Color Purple. After six years of letting her support him, he finally saw for himself how much work she has to do to keep the income coming in. He was amazed how she transformed herself into the character and sang so beautifully. This was a big enough realization to motivate him to come home and actually talk to Fantasia again. She was happy to have him back and willing to give him another chance under these conditions - he can move back into the house until January 1st. After that he'll have to move out and take care of himself. She told him she has faith that he will use this time to get his act together and be able to take care of himself.
Fantasia was so happy to share the news with Teeny's ex-girlfriend who immediately expressed that she has no faith that Teeny will be moving out come the first of the year....
While, we're waiting it was nice to see Ellen Degeneres sitting at the judges table for the first time. She was just as insightful and funny as I hoped she would be.
February is Black History Month so our very first black President of the United States invited some of the biggest names in music to perform a celebration of black music at the White House. In addition to legendary names like Natalie Cole and Smokey Robinson, the list included Oscar Winner and Season Three finalist, Jennifer Hudson. She sounded wonderful singing People Get Ready and Someday We'll All Free.
Jennifer Hudson also recently found herself at the #1 position on the Billboard Top Albums chart when she performed Let It Be on the Hope For Haiti Now album.
As we all know from watching Fantasia For Real, she is working very hard to get herself back on the top of the charts. Last week it looks like her record company finally convinced her to reconsider what her first single should be. Fantasia wanted it to be a song called Move On Me, but you just have to look at itunes this week and see that her new single is finally available for download and it's called, Even Angels. It's all the way down at #199 on the itunes sales chart, but at least she has something new out there. She needs something to help her deal with the stress from her ungrateful brothers.
Fantasia's manager arranged for her to meet with a Life Coach who helped her talk through her feelings around having to take care of her family. It was emotional and helpful, but it the next step involved having Grandma come and call for a family meeting. Everybody showed up except for her bratty, arrogant brother, Teeny. It was just more than he could handle at the time.
On his own terms, Teeny decided to secretly go see a performance of his sister in The Color Purple. After six years of letting her support him, he finally saw for himself how much work she has to do to keep the income coming in. He was amazed how she transformed herself into the character and sang so beautifully. This was a big enough realization to motivate him to come home and actually talk to Fantasia again. She was happy to have him back and willing to give him another chance under these conditions - he can move back into the house until January 1st. After that he'll have to move out and take care of himself. She told him she has faith that he will use this time to get his act together and be able to take care of himself.
Fantasia was so happy to share the news with Teeny's ex-girlfriend who immediately expressed that she has no faith that Teeny will be moving out come the first of the year....
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Results - Motown
For the second week in a row, Season One Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's new album, All I Ever Wanted, is the best selling album of the week and at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Meanwhile, the Supreme Miss American, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood, leaps into the top 10 this week at #9 with the duet she performed on the show last week with Randy Travis, I Told You So.
The Top 10 finalists opened the show with a medley of Motown hits. Basically, the rest of the finalists served as background singers for Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert who did a great job as usual.
Hoping to enjoy the same "American Idol Bump" as Kelly and Carrie, Season Two Miss American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard came out of hiding to perform his new single. He's still that same very talented velvet teddy bear that we remember, it's that he's struggling to find that perfect catchy song that can bring him back to the charts. This was OK. We'll have to wait and see if this is the bump that he's looking for....
Adam Lambert is safe, but Matt Giraud learned that he is the first person in the bottom three. Kris Allen and Lil Rounds are safe and Michael Sarver had to join Matt in the bottom three.
Not only has Smokey Robinson written 4000 songs and charted 38 songs on the Billboard HOT 100, but he's also had a huge hit song written about him! British pop group, ABC, took When Smokey Sings to the top 5 in 1987. Smokey's voice is smooth and silky and he showed off that he's still got it on a duet with Joss Stone tonight on the American Idol stage.
Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey and Megan Joy are all safe leaving the wonderful Scott MacIntyre to round out the bottom three. Thankfully Scott did not need to join Michael and Matt for long as he was quickly sent back to safety.
Another Motown legend took the American Idol stage to sing a medley of his many hits. Stevie Wonder hit the Billboard HOT 100 46 times including ten #1 smash hit chart toppers. He included My Cherie Amour, Superstition and Overjoyed in this entertaining musical revue.
Ryan then revealed that Matt Giraud is safe leaving Michael Sarver to sing for his life. He did is best to show that he ain't to proud to beg for the love of the judges, but it didn't work - he's going home.
This week I only got one of my three predictions correct, but it was the one who is being sent home. I'm not surprised that Matt's embarrassing showing last night landed him in the bottom three, but it makes no sense at all that Scott was there. I'll just have to call in more for Scott next week!
The Top 10 finalists opened the show with a medley of Motown hits. Basically, the rest of the finalists served as background singers for Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert who did a great job as usual.
Hoping to enjoy the same "American Idol Bump" as Kelly and Carrie, Season Two Miss American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard came out of hiding to perform his new single. He's still that same very talented velvet teddy bear that we remember, it's that he's struggling to find that perfect catchy song that can bring him back to the charts. This was OK. We'll have to wait and see if this is the bump that he's looking for....
Adam Lambert is safe, but Matt Giraud learned that he is the first person in the bottom three. Kris Allen and Lil Rounds are safe and Michael Sarver had to join Matt in the bottom three.
Not only has Smokey Robinson written 4000 songs and charted 38 songs on the Billboard HOT 100, but he's also had a huge hit song written about him! British pop group, ABC, took When Smokey Sings to the top 5 in 1987. Smokey's voice is smooth and silky and he showed off that he's still got it on a duet with Joss Stone tonight on the American Idol stage.
Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey and Megan Joy are all safe leaving the wonderful Scott MacIntyre to round out the bottom three. Thankfully Scott did not need to join Michael and Matt for long as he was quickly sent back to safety.
Another Motown legend took the American Idol stage to sing a medley of his many hits. Stevie Wonder hit the Billboard HOT 100 46 times including ten #1 smash hit chart toppers. He included My Cherie Amour, Superstition and Overjoyed in this entertaining musical revue.
Ryan then revealed that Matt Giraud is safe leaving Michael Sarver to sing for his life. He did is best to show that he ain't to proud to beg for the love of the judges, but it didn't work - he's going home.
This week I only got one of my three predictions correct, but it was the one who is being sent home. I'm not surprised that Matt's embarrassing showing last night landed him in the bottom three, but it makes no sense at all that Scott was there. I'll just have to call in more for Scott next week!
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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