Hello,
Day 2 of Dallas with Joe Jonas as guest mute. He only spoke 40 words I hope he wasn't paid by the word.
5) Todrick Hall- Arlington Hall. He sang with Fantasia on "The Color Purple" play. He has a very good voice and I liked him immediately. I love his original song, especially the lyrics and tune. I really like him, he seems humble and has a great personality. I really think he has a chance to go a long way. The reportedly Top 24 contestant has some controversy in his past. How will that affect him and this competition? 5/5
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10562143&nav=menu374_2_9
6 & 7)Dawntoya Thomson and Stephanie Daulong were only notable in how little TV time they received. Thompson- 27, Dallas, Texas-. I'm not sure the name of her song, it sounds like a Patsy Cline song. 3.5/5 Daulong- 20, Austin, Texas. The songwriter and bartender sang a song I'm not familiar with either. 3/5
8) Megan Wright- 20, Richardson, Texas-. She had the funny little brother. She sang Garth Brooks "To Make You Feel My Love". (I like his version a lot better that Bob Dylan's version.) 4/5
9) Christian Spears - 16, Student, Hostess. Yet another person with a dramatic back story. She was diagnosed with leukemia on her 4th birthday. She went into remission at 8 and she's now a 8 year Cancer survivor. Score 1 for the brave teenager and 0 for cancer. She sang Eddie James "All I Can Do Is Cry".
Top 5
1) Todrick Hall who sang his own original composition. By far the best in Dallas.
2) Kimberly Carver also sang her own composition. Although Simon didn't like her for "AI", I really like her. Her song was okay but she has a great voice.
3) Lloyd Thomas, a very smooth "Overjoyed", a classic Stevie Wonder song.
4) Dave Pittman sang Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me".
5) Christian Spears sang Eddie James "All I Can Do Is Cry".
I don't expect a lot from either Pittman or Spears in Hollywood.
My father-in-law passed away this morning. Loren Ford May 8th, 1954 to Jan 30, 2010. R.I.P.
themusicaddict
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
"AI" auditions L.A. & Dallas Part 1
Hello,
I'll start with the LA auditions first, 10 auditions were shown. Only 5 of those were good, making my top 5 was very easy. I don't know about you but I'm sick of the auditions. Next year I think auditions should be reduced to 3 weeks. We can still have 8 cities and can extend the episodes if we need to. But four weeks of auditions is just too long, I'm so ready for Hollywood week already.
January 26th, 2010 We had special guest judges Avril Lavigne (sort of boring!) and Katy Perry (the anti-Kara and looking extremely gorgeous). On to LA:
The show starts off with Ryan introducing the segment from his radio show. He stated that 10,000 people showed up, then later amended that 11,000 people showing up. 23 people from LA are moving through to Hollywood. I love how the main auditions happen one day and then the auditions before the judges happen a different day. I wish they would stop indicating it all occurs on one day. I think most people know that by now, why keep up the illusion.
1) Jim Ranger: The worship pastor from Bakersfield, Ca. He sang his own original composition "Drive". (There have been a lot of original compositions this year so far and a lot of them have been good.) Simon called him "authentic", Avril said "no" going to Hollywood. He definitely is a likable guy. 4.5/5
2) Mary Powers- 28- singer. I don't want to say the song she sang was predictable but when I first saw her I thought she has that Pat Benatar look. She sang Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield". That's a great song, but Pat Benatar has a million great songs, why do the "Idol" wanna bes usually pick that song? 3.5/5 (Other great Pat Benatar songs: my favorite "We Live For Love". There's also "Heartbreaker", "Hell Is For Children", "We Belong", "Promises In The Dark", "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Fire and Ice".)
That's all they showed from a very lackluster Day 1, which includes Avril Lavigne's performance as a judge. For having a lot of songs with attitude, I expected a lot more of that at the auditions. I was very disappointed by her. Day 2, features guest judge Katy Perry. She has been one of the best guest judges of the season so far.
3) Andrew Garcia -23- sang Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" and I thought he did a pretty good job. Simon called him "a genuinely good singer" and I agree. Kara Disregardia said that Garcia knows what to "empesize". I had to go back and watch it twice to make sure she really said that. (Thanks to mjsbigblog.com to be able to link to all the audtions.) Kara said "empesize" twice. I think she meant emphasize. I actually looked up the definition of "empesize". According to badenglish.com (not a real site) empesize means "When Kara Disregardia tries to show her intelligence and instead it backfires and shows her utter lack of intelligence." Kara it's time to go away. I have no idea how "AI" can bring her back for another season. Andrew 4/5. Kara 0/5.
4) Tasha Layton- personal assistant by day, minister by night. She sang Joss Stone's "Baby, Baby, Baby" and did a great job. Just like Andrew above, she received 4 yeses as well. I have high hopes for her. 4.5/5
Then they show Kara and Katy disagreeing on several contestants. My favorite Katy comment was "This isn't a Lifetime movie, sweetheart". (That was a paraphrase.) I also liked how Katy used one of Kara's words. She likes to use such words as "honey" or "sweetie" when she's about to deliver a unhappy critique. Kara is just an idiot. I loved Katy I thought she's intelligent and offered good critiques and rebuffed clueless Kara.
5) Chris Golightly -25- shoe salesman. He's the poor kid who has been in and out of foster care since he was 18 months. He says he was with about 25 different families while in foster care. That's pretty awful, even if he may be exaggerating a bit. It seems like he came out of it alright. I do wish "AI" would tone down the back stories a bit. Can't we just tell their stories without all the sap. Here's another idea let the contestant reveal those sings where and when they want. Katy and Simon both gave him small "y's". Then both Randy and Kara gave him bigger y's. I don't think he will last long in Hollywood and he definitely is not your next "American Idol". 3.5/5
A very easy Top 5.
1) Tasha Layton: Joss Stone's "Baby, Baby, Baby". I think she has the potential to go a long ways.
2) Jim Ranger: he sang his own original composition "Drive". He seems like an extremely likable person. I have high hopes for him.
3) Andrew Garcia: Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning". He was the third and last fantastic audition in my opinion.
4) Chris Golightly: Ben E King's "Stand By Me".
5) Mary Powers: Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield". She stole Benatar's look and sang her song. I think that's about the last we will hear from her.
I wish they would have shown some of the other good auditions from LA. I wish they would just show good auditions, unless the audition was really funny. For instance, General Larry Platt's "Pants On The Ground" or Norman Gentle from Season 8. If I was the producer I would focus on the actual singing and less on everything else.
Dallas with special guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (yeah!) and Joe Jonas (is he always that boring?) They have Neil Patrick Harris 40 minutes and Joe Jonas' segment was only 20 minutes. ew.com counted and his total contribution: 40 words.
1) Lloyd Thomas sang the great Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed". I liked his singing. Unfortunately the sound was working when Randy was talking. He was saying his usual inane things like "positively jumping off" and a "billion percent yes". It's nice to get excited, but do you have to do it in such idiotic fashion? Lloyd 4/5, Randy 0/5
2) Kimberly Carver: one of the many who sang an original composition. It seemed like she was about to get to the chorus when Simon cut her off. He then made his comment about "good if this was Jazz TV". He said she wasn't original, what the heck? I don't hear anything on the radio like that. For this show she may be too original. Randy said "she can blow", what does that mean? Randy always likes to seem like he's current and says inane things like "you can blow". He doesn't seem cool, he seems like the luckiest guy in the world to get and keep this job. Although I did agree with Randy, one of the few times, when he kept on telling Simon that it's a singing show. Randy will you please tell the producers that too. I liked Carver a lot and look forward to seeing her more in Hollywood. Kimberly 4.5/5, Simon 1/5, Randy 2/5
3) Erica Rhodes, whips and boots come included. I'm not sure what she was doing with the whole dominatrix outfit. She's the former "Barney" kid. I actually liked her version of the "Barney" song better than her torture of the great En Vogue song. I went and listened to the En Vogue's version, to erase Rhodes weak version from my mind. En Vogue sounds so good on that song. Whatever happened to En Vogue, their first CD was so good. Erika 3/5 En Vogue 5/5 Simon's mind 0/5
4) Dave Pittman, he's afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome. "AI" is using that for his back story. I liked how Neil Patrick Harris brought it up with class. He pointed out that Pittman doesn't have to deal with it while singing. He also complimented how Pittman handles it without being condescending. I would love to see NPH take over for Randy, Shania for Kara and keep Ellen next season. A three judge panel would be the best. Anyway I thought Pittman's voice was okay. He sang Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me". 4/5 NPH 5/5
themusicaddict
I'll start with the LA auditions first, 10 auditions were shown. Only 5 of those were good, making my top 5 was very easy. I don't know about you but I'm sick of the auditions. Next year I think auditions should be reduced to 3 weeks. We can still have 8 cities and can extend the episodes if we need to. But four weeks of auditions is just too long, I'm so ready for Hollywood week already.
January 26th, 2010 We had special guest judges Avril Lavigne (sort of boring!) and Katy Perry (the anti-Kara and looking extremely gorgeous). On to LA:
The show starts off with Ryan introducing the segment from his radio show. He stated that 10,000 people showed up, then later amended that 11,000 people showing up. 23 people from LA are moving through to Hollywood. I love how the main auditions happen one day and then the auditions before the judges happen a different day. I wish they would stop indicating it all occurs on one day. I think most people know that by now, why keep up the illusion.
1) Jim Ranger: The worship pastor from Bakersfield, Ca. He sang his own original composition "Drive". (There have been a lot of original compositions this year so far and a lot of them have been good.) Simon called him "authentic", Avril said "no" going to Hollywood. He definitely is a likable guy. 4.5/5
2) Mary Powers- 28- singer. I don't want to say the song she sang was predictable but when I first saw her I thought she has that Pat Benatar look. She sang Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield". That's a great song, but Pat Benatar has a million great songs, why do the "Idol" wanna bes usually pick that song? 3.5/5 (Other great Pat Benatar songs: my favorite "We Live For Love". There's also "Heartbreaker", "Hell Is For Children", "We Belong", "Promises In The Dark", "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Fire and Ice".)
That's all they showed from a very lackluster Day 1, which includes Avril Lavigne's performance as a judge. For having a lot of songs with attitude, I expected a lot more of that at the auditions. I was very disappointed by her. Day 2, features guest judge Katy Perry. She has been one of the best guest judges of the season so far.
3) Andrew Garcia -23- sang Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" and I thought he did a pretty good job. Simon called him "a genuinely good singer" and I agree. Kara Disregardia said that Garcia knows what to "empesize". I had to go back and watch it twice to make sure she really said that. (Thanks to mjsbigblog.com to be able to link to all the audtions.) Kara said "empesize" twice. I think she meant emphasize. I actually looked up the definition of "empesize". According to badenglish.com (not a real site) empesize means "When Kara Disregardia tries to show her intelligence and instead it backfires and shows her utter lack of intelligence." Kara it's time to go away. I have no idea how "AI" can bring her back for another season. Andrew 4/5. Kara 0/5.
4) Tasha Layton- personal assistant by day, minister by night. She sang Joss Stone's "Baby, Baby, Baby" and did a great job. Just like Andrew above, she received 4 yeses as well. I have high hopes for her. 4.5/5
Then they show Kara and Katy disagreeing on several contestants. My favorite Katy comment was "This isn't a Lifetime movie, sweetheart". (That was a paraphrase.) I also liked how Katy used one of Kara's words. She likes to use such words as "honey" or "sweetie" when she's about to deliver a unhappy critique. Kara is just an idiot. I loved Katy I thought she's intelligent and offered good critiques and rebuffed clueless Kara.
5) Chris Golightly -25- shoe salesman. He's the poor kid who has been in and out of foster care since he was 18 months. He says he was with about 25 different families while in foster care. That's pretty awful, even if he may be exaggerating a bit. It seems like he came out of it alright. I do wish "AI" would tone down the back stories a bit. Can't we just tell their stories without all the sap. Here's another idea let the contestant reveal those sings where and when they want. Katy and Simon both gave him small "y's". Then both Randy and Kara gave him bigger y's. I don't think he will last long in Hollywood and he definitely is not your next "American Idol". 3.5/5
A very easy Top 5.
1) Tasha Layton: Joss Stone's "Baby, Baby, Baby". I think she has the potential to go a long ways.
2) Jim Ranger: he sang his own original composition "Drive". He seems like an extremely likable person. I have high hopes for him.
3) Andrew Garcia: Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning". He was the third and last fantastic audition in my opinion.
4) Chris Golightly: Ben E King's "Stand By Me".
5) Mary Powers: Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield". She stole Benatar's look and sang her song. I think that's about the last we will hear from her.
I wish they would have shown some of the other good auditions from LA. I wish they would just show good auditions, unless the audition was really funny. For instance, General Larry Platt's "Pants On The Ground" or Norman Gentle from Season 8. If I was the producer I would focus on the actual singing and less on everything else.
Dallas with special guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (yeah!) and Joe Jonas (is he always that boring?) They have Neil Patrick Harris 40 minutes and Joe Jonas' segment was only 20 minutes. ew.com counted and his total contribution: 40 words.
1) Lloyd Thomas sang the great Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed". I liked his singing. Unfortunately the sound was working when Randy was talking. He was saying his usual inane things like "positively jumping off" and a "billion percent yes". It's nice to get excited, but do you have to do it in such idiotic fashion? Lloyd 4/5, Randy 0/5
2) Kimberly Carver: one of the many who sang an original composition. It seemed like she was about to get to the chorus when Simon cut her off. He then made his comment about "good if this was Jazz TV". He said she wasn't original, what the heck? I don't hear anything on the radio like that. For this show she may be too original. Randy said "she can blow", what does that mean? Randy always likes to seem like he's current and says inane things like "you can blow". He doesn't seem cool, he seems like the luckiest guy in the world to get and keep this job. Although I did agree with Randy, one of the few times, when he kept on telling Simon that it's a singing show. Randy will you please tell the producers that too. I liked Carver a lot and look forward to seeing her more in Hollywood. Kimberly 4.5/5, Simon 1/5, Randy 2/5
3) Erica Rhodes, whips and boots come included. I'm not sure what she was doing with the whole dominatrix outfit. She's the former "Barney" kid. I actually liked her version of the "Barney" song better than her torture of the great En Vogue song. I went and listened to the En Vogue's version, to erase Rhodes weak version from my mind. En Vogue sounds so good on that song. Whatever happened to En Vogue, their first CD was so good. Erika 3/5 En Vogue 5/5 Simon's mind 0/5
4) Dave Pittman, he's afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome. "AI" is using that for his back story. I liked how Neil Patrick Harris brought it up with class. He pointed out that Pittman doesn't have to deal with it while singing. He also complimented how Pittman handles it without being condescending. I would love to see NPH take over for Randy, Shania for Kara and keep Ellen next season. A three judge panel would be the best. Anyway I thought Pittman's voice was okay. He sang Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me". 4/5 NPH 5/5
themusicaddict
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"AI" Auditions L.A. and Dallas
Hello,
I'll start with the LA auditions first, only 10 auditions were shown. Only 5 of those were good, making my top 5 was very easy. I don't know about you but I'm sick of the auditions. Next year I think auditions should be reduced to 3 weeks, we can extend the episodes if we need to. But four weeks of auditions is just too long, I'm so ready for Hollywood week already.
January 26th, 2010 We had special guest judges Avril Lavigne (sort of boring!) and Katy Perry (the anti-Kara and looking extremely gorgeous). On to LA:
The show starts off with Ryan introducing the segment from his radio show. He stated that 10,000 people showed up, then later amended that 11,000 people showed up. 23 people from LA are moving through to Hollywood.
1) Jim Ranger: The worship pastor from Bakersfield, Ca. He sang his own original composition "Drive". (There have been a lot of original compositions this year so far and a lot of them have been good.) Simon called him "authentic", Avril said "no" going to Hollywood. He definitely is a likable guy.
2) Mary Powers- 28- singer. I don't want to say the song she sang was predictable but when I first saw her I thought she has that Pat Benatar look.
Dallas with special guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (yeah!) and Joe Jonas (is he always that boring?)
1) Lloyd Thomas sang the great Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed". I liked his singing. Unfortunately the sound was on when Randy was talking. He was saying his usual inane things like "positively jumping off" and a "billion percent yes". It's nice to get excited, but do you have to do it in such idiotic fashion? 4/5
I'll start with the LA auditions first, only 10 auditions were shown. Only 5 of those were good, making my top 5 was very easy. I don't know about you but I'm sick of the auditions. Next year I think auditions should be reduced to 3 weeks, we can extend the episodes if we need to. But four weeks of auditions is just too long, I'm so ready for Hollywood week already.
January 26th, 2010 We had special guest judges Avril Lavigne (sort of boring!) and Katy Perry (the anti-Kara and looking extremely gorgeous). On to LA:
The show starts off with Ryan introducing the segment from his radio show. He stated that 10,000 people showed up, then later amended that 11,000 people showed up. 23 people from LA are moving through to Hollywood.
1) Jim Ranger: The worship pastor from Bakersfield, Ca. He sang his own original composition "Drive". (There have been a lot of original compositions this year so far and a lot of them have been good.) Simon called him "authentic", Avril said "no" going to Hollywood. He definitely is a likable guy.
2) Mary Powers- 28- singer. I don't want to say the song she sang was predictable but when I first saw her I thought she has that Pat Benatar look.
Dallas with special guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (yeah!) and Joe Jonas (is he always that boring?)
1) Lloyd Thomas sang the great Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed". I liked his singing. Unfortunately the sound was on when Randy was talking. He was saying his usual inane things like "positively jumping off" and a "billion percent yes". It's nice to get excited, but do you have to do it in such idiotic fashion? 4/5
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Random Sports Opinions
Hello,
The #10 or #12 BYU Cougars, depending on which poll you look at, play tonight. The Cougars swarm into #23 New Mexico's home arena The Pit, a place where other teams go to lose. New Mexico is 18-3 on the season and has already beat three Top 25 teams. This should be a great game that could go either way.
I hate the NFL overtime rules. At the start of overtime they flip the coin, the winner of that coin toss gets to choose between receiving the ball or not. Duh! Guess which one they pick! If they score the game is over just like that. The second team does not get a chance to score. The NFC Championship was exciting, but how much more exciting would it have been if Minnesota got a chance to score. That would have completely changed New Orleans strategy. Not only does it make the game less exciting, but it's inherently unfair. People arguing for the playoff system the way it is, will say that the team with first possession only wins 50% of the time.
The college football tiebreaker system is much better. Each team gets the chance to score and gets the ball at the 25 yard line. Then if both teams score the same amount of the points, the games move to the second playoff round. Each round gets more exciting and more difficulty.
Brett Favre please make up your mind or not if you are going to retire. Take all the time you need, but please make a decision and stick with it. Tony Romo it's time for you to retire as well and please take Wade Phillips with you.
I continue to seriously think about becoming a 49ers fan, I'm just so disappointed in the way that Dallas is moving forward. Well I don't know if moving forward is the right way to say it. Keeping Wade Phillips seems more like a backward step to me. Jerry how much does this guy have to fail in the big games before you have enough? That applies to Phillips and Romo. I think it's time to start developing the quarterback of the future.
themusicaddict
The #10 or #12 BYU Cougars, depending on which poll you look at, play tonight. The Cougars swarm into #23 New Mexico's home arena The Pit, a place where other teams go to lose. New Mexico is 18-3 on the season and has already beat three Top 25 teams. This should be a great game that could go either way.
I hate the NFL overtime rules. At the start of overtime they flip the coin, the winner of that coin toss gets to choose between receiving the ball or not. Duh! Guess which one they pick! If they score the game is over just like that. The second team does not get a chance to score. The NFC Championship was exciting, but how much more exciting would it have been if Minnesota got a chance to score. That would have completely changed New Orleans strategy. Not only does it make the game less exciting, but it's inherently unfair. People arguing for the playoff system the way it is, will say that the team with first possession only wins 50% of the time.
The college football tiebreaker system is much better. Each team gets the chance to score and gets the ball at the 25 yard line. Then if both teams score the same amount of the points, the games move to the second playoff round. Each round gets more exciting and more difficulty.
Brett Favre please make up your mind or not if you are going to retire. Take all the time you need, but please make a decision and stick with it. Tony Romo it's time for you to retire as well and please take Wade Phillips with you.
I continue to seriously think about becoming a 49ers fan, I'm just so disappointed in the way that Dallas is moving forward. Well I don't know if moving forward is the right way to say it. Keeping Wade Phillips seems more like a backward step to me. Jerry how much does this guy have to fail in the big games before you have enough? That applies to Phillips and Romo. I think it's time to start developing the quarterback of the future.
themusicaddict
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Feel Good Super Bowl :))))
Hello,
This is shaping up to be the feel good Super Bowl. First and foremost New Orleans, a city that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina just a few years ago is going to their first Super Bowl. I think most Americans will rally behind the Saints, because of the city they play in. President Obama has already tossed his hat in with the Saints. It's nothing against the Colts, a very well run organization. They probably have one of the most respected players in the NFL right now, Peyton Manning.
There is also the quarterback most associated with that city, Archie Manning, his son plays for the Colts. Archie Manning has gone on record saying he would be cheering for his son. But this is the hometown team of Peyton Manning and that will limit the trash talk. Not that Peyton is much of a trash talker.
The Colts big stud wide receiver on Sunday, Pierre Garcon had a record breaking day. He also is a Haitian-American. That hopefully means the two week lead up to Super Bowl 44 will be more about Haiti and less about the self-indulgent, self-congratulatory mess the NFL usually makes it.
Also the Saints have one of the most exciting college football players ever in Reggie Bush. He also is a very fine NFL player.
themusicaddict's early prediction: The Saints win in a shootout. Las Vegas better raise the current over/under they have.
Congrats to the BYU's men's basketball for moving to 20-1 and winning 15 in a row. Also in the latest rankings they move to the 10th position in the nation. The Cougs play a very tough 18-3 New Mexico Lobo team in the Pit on Wednesday. That's a big game for both teams. Go Cougs!
themusicaddict
This is shaping up to be the feel good Super Bowl. First and foremost New Orleans, a city that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina just a few years ago is going to their first Super Bowl. I think most Americans will rally behind the Saints, because of the city they play in. President Obama has already tossed his hat in with the Saints. It's nothing against the Colts, a very well run organization. They probably have one of the most respected players in the NFL right now, Peyton Manning.
There is also the quarterback most associated with that city, Archie Manning, his son plays for the Colts. Archie Manning has gone on record saying he would be cheering for his son. But this is the hometown team of Peyton Manning and that will limit the trash talk. Not that Peyton is much of a trash talker.
The Colts big stud wide receiver on Sunday, Pierre Garcon had a record breaking day. He also is a Haitian-American. That hopefully means the two week lead up to Super Bowl 44 will be more about Haiti and less about the self-indulgent, self-congratulatory mess the NFL usually makes it.
Also the Saints have one of the most exciting college football players ever in Reggie Bush. He also is a very fine NFL player.
themusicaddict's early prediction: The Saints win in a shootout. Las Vegas better raise the current over/under they have.
Congrats to the BYU's men's basketball for moving to 20-1 and winning 15 in a row. Also in the latest rankings they move to the 10th position in the nation. The Cougs play a very tough 18-3 New Mexico Lobo team in the Pit on Wednesday. That's a big game for both teams. Go Cougs!
themusicaddict
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A little live Lady Gaga
Hello,
This is such a catchy song, I love "Bad Romance". Lady Gaga rules! Sorry about the shaky video, this was obviously was taken from a cell phone camera.
Other music news: Heidi Montag claims she spent over $2,000,000 to make her debut CD. I hope not because she did not get a good return on her investment. I listened to a few of her same sounding songs, that's all I could take, and her songs are weak pop fluff. Her songs make Britney Spears songs sound mature. Montag only sold about 1,000 CDs in her first week of sales. 1/5
A couple of quick reviews: I listened to both of Jordin Sparks CDs. The first CD is titled "Jordin Sparks" and the second CD is titled "Battlefield". Both are very listenable CD's. They aren't the greatest CDs ever. I wish she would have put both CDs on one CD, now that would be an amazing CD. Both 3.5/5
I listened to most of the Boys Like Girls CD the other day and it's fantastic. The name of the CD is "Love Drunk" and I would urge you to go out and buy the CD now! The great songs include "Love Drunk", "She's Got A Boyfriend Now" and "Two Is Better Than One" (featuring Taylor Swift). Seriously it's that good. If you don't believe me check it out at napster, rhapsody or lala.com. 5/5
I also checked out Leona Lewis' recent CD, "Echo". It's a pretty solid CD. It's a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks. 4/5
After seeing "The Blind Side" movie I wanted to read the book again, so I have been rereading it. What a great book! It's also an amazing, heart warming story. Speaking of football today is both the AFC and NFC Championship games. Here are themusicaddict's predictions, but don't put any money on a team because I pick them. The Jets are getting a lot of well deserved credit for their awesome defense. But I just don't think they have enough to go into Indianapolis and beat the Colts and Peyton Manning. In the NFC I think the Saints are going to beat the Vikings in a shootout. It should be a couple of good games.
themusicaddict
This is such a catchy song, I love "Bad Romance". Lady Gaga rules! Sorry about the shaky video, this was obviously was taken from a cell phone camera.
Other music news: Heidi Montag claims she spent over $2,000,000 to make her debut CD. I hope not because she did not get a good return on her investment. I listened to a few of her same sounding songs, that's all I could take, and her songs are weak pop fluff. Her songs make Britney Spears songs sound mature. Montag only sold about 1,000 CDs in her first week of sales. 1/5
A couple of quick reviews: I listened to both of Jordin Sparks CDs. The first CD is titled "Jordin Sparks" and the second CD is titled "Battlefield". Both are very listenable CD's. They aren't the greatest CDs ever. I wish she would have put both CDs on one CD, now that would be an amazing CD. Both 3.5/5
I listened to most of the Boys Like Girls CD the other day and it's fantastic. The name of the CD is "Love Drunk" and I would urge you to go out and buy the CD now! The great songs include "Love Drunk", "She's Got A Boyfriend Now" and "Two Is Better Than One" (featuring Taylor Swift). Seriously it's that good. If you don't believe me check it out at napster, rhapsody or lala.com. 5/5
I also checked out Leona Lewis' recent CD, "Echo". It's a pretty solid CD. It's a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks. 4/5
After seeing "The Blind Side" movie I wanted to read the book again, so I have been rereading it. What a great book! It's also an amazing, heart warming story. Speaking of football today is both the AFC and NFC Championship games. Here are themusicaddict's predictions, but don't put any money on a team because I pick them. The Jets are getting a lot of well deserved credit for their awesome defense. But I just don't think they have enough to go into Indianapolis and beat the Colts and Peyton Manning. In the NFC I think the Saints are going to beat the Vikings in a shootout. It should be a couple of good games.
themusicaddict
Saturday, January 23, 2010
"AI" Orlando audtions, Lady Gaga
Hello,
The Orlando auditions were a little bit better than Chicago's audition. They still weren't overwhelming. Kristin Chenoweth was okay as a judge, but Kara and Randy were awful as usual. Kristin was only there for one of the two days. Thank goodness for Simon. I don't blame him for leaving after this season, maybe he can find some other judges that can actually judge. He does do all the heavy lifting with this set of judges. I just don't know how you turn down $100 million, of course he thinks he can make more. For my auditions reviews my policy is I only write about the good auditions or the very creative auditions.
31 people from Orlando made it to Hollywood. Did any of them make it to Hollywood? To find out go to mjsbigblog.com, but don't tell me.
1) Seth Rollins -28- Lakeland, Florida. He sang the song of the night "Someone To Watch Over Me" by Frank Sinatra. I loved his interpretation of that classic. (I have Allison Iraheta's version of that same song on my computer.) He has a really nice, smooth voice. He seems like a very personable and likable person. I hope we see a lot more of him. He received 4 yeses. 4.5/5
2) Jermaine Purifoy- 28- this is his second chance at "AI". I'm not sure how he did not make it through the first time because he has a nice voice. He sang the Michael Jackson/ Charlie Chaplin song "Smile". I liked his performance but this has got to be one of the most boring songs of all-time. 4/5
3) Shelby Dressel -18- recent high school grad. She sang Norah Jones "Turn Me On". She has a nice story about learning how to deal with her facial paralysis. She got through to Hollywood. I agree with Simon when he said he wasn't "blown away". Good luck to her in life because I think she's going to be one of the first cuts in Hollywood. 3/5
4) Jay Stone: beat boxer/ singer. He's says he does things that Blake Lewis doesn't with the beat boxing,(And?). They had to remind Randy Jackson of Blake Lewis's name. I mean is Jackson awake through half of these shows. Stone beat boxed the Beatles "Come Together" and sang Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine". Simon said "no". Kara said "yes" then talked Randy into saying "yes" as well. Kara used the reasoning "you know you want to see that in Hollywood". 3/5
5) Janell Wheeler- 24- Tampa, Fl. She sang a pretty good version of The Animals "House of the Rising Sun". After hearing her very good performance of this song, I bought it from napster.com. I really think she could go a long way. 4/5
6) Brittany Star James -23- Coral Springs, Fl. She sang Estelle's "American Boy", a song I'm not familiar with. I thought her performance was too jittery. 3.5/5
7) Kasi Bedford -19- Seminole, Fl. She sang Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About". Raitt's version is fantastic and she has such a great voice. Bedford's version was aight. Randy liked the rasp in her voice, I understand but dawg she's just aight. 3.5/5
8) Cornelius Edwards- 24- He went to the Kara Disregardia school of lack of music knowledge. Remember last season she couldn't remember old vs. new Aerosmith. Edwards split his pants as he was singing "Proud Mary", the Ike and Tina Turner classic. Cornelius, the song is not called "Rollin'". If it wasn't for his split pants, he might not have made it to Hollywood. 3/5
9) Bernadette Desimone -27. I liked her best of the two sisters. I think she has the better voice and she picked the better song. She sang Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack". A song I bought off of napster.com as well. 4/5
10) Amanda Desimone-23. She sang Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". It was okay. Amanda support your sister when you get cut. Please don't be like Lauren Sanders. 3.5/5
11) Matthew Lawrence- 25- Stark, Fla. He robbed a bank when he was 15 and spent 4 years in jail. That seems to be a bit of an egregious penalty. He received a lot of post show hype and I don't know if he lived up to it. I thought his performance was a little lackluster. He could be one of those annoying contestants that the judges and producers love. They then hype him to death, i.e. Danny Gokey. An example Paula's constant love fest towards Danny Gokey last season. I thought the song he chose, Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble", is boring. Lamontagne's original version is also dreadfully boring. (Thanks to lala.com to be able to hear the full version of that song free.) I hope I'm wrong about him being one of those annoying contestants. He seems like he's a cool guy. Simon called sending him to Hollywood his "easiest yes". Randy and Kara called him "one of the best". (Why do those two like to say the same thing as each other?) 3.6/5
My Top 5 contestants from Orlando:
1) Seth Rollins: I just loved his performance, talk about picking the perfect song.
2) Bernadette Desimone sang a good version of Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack".
3) Jonell Wheeler did a very good version of The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun".
4) Cornelius Edwards sang Ike and Tina Turner's "Proud Mary".
5) Jay Stone, #5 for his version of the Bill Withers classic "Ain't No Sunshine".
Picking the top three was very easy for me, the bottom 2 not so easy.
As I wrote yesterday I'm really digging Lady Gaga right now, here's the video of two of her best songs. The first is obviously is "Poker Face". She was on 20/20 and she actually seems pretty down to earth, she could lose some of the kookiness though. She also is much more attractive when she is just herself, not Lady Gaga. (Sorry about the lame PCD promo.)
"A Bad Romance" sorry about the lame Piccadilly commercial.
Let's hope the auditions get better from here on out. I can't wait until Hollywood Week. Tuesday is a 60 minute audition from LA with guest judges Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry. Wednesday's show will be pushed back by President Obama's State of the Union speech. That night's show is from Dallas. Another 60 minute episode with guest judges Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris. (I'm hoping that Harris can be a good guest judge.)
I also have to admit to a mistake, I was listening to napster.com yesterday and one of the songs I listened to was Kris Allen's "Live Like We're Dying". I was surprised in that it wasn't I a wimpy, boring song. It's actually a pretty good song. Thank you Kris for not having that piece of crap "No Boundaries" song on your CD. I'm glad he has "Heartless" on his CD though, that was one of the highlight's of last season. That's in spite of me not being a big Kris Allen fan. This CD reminds me a lot of Jason Mraz/ Rob Thomas. The songs start sounding the same after the first few songs though.
I refuse to listen to Adam Lambert's debut CD, he's a creature of hype.
themusicaddict
The Orlando auditions were a little bit better than Chicago's audition. They still weren't overwhelming. Kristin Chenoweth was okay as a judge, but Kara and Randy were awful as usual. Kristin was only there for one of the two days. Thank goodness for Simon. I don't blame him for leaving after this season, maybe he can find some other judges that can actually judge. He does do all the heavy lifting with this set of judges. I just don't know how you turn down $100 million, of course he thinks he can make more. For my auditions reviews my policy is I only write about the good auditions or the very creative auditions.
31 people from Orlando made it to Hollywood. Did any of them make it to Hollywood? To find out go to mjsbigblog.com, but don't tell me.
1) Seth Rollins -28- Lakeland, Florida. He sang the song of the night "Someone To Watch Over Me" by Frank Sinatra. I loved his interpretation of that classic. (I have Allison Iraheta's version of that same song on my computer.) He has a really nice, smooth voice. He seems like a very personable and likable person. I hope we see a lot more of him. He received 4 yeses. 4.5/5
2) Jermaine Purifoy- 28- this is his second chance at "AI". I'm not sure how he did not make it through the first time because he has a nice voice. He sang the Michael Jackson/ Charlie Chaplin song "Smile". I liked his performance but this has got to be one of the most boring songs of all-time. 4/5
3) Shelby Dressel -18- recent high school grad. She sang Norah Jones "Turn Me On". She has a nice story about learning how to deal with her facial paralysis. She got through to Hollywood. I agree with Simon when he said he wasn't "blown away". Good luck to her in life because I think she's going to be one of the first cuts in Hollywood. 3/5
4) Jay Stone: beat boxer/ singer. He's says he does things that Blake Lewis doesn't with the beat boxing,(And?). They had to remind Randy Jackson of Blake Lewis's name. I mean is Jackson awake through half of these shows. Stone beat boxed the Beatles "Come Together" and sang Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine". Simon said "no". Kara said "yes" then talked Randy into saying "yes" as well. Kara used the reasoning "you know you want to see that in Hollywood". 3/5
5) Janell Wheeler- 24- Tampa, Fl. She sang a pretty good version of The Animals "House of the Rising Sun". After hearing her very good performance of this song, I bought it from napster.com. I really think she could go a long way. 4/5
6) Brittany Star James -23- Coral Springs, Fl. She sang Estelle's "American Boy", a song I'm not familiar with. I thought her performance was too jittery. 3.5/5
7) Kasi Bedford -19- Seminole, Fl. She sang Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About". Raitt's version is fantastic and she has such a great voice. Bedford's version was aight. Randy liked the rasp in her voice, I understand but dawg she's just aight. 3.5/5
8) Cornelius Edwards- 24- He went to the Kara Disregardia school of lack of music knowledge. Remember last season she couldn't remember old vs. new Aerosmith. Edwards split his pants as he was singing "Proud Mary", the Ike and Tina Turner classic. Cornelius, the song is not called "Rollin'". If it wasn't for his split pants, he might not have made it to Hollywood. 3/5
9) Bernadette Desimone -27. I liked her best of the two sisters. I think she has the better voice and she picked the better song. She sang Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack". A song I bought off of napster.com as well. 4/5
10) Amanda Desimone-23. She sang Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". It was okay. Amanda support your sister when you get cut. Please don't be like Lauren Sanders. 3.5/5
11) Matthew Lawrence- 25- Stark, Fla. He robbed a bank when he was 15 and spent 4 years in jail. That seems to be a bit of an egregious penalty. He received a lot of post show hype and I don't know if he lived up to it. I thought his performance was a little lackluster. He could be one of those annoying contestants that the judges and producers love. They then hype him to death, i.e. Danny Gokey. An example Paula's constant love fest towards Danny Gokey last season. I thought the song he chose, Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble", is boring. Lamontagne's original version is also dreadfully boring. (Thanks to lala.com to be able to hear the full version of that song free.) I hope I'm wrong about him being one of those annoying contestants. He seems like he's a cool guy. Simon called sending him to Hollywood his "easiest yes". Randy and Kara called him "one of the best". (Why do those two like to say the same thing as each other?) 3.6/5
My Top 5 contestants from Orlando:
1) Seth Rollins: I just loved his performance, talk about picking the perfect song.
2) Bernadette Desimone sang a good version of Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack".
3) Jonell Wheeler did a very good version of The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun".
4) Cornelius Edwards sang Ike and Tina Turner's "Proud Mary".
5) Jay Stone, #5 for his version of the Bill Withers classic "Ain't No Sunshine".
Picking the top three was very easy for me, the bottom 2 not so easy.
As I wrote yesterday I'm really digging Lady Gaga right now, here's the video of two of her best songs. The first is obviously is "Poker Face". She was on 20/20 and she actually seems pretty down to earth, she could lose some of the kookiness though. She also is much more attractive when she is just herself, not Lady Gaga. (Sorry about the lame PCD promo.)
"A Bad Romance" sorry about the lame Piccadilly commercial.
Let's hope the auditions get better from here on out. I can't wait until Hollywood Week. Tuesday is a 60 minute audition from LA with guest judges Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry. Wednesday's show will be pushed back by President Obama's State of the Union speech. That night's show is from Dallas. Another 60 minute episode with guest judges Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris. (I'm hoping that Harris can be a good guest judge.)
I also have to admit to a mistake, I was listening to napster.com yesterday and one of the songs I listened to was Kris Allen's "Live Like We're Dying". I was surprised in that it wasn't I a wimpy, boring song. It's actually a pretty good song. Thank you Kris for not having that piece of crap "No Boundaries" song on your CD. I'm glad he has "Heartless" on his CD though, that was one of the highlight's of last season. That's in spite of me not being a big Kris Allen fan. This CD reminds me a lot of Jason Mraz/ Rob Thomas. The songs start sounding the same after the first few songs though.
I refuse to listen to Adam Lambert's debut CD, he's a creature of hype.
themusicaddict
Friday, January 22, 2010
A soon to be a San Fransciso 49ers fan?
Hello,
With Jerry Jones announcing that he was bringing back Wade Phillips not for one more year but for two years, I'm very discouraged. I'm seriously thinking of giving up my Dallas Cowboys fan membership. Jones says he's pleased with the progress that the Cowboys have made under Phillips. Really, winning 1 playoff game in 3 seasons is progress? Losing 34-3 and being manhandled by the Vikings is progress? The man is just not a winner. Winning in the regular season is only good to qualify for the playoffs. But if you do nothing in the postseason or don't make the postseason year after year it doesn't mean a thing.
I just can't get behind him as the head coach of my beloved Dallas Cowboys. He has the charisma of a used pair of underwear. I'm also sick of the recycled middle age white man coaching recycle bin. Chan Gailey, for hell's sake, is an NFL head coach again! I'm going to go out on a limb and make a big prediction, Buffalo is not going to be successful. Gailey's playoff record is 0-2, his two Dallas playoff teams lost by a combined score of 47-17. (Of course that's better than losing 34-3 and looking as bad as that score indicates.)
Why would I switch to the 49ers? For one they have a coach I can relate to, Mike Singletary. He's one of the greatest players from the greatest defensive team ever, the 1985 Chicago Bears. San Francisco finished 8-8 last season and is a young team on the rise. They also don't play in a very strong division. Their quarterback situation is a bit unsettled, they need a quarterback even more than the Dallas Cowboys. Either of the quarterbacks they have now is a stop gap measure at best. Neither is a long term solution. San Francisco won 3 of their last 4 games. They have 4 players going to the NFL Pro Bowl and two first round draft picks in the 2010 NFL draft.
According to newnfldraft.com right now they are projecting the 49ers might pick offensive tackle Anthony Davis from Rutgers. The offensive line seems to be one of their biggest weaknesses. For the 17th pick newnfldraft.com projects the 49ers will pick running back C.J. Spillers from Clemson. That would give them three solid running backs. I think they should do what they can to get a quarterback or stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh is only projected to be the number 2 overall pick, how he is not the number 1 overall pick?
Now on to "American Idol": Let's please get rid of Kara Disregardia and Randy Jackson as soon as possible please. I know it's only been one show, but can we have this lady be the permanent judge now starting right now? (Lucky horse.) Simon we are going to miss you so much, Ellen please be as good as I think you will be.
Paramore and Lady Gaga rule. I've really got into Lady Gaga lately, she has several great songs. Thanks for her bring some quality music to the end of last decade, a not great decade for music.
I listened to Rob Thomas' "cradlesong" and Paramore's "brand new eyes" today, both are excellent CDs. Check out all three artists.
themusicaddict
With Jerry Jones announcing that he was bringing back Wade Phillips not for one more year but for two years, I'm very discouraged. I'm seriously thinking of giving up my Dallas Cowboys fan membership. Jones says he's pleased with the progress that the Cowboys have made under Phillips. Really, winning 1 playoff game in 3 seasons is progress? Losing 34-3 and being manhandled by the Vikings is progress? The man is just not a winner. Winning in the regular season is only good to qualify for the playoffs. But if you do nothing in the postseason or don't make the postseason year after year it doesn't mean a thing.
I just can't get behind him as the head coach of my beloved Dallas Cowboys. He has the charisma of a used pair of underwear. I'm also sick of the recycled middle age white man coaching recycle bin. Chan Gailey, for hell's sake, is an NFL head coach again! I'm going to go out on a limb and make a big prediction, Buffalo is not going to be successful. Gailey's playoff record is 0-2, his two Dallas playoff teams lost by a combined score of 47-17. (Of course that's better than losing 34-3 and looking as bad as that score indicates.)
Why would I switch to the 49ers? For one they have a coach I can relate to, Mike Singletary. He's one of the greatest players from the greatest defensive team ever, the 1985 Chicago Bears. San Francisco finished 8-8 last season and is a young team on the rise. They also don't play in a very strong division. Their quarterback situation is a bit unsettled, they need a quarterback even more than the Dallas Cowboys. Either of the quarterbacks they have now is a stop gap measure at best. Neither is a long term solution. San Francisco won 3 of their last 4 games. They have 4 players going to the NFL Pro Bowl and two first round draft picks in the 2010 NFL draft.
According to newnfldraft.com right now they are projecting the 49ers might pick offensive tackle Anthony Davis from Rutgers. The offensive line seems to be one of their biggest weaknesses. For the 17th pick newnfldraft.com projects the 49ers will pick running back C.J. Spillers from Clemson. That would give them three solid running backs. I think they should do what they can to get a quarterback or stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh is only projected to be the number 2 overall pick, how he is not the number 1 overall pick?
Now on to "American Idol": Let's please get rid of Kara Disregardia and Randy Jackson as soon as possible please. I know it's only been one show, but can we have this lady be the permanent judge now starting right now? (Lucky horse.) Simon we are going to miss you so much, Ellen please be as good as I think you will be.
Paramore and Lady Gaga rule. I've really got into Lady Gaga lately, she has several great songs. Thanks for her bring some quality music to the end of last decade, a not great decade for music.
I listened to Rob Thomas' "cradlesong" and Paramore's "brand new eyes" today, both are excellent CDs. Check out all three artists.
themusicaddict
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Chicago "AI" auditions part 2
Hello,
2) Charity Vance of Little Rock, Arkansas. She's a high school student and works at her parents home salon. She sang the Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald classic "Summertime". That's one of the most over sung songs in "American Idol". Randy said that she has a "little voice". He's right about that. That was his one coherent thought of the episode. She's aiight, about typical for the Chicago auditions. There were no break out contestants in this episode. 3.5/5
3) Angela Martin- 28- appearing for her third consecutive year on "AI". She sang Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine". I loved Angela as she began singing the song, but she started going down hill near the end of the song. Last year she reached the Top 50, only to have to drop out to take care of a speeding ticket. I hope she is not this season's Lil Rounds, Martin seems like she has a much better attitude.
Those were the worthy singers from Day 1, it truly was an awful day. Day 2 didn't start out much better. Among the bad auditions was Carly Newbern's "A Woman's Worth" which wasn't worth much. However he had more class than most rejected "Idols". He seems like a very cool guy. Next we had Alannah Halbert's torturous version of "I Will Always Love You". Please don't!:) The next contestant at least, and at worst, was entertaining. That's the former army grunt Brian Carlson. You knew it was a joke when he said Tiny Tim was "one of my favorite artists". He acted all humble and called the male judges Mr. Cowell and Mr. Jackson. Singing 0/5, entertainment value 2/5. As I write this I'm laughing, he was intentionally bad. Next they showed more bad auditions.
4) Finally we got to John Park. He made Shania swoon, talking about his "bottom end", his lips and head. To paraphrase Shania's own song, "man he made her feel like a woman". (To be fair, when Shania was talking about his "bottom end", it was a reference to his singing.) He received 4 yeses from the judges. When deciding about if Park was going to Hollywood, Simon asked Shania her opinion then wryly noted we already know. (Simon I'm going to miss you. His leaving will put the final death knell in "Idol". It's a show that has gotten stale and it's time for it to leave the air. America next year will be the last season for you to strut your stuff, before the show goes off air or becomes irrelevant.) Park did a good job on Blood, Sweat and Tears' "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know". I could see him doing pretty well in this competition. 4.5/5
5) Paige Dechaussne- 21- she has battled asthma for a long time. She sang Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". That's another extremely over sung song on "AI". Her version was alright, but she comes off as more than a little desperate. 3 of the 4 judges said "yes". I don't see her lasting long in Hollywood. My rating a generous 4/5.
Next were quick snippets of three contestants who made it to Hollywood:
6) Justin Ray who sang Whitney Houston's "Why Does It Hurt So Bad". He was good enough to make it to Hollywood, but another contestant that I don't think will last much longer. 3.5/5
7) Marcus Jones sang Edward McCain's "I'll Be". The original version is so much better. He did receive 4 yeses from the judges though. 3.5/5
8) Keith Semple sang Bryan Adams "Heaven". I'm a big Bryan Adams fan and I love this song. I also like Semple's version of this song. I like how he brought his guitar with him, although he did seem to use it as bit of a security blanket. This is the type of singer I can get behind, although I hope he does pick more current songs. My grade for him is actually based on his potential rather than this one performance. 4/5
My very hard to put together Top 5 from this audition, this was just so hard as there were no standouts. Previously we had such obvious stand out contestants as Luke Shaffer, Ashley Rodriguez, Jermaine Sellers and Mallorie "Wowary" Haley.
1) Katelyn Epperly: Duffy's "Syrup and Honey"
2) Angela Martin: Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine"
3) John Park: Blood, Sweat and Tears "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know".
4) Charity Vance: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's (and Fantasia of course) "Summertime".
5) Keith Semple" Bryan Adams' "Heaven".
Again I hope these five contestants show something in Hollywood or they are going to be lost to history pretty quickly.
Next up is the Florida auditions with Kristin Chenowith as guest judge. Thankfully I've read this is a much better episode than Chicago. This episode has several great candidates I read, including Matt Lawrence. I hope to be able to watch this episode tomorrow and write about it on Saturday.
themusicaddict
2) Charity Vance of Little Rock, Arkansas. She's a high school student and works at her parents home salon. She sang the Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald classic "Summertime". That's one of the most over sung songs in "American Idol". Randy said that she has a "little voice". He's right about that. That was his one coherent thought of the episode. She's aiight, about typical for the Chicago auditions. There were no break out contestants in this episode. 3.5/5
3) Angela Martin- 28- appearing for her third consecutive year on "AI". She sang Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine". I loved Angela as she began singing the song, but she started going down hill near the end of the song. Last year she reached the Top 50, only to have to drop out to take care of a speeding ticket. I hope she is not this season's Lil Rounds, Martin seems like she has a much better attitude.
Those were the worthy singers from Day 1, it truly was an awful day. Day 2 didn't start out much better. Among the bad auditions was Carly Newbern's "A Woman's Worth" which wasn't worth much. However he had more class than most rejected "Idols". He seems like a very cool guy. Next we had Alannah Halbert's torturous version of "I Will Always Love You". Please don't!:) The next contestant at least, and at worst, was entertaining. That's the former army grunt Brian Carlson. You knew it was a joke when he said Tiny Tim was "one of my favorite artists". He acted all humble and called the male judges Mr. Cowell and Mr. Jackson. Singing 0/5, entertainment value 2/5. As I write this I'm laughing, he was intentionally bad. Next they showed more bad auditions.
4) Finally we got to John Park. He made Shania swoon, talking about his "bottom end", his lips and head. To paraphrase Shania's own song, "man he made her feel like a woman". (To be fair, when Shania was talking about his "bottom end", it was a reference to his singing.) He received 4 yeses from the judges. When deciding about if Park was going to Hollywood, Simon asked Shania her opinion then wryly noted we already know. (Simon I'm going to miss you. His leaving will put the final death knell in "Idol". It's a show that has gotten stale and it's time for it to leave the air. America next year will be the last season for you to strut your stuff, before the show goes off air or becomes irrelevant.) Park did a good job on Blood, Sweat and Tears' "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know". I could see him doing pretty well in this competition. 4.5/5
5) Paige Dechaussne- 21- she has battled asthma for a long time. She sang Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". That's another extremely over sung song on "AI". Her version was alright, but she comes off as more than a little desperate. 3 of the 4 judges said "yes". I don't see her lasting long in Hollywood. My rating a generous 4/5.
Next were quick snippets of three contestants who made it to Hollywood:
6) Justin Ray who sang Whitney Houston's "Why Does It Hurt So Bad". He was good enough to make it to Hollywood, but another contestant that I don't think will last much longer. 3.5/5
7) Marcus Jones sang Edward McCain's "I'll Be". The original version is so much better. He did receive 4 yeses from the judges though. 3.5/5
8) Keith Semple sang Bryan Adams "Heaven". I'm a big Bryan Adams fan and I love this song. I also like Semple's version of this song. I like how he brought his guitar with him, although he did seem to use it as bit of a security blanket. This is the type of singer I can get behind, although I hope he does pick more current songs. My grade for him is actually based on his potential rather than this one performance. 4/5
My very hard to put together Top 5 from this audition, this was just so hard as there were no standouts. Previously we had such obvious stand out contestants as Luke Shaffer, Ashley Rodriguez, Jermaine Sellers and Mallorie "Wowary" Haley.
1) Katelyn Epperly: Duffy's "Syrup and Honey"
2) Angela Martin: Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine"
3) John Park: Blood, Sweat and Tears "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know".
4) Charity Vance: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's (and Fantasia of course) "Summertime".
5) Keith Semple" Bryan Adams' "Heaven".
Again I hope these five contestants show something in Hollywood or they are going to be lost to history pretty quickly.
Next up is the Florida auditions with Kristin Chenowith as guest judge. Thankfully I've read this is a much better episode than Chicago. This episode has several great candidates I read, including Matt Lawrence. I hope to be able to watch this episode tomorrow and write about it on Saturday.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Awful "AI" Chicago Auditions, Part 1
Hello,
With great excitement I looked forward to seeing the Chicago auditions, the same place the great Jennifer Hudson comes from. (It makes me laugh they talk about a 7th place finisher so highly. Of course she succeeded in spite of that, using "American Idol" as a springboard to bigger and better things. Where are Diana Degarmo, Jasmine Trias, LaToya London, George Huff and John Stevens? They all finished higher than Hudson that season. Hudson has even had a better career than that season's winner Fantasia. I would love to see Allison Iraheta have the same kind of after "AI" bump.)
12,000 people tried out but only 13 people are going to Hollywood. Sending 13 people to Hollywood seemed to be a bit of a stretch as well. Although it was refreshing to see a guest judge with a personality and some intelligent opinions. I echo ew.com's Michael Slezak, can she replace either Kara and Randy permanently? Although my suggestion would be that she replace them both.
I did make a Top 5 at the end of this blog, but I'm not stuck in my opinion. These people better start doing singing better or they're going to wash out in Hollywood quickly. (According to mjsbigblog.com it's known that 22 of the Top 24 contestants are already selected. For now I continue to not go to the rumor sites.)
On to this very dreary episode.
1) Katelyn Epperly: She of the divorcing parents. She's siding with mother but still speaking with father. She sang "Syrup and Honey" by Duffy. She received 4 yeses from the judges. 5/5
With great excitement I looked forward to seeing the Chicago auditions, the same place the great Jennifer Hudson comes from. (It makes me laugh they talk about a 7th place finisher so highly. Of course she succeeded in spite of that, using "American Idol" as a springboard to bigger and better things. Where are Diana Degarmo, Jasmine Trias, LaToya London, George Huff and John Stevens? They all finished higher than Hudson that season. Hudson has even had a better career than that season's winner Fantasia. I would love to see Allison Iraheta have the same kind of after "AI" bump.)
12,000 people tried out but only 13 people are going to Hollywood. Sending 13 people to Hollywood seemed to be a bit of a stretch as well. Although it was refreshing to see a guest judge with a personality and some intelligent opinions. I echo ew.com's Michael Slezak, can she replace either Kara and Randy permanently? Although my suggestion would be that she replace them both.
I did make a Top 5 at the end of this blog, but I'm not stuck in my opinion. These people better start doing singing better or they're going to wash out in Hollywood quickly. (According to mjsbigblog.com it's known that 22 of the Top 24 contestants are already selected. For now I continue to not go to the rumor sites.)
On to this very dreary episode.
1) Katelyn Epperly: She of the divorcing parents. She's siding with mother but still speaking with father. She sang "Syrup and Honey" by Duffy. She received 4 yeses from the judges. 5/5
Monday, January 18, 2010
"The Blind Side", "No More Drama", Cheryl Cole
Hello,
We had a great family activity today. My hot wife, our three youngest kids and I went to see "The Blind Side". What a great, great movie. It's a bit emotionally manipulative though, one second I was laughing and the next second I was on the verge of tears. Both Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw were great in the movie as the Touhy's. Quinton Aaron played Michael Oher very well also. This is also a great book and when I got home I put it on hold at the local library so that I can read it again. The book isn't as emotionally manipulative as the movie. I strongly recommend you go see this movie, it's a great movie. It's the first movie to cross the $200 million mark with a woman as the lead. Also it's the highest grossing football movie ever. themusicaddict gives this movie a 9.5/10.
Currently Oher is starring for the Baltimore Ravens. I've read draft experts say if last season's draft was done over again, Oher might be the #1 draft pick overall. Overall this is just such a great, heart touching story. The fact that it's a true story just adds to the coolness factor.
Also Simon Cowell is in talks with Paula Abdul to join his "X Factor" coming in the Fall of 2011. I don't know why he would bring her back, she's not that good of a judge. However he also is talking to Cheryl Cole, I wouldn't mind seeing her a couple of times a week.
General Larry Platt was on "The View" again today, I love the General and "Pants On The Ground". Much love and respect to the General.
My biggest fan responded again to my blog, that of course is Thaddeus. Thaddeus must be a big fan of or actually be Mary J. Blige. This is their latest critique of my blog:
"*sighs* I'm sure you knew I would return...1st off, In the song "Good Love" that line is NOT in the song at all...so, you FAILED!
Second, What makes Mary a legend is her earlier work. She's called the queen of Hip-Hop Soul for a purpose. She credited for creating the melody Alicia & Eyraka is singing.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW CAN SOMEONE TALK ABOUT MUSIC AND NOT KNOW THE HISTORY BEHIND IT.
I've shown your blog to a few friends and they agree that nothing you say is VALID and you should DELETE this blog. Your constant HATE towards someone who's making QUALITY music and is her own artist makes me wonder that your blinded by society.
Mary has albums that have made the best albums of alltimes, from rolling stones to Entertainment magazine. It's clear your NOT a "music addict" your just some cheesy guy who THINKS he know's music...smh.
I hope you take heed and listen to Mary's earlier work, study it, & see how her music style influenced the quality sounds you hear today. After Mary's 1st album EVERYONE duplicated that "Hip-Hop Soul" sound...EVERYONE!
That is all!"
I've edited her comment a bit, I'm assuming Thaddeus is a girl. I took out a lot of the double spacing for it to be easier to read. My response to Thaddeus:
Thaddeus is right, I misquoted the line in Blige's "Good Love". The line actually is "Is this the first time you've heard this?" That completely changes the song and I regret my mistake, however I never claimed to be a big expert on Mary J. Blige.
It's also fine that you don't think this blog is valid, but I'm not going to delete it. This is a blog about the music I love, not all music.
I also never claimed this to be a history of music blog. I know a lot of the history of the music but that knowledge leans towards rock and pop. Not so much r & b. Also Thaddeus I don't hate Mary J. Blige, I hardly know anything about her. Her music is just not my cup of tea. That's why there's chocolate and vanilla ice cream, because people have different likes and interests. What does smh mean? Does it mean so much handsomeness, so much hotness or so much humor?
You suggest I listen to Mary J. Blige's earlier work. This is the thing I don't care about her music. I'm not a hater, I'm just not a fan. I only have so much time in the day and I prefer to listen to the music I like. I do appreciate your passion and respect for MJB. I also wanted to find out something about you Thaddeus, when are you going to enable access to your blogger profile?
Last and not least I think we should just agree to disagree and as Blige sings herself, "No More Drama".
themusicaddict
We had a great family activity today. My hot wife, our three youngest kids and I went to see "The Blind Side". What a great, great movie. It's a bit emotionally manipulative though, one second I was laughing and the next second I was on the verge of tears. Both Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw were great in the movie as the Touhy's. Quinton Aaron played Michael Oher very well also. This is also a great book and when I got home I put it on hold at the local library so that I can read it again. The book isn't as emotionally manipulative as the movie. I strongly recommend you go see this movie, it's a great movie. It's the first movie to cross the $200 million mark with a woman as the lead. Also it's the highest grossing football movie ever. themusicaddict gives this movie a 9.5/10.
Currently Oher is starring for the Baltimore Ravens. I've read draft experts say if last season's draft was done over again, Oher might be the #1 draft pick overall. Overall this is just such a great, heart touching story. The fact that it's a true story just adds to the coolness factor.
Also Simon Cowell is in talks with Paula Abdul to join his "X Factor" coming in the Fall of 2011. I don't know why he would bring her back, she's not that good of a judge. However he also is talking to Cheryl Cole, I wouldn't mind seeing her a couple of times a week.
General Larry Platt was on "The View" again today, I love the General and "Pants On The Ground". Much love and respect to the General.
My biggest fan responded again to my blog, that of course is Thaddeus. Thaddeus must be a big fan of or actually be Mary J. Blige. This is their latest critique of my blog:
"*sighs* I'm sure you knew I would return...1st off, In the song "Good Love" that line is NOT in the song at all...so, you FAILED!
Second, What makes Mary a legend is her earlier work. She's called the queen of Hip-Hop Soul for a purpose. She credited for creating the melody Alicia & Eyraka is singing.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW CAN SOMEONE TALK ABOUT MUSIC AND NOT KNOW THE HISTORY BEHIND IT.
I've shown your blog to a few friends and they agree that nothing you say is VALID and you should DELETE this blog. Your constant HATE towards someone who's making QUALITY music and is her own artist makes me wonder that your blinded by society.
Mary has albums that have made the best albums of alltimes, from rolling stones to Entertainment magazine. It's clear your NOT a "music addict" your just some cheesy guy who THINKS he know's music...smh.
I hope you take heed and listen to Mary's earlier work, study it, & see how her music style influenced the quality sounds you hear today. After Mary's 1st album EVERYONE duplicated that "Hip-Hop Soul" sound...EVERYONE!
That is all!"
I've edited her comment a bit, I'm assuming Thaddeus is a girl. I took out a lot of the double spacing for it to be easier to read. My response to Thaddeus:
Thaddeus is right, I misquoted the line in Blige's "Good Love". The line actually is "Is this the first time you've heard this?" That completely changes the song and I regret my mistake, however I never claimed to be a big expert on Mary J. Blige.
It's also fine that you don't think this blog is valid, but I'm not going to delete it. This is a blog about the music I love, not all music.
I also never claimed this to be a history of music blog. I know a lot of the history of the music but that knowledge leans towards rock and pop. Not so much r & b. Also Thaddeus I don't hate Mary J. Blige, I hardly know anything about her. Her music is just not my cup of tea. That's why there's chocolate and vanilla ice cream, because people have different likes and interests. What does smh mean? Does it mean so much handsomeness, so much hotness or so much humor?
You suggest I listen to Mary J. Blige's earlier work. This is the thing I don't care about her music. I'm not a hater, I'm just not a fan. I only have so much time in the day and I prefer to listen to the music I like. I do appreciate your passion and respect for MJB. I also wanted to find out something about you Thaddeus, when are you going to enable access to your blogger profile?
Last and not least I think we should just agree to disagree and as Blige sings herself, "No More Drama".
themusicaddict
Good books and movies, Mallorie wowary
Another picture of the gorgeous chick from Winner, S.D. with one hell of a voice!
Hello,
Welcome to my 400th blog post.
It's being reported that the Dallas Cowboys are bringing back stumbling, bumbling fool Wade Phillips. He of the 1-5 playoff record, although he's off to a blazing 1-2 start in Dallas. That includes his first and possibly last playoff victory. Oh good and he'll be leading my team again next season. Phillips is a great defensive coordinator but a poor head coach. Consider this stat he has won more NFC titles than playoff games, 2 vs. 1. That's hard to do. As a head coach he's not a winner. He's much like Norv Turner in that he's just not a winner as a postseason head coach. People in the NFL know these things about these kind of coaches, so why do they keep on getting hired?
I read about the first third of Dave Eggers' "The Wild Things" and I think I'm going to give up now. This is his literary adaptation of Maurice Sendak's "Where The Wild Things Are". I've read the first 75 pages and I just kept on waiting for something to happen. We know Max's mind but when is the story going to start?
I then started reading Lee Child's "Gone Tomorrow", it's one of his Jack Reacher novels. I'm liking it so far, the story starts right at the start of the book. Child grabs you by hand and pulls you into the plot of the book. It's pretty good and a fast paced book but a little light. This is the perfect summer book to read on the beach. This is my first Jack Reacher novel and I will read more.
My lovely wife and I are going to go watch "The Blind Side" today, we look forward to it. We also watched the very good "500 Days of Summer" starring the lovely Zooey Deschanel. A very enjoyable movie with great characters, great acting and very good acting by Deschanel and Joseph Gorden-Leavitt.
If you love "American Idol" as much as me, then you'll be glad to hear that ew.com's "Idolatry" is back. It features Micheal Slezak and Kristin Baldwin (both the good and the bad Kristin). This show is sometimes more entertaining than the real show itself. Check out the first 6 episodes now at ew.com.
Lastly, I tried to broaden my horizons and listened to Mary J. Blige yesterday. I listened to about 10 of her songs and left unimpressed with her. I'd never heard any of the songs before and most of those songs were boring. I also hate how the producers call in rappers to rap over the song. That rarely adds anything to the song, in fact it usually makes the song worse.
She has one song that I like, it's called "Good Love". It's got the great line, "Is this the first time that you heard this song?". Why yes Mary it is! In the all-time pantheon of great female r & b/ soul singers I would rate Blige far behind Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Fantasia, Alexis Grace, Anita Baker, Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson, Neneh Cherry, Jennifer Hudson and many others. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the awesome Rihanna. She may be a music legend and a diva but there are many better artists than her IN MY OPINION. Please feel free to disagree with me.
Upcoming "AI" tomorrow is from Chicago with Shania Twain as the guest judge. Let's hope she brings a little more to the table than Blige or Victoria Beckham.
Have a great day, themusicaddict
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thaddeus, I'm not a Mary J. Blige hater
Hello,
I received a comment from a Thaddeus and I'd like to respond.
This is what they said:
"Sweetie, Are you serious about Mary J Blige?
You obviously need to do your research before you talk shit!
Mary has the most successful R&B song of all times (15 WEEKS AT #1)...Her songs are used in movies, commercials, sampled, covered, & sung on american Idol.
She's done 780,000 1st week album sales...THE BEST FOR A FEMALE R&B ARTIST!
Songs:
Real Love
Im going down
Family Affair
Missing you
Be without you
No More Drama
Take Me As I Am
...This is just to name a few."
Obviously I didn't do my research, but that's my point. If she's a music legend, the average person should no a few of her songs. I did not know any of her songs, that's why I question her as a music legend. I look at the list of songs you list. I've heard of a few, but none of them bring the tune to my head. I would argue with one more thing, about the first week sales. It seems back in the day Whitney Houston was moving a million plus units in her first week of sales. Whitney Houston, in my opinion, now there's a music legend.
I will have to check her out. I'm going to lala.com right now to check out some of her music. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I welcome all comments, especially if you disagree with me. I'm themusicaddict, not themusicexpert.
Much respect to General Larry Platt, themusicaddict
I received a comment from a Thaddeus and I'd like to respond.
This is what they said:
"Sweetie, Are you serious about Mary J Blige?
You obviously need to do your research before you talk shit!
Mary has the most successful R&B song of all times (15 WEEKS AT #1)...Her songs are used in movies, commercials, sampled, covered, & sung on american Idol.
She's done 780,000 1st week album sales...THE BEST FOR A FEMALE R&B ARTIST!
Songs:
Real Love
Im going down
Family Affair
Missing you
Be without you
No More Drama
Take Me As I Am
...This is just to name a few."
Obviously I didn't do my research, but that's my point. If she's a music legend, the average person should no a few of her songs. I did not know any of her songs, that's why I question her as a music legend. I look at the list of songs you list. I've heard of a few, but none of them bring the tune to my head. I would argue with one more thing, about the first week sales. It seems back in the day Whitney Houston was moving a million plus units in her first week of sales. Whitney Houston, in my opinion, now there's a music legend.
I will have to check her out. I'm going to lala.com right now to check out some of her music. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I welcome all comments, especially if you disagree with me. I'm themusicaddict, not themusicexpert.
Much respect to General Larry Platt, themusicaddict
"AI" in Atlanta, "Pants On The Ground"
Hello,
Here finally is my review of the Atlanta "American Idol" auditions. Again this mostly this is only going to be a review of the good auditions with my Top 5 list afterwards.
Guest judge was Randy Jackson's sister, at least in complete lack of judging ability, Ms. Mary J Blige. Blige is a so-called music legend. I would disagree, can you even name one song she sings? 25 people qualified for Hollywood from Atlanta. Previous contestants include Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino and Clay Aiken. (Let's play the Sesame Street game, which of these is not like the others.) Only 11 of the 25 contestants who made it to Hollywood were shown in the 90 minute show. I wish we could see more of the good performances and less of the Andrew Fenlon, Norberto Guerrero and Jesse Hamilton auditions. Here goes:
1) Keia Johnson who sang the as she called it "the ' Titantic' song". That obviously is Celine Dion's "I Know That My Heart Will Go On". Johnson has a big, powerful voice but I was still underwhelmed by her performance. She did receive 4 yeses from the judges. 4/5
2) Miriam Lemouni: She sang Miley Cyrus' "The Climb". Why? I thought she was aiight and I think completely forgettable. 4/5
3) Noel Reese sang Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". Why? Why do these singers continue trying to sing Whitney Houston songs. Very few people can sing her songs well, so for most of you please don't try her songs. The bad thing about singers like Reese is she's so forgettable. I forgot her since watching this episode yesterday morning. I had to go to youtube.com to be reminded of exactly who she is. She has a nice voice and did a good version of that song. However she is only 16 years old, I think she's going to fade once she gets to Hollywood. She's also in desperate need of a stylist. 4/5
4) Tisha Holland -18- Hostess sang Christina Aguilera's "Impossible". Another song by a big voiced singer. Another forgettable, probably way too young singer. Kara called her the best we've seen all day. Kara's approval, there's a kiss of death for any contestant. 4/5
5) Jermaine Sellers- 26- church singer. Finally a potential superstar. I love his take on Joan Osborne's "One of Us". I really love him and think he's awesome. He's my favorite singer so far. (That moves Luke Shaffer to #2 overall.) I like in the interview room how he said, "now she's going to call the whole neighborhood" talking about his Mom. Very funny and very touching. I look forward to seeing him more in Hollywood. 5/5
6) Vanessa Wolfe sang Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel", a song none of the judges or myself are obviously familiar with. I got sick of her back story pretty quickly though. "AI" we get it you think she's a hick. The country girl is going to get eaten alive in Hollywood. (Go to mjsbigblog.com and you might be able to find out if that has happened. I've been ignoring the rumor sites so far this season.) I did like how she was excited by the prospect of taking an airplane. She said, "I'm going to ride on a airoplane". Yes, she said "airoplane". 3/5
7) Holly Harden- 20- the guitar girl sang Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man". Points for going old school on a great old time country song. 4/5
8) Mallorie Haley, Winner, South Dakota. She's a 20 year old babe and definitely not forgettable. Points for taking on the amazing Janis Joplin song and singing it well. Hopefully she won't be this season's Casey Carlson. The babe who folds once she gets in front of a crowd. 5/5
9) Antonio Wheeler, another singer I loved. Ski bo ski made me laugh repeatedly, he's kind of like Borat he gets into character and stays that way the whole way through. I didn't think he was as good of a singer as the judges did. But I like him and think he will bring some much needed spice to Hollywood Week. It's doubtful if he'll get past that. 4/5
10) Carmen Turner, the more attractive and better singer of the BFF pair. Another singer I don't think will last long in Hollywood. I think she did a fairly good version of Kelly Clarkson's "Where Is Your Heart". 3.5/5
11) Brian Walker -25- policeman from Tennessee. I thought he was a bit of a reach to make it to Hollywood as well. His take on the Carpenter's "Superstar" was okay. Randy liked him though, saying "the singing policeman is hot". 3.5/5
12) General Larry Platt -62- retired military was my third favorite contestant of the night. He sang his own original song and the instant classic, "Pants on the Ground". (This video has 832,000 views on youtube.com so far.) Obviously he's too old to move on to Hollywood, but you can bet we will see him on the season finale. He's also going to be on the view tomorrow. I loved how Ryan asked him if that was an original, of course Ryan. I love that song and if it is released as a single, I would definitely buy it. Much respect for being retired military as well as being a civil rights stalwart in the center of the Civil Rights battleground. 5/5
My top five from Atlanta:
1) Jermaine Sellers singing Joan Osborne's "One of Us".
2) Mallorie Haley singing Janis Joplin's "Piece Of My Heart".
3) General Larry Platt singing his original and very catchy "Pants On The Ground".
4) Antonio Wheeler, Ski Bo Ski, sang Mr. Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". Marvin Gaye was the man wasn't he?
5)Carmen Turner singing Kelly Clarkson's "Where Is Your Heart". She was the best of the rest for me. She probably wouldn't have made my Top 7 or 8 in Boston.
themusicaddict
Here finally is my review of the Atlanta "American Idol" auditions. Again this mostly this is only going to be a review of the good auditions with my Top 5 list afterwards.
Guest judge was Randy Jackson's sister, at least in complete lack of judging ability, Ms. Mary J Blige. Blige is a so-called music legend. I would disagree, can you even name one song she sings? 25 people qualified for Hollywood from Atlanta. Previous contestants include Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino and Clay Aiken. (Let's play the Sesame Street game, which of these is not like the others.) Only 11 of the 25 contestants who made it to Hollywood were shown in the 90 minute show. I wish we could see more of the good performances and less of the Andrew Fenlon, Norberto Guerrero and Jesse Hamilton auditions. Here goes:
1) Keia Johnson who sang the as she called it "the ' Titantic' song". That obviously is Celine Dion's "I Know That My Heart Will Go On". Johnson has a big, powerful voice but I was still underwhelmed by her performance. She did receive 4 yeses from the judges. 4/5
2) Miriam Lemouni: She sang Miley Cyrus' "The Climb". Why? I thought she was aiight and I think completely forgettable. 4/5
3) Noel Reese sang Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". Why? Why do these singers continue trying to sing Whitney Houston songs. Very few people can sing her songs well, so for most of you please don't try her songs. The bad thing about singers like Reese is she's so forgettable. I forgot her since watching this episode yesterday morning. I had to go to youtube.com to be reminded of exactly who she is. She has a nice voice and did a good version of that song. However she is only 16 years old, I think she's going to fade once she gets to Hollywood. She's also in desperate need of a stylist. 4/5
4) Tisha Holland -18- Hostess sang Christina Aguilera's "Impossible". Another song by a big voiced singer. Another forgettable, probably way too young singer. Kara called her the best we've seen all day. Kara's approval, there's a kiss of death for any contestant. 4/5
5) Jermaine Sellers- 26- church singer. Finally a potential superstar. I love his take on Joan Osborne's "One of Us". I really love him and think he's awesome. He's my favorite singer so far. (That moves Luke Shaffer to #2 overall.) I like in the interview room how he said, "now she's going to call the whole neighborhood" talking about his Mom. Very funny and very touching. I look forward to seeing him more in Hollywood. 5/5
6) Vanessa Wolfe sang Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel", a song none of the judges or myself are obviously familiar with. I got sick of her back story pretty quickly though. "AI" we get it you think she's a hick. The country girl is going to get eaten alive in Hollywood. (Go to mjsbigblog.com and you might be able to find out if that has happened. I've been ignoring the rumor sites so far this season.) I did like how she was excited by the prospect of taking an airplane. She said, "I'm going to ride on a airoplane". Yes, she said "airoplane". 3/5
7) Holly Harden- 20- the guitar girl sang Loretta Lynn's "You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man". Points for going old school on a great old time country song. 4/5
8) Mallorie Haley, Winner, South Dakota. She's a 20 year old babe and definitely not forgettable. Points for taking on the amazing Janis Joplin song and singing it well. Hopefully she won't be this season's Casey Carlson. The babe who folds once she gets in front of a crowd. 5/5
9) Antonio Wheeler, another singer I loved. Ski bo ski made me laugh repeatedly, he's kind of like Borat he gets into character and stays that way the whole way through. I didn't think he was as good of a singer as the judges did. But I like him and think he will bring some much needed spice to Hollywood Week. It's doubtful if he'll get past that. 4/5
10) Carmen Turner, the more attractive and better singer of the BFF pair. Another singer I don't think will last long in Hollywood. I think she did a fairly good version of Kelly Clarkson's "Where Is Your Heart". 3.5/5
11) Brian Walker -25- policeman from Tennessee. I thought he was a bit of a reach to make it to Hollywood as well. His take on the Carpenter's "Superstar" was okay. Randy liked him though, saying "the singing policeman is hot". 3.5/5
12) General Larry Platt -62- retired military was my third favorite contestant of the night. He sang his own original song and the instant classic, "Pants on the Ground". (This video has 832,000 views on youtube.com so far.) Obviously he's too old to move on to Hollywood, but you can bet we will see him on the season finale. He's also going to be on the view tomorrow. I loved how Ryan asked him if that was an original, of course Ryan. I love that song and if it is released as a single, I would definitely buy it. Much respect for being retired military as well as being a civil rights stalwart in the center of the Civil Rights battleground. 5/5
My top five from Atlanta:
1) Jermaine Sellers singing Joan Osborne's "One of Us".
2) Mallorie Haley singing Janis Joplin's "Piece Of My Heart".
3) General Larry Platt singing his original and very catchy "Pants On The Ground".
4) Antonio Wheeler, Ski Bo Ski, sang Mr. Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". Marvin Gaye was the man wasn't he?
5)Carmen Turner singing Kelly Clarkson's "Where Is Your Heart". She was the best of the rest for me. She probably wouldn't have made my Top 7 or 8 in Boston.
themusicaddict
Fire Wade Phillips Now!
Hello,
I had the misfortune of watching the pathetic Dallas Cowboys choke in Minnesota. I didn't have the stomach to watch the whole game, but the part I watched Tony Romo had 4 turnovers. I'd thought Romo was past the turnover phase of his career but obviously not. Romo continues to choke in the playoffs in a big way. He's a great player in the regular season, but folds in the playoffs. It's time to use a draft pick and get a real quarterback, Romo can be the backup until his contract runs out.
Then other than watching, what the hell was Wade Phillips doing on the sideline? As a head coach he's worthless and needs to be fired. He won't be and according to espn.com he may be coaching Dallas for two more years. How much mediocrity does this man need to be responsible for before he's fired? Why does owner Jerry Jones keep Phillips? Is it because he's a great head coach? No! I honestly believe that it's due to Phillips not getting in the way of Jerry Jones acting like the General Manager. He's the favorite type of employee in corporate America, a "yes" man. He's definitely not keeping his job because of his great coaching ability. Again I would love to have him as the defensive coordinator but he has no ability asa head coach. I think his 1-5 playoff record speaks to that. As Bill Parcells says "you are what you're record says you are."
Tony Romo needs to go away as well, as does their choking kicker. Also why did Jason Garrett keep on calling that delayed hand off, that play was terrible in every way. I'm very disappointed in my Cowboys and their level of play. Their offense were over matched all day and I'm not sure they even showed up mentally. They must have off season plans to get to. They played a good team in Minnesota, but Dallas shot themselves in the foot as well.
Thank you Jason Witten, Felix Jones and the offensive line for actually showing up. Final score Minnesota 34, Dallas 3.
themusicaddict
I had the misfortune of watching the pathetic Dallas Cowboys choke in Minnesota. I didn't have the stomach to watch the whole game, but the part I watched Tony Romo had 4 turnovers. I'd thought Romo was past the turnover phase of his career but obviously not. Romo continues to choke in the playoffs in a big way. He's a great player in the regular season, but folds in the playoffs. It's time to use a draft pick and get a real quarterback, Romo can be the backup until his contract runs out.
Then other than watching, what the hell was Wade Phillips doing on the sideline? As a head coach he's worthless and needs to be fired. He won't be and according to espn.com he may be coaching Dallas for two more years. How much mediocrity does this man need to be responsible for before he's fired? Why does owner Jerry Jones keep Phillips? Is it because he's a great head coach? No! I honestly believe that it's due to Phillips not getting in the way of Jerry Jones acting like the General Manager. He's the favorite type of employee in corporate America, a "yes" man. He's definitely not keeping his job because of his great coaching ability. Again I would love to have him as the defensive coordinator but he has no ability asa head coach. I think his 1-5 playoff record speaks to that. As Bill Parcells says "you are what you're record says you are."
Tony Romo needs to go away as well, as does their choking kicker. Also why did Jason Garrett keep on calling that delayed hand off, that play was terrible in every way. I'm very disappointed in my Cowboys and their level of play. Their offense were over matched all day and I'm not sure they even showed up mentally. They must have off season plans to get to. They played a good team in Minnesota, but Dallas shot themselves in the foot as well.
Thank you Jason Witten, Felix Jones and the offensive line for actually showing up. Final score Minnesota 34, Dallas 3.
themusicaddict
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Boston auditions, part 3.
Hello,
Your intrepid musicaddict is back the third and last part of my review of the "American Idol" auditions from Boston.
On my last blog I ended with Andrew Fenlon's audition where Kara made herself the center of attention. Shame on you Kara. Fenlon is an alleged comedian, he obviously trying to go the Norman Gentle route. Next up were the horrendous auditions of Bill Bloom, who took the bloom off of a Seal song, and Michael Ryan.
Next it was back to the good contestants with Ashley Rodriguez. Dang it Arod already has been taken as a nickname. Rodriguez is the attractive singer that has the Julia Roberts mouth and the whitest teeth ever. She also gets bonus points for singing one of Alicia Keys' songs, "If I Ain't Got You". Easily one of the best songs of last decade. Oh yeah and she has a very good voice. Ellen previewed her on her Tuesday afternoon talk show. Ms. Arod has a lot of potential. 5/5
Tyler Grady was up next with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On". (Remember how Kara had to take a cold shower after Matt Giraud's version last season.) Grady did a very good version of this song, this seems this is a very fun song to sing. 4/5
Lisa Olivera was only notable for her hourglass figure and Randy and Simon's appreciation as she was leaving the audition room. She was followed by Ryan Keane's brutal version of "Ring of Fire", Simon's judgement an "unequivocal no".
Mike Davis, the driver of the boat Codzilla, sang "Yesterday" by the Beatles. On Day 2 of Boston, he was the first to make it through to Hollywood. Randy said "no" to Mike Davis, but he still moved on.
Katie Stevens -16- sang Etta James "At Last", just like another youngster, Stevie Wright, in the auditions last season. Stevens has a bluesy, raspy voice and sang a very difficult song. Again how will she do once she gets to Hollywood? With Hollywood week going on right now, has she already been sent home. Another could be a concern, I had to go to youtube.com to remember her performance. 4/5
Joshua Blaylock -28- sang Rascal Flatts "God Bless The Broken Road". I remembered him without going to youtube.com. Simon didn't like him, but I certainly did. I like his voice and I liked his song choice. Although we had to watch the protracted thing of him trying to be assertive and telling Simon to "shut up". 4/5
Next up was Season 8 retread Justin Williams, 27 from Sandy, Utah. He's the cancer survivor and best of all he's now cancer free. He sang "Feelin' Good" at this year's auditions. He also was part of White Chocolate last season during the group rounds in Hollywood. Along with Matt Giraud, Kris Allen and India Morrison that was one of the highlights from last season.
Next up was space filler Norberto Guerroro. That's enough said about the Latoya Jackson look a like with a beard. -infinity
We close out with two more good singers. First of all Bosa Mora, who's one of my favorite singers so far. I love his voice and his take on George Strait's "You Look So Good In Love". The way he changed the song you couldn't tell originally it was a country song. I like Mora's version better than Strait's. Simon called him "good but boring" and said "no". 5/5
The night closed out with a very good performance by Leah Laurenti who sang "Blue Skies". I think she did a good job, but I think she over sang it a bit. She has a powerful voice, but does not need to use it all on each song. Sometimes a touch of restraint is a good thing. She reminds me of last season's Von Smith (or as ew.com's Michael Slezak called him "Shouty McShouterson) in the over singing department. That's the only similarity I see, she isn't annoying as Shouty. 5/5
Here's a quick review of the judges after one show. Simon Cowell gets an A as always. Victoria Beckham was an okay addition, but didn't really add anything. Randy Jackson gets an F as always, he's completely worthless. But in no way will he be as bad as Kara Disregardia, she disregards talent, taste and music knowledge. I'm giving her a very generous grade of Z. A generous grade even though I would grade her lower if I could. I hear she pulls some more stupid tricks in Atlanta. Dear "A.I." producers please fire Kara Disregardia.
My top five:
1) Luke Shaffer easily is my #1 singer from Boston and it's not even close. I look forward to him in Hollywood.
2) Ashley Rodriguez is also awesome. I love her voice and the song she chose of Alicia Keys.
3) Tyler Grady: I like him as much for his voice as for his song selection.
4) Benjamin Bright has a very smooth, soulful voice as he sang "All My Lovin". I would like to see him go a long ways.
5) Katie Stevens: The 16 year old singer with that bluesy, raspy voice. I just hope she doesn't flame out. If it does not work out this year, she can try out for X Factor in a couple of years. ("AI" will be off the air by then.)
I'll probably be watching the Atlanta auditions tomorrow and hopefully posting that blog the same day. So far there are no contestants that remind me of the annoying and overrated Adam Lambert, David Archuleta, Danny Gokey, Sanjaya Malakar or the painful Tatiana Del Toro.
themusicaddict
Your intrepid musicaddict is back the third and last part of my review of the "American Idol" auditions from Boston.
On my last blog I ended with Andrew Fenlon's audition where Kara made herself the center of attention. Shame on you Kara. Fenlon is an alleged comedian, he obviously trying to go the Norman Gentle route. Next up were the horrendous auditions of Bill Bloom, who took the bloom off of a Seal song, and Michael Ryan.
Next it was back to the good contestants with Ashley Rodriguez. Dang it Arod already has been taken as a nickname. Rodriguez is the attractive singer that has the Julia Roberts mouth and the whitest teeth ever. She also gets bonus points for singing one of Alicia Keys' songs, "If I Ain't Got You". Easily one of the best songs of last decade. Oh yeah and she has a very good voice. Ellen previewed her on her Tuesday afternoon talk show. Ms. Arod has a lot of potential. 5/5
Tyler Grady was up next with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On". (Remember how Kara had to take a cold shower after Matt Giraud's version last season.) Grady did a very good version of this song, this seems this is a very fun song to sing. 4/5
Lisa Olivera was only notable for her hourglass figure and Randy and Simon's appreciation as she was leaving the audition room. She was followed by Ryan Keane's brutal version of "Ring of Fire", Simon's judgement an "unequivocal no".
Mike Davis, the driver of the boat Codzilla, sang "Yesterday" by the Beatles. On Day 2 of Boston, he was the first to make it through to Hollywood. Randy said "no" to Mike Davis, but he still moved on.
Katie Stevens -16- sang Etta James "At Last", just like another youngster, Stevie Wright, in the auditions last season. Stevens has a bluesy, raspy voice and sang a very difficult song. Again how will she do once she gets to Hollywood? With Hollywood week going on right now, has she already been sent home. Another could be a concern, I had to go to youtube.com to remember her performance. 4/5
Joshua Blaylock -28- sang Rascal Flatts "God Bless The Broken Road". I remembered him without going to youtube.com. Simon didn't like him, but I certainly did. I like his voice and I liked his song choice. Although we had to watch the protracted thing of him trying to be assertive and telling Simon to "shut up". 4/5
Next up was Season 8 retread Justin Williams, 27 from Sandy, Utah. He's the cancer survivor and best of all he's now cancer free. He sang "Feelin' Good" at this year's auditions. He also was part of White Chocolate last season during the group rounds in Hollywood. Along with Matt Giraud, Kris Allen and India Morrison that was one of the highlights from last season.
Next up was space filler Norberto Guerroro. That's enough said about the Latoya Jackson look a like with a beard. -infinity
We close out with two more good singers. First of all Bosa Mora, who's one of my favorite singers so far. I love his voice and his take on George Strait's "You Look So Good In Love". The way he changed the song you couldn't tell originally it was a country song. I like Mora's version better than Strait's. Simon called him "good but boring" and said "no". 5/5
The night closed out with a very good performance by Leah Laurenti who sang "Blue Skies". I think she did a good job, but I think she over sang it a bit. She has a powerful voice, but does not need to use it all on each song. Sometimes a touch of restraint is a good thing. She reminds me of last season's Von Smith (or as ew.com's Michael Slezak called him "Shouty McShouterson) in the over singing department. That's the only similarity I see, she isn't annoying as Shouty. 5/5
Here's a quick review of the judges after one show. Simon Cowell gets an A as always. Victoria Beckham was an okay addition, but didn't really add anything. Randy Jackson gets an F as always, he's completely worthless. But in no way will he be as bad as Kara Disregardia, she disregards talent, taste and music knowledge. I'm giving her a very generous grade of Z. A generous grade even though I would grade her lower if I could. I hear she pulls some more stupid tricks in Atlanta. Dear "A.I." producers please fire Kara Disregardia.
My top five:
1) Luke Shaffer easily is my #1 singer from Boston and it's not even close. I look forward to him in Hollywood.
2) Ashley Rodriguez is also awesome. I love her voice and the song she chose of Alicia Keys.
3) Tyler Grady: I like him as much for his voice as for his song selection.
4) Benjamin Bright has a very smooth, soulful voice as he sang "All My Lovin". I would like to see him go a long ways.
5) Katie Stevens: The 16 year old singer with that bluesy, raspy voice. I just hope she doesn't flame out. If it does not work out this year, she can try out for X Factor in a couple of years. ("AI" will be off the air by then.)
I'll probably be watching the Atlanta auditions tomorrow and hopefully posting that blog the same day. So far there are no contestants that remind me of the annoying and overrated Adam Lambert, David Archuleta, Danny Gokey, Sanjaya Malakar or the painful Tatiana Del Toro.
themusicaddict
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Boston auditions Part 2
Hello,
I was reading Michael Slezak's always excellent review of "AI" at ew.com. He wrote about did anyone miss Paula. I have to admit it other than when they talked about it at the start of the show, I didn't even think about her. Kara/ Randy cover the loopy, questionable reviews enough for her. I absolutely did not miss her one bit. When I thought about it this morning I was glad that she was not there.
Although with Simon announcing he'll be leaving that did cast a pallor over the show. That was so obvious when the obnoxious Pat Ford said he would see the judges next year. Simon sarcastically said to the effect "oh good now we have something to look forward to." Not only was that a witty barb, but it really kicked in that he's not going to be here next year.
It makes me nervous about the rumors that Ryan Seacrest might be both a judge and host. Apparently when he originally auditioned for "AI" he auditioned to be a judge. All these shenanigans again make me think that this will be the second to last season. The best chance for this show to continue is to dump Kara and Randy after this season. They need to surround Ellen with other energetic, funny and intelligent judges. Either that or find enough money to have Simon Cowell come back for season 10. It would have to be enough money to get him to do "AI" and "X Factor".
Now on to other auditions from last night's Season 9 Boston premiere.
Jess Wolfe sang Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready", I rated her a 3 out of 5 rating. I agree with a commenter on another site, when she get's to Hollywood she needs a stylist. As doofus Randy would say she was aight.
Amadao Diricco-28- comes from a big Italian family and was one of the most fun contestants of the night. He's got a real great personality and he can sing as well. Not only that but bonus points for breaking out a Muddy Waters song. Waters is one of the most unappreciated singers of all-time. I loved Diricco's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man".
After the very disposable Derek Hilton and Mere Doyle it was time for my favorite contestant of the night.
That was the great Luke Shaffer. He took a deep breath before starting his performance. He sang a song that I had never heard before. That was Secondhand Serenade's "Fall For You" and I loved his version of that song. I think he sings it better than the original artist. (Thanks to lala.com for being able to listen to the original version.) I rated him 5/5 for his performance. Not only do I think he has a chance to win this whole thing, but also he was Boston's best. To see his performance again go to mjsbigblog.com.
Next up was the very good Benjamin Bright, I loved his version of "All My Lovin". He has a very smooth voice and I look forward to hearing from him in Hollywood again. (BTW Hollywood Week is currently going on in real time.)
Bad audition alert: Andrew Fenton. I don't blame him for having to wait for so long, dude that's why they're are iPods, PSPs and you can even watch TV on your phone now. His "House of the Rising Sun" started out awful but I liked his performance as he went on. Although he had no chance of advancing to Hollywood. My point in bringing him up is not for him, but because of Kara's idiotic behavior. Again as with bikini girl last year, Kara is making herself the story again. Can she be fired yet? What is Kara complaining about? What did he do that make it so personal for her? Why did she say, "I am very angry at you, who I don't like at all". Who cares Kara, just be glad you still have a job. You suck! I honestly think that's part of the reason why Simon is quitting is because he hates Kara. I think he intentionally says her name wrong for that reason on those very few times he talks to her. I think Simon might be one of the few people who miss Paula.
Part 3 hopefully tomorrow, themusicaddict
I was reading Michael Slezak's always excellent review of "AI" at ew.com. He wrote about did anyone miss Paula. I have to admit it other than when they talked about it at the start of the show, I didn't even think about her. Kara/ Randy cover the loopy, questionable reviews enough for her. I absolutely did not miss her one bit. When I thought about it this morning I was glad that she was not there.
Although with Simon announcing he'll be leaving that did cast a pallor over the show. That was so obvious when the obnoxious Pat Ford said he would see the judges next year. Simon sarcastically said to the effect "oh good now we have something to look forward to." Not only was that a witty barb, but it really kicked in that he's not going to be here next year.
It makes me nervous about the rumors that Ryan Seacrest might be both a judge and host. Apparently when he originally auditioned for "AI" he auditioned to be a judge. All these shenanigans again make me think that this will be the second to last season. The best chance for this show to continue is to dump Kara and Randy after this season. They need to surround Ellen with other energetic, funny and intelligent judges. Either that or find enough money to have Simon Cowell come back for season 10. It would have to be enough money to get him to do "AI" and "X Factor".
Now on to other auditions from last night's Season 9 Boston premiere.
Jess Wolfe sang Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready", I rated her a 3 out of 5 rating. I agree with a commenter on another site, when she get's to Hollywood she needs a stylist. As doofus Randy would say she was aight.
Amadao Diricco-28- comes from a big Italian family and was one of the most fun contestants of the night. He's got a real great personality and he can sing as well. Not only that but bonus points for breaking out a Muddy Waters song. Waters is one of the most unappreciated singers of all-time. I loved Diricco's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man".
After the very disposable Derek Hilton and Mere Doyle it was time for my favorite contestant of the night.
That was the great Luke Shaffer. He took a deep breath before starting his performance. He sang a song that I had never heard before. That was Secondhand Serenade's "Fall For You" and I loved his version of that song. I think he sings it better than the original artist. (Thanks to lala.com for being able to listen to the original version.) I rated him 5/5 for his performance. Not only do I think he has a chance to win this whole thing, but also he was Boston's best. To see his performance again go to mjsbigblog.com.
Next up was the very good Benjamin Bright, I loved his version of "All My Lovin". He has a very smooth voice and I look forward to hearing from him in Hollywood again. (BTW Hollywood Week is currently going on in real time.)
Bad audition alert: Andrew Fenton. I don't blame him for having to wait for so long, dude that's why they're are iPods, PSPs and you can even watch TV on your phone now. His "House of the Rising Sun" started out awful but I liked his performance as he went on. Although he had no chance of advancing to Hollywood. My point in bringing him up is not for him, but because of Kara's idiotic behavior. Again as with bikini girl last year, Kara is making herself the story again. Can she be fired yet? What is Kara complaining about? What did he do that make it so personal for her? Why did she say, "I am very angry at you, who I don't like at all". Who cares Kara, just be glad you still have a job. You suck! I honestly think that's part of the reason why Simon is quitting is because he hates Kara. I think he intentionally says her name wrong for that reason on those very few times he talks to her. I think Simon might be one of the few people who miss Paula.
Part 3 hopefully tomorrow, themusicaddict
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Season 9, Episode 1 "AI" in Boston
Hello,
This is the first of a multiple part blog about the auditions set in Boston on January 12th, 2010. I would also like to thank mjsbigblog.com for adding some information for my own blog.
First of all I was watching tonight's episode and I couldn't help but think how much this show is going to go downhill without Simon Cowell around. His new show "X Factor" will kick off fall of 2011, we'll go about 16 months in between seeing him. I think Ellen will be good, please, please Ellen be good, if not this show is sunk. Randy and Kara just do not bring anything to the table. Kara is already offering her inane opinions and Randy is pulling out his same 5-7 expressions. Now he has Kara saying them! As bad as Randy is, how did Kara keep her job for another year. She's terrible.
31 contestants from Boston advanced to Hollywood, but we only saw 16 of those auditions. I know a lot of people tune in for the bad auditions, but we can't have all the bad auditions in one show. Take out all the filler and we could have squeezed in all 31 Hollywood bound performances. (I learned from last year that one person that can be liked in auditions but start to grow hated quickly. From last season this mainly was Lil Rounds, awesome audition but then went downhill. I was consistent about Adam and Kris all season, I still don't get how they finished first and second and Danny Gokey third.)
I'm going to write very little if anything about the bad auditions.
1) Maddy Curtis was the first contestant to make it through to Hollywood. The 16 year old cutie sang Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". (Remember when Jason Castro kicked butt on that song.) I thought she did a great job. My only concern is she's only 16, people that young usually flame out. See Stevie Wright from last year. She was great in the auditions, but then flamed out on live TV. (I was really annoyed by Kara during her performance, how is she still on this show?) Yes to Hollywood.
2) Bad Audition Alert: Pat Ford he tortured Brittany Spears "Womanizer" like someone would a small animal. He said he would be back next season. Simon sarcastically said "we now have something to look forward to next season". Simon this is why we will miss you. Hell no to Hollywood.
3) Jennifer Hirsh: I really liked her but did she really sing a song from "The Wizard Of Oz". She sang the line "ding dong the witch is dead". Yes to Hollywood.
4) Claire Fuller-23- she was very good. She's attractive but I didn't write any other notes about her. (Feel free to send pictures and any other information of her or any other contestants.)
Part 2 tomorrow, themusicaddict
This is the first of a multiple part blog about the auditions set in Boston on January 12th, 2010. I would also like to thank mjsbigblog.com for adding some information for my own blog.
First of all I was watching tonight's episode and I couldn't help but think how much this show is going to go downhill without Simon Cowell around. His new show "X Factor" will kick off fall of 2011, we'll go about 16 months in between seeing him. I think Ellen will be good, please, please Ellen be good, if not this show is sunk. Randy and Kara just do not bring anything to the table. Kara is already offering her inane opinions and Randy is pulling out his same 5-7 expressions. Now he has Kara saying them! As bad as Randy is, how did Kara keep her job for another year. She's terrible.
31 contestants from Boston advanced to Hollywood, but we only saw 16 of those auditions. I know a lot of people tune in for the bad auditions, but we can't have all the bad auditions in one show. Take out all the filler and we could have squeezed in all 31 Hollywood bound performances. (I learned from last year that one person that can be liked in auditions but start to grow hated quickly. From last season this mainly was Lil Rounds, awesome audition but then went downhill. I was consistent about Adam and Kris all season, I still don't get how they finished first and second and Danny Gokey third.)
I'm going to write very little if anything about the bad auditions.
1) Maddy Curtis was the first contestant to make it through to Hollywood. The 16 year old cutie sang Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". (Remember when Jason Castro kicked butt on that song.) I thought she did a great job. My only concern is she's only 16, people that young usually flame out. See Stevie Wright from last year. She was great in the auditions, but then flamed out on live TV. (I was really annoyed by Kara during her performance, how is she still on this show?) Yes to Hollywood.
2) Bad Audition Alert: Pat Ford he tortured Brittany Spears "Womanizer" like someone would a small animal. He said he would be back next season. Simon sarcastically said "we now have something to look forward to next season". Simon this is why we will miss you. Hell no to Hollywood.
3) Jennifer Hirsh: I really liked her but did she really sing a song from "The Wizard Of Oz". She sang the line "ding dong the witch is dead". Yes to Hollywood.
4) Claire Fuller-23- she was very good. She's attractive but I didn't write any other notes about her. (Feel free to send pictures and any other information of her or any other contestants.)
Part 2 tomorrow, themusicaddict
What is "X Factor"
Hello,
With Simon Cowell announcing he's leaving "AI" to bring "X Factor" to the USA, I'm wondering what are the differences?
From people.com
"How Is The X Factor Different From American Idol?
Both The X Factor and American Idol hold public auditions and air highlights of the good and bad performances. In last year’s X Factor, though, the auditions were held before a live audience. One key difference between the shows is that The X Factor accepts groups and duos in the competition; the show also takes contestants age 16 and over with no upper limit, while American Idol caps the age at 28.
“I don’t like rules,” Cowell said. “A lot of people over the years like to audition for Idol but were too old. I listened to that. Susan Boyle is the reason why I like to do shows without age. Without a show like [Britain's Got Talent], she would never have landed a recording contract and that’s what these shows can do … That’s why record labels are out of touch. It’s supposed to be David versus Goliath. That’s what I like about the format. Right now, who has the biggest X-factor in the world? Lady Gaga. [I would] love to find someone like that.”
Hollywood Round vs. Boot Camp: On American Idol, contestants who get a “golden ticket” to Hollywood then sing in groups or solos with some assistance from a vocal coach to further impress the judges, who then whittle them down to a top 24. The public then votes after watching the 24 perform and eventually settle on a top 12.
On The X Factor, the contestants who survive the first auditions are divided into groups and handed over to the judges, who then become their mentors. They are taken to different houses to study and train with their respective judge. After a few more cuts, boot camp ends with 12 acts ready to compete for the votes from viewers at home.
While both shows reward the victor with a recording contract and monetary prize based on a public vote, the judging along the way for The X Factor takes on a personal bent because the judges have worked so closely with the contestants and will defend their charges.
Cowell, however, believes there is room for both formats. Remarking on his departure from Idol, he says, ” It will be fine. It’s time and it’s fine. And American Idol will go on.”
Here are some highlights from the last "X Factor".
The following is Olly Murs and thumbs up from themusicaddict for singing a Stevie Wonder song, in other words The Man.
I like the "twist" on this Britney Spears song. In fact I think this version is much better than Spears' version.
I really like this guy.
I like this version of this song, I just wish she would have powered it up a bit.
This is the guy who won this last season's of "X Factor", did you notice that nearly all of them sing songs from American artists. I wonder why they don't pick songs from British singers, they have some pretty good singers there.
Here's probably the most famous of all the people from "X Factor". I never thought I would hear someone sing "I Will Always Love You" as well as the Queen, Whitney.
I will be back with a review of Season 9, episode 1 tomorrow. It may not be a full review. As much as I get written depends on how much time I have.
themusicaddict
With Simon Cowell announcing he's leaving "AI" to bring "X Factor" to the USA, I'm wondering what are the differences?
From people.com
"How Is The X Factor Different From American Idol?
Both The X Factor and American Idol hold public auditions and air highlights of the good and bad performances. In last year’s X Factor, though, the auditions were held before a live audience. One key difference between the shows is that The X Factor accepts groups and duos in the competition; the show also takes contestants age 16 and over with no upper limit, while American Idol caps the age at 28.
“I don’t like rules,” Cowell said. “A lot of people over the years like to audition for Idol but were too old. I listened to that. Susan Boyle is the reason why I like to do shows without age. Without a show like [Britain's Got Talent], she would never have landed a recording contract and that’s what these shows can do … That’s why record labels are out of touch. It’s supposed to be David versus Goliath. That’s what I like about the format. Right now, who has the biggest X-factor in the world? Lady Gaga. [I would] love to find someone like that.”
Hollywood Round vs. Boot Camp: On American Idol, contestants who get a “golden ticket” to Hollywood then sing in groups or solos with some assistance from a vocal coach to further impress the judges, who then whittle them down to a top 24. The public then votes after watching the 24 perform and eventually settle on a top 12.
On The X Factor, the contestants who survive the first auditions are divided into groups and handed over to the judges, who then become their mentors. They are taken to different houses to study and train with their respective judge. After a few more cuts, boot camp ends with 12 acts ready to compete for the votes from viewers at home.
While both shows reward the victor with a recording contract and monetary prize based on a public vote, the judging along the way for The X Factor takes on a personal bent because the judges have worked so closely with the contestants and will defend their charges.
Cowell, however, believes there is room for both formats. Remarking on his departure from Idol, he says, ” It will be fine. It’s time and it’s fine. And American Idol will go on.”
Here are some highlights from the last "X Factor".
The following is Olly Murs and thumbs up from themusicaddict for singing a Stevie Wonder song, in other words The Man.
I like the "twist" on this Britney Spears song. In fact I think this version is much better than Spears' version.
I really like this guy.
I like this version of this song, I just wish she would have powered it up a bit.
This is the guy who won this last season's of "X Factor", did you notice that nearly all of them sing songs from American artists. I wonder why they don't pick songs from British singers, they have some pretty good singers there.
Here's probably the most famous of all the people from "X Factor". I never thought I would hear someone sing "I Will Always Love You" as well as the Queen, Whitney.
I will be back with a review of Season 9, episode 1 tomorrow. It may not be a full review. As much as I get written depends on how much time I have.
themusicaddict
Monday, January 11, 2010
"Caprica", 80's Stars Make A Comeback
Hola,
The prequel to "Battlestar Galactica" is now showing on the SyFy channel or even more convenient for me at Comcast On Demand. It's titled "Caprica" and my wife and I watched the first episode last night. I liked "BSG", although I still have only been able to watch Season 1 so far, so I gave the prequel a shot. This episode starts out very slowly, almost so slowly that I gave up on it. However I stuck with it and I'm glad I did, I was really groovin' with it by the end of the show. There are now two episodes of "Caprica" on demand, however we only watched episode 1 last night. I'm going to watch the second episode tonight and I would highly recommend it to you.
A couple of the stars of the 80's are on "Caprica". The first is Esai Morales, his most famous role is the role of Bob Morales in "La Bamba". As Bob Morales he plays Ritchie Valens' half-brother. I really like Esai Morales, he's got the coolness factor down. Another 80's star from this show is Eric Stoltz. He's in such memorable movies as "Mask", "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" and "Some Kind of Wonderful". The other 80's actor that I saw last night is Mare Winningham. She appears as Lily Rush's step-mother in the always excellent "Cold Case". It's good to see all three of these back on the scene, let's hope they stay around for awhile.
I know I'm geeking out but I'm really excited about Season 9 of "American Idol" starting tomorrow. Check out mjsbigblog.com for all the latest gossip about past and future Idols.
I read another big chunk of Stephen King's "Under The Dome" yesterday. What a great book, it's so hard to put down. I should be done with it by tomorrow, hopefully before "American Idol" :)
Have a moi bueno day!
themusicaddict
The prequel to "Battlestar Galactica" is now showing on the SyFy channel or even more convenient for me at Comcast On Demand. It's titled "Caprica" and my wife and I watched the first episode last night. I liked "BSG", although I still have only been able to watch Season 1 so far, so I gave the prequel a shot. This episode starts out very slowly, almost so slowly that I gave up on it. However I stuck with it and I'm glad I did, I was really groovin' with it by the end of the show. There are now two episodes of "Caprica" on demand, however we only watched episode 1 last night. I'm going to watch the second episode tonight and I would highly recommend it to you.
A couple of the stars of the 80's are on "Caprica". The first is Esai Morales, his most famous role is the role of Bob Morales in "La Bamba". As Bob Morales he plays Ritchie Valens' half-brother. I really like Esai Morales, he's got the coolness factor down. Another 80's star from this show is Eric Stoltz. He's in such memorable movies as "Mask", "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" and "Some Kind of Wonderful". The other 80's actor that I saw last night is Mare Winningham. She appears as Lily Rush's step-mother in the always excellent "Cold Case". It's good to see all three of these back on the scene, let's hope they stay around for awhile.
I know I'm geeking out but I'm really excited about Season 9 of "American Idol" starting tomorrow. Check out mjsbigblog.com for all the latest gossip about past and future Idols.
I read another big chunk of Stephen King's "Under The Dome" yesterday. What a great book, it's so hard to put down. I should be done with it by tomorrow, hopefully before "American Idol" :)
Have a moi bueno day!
themusicaddict
Sunday, January 10, 2010
What the hell are you thinking Pete Carroll?
Hello,
Pete Carroll continues discussions with the Seattle Seahawks about being head coach and their President. Apparantally there's a 5 year-$35 million offer on the table. He'd basically would have full control and make a lot of money. Sounds good doesn't it. Most people would jump at that offer. Both sides have agreed to this deal "in principle". That's the most nebulous statement ever. By the way Carroll is 33-31 as a NFL Head Football Coach in the regular season. He also is 1-2 in the playoffs.
What is the downside of this deal? Several for one he no longer has the ability to go out and recruit the top players. Carroll and his staff are master recruiters and let's be honest in that has a lot to do with his success. Other than discarded free agents, there isn't recruiting in the pros. He'll have to make due with the players they draft. Other downsides Seattle does not have a winning tradition and he's going to be responsible to instill that. That's going to be hard with Seattle just winning 5 games this past season. Over the last 6 seasons the Seahawks are 50-46 which is a lot better record than I expected. However over the last two seasons they are 9-23. Half of their losses over the last six years came over the last two years. Since 2004Seattle is 3-4 in the playoffs including playing in one Super Bowl.
The Dallas Cowboys finally got off the playoff snide and won their first playoff game since 1996. That's 13 years and to put it in perspective, my oldest boy was born just a few months later. I wasn't able to watch the game but Tony Romo had a very solid and effecient game. Romo completed 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, and his achilles heel, he did not have any turnovers. Wade Phillips did not get in the way. The man is not a head coach but he's great at picking up defenses to exploit the other team's weaknesses.
BYU continues their very hot run in men's college basketball. Without their best player, Jimmer Fredette, BYU beat a very good UTEP team in El Paso, Tx. BYU won in a very hostile environment to go to 16-1 overall. It seems like it will be a three team race in the MWC: BYU, New Mexico and UNLV. UNLV beat New Mexico in the Pit last night. I think those three teams will be in and out of the Top 25 all season and all should qualify for the NCAA Tournament. This has been a great year for MWC sports.
I continue ripping through Stephen King's "Under The Dome", his most recent release which is extremely hard to put down. I'm loving the book so much. I also like King's shout out to Lee Child by including one of Child's character, Jack Reacher, in a peripheral way. I've never read any of Lee Child's books, has anyone read his books and have an opinion. I know which the next books I'll be picking up at the library.
"American Idol" kicks off Tuesday night with a two hour premiere. Also the Hollywood round started yesterday in actuality. We can finally start getting a sense of who might be the next American Idol. In fact, here's the upcoming schedule over the next few months. Thanks to Michael Slezak and ew.com.
(All times are ET/PT.)
Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM) Boston Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM) Atlanta Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM) Orlando Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Dallas Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Denver Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM) “The Road to Hollywood” Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Tuesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 4 (Top 24 Semifinalists Announced)
Tuesday, Feb. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 2 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Top 8 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 11 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed) (Top 12 revealed)
Tuesday, March 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
themusicaddict
Pete Carroll continues discussions with the Seattle Seahawks about being head coach and their President. Apparantally there's a 5 year-$35 million offer on the table. He'd basically would have full control and make a lot of money. Sounds good doesn't it. Most people would jump at that offer. Both sides have agreed to this deal "in principle". That's the most nebulous statement ever. By the way Carroll is 33-31 as a NFL Head Football Coach in the regular season. He also is 1-2 in the playoffs.
What is the downside of this deal? Several for one he no longer has the ability to go out and recruit the top players. Carroll and his staff are master recruiters and let's be honest in that has a lot to do with his success. Other than discarded free agents, there isn't recruiting in the pros. He'll have to make due with the players they draft. Other downsides Seattle does not have a winning tradition and he's going to be responsible to instill that. That's going to be hard with Seattle just winning 5 games this past season. Over the last 6 seasons the Seahawks are 50-46 which is a lot better record than I expected. However over the last two seasons they are 9-23. Half of their losses over the last six years came over the last two years. Since 2004Seattle is 3-4 in the playoffs including playing in one Super Bowl.
The Dallas Cowboys finally got off the playoff snide and won their first playoff game since 1996. That's 13 years and to put it in perspective, my oldest boy was born just a few months later. I wasn't able to watch the game but Tony Romo had a very solid and effecient game. Romo completed 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, and his achilles heel, he did not have any turnovers. Wade Phillips did not get in the way. The man is not a head coach but he's great at picking up defenses to exploit the other team's weaknesses.
BYU continues their very hot run in men's college basketball. Without their best player, Jimmer Fredette, BYU beat a very good UTEP team in El Paso, Tx. BYU won in a very hostile environment to go to 16-1 overall. It seems like it will be a three team race in the MWC: BYU, New Mexico and UNLV. UNLV beat New Mexico in the Pit last night. I think those three teams will be in and out of the Top 25 all season and all should qualify for the NCAA Tournament. This has been a great year for MWC sports.
I continue ripping through Stephen King's "Under The Dome", his most recent release which is extremely hard to put down. I'm loving the book so much. I also like King's shout out to Lee Child by including one of Child's character, Jack Reacher, in a peripheral way. I've never read any of Lee Child's books, has anyone read his books and have an opinion. I know which the next books I'll be picking up at the library.
"American Idol" kicks off Tuesday night with a two hour premiere. Also the Hollywood round started yesterday in actuality. We can finally start getting a sense of who might be the next American Idol. In fact, here's the upcoming schedule over the next few months. Thanks to Michael Slezak and ew.com.
(All times are ET/PT.)
Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM) Boston Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM) Atlanta Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM) Orlando Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Dallas Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Denver Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM) “The Road to Hollywood” Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Tuesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 4 (Top 24 Semifinalists Announced)
Tuesday, Feb. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 2 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Top 8 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 11 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed) (Top 12 revealed)
Tuesday, March 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
themusicaddict
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What the hell are you thinking Pete Carroll?
Coming tomorrow that and my post game analysis of Dallas better have beaten Philadelphia. If not it's time for Wade Phillips and Tony Romo to move on. It might be that time anyway.
themusicaddict
themusicaddict
Friday, January 8, 2010
Songs rocking my iPod, Bar Refaeli and Penelope
Hello,
Wow!
Penelope, no last names needed!
1) "The Look of Love"- ABC 2) "Saturday Night"- Lonestar I love when they sing the S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night" part. 3) "Born For This"- Paramore 4) "Fell In Love With The Girl"- White Stripes 5) "No Woman, No Cry" (Live)- Bob Marley and the Wailers 6) "A Little More Love"- Olivia Newton-John 7) "Love Shack"- B-52's 8) "The Last DJ"- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 9) "Alone"- Heart 10 @ 11) "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)" and "What Is and What Should Never Be"- Led Zeppelin 12) "Mr. Wendel" Arrested Development. How's that for old school? 13) "Heart of Gold"- Neil Young and the Stray Gators 14) "Young Lust"- Pink Floyd 15) "Reelin' In The Years"- Steely Dan 16) "One"- Creed 17) "The Warrior"- Scandal 18) "Whenever, Wherever"- Shakira 19) "The World Is Full of Crushing Bores" (Live)- Morissey 20) "Adding To the Noise"-Switchfoot 21 & 22) "D.S." and "Billie Jean"- Michael Jackson 23) "Break Out"- Swing Out Sister" 24) "Spoonman"- Soundgarden 25) "You Give Good Love"- Whitney Houston 26) "One Night In The System"- Dio 27) "Hell"- Squirrel Nut Zippers 28) "Hot Girls In Love"- Loverboy 29) "Catch Me If You Can"- Comic Book Heroes 30) "Little Razorblade"- The Pink Spiders
themusicaddict
Wow!
Penelope, no last names needed!
1) "The Look of Love"- ABC 2) "Saturday Night"- Lonestar I love when they sing the S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night" part. 3) "Born For This"- Paramore 4) "Fell In Love With The Girl"- White Stripes 5) "No Woman, No Cry" (Live)- Bob Marley and the Wailers 6) "A Little More Love"- Olivia Newton-John 7) "Love Shack"- B-52's 8) "The Last DJ"- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 9) "Alone"- Heart 10 @ 11) "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)" and "What Is and What Should Never Be"- Led Zeppelin 12) "Mr. Wendel" Arrested Development. How's that for old school? 13) "Heart of Gold"- Neil Young and the Stray Gators 14) "Young Lust"- Pink Floyd 15) "Reelin' In The Years"- Steely Dan 16) "One"- Creed 17) "The Warrior"- Scandal 18) "Whenever, Wherever"- Shakira 19) "The World Is Full of Crushing Bores" (Live)- Morissey 20) "Adding To the Noise"-Switchfoot 21 & 22) "D.S." and "Billie Jean"- Michael Jackson 23) "Break Out"- Swing Out Sister" 24) "Spoonman"- Soundgarden 25) "You Give Good Love"- Whitney Houston 26) "One Night In The System"- Dio 27) "Hell"- Squirrel Nut Zippers 28) "Hot Girls In Love"- Loverboy 29) "Catch Me If You Can"- Comic Book Heroes 30) "Little Razorblade"- The Pink Spiders
themusicaddict
Thursday, January 7, 2010
"Under The Dome", Over the Rebels
Hello,
I started reading Stephen King's new book "Under The Dome" a few days ago and I have read the first 400+ pages so far. It's old school King, one of those books that's so difficult to put down. Right now I'm in a rush to finish it, there's 1000+ pages to luxuriate in. As in classic King there's a mysterious plot and King only doling out bits and pieces at a very slow rate. There are some very evil people who have the upper hand, at least for the time being. There's also a surprising hero. To cap it off there's hold on tight, seat of your pants action.
"American Idol" season 9 starts Tuesday and I'm looking forward to it very much. Go to mjsbigblog.com, there's an interview with Randy Jackson about his thoughts on this season of Idol. As usual he gives his usual non-lucid thoughts. How does the man tie his shoes let alone hold a job. I've been reimporting all my CDs as I've moved my music from computer to computer and hard drive to hard drive a few times in the last couple of years. I started with the letter Z and have been importing to A, I have finally reached A. I imported Paula Abdul's Greatest Hits today. After her ditsy showing on "AI" I'll never be able to look at her the same. Also the new Entertainment Weekly soon to be out on the newsstands features Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres in a joint interview about the upcoming season of Idol. I'm so glad she's there and look very forward to her adding some heart, humor and feeling to that show. Let's hope she remains a neutral voice and doesn't become a mouthpiece of the producers. In other words let's hope she is more Simon than Randy or Kara. Starting Tuesday are the audition rounds, DeGeneres doesn't join the show until the Hollywood round on February 9th.
Now on to the finally ranked and 15-1 BYU Cougars. They played a great team in their last game against UNLV and were able to prevail, beating the Rebels 77-73. Jimmer Fredette, their usual dominating player, took a back seat last night. Senior swingman Jonathon Tavernari scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half, including some big 3 point baskets. Those big baskets barely kept the momentum going BYU's way. It will be extremely tough for BYU to win in Las Vegas. BYU now goes on the road to play the 10-3 UTEP Miners.
This is probably one of the top 10 all-time teams in BYU basketball history. They have a great mix of seniors and younger players. They are a solid shooting team from both the field and free throw line. They also have a back up point guard that is quick as lightning in Michael Loyd Jr. He reminds me a lot of Ty Lawson of last year's North Carolina National Championship team. Lawson has been one of the best rookies in the NBA this year. Loyd isn't quite that good but he does have a lot of potential. I also have read somewhere some people are thinking BYU has a chance to make the Final Four. Let's not get that far ahead of ourselves. Let's see if BYU can even win the MWC regular season title. They play three very tough teams in New Mexico, San Diego St. and still UNLV at their place. Plus they still have their two rivalry games against Utah. With the Cougars football team going 11-2, it's a good time to be a BYU fan.
As for the BCS's so-called National Championship game tonight between Texas and Alabama, yawn! Now if we had a plus one and the winner plays against Boise St, I then would be much more interested. Wouldn't college football be much more exciting if there was a playoff instead of the sham system we have currently in place?
The college football season started off with a shoulder injury sidelining a premeir quarterback and ends the same way. Both were legal hits and both had devestating effects. Here's hoping that Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy recover quickly and this does not impede their pro careers. Also both schools have solid quarterbacks of the future already in place Landry Jones and Garrett Gilbert. I loved this quote from McCoy, "I could throw [the ball] hard," McCoy said. "I just didn't know where it was going."
themusicaddict
I started reading Stephen King's new book "Under The Dome" a few days ago and I have read the first 400+ pages so far. It's old school King, one of those books that's so difficult to put down. Right now I'm in a rush to finish it, there's 1000+ pages to luxuriate in. As in classic King there's a mysterious plot and King only doling out bits and pieces at a very slow rate. There are some very evil people who have the upper hand, at least for the time being. There's also a surprising hero. To cap it off there's hold on tight, seat of your pants action.
"American Idol" season 9 starts Tuesday and I'm looking forward to it very much. Go to mjsbigblog.com, there's an interview with Randy Jackson about his thoughts on this season of Idol. As usual he gives his usual non-lucid thoughts. How does the man tie his shoes let alone hold a job. I've been reimporting all my CDs as I've moved my music from computer to computer and hard drive to hard drive a few times in the last couple of years. I started with the letter Z and have been importing to A, I have finally reached A. I imported Paula Abdul's Greatest Hits today. After her ditsy showing on "AI" I'll never be able to look at her the same. Also the new Entertainment Weekly soon to be out on the newsstands features Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres in a joint interview about the upcoming season of Idol. I'm so glad she's there and look very forward to her adding some heart, humor and feeling to that show. Let's hope she remains a neutral voice and doesn't become a mouthpiece of the producers. In other words let's hope she is more Simon than Randy or Kara. Starting Tuesday are the audition rounds, DeGeneres doesn't join the show until the Hollywood round on February 9th.
Now on to the finally ranked and 15-1 BYU Cougars. They played a great team in their last game against UNLV and were able to prevail, beating the Rebels 77-73. Jimmer Fredette, their usual dominating player, took a back seat last night. Senior swingman Jonathon Tavernari scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half, including some big 3 point baskets. Those big baskets barely kept the momentum going BYU's way. It will be extremely tough for BYU to win in Las Vegas. BYU now goes on the road to play the 10-3 UTEP Miners.
This is probably one of the top 10 all-time teams in BYU basketball history. They have a great mix of seniors and younger players. They are a solid shooting team from both the field and free throw line. They also have a back up point guard that is quick as lightning in Michael Loyd Jr. He reminds me a lot of Ty Lawson of last year's North Carolina National Championship team. Lawson has been one of the best rookies in the NBA this year. Loyd isn't quite that good but he does have a lot of potential. I also have read somewhere some people are thinking BYU has a chance to make the Final Four. Let's not get that far ahead of ourselves. Let's see if BYU can even win the MWC regular season title. They play three very tough teams in New Mexico, San Diego St. and still UNLV at their place. Plus they still have their two rivalry games against Utah. With the Cougars football team going 11-2, it's a good time to be a BYU fan.
As for the BCS's so-called National Championship game tonight between Texas and Alabama, yawn! Now if we had a plus one and the winner plays against Boise St, I then would be much more interested. Wouldn't college football be much more exciting if there was a playoff instead of the sham system we have currently in place?
The college football season started off with a shoulder injury sidelining a premeir quarterback and ends the same way. Both were legal hits and both had devestating effects. Here's hoping that Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy recover quickly and this does not impede their pro careers. Also both schools have solid quarterbacks of the future already in place Landry Jones and Garrett Gilbert. I loved this quote from McCoy, "I could throw [the ball] hard," McCoy said. "I just didn't know where it was going."
themusicaddict
Monday, January 4, 2010
80's Hotties Part 2
Hello,
What would a retrospective of 80's hotties be without at least one picture of Molly Ringwald. Just because she's so cool, here's two:
Another one of the all-time 80's babes, Madonna. She was so hot back in the day. I did stumble across some pictures from her "Sex" book, I decided not to torture you with them. I think this is one of the hottest pictures of Madonna from back in the day.
Demi Moore might be the ultimate babe of the 80's. She's just a gorgeous looking woman and even now in her mid 40's she still is looking amazing.
Whitney Houston is not only one of the all-time great voices, but also a gorgeous looking woman. She's also a half-decent actress. It's good to have Whitney Houston back on the contemporary scene.
The above is the (sarcasm alert) of the hot "celebrities" on the next "Celebrity Apprentice". This has got to be one of the weakest list of E list celebrities ever. (If Kathy Griffin is a D list celebrity, most of these people have got to be at lease E celebrities. She's more famous than a lot of these pseudo-celebrities.) This is probably the weakest set of celebrities in this show's three seasons. Out of the 14 people in the upcoming season, I only was able to name 5 of them. I'm sorry but being on Donald Trump's show does not make you a celebrity.
Sports: Even with Wade Phillips as the head coach, the Cowboys still snuck into the NFL playoffs as the third seed. Dallas plays Philadelphia Saturday night. I'm still not a big fan of Phillips but I'm glad for the work he has done. The Cowboys have really peeked at the right time. However if the Cowboys lose at home Saturday night that will be all for naught. Even if Dallas wins Saturday, I still don't see them winning the Super Bowl or even going to the Super Bowl.
Also TCU-BSU is on tonight at 8:00pm tonight. The actual name of the bowl is the Fiesta Bowl, it should be called the Screw You Bowl. The BCS is afraid of what two non-BCS teams could do against their elite. To cover their ass the BCS has decided to have the two potential BCS busters play against each other. (Typical of corporate America, greedy and doing anything to protect themselves.)
That's one thing that is a big plus for college basketball, it has March Madness. 65 teams have a chance to win the National Championship after qualifying for that tournament. Win 6 NCAA Tournament games and you are the National Champion. That makes March Madness that much more exciting, the suspense builds each week as the field narrows. There are always Cinderella teams, some great games and it's nearly impossible to predict who's going to win the title. In college football it comes down to two teams that can win the national title. With the BCS bowls a lot of time they are boring with very little suspense. For instance, Florida destroying Cincinnati in what should have been called the over matched bowl. I guarantee TCU would have done much better against Florida. I'm not saying they would have won, but they actually would have shown up.
Even though BYU is not a big name in college basketball, they should qualify for the NCAA Tournament. After that they then can make a name for themselves by winning a couple of games. They are already making a name for themselves at 14-1, they should be ranked soon. I expect they'll be in the Top 25 poll this week. Go Cougs!
Also here's some actual music news, Soundgarden has announced they are reforming. I welcome them back. Next to Pearl Jam, Soundgarden is the second best of the Seattle 90's bands.
themusicaddict
What would a retrospective of 80's hotties be without at least one picture of Molly Ringwald. Just because she's so cool, here's two:
Another one of the all-time 80's babes, Madonna. She was so hot back in the day. I did stumble across some pictures from her "Sex" book, I decided not to torture you with them. I think this is one of the hottest pictures of Madonna from back in the day.
Demi Moore might be the ultimate babe of the 80's. She's just a gorgeous looking woman and even now in her mid 40's she still is looking amazing.
Whitney Houston is not only one of the all-time great voices, but also a gorgeous looking woman. She's also a half-decent actress. It's good to have Whitney Houston back on the contemporary scene.
The above is the (sarcasm alert) of the hot "celebrities" on the next "Celebrity Apprentice". This has got to be one of the weakest list of E list celebrities ever. (If Kathy Griffin is a D list celebrity, most of these people have got to be at lease E celebrities. She's more famous than a lot of these pseudo-celebrities.) This is probably the weakest set of celebrities in this show's three seasons. Out of the 14 people in the upcoming season, I only was able to name 5 of them. I'm sorry but being on Donald Trump's show does not make you a celebrity.
Sports: Even with Wade Phillips as the head coach, the Cowboys still snuck into the NFL playoffs as the third seed. Dallas plays Philadelphia Saturday night. I'm still not a big fan of Phillips but I'm glad for the work he has done. The Cowboys have really peeked at the right time. However if the Cowboys lose at home Saturday night that will be all for naught. Even if Dallas wins Saturday, I still don't see them winning the Super Bowl or even going to the Super Bowl.
Also TCU-BSU is on tonight at 8:00pm tonight. The actual name of the bowl is the Fiesta Bowl, it should be called the Screw You Bowl. The BCS is afraid of what two non-BCS teams could do against their elite. To cover their ass the BCS has decided to have the two potential BCS busters play against each other. (Typical of corporate America, greedy and doing anything to protect themselves.)
That's one thing that is a big plus for college basketball, it has March Madness. 65 teams have a chance to win the National Championship after qualifying for that tournament. Win 6 NCAA Tournament games and you are the National Champion. That makes March Madness that much more exciting, the suspense builds each week as the field narrows. There are always Cinderella teams, some great games and it's nearly impossible to predict who's going to win the title. In college football it comes down to two teams that can win the national title. With the BCS bowls a lot of time they are boring with very little suspense. For instance, Florida destroying Cincinnati in what should have been called the over matched bowl. I guarantee TCU would have done much better against Florida. I'm not saying they would have won, but they actually would have shown up.
Even though BYU is not a big name in college basketball, they should qualify for the NCAA Tournament. After that they then can make a name for themselves by winning a couple of games. They are already making a name for themselves at 14-1, they should be ranked soon. I expect they'll be in the Top 25 poll this week. Go Cougs!
Also here's some actual music news, Soundgarden has announced they are reforming. I welcome them back. Next to Pearl Jam, Soundgarden is the second best of the Seattle 90's bands.
themusicaddict
Sunday, January 3, 2010
themusicaddict is back 2, 80's hotties
Hello,
Can we go back to the 80's please? Back to when the hottest rappers were The Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C. Back to when Molly Ringwald was a superstar. Back to when Paulina Porzikova, Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland were the cover girls for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. (Although Bar Rafeili would have fit right in that era.)
"Mischief" was one of the funniest movies of the 80's. Along with other such teen movie classics "Pretty In Pink" and "Sixteen Candles". (R.I.P. John Hughes!)
Back to when ugly guys like Ric Ocasek could end up with Paulina Porzikova and Billy Joel could end up with Christie Brinkley. (Isn't "Uptown Girls" the cheesiest video ever?) Back to when Kathy Ireland played the kicker on a football team, the most unbelievable casting possibly ever.
Back to when Cindy Crawford was the most gorgeous woman on the planet and it wasn't even close. That's why she deserves two pictures.
Kelly Preston deserves two pictures as well. I had the biggest crush on her back in the day. Lucky man John Travolta. Also it was good to see Kelly Preston again a couple of years ago in "Medium". She's still looking amazing!
Jami Gertz one of the more under appreciated babes of the 80's. Where did she go?
Elisabeth Shue, the gorgeous babe from "Adventures in Babysitting" and many other movies.
Belinda Carlisle a great band, a great voice and once she left the Go Go's she really started looking amazing.
With the holidaze just ending, I have not had much time. I had a few minutes today. I hope you enjoy some of these 80's memories. themusicaddict
Can we go back to the 80's please? Back to when the hottest rappers were The Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C. Back to when Molly Ringwald was a superstar. Back to when Paulina Porzikova, Christie Brinkley, Kathy Ireland were the cover girls for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. (Although Bar Rafeili would have fit right in that era.)
"Mischief" was one of the funniest movies of the 80's. Along with other such teen movie classics "Pretty In Pink" and "Sixteen Candles". (R.I.P. John Hughes!)
Back to when ugly guys like Ric Ocasek could end up with Paulina Porzikova and Billy Joel could end up with Christie Brinkley. (Isn't "Uptown Girls" the cheesiest video ever?) Back to when Kathy Ireland played the kicker on a football team, the most unbelievable casting possibly ever.
Back to when Cindy Crawford was the most gorgeous woman on the planet and it wasn't even close. That's why she deserves two pictures.
Kelly Preston deserves two pictures as well. I had the biggest crush on her back in the day. Lucky man John Travolta. Also it was good to see Kelly Preston again a couple of years ago in "Medium". She's still looking amazing!
Jami Gertz one of the more under appreciated babes of the 80's. Where did she go?
Elisabeth Shue, the gorgeous babe from "Adventures in Babysitting" and many other movies.
Belinda Carlisle a great band, a great voice and once she left the Go Go's she really started looking amazing.
With the holidaze just ending, I have not had much time. I had a few minutes today. I hope you enjoy some of these 80's memories. themusicaddict
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