This is the first in a series of entries where I will be listing my favorite artists of 2012. I hope you enjoy it!
David Guetta
You may not even know who David Guetta is and here I am putting him on the 2012 Artists of the Year list. You might not be able to recognize his face or be able to name his songs, but trust me, you have been singing along to the them and dancing to them all year long.
David is a DJ/Producer who released an album called Nothing But The Beat in 2011 and it is jam packed with hits.
The first one to have impact was Without You with lead vocals by Usher. This track actually made my Top 10 list of favorite songs of 2011. Another song on the album has lead vocals by Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, called Night of Your Life. Both Usher and Jennifer Hudson have recent albums out, but they did not include these David Guetta productions on their final track listing. Their albums were good, but these tracks were outstanding! David has an ability to bring out the best of an artist.
The hits kept coming in 2012 starting with Turn Me On featuring Nicki Minaj. Nicki has tried to release a boat load of singles this year, but it was this hot dance floor jam that showcased her at the top of her game. If Nicki released an album of hits like Turn Me On, she might be a much more successful artist.
The crowning gem on the collection is an uplifting and empowering anthem called Titanium with lead vocals by a new artist named Sia. This song is quite simply amazing. David is transforming pop music and making it more dance floor/club friendly. At the American Music Awards this year, they actually introduced a new category called Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist just so they could recognize David for his contribution to the music scene this year.
Showing posts with label Usher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Usher. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Top 7 - two songs
Each of the top 7 finalists will sing two songs tonight.
Hollie Cavanagh got things off to an amazing start with her outstanding rendition of Adele's Rolling In The Deep. It was the biggest #1 hit song of 2011 as well as the Grammy winning Record of the Year. Hollie used her impressive vocal instrument to raise this song to an even higher level. It was confident and entertaining.
Colton Dixon kept things at a high energy pace as he rocked out his own version of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance that peaked at #2 in 2010. He definitely made it his own while still staying true to the dramatic performance art vibe that Lady Gaga originally created.
Elise Testone did her best to compete as she performed the Alicia Keys #1 hit from 2007, No One. But rather than presenting an effortless expression of her talent she seems very strained and forced.
Phillip Phillips kept things in the strained and forced direction as he attempted to sing the song that Usher took to #1 in 2001, U Got It Bad. Instead of being able to demonstrate any range or levels of dimension in the song, it was just unpleasant from beginning to end.
Jessica Sanchez brought the night back on track with a musical master class worthy interpretation of Alicia Keys #1 hit from 2001, Fallin. Her voice is pure, powerful and passionate. She looks like a seasoned professional as she takes the microphone and completely owns the stage.
Skylar Laine provided a down home country version of Lady Gaga's 2011 #1 smash Born This Way. The vocals were good and it was a perfect fit for her image.
When Fantasia was crowned as the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner in 2004 she hit #1 with her first single, I Believe. Joshua Ledet used this inspirational anthem to showcase his ability to be up there with the winners. It was an ideal match for his vocal range and it showed off his talent at his best.
Hollie Cavanagh makes singing clear and perfect notes look so easy. She has a true gift and it comes through every time she is on stage. And Wow! she looks so cute in her outfits and high heels. This time it was an adorable pink mini while singing Dusty Springfield's Son Of A Preacher Man that hit #10 in 1968.
Earth Wind and Fire had a #8 disco hit song in 1978 with September, but Colton Dixon re-imagined this jam as a piano driven ballad. This arrangement was a smashing success to connect him to an even bigger and broader audience.
When Marvin Gaye hit #1 in 1973 with Let's Get It On, he made history with one of the sexiest songs of all time. Elise Testone was completely lacking in any connection to this song with this awkward performance.
Wilson Pickett hit #21 in 1965 with In The Midnight Hour. This song fit the narrow, limited range of Phillip Phillips perfectly. This is all that he knows how to do, but even this was weak and boring.
Otis Redding made a classic out of his #25 hit Try A Little Tenderness from 1966. Jessica Sanchez delivered a rousing new classic version for 2012 with her vocal throw down performance. It was raw and emotional while still being a cut above the rest.
Skylar Laine gave the fans another country version of a popular favorite. This time it was I Heard It Through The Grape Vine that Gladys Knight took to #2 in 1967. Skylar is starting to go on auto-pilot doing the same thing every time regardless of the song.
A Change Is Gonna Come hit #31 in 1965 for Sam Cooke. Joshua Ledet provided more of his classic soul vocals on this great song. Each note was packed with determination and sweat.
My prediction for the bottom three this week is an easy one: Phillip Phillips, Elise Testone and Skylar Laine. All three of them have nothing new to show us and no ability to grow into bigger and better music artists. It is time for these three to fade away and let the remaining stars in the competition shine. Elise should finally be the one going home.
Hollie Cavanagh got things off to an amazing start with her outstanding rendition of Adele's Rolling In The Deep. It was the biggest #1 hit song of 2011 as well as the Grammy winning Record of the Year. Hollie used her impressive vocal instrument to raise this song to an even higher level. It was confident and entertaining.
Colton Dixon kept things at a high energy pace as he rocked out his own version of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance that peaked at #2 in 2010. He definitely made it his own while still staying true to the dramatic performance art vibe that Lady Gaga originally created.
Elise Testone did her best to compete as she performed the Alicia Keys #1 hit from 2007, No One. But rather than presenting an effortless expression of her talent she seems very strained and forced.
Phillip Phillips kept things in the strained and forced direction as he attempted to sing the song that Usher took to #1 in 2001, U Got It Bad. Instead of being able to demonstrate any range or levels of dimension in the song, it was just unpleasant from beginning to end.
Jessica Sanchez brought the night back on track with a musical master class worthy interpretation of Alicia Keys #1 hit from 2001, Fallin. Her voice is pure, powerful and passionate. She looks like a seasoned professional as she takes the microphone and completely owns the stage.
Skylar Laine provided a down home country version of Lady Gaga's 2011 #1 smash Born This Way. The vocals were good and it was a perfect fit for her image.
When Fantasia was crowned as the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner in 2004 she hit #1 with her first single, I Believe. Joshua Ledet used this inspirational anthem to showcase his ability to be up there with the winners. It was an ideal match for his vocal range and it showed off his talent at his best.
Hollie Cavanagh makes singing clear and perfect notes look so easy. She has a true gift and it comes through every time she is on stage. And Wow! she looks so cute in her outfits and high heels. This time it was an adorable pink mini while singing Dusty Springfield's Son Of A Preacher Man that hit #10 in 1968.
Earth Wind and Fire had a #8 disco hit song in 1978 with September, but Colton Dixon re-imagined this jam as a piano driven ballad. This arrangement was a smashing success to connect him to an even bigger and broader audience.
When Marvin Gaye hit #1 in 1973 with Let's Get It On, he made history with one of the sexiest songs of all time. Elise Testone was completely lacking in any connection to this song with this awkward performance.
Wilson Pickett hit #21 in 1965 with In The Midnight Hour. This song fit the narrow, limited range of Phillip Phillips perfectly. This is all that he knows how to do, but even this was weak and boring.
Otis Redding made a classic out of his #25 hit Try A Little Tenderness from 1966. Jessica Sanchez delivered a rousing new classic version for 2012 with her vocal throw down performance. It was raw and emotional while still being a cut above the rest.
Skylar Laine gave the fans another country version of a popular favorite. This time it was I Heard It Through The Grape Vine that Gladys Knight took to #2 in 1967. Skylar is starting to go on auto-pilot doing the same thing every time regardless of the song.
A Change Is Gonna Come hit #31 in 1965 for Sam Cooke. Joshua Ledet provided more of his classic soul vocals on this great song. Each note was packed with determination and sweat.
My prediction for the bottom three this week is an easy one: Phillip Phillips, Elise Testone and Skylar Laine. All three of them have nothing new to show us and no ability to grow into bigger and better music artists. It is time for these three to fade away and let the remaining stars in the competition shine. Elise should finally be the one going home.
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.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Top 12 boys take their first shot...
Tonight we get to know what these top 12 boys can really do - they can pick any song they want to present themselves to America for the first time:
Stevie Wonder took Superstition to #1 in 1972. Clint Jun Gamboa used this funky jam to belt out some big notes. He did a pretty good job, but not sure if it will be enough to win over votes after he turned off the fans during the group portion of the Hollywood round. He just doesn't seem like a very nice guy.
Edwin McCain took I'll Be to #5 in 1998. Jovany Barreto thoroughly and completely impressed with vocals that were pure and powerful. Combined with his stunning good looks he elevated this song to higher heights with an amazing crescendo at the end of the song that was a million times better than the original.
Usher took OMG to #1 in 2010. Jordan Dorsey missed the mark with his awkward efforts at dancing and this song choice did not showcase any interesting vocals at all.
Tim Halperin doesn't have a chance based on this performance of Rob Thomas' Come On Over. It was clunky and vocally choppy. This didn't inspire any interest.
The Doors took Light My Fire to #1 for three weeks in 1967. Brett Loewenstern has that skinny rock star thing going for him along with a dynamic and bold vocal range. His youth comes through, though, with the lack of maturity and intensity that this song requires.
Judas Priest became classic heavy metal rockers with songs like You've Got Another Thing Coming. James Durbin tried to set himself apart from the original glam-rock standard set by the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner-Up, Adam Lambert. While he's very talented vocally, James does not do Judas Priest better than Adam could.
Sarah McLachlan took Angel to #4 in 1999. Robbie Rosen's rendition of this sweet ballad was painful to listen to. His voice is very plain and lacking any personality and his huge smile didn't help at all to convey the appropriate emotions for the lyrics.
John Michael Montgomery took Letters From Home to #24 in 2004. Scotty McCreery is up there doing an imitation of what other singers have already done better. He's a talented deep-voiced country boy, but he doesn't really add anything new to the mix.
Bruno Mars took Just The Way You Are to #1 in 2010. Stefano Langone has a sweet and smooth tenor voice that fits into what is happening in pop music right now. In addition, he's very young and cute and ready for music videos.
Rod Stewart took Maggie May to #1 for five weeks in 1971. Paul McDonald recreated this classic tale of love into a quirky slice of hipster delight. He has a warm personality that pulls you in and keeps you engaged.
Luther Vandross gave the world a legendary version of A House is Not A Home. Jacob Lusk was clearly trying very hard to over-sing his way into our hearts, but it was all a lot of loud screaming effort without the emotional pay-off.
Casey Abrams puts on a great show when he closes his eyes tightly and screams at the top of his lungs. It looks impressive on stage, but it is very reminiscent of what made Taylor Hicks the Season 5 Miss American Idol winner. The fans loved him on stage, but they didn't buy his albums.
Now it's up to America to vote and for the first time you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/.
My top 5 will be: Jovany Barreto, Brett Loewenstern, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, and Paul McDonald.
And Jovany is my early favorite. :)
Stevie Wonder took Superstition to #1 in 1972. Clint Jun Gamboa used this funky jam to belt out some big notes. He did a pretty good job, but not sure if it will be enough to win over votes after he turned off the fans during the group portion of the Hollywood round. He just doesn't seem like a very nice guy.
Edwin McCain took I'll Be to #5 in 1998. Jovany Barreto thoroughly and completely impressed with vocals that were pure and powerful. Combined with his stunning good looks he elevated this song to higher heights with an amazing crescendo at the end of the song that was a million times better than the original.
Usher took OMG to #1 in 2010. Jordan Dorsey missed the mark with his awkward efforts at dancing and this song choice did not showcase any interesting vocals at all.
Tim Halperin doesn't have a chance based on this performance of Rob Thomas' Come On Over. It was clunky and vocally choppy. This didn't inspire any interest.
The Doors took Light My Fire to #1 for three weeks in 1967. Brett Loewenstern has that skinny rock star thing going for him along with a dynamic and bold vocal range. His youth comes through, though, with the lack of maturity and intensity that this song requires.
Judas Priest became classic heavy metal rockers with songs like You've Got Another Thing Coming. James Durbin tried to set himself apart from the original glam-rock standard set by the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner-Up, Adam Lambert. While he's very talented vocally, James does not do Judas Priest better than Adam could.
Sarah McLachlan took Angel to #4 in 1999. Robbie Rosen's rendition of this sweet ballad was painful to listen to. His voice is very plain and lacking any personality and his huge smile didn't help at all to convey the appropriate emotions for the lyrics.
John Michael Montgomery took Letters From Home to #24 in 2004. Scotty McCreery is up there doing an imitation of what other singers have already done better. He's a talented deep-voiced country boy, but he doesn't really add anything new to the mix.
Bruno Mars took Just The Way You Are to #1 in 2010. Stefano Langone has a sweet and smooth tenor voice that fits into what is happening in pop music right now. In addition, he's very young and cute and ready for music videos.
Rod Stewart took Maggie May to #1 for five weeks in 1971. Paul McDonald recreated this classic tale of love into a quirky slice of hipster delight. He has a warm personality that pulls you in and keeps you engaged.
Luther Vandross gave the world a legendary version of A House is Not A Home. Jacob Lusk was clearly trying very hard to over-sing his way into our hearts, but it was all a lot of loud screaming effort without the emotional pay-off.
Casey Abrams puts on a great show when he closes his eyes tightly and screams at the top of his lungs. It looks impressive on stage, but it is very reminiscent of what made Taylor Hicks the Season 5 Miss American Idol winner. The fans loved him on stage, but they didn't buy his albums.
Now it's up to America to vote and for the first time you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/.
My top 5 will be: Jovany Barreto, Brett Loewenstern, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, and Paul McDonald.
And Jovany is my early favorite. :)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Artists of the Year - Usher
Usher:
Some would say that Usher peaked in 2004-2005. Back then he had a multi-platinum album with a string of huge #1 hits on the Billboard HOT 100, but I never really liked any of those songs all that much.
He started out 2010 releasing a couple of singles from his upcoming new CD Raymond Vs. Raymond, and once again they weren't really impressing me. But then, he appeared on American Idol to mentor the Season 9 finalists and he performed his single, OMG. Now he finally had my attention. This song had a great beat and energy like he has never shown before. OMG skyrocketed to #1 after this appearance and he released an equally high quality next single in DJ Got Us Falling In Love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dvTjK_07c
But it wasn't just his own career that he kicked into high gear in 2010. Usher is also the mastermind behind the success of teen idol, Justin Bieber! He literally ushered his young discovery and himself to huge success in 2010 and it was all pretty great.
Some would say that Usher peaked in 2004-2005. Back then he had a multi-platinum album with a string of huge #1 hits on the Billboard HOT 100, but I never really liked any of those songs all that much.
He started out 2010 releasing a couple of singles from his upcoming new CD Raymond Vs. Raymond, and once again they weren't really impressing me. But then, he appeared on American Idol to mentor the Season 9 finalists and he performed his single, OMG. Now he finally had my attention. This song had a great beat and energy like he has never shown before. OMG skyrocketed to #1 after this appearance and he released an equally high quality next single in DJ Got Us Falling In Love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dvTjK_07c
But it wasn't just his own career that he kicked into high gear in 2010. Usher is also the mastermind behind the success of teen idol, Justin Bieber! He literally ushered his young discovery and himself to huge success in 2010 and it was all pretty great.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Artists of the Year - Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber:
Yes, that's right. I am living in the real world and I see no point in denying that 2010 was the year of the Bieber Fever epidemic. Just stating the facts here - his two albums: My World and My World 2.0 were huge sellers - he swept the American Music Awards which are voted on by the fans taking 4 awards including Favorite Artist of the Year and he even got two Grammy nominations which are voted on by an Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences big wigs. He is up for the Grammy for Best New Artist.
The music snobs can't stand him, but the fans can't get enough of him. In my expert musical opinion, I think the songs are fun and catchy so I have nothing to complain about. That being said, I can also acknowledge that his success is due in large part to contributions from many talented musical collaborators. He hasn't actually had a big solo hit. He also has not had a song that reached the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100. His biggest hit, Baby, managed to get into the top 10 and it featured a guest rap with Ludacris. Other hits that failed to make the top 10 are Eenie Meenie which is a duet with Sean Kingston (who had one of my favorite hits of 2009 in Fire Burnin) and Somebody To Love which didn't become a hit until a remix was released as a duet with Usher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmmCg5bKxA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOI4OF7iIr4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkyhvCdJ_vM
So Justin may have gotten a lot of help in 2010, but the songs were good and he deserves some recognition as one of the Artists of the Year.
Yes, that's right. I am living in the real world and I see no point in denying that 2010 was the year of the Bieber Fever epidemic. Just stating the facts here - his two albums: My World and My World 2.0 were huge sellers - he swept the American Music Awards which are voted on by the fans taking 4 awards including Favorite Artist of the Year and he even got two Grammy nominations which are voted on by an Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences big wigs. He is up for the Grammy for Best New Artist.
The music snobs can't stand him, but the fans can't get enough of him. In my expert musical opinion, I think the songs are fun and catchy so I have nothing to complain about. That being said, I can also acknowledge that his success is due in large part to contributions from many talented musical collaborators. He hasn't actually had a big solo hit. He also has not had a song that reached the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100. His biggest hit, Baby, managed to get into the top 10 and it featured a guest rap with Ludacris. Other hits that failed to make the top 10 are Eenie Meenie which is a duet with Sean Kingston (who had one of my favorite hits of 2009 in Fire Burnin) and Somebody To Love which didn't become a hit until a remix was released as a duet with Usher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmmCg5bKxA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOI4OF7iIr4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkyhvCdJ_vM
So Justin may have gotten a lot of help in 2010, but the songs were good and he deserves some recognition as one of the Artists of the Year.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
2010 Year End Charts
The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2010 is I Dreamed A Dream by Susan Boyle. None of the Miss American Idol finalists managed to get into the top 10 on the year end albums chart, but it's no surprise to see who got closest...Coming in all the way up at #12 is Play On, the hit packed third album from the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood.
Further down at #29 for the year is the fun and energetic debut release by Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment. And still going strong into another year, the second album by Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry, Leave This Town, lands at #59. The third album, Back To Me, from the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, checks in at #105 while the debut from Season 8 Miss American Idol winner, Kris Allen, ends up at #115 for the year.
The Top 5 singles for 2010 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Tik Tok by Ke$ha, #2 the most spectacular song Need You Now by Lady Antebellum, #3 Hey Soul Sister by Train, #4 California Gurls by Katy Perry and at #5 OMG by Usher.
The Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart is the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert at #45 with his top 10 smash Whataya Want From Me. Also landing in the top 100 songs of the year is the Season 8 Miss American Idol winner Kris Allen at #48 with Live Like We're Dying and the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson #74 with Already Gone. Carrie Underwood lands at #88 with her crossover hit Undo It and Daughtry manages to squeeze in at #96 with Life After You.
With all of this Miss American Idol success on the albums and singles charts, they also did very well on the Billboard 2010 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in the highest at #23, Adam Lambert is at #27, Daughtry is at #51, Kris Allen lands at #57 for the year and Kelly Clarkson makes the list at #90.
Further down at #29 for the year is the fun and energetic debut release by Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment. And still going strong into another year, the second album by Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry, Leave This Town, lands at #59. The third album, Back To Me, from the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, checks in at #105 while the debut from Season 8 Miss American Idol winner, Kris Allen, ends up at #115 for the year.
The Top 5 singles for 2010 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Tik Tok by Ke$ha, #2 the most spectacular song Need You Now by Lady Antebellum, #3 Hey Soul Sister by Train, #4 California Gurls by Katy Perry and at #5 OMG by Usher.
The Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart is the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert at #45 with his top 10 smash Whataya Want From Me. Also landing in the top 100 songs of the year is the Season 8 Miss American Idol winner Kris Allen at #48 with Live Like We're Dying and the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson #74 with Already Gone. Carrie Underwood lands at #88 with her crossover hit Undo It and Daughtry manages to squeeze in at #96 with Life After You.
With all of this Miss American Idol success on the albums and singles charts, they also did very well on the Billboard 2010 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in the highest at #23, Adam Lambert is at #27, Daughtry is at #51, Kris Allen lands at #57 for the year and Kelly Clarkson makes the list at #90.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Top 10 songs of 2010!
2010 has been a great year for fun pop songs and here's the Top 10 of the year:
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry: No other song this year embodied the vibrant thrill of being young and in love than the title track from Katy's latest album. Not only that, but it reached the broader audience of older listeners making them feel young again. Then, this amazing song was used in an episode of Glee and it was elevated to an even higher place of significance in all of our hearts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E46BhMIRujI
Whataya Want From Me - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up released a fantastic collection of songs on his debut release For Your Entertainment and was asked to be a mentor to the Season 9 finalists. They were a very dreary group, but even Adam's dynamic range and performance style couldn't get them out of their doldrums. When he performed this second single from his album on the show it leaped into the Billboard HOT 100 Top 10 singles chart. This song is the perfect response to how the media loves to scrutinize his free spirited personality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Fqn9du7xo
Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz: 2010 was getting off to a very boring start in the first three months of the year and that all changed when Taio Cruz released his debut single. This song can take credit for the sudden turn around making the radio fun to listen to again. It lead the charge of the club friendly dance beats that came to dominate the rest of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_SI2EDM6Lo
Only Girl In The World - Rihanna: Her dismal release Rated R is responsible in large part to what was making radio so boring in the first part of the year. Rihanna clearly wanted everyone to be in just as bad a mood as she was, but thankfully the first single from the album Loud turned all of that around. This song is a joyous anthem that demands your attention and you feel fantastic with no regrets afterward.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa14VNsdSYM
OMG - Usher: As one of the biggest artists of the decade, Usher was never one to be a follower, but this year he could have been accused of jumping on the club dance beat bandwagon. The fact is that while this song is very danceable, it is nothing like the generic throb found in other songs. He is continuing to be an innovator releasing the most entertaining and enjoyable single of his career. Usher was also a mentor on American Idol this season and his appearance helped catapult this song to the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI
Nothin' On You - B.o.B. / Bruno Mars: When you pair two completely new artists together the odds of having a hit are slim to none, but when the song is this catchy it becomes impossible to ignore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PTDv_szmL0
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias: Everything about this song from it's strange Lionel Richie tribute to the fact that it's by Enrique Iglesias, who has never put out anything all that great, made me think this was just a throwaway track. Even the inclusion of the horrible Jersey Shore cast in the video couldn't stop me from admitting that yes, Baby - I LIKE IT! It's a completely feel good and fun jam every time you hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X0QzUdjhIg
Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner: Here's another unknown artist who managed to find the perfect song to introduce him to the public. It's completely infectious and who can't relate to the lyrics?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqWq_48LxWQ
Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars: After the success of his smooth vocals on Nothin On You, Bruno was primed and ready to have a huge solo hit and it came in the form of this toe tapper. Once again, just like with Teenage Dream, while it was still at the top of the charts, the cast of Glee injected some more life into an already amazing smash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttwW7y1x1rk
Baby - Justin Bieber: Every generation needs to have their teen idols and in 2010 they were all catching Bieber Fever. This was his biggest hit and it is well crafted to have all the ingredients of young love and innocence to appeal to exactly who it's supposed to, teenage girls and me. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry: No other song this year embodied the vibrant thrill of being young and in love than the title track from Katy's latest album. Not only that, but it reached the broader audience of older listeners making them feel young again. Then, this amazing song was used in an episode of Glee and it was elevated to an even higher place of significance in all of our hearts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E46BhMIRujI
Whataya Want From Me - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up released a fantastic collection of songs on his debut release For Your Entertainment and was asked to be a mentor to the Season 9 finalists. They were a very dreary group, but even Adam's dynamic range and performance style couldn't get them out of their doldrums. When he performed this second single from his album on the show it leaped into the Billboard HOT 100 Top 10 singles chart. This song is the perfect response to how the media loves to scrutinize his free spirited personality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Fqn9du7xo
Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz: 2010 was getting off to a very boring start in the first three months of the year and that all changed when Taio Cruz released his debut single. This song can take credit for the sudden turn around making the radio fun to listen to again. It lead the charge of the club friendly dance beats that came to dominate the rest of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_SI2EDM6Lo
Only Girl In The World - Rihanna: Her dismal release Rated R is responsible in large part to what was making radio so boring in the first part of the year. Rihanna clearly wanted everyone to be in just as bad a mood as she was, but thankfully the first single from the album Loud turned all of that around. This song is a joyous anthem that demands your attention and you feel fantastic with no regrets afterward.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa14VNsdSYM
OMG - Usher: As one of the biggest artists of the decade, Usher was never one to be a follower, but this year he could have been accused of jumping on the club dance beat bandwagon. The fact is that while this song is very danceable, it is nothing like the generic throb found in other songs. He is continuing to be an innovator releasing the most entertaining and enjoyable single of his career. Usher was also a mentor on American Idol this season and his appearance helped catapult this song to the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI
Nothin' On You - B.o.B. / Bruno Mars: When you pair two completely new artists together the odds of having a hit are slim to none, but when the song is this catchy it becomes impossible to ignore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PTDv_szmL0
I Like It - Enrique Iglesias: Everything about this song from it's strange Lionel Richie tribute to the fact that it's by Enrique Iglesias, who has never put out anything all that great, made me think this was just a throwaway track. Even the inclusion of the horrible Jersey Shore cast in the video couldn't stop me from admitting that yes, Baby - I LIKE IT! It's a completely feel good and fun jam every time you hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X0QzUdjhIg
Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner: Here's another unknown artist who managed to find the perfect song to introduce him to the public. It's completely infectious and who can't relate to the lyrics?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqWq_48LxWQ
Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars: After the success of his smooth vocals on Nothin On You, Bruno was primed and ready to have a huge solo hit and it came in the form of this toe tapper. Once again, just like with Teenage Dream, while it was still at the top of the charts, the cast of Glee injected some more life into an already amazing smash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttwW7y1x1rk
Baby - Justin Bieber: Every generation needs to have their teen idols and in 2010 they were all catching Bieber Fever. This was his biggest hit and it is well crafted to have all the ingredients of young love and innocence to appeal to exactly who it's supposed to, teenage girls and me. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Results - Adam Lambert!
Last week's results show performers, Jason DeRulo and Rihanna, don't need any bump from their American Idol performance as they are already enjoying long rides at the top of the Billboard charts. The Season Seven 1st Runner Up, David Archuleta, surely would have liked a bump after his performance last week, but there is no new action for him on either the Billboard HOT 100 or the itunes chart this week. Usher, the mentor from two weeks ago, sees his single, OMG, land at #14 on the Billboard HOT 100.
Once again, the opening group performance sounds so incredibly fake and over produced that it's shameful. It's like the producers are openly admitting that these kids can't sing. This medley of Elvis hits was downright cheesy.
Aaron, Casey and Andrew were all called to the center of the stage hopefully to all be eliminated tonight, but unfortunately, both Aaron and Casey are safe. The only good news to come from this is that Andrew is finally being sent home. The world can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we won't have to be bored by his dreary singing ever again.
Season Seven finalist Brooke White wasn't a very good singer back then and tonight upon her return to the American Idol stage we learn that she still isn't very good. She got up there still completely lacking vocal range and personality to sit at her piano again and sing another sleep inducing song. There is no American Idol bump expected after this weak effort.
Crystal, Siobhan and Lee are all safe this week leaving Michael, Tim and Katie up for possible elimination.
In Season Eight, the audience was treated each week to one of the most dynamic, electric and mesmerizing entertainers in American Idol history. Adam Lambert somehow ended up as the 1st Runner Up, but he's the only finalist to ever come back and mentor the latest group. He once again commanded the stage with an exceptional performance of his latest single, Whataya Want From Me. Even with his own songs, he knows how to mix up the arrangement and the vocals and present something fresh and captivating. It recently peaked at #20 on the Billboard HOT 100, but it should hopefully see a significant bump after this great showstopping effort.
Tim and Michael are both safe leaving Katie Stevens to be eliminated from the competition way too soon. She's a talented young woman with her whole life ahead of her that will surely be filled with many more opportunities.
I only got one of my bottom three predictions correct, but at least it was the long overdue elimination of Andrew Garcia. The elimination of Katie was completely unexpected. We wish her the best!
Once again, the opening group performance sounds so incredibly fake and over produced that it's shameful. It's like the producers are openly admitting that these kids can't sing. This medley of Elvis hits was downright cheesy.
Aaron, Casey and Andrew were all called to the center of the stage hopefully to all be eliminated tonight, but unfortunately, both Aaron and Casey are safe. The only good news to come from this is that Andrew is finally being sent home. The world can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we won't have to be bored by his dreary singing ever again.
Season Seven finalist Brooke White wasn't a very good singer back then and tonight upon her return to the American Idol stage we learn that she still isn't very good. She got up there still completely lacking vocal range and personality to sit at her piano again and sing another sleep inducing song. There is no American Idol bump expected after this weak effort.
Crystal, Siobhan and Lee are all safe this week leaving Michael, Tim and Katie up for possible elimination.
In Season Eight, the audience was treated each week to one of the most dynamic, electric and mesmerizing entertainers in American Idol history. Adam Lambert somehow ended up as the 1st Runner Up, but he's the only finalist to ever come back and mentor the latest group. He once again commanded the stage with an exceptional performance of his latest single, Whataya Want From Me. Even with his own songs, he knows how to mix up the arrangement and the vocals and present something fresh and captivating. It recently peaked at #20 on the Billboard HOT 100, but it should hopefully see a significant bump after this great showstopping effort.
Tim and Michael are both safe leaving Katie Stevens to be eliminated from the competition way too soon. She's a talented young woman with her whole life ahead of her that will surely be filled with many more opportunities.
I only got one of my bottom three predictions correct, but at least it was the long overdue elimination of Andrew Garcia. The elimination of Katie was completely unexpected. We wish her the best!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Results - Lennon/McCartney
Last weeks mentor, Usher, had a huge sales week after his performance on the show selling over 300,000 copies of his latest release, Raymond Vs. Raymond, to debut at #1 on the Billboard album chart. The song he performed, OMG, is currently #6 on the itunes sales chart so it should make a pretty strong leap on the Billboard HOT 100 chart as well. Unfortunately, the Season Two Miss American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, saw no such sales bump as a result of his performance last week.
This week, the top 9 opened the show with a Beatles medley that sounded completely over-produced and fake. None of these finalists actually sound this good. It was a very obvious lip sync. But the girls looked simply fabulous in their 60's mod mini dresses!
Getting the good news out of the way first, it was revealed that all three girls, Crystal, Siobhan and Katie are all safe this week.
Jason Derulo hit #1 in 2009 with his smash hit dance jam Whatcha Say and tonight he performed his follow up single that recently peaked at #8 on the Billboard HOT 100, In My Head.
One of John Lennon's most amazing songs, Imagine, hit #3 in 1971 and was performed on the American Idol stage in Season Seven. David Archuleta, who ended up being the Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up that year, came back tonight to entertain the fans with his fantastic rendition of this exceptional song. He sounded great.
Lee, Casey and Tim are all safe leaving Michael, Andrew, and Aaron as the bottom three. Aaron was then informed that he was also safe.
Rihanna has been the biggest hit maker on the charts of the last 5 years hitting #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 six times including Rude Boy which is at the top of the chart this week. Tonight she introduced the world to her next single, Rock Star 101, which is sure to be another hit.
With Andrew finally in the bottom two where he belongs, we got the shock that he is once again safe and Michael Lynche is the lowest vote getter of the week. He did a great job singing for his life hoping the judges would save him. And it worked! All nine finalists will be coming back next week including Michael.
I got two of my predictions right this week with both Andrew and Aaron ending up among the lowest vote getters. If we are lucky, they will both go home next week.
This week, the top 9 opened the show with a Beatles medley that sounded completely over-produced and fake. None of these finalists actually sound this good. It was a very obvious lip sync. But the girls looked simply fabulous in their 60's mod mini dresses!
Getting the good news out of the way first, it was revealed that all three girls, Crystal, Siobhan and Katie are all safe this week.
Jason Derulo hit #1 in 2009 with his smash hit dance jam Whatcha Say and tonight he performed his follow up single that recently peaked at #8 on the Billboard HOT 100, In My Head.
One of John Lennon's most amazing songs, Imagine, hit #3 in 1971 and was performed on the American Idol stage in Season Seven. David Archuleta, who ended up being the Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up that year, came back tonight to entertain the fans with his fantastic rendition of this exceptional song. He sounded great.
Lee, Casey and Tim are all safe leaving Michael, Andrew, and Aaron as the bottom three. Aaron was then informed that he was also safe.
Rihanna has been the biggest hit maker on the charts of the last 5 years hitting #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 six times including Rude Boy which is at the top of the chart this week. Tonight she introduced the world to her next single, Rock Star 101, which is sure to be another hit.
With Andrew finally in the bottom two where he belongs, we got the shock that he is once again safe and Michael Lynche is the lowest vote getter of the week. He did a great job singing for his life hoping the judges would save him. And it worked! All nine finalists will be coming back next week including Michael.
I got two of my predictions right this week with both Andrew and Aaron ending up among the lowest vote getters. If we are lucky, they will both go home next week.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Results - R&B Soul
The results show opened this week with The Season Two Miss American Idol winner Ruben Studdard singing his latest single. It's a pretty good R&B song that was pretty catchy and showed off his signature Velvet Teddy Bear vocals. The most exciting news is that he and the Season Two Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken, are going on tour together this Summer!
Lee, Casey, Aaron and Siobhan are all safe and Katie was the first person to be put into the bottom three.
This week's mentor, Usher, has had huge success on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. He has a total of 7 big #1 smash hits to his credit and he would love to have some more. His new album, Raymond Vs. Raymond, hits stores today, but so far the single from the album, Daddy's Home, is still stuck at #31. But it seems like he's giving up on that song and he's gonna push a new single called OMG that he performed tonight.
Crystal, Michael, and somehow Andrew are all safe leaving Tim and Didi to join Katie in the bottom three. Just like last week, Katie was sent back to safety.
Puff Daddy changed his name to P Diddy and apparently now he wants people to call him Diddy Dirty Money or something like that. He got up there surrounded by dancers and strobe lights to debut his latest single. Who knows what the name of the song is. It's likely to change soon anyway...
Turns out that Didi was the lowest vote getter of the week. She decided to sing Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon for the judges to see if they would use the save on her. While they thought it was better than last night it still wasn't good enough to save her.
I only got one of my three predictions correct this week. I have no idea why people are voting to keep Andrew Garcia around. Him still being here means that the very sweet and talented Didi Benami is being sent home too soon.
Lee, Casey, Aaron and Siobhan are all safe and Katie was the first person to be put into the bottom three.
This week's mentor, Usher, has had huge success on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. He has a total of 7 big #1 smash hits to his credit and he would love to have some more. His new album, Raymond Vs. Raymond, hits stores today, but so far the single from the album, Daddy's Home, is still stuck at #31. But it seems like he's giving up on that song and he's gonna push a new single called OMG that he performed tonight.
Crystal, Michael, and somehow Andrew are all safe leaving Tim and Didi to join Katie in the bottom three. Just like last week, Katie was sent back to safety.
Puff Daddy changed his name to P Diddy and apparently now he wants people to call him Diddy Dirty Money or something like that. He got up there surrounded by dancers and strobe lights to debut his latest single. Who knows what the name of the song is. It's likely to change soon anyway...
Turns out that Didi was the lowest vote getter of the week. She decided to sing Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon for the judges to see if they would use the save on her. While they thought it was better than last night it still wasn't good enough to save her.
I only got one of my three predictions correct this week. I have no idea why people are voting to keep Andrew Garcia around. Him still being here means that the very sweet and talented Didi Benami is being sent home too soon.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Decade of American Idol!!!
Can you believe in 2010 we will be starting the 9th Season of American Idol? Here we are as 2009 comes to an end we also reach the end of the first decade of the 2000's. Billboard has released their ranking of the top artists, songs and albums of the decade and it's no surprise that many of our favorite Miss American Idols showed up on many of the charts.
The #1 song for the entire decade is the huge smash by Mariah Carey that spent 14 weeks on the top of the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart in 2005, We Belong Together. The only single by an Idol finalist to rank along side Mariah on this chart is the Season One Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, with her 2005 mega hit Since U Been Gone coming in at #47 for the decade.
Billboard's HOT 100 Artists of the Decade List ranks artists and takes into consideration all of the songs that have charted from 2000-2009. On this chart, Usher comes in at #1 and once again the highest ranking Miss American Idol Finalist is Season One winner Kelly Clarkson coming in at #9 for the decade. Other Miss American Idol finalists making this chart are The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four Winner Carrie Underwood at #65, Season Five 3rd runner up Chris Daughtry at #87, and Season Six Winner Jordin Sparks at #91.
When it comes to albums, the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood ended up having the #1 Country Album of the ENTIRE DECADE with her debut release, Some Hearts. This hit-filled, multi-platinum album ends up at #14 on the comprehensive list of top albums of the decade. Also on the top comprehensive albums of the decade list at #29 is the Grammy winning pop album Breakaway from Season One winner Kelly Clarkson. The debut album from Chris Daughtry lands at #48 and the second album from Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride comes in at #132 for the decade. (Carnival Ride is #26 on the list of Top Country Albums of the decade.) Rounding out the top albums for the decade, we find the debut album, Measure of a Man, from Season Two Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken, at #170.
On the Top Albums Artists list which takes into consideration all of the albums that have charted from 2000-2009 Billboard places the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood at #42. Season One Winner Kelly Clarkson is at #50, Season Five 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry is at #99 and Season Two 1st Runner Up Clay Aiken is at #120.
What an impressive record of success on the Billboard charts!
Carrie Underwood
Kelly Clarkson
Chris Daughtry
Clay Aiken
Jordin Sparks
The #1 song for the entire decade is the huge smash by Mariah Carey that spent 14 weeks on the top of the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart in 2005, We Belong Together. The only single by an Idol finalist to rank along side Mariah on this chart is the Season One Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, with her 2005 mega hit Since U Been Gone coming in at #47 for the decade.
Billboard's HOT 100 Artists of the Decade List ranks artists and takes into consideration all of the songs that have charted from 2000-2009. On this chart, Usher comes in at #1 and once again the highest ranking Miss American Idol Finalist is Season One winner Kelly Clarkson coming in at #9 for the decade. Other Miss American Idol finalists making this chart are The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four Winner Carrie Underwood at #65, Season Five 3rd runner up Chris Daughtry at #87, and Season Six Winner Jordin Sparks at #91.
When it comes to albums, the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood ended up having the #1 Country Album of the ENTIRE DECADE with her debut release, Some Hearts. This hit-filled, multi-platinum album ends up at #14 on the comprehensive list of top albums of the decade. Also on the top comprehensive albums of the decade list at #29 is the Grammy winning pop album Breakaway from Season One winner Kelly Clarkson. The debut album from Chris Daughtry lands at #48 and the second album from Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride comes in at #132 for the decade. (Carnival Ride is #26 on the list of Top Country Albums of the decade.) Rounding out the top albums for the decade, we find the debut album, Measure of a Man, from Season Two Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken, at #170.
On the Top Albums Artists list which takes into consideration all of the albums that have charted from 2000-2009 Billboard places the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood at #42. Season One Winner Kelly Clarkson is at #50, Season Five 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry is at #99 and Season Two 1st Runner Up Clay Aiken is at #120.
What an impressive record of success on the Billboard charts!
Carrie Underwood
Kelly Clarkson
Chris Daughtry
Clay Aiken
Jordin Sparks
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Top 9 sing the Top itunes downloads
The top 9 finalists had the chance to visit with Ryan in the radio studio this week as he counted down the Top 40 hits of the week. The top 40 is tabulated by combining the songs with the most radio airplay with the songs with the most sales into one comprehensive chart. Sales and Airplay is what it's all about in the music business and that's what these finalists hope to achieve. Here's how they sound trying to sing the songs that are currently the top selling downloads at itunes:
Usher hit the top 10 in 2006 with Caught Up from his top selling multi-platinum album, Confessions. Anoop Desai wants so much to be in the same league as Usher, but this performance showed very clearly that he is not. While he has demonstrated his ability to sing some nice and soulful vocals, his stage presence is simply not up to par.
I'm not really sure how Bob Marley's Turn Your Lights Down Low qualified as a top download, but Meagan Joy performed it somehow. It was more of the same bouncy quirky essence that she delivers every week. If you are a fan you will like it, but if not, you are ready to see her go.
Rascal Flatts had a huge #1 Country Hit in 2006 with What Hurts The Most. Danny Gokey has already shown us that his limited vocals are perfect for butchering a Carrie Underwood song and tonight he has done the same to Rascal Flatts. Every note was strained, weak and so much worse than the original.
It was 1995 when No Doubt dominated the airwaves with Don't Speak. Alison Iraheta made her big pink hair even bigger as she played her guitar in accompaniment to her rocking vocals. She did a great job adding her raspy edge to this great song. Very well done.
In 1978 Billy Joel won the Grammy for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Just The Way You Are after it peaked at #3 on the Billboard HOT 100. (I'm really not understanding the theme this week) Scott MacIntyre sounded great with this piano anthem. His vocals were very strong and he continued with his signature warmth and sincerity. Last week he allowed his people to dress him in pink pants and tonight he let them give him a big moussed up 80's hairstyle. It's kinda funny, but he needs no gimmick to shine - his genuine talent is all he needs.
You Found Me by The Fray is currently #23 on the itunes Top Songs chart. Matt Giraud seems, like me, to have taken a more literal interpretation of this week's theme as he played his piano in the middle of the audience and performed this hit. This week he didn't make a fool of himself as much as he did last week, but with only his vocals to consider, they just weren't that good. Boring and bland is all that can be said.
In 2002 Celine Dion released I Surrender on her album A New Day Has Come. In addition to showing us a new hair style every week, Lil Rounds makes a genuine effort to give us something different every week. Tonight it was a straight up adult contemporary power ballad. Her vocals are far superior to most of the other finalists, but it would have been nice if she had served us a current hot selling hip hop song. We know she can do it, but she's not illustrating it every week. I don't ever want to hear her sing Celine Dion again.
Wild Cherry became a one hit wonder after spending three weeks at #1 in 1976 with Play That Funky Music. Adam Lambert decided to try and take this classic oldie and make it sound current and fresh. Every week he has shown us that he is not going to play it safe and tonight this rendition was captivating and energizing. He leaves us looking forward to what unexpected and exciting thing he's going to do next week.
Bill Withers peaked at #3 in 1971 with Ain't No Sunshine. Kris Allen put down the guitar, sat at the piano and showed that he's so much more than a pretty face. This completely different arrangement would make a video that is worth both watching and listening to. An excellent presentation.
So this Top itunes downloads theme ended up being an unfocused sloppy mess, but there were still some good performances that came out of it. My top five continues to be Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta. The others are simply failing to impress. While Danny Gokey is an over-rated tragedy on stage I'm going to stop predicting that he will end up in the bottom three. That leaves my prediction being Anoop Desai, Meagan Joy and Matt Giraud. I think Anoop will be going home.
Usher hit the top 10 in 2006 with Caught Up from his top selling multi-platinum album, Confessions. Anoop Desai wants so much to be in the same league as Usher, but this performance showed very clearly that he is not. While he has demonstrated his ability to sing some nice and soulful vocals, his stage presence is simply not up to par.
I'm not really sure how Bob Marley's Turn Your Lights Down Low qualified as a top download, but Meagan Joy performed it somehow. It was more of the same bouncy quirky essence that she delivers every week. If you are a fan you will like it, but if not, you are ready to see her go.
Rascal Flatts had a huge #1 Country Hit in 2006 with What Hurts The Most. Danny Gokey has already shown us that his limited vocals are perfect for butchering a Carrie Underwood song and tonight he has done the same to Rascal Flatts. Every note was strained, weak and so much worse than the original.
It was 1995 when No Doubt dominated the airwaves with Don't Speak. Alison Iraheta made her big pink hair even bigger as she played her guitar in accompaniment to her rocking vocals. She did a great job adding her raspy edge to this great song. Very well done.
In 1978 Billy Joel won the Grammy for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Just The Way You Are after it peaked at #3 on the Billboard HOT 100. (I'm really not understanding the theme this week) Scott MacIntyre sounded great with this piano anthem. His vocals were very strong and he continued with his signature warmth and sincerity. Last week he allowed his people to dress him in pink pants and tonight he let them give him a big moussed up 80's hairstyle. It's kinda funny, but he needs no gimmick to shine - his genuine talent is all he needs.
You Found Me by The Fray is currently #23 on the itunes Top Songs chart. Matt Giraud seems, like me, to have taken a more literal interpretation of this week's theme as he played his piano in the middle of the audience and performed this hit. This week he didn't make a fool of himself as much as he did last week, but with only his vocals to consider, they just weren't that good. Boring and bland is all that can be said.
In 2002 Celine Dion released I Surrender on her album A New Day Has Come. In addition to showing us a new hair style every week, Lil Rounds makes a genuine effort to give us something different every week. Tonight it was a straight up adult contemporary power ballad. Her vocals are far superior to most of the other finalists, but it would have been nice if she had served us a current hot selling hip hop song. We know she can do it, but she's not illustrating it every week. I don't ever want to hear her sing Celine Dion again.
Wild Cherry became a one hit wonder after spending three weeks at #1 in 1976 with Play That Funky Music. Adam Lambert decided to try and take this classic oldie and make it sound current and fresh. Every week he has shown us that he is not going to play it safe and tonight this rendition was captivating and energizing. He leaves us looking forward to what unexpected and exciting thing he's going to do next week.
Bill Withers peaked at #3 in 1971 with Ain't No Sunshine. Kris Allen put down the guitar, sat at the piano and showed that he's so much more than a pretty face. This completely different arrangement would make a video that is worth both watching and listening to. An excellent presentation.
So this Top itunes downloads theme ended up being an unfocused sloppy mess, but there were still some good performances that came out of it. My top five continues to be Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta. The others are simply failing to impress. While Danny Gokey is an over-rated tragedy on stage I'm going to stop predicting that he will end up in the bottom three. That leaves my prediction being Anoop Desai, Meagan Joy and Matt Giraud. I think Anoop will be going home.
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