Time has flown by and it's time to crown a new champion on American Idol. Will it be Candice Glover or Kree Harrison? We find out after two hours of videos and performances.
The Top 10, all donning some white with silver or black outfit, perform The Wanted's "Glad You Came."
The judges make a rather slow entrance, mainly because Nicki and Mariah can't walk down the stairs in their heels.
First performance: The Band Perry with Janelle Arthur. "Done" is awesome. Keith sings along and is the first to jump to his feet afterwards.
Idol "Scandal"- The last five winners were guys so this years top 5 guys claim they were sabotaged by the girls. They had help from Jordin Sparks who tells the guys "Idol leftovers have been doing really well on The Voice."
The Top 5 guys perform a medley of old hits with Frankie Valli. (I know what you're thinking. I was surprised he is still alive also.) Impressively, Keith is singing along to each song. Nicki, on the other hand, looks clueless.
Mariah Carey performs a medley of her hits accompanied by Randy Jackson on bass.
Amber Holcomb performs "Next To Me" with Emili Sande.
We watch a video of highlights of the Ford Fiesta Missions a then Ford gives the Top 2's mentors a Fiesta. Candice's grandmother and Kree's friend each are given keys to their new cars by the girls.
Psy, the "Gangnum Style" guy, sings "Gentlemen." (I'll be honest. I muted it.)
Keith Urban sings his new single, "Little Bit of Everything." I like it. I like country. I like Keith.
Candice Glover sings "Inseparable" by Natalie Cole with Idol alum Jennifer Hudson. Really nice rendition of the song by two powerful singers.
Angie Miller performs "Titanium" with Idol alum Adam Lambert. This is really good too. I normally don't like Adam, but he is minus the makeup and flashy wardrobe and sounds great with Angie.
Angie performs "Domino" with her Idol, Jessie J. Jessie invites Angie to the UK to perform with her this summer. Angie's single "You Set Me Free" is available in iTunes now.
We see a video package with the top 10 contestants opinions of the judges.
Kree Harrison performs "Where The Black Top Ends" with Keith, Randy and guest drummer, Travis Barker. This is so different than the Kree we saw during the competition. This Kree would have won the whole thing.
It's "The End Of An Era" as Idol pays tribute to "The Dawg," Randy Jackson on his last night.
We didn't get the big hoopla like we did when Simon left Idol. Just a video package with dogs.
The Top 5 girls perform with Aretha Franklin who appears via satellite from somewhere.
Ford presents Candice and Kree with the keys to new Escapes.
We watch a video montage of the season set to Phillip Phillips' "Gone, Gone, Gone." (Phillip isn't there. I think I heard he canceled part of his tour because he is sick again. I hope not.)
Jennifer Lopez and PitBull perform "Live It Up."
Candice and Kree perform "One Less Bell To Answer" (I have no idea why this song was chosen) and "A House Is Not A Home." (Ditto)
And the winner of the 12th season of American Idol is...
Candice Glover!!!!!
Candice's album is available for pre-order NOW!!! No, it hasn't been recorded yet.
And there you have it. Another season of American Idol is a wrap. Ryan says we can start submitting online auditions for next season now. ( I wonder if that applies to the judges openings too.)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 2 Performances
Somehow it is already the end of Season 12 of American Idol. We get to hear three more performances each from Candice and Kree and then America must vote for their favorite. I have to admit, I was really expecting to see Angie in the finale with Candice, but I guess TPTB didn't like the odds on that combo. LOL
The songs choices for the evening are: Simon Fuller's Choice, the potential winner's single, and the contestants reprisal of a favorite song.
Round 1: Simon Fuller's Choice
Kree- "Angel"- Sarah McLachlan
Simple accompaniment with acoustic and slide guitars only- This is very country. She sounds a little tired to me. She does a nice job, but it isn't stellar. One big problem; she is dressed very "formal" but in a pale color that really doesn't help her pale skin. Not the best look for TV.
Candice- "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Candice sounds much stronger than Kree. She puts in some nice changes. I like her outfit too: red top and black pants.
Mariah is proud to have been part of this season. Randy says he would not have chosen the sleepy songs Simon Fuller chose for the girls. Randy says Candice was the winner of the round.
Time for Carley Rae Jepson and the Coca Cola Perfect Harmony song. YUCK.
Round 2: Potential Winner's Single
Kree- "All Cried Out"
This song is totally country, but not totally awesome. Not a song people will remember tomorrow much less be humming. Sorry Kree, this is not a winning song.
Candice- "I Am Beautiful"
This song is better, but still not anywhere as catchy as Phillip's song last season. It will appeal to the girls and sell though. Candice does a lovely job on it. You can tell she believes what she is singing about.
Nicki loved Kree's composure and how she reached deep to get her inner feelings for this song.
Keith says the competition is soul vs soul, not country vs soul. Candice's song fit her "like a Glover." Keith says Kree won, Nicki says Candice won.
Round 3: Reprise
Kree- "Up To The Mountain"
She is wearing a red dress now. Better choice, because she would be lost in the fog in the previous white dress. The Idol gospel choir is with her now. Nice job. She stills sounds a little strained to me.
Keith says "That was beautiful."
Nicki says that was so uplifting with the choir.
Randy says "That was a winning performance."
Mariah says she looks beautiful in red and she showed diversity with the songs.
Candice- "I Who Have Nothing"
Beautiful a Capella beginning. No music necessary for that. The whole performance was awesome. that's the kind of music this girl needs to be singing.
Keith says she is such a powerhouse singer.
Nicki says she's a superstar who commands the stage. (And she comments that we are seeing Candice's legs for the first time too.)
Randy "That girl can plumb, flat-out sing.
Mariah says she has an undeniable talent.
And that is the show. Four hours to vote tonight. Really Ryan. I don't need that long.
I like Kree just fine. She will be a country star, eventually, but my votes go to Candice. I just hope Jimmy doesn't railroad her into a genre she doesn't feel comfortable with.
The songs choices for the evening are: Simon Fuller's Choice, the potential winner's single, and the contestants reprisal of a favorite song.
Round 1: Simon Fuller's Choice
Kree- "Angel"- Sarah McLachlan
Simple accompaniment with acoustic and slide guitars only- This is very country. She sounds a little tired to me. She does a nice job, but it isn't stellar. One big problem; she is dressed very "formal" but in a pale color that really doesn't help her pale skin. Not the best look for TV.
Candice- "Chasing Pavements" - Adele
Candice sounds much stronger than Kree. She puts in some nice changes. I like her outfit too: red top and black pants.
Mariah is proud to have been part of this season. Randy says he would not have chosen the sleepy songs Simon Fuller chose for the girls. Randy says Candice was the winner of the round.
Time for Carley Rae Jepson and the Coca Cola Perfect Harmony song. YUCK.
Round 2: Potential Winner's Single
Kree- "All Cried Out"
This song is totally country, but not totally awesome. Not a song people will remember tomorrow much less be humming. Sorry Kree, this is not a winning song.
Candice- "I Am Beautiful"
This song is better, but still not anywhere as catchy as Phillip's song last season. It will appeal to the girls and sell though. Candice does a lovely job on it. You can tell she believes what she is singing about.
Nicki loved Kree's composure and how she reached deep to get her inner feelings for this song.
Keith says the competition is soul vs soul, not country vs soul. Candice's song fit her "like a Glover." Keith says Kree won, Nicki says Candice won.
Round 3: Reprise
Kree- "Up To The Mountain"
She is wearing a red dress now. Better choice, because she would be lost in the fog in the previous white dress. The Idol gospel choir is with her now. Nice job. She stills sounds a little strained to me.
Keith says "That was beautiful."
Nicki says that was so uplifting with the choir.
Randy says "That was a winning performance."
Mariah says she looks beautiful in red and she showed diversity with the songs.
Candice- "I Who Have Nothing"
Beautiful a Capella beginning. No music necessary for that. The whole performance was awesome. that's the kind of music this girl needs to be singing.
Keith says she is such a powerhouse singer.
Nicki says she's a superstar who commands the stage. (And she comments that we are seeing Candice's legs for the first time too.)
Randy "That girl can plumb, flat-out sing.
Mariah says she has an undeniable talent.
And that is the show. Four hours to vote tonight. Really Ryan. I don't need that long.
I like Kree just fine. She will be a country star, eventually, but my votes go to Candice. I just hope Jimmy doesn't railroad her into a genre she doesn't feel comfortable with.
Friday, May 10, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 3 Results
Rumors have been flying all day concerning Idol. It seems that one media outlet is reporting all four judges will be replaced next season and the show format will be revamped. I agree with a change up to the theme nights. Maybe one oldies night but not every week listening to moldie oldies. Some of that stuff came out before these kids parents were born. Please. More original music might be nice. As for the judges, Nicki must go away. Keith can stay. I don't really care about Randy or Mariah. Randy hasn't had anything new to say in forever and Mariah usually gets cut-off before she gets to the point of her comment.
Late breaking news: Randy has announced he will be leaving Idol at the end of the season. Bye, bye Dawg!!! YO! GO!
Time for the show. There is a weird intro with Ryan and "the cast of the new movie EPIC."
We will have performances from season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina and Alicia Keys as well as the premier of Mariah's new music video for "Beautiful."
Ryan alludes to the Randy leaving announcement when he stands behind Randy and says we will be learning who's leaving Idol.
The three finalists sing a current hit(?) "Who Says" --- (I did a little research and found out it's a Selena Gomez song.) The Idol production crew screws up the mics and we can't hear the girls at first. The whole performance never sounds right.
Ryan tells us to go to the Idol website and vote for which Ford car we want the two finalists to win next week.
This week for the Ford Fiesta Challenge the girls visit with a LA area high school choir.
Time to hear from Jimmy Iovine about the performances of the songs he picked for the girls.
Jimmy thought the whole night was fun because the girls didn't have a say in what they sang and that is just like in the real world. He picked difficult songs for the girls to see what they could do. He felt Angie mad a mistake not playing the piano, but she still won the round.
Jessica Sanchez is in the audience so Ryan can plug her appearance on Glee right after Idol.
Lauren Alaina has grown since her time on Idol. she is working on her second album. She is singing the first single from the new album, "Barefoot and Buckwild." I think Idol still has the sound screwed up. Can't really understand the lyrics. I'll wait to pass judgement when I can hear a better mix of the song. Lauren is looking good. She is definitely all grown up now; 18 and graduating high school at the end of the month.
Nice commerical announcing next season's audition dates and places showing all of the past winners. OH, I see Idol is returning to my town, Austin again on August 7. Now, if they would just bring the Idol Tour here some day.
More from Jimmy.
Round 2 was the judges' choice and "Boy, did they love their choices!" Although both Angie and Candice had very good songs, Kree's performance had the perfect combination of home story and song. Kree won the round.
Mariah took the girls to the studio for a class in Music Video 101. We get to see her new video for "Beautiful" featuring Miguel. Oh my. This is a disturbing video. It is way to sexual!!! What has Idol reduced themselves to?
Now we get a video package about Adam Lambert. He will be doing a performance with one of the Top 10 next week. Yuck!! Wonder who he will perform with?
Alicia Keys "Tears Always Win" Alicia, please save the sinking ship. Well, at least she has good sound since this performance was pre-recorded. You can tell because they purposely avoid showing the empty judges table.
We hear from Jimmy one more time.
Round three was Producer's choice.
Angie did well, but was not extraordinary. Kree gets a "A" for attitude. Candice had "that moment" that every Idol only dreams of having. Candice won the round.
AND FINALLY.....
The first person in the finale is... Candice Glover.
Candice seems sincerely amazed.
The second person in the finale is ... Kree Harrison?????
Kree is totally stunned and so are the judges and everyone else in the building.
Ryan runs the "Gone, Gone, Gone" video package and Angie is a crying mess.
She has to sing her "swan song" and it's not a pretty thing considering all of the tears. Her family comes on stage and that makes her cry more.
Well, I have to say, I am surprised. And yet, I'm not surprised. Angie can do better if she is not the "winner" because she will be able to sign with a label more conducive to her style. I bet if she wants to go Christian, Colton Dixon can help her out there. Jimmy Iovine is not the only record producer in the world. Far from it.
So, we are now all set for the finale Idol has wanted for years. Two girls, one returning for the third time to try and make her mark in the Idol world, the other highly tauted from her first exposure with an emotionally sad back story. I like both girls. I think Candice was not nearly as good as Idol tried to say she was this week. They run the poor kids until they can't go any father. Kree is talented, but has faltered in recent weeks probably from sheer exhaustion too.
I went back to my original notes to see what I wrote about each of these girls the first couple of times we saw them and here is what I found.
Angela Miller- We first saw Angie on the 1st episode of the season on Jan 16 in the New York auditions. We were told that Angie has 40% hearing loss in her left ear and 20 % loss in her right ear. (I don't think this has ever been mentioned again on the show.) She sang "Mama Knows Best." Angie is shown a lot during Hollywood Week including her solo performance of her original song, "You Set Me Free."
Candice Glover- We saw a quick glimpse of Candice on the Charlotte, North Carolina auditions which aired on Jan 23. I don't even know what she sang. I just wrote that I remembered her from last year and she got three "Yes's" because Keith had to leave before her audition. For her Hollywood week solo, Candice performed "This Girl Is On Fire."
Kree Harrison- The first time we see Kree is Hollywood week 3, the first group rounds for the girls. She is part of a dysfunctional group with major personality clashing going on. All three of the other girls - Britney Kellogue, Brandy Neeley, and Halie Davis- are very vocal and obnoxious. One of these girls was the first to write the lyrics to the song on her arm. For her solo performance during Hollywood week, Kree sang "Stars" by Grace Potter and Keith got goose bumps.
TPTB might be tickled pink to have two girls in the finale, but it just seems so weird to me as an Idol viewer.
I guess we will see how it all plays out next week.
Late breaking news: Randy has announced he will be leaving Idol at the end of the season. Bye, bye Dawg!!! YO! GO!
Time for the show. There is a weird intro with Ryan and "the cast of the new movie EPIC."
We will have performances from season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina and Alicia Keys as well as the premier of Mariah's new music video for "Beautiful."
Ryan alludes to the Randy leaving announcement when he stands behind Randy and says we will be learning who's leaving Idol.
The three finalists sing a current hit(?) "Who Says" --- (I did a little research and found out it's a Selena Gomez song.) The Idol production crew screws up the mics and we can't hear the girls at first. The whole performance never sounds right.
Ryan tells us to go to the Idol website and vote for which Ford car we want the two finalists to win next week.
This week for the Ford Fiesta Challenge the girls visit with a LA area high school choir.
Time to hear from Jimmy Iovine about the performances of the songs he picked for the girls.
Jimmy thought the whole night was fun because the girls didn't have a say in what they sang and that is just like in the real world. He picked difficult songs for the girls to see what they could do. He felt Angie mad a mistake not playing the piano, but she still won the round.
Jessica Sanchez is in the audience so Ryan can plug her appearance on Glee right after Idol.
Lauren Alaina has grown since her time on Idol. she is working on her second album. She is singing the first single from the new album, "Barefoot and Buckwild." I think Idol still has the sound screwed up. Can't really understand the lyrics. I'll wait to pass judgement when I can hear a better mix of the song. Lauren is looking good. She is definitely all grown up now; 18 and graduating high school at the end of the month.
Nice commerical announcing next season's audition dates and places showing all of the past winners. OH, I see Idol is returning to my town, Austin again on August 7. Now, if they would just bring the Idol Tour here some day.
More from Jimmy.
Round 2 was the judges' choice and "Boy, did they love their choices!" Although both Angie and Candice had very good songs, Kree's performance had the perfect combination of home story and song. Kree won the round.
Mariah took the girls to the studio for a class in Music Video 101. We get to see her new video for "Beautiful" featuring Miguel. Oh my. This is a disturbing video. It is way to sexual!!! What has Idol reduced themselves to?
Now we get a video package about Adam Lambert. He will be doing a performance with one of the Top 10 next week. Yuck!! Wonder who he will perform with?
Alicia Keys "Tears Always Win" Alicia, please save the sinking ship. Well, at least she has good sound since this performance was pre-recorded. You can tell because they purposely avoid showing the empty judges table.
We hear from Jimmy one more time.
Round three was Producer's choice.
Angie did well, but was not extraordinary. Kree gets a "A" for attitude. Candice had "that moment" that every Idol only dreams of having. Candice won the round.
AND FINALLY.....
The first person in the finale is... Candice Glover.
Candice seems sincerely amazed.
The second person in the finale is ... Kree Harrison?????
Kree is totally stunned and so are the judges and everyone else in the building.
Ryan runs the "Gone, Gone, Gone" video package and Angie is a crying mess.
She has to sing her "swan song" and it's not a pretty thing considering all of the tears. Her family comes on stage and that makes her cry more.
Well, I have to say, I am surprised. And yet, I'm not surprised. Angie can do better if she is not the "winner" because she will be able to sign with a label more conducive to her style. I bet if she wants to go Christian, Colton Dixon can help her out there. Jimmy Iovine is not the only record producer in the world. Far from it.
So, we are now all set for the finale Idol has wanted for years. Two girls, one returning for the third time to try and make her mark in the Idol world, the other highly tauted from her first exposure with an emotionally sad back story. I like both girls. I think Candice was not nearly as good as Idol tried to say she was this week. They run the poor kids until they can't go any father. Kree is talented, but has faltered in recent weeks probably from sheer exhaustion too.
I went back to my original notes to see what I wrote about each of these girls the first couple of times we saw them and here is what I found.
Angela Miller- We first saw Angie on the 1st episode of the season on Jan 16 in the New York auditions. We were told that Angie has 40% hearing loss in her left ear and 20 % loss in her right ear. (I don't think this has ever been mentioned again on the show.) She sang "Mama Knows Best." Angie is shown a lot during Hollywood Week including her solo performance of her original song, "You Set Me Free."
Candice Glover- We saw a quick glimpse of Candice on the Charlotte, North Carolina auditions which aired on Jan 23. I don't even know what she sang. I just wrote that I remembered her from last year and she got three "Yes's" because Keith had to leave before her audition. For her Hollywood week solo, Candice performed "This Girl Is On Fire."
Kree Harrison- The first time we see Kree is Hollywood week 3, the first group rounds for the girls. She is part of a dysfunctional group with major personality clashing going on. All three of the other girls - Britney Kellogue, Brandy Neeley, and Halie Davis- are very vocal and obnoxious. One of these girls was the first to write the lyrics to the song on her arm. For her solo performance during Hollywood week, Kree sang "Stars" by Grace Potter and Keith got goose bumps.
TPTB might be tickled pink to have two girls in the finale, but it just seems so weird to me as an Idol viewer.
I guess we will see how it all plays out next week.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 3 Performances
We are down to three contestants and any Idol fan knows what that means; the emotional Hometown visits were this past weekend. We get a little montage of the visits to set the scene for this weeks show.
Ryan tells us "the race to the finale officially begins" tonight.
This week, each contestant will be singing three songs, none of which they have chosen for themselves. We have picks from Jimmy, the Judges, and the Producers.
First we hear Jimmy's choices.
Kree- "Perfect" by Pink (Odd choice.)
She sounds ok, but looks uncomfortable walking around on stage. Maybe it's the horrible shoes they have her wearing.
Keith says the song proves she's a country girl.
Nicki says she went back to her easy-going feel. She tells Kree to forget the stylists and wear flatter heeled country boots, so she can move around easier.
Randy says he didn't love the song for her. It felt flat.
Mariah thinks it was an interesting song choice by Jimmy. She liked the message but felt Kree could have done more.
Ryan says he asked Jimmy why that song and Jimmy said he wanted Kree to do a pop song.
Candice- "One" by U2
This song has a better energy than Kree's song, but I hear a few pitch problems.
Nicki says Candice did a great job coming close to Mary J Blige's version of the song.
Randy thinks that was a great song choice for her. It may not have been perfect, but the emotion was there. "That girl's in it to win it"
Mariah can't believe Candice was a travel agent before Idol and says she will realize her dreams.
Keith says that was a great song choice and she has such power in her voice.
Ryan tells everyone that Candice hadn't heard that song before this week.
Angie- "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" by Elton John.
Very nice. She didn't add in a lot of unnecessary stuff.
Randy says she did a great job holding back. He really liked it.
Mariah says this was one of the best performances I've seen you do. I enjoyed it.
Keith says she could have held back even more. You can break people's hearts singing gently too. Your voice is spectacular.
Nicki says stellar vocals. "Your bringing it."
Jimmy says Angie won that round.
Judges' song choices after each hometown visit.
Candice- St Helena Island, South Carolina
"Next To Me" Emeli Sande (never heard of Emeli or the song)
It's ok. her vocals sound fine, but the song doesn't do anything for me.
Mariah says it was A+Mazing. "You got reenergized by going home."
Keith says the opening lyrics drew him in like a conversation. At the ending, she was in the zone of melodical riffs and it was so good.
Nicki says "You've come out swinging and I'm so proud of you."
Randy says that was amazing vocally.
Nicki adds that she is proud of Candice because she is so confident on stage now. She can inspire all women.
Angie- Beverly, Massachusetts (Beverly is a suburb of Boston)
"Try" by Pink
She looks so much more comfortable moving around on stage this week.
Keith says he loves that she didn't play piano on this song or the first. "you never looked more comfortable up there.
Nicki says "You've never looked this comfortable doing an up tempo song.
Randy thinks the song fit her like a glove. "She's in it to win it."
Mariah says Angie performed like never before. "You've found your place, and it's on stage."
Kree- Woodville, Texas (I live in Texas and had no idea where this place is so I did a little research. It's a little town, even by Texas small town standards, in the middle of nowhere in East Texas.)
"Here comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts
They gave the "country girl" a country song. She looks comfortable with it. I can't tell if my ears have been affected by my on-going sinus infection or if Kree is a little flat on some of the notes. It might be because of the emotional connection to the song.
Nicki says never to underestimate the power of an emotional trigger. she is proud of Kree and thinks that was one of her best performances to date because she felt every word.
Randy says "We love all of you. This is one of the best Top 3's we've ever had on Idol. You sang your heart out. That was brilliant."
Mariah agrees that the performance was brilliant and adds that there is something so real about Kree.
Keith (who is crying) says that was the perfect song for Kree. "You had me from the beginning."
Jimmy says the judges did a great job picking songs for Angie and Kree. That round went to Kree.
Ryan points out that the rest of the Top 10 are back and in the audience tonight. (I see Paul made it back even though he broke his finger last week and had to have surgery on it. I'm still following him on FB.)
We're down to the last round this week: Idol Productions picks. Now we get to see who TPTB want to win this thing and who they are throwing under the bus this week.
Angie- "Maybe" Emeli Sande
Angie is at the piano. Nice performance of a song I don't know.
Randy says "You sang your heart out. I loved all your performances. Tonight you became a complete performer.
Mariah agreed with Randy, adding that isn't an easy song to sing. "You did an amazing job.
Keith "Your finding your groove."
Nicki "Your growth has surpassed my expectations.
Kree- "Better Dig Two" by The Band Perry
This is a weird choice. Not really a song for one voice.
Mariah says we are getting to see the "rocker" side of Kree but she prefers the "sorrowful" side more.
Keith says he likes the song but it wasn't right for Kree.
Nicki says the song is not in Kree's comfort zone. "Whoever picked that song for you should be stoned."
When you leave the show, I'm buying your album. (And that was "the kiss of death" for Kree. Each week she has said something to a contestant about when they exit the show, that has been the week they are eliminated.)
Randy says the song was too ordinary for Kree. but she did her best with it.
Candice- "Somewhere" from WESTSIDE STORY
(Well, now we know for sure who TPTB want to win this thing.)
This is a big song and it gives Candice a chance to belt it out. I still keep hearing some pitch problems. Maybe its all in my head, because the judges are giving her a Standing O.
Keith "Oh my goodness! What was that? How do you do that? If you want to vote for Candice, call the number on your screen. If you don't want to vote for Candice, Call your doctor, you probably don't have a pulse." (Thanks Keith- saw my doctor yesterday. cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze.)
Nicki "Four words- See you next week!
Randy says Candice is such a pro. Another one of the greatest vocals in Idol history.
Mariah says she's proud of Candice. She has shown everybody she can sing any kind of song.
Jimmy says "Candice didn't just win the round, she won the night."
I say we will see Angie and Candice in the finale next week.
Performances for this week will be from Alicia Keys and Lauren Alaina.
Since Idol chose two different songs from an artist I had never heard of, I had to find out something about her.
Emeli Sande is a Scottish singer and winner of two Brit Awards this past year.
As reported by The Daily Star, Emeli is quoted saying this about Simon
Cowells' X-Factor. “I find it quite depressing. I find it sad that four people are judging these people and really knocking their confidence.
“I don’t think I would have considered appearing on 'The X Factor'... The kids who need music in their lives should just focus on their craft.
“I’d say don’t be in a rush. The pressure they put on kids is for it to happen right now, but your talent will always be there.”
Ryan tells us "the race to the finale officially begins" tonight.
This week, each contestant will be singing three songs, none of which they have chosen for themselves. We have picks from Jimmy, the Judges, and the Producers.
First we hear Jimmy's choices.
Kree- "Perfect" by Pink (Odd choice.)
She sounds ok, but looks uncomfortable walking around on stage. Maybe it's the horrible shoes they have her wearing.
Keith says the song proves she's a country girl.
Nicki says she went back to her easy-going feel. She tells Kree to forget the stylists and wear flatter heeled country boots, so she can move around easier.
Randy says he didn't love the song for her. It felt flat.
Mariah thinks it was an interesting song choice by Jimmy. She liked the message but felt Kree could have done more.
Ryan says he asked Jimmy why that song and Jimmy said he wanted Kree to do a pop song.
Candice- "One" by U2
This song has a better energy than Kree's song, but I hear a few pitch problems.
Nicki says Candice did a great job coming close to Mary J Blige's version of the song.
Randy thinks that was a great song choice for her. It may not have been perfect, but the emotion was there. "That girl's in it to win it"
Mariah can't believe Candice was a travel agent before Idol and says she will realize her dreams.
Keith says that was a great song choice and she has such power in her voice.
Ryan tells everyone that Candice hadn't heard that song before this week.
Angie- "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" by Elton John.
Very nice. She didn't add in a lot of unnecessary stuff.
Randy says she did a great job holding back. He really liked it.
Mariah says this was one of the best performances I've seen you do. I enjoyed it.
Keith says she could have held back even more. You can break people's hearts singing gently too. Your voice is spectacular.
Nicki says stellar vocals. "Your bringing it."
Jimmy says Angie won that round.
Judges' song choices after each hometown visit.
Candice- St Helena Island, South Carolina
"Next To Me" Emeli Sande (never heard of Emeli or the song)
It's ok. her vocals sound fine, but the song doesn't do anything for me.
Mariah says it was A+Mazing. "You got reenergized by going home."
Keith says the opening lyrics drew him in like a conversation. At the ending, she was in the zone of melodical riffs and it was so good.
Nicki says "You've come out swinging and I'm so proud of you."
Randy says that was amazing vocally.
Nicki adds that she is proud of Candice because she is so confident on stage now. She can inspire all women.
Angie- Beverly, Massachusetts (Beverly is a suburb of Boston)
"Try" by Pink
She looks so much more comfortable moving around on stage this week.
Keith says he loves that she didn't play piano on this song or the first. "you never looked more comfortable up there.
Nicki says "You've never looked this comfortable doing an up tempo song.
Randy thinks the song fit her like a glove. "She's in it to win it."
Mariah says Angie performed like never before. "You've found your place, and it's on stage."
Kree- Woodville, Texas (I live in Texas and had no idea where this place is so I did a little research. It's a little town, even by Texas small town standards, in the middle of nowhere in East Texas.)
"Here comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts
They gave the "country girl" a country song. She looks comfortable with it. I can't tell if my ears have been affected by my on-going sinus infection or if Kree is a little flat on some of the notes. It might be because of the emotional connection to the song.
Nicki says never to underestimate the power of an emotional trigger. she is proud of Kree and thinks that was one of her best performances to date because she felt every word.
Randy says "We love all of you. This is one of the best Top 3's we've ever had on Idol. You sang your heart out. That was brilliant."
Mariah agrees that the performance was brilliant and adds that there is something so real about Kree.
Keith (who is crying) says that was the perfect song for Kree. "You had me from the beginning."
Jimmy says the judges did a great job picking songs for Angie and Kree. That round went to Kree.
Ryan points out that the rest of the Top 10 are back and in the audience tonight. (I see Paul made it back even though he broke his finger last week and had to have surgery on it. I'm still following him on FB.)
We're down to the last round this week: Idol Productions picks. Now we get to see who TPTB want to win this thing and who they are throwing under the bus this week.
Angie- "Maybe" Emeli Sande
Angie is at the piano. Nice performance of a song I don't know.
Randy says "You sang your heart out. I loved all your performances. Tonight you became a complete performer.
Mariah agreed with Randy, adding that isn't an easy song to sing. "You did an amazing job.
Keith "Your finding your groove."
Nicki "Your growth has surpassed my expectations.
Kree- "Better Dig Two" by The Band Perry
This is a weird choice. Not really a song for one voice.
Mariah says we are getting to see the "rocker" side of Kree but she prefers the "sorrowful" side more.
Keith says he likes the song but it wasn't right for Kree.
Nicki says the song is not in Kree's comfort zone. "Whoever picked that song for you should be stoned."
When you leave the show, I'm buying your album. (And that was "the kiss of death" for Kree. Each week she has said something to a contestant about when they exit the show, that has been the week they are eliminated.)
Randy says the song was too ordinary for Kree. but she did her best with it.
Candice- "Somewhere" from WESTSIDE STORY
(Well, now we know for sure who TPTB want to win this thing.)
This is a big song and it gives Candice a chance to belt it out. I still keep hearing some pitch problems. Maybe its all in my head, because the judges are giving her a Standing O.
Keith "Oh my goodness! What was that? How do you do that? If you want to vote for Candice, call the number on your screen. If you don't want to vote for Candice, Call your doctor, you probably don't have a pulse." (Thanks Keith- saw my doctor yesterday. cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze.)
Nicki "Four words- See you next week!
Randy says Candice is such a pro. Another one of the greatest vocals in Idol history.
Mariah says she's proud of Candice. She has shown everybody she can sing any kind of song.
Jimmy says "Candice didn't just win the round, she won the night."
I say we will see Angie and Candice in the finale next week.
Performances for this week will be from Alicia Keys and Lauren Alaina.
Since Idol chose two different songs from an artist I had never heard of, I had to find out something about her.
Emeli Sande is a Scottish singer and winner of two Brit Awards this past year.
As reported by The Daily Star, Emeli is quoted saying this about Simon
Cowells' X-Factor. “I find it quite depressing. I find it sad that four people are judging these people and really knocking their confidence.
“I don’t think I would have considered appearing on 'The X Factor'... The kids who need music in their lives should just focus on their craft.
“I’d say don’t be in a rush. The pressure they put on kids is for it to happen right now, but your talent will always be there.”
Friday, May 3, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 4 Results Again
IF YOUR LOOKING FOR THE POSTS ABOUT DAVID ARCHULETA,
Scroll on down a little past the two Idol posts.
Sorry I'm so late posting, I'm still sick and I dropped a full mug of hot tea on the keyboard this AM. Not working too well.
The results show started out with a video montage of previous seasons Top 3 Hometown Visits and the girls all talking about hoping to make Top 3 this season.
Nice, Cookie is in the house. David Cook, that is.
The top 4 give us a performance of "Crazy In Love" from the movie, The Great Gatsby.
For this week's Ford Fiesta Challenge the girls are working with a graphic artist to design wraps for a couple of Ford Fiestas using their favorite types of music as the themes.
Jimmy has an opinion on the performances.
Angie could have wrapped up the win but didn't. she won't be going home.
Amber sounded karaoke on the contemporary song but magnificent on the standard.
Candice was magnificent on both songs.
Kree hasn't lived up to her full potential the last couple of weeks. She was good on both songs, but not great on either one.
David Cook is back to perform his new single, "Lay Me Low." Awww, Mariah remembers which one of her songs he sang the week she mentored in Season 7.
We get a pre-recorded performance by Will.I.Am of "Bang, Bang" form his upcoming album and featured on The Great Gatsby. I didn't know Will could tap. The song is very annoying. Hopefully it fits better in the movie.
It's Throw Back Thursday. We watch a video package telling us what Season 4 contestant Constantine Maroulis has been up to. Broadway!
Harry Connick Jr hits the stage to perform the title track from his upcoming album, "Every Man Should Know." I like it. It's not like the stuff we normally hear on Idol. I hope the rumors are true and Harry will be joining the judges panel. Ditch Randy and Nicki and keep Keith and Mariah. that would be a great group.
Time for the results:
The three who are safe and going on their Hometown Visits are,
Angie (My first place choice)
Candice (My second place choice)
Kree (My third place choice)
Amber is out of the competition.
After watching her journey package, she tries to sing, but starts to fall apart. Ryan brings dad on stage to comfort her.
I really think Amber might have gone farther in the competition if Nicki and Randy had stopped with the young Whitney Houston comments.
Well, we'll see how next week unfolds. Any predictions on the winner?
Thursday, May 2, 2013
American Idol 12: The Top 4, Part 2
So here we are again. I will just tell you now, I have been sick all week and really don't have the energy for a long post and lots of typing so... this will be shorter than normal.
The top 4 were all saved last week because the judges didn't used the season's save and Idol had to do something. I am going to assume it was the overly hyped Amber scheduled to leave last week. This week someone has to go home. No matter what TPTB think.
This week's themes: Songs from 2013 and Standards. Our mentor is Harry Connick, Jr.
First up are the songs of 2013.
Angie- Diamonds- Rhianna
Harry and Angie act silly but he gives her great advice too.
Angie performs seated at the piano. I like this version of the song. Simple.
Keith commends her for her change-up, but says it doesn't go anywhere.
Nicki says it was bland and lackluster.
Randy agrees with Keith
Mariah said it was an interesting choice.
Nicki stats arguing with Mariah about their opinions.
Amber- Pink- Just Give Me A Reason
She doesn't know the lyrics when she meets with Harry.
I don't know the song and I doubt if I will look it up after this. Blah. Flat, screechy
Nicki likes her jeans but not her performance.
Randy says it was not stellar.
Mariah says that is a difficult song to learn quickly.
Keith says she did fantastic under the circumstances.
Candice- Bruno Mars- When I was Your Man
Harry wonders why she chose this song. He wouldn't do a females song without changing it up.
The vocals sound fine, but I agree with Harry on the gender thing.
Randy says if you can sing, you can sing anything. That was amazing. (OK, now we know who had the lowest votes last week. Like the pimping begin.)
Mariah loved it.
Keith thinks she could sing about being a giraffe and it wouldn't matter.
Nicki says that deserved a standing ovation and has everyone stand at that point. (Yep! She had the lowest votes last week.)
Kree- Carrie Underwood- See You Again
Harry loves her take on the song, but tells her not to do the "ooooooo" stuff.
Kree is seated next to an acoustic with just a slide guitar on the stage with them. Nice beginning. Oops, now we have the hidden band join in. She should have gotten up when the power changed.
Mariah says she felt Kree connected to the song.
Keith says he felt disconnected because of the dichotomy between the simple stage and the power ballad when the full band joined in.
Nicki Loved her Kreedom performance.
Randy says she's in it to win it.
Harry comes out to say he loved the performance.
Round Two- The Standards (Harry's speciality)
Angie- Someone To Watch Over Me
Angie's mom used to sing this a lot.
Harry says not to sing notes not in the chords (Leave out the runs.)
The beginning is very pretty. Too much music going on in the middle to properly hear Angie. Arrangement problem.
Keith says it was beautiful, but questions why "then" has to be so "Then."
Nicki says Angie reminds her of a Disney Princess and feels she could do that kind of music or Broadway. (I don't think she meant that in a nice way.)
Randy loved the beginning but not the arrangement of the middle. He gave Angie credit for holding him attention throughout the confusing middle part.
Mariah loves that Angie's mom sang this song because her mom did also. Mariah disagrees with Nicki's comment and an argument ensues. Nicki pulls out a Q-Tip for Mariah to clean out her ears. Ouch.
Amber- My Funny Valentine
The girl is striking out with Harry, she doesn't have a clue what the song is about. He tells she has to know what it about to sing it properly. He also says to leave out the runs.
Well, she puts in lots of runs and high notes. Doesn't look like she listened much to Harry.
She gets a Standing O from the judges. (WHY?)
Nicki says that was so beautiful.
Randy says she made a lot of believers with that performance.
Mariah says she went back to the spirit she had when she first snag that song.
Keith realizes that the audience has no energy and that is effecting everyone's performances.
Ryan talks to Harry who says he told all four not to do runs in standards and Amber shouldn't have put in the high notes at the end of her performance. It didn't make sense.
Candice- Billie Holiday's You've Changed
Harry says it is more important to sing the lyrics and mean them to try and make the song something it is not.
Candice seems to have lost some of her better techniques. That "aaaeeeee" sound at the end of the song was yucky.
Randy says Candice is in it to win it.
Mariah says there is no critiquing.
Keith says it was a great performance,
Nicki says she has nothing to add.
Kree- Stormy Weather
Harry says sing simply. You don't need runs. Listen to the original version from Lena Horn.
Well, Kree didn't listen to Harry either. Runs all over the place. So much for an awesome mentor.
Mariah thought she should have chosen a more bluesy song.
Keith agreed with Harry about the lyrics and thinks she should have chosen another song.
Nicki wishes she would have focused on the song choice this week.
Randy tells her to stick to who she is and believes she did a good job.
Ryan asks Harry for his opinion and Keith brings him up to the judges table to debate with Randy.
Group performance- Wings- Little Mix
Too much with all the backup singing and dancing girls marching around and flashpots. Ugh.
Well, I don't think any of them were stellar this week. No one really listened to all Harry said.
I'll rate them from top to bottom: Angie, Candice, Kree, Amber. And believe me, I really hate putting my two Texas girls at the bottom of the pile.
Looks like the results will have highs and lows. Performing this week: Will.i.am (low), David Cook (hopefully high), and Harry Connick Jr (a definite highlight).
The top 4 were all saved last week because the judges didn't used the season's save and Idol had to do something. I am going to assume it was the overly hyped Amber scheduled to leave last week. This week someone has to go home. No matter what TPTB think.
This week's themes: Songs from 2013 and Standards. Our mentor is Harry Connick, Jr.
First up are the songs of 2013.
Angie- Diamonds- Rhianna
Harry and Angie act silly but he gives her great advice too.
Angie performs seated at the piano. I like this version of the song. Simple.
Keith commends her for her change-up, but says it doesn't go anywhere.
Nicki says it was bland and lackluster.
Randy agrees with Keith
Mariah said it was an interesting choice.
Nicki stats arguing with Mariah about their opinions.
Amber- Pink- Just Give Me A Reason
She doesn't know the lyrics when she meets with Harry.
I don't know the song and I doubt if I will look it up after this. Blah. Flat, screechy
Nicki likes her jeans but not her performance.
Randy says it was not stellar.
Mariah says that is a difficult song to learn quickly.
Keith says she did fantastic under the circumstances.
Candice- Bruno Mars- When I was Your Man
Harry wonders why she chose this song. He wouldn't do a females song without changing it up.
The vocals sound fine, but I agree with Harry on the gender thing.
Randy says if you can sing, you can sing anything. That was amazing. (OK, now we know who had the lowest votes last week. Like the pimping begin.)
Mariah loved it.
Keith thinks she could sing about being a giraffe and it wouldn't matter.
Nicki says that deserved a standing ovation and has everyone stand at that point. (Yep! She had the lowest votes last week.)
Kree- Carrie Underwood- See You Again
Harry loves her take on the song, but tells her not to do the "ooooooo" stuff.
Kree is seated next to an acoustic with just a slide guitar on the stage with them. Nice beginning. Oops, now we have the hidden band join in. She should have gotten up when the power changed.
Mariah says she felt Kree connected to the song.
Keith says he felt disconnected because of the dichotomy between the simple stage and the power ballad when the full band joined in.
Nicki Loved her Kreedom performance.
Randy says she's in it to win it.
Harry comes out to say he loved the performance.
Round Two- The Standards (Harry's speciality)
Angie- Someone To Watch Over Me
Angie's mom used to sing this a lot.
Harry says not to sing notes not in the chords (Leave out the runs.)
The beginning is very pretty. Too much music going on in the middle to properly hear Angie. Arrangement problem.
Keith says it was beautiful, but questions why "then" has to be so "Then."
Nicki says Angie reminds her of a Disney Princess and feels she could do that kind of music or Broadway. (I don't think she meant that in a nice way.)
Randy loved the beginning but not the arrangement of the middle. He gave Angie credit for holding him attention throughout the confusing middle part.
Mariah loves that Angie's mom sang this song because her mom did also. Mariah disagrees with Nicki's comment and an argument ensues. Nicki pulls out a Q-Tip for Mariah to clean out her ears. Ouch.
Amber- My Funny Valentine
The girl is striking out with Harry, she doesn't have a clue what the song is about. He tells she has to know what it about to sing it properly. He also says to leave out the runs.
Well, she puts in lots of runs and high notes. Doesn't look like she listened much to Harry.
She gets a Standing O from the judges. (WHY?)
Nicki says that was so beautiful.
Randy says she made a lot of believers with that performance.
Mariah says she went back to the spirit she had when she first snag that song.
Keith realizes that the audience has no energy and that is effecting everyone's performances.
Ryan talks to Harry who says he told all four not to do runs in standards and Amber shouldn't have put in the high notes at the end of her performance. It didn't make sense.
Candice- Billie Holiday's You've Changed
Harry says it is more important to sing the lyrics and mean them to try and make the song something it is not.
Candice seems to have lost some of her better techniques. That "aaaeeeee" sound at the end of the song was yucky.
Randy says Candice is in it to win it.
Mariah says there is no critiquing.
Keith says it was a great performance,
Nicki says she has nothing to add.
Kree- Stormy Weather
Harry says sing simply. You don't need runs. Listen to the original version from Lena Horn.
Well, Kree didn't listen to Harry either. Runs all over the place. So much for an awesome mentor.
Mariah thought she should have chosen a more bluesy song.
Keith agreed with Harry about the lyrics and thinks she should have chosen another song.
Nicki wishes she would have focused on the song choice this week.
Randy tells her to stick to who she is and believes she did a good job.
Ryan asks Harry for his opinion and Keith brings him up to the judges table to debate with Randy.
Group performance- Wings- Little Mix
Too much with all the backup singing and dancing girls marching around and flashpots. Ugh.
Well, I don't think any of them were stellar this week. No one really listened to all Harry said.
I'll rate them from top to bottom: Angie, Candice, Kree, Amber. And believe me, I really hate putting my two Texas girls at the bottom of the pile.
Looks like the results will have highs and lows. Performing this week: Will.i.am (low), David Cook (hopefully high), and Harry Connick Jr (a definite highlight).
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
It's Time For A David Archuleta Sing-A-Long
Back in March 2011, I started listing all of the songs David Archuleta has performed, either in their entirety or partially. Most of these have been performed during concerts, but many others have just been impromptu covers of a song by David when a fan or interviewer has said something that triggered David’s jukebox brain. As of July 2012, I have compiled a list of over 200 song.
** NEW AND IMPROVED LISTINGS AS OF MAY 1, 2013 INCLUDING SONGS PERFORMED WHILE ON MISSION IN CHILE AS REPORTED BY THOSE IN ATTENDANCE, PREVIOUSLY MISSED SONGS FROM GROUP PERFORMANCES ON IDOL INCLUDING FORD COMMERCIALS, AND DAVID'S NEW ALBUM, "NO MATTER HOW FAR," RELEASED ON MARCH 26, 2013.**
***I have now also included a reference as to when or where each of these took place.***
If you know of another song I have missed, please leave me a comment with the name and when/where.
9 TO 5 (AI7)
A DAILY ANTHEM (w/Cook LIVE in Manila)
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME (Star Search)
A LITTLE TOO NOT OVER YOU (Self-titled album)
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME (w/ Ann Arbor Symphony)
A MOMENT LIKE THIS (pre-Idol)
A THOUSAND MILES (Many times)
ABOVE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (w/ Mannheim Steamroller for Pandora skate)
AIN'T NO STOPPING US NOW (AI7)
10 AIN'T NO SUNSHINE (Star Search)
ALL I ASK OF YOU (AI7)
ALL MY LOVING (AI7)
AMAZING GRACE (w/ Osmond Brothers)
AMERICA (Stadium of Fire)
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL (US Open and many times)
AND I AM TELLING YOU (Star Search)
AND SO IT GOES (AI7)
ANGEL (Begin. album)
ANGELS (AI7 and many other times)
20 ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY (MoTab Glad Christmas Tidings)
ANGELS IN THE ALLEYWAY (Pre Idol)
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH (Christmas From the Heart album)
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE (AI7)
APOLOGIZE (AI7 and tour)
A PURO DOLOR (Mentor's International Gala)
AQUI ESTOY YO (Live chat)
AVE MARIA (Christmas From the Heart album)
A WHOLE NEW WORLD (StarHub chat)
BARRIERS (Self-titled album)
30 BEAUTIFUL (Begin. album)
BECAUSE (AI7)
BEND ME, SHAPE ME (AI7)
BEST I CAN (One Voice Childrens Choir album featuring David)
BE STILL, MY SOUL (Begin. album and many other times)
BLACKBIRD (Ponds Teen Concert and others)
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER (Begin. album)
BROKEN (Begin. album)
BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELLING SALVATION SHOW (AI7)
BUBBLY (Solo tour 2009)
40 CAN'T BUY ME LOVE (AI7)
CASTLE ON A CLOUD (first song David learned)
CATCH THE WIND (AI7)
CHECK YES JULIET (w/ We The Kings in Louisville 2010)
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN (My Kind of Christmas tour and more)
COME ON, GET HIGHER (video log)
COMO LA FLOR (Solo tour 2009/ first in San Antonio and Tejano Music awards)
COMPLAIN (The Other Side of Down album)
CONTIGO EN LA DISTANCIA (Alma Awards and more)
CRAKLIN' ROSIE (AI7)
50 CRAZY (AI7 and more)
CRUSH (first single post Idol from self-titled album)
DESPERATE (self-titled album)
¿DONDE HALLO EL SOLAZ? (Oct. devotionals 2012 Chile)
DON'T GIVE UP (Begin. album)
DON'T LET GO (Self-titled album)
DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME (AI7)
DON'T RUN AWAY ( No Matter How Far album)
DON'T STOP BELIEVING (Sun Bowl Dec31, 2009)
DON'T TELL ME (Pre Idol)
60 DREAM SKY HIGH (Pre Idol and more)
ELEVATOR (The Other Side of Down album)
EL NINO TAMBOR (Christmas devotionals 2012 Chile)
EVERYBODY HURTS (Begin. album)
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD (Asian tour 2011 and more)
EVERYTHING AND MORE (The Other Side of Down Extended version And No Matter How Far albums)
EYE OF THE TIGER (Chile Oct. 2012 devotional)
FA LA LA LA LA (My Kind Of Christmas tour)
FALLIN (Star Search)
FALLING (Self-titled album)
70 FALLING STARS (The Other Side of Down and tour)
FATHER FIGURE (AI7)
FELIZ NAVIDAD (Christmas From the Heart Tour)
FIELDS OF GOLD (Christmas From the Heart Tour)
FOREVERMORE (Forevermore Philippines Release and No Matter How Far albums)
FREEDOM (AI7)
GESU BAMBINO (Motab Glad Christmas Tidings)
GET READY (AI7)
GET THERE (Star Search)
GOD BLESS AMERICA (several occasions)
80 GOD BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD (Utah book signing)
GOD SENT HIS SON (Chile Oct. 2012 devotional)
GOOD PLACE (The Other Side Of Down album)
GO THE DISTANCE (Chile Oct. 2012 devotional)
GOTTA GET THROUGH THIS (Invisible Children Break the Silence and Asia tour)
GRACIAS A LA VIDA (Chile Oct. 2012 devotional)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (several occasions)
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Christmas From the Heart album)
HEART FALLS OUT (No Matter How Far album)
HEAVEN (AI7 and many other times)
90 HEAVEN CAN WAIT (w/ We The Kings SLC Feb 2010)
HELP! (AI7)
HERO (AI7 duet with Cook)
HERO (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
HEY SOUL SISTER ( AI VIP party 2010)
HOLD ON (Forevermore Philippines release album)
HOOKED ON A FEELIN (Idol bus signing)
HOW GREAT THOU ART (fireside)
I AM A CHILD OF GOD (Meet and Greet My Kind Of Christmas tour)
I BELIEVE IN CHRIST (Fireside)
100 I COULD NOT ASK FOR MORE (pre-Idol)
I FEEL FINE (AI7)
I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE (AI7)
I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE (AI7)
I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES (Chile 2012 devotional)
I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE (Chile Oct. 2012 devotional)
I NEED A SILENT NIGHT (My Kind of Christmas tour)
I THOUGHT I'D SEEN EVERYTHING (AI7)
I SAW THE LIGHT (AI7)
I SURRENDER (Star Search)
110 I WANT TO BREAK FREE (AI7)
I WANT TO KNOW YOU (Hannah Montana)
I WANT YOU TO WANT ME (AI7)
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU (For NYC firefighters Post 9/11)
IF I COULD ONLY BE (AI VIP party 2010)
I'LL BE (Solo tour 2009 and many other times)
I'LL BE THERE (Pre-Idol)
I'LL NEVER GO (Forevermore Philippines Release and No Matter How Far albums)
I'M SO EXCITED (AI7)
I'M TRYING TO BE LIKE JESUS (My Kind Of Christmas Meet and Greet)
120 I'M YOURS (Solo tour 2009)
IMAGINE (AI7 and more)
IN THIS MOMENT (AI7)
IT'S TRICKY (AI7)
JOY TO THE WORLD (Christmas From the Heart and MoTab concert)
JOYFUL, JOYFUL (Pre-Idol)
LA VIDA UN ES CARNAVAL (Chile)
LEAN ON ME (Solo Tour and other times)
LET IT BE (special appearance with Brooke White, Michael Johns, Benton Paul and MKOC tour)
LET ME GO (self-titled album iTunes bonus track)
130 LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE (Build a Bear benefit)
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL (AI7)
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY (AI Disney Experience)
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (MKOC tour)
LIVE YOUR LIFE (radio interview)
LONGER (AI7)
LOOK AROUND (The Other Side of Down album)
LOS PASTORES A BELEN (MoTab - Glad Christmas Tidings)
LOVE DON'T HATE (TOSOD Asian Tour edition and No Matter How Far albums)
LOVE LOCKDOWN (Radio interview)
140 LOVE ME TENDER (AI7)
LOVE SONG (Solo tour 2009)
MAN IN THE MIRROR (MKOC tour Meet and Greet)
MARIA SABIAS QUE (Chile Christmas 2012 devotional)
MARY DID YOU KNOW (Pre-Idol)
MAYBE (Forevermore album)
MAYBE I'M AMAZED (Fox and Friends TV promo appearance)
MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS (Christmas From The Heart album and tour)
MY COUNTRY TIS OF THEE (Stadium of Fire 2011)
MY GIRL (Seventeen Mag Interview Malaysia)
150 MY HANDS (Self-titled album and many tour stops)
MY KIND OF PERFECT (The Other Side of Down album and many tour stops)
NANDITO AKO (Philippines TV series)
NATURE BOY (Star Search)
NEEDLES AND PINS (AI7)
NO AIR (With Jordin Sparks for Starkey Hearing foundation benefit)
NO ME QUEDAS MAS (Tejano Music awards in San Antonio)
NOT A VERY GOOD LIAR (Rexburg concert)
NOTHING ELSE BETTER TO DO (TOSOD Japanese Edition and No Matter How Far albums)
NOTICE ME (The Other Side of Down Asian Tour Edition and No Matter How Far albums)
160 O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (Christmas From The Heart album)
O HOLY NIGHT (Christmas From The Heart album)
O MY FATHER (MTC and Chile July 2012 devotional)
ONE (Solo tour 2009)
ONE SWEET DAY (AI7)
PARACHUTES AND AIRPLANES (The Other Side of Down)
PARA SIEMPRE DIOS ESTE CON VOS (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
PAT A PAN (Christmas From The Heart album and tour)
PLEASE DON'T STOP THE MUSIC (AI7 and Idol tour)
PRAYER OF THE CHILDREN (Christmas From The Heart Tour)
170 PRIDE -IN THE NAME OF LOVE (Begin. album)
PROUD MARY (With Brooke White, Michael Johns, Benton Paul )
QUE FIRMES CIMIENTOS (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
RAINBOW (Forevermore album)
REACHING OUT (Forevermore album)
READY TO GO (radio interview)
REELIN' IN THE YEARS (AI7)
RIBBON IN THE SKY (Video log)
RIGHT BACK WHERE WE STARTED FROM (AI7)
RING OF FIRE (AI7)
180 RIU RIU CHIU (Christmas From The Heart)
ROCK A BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
ROCKIN AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (EXTRA interview)
RUNNING (Self-titled album)
SANTA LA NOCHE (Chile Christmas 2012 devotional)
SAVE THE DAY (Self-titled album Japanese bonus track)
SEASONS OF LOVE (AI7)
SENSELESS (Unreleased /Leaked track)
SHE'S NOT YOU (Unreleased /Leaked track)
SHOP AROUND (AI7)
190 SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO (AI7)
SHOUT TO THE LORD (AI7)
SILENT NIGHT (Christmas From The Heart/ MoTab/ tour)
SMOKY MOUNTAINS MEMORIES (AI7)
SOMEBODY (AI7)
SOMEBODY OUT THERE (self-titled album bonus track)
SOMETHING ABOUT LOVE (The Other Side of Down album)
SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW (Begin. album)
SOMOS EL MUNDO (Spanish language Haiti benefit performance)
SOUND OF SILENCE (Invisible Children benefit)
200 STAND BY ME (AI7 and Idol tour)
STAR SPANGLED BANNER (multiple times)
STOMPING THE ROSES (The Other Side of Down album)
SUEÑA -SOMEDAY (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
SUS MANOS (Chile Easter Devotional 2013)
SWEET CAROLINE (AI7)
TAINTED LOVE (AI7)
TATOO (Radio Interview)
TELL ME (Forevermore and No Matter How Far albums)
THE CAT AND MOUSE CAROL (MoTab Glad Christmas Tidings)
210 THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Atlanta JingleJam and MKOC tour)
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (The Other Side of Down album bonus track)
THE DISTANCE (AI7)
THE END (AI7)
THE FIRST NOEL (Christmas From The Heart album)
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD (AI7)
THE MAN WHO CAN'T BE MOVED (Asia interview)
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF THIS (Pre-Idol release)
THE PRAYER (Chile Christmas 2012 devotional)
THE OTHER SIDE OF DOWN (The Other Side of Down album)
220 THE RIDDLE (Christmas From The Heart tour)
THE SPIRIT OF GOD (Mentor's International visit to Honduras and MTC fireside)
THESE WORDS (Art Prize- Grand Rapids, MI)
THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE (AI7)
THINGS ARE GONNA GET BETTER (The Other Side of Down album)
THINK OF ME (AI7)
THIS CHRISTMAS (MKOC tour)
TO BE WITH YOU (self-titled album)
TOUCH MY HAND (self-titled album)
TRUE COLORS (Begin. album)
230 UN MINUTO MAS (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
WAIT (The Other Side of Down Asian Tour Edition and No Matter How Far albums)
WAITING ON YESTERDAY (Self-titled album bonus track)
WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE (AI7 audition song)
WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS (Snarky Archies Interview)
WE CAN WORK IT OUT (AI7)
WHAT A FEELING (AI7)
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
WHAT CHILD IS THIS (Christmas From the Heart album)
WHEN YOU BELIEVE (AI7)
240 WHEN YOU SAY YOU LOVE ME (AI7)
WHEREVER YOU ARE (Forevermore album)
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS (AI7)
WHO I AM (The Other Side of Down album)
WHO'S LOVING YOU (Star Search)
WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (Star Search)
WITH YOU (AI7)
WORKS FOR ME (self-titled album bonus track)
YOU ARE MY SONG (Forevermore album)
YOU CAN (self-titled album)
250 YOU GOTTA BE (Solo tour 2009)
YOU RAISE ME UP (Chile Oct 2012 devotional)
YOU'RE ALL I NEED (Star Search)
YOU'RE THE VOICE (AI7)
YOUR EYES DON'T LIE (self-titled album)
ZERO GRAVITY (The Other Side of Down Asian Tour Edition)
David Archuleta Reaches Another Milestone
Friday, May 3, 2013 marks another milestone in David Archuleta's life, and in the lives of his faithful fans. On this day, David will celebrate his 400th day of service as an LDS Missionary. His two year commitment is already over halfway complete. There are 330 days remaining in David's adventure, give or take a few to adjust for the timing of changes and departure dates. It really is amazing how fast time has gone by.
I wanted to celebrate this milestone a little differently than the normal crazy poetry and ramblings I usually post, so I created a fun little graphic. I hope you like it.
I wanted to celebrate this milestone a little differently than the normal crazy poetry and ramblings I usually post, so I created a fun little graphic. I hope you like it.
Friday, April 26, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 4 Results
We start the show off with a video package showing what the girls have been up to since Janelle was cut last week; basically rehearsals, red carpets, hospital visits, and Brit Week activities at a mansion.
Ryan teases us with "the shocking news that will affect the judges and turn the competition upside down."
Of course, we all know it will involve the judges' save.
We see more from the girls' visit to the LA Children's Hospital where Idol's musical director, Michael Orland introduced the girls as "The Fabulous Four."
The Top 4 perform Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire." It's ok, but they weren't "on fire."
This week the Ford Fiesta Mission says the girls will each spend the day with Ryan Seacrest. Each girl is given a different place to go and meet Ryan but he has always just left that place. (Because he is such a busy man.) When they finally catch up with Ryan, there are 4 of him instead of 1. LOL
[You know, I really miss the old Ford videos that the finalists made back in Season 7. That season the Top 4 performed Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" while dressed in Matador outfits. David Archuleta and Jason Castro were definitely "On Fire" in that video. Syesha and Cookie, not so much. LOL]
Oh, goodie. Now we get a video of "Something we don't know about the girls.' Each girl has to come up with 5 things in 20 seconds. Only Amber can do that. It isn't that funny or interesting.
Time for some results: Not
Jimmy's opinion of the performances.
Amber-- She did a great job on "Power of Love" but the choice of "MacArthur Park" was wrong. No one knows what that song is about so how could she interpret the lyrics.
Kree-- She needed to redeem herself after the first song. I agree with Keith, she did not.
Our first guest performance is a pleasant surprise. Stefano Langone from Season 10 is back with his single "Yes To Love." He sounds and looks great. I had heard this song at Valentine's but this live performance is even better. Unfortunately, there is not a post performance interview.
Back to Jimmy's opinions.
Candice-- She has a big voice and big voices are difficult to maintain. In the real world you don't sing 7 days a week, 3 times a day. She needs to protect her voice, speak less, just focus on the contest. The song choices this week were safe.
Ryan tells Candice that Drake has left her a voice message. Of course, after a few the stage doors open and Drake is there in person. Candice freaks out. This girl has a major crush on him for sure.
As we go to commercial, Ryan says Season 9 winner, Lee Dewyze is up next. That has to be the first time Lee has returned to Idol since he won. He was shunned from the Season 10 finale and was really hurt by that. Nice to see him back on Idol. He might not be the most charismatic winner Idol ever had, but I happened to like him back in the day. That whole season was wonky.
Lee's video package is nice. It shows how things didn't go as expected, but have worked out for him. He met his now wife on the scene of his first video shoot. Lee seems to be very happy and positive. He is singing the first single off his new album "Silver Lining." Now that has to be a positive song. Wow, it sounds like Mumford and Sons or The Lumineers. I like it. He has a stage full of singers and musicians with him. Safety in numbers is always good when returning to Idol. Darn, we don't get a post-performance interview with Lee either.
Ok, Jimmy says one more time.
Angie-- Angie won the night hands down. Why, she had two great songs and two great performances. I prefer her on the piano. She looks more natural there. When she stands up, she is a little more in her head, thinking about performing. If she wants to win this thing, I'd stay where she's most natural.
Ryan tells Angie that Jessie J tweeted about the performance.
Results:
Ryan divides them into two groups, Amber / Candice and Angie/ Kree.
Candice and Amber are the bottom two.
Kree and Angie are safe.
"The person who could be leaving tonight is ........ NO ONE! Surprise! Not!!!
Ryan explains that since the judges did not use the save, for the first time since it was implemented, there is an extra week, so this week all are safe. This week's 36 million votes will be added to next week's vote and someone will be eliminated then.
So there you have it. No one is cut this week, just as I thought. Next week's theme is "Now and Then." So something current-ish and something old again. Another chance for Amber to sing Whitney or Celine. Wonderful. Not.
At least I can look forward to a performance from Season 7 winner, David Cook. I wonder if anyone will mention that David Archuleta is in the middle of his two year mission for the LDS church. Probably not.
Ryan teases us with "the shocking news that will affect the judges and turn the competition upside down."
Of course, we all know it will involve the judges' save.
We see more from the girls' visit to the LA Children's Hospital where Idol's musical director, Michael Orland introduced the girls as "The Fabulous Four."
The Top 4 perform Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire." It's ok, but they weren't "on fire."
This week the Ford Fiesta Mission says the girls will each spend the day with Ryan Seacrest. Each girl is given a different place to go and meet Ryan but he has always just left that place. (Because he is such a busy man.) When they finally catch up with Ryan, there are 4 of him instead of 1. LOL
[You know, I really miss the old Ford videos that the finalists made back in Season 7. That season the Top 4 performed Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" while dressed in Matador outfits. David Archuleta and Jason Castro were definitely "On Fire" in that video. Syesha and Cookie, not so much. LOL]
Oh, goodie. Now we get a video of "Something we don't know about the girls.' Each girl has to come up with 5 things in 20 seconds. Only Amber can do that. It isn't that funny or interesting.
Time for some results: Not
Jimmy's opinion of the performances.
Amber-- She did a great job on "Power of Love" but the choice of "MacArthur Park" was wrong. No one knows what that song is about so how could she interpret the lyrics.
Kree-- She needed to redeem herself after the first song. I agree with Keith, she did not.
Our first guest performance is a pleasant surprise. Stefano Langone from Season 10 is back with his single "Yes To Love." He sounds and looks great. I had heard this song at Valentine's but this live performance is even better. Unfortunately, there is not a post performance interview.
Back to Jimmy's opinions.
Candice-- She has a big voice and big voices are difficult to maintain. In the real world you don't sing 7 days a week, 3 times a day. She needs to protect her voice, speak less, just focus on the contest. The song choices this week were safe.
Ryan tells Candice that Drake has left her a voice message. Of course, after a few the stage doors open and Drake is there in person. Candice freaks out. This girl has a major crush on him for sure.
As we go to commercial, Ryan says Season 9 winner, Lee Dewyze is up next. That has to be the first time Lee has returned to Idol since he won. He was shunned from the Season 10 finale and was really hurt by that. Nice to see him back on Idol. He might not be the most charismatic winner Idol ever had, but I happened to like him back in the day. That whole season was wonky.
Lee's video package is nice. It shows how things didn't go as expected, but have worked out for him. He met his now wife on the scene of his first video shoot. Lee seems to be very happy and positive. He is singing the first single off his new album "Silver Lining." Now that has to be a positive song. Wow, it sounds like Mumford and Sons or The Lumineers. I like it. He has a stage full of singers and musicians with him. Safety in numbers is always good when returning to Idol. Darn, we don't get a post-performance interview with Lee either.
Ok, Jimmy says one more time.
Angie-- Angie won the night hands down. Why, she had two great songs and two great performances. I prefer her on the piano. She looks more natural there. When she stands up, she is a little more in her head, thinking about performing. If she wants to win this thing, I'd stay where she's most natural.
Ryan tells Angie that Jessie J tweeted about the performance.
Results:
Ryan divides them into two groups, Amber / Candice and Angie/ Kree.
Candice and Amber are the bottom two.
Kree and Angie are safe.
"The person who could be leaving tonight is ........ NO ONE! Surprise! Not!!!
Ryan explains that since the judges did not use the save, for the first time since it was implemented, there is an extra week, so this week all are safe. This week's 36 million votes will be added to next week's vote and someone will be eliminated then.
So there you have it. No one is cut this week, just as I thought. Next week's theme is "Now and Then." So something current-ish and something old again. Another chance for Amber to sing Whitney or Celine. Wonderful. Not.
At least I can look forward to a performance from Season 7 winner, David Cook. I wonder if anyone will mention that David Archuleta is in the middle of his two year mission for the LDS church. Probably not.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
American Idol 12: Top 4 Performances
Well, this season of American Idol is quickly coming to an end. The Powers That Be have managed to get there wish for this season; a girl will win. These four remaining contestants are all reasonably good, but are they all better than any guy who auditioned this year. Probably not. But Idol gets what they want and possibly deserve this year; four girls who can sing ballads. At least Angie can pick a current artist occasionally and sound somewhat current. I actually like her more Christian sounding songs better, but I know she can't do only Christian music on Idol. That would probably burst Jimmy's and Nicki's eardrums.
But enough babbling. I'll leave that for the judges comments.
This week's themes:
Contestants Choice (I bet they pick ballads.)
ATT Viewer's Choice (I bet it's something old.)
Duets (I bet they are current artists, but not in both contestants wheelhouse.)
This week the girls all visited the Los Angeles Children's Hospital and spent time with the kids.
Performances of Contestants Choice Theme is first.
Amber- Celine Dion- "The Power of Love"
I told you it would be a ballad. This girl needs to stop singing diva songs and try something more relatable to girls her age if she wants them to vote for her.
Amber starts out A Capella, standing at the top of a rather tall staircase. The soft beginning is nice, when she gets to the power parts, it sounds like she is straining, almost yelling instead of projecting her voice. I just don't like this sound at all.
Keith-- "That is how you do it. That was a perfect song choice for you."
Nicki-- "You're up there looking like a big sexy glass of milk. I want a moment of silence for how beautiful you are. That song was made for you."
Randy-- "Nicki, she's more like a black and white cookie (referring to the outfit she is wearing which has white front of pants and black back) Amber, you came in as a baby, and now you're a pro. You are ready."
Mariah-- You took a classic song and gave it flavor.
Jimmy-- Amber is picking these classic songs with range. The constant singing is causing stress and he heard that stress in her upper range tonight. But that song will be tough to beat. (But why will it be hard to beat if it wasn't perfect? Doesn't he think anyone else can sing their song perfectly? Let's just all blatantly push Amber for the win.)
Candice- Drake- "Find Your Love"
I don't know this song. Interesting beginning. No precise melody. Not sure if that is true with the original or not. Candice sounds a little off tonight. Maybe she's just tired.
Nicki-- Yesterday I told Drake you were going to sing his song, so maybe tomorrow I can get his reaction from him. I thought you could have kept more of the melody.
Randy-- Vocals are crazy good, and it's not that it's old fashioned, you just don't need runs in every phrase. Refer to the melody. You don't want to sound like a "church girl" all the time. (That comment just might have advanced her further in the competition, since a lot of "church going people" watch Idol.)
Mariah-- I must comment on the vocals because you took me to a place I needed to be. With the piano and everything on stage with you, this was a more "adult contemporary" performance.
Keith-- I love what you did with that song. I heard Candice. I don't hear what Market you're in, I hear you finding Candice. I love the power in the quiet moments in your voice.
Jimmy-- I love Drake. I love that song. I love Candice, but I agree with Nicki this time. That was the second best performance of the night. (Of course, it was only the second performance of the night so...)
Kree- Susan Tedeschi- "It Hurts So Bad"
This is country meets blues. Kree sounds off tonight. She's flat on some of the lower notes. The power of the song is bland and blah.
Randy-- You love you some blues, don't you? I don't know if that's the best vocal for you.
Mariah-- I wasn't familiar with he song so I listened on the way here and thought it has Kree written all over it. But I only felt you on certain sections when you connected.
Keith-- All four of you girls can sing, so now we're coming down to the emotions. At this point the emotions have to make my heart break, and I know you can do that.
Nicki-- You look sexy in red. (Wearing a red top) That performance is not going top give you what you need for next week. You need to meditate and see what you were doing before. Even if you leave tomorrow, you will have a great career.(It's the kiss of death for Kree this week.)
And then Nicki going into some cussing and ranting that the censors did not delete enough of.
Jimmy-- Kree is going to hurt herself with song choices. That was the wrong song. (Wasn't it just in the last two weeks when they were all saying that Kree couldn't pick a bad song? I guess they were wrong.)
Angie- Jessie J- "Who You Are"
Angie is seated at the piano. Very nice soft beginning. Power in the middle. Nice job. Standing O from the judges.
Mariah-- The caliber of that performance was beyond. That was a professional moment. Stunning.
Keith-- What I loved about that is you started prim and proper, but as it went along, you got looser.
Nicki-- It's unbelievable how when you are on the piano, you believe it and we feel it. Exceptional.
Randy-- You made me forget its a Jessie J song. That was an Angie performance. the best performance of the night. She's in it to win it.
Ryan brings Angie's grandma up to the stage from the audience. Que the tears.
Jimmy-- I'm thrilled to see Angie get control over that powerful instrument she has. She's neck and neck with Amber. ( In my book, she's far head of the rest of the pack.)
Duet time.
Amber and Kree- Adele- "Rumor Has It"
We get four tom toms on the stage to accompany them, which is two too many in my opinion. Kind of drowning them out. This is a powerful emotion song being sung without emotions. The girls are smiling at each other and there is no intensity to it at all. Keith is bopping along to the drum beat.
Keith-- What a great song. Interesting because you two have such a different stance at the mic. Amber, you suddenly have this commanding stance. Kree, you normally sing so effortlessly. Someone really needed to cut loose on this song.
Nicki-- I never thought I'd see the day shy Amber was commanding the stage from Kreedom. Kree, you need to get back to being in the song.
Candice and Angie- Rihanna and Mikky Ekko- "Stay"
Oh, this is such a change from the other duet. These girls have passion and attitude. They get a standing o from the judges and the audience. (And from me too.)
Randy-- Unbelievable. That's how you do a duet.
Mariah-- I don't know how you did that in all that smoke.
Time for theme Numero Dos:
The ATT viewers theme is "One Hit Wonders."
Amber- Richard Harris song later popularized by Donna Summer- "MacArthur Park"
Now this is an oldie, but not a goodie. Why would they let her sing this song? Better question, why would she want to sing this song? It wasn't even good back in the day, much less now. This is boring. Amber is not hitting the long upper notes clearly this time. And she is still flat on the lower end of her register. She is not supporting her notes.
Keith-- "Good Lord. What is going on? You're dominating tonight. that was an incredible performance."
Nicki-- You're effervescent. I like your lipstick, but I would take off that necklace and those shoes.Out of the 4 girls in this competition, you're the one I would want to get to know.
Randy-- If y'all don't know who Amber is, you should know she's in it to win it. Hitting all those crystal clear high notes, in tune.
Mariah-- You have an inner glow hitting us. Your lower notes were gorgeous. You're getting star quality.
Jimmy-- The judges missed the point. I didn't buy that song when Richard Harris or Donna Summer sang it and I didn't buy it when Amber sang it. That song is corny and even Amber can't pull off corny.
Candice- Samantha Sang song later popularized by The Bee Gees
Another old song. Blah!!! The backup singers even have the best lines of this thing. Not great choice. but I bet they didn't have a lot of great songs to chose from either.
Nicki-- That's a classic but I was still grooving to it.
Then the judges all forget about Candice and start talking about what Jimmy said about Amber's performance.
Randy-- Back to Candice- Yes, Yes, Yes. Another great performance.
Mariah-- People need to realize how hard it is to maintain your voice in a competition like this and the way you have been singing since day one is beyond comprehension. You have a cold, don't you? Candice says yes, but she didn't want people to know and feel sorry for her.
Keith-- Are there any "One Hit Wonders" from the last decade? No one tonight has had a song that makes them stand out.
Ryan brings out Jimmy and Nicki and Randy trot up on stage to make asses out of themselves with Jimmy.
Kree- Procol Harum- "A Whiter Shade of Pale"
Another slow song from Kree. It's not a song with a lot of "pop" to it. Kind of Blah.
Randy-- You can flat out sing. That was brilliant.
Mariah-- I have no words. You should feel good about what you did.
Keith-- I'm gonna disagree. This was another middle ground song for you. It didn't have any moments.
Nicki-- I love you and that performance, but I don't think it will keep you out the of bottom 2 this week.
Angie- Julie London- "Cry Me A River"
Wow, this performance is really haunting with all of the string accompaniment. Beautiful job, even though it is another slow song. This one has emotions and power oozing from every pore.
Mariah--How do you critique that, it was classic. Beautiful and elegant.
Keith-- Mystical and celestially powerful.
Nicki-- "You came out tonight to snatch some wigs off some heads, honey-child." Tonight was your night.
Randy-- Yo, Yo! the Best of the night. Angie wins the night hands-down. Ryan, this girl is in it to win it.
Ryan teases us with "Tomorrow night, a surprise twist in the competition will be announced." Oh, I wonder what the surprise will be. Maybe they are bringing Lazaro back. Nah! I bet they are keeping the judges save for a rainy day, so Amber doesn't get voted off before the final two.
My rankings from best to worst this week:
Angie, Candice, Kree, Amber
So, who do y'all think goes home tonight? Or does anyone leave the competition this week?
But enough babbling. I'll leave that for the judges comments.
This week's themes:
Contestants Choice (I bet they pick ballads.)
ATT Viewer's Choice (I bet it's something old.)
Duets (I bet they are current artists, but not in both contestants wheelhouse.)
This week the girls all visited the Los Angeles Children's Hospital and spent time with the kids.
Performances of Contestants Choice Theme is first.
Amber- Celine Dion- "The Power of Love"
I told you it would be a ballad. This girl needs to stop singing diva songs and try something more relatable to girls her age if she wants them to vote for her.
Amber starts out A Capella, standing at the top of a rather tall staircase. The soft beginning is nice, when she gets to the power parts, it sounds like she is straining, almost yelling instead of projecting her voice. I just don't like this sound at all.
Keith-- "That is how you do it. That was a perfect song choice for you."
Nicki-- "You're up there looking like a big sexy glass of milk. I want a moment of silence for how beautiful you are. That song was made for you."
Randy-- "Nicki, she's more like a black and white cookie (referring to the outfit she is wearing which has white front of pants and black back) Amber, you came in as a baby, and now you're a pro. You are ready."
Mariah-- You took a classic song and gave it flavor.
Jimmy-- Amber is picking these classic songs with range. The constant singing is causing stress and he heard that stress in her upper range tonight. But that song will be tough to beat. (But why will it be hard to beat if it wasn't perfect? Doesn't he think anyone else can sing their song perfectly? Let's just all blatantly push Amber for the win.)
Candice- Drake- "Find Your Love"
I don't know this song. Interesting beginning. No precise melody. Not sure if that is true with the original or not. Candice sounds a little off tonight. Maybe she's just tired.
Nicki-- Yesterday I told Drake you were going to sing his song, so maybe tomorrow I can get his reaction from him. I thought you could have kept more of the melody.
Randy-- Vocals are crazy good, and it's not that it's old fashioned, you just don't need runs in every phrase. Refer to the melody. You don't want to sound like a "church girl" all the time. (That comment just might have advanced her further in the competition, since a lot of "church going people" watch Idol.)
Mariah-- I must comment on the vocals because you took me to a place I needed to be. With the piano and everything on stage with you, this was a more "adult contemporary" performance.
Keith-- I love what you did with that song. I heard Candice. I don't hear what Market you're in, I hear you finding Candice. I love the power in the quiet moments in your voice.
Jimmy-- I love Drake. I love that song. I love Candice, but I agree with Nicki this time. That was the second best performance of the night. (Of course, it was only the second performance of the night so...)
Kree- Susan Tedeschi- "It Hurts So Bad"
This is country meets blues. Kree sounds off tonight. She's flat on some of the lower notes. The power of the song is bland and blah.
Randy-- You love you some blues, don't you? I don't know if that's the best vocal for you.
Mariah-- I wasn't familiar with he song so I listened on the way here and thought it has Kree written all over it. But I only felt you on certain sections when you connected.
Keith-- All four of you girls can sing, so now we're coming down to the emotions. At this point the emotions have to make my heart break, and I know you can do that.
Nicki-- You look sexy in red. (Wearing a red top) That performance is not going top give you what you need for next week. You need to meditate and see what you were doing before. Even if you leave tomorrow, you will have a great career.(It's the kiss of death for Kree this week.)
And then Nicki going into some cussing and ranting that the censors did not delete enough of.
Jimmy-- Kree is going to hurt herself with song choices. That was the wrong song. (Wasn't it just in the last two weeks when they were all saying that Kree couldn't pick a bad song? I guess they were wrong.)
Angie- Jessie J- "Who You Are"
Angie is seated at the piano. Very nice soft beginning. Power in the middle. Nice job. Standing O from the judges.
Mariah-- The caliber of that performance was beyond. That was a professional moment. Stunning.
Keith-- What I loved about that is you started prim and proper, but as it went along, you got looser.
Nicki-- It's unbelievable how when you are on the piano, you believe it and we feel it. Exceptional.
Randy-- You made me forget its a Jessie J song. That was an Angie performance. the best performance of the night. She's in it to win it.
Ryan brings Angie's grandma up to the stage from the audience. Que the tears.
Jimmy-- I'm thrilled to see Angie get control over that powerful instrument she has. She's neck and neck with Amber. ( In my book, she's far head of the rest of the pack.)
Duet time.
Amber and Kree- Adele- "Rumor Has It"
We get four tom toms on the stage to accompany them, which is two too many in my opinion. Kind of drowning them out. This is a powerful emotion song being sung without emotions. The girls are smiling at each other and there is no intensity to it at all. Keith is bopping along to the drum beat.
Keith-- What a great song. Interesting because you two have such a different stance at the mic. Amber, you suddenly have this commanding stance. Kree, you normally sing so effortlessly. Someone really needed to cut loose on this song.
Nicki-- I never thought I'd see the day shy Amber was commanding the stage from Kreedom. Kree, you need to get back to being in the song.
Candice and Angie- Rihanna and Mikky Ekko- "Stay"
Oh, this is such a change from the other duet. These girls have passion and attitude. They get a standing o from the judges and the audience. (And from me too.)
Randy-- Unbelievable. That's how you do a duet.
Mariah-- I don't know how you did that in all that smoke.
Time for theme Numero Dos:
The ATT viewers theme is "One Hit Wonders."
Amber- Richard Harris song later popularized by Donna Summer- "MacArthur Park"
Now this is an oldie, but not a goodie. Why would they let her sing this song? Better question, why would she want to sing this song? It wasn't even good back in the day, much less now. This is boring. Amber is not hitting the long upper notes clearly this time. And she is still flat on the lower end of her register. She is not supporting her notes.
Keith-- "Good Lord. What is going on? You're dominating tonight. that was an incredible performance."
Nicki-- You're effervescent. I like your lipstick, but I would take off that necklace and those shoes.Out of the 4 girls in this competition, you're the one I would want to get to know.
Randy-- If y'all don't know who Amber is, you should know she's in it to win it. Hitting all those crystal clear high notes, in tune.
Mariah-- You have an inner glow hitting us. Your lower notes were gorgeous. You're getting star quality.
Jimmy-- The judges missed the point. I didn't buy that song when Richard Harris or Donna Summer sang it and I didn't buy it when Amber sang it. That song is corny and even Amber can't pull off corny.
Candice- Samantha Sang song later popularized by The Bee Gees
Another old song. Blah!!! The backup singers even have the best lines of this thing. Not great choice. but I bet they didn't have a lot of great songs to chose from either.
Nicki-- That's a classic but I was still grooving to it.
Then the judges all forget about Candice and start talking about what Jimmy said about Amber's performance.
Randy-- Back to Candice- Yes, Yes, Yes. Another great performance.
Mariah-- People need to realize how hard it is to maintain your voice in a competition like this and the way you have been singing since day one is beyond comprehension. You have a cold, don't you? Candice says yes, but she didn't want people to know and feel sorry for her.
Keith-- Are there any "One Hit Wonders" from the last decade? No one tonight has had a song that makes them stand out.
Ryan brings out Jimmy and Nicki and Randy trot up on stage to make asses out of themselves with Jimmy.
Kree- Procol Harum- "A Whiter Shade of Pale"
Another slow song from Kree. It's not a song with a lot of "pop" to it. Kind of Blah.
Randy-- You can flat out sing. That was brilliant.
Mariah-- I have no words. You should feel good about what you did.
Keith-- I'm gonna disagree. This was another middle ground song for you. It didn't have any moments.
Nicki-- I love you and that performance, but I don't think it will keep you out the of bottom 2 this week.
Angie- Julie London- "Cry Me A River"
Wow, this performance is really haunting with all of the string accompaniment. Beautiful job, even though it is another slow song. This one has emotions and power oozing from every pore.
Mariah--How do you critique that, it was classic. Beautiful and elegant.
Keith-- Mystical and celestially powerful.
Nicki-- "You came out tonight to snatch some wigs off some heads, honey-child." Tonight was your night.
Randy-- Yo, Yo! the Best of the night. Angie wins the night hands-down. Ryan, this girl is in it to win it.
Ryan teases us with "Tomorrow night, a surprise twist in the competition will be announced." Oh, I wonder what the surprise will be. Maybe they are bringing Lazaro back. Nah! I bet they are keeping the judges save for a rainy day, so Amber doesn't get voted off before the final two.
My rankings from best to worst this week:
Angie, Candice, Kree, Amber
So, who do y'all think goes home tonight? Or does anyone leave the competition this week?
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