The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood took I Told You So to #9 on the Billboard HOT 100 in 2009. Tonight Lauren and Scotty gave us their own inferior interpretation before hearing the news that they are safely returning next week.
Ashford & Simpson had a #12 hit with Solid in 1985 and Jacob and Naima tried to do it justice tonight. Right afterward Jacob learned that he is safe, while Naima is the first to be in the bottom three.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, made a return trip to perform the third single from her Grammy winning latest release, Back To Me. She looked wonderful in a sparkly red gown and a fresh new blond do. The song, Collard Greens & Cornbread, is a fantastic slice of retro, old school fun and her vocal performance was perfect.
Thia, Haley and Pia then took the stage to perform the super-awesome best song of 2010, Teenage Dream, that Katy Perry took to #1 for 2 weeks. Thia and Pia continue to sound great while Haley is just confusing. In an unfortunate twist, Pia and Haley are both safe while sweet and talented Thia had to join Naima in the bottom three.
Paul McCartney and Wings hit #1 in 1974 with Band On The Run and the four remaining boys, James, Stefano, Casey and Paul all combined forces to make their own band and perform the incredible pop masterpiece. After the mis-guided judges save from last week, Casey learned that he is once again coming back to scream at us next week. James and Stefano are also safe leaving Paul to round out the bottom three.
Because the judges save was used last week, we are unfortunately losing two of the bottom three this week. With Paul being revealed to be safe that means that the very talented Naima Adadepo and Thia Megia are leaving the competition way too soon and instead of others who should be leaving before them.
I correctly predicted that Paul's hot mess of a performance last night would land him in the bottom three, but America is clearly throwing their pity party votes to Casey. Hopefully, the sympathy votes won't last long. Also, I now am very suspicious of what is really going on that is keeping Haley coming back each week. She is seriously not good.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Top 11 sing Elton John
Tonight the Top 11 finalists made a song selection from the legendary pop music catalog of Elton John:
Scotty McCreery found the one and only country song that Elton John ever did from his album Tumbleweed Connection. The song Country Comfort allowed Scotty to stay in the safety of his comfort zone and give his legion of fans more of the same.
Naima Adedapo is leaving her mark once again on the American Idol stage as the one finalist who tries something different and mixes things up every week. Tonight she re-worked Elton's I'm Still Standing (#12 in 1983) into a festive reggae jam. It was wonderfully entertaining.
Paul McDonald took his guitar in hand to put his folksy stamp on Elton's Rocket Man (#6 1972). This is the second time Paul showed off his jacket embroidered with red roses as well as the second time he's tried to sing Elton. We didn't need to see the suit again and we do not need to hear him ruin Elton's music again.
Pia Toscano selected a song that Elton made into a smash hit twice! Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (#2 in 1974, #1 in 1991) As we have come to expect from her, she looked stunning in a short sparkly number and her vocals were amazing.
Stefano Langone wrapped his fantastic voice around one of Elton's classic songs that never actually hit the singles chart. Tiny Dancer is the opening track on the album Madman Across The Water and Stefano was simply dreamy in every respect with this heartfelt performance.
Lauren Alaina chose a song that has had many lives. Candle In The Wind was originally on the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It hit #6 in 1987, but in 1997 it spent 14 weeks at #1 in tribute to Princess Diana. Left in Lauren's hands, unfortunately, this song might never be a hit again. Her version was flat and boring.
James Durbin wants to remind the fans that Elton John used to know how to ROCK before he started doing only one ballad after another later in his career. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting hit #12 in 1973 and James worked his way through the audience like a seasoned professional with this one.
Thia Megia graced the song Daniel (#2 - 1973) with her lovely vocals. In addition to her exceptionally pure voice, Thia added an impressive depth of maturity that is far beyond her years. It was much more than just singing. Thia interpreted this classic and brought it to life making us feel the story and get to know the characters.
Casey Abrams was saved by the judges last week even though the voters were sick of hearing him scream every week. Tonight he did his best to tone it down as he performed Your Song (#8 - 1970) and it's what he needed to do. He's still not that great, but it's clear that he's trying.
Jacob Lusk could only benefit from making a selection from the Elton John songbook since he's usually such an over-dramatic hot mess. The song he decided to tear up was Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word that peaked at #6 in 1976. All I will say is that given a good producer who can keep Jacob in check, he's not all bad.
Haley Reinhart was the drunk girl at the party who gets up on the piano to sing when no one wants her to. She made a fool of herself destroying Elton's #1 smash from 1974, Bennie and the Jets.
Since the judges used their SAVE last week, that means two of the finalists will be sent home tomorrow night. My prediction for the bottom three is Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart. I'm going to keep on predicting that Haley will be the one sent home until it finally happens. Casey will also be joining her.
Scotty McCreery found the one and only country song that Elton John ever did from his album Tumbleweed Connection. The song Country Comfort allowed Scotty to stay in the safety of his comfort zone and give his legion of fans more of the same.
Naima Adedapo is leaving her mark once again on the American Idol stage as the one finalist who tries something different and mixes things up every week. Tonight she re-worked Elton's I'm Still Standing (#12 in 1983) into a festive reggae jam. It was wonderfully entertaining.
Paul McDonald took his guitar in hand to put his folksy stamp on Elton's Rocket Man (#6 1972). This is the second time Paul showed off his jacket embroidered with red roses as well as the second time he's tried to sing Elton. We didn't need to see the suit again and we do not need to hear him ruin Elton's music again.
Pia Toscano selected a song that Elton made into a smash hit twice! Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (#2 in 1974, #1 in 1991) As we have come to expect from her, she looked stunning in a short sparkly number and her vocals were amazing.
Stefano Langone wrapped his fantastic voice around one of Elton's classic songs that never actually hit the singles chart. Tiny Dancer is the opening track on the album Madman Across The Water and Stefano was simply dreamy in every respect with this heartfelt performance.
Lauren Alaina chose a song that has had many lives. Candle In The Wind was originally on the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It hit #6 in 1987, but in 1997 it spent 14 weeks at #1 in tribute to Princess Diana. Left in Lauren's hands, unfortunately, this song might never be a hit again. Her version was flat and boring.
James Durbin wants to remind the fans that Elton John used to know how to ROCK before he started doing only one ballad after another later in his career. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting hit #12 in 1973 and James worked his way through the audience like a seasoned professional with this one.
Thia Megia graced the song Daniel (#2 - 1973) with her lovely vocals. In addition to her exceptionally pure voice, Thia added an impressive depth of maturity that is far beyond her years. It was much more than just singing. Thia interpreted this classic and brought it to life making us feel the story and get to know the characters.
Casey Abrams was saved by the judges last week even though the voters were sick of hearing him scream every week. Tonight he did his best to tone it down as he performed Your Song (#8 - 1970) and it's what he needed to do. He's still not that great, but it's clear that he's trying.
Jacob Lusk could only benefit from making a selection from the Elton John songbook since he's usually such an over-dramatic hot mess. The song he decided to tear up was Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word that peaked at #6 in 1976. All I will say is that given a good producer who can keep Jacob in check, he's not all bad.
Haley Reinhart was the drunk girl at the party who gets up on the piano to sing when no one wants her to. She made a fool of herself destroying Elton's #1 smash from 1974, Bennie and the Jets.
Since the judges used their SAVE last week, that means two of the finalists will be sent home tomorrow night. My prediction for the bottom three is Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart. I'm going to keep on predicting that Haley will be the one sent home until it finally happens. Casey will also be joining her.
The fans Remember Jennifer Hudson!
The sales totals are in and they all add up to a big debut on the Billboard 200 album chart for the Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, Grammy winner and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson.
Her second album, I Remember Me, comes in at #2 with first week sales of 165,000.
Her second album, I Remember Me, comes in at #2 with first week sales of 165,000.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lip Sync For Your Life!
Next to American Idol, the best reality competition show on TV is RuPaul's Drag Race. If you have not seen it, you really should see what you've been missing as they compete to show off their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent to be crowned the Next Drag Superstar!
In a very exciting pop culture collision the worlds of American Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race came together last night when the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, was a guest judge on the the show!
The queens needed to create three looks to walk down the runway that showcased distinct hairstyles. It was three times the fun as usual and one of the best episodes EVER!
At the end of the show two of the queens must lip sync for their lives in order to avoid elimination and they song they used, Even Angels, was from Fantasia's latest album. The two drag queens put everything they had into this performance, but this song required that they be able to portray all of the emotional depth in the vocals and lyrics, and one of them just wasn't up to the task. RuPaul had to tell Shangela that it was time to Sashay Away.
In a very exciting pop culture collision the worlds of American Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race came together last night when the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, was a guest judge on the the show!
The queens needed to create three looks to walk down the runway that showcased distinct hairstyles. It was three times the fun as usual and one of the best episodes EVER!
At the end of the show two of the queens must lip sync for their lives in order to avoid elimination and they song they used, Even Angels, was from Fantasia's latest album. The two drag queens put everything they had into this performance, but this song required that they be able to portray all of the emotional depth in the vocals and lyrics, and one of them just wasn't up to the task. RuPaul had to tell Shangela that it was time to Sashay Away.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Results - Motown
The top 11 finalists opened the show with a super fun group performance of the Diana Ross #1 smash Ain't No Mountain High Enough, but they barely finished the song when the real Stevie Wonder showed up and sang his hit Signed, Sealed, Delivered. The festivity was just beginning as the song segued into a happy birthday celebration for judge, Steven Tyler, complete with cake, candles and presents.
Pia, Lauren and Scotty were the first of the night to learn that they are safely coming back next week.
Country duo Sugarland then took the stage to perform their latest crossover hit, Stuck Like Glue.
After seeing a fun clip of the finalists goofing around the house trying their best pro wrestling moves on each other, the two biggest wrestling fans, James and Paul, were called out center stage to hear that they were safe from none other than Wrestling superstar, Hulk Hogan. Jacob, Naima and Haley just got to hear the news of their safety the old fashioned boring way by having Ryan tell them.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, Grammy winner and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson then graced the stage with a fantastic live performance of her new single, Where You At. She looked wonderful and her vocals were flawless and powerful.
With everyone else being safe, that left the bottom three to be Thia, Stefano and Casey. After Thia and Stefano were both informed that they were safe, Casey was given his final chance to sing for his life. And that could have been it - America voted and decided that they don't want to hear his screaming every week, but the judges weren't satisfied with that. They actually used their one and only SAVE of the season on Casey.
So all 11 finalists are coming back next week. As for my predictions, I am very happy to report that I correctly guessed that Casey would be in the bottom three, but that was the only one I got right. I am amazed that people are voting for Haley and that she is still in this competition.
Pia, Lauren and Scotty were the first of the night to learn that they are safely coming back next week.
Country duo Sugarland then took the stage to perform their latest crossover hit, Stuck Like Glue.
After seeing a fun clip of the finalists goofing around the house trying their best pro wrestling moves on each other, the two biggest wrestling fans, James and Paul, were called out center stage to hear that they were safe from none other than Wrestling superstar, Hulk Hogan. Jacob, Naima and Haley just got to hear the news of their safety the old fashioned boring way by having Ryan tell them.
Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, Grammy winner and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson then graced the stage with a fantastic live performance of her new single, Where You At. She looked wonderful and her vocals were flawless and powerful.
With everyone else being safe, that left the bottom three to be Thia, Stefano and Casey. After Thia and Stefano were both informed that they were safe, Casey was given his final chance to sing for his life. And that could have been it - America voted and decided that they don't want to hear his screaming every week, but the judges weren't satisfied with that. They actually used their one and only SAVE of the season on Casey.
So all 11 finalists are coming back next week. As for my predictions, I am very happy to report that I correctly guessed that Casey would be in the bottom three, but that was the only one I got right. I am amazed that people are voting for Haley and that she is still in this competition.
Fantasia on the Drag Race!
Some very fun television to look forward to:
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, will be a guest judge on Monday's episode of RuPaul's Drag Race!
Now in it's third season, RuPaul's Drag Race has been providing some of the best entertainment on TV. Fantasia is sure to add some of her special R&B diva energy to the show. :)
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, will be a guest judge on Monday's episode of RuPaul's Drag Race!
Now in it's third season, RuPaul's Drag Race has been providing some of the best entertainment on TV. Fantasia is sure to add some of her special R&B diva energy to the show. :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Top 11 Sing Motown
Tonight the top 11 finalists made a selection from the legendary Motown catalog:
I Heard It Through The Grape Vine was a huge hit twice for Motown. Gladys Knight and The Pips took it to #2 in 1967 and then Marvin Gaye took it to #1 for 7 weeks in 1968. It's a fantastic song that Casey Abrams simply screamed his way through adding nothing likeable or refreshing.
Heat Wave was also a smash hit two times. Martha and the Vandellas took it to #4 in 1963 and Linda Ronstadt hit #5 with it in 1975. Thia Megia has a sweet, pure and melodic voice that made this song sound fun and fresh. She's young and dynamic and each week we see more of her potential realized.
You're All I Need To Get By was a hit in the Billboard HOT 100 four times! The classic version is by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that hit #7 in 1968. Thank goodness Jacob Lusk had some good back-up singers on stage with him to make his version listenable.
You Keep Me Hanging On is one of those rare songs that actually hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 by two different artists. First by Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1966 and then again by Kim Wilde in 1987. The judges have been raving about Lauren Alaina since they first saw her, and tonight she actually provided something worthy of praise.
Hello was a #1 hit for Lionel Richie for 2 weeks in 1984. Stefano Langone used this simple ballad to showcase his fantastic voice and to connect perfectly with the audience.
You Really Got A Hold On Me peaked at #8 in 1963 for the Miracles. Haley Reinhart completely butchered this lively tune with her choppy vocals and a clunky arrangement.
For Once In My Life hit #2 in 1968 for Stevie Wonder. Scotty McCreery did a wonderful job transforming this song into a meaningful classic country story song. The substance of the lyrics truly came through combined with his rugged deep voice.
All In Love Is Fair is a track from Stevie Wonder's 1973 Grammy winning Album of the Year, Innervisions. Pia Toscano completely owned this song and wrapped her outstanding vocals all over it. Fantastic!
Tracks of My Tears was a hit on the Billboard HOT 100 three times including the original 1965 version by the Miracles. Paul McDonald took his guitar in had and re-worked this into an easy going folk-rock ballad.
Dancing In The Streets is yet another Motown classic to hit the Billboard chart three times from acts as diverse as Martha and the Vendellas, van Halen, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Naima Adedapo added her own unique diversity to her funtabulous performance with an African inspired, bongo infused dance break mixed in with her great vocals.
Living For The City was a #8 smash for Stevie Wonder in 1973. James Durbin showed off his energetic stage presence as he completely worked every member of the audience with his amazing vocals. Outstanding.
It was a great night of musical entertainment. Fans are picking their favorites and casting their votes so you voice to keep your choice safe. My prediction for the bottom three goes completely against the mis-guided gushing from the judges: Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk will get the lowest number of votes with Haley finally getting sent home.
I Heard It Through The Grape Vine was a huge hit twice for Motown. Gladys Knight and The Pips took it to #2 in 1967 and then Marvin Gaye took it to #1 for 7 weeks in 1968. It's a fantastic song that Casey Abrams simply screamed his way through adding nothing likeable or refreshing.
Heat Wave was also a smash hit two times. Martha and the Vandellas took it to #4 in 1963 and Linda Ronstadt hit #5 with it in 1975. Thia Megia has a sweet, pure and melodic voice that made this song sound fun and fresh. She's young and dynamic and each week we see more of her potential realized.
You're All I Need To Get By was a hit in the Billboard HOT 100 four times! The classic version is by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell that hit #7 in 1968. Thank goodness Jacob Lusk had some good back-up singers on stage with him to make his version listenable.
You Keep Me Hanging On is one of those rare songs that actually hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 by two different artists. First by Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1966 and then again by Kim Wilde in 1987. The judges have been raving about Lauren Alaina since they first saw her, and tonight she actually provided something worthy of praise.
Hello was a #1 hit for Lionel Richie for 2 weeks in 1984. Stefano Langone used this simple ballad to showcase his fantastic voice and to connect perfectly with the audience.
You Really Got A Hold On Me peaked at #8 in 1963 for the Miracles. Haley Reinhart completely butchered this lively tune with her choppy vocals and a clunky arrangement.
For Once In My Life hit #2 in 1968 for Stevie Wonder. Scotty McCreery did a wonderful job transforming this song into a meaningful classic country story song. The substance of the lyrics truly came through combined with his rugged deep voice.
All In Love Is Fair is a track from Stevie Wonder's 1973 Grammy winning Album of the Year, Innervisions. Pia Toscano completely owned this song and wrapped her outstanding vocals all over it. Fantastic!
Tracks of My Tears was a hit on the Billboard HOT 100 three times including the original 1965 version by the Miracles. Paul McDonald took his guitar in had and re-worked this into an easy going folk-rock ballad.
Dancing In The Streets is yet another Motown classic to hit the Billboard chart three times from acts as diverse as Martha and the Vendellas, van Halen, Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Naima Adedapo added her own unique diversity to her funtabulous performance with an African inspired, bongo infused dance break mixed in with her great vocals.
Living For The City was a #8 smash for Stevie Wonder in 1973. James Durbin showed off his energetic stage presence as he completely worked every member of the audience with his amazing vocals. Outstanding.
It was a great night of musical entertainment. Fans are picking their favorites and casting their votes so you voice to keep your choice safe. My prediction for the bottom three goes completely against the mis-guided gushing from the judges: Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk will get the lowest number of votes with Haley finally getting sent home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)