Tonight we get to know what these top 12 girls can really do - they can pick any song they want to present themselves to America for the first time:
Rihanna took Only Girl in the World to #1 in 2010. Ta-Tynisa Wilson used this Grammy winner for Best Dance Recording to strut her stuff in high heels and belt out some big notes. She did a pretty good job showing off her potential to be a radio friendly hit-maker.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, performed Summertime and to this day set the standard for best Idol performance ever. Naima Adedapo did her best to mix things up with a more bouncy and light jazz arrangement to make the song her own. She was actually quite successful showing off a great vocal range and professional performance style.
Christina Aguilera included Impossible on her 2002 album Stripped. Kendra Chantelle has a nice voice and is quite pretty, but she didn't add anything special or exceptional to her performance of this very hot album track.
Fiona Apple took Criminal to #21 in 1997. Rachel Zevita served up an almost unrecognizable burlesque version of the song that was partially entertaining, but sort of awkward as well. It's clear she has ambitions to be an all around entertainer, but this performance did not showcase her voice at it's best.
Mariah Carey took Hero to #1 for four weeks in 1994. Karen Rodriguez stepped up to the challenge and and hit it out of the park with her wonderful Spanglish interpretation of this popular favorite. She exuded stage presence, confidence and class.
Lauren Turner took the stage and presented herself as a sort of female version of Season 5 Miss American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. She was singing some bluesy number and she was running around all over the stage.
Monica released Love All Over Me from her under appreciated 2010 release Still Standing. Like Monica, Ashthon Jones definitely has all the necessary qualities to be chart-topping hit-making DIVA herself. She looks beautiful and her voice can powerfully belt out the big notes with passion and emotion.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, took Breakaway to #6 in 2004. Julie Zorrilla should unfortunately not expect to have any success after her very weak rendition of the song.
Alicia Keys took Fallin to #1 in 2001. Alicia went on to become a Grammy favorite winning Best New Artist, but Haley Reinhart should not expect the same results at all after this forgettable and clumsy performance.
Irene Cara took Out Here On My Own to #19 in 1980 from the Fame Soundtrack. Thia Megia stood center stage in a spotlight with almost no musical accompaniment and showed all of the other finalists, both the boys and the girls, what it's like to have a truly pure and exceptional vocal instrument. Thia is exactly the kind of talent that American Idol was made for. If America has any sense at all, this extremely talented 15 year old is on the track to reaching her very own success story to FAME!
Country music superstar, Reba, is having current success with her latest single Turn On The Radio. Lauren Alaina infused this fun anthem with some youthful energy and did a great job showing off her nice voice and fun personality.
The Pretenders took I'll Stand By You to #16 in 1994. Pia Toscano did not hold back at all in her genuine efforts to show off that she is the whole package - voice, confidence, beautiful good looks, and stage presence.
Now it's up to America to vote so you can go online to support your favorites at http://www.americanidol.com/. My top 5 will be: Thia Megia, Pia Toscano, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones and Naima Adedapo.
Thia Megia is the clear front-runner by a wide margin. :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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. :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Fantasia - Grammy Winner!!!!
In the 10 year history of American Idol there have only been three finalists who have gone on to win Grammy recognition:
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson was acknowledged with two Grammys for her 2005 megasmash Breakaway and Since U Been Gone.
Season 3 finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson got a Grammy for her debut album.
And, of course, the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood has the most Grammys with 5 including the 2006 Best New Artist and then the 2006, 2007, and 2008 honor for Best Female Country Vocal.
But now another Miss American Idol has joined this elite group as the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia has won the 2011 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal for her fantastic song Bittersweet.
Unfortunately, Carrie Underwood did not win again in her category this year and neither did the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st runner up Adam Lambert. He ended up losing to Bruno Mars who had a great year with his #1 hits Just the Way You Are, Grenade and Nothing On You.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson was acknowledged with two Grammys for her 2005 megasmash Breakaway and Since U Been Gone.
Season 3 finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson got a Grammy for her debut album.
And, of course, the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood has the most Grammys with 5 including the 2006 Best New Artist and then the 2006, 2007, and 2008 honor for Best Female Country Vocal.
But now another Miss American Idol has joined this elite group as the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia has won the 2011 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal for her fantastic song Bittersweet.
Unfortunately, Carrie Underwood did not win again in her category this year and neither did the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st runner up Adam Lambert. He ended up losing to Bruno Mars who had a great year with his #1 hits Just the Way You Are, Grenade and Nothing On You.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Country Music is LOVING the Idols!
If you want to see where some of your favorite Miss American finalists are finding success these days, all you have to do is switch channels over to the CMT Top 20 Video Countdown and you will find not one, not two, but THREE of them all near the top of the chart!
We all know that the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood rotates one fan favorite video after another on that chart on a regular basis. Her Mama's Song video is still getting plenty of airplay.
But who knew that the Season One Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, would be all the way up at #2 on the chart with her duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Want To Stay. The only video for the song is from their live performance at the CMA Awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyUZQodw_wY
Even more exciting is the fact that the video holding down the #1 position on the CMT Top 20 Video Countdown is from the Season Nine Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Crystal Bowersox! Her video for Farmer's Daughter has been in heavy rotation since it's release and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NR8tH9tDGQ
Meanwhile, in other Country Music news, the nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, or the ACM's, were just announced today and Carrie is once again nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. What's somewhat surprising, though, is that after winning Entertainer of the Year for two years in a row and coming off an incredibly successful year, Carrie was not even nominated this year. This oversight has confused and upset many fans, but we're always happy for Carrie's numerous successes and have no problem with letting another artist get the spotlight for a change.
We all know that the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood rotates one fan favorite video after another on that chart on a regular basis. Her Mama's Song video is still getting plenty of airplay.
But who knew that the Season One Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, would be all the way up at #2 on the chart with her duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Want To Stay. The only video for the song is from their live performance at the CMA Awards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyUZQodw_wY
Even more exciting is the fact that the video holding down the #1 position on the CMT Top 20 Video Countdown is from the Season Nine Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Crystal Bowersox! Her video for Farmer's Daughter has been in heavy rotation since it's release and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NR8tH9tDGQ
Meanwhile, in other Country Music news, the nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, or the ACM's, were just announced today and Carrie is once again nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. What's somewhat surprising, though, is that after winning Entertainer of the Year for two years in a row and coming off an incredibly successful year, Carrie was not even nominated this year. This oversight has confused and upset many fans, but we're always happy for Carrie's numerous successes and have no problem with letting another artist get the spotlight for a change.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Lots to look forward to!
It's only the second night of the Season 10 American Idol auditions and we've already seen some very impressive talent. It looks like we're going to have a lot to look forward to and it's going to be tough to decide who to root for. This is quite a big change from the way it was last year...
Speaking of things to look forward to:
We are just a few short days away from the release of a new single from the Oscar winning, Grammy winning, Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist - Jennifer Hudson!!! You can hear a sneak peek of it at her website:
http://www.jenniferhudson.com/
The brand new album is called I Remember Me and it will be in stores and available everywhere on March 22nd.
Speaking of things to look forward to:
We are just a few short days away from the release of a new single from the Oscar winning, Grammy winning, Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist - Jennifer Hudson!!! You can hear a sneak peek of it at her website:
http://www.jenniferhudson.com/
The brand new album is called I Remember Me and it will be in stores and available everywhere on March 22nd.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Season 10 Begins....
Season 9 of American Idol was weak to put it mildly. None of the finalists had much energy or style and the ratings dropped significantly. It was the last year for judge Simon Cowell who has decided to move on and start another talent competition show. Also, the addition of superstar judge Ellen Degeneres failed to add any excitement to the show so she ended up leaving after only one season.
The Season 9 Miss American Idol winner, Lee DeWyze, has barely made a ripple in the music business with low album sales and minimal radio airplay. The 1st Runner Up, Crystal Bowersox, is doing only slightly better with a little more critical acclaim, but still not much sales or airplay.
So the 10th Season of American Idol has a lot of pressure to deliver the goods or go down in flames. The only judge returning is Randy Jackson who will now be joined by multi-platinum selling classic rocker, Steven Tyler and superstar hit maker Jennifer Lopez.
On tonight's premiere episode of auditions the judges were all optimism and enthusiasm for their first group of hopefuls. While I approached the premier with cautious anticipation, I am very happy to report that there were some very impressive voices moving forward to the Hollywood round. There was also just the right amount of emotional stories attached to these talented young singers to make you want to root for them and look forward to what else they might be able to do.
Also, the producers thankfully gave us very few mean and humiliating scenes from the delusional try-outs. So for now, American Idol is still my favorite show. :)
The Season 9 Miss American Idol winner, Lee DeWyze, has barely made a ripple in the music business with low album sales and minimal radio airplay. The 1st Runner Up, Crystal Bowersox, is doing only slightly better with a little more critical acclaim, but still not much sales or airplay.
So the 10th Season of American Idol has a lot of pressure to deliver the goods or go down in flames. The only judge returning is Randy Jackson who will now be joined by multi-platinum selling classic rocker, Steven Tyler and superstar hit maker Jennifer Lopez.
On tonight's premiere episode of auditions the judges were all optimism and enthusiasm for their first group of hopefuls. While I approached the premier with cautious anticipation, I am very happy to report that there were some very impressive voices moving forward to the Hollywood round. There was also just the right amount of emotional stories attached to these talented young singers to make you want to root for them and look forward to what else they might be able to do.
Also, the producers thankfully gave us very few mean and humiliating scenes from the delusional try-outs. So for now, American Idol is still my favorite show. :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
More favorite songs from 2010
A few weeks ago, I listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2010. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2010. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales and radio airplay for any given week.
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2010 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2010. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart....
Undo It - Carrie Underwood: The Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner is doing a great job with sales and airplay on country radio, but her crossover to mainstream pop stations this year was limited. Undo It is a great song to dance a sexy shadow to and she sounds amazing performing it live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywtJYvDBKek
If I Had You - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up is very well loved by the critics. There are numerous things written about his amazing talents and potential. Unfortunately, he must be too good for the mainstream because his fantastic single If I Had You just wasn't connecting as broadly as it should have. This song and video embodies his unique willingness to bring some all out glam high energy exuberance to the pop world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmXQFwlD7vk
Round and Round - Selena Gomez: She is the star of the Disney Channel series the Wizards of Waverly Place, but her singles in 2010 show how she is the Disney Diva most worthy of musical attention. She is very cute and she knows how to match her vocal talent with a fun and catchy song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcvO2t8Ntg
Our Kind of Love - Lady Antebellum: The best selling album of 2010, Need You Now, was packed with great songs from beginning to end. This song became an instant favorite at Charlie's for dancing a county line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaOKbvpxnTo
Naturally - Selena Gomez: This is just another example of the wonderful pop sounds this teen queen was offering during 2010. Just look at how many YouTube plays this hot track has gotten: 79 Million! Makes you wonder why that other Disney star was getting all the attention when Selena Gomez was clearly so much more awesome....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_YR4dKArgo
Feel It - Sean Kingston/Three 6 Mafia: Just one listen to this hot club jam and it was perfect for the opening sequence of the 2010 cheerleading routine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FThuVI_maAs
Something Bout Love - David Archuleta: I've said it numerous times this year, but I just don't understand why this great single was overlooked by radio. The Season 7 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up has served up a wonderful slice of pop heaven with this great song....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhRvd0bzIoE
Little White Church - Little Big Town: This fantastic song is exactly why two stepping is so much fun! Grab your best friend and whirl around the dance floor to this knee slapping, hand clapping witty celebration of love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B077Dw_zDe0
Bittersweet - Fantasia: The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner gave fans her best single ever with Bittersweet. It perfectly showcases her passionate voice and ability to perform heartfelt lyrics so you can really relate to what she's singing about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lh4Oj2Ys4
Giddy On Up - Laura Bell Bundy: After starring on Broadway in Legally Blonde - The Musical, Laura Bell Bundy came out with this infectious country anthem that immediately became the favorite new line dance of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xfFbB2CRo8
In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100....
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2010 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2010. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart....
Undo It - Carrie Underwood: The Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner is doing a great job with sales and airplay on country radio, but her crossover to mainstream pop stations this year was limited. Undo It is a great song to dance a sexy shadow to and she sounds amazing performing it live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywtJYvDBKek
If I Had You - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up is very well loved by the critics. There are numerous things written about his amazing talents and potential. Unfortunately, he must be too good for the mainstream because his fantastic single If I Had You just wasn't connecting as broadly as it should have. This song and video embodies his unique willingness to bring some all out glam high energy exuberance to the pop world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmXQFwlD7vk
Round and Round - Selena Gomez: She is the star of the Disney Channel series the Wizards of Waverly Place, but her singles in 2010 show how she is the Disney Diva most worthy of musical attention. She is very cute and she knows how to match her vocal talent with a fun and catchy song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcvO2t8Ntg
Our Kind of Love - Lady Antebellum: The best selling album of 2010, Need You Now, was packed with great songs from beginning to end. This song became an instant favorite at Charlie's for dancing a county line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaOKbvpxnTo
Naturally - Selena Gomez: This is just another example of the wonderful pop sounds this teen queen was offering during 2010. Just look at how many YouTube plays this hot track has gotten: 79 Million! Makes you wonder why that other Disney star was getting all the attention when Selena Gomez was clearly so much more awesome....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_YR4dKArgo
Feel It - Sean Kingston/Three 6 Mafia: Just one listen to this hot club jam and it was perfect for the opening sequence of the 2010 cheerleading routine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FThuVI_maAs
Something Bout Love - David Archuleta: I've said it numerous times this year, but I just don't understand why this great single was overlooked by radio. The Season 7 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up has served up a wonderful slice of pop heaven with this great song....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhRvd0bzIoE
Little White Church - Little Big Town: This fantastic song is exactly why two stepping is so much fun! Grab your best friend and whirl around the dance floor to this knee slapping, hand clapping witty celebration of love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B077Dw_zDe0
Bittersweet - Fantasia: The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner gave fans her best single ever with Bittersweet. It perfectly showcases her passionate voice and ability to perform heartfelt lyrics so you can really relate to what she's singing about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lh4Oj2Ys4
Giddy On Up - Laura Bell Bundy: After starring on Broadway in Legally Blonde - The Musical, Laura Bell Bundy came out with this infectious country anthem that immediately became the favorite new line dance of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xfFbB2CRo8
In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100....
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