Hello,
Here's my new Top 36, you will notice that my Top 13 does not correlate with the final 13 that made Season 8's finals. That's because if it was up to me I'd have picked a slightly different 13 finalists. I'll write the contestants position, their name, and their position last week. If they made the Top 13, I'll show (13) and my odds of them being this season's American Idol and my rational for that. Got that?
1) Alexis Grace (1) (13) Odds: 10-1. She is my #1 contestant for three straight weeks, that's pretty impressive since she sang all the way back in Week 1. As Simon says she has that Kelly Clarkson vibe about her. Judges please stop asking her to dirty herself up. Alexis, like my advice to Megan yesterday, stay true to yourself. Please keep on bringing that blues feel to the songs you sing. That'll keep you distinct, which is something you'll need as you aren't a producers favorite. You have got to bring it every week. Michael Jackson suggestion, possible "Dirty Diana" or "Smooth Criminal".
2) Allison Iraheta (2) (13) Odds: 50-1 She absolutely kicked butt with her powerful performance of Heart's "Alone". You're probably wondering why such terrible odds, it's because she's so young. I don't know if she is mature enough to have amazing performances week after week. Her apparent strangeness won't help her either. The producers want someone to win that's safe and a lot of time that means boring. They have set up the show to get as close to what they want as possible. That's why I give such good odds to Danny Gokey. That's also why the very boring David Archuleta came in second last season. Of course having talent helps and Allison definitely has that. Her Michael Jackson song suggestion, "Dirty Diana". "Smooth Criminal" possibly would be good song for her as well.
3) Lil Rounds (3) (13) Odds: 2-1. She has that tremendous voice and she showed it on that Mary J. Blige song last week. The producers love her and she has an inspiring back story that the producers will milk for all it's worth. She should be solid week in and week out. Michael Jackson song suggestion "Wanna Be Startin' Something", "Bad" or "Beat It". I would suggest "Billie Jean", but I don't see how they can make that song work with a woman singing it.
4) Megan Joy Corkrey (4) (13) Odds: 20-1. Not a producer's favorite but the judges definitely love her. Simon really likes her and he seems to have a lot of sway over the voting public. I think Michael Jackson week could be a great week for her, a week where she can gain some momentum. Michael Jackson song suggestion: "Rock With You" or "The Way You Make Me Feel".
5) Felicia Barton (13) She could've had a legitimate shot at winning "AI" if she had received a fair shake. As with that Alicia Keys song, she would have tore it up on Michael Jackson week. She was in a terrible position. She only got in the Top 36 because Joanna Pacitti was eliminated at the last minute. I think the judges would have been embarrassed if she made the Top 13. Because they probably thought how would people view us if she made the Top 13, after not initially making the Top 36? Yes, I think the judges are that shallow.
6) Mishavonna Hensen (5) How did she not even get a wildcard spot? She apparently wasn't even in the building when the wildcard contestants were announced. Her take on Train's "Drops of Jupiter" is definitely a song that I'm going to buy. She has a great look and an awesome voice. She has star written all over her, I just don't get what the judges didn't like about her.
7) Anoop Desai (7) (13) Odds: 3-1. What does he have going for him? He has a great amount of likability, how can you not like him? He brings the funk, he's fun, he's charismatic. (No I don't have a crush on him). The producers aren't necessarily the biggest fans but the judges like him. He needs to stick with the "My Prerogative" like performances rather than boring song choices like "Angel of Mine". Michael Jackson week should be right up his alley. Michael Jackson song suggestions: I could definitely see him doing well with "Billie Jean", "Beat It" or "Bad". I could also see him doing well with "Pretty Young Thing" He needs to make the arrangement a little more rocking. (Dear "AI" Band, please no more janky arrangements of songs. The singers need to bring their A game, so should you.)
8) Scott MacIntyre (11) (13) Odds 25-1. I seem to be one of the few who liked his "Mandolin Rain". He sang a great song very well. I hate to write it, but I think he's going to get some sympathy votes. He's nearly blind. I think he will go far on talent alone. I'd recommend he sing a Michael Jackson's ballad. Michael Jackson song suggestion: "Human Nature" or "I Just Can't Stop Loving You".
9) Jorge Nunez (12) (13) Odds: 25-1. I'm glad he's the one from Puerto Rico that made it through to the Top 13. He may struggle with Michael Jackson week. Michael Jackson song suggestions: I would make the same song suggestions that I made for Scott MacIntyre.
10) Michael Sarver (6) (13) Odds: 95-1. I think he'll be one of the first people eliminated. The judges like him as he has a great amount of likability. I think it will be a struggle for him to get past Michael Jackson week. He's really hard for me to come up with a song for him to sing. I would go with something funky but not too challenging. I suggest "Off The Wall" or "Rock With You" Although if he sings "Rock With You", use a different arrangement other than the one Stephen Fowler had. With that arrangement it didn't even sound like "Rock With You".
11) Kris Allen (8) (13) Odds: 100-1 and that might be generous. I was writing a list of the Top 13 from memory. I had to use my notes to remember him. He's sort of bland and very forgettable. He already has sang "Man In The Mirror", so that eliminates one song choice for him this week. I thought he did a pretty good job with that song.
I'd suggest "Just Good Friends" or possibly "Pretty Young Thing". He also should do something that makes him more memorable.
12) Jasmine Murray (9) (13) Odds: 100-1. She's sort of an enigma this season. I haven't been impressed with her as much as I thought I was going to be. She could be hurt by Michael Jackson week as well. Maybe sing "I Just Can't Stop Loving You". I had a hard time thinking of an appropriate song for her. For this week my only suggestion for her is to sing a ballad.
13) Kristin McNamara (27) She was hurt by lack of screen time and being too similar to Kendall Beard. When she finally sang she brought some passion with her. I'm confused that Tatiana got a wild card but Kristin didn't. I absolutely loved her take on Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason". I had to look at my notes to see what song she sang though, so maybe that's something. I'm not a Danny Gokey fan, but I remember his singing "Hero".
14) Danny Gokey (10) (13) Odds: 2-1. He's a producer's favorite and also had Randy, Kara and Paula drooling all over themselves. Again he has a back story that you damn well know the producers are going to milk dry. I'm sure he'll be battling Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert for the pimp spot every week. Even if he doesn't win (let's pray) he's going to go a long ways. votefortheworst.com asks "So on Tuesday, will Danny stop mentioning Sophia, or will he sing "She's Out Of My Life" on a makeshift tombstone? Then again, there's the possibility of singing "Thriller" with backup zombie dancers wearing Sophia's head. And still that wouldn't be as tacky as using your dead wife to get a record deal." I predict he's going to sing something sappy this week. Something like "Heal The World" or "We Are The World". He's going to be using "inspirational" songs all the way through. Ick, that's another thing he has in common with David Archuleta.
15) Jesse Langseth (17) She was definitely original in her song selections of "Bette Davis Eyes" and "Tell Me Something Good". Maybe she was too original.
16) Ricky Braddy (21) I loved his take on Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious". I could see an argument being made for him to be in the Top 13. His coming out party was too little too late.
17) Matt Giraud (23) (13) Odds: 90-1. He's definitely not a producer's favorite and the judges seem to be lukewarm on him. I predict an early expulsion for him. He sang a Jackson 5 song in the wildcard round. He was okay, but I wasn't overwhelmed. Michael Jackson song suggestions: "Baby Be Mine" or "Remember The Time".
18) Matt Breitzke (15) I think he would have struggled with Michael Jackson week.
19) Adam Lambert (16) (13) Odds: 7-1. He's a producer's favorite but not exactly a safe choice with those pictures circulating on the 'net of him. I think that's going to turn a lot of people off whether it should or not. I'm not a big fan of his. I hated his "Satisfaction" in the Top 36. I also thought his "Bohemian Rhapsody" was very wimpy at his audition. Michael Jackson song suggestion: maybe "Black or White"? I'm not sure of a good song choice for him.
20) Nick Mitchell: (20) He should be allowed to sing this week, who else would sing "Thriller". I think he would sing a very campy version of that song as well.
21) Brent Keith: (19) He's already start to fade from my memory.
22) Ann Marie Boskovich: (22) It's hard for her to go any lower as the people for her are very weak.
23) Kendall Beard: (26) Other than her Dad's alligator dance, she's forgettable as well. That's the worst thing that can be said about you in this competition. Tatiana is annoying as hell, but at least she's not forgetable.
24) Alex Wagner-Trugman: (25) He went up in my rankings because he was the least awful of the remaining contestants.
25) Taylor Vaifauna: (14) Bad song choice sinks another contestant.
26) Kai Kalamma: He wasn't good enough to be invited to the show where the wildcard singers were announced. I'm not sure how he made the Top 36 though. He went up because his performance was better than many other terrible perfomances.
27) Ju' Not Joyner: (NR) He sang boring versions of "Hey There Delilah" in both Hollywood and the Top 36 round.
28) Jeanine Vailes (28) She's memorable for the wrong reasons, great legs.
29) Arianna Afsar (18) Why did you choose one of the most boring Abba songs there is and then give it a terrible arrangement? That's the kind of song choice that makes me wonder how serious you were about the competition.
30) Casey Carlson (30) It was enjoying looking at you, not so much listening to you.
31) Stevie Wright (31) I have a feeling we'll hear from her again. That's fine with me, just wait two or three years.
32) Stephen Fowler (32) A case of a singer that didn't live up to his potential.
33) Von Smith (33) I think he has a bright future in imitating Pee Wee Herman.
34) Nate Marshall: (24) Let's pray his 15 minutes of fame are over.
35) Jackie Tohn: (34) I'm still recovering from her torturous performance, at least I repressed the song she "sang". For the record it was a terrible arrangement of Elvis' "A Little Less Conversation".
36) Tatiana Del Torture: Coming soon to a karaoke bar near you. Two words Tatiana: please go away.
Good day, themusicaddict
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wild card round review,
Hello,
We're now down to the Final 13. The finals start this Tuesday's. Yes, the rumors are true, Tuesday's theme is going to be Michael Jackson. That could be a great show or a train wreck. Michael Jackson has not been kind to "AI" contestants this year. (See Stephen Fowler's "Rock With You". That was another terrible arrangement.)
If you miss "AI" and want to see the performances go to mjsbigblog.com, she has links to all the performances. These video clips contain Seacrest's introductions and the judges commentary. (Am I the only one who thinks if the judges go away that would be a good thing? I don't need someone telling me what to think.) Upcoming this week both Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West will be appearing. I understand Kelly Clarkson but Kanye West? It's time for him to go away.
There's also going to be a big twist this week, rumors hint at a possible double elimination. Who knows, but I'm tired of the lame producers messing with the show. Let's just let the contestants sing and let America decide who the next American Idol is.
Coming tomorrow is my new Top 36 and also odds on who's going to win. My Top 36 is going to reflect how I like the candidates, even ones that have been eliminated.
Here's the review of the Wildcard show.
1) Jesse Langseth singing Rufus and Chaka Kahn's "Tell Me Something Good". She sang that with a very bluesy, funky mood. It sounds like the band had fun playing the song. I really liked her performance, but it was too little too late. She felt she did great and for the most part the judges liked it. She didn't advance to the Top 13.
2) Matt Giraud singing The Jackson's 5 "Who's Loving You". He sang with his "bluesy side the judges liked." I thought he was okay and I really liked the early blues feeling the show was starting with. He advanced to the Top 13. I think he will be very lucky to make the Top 10.
3) Megan Corkrey sang K.T. Tunstall's "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree". After Megan's funky performance of this song, I listened to the original by K.T. Tunstall. I also added it to my iPod. This song was on my mind all day. That is a great, great song. Corkrey has a great tone in her voice and I really like her. I like her version of that song better than K.T. Tunstall's. This is definitely a performance I'll buy, if and when I get the money. She has got to get rid of that awkward dance though. I saw some pictures at the Top 13 party and she was wearing way too much makeup. Megan be true to who you are and ignore the producers. If you don't win the competition so be it, being true to yourself is much more important. I get the vibe from you that you know that already. Megan advances to the Top 13.
4) Von Smith sang Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". That was another strange arrangement. He's sort of ugly and there is something very off putting about him. He wouldn't be someone I would want to see for 12 weeks. How did he even make the Top 36? Mishavonna didn't get the wildcard but he did? At least he didn't make the Top 13.
5) Jasmine Murray sang Christina Aguilera's "Reflection" from the "Mulan" soundtrack. She's received some criticism for singing a song from a Disney movie. Who cares where the song comes from especially when it's a great song. Jasmine is finally starting to live up to her potential. Randy said she "improved 100% from the other day" and I mostly agree. She made it through to the Top 13, but I have a feeling it was close. I think she would be very lucky to make the Top 10 as well.
6) Ricky Braddy sang Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". (Stevie Wonder is the man, what a great singer and songwriter.) I finally understand why Paula loves him so much. He was absolutely fantastic singing this song. The band was in full funk mode, it's good to see them again. Producers please never hide the band again. They add sizzle to what is feeling like a too predictable, planned out show. Actually can we just get rid of the producers and let things play out organically? Back to Braddy, he was great. He did not make the Top 13, but maybe he should have after that performance. He can replace the forgettable Kris Allen or the producer's pet Danny Gokey.
7) Tatiana Del Torture sang the Whitney Houston classic "Saving All My Love For You". How about save another song for us? How about just go away? People better suited for the wildcard round include Kristin McNamara, Mishavonna Henson and Felicia Barton. She just went on and on with her drama and the judges kept on saying "we got it". Tatiana go away! Mercifully she did not advance to the Top 13.
8) Anoop "Dogg" Desai went back to his strength and funked out with Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative". (Every time I hear that song it makes me think of Eddie Murphy's joke about Bobby Brown learning a new word.) He has a great voice. I think he has a great chance of winning and for him especially it'll be all about song choice. He should be fairly comfortable singing a Michael Jackson song Tuesday.
I'm not even going to talk about the twist of a Top 13.
Have a great weekend, themusicaddict
We're now down to the Final 13. The finals start this Tuesday's. Yes, the rumors are true, Tuesday's theme is going to be Michael Jackson. That could be a great show or a train wreck. Michael Jackson has not been kind to "AI" contestants this year. (See Stephen Fowler's "Rock With You". That was another terrible arrangement.)
If you miss "AI" and want to see the performances go to mjsbigblog.com, she has links to all the performances. These video clips contain Seacrest's introductions and the judges commentary. (Am I the only one who thinks if the judges go away that would be a good thing? I don't need someone telling me what to think.) Upcoming this week both Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West will be appearing. I understand Kelly Clarkson but Kanye West? It's time for him to go away.
There's also going to be a big twist this week, rumors hint at a possible double elimination. Who knows, but I'm tired of the lame producers messing with the show. Let's just let the contestants sing and let America decide who the next American Idol is.
Coming tomorrow is my new Top 36 and also odds on who's going to win. My Top 36 is going to reflect how I like the candidates, even ones that have been eliminated.
Here's the review of the Wildcard show.
1) Jesse Langseth singing Rufus and Chaka Kahn's "Tell Me Something Good". She sang that with a very bluesy, funky mood. It sounds like the band had fun playing the song. I really liked her performance, but it was too little too late. She felt she did great and for the most part the judges liked it. She didn't advance to the Top 13.
2) Matt Giraud singing The Jackson's 5 "Who's Loving You". He sang with his "bluesy side the judges liked." I thought he was okay and I really liked the early blues feeling the show was starting with. He advanced to the Top 13. I think he will be very lucky to make the Top 10.
3) Megan Corkrey sang K.T. Tunstall's "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree". After Megan's funky performance of this song, I listened to the original by K.T. Tunstall. I also added it to my iPod. This song was on my mind all day. That is a great, great song. Corkrey has a great tone in her voice and I really like her. I like her version of that song better than K.T. Tunstall's. This is definitely a performance I'll buy, if and when I get the money. She has got to get rid of that awkward dance though. I saw some pictures at the Top 13 party and she was wearing way too much makeup. Megan be true to who you are and ignore the producers. If you don't win the competition so be it, being true to yourself is much more important. I get the vibe from you that you know that already. Megan advances to the Top 13.
4) Von Smith sang Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". That was another strange arrangement. He's sort of ugly and there is something very off putting about him. He wouldn't be someone I would want to see for 12 weeks. How did he even make the Top 36? Mishavonna didn't get the wildcard but he did? At least he didn't make the Top 13.
5) Jasmine Murray sang Christina Aguilera's "Reflection" from the "Mulan" soundtrack. She's received some criticism for singing a song from a Disney movie. Who cares where the song comes from especially when it's a great song. Jasmine is finally starting to live up to her potential. Randy said she "improved 100% from the other day" and I mostly agree. She made it through to the Top 13, but I have a feeling it was close. I think she would be very lucky to make the Top 10 as well.
6) Ricky Braddy sang Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". (Stevie Wonder is the man, what a great singer and songwriter.) I finally understand why Paula loves him so much. He was absolutely fantastic singing this song. The band was in full funk mode, it's good to see them again. Producers please never hide the band again. They add sizzle to what is feeling like a too predictable, planned out show. Actually can we just get rid of the producers and let things play out organically? Back to Braddy, he was great. He did not make the Top 13, but maybe he should have after that performance. He can replace the forgettable Kris Allen or the producer's pet Danny Gokey.
7) Tatiana Del Torture sang the Whitney Houston classic "Saving All My Love For You". How about save another song for us? How about just go away? People better suited for the wildcard round include Kristin McNamara, Mishavonna Henson and Felicia Barton. She just went on and on with her drama and the judges kept on saying "we got it". Tatiana go away! Mercifully she did not advance to the Top 13.
8) Anoop "Dogg" Desai went back to his strength and funked out with Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative". (Every time I hear that song it makes me think of Eddie Murphy's joke about Bobby Brown learning a new word.) He has a great voice. I think he has a great chance of winning and for him especially it'll be all about song choice. He should be fairly comfortable singing a Michael Jackson song Tuesday.
I'm not even going to talk about the twist of a Top 13.
Have a great weekend, themusicaddict
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tatiana- Wildcard selections What the hell?
Hello,
Last night's results show lacked suspense. First Ryan brought up Lil Rounds by herself, how was that suppose to build drama? I don't think there has been an "AI" situation with any less suspense than that. Lil was as much of a sure thing advancing to the Top 12 as there ever has been. Group 2 had Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall and Scott with Ryan saying only one going through. Let's see Arianna, Taylor and Alex were all terrible and Kendall was forgettable. I had to check my notes to be reminded what she sang. So duh Scott was advancing from that group. We know two of tonight's picks and so far there has been no suspense.
The only possible remaining suspense after that was the third person to the Top 12 would either be Felicia or Jorge. However the next group was Nate and Kristin McNamara, no suspense here with "no" to both. Next up, Felicia and Von "butt ugly hair" Smith. Some suspense but "no" to both. This was the first of many shocks for the fans of Felicia Barton tonight. There are two remaining people who don"t know their fate: Jorge "Top 12" Nunez or Ju'Not "cannon fodder" Joyner. Again no suspense here as Jorge makes it through. Only 4 people deserved to make it through from this group and only 3 of them can. This show continued the trend of 2 guys and 1 girl making it through to the Top 12.
Did you see the puppet strings on Simon when Ryan asked him about this crappy format? Simon said the only way Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken making the Top 12 was through this format. If Jennifer Hudson didn't make the Top 12 through any format, that is the judges ineptitude. Clay Aiken making the Top 12 via this format doesn't show that it works.
What was up with that hidden audition? I did love a white girl singing the theme song from "The Jeffersons" though. I thought she sang it pretty well.
Now let's get to the travesties of the night! The wildcard selections: before Randy made his first pick I said to my wife that Randy would pick someone that sucks. (It's obvious the judges made these picks as a group.) Sure enough Randy named Von Smith (33), then later he named Tatiana Del Torture (36). That's par for the course for Randy, although again this clearly was a group decision. If the judges have any sense at all, neither one of these train wrecks can make the Top 12. They shouldn't have even made the Top 36.
Paula named her personal favorite, Ricky Braddy (21) and Jesse Langseth (17). Then Kara named Jasmine Murray (9) and Matt Giraud (23). I like Jasmine Murray, although she still hasn't lived up to her potential yet. Matt was awesome in Hollywood, but the things he did to that crappy Coldplay song should be against the law. Simon was able to name the most logical choices of them all. He named Megan (4) and Anoop (7), both of whom are no-brainers. Megan and Anoop both have amazing voices and Megan is absolutely gorgeous.
Let's get to the people who were completely ripped off. Tatiana getting a wildcard shot over anyone is a complete joke. However getting that chance over Felicia (13), Kristin McNamara (27)and the exquisite Mishavonna Henson (5)is completely ludicrous. Von Smith getting chosen over a horse turd is outrageous, how did he even make the Top 36? Now he has a chance to make the Top 12? Jesse is not terrible but her getting selected over Felicia Barton is a travesty.
Tonight we have 8 contestants fighting it out for the final three spots. Here they are and my percentage for them to make it to the Top 12. I'm listing them in order of my chances of them actually making it to the Top 12. Right now we have 6 males and 3 females. The top 12 is looking very white. So much for diversity.
1) Anoop Desai: 95% as long as he brings his A game.
2) Megan Joy Corkrey: 80% as long as she brings her A game.
3) Ricky Braddy: I think his chances of making the Top 12 are excellent because he's Paula's stated favorite. I think she'll personally do her best to get him into the Top 12.
4) Jesse Langseth: 50% I'm surprised she made the wildcard round. Although she is considerably better than the person she replaced at the last minute. According to joesplaceblog.com, she replaced Arianna Afsar at the last minute.
5) Jasmine Murray: 50% She must have really impressed in Hollywood as she was lackluster in the Top 36 round. I think she has the potential, but can she turn it on enough tonight?
6) Matt Giraud: 40% If he's as good as he was in Hollywood with "Georgia", his chances of advancing to the Top 12 are a lot higher. If he goes the crappy Coldplay route again, he'll virtually have no chance to advance.
7 & 8) Then we have Randy's two picks: Von Smith (1%) and Tatiana (hopefully nil). The only reason Tatiana would make the Top 12 would be to gain the car wreck audience. There's no other logical reason she would advance. Someone commented at ew.com that if Tatiana harms herself after she is inevitably rejected again, that will be on the producers. She clearly is mentally unstable.
Other "AI" news: Paula is threatening to quit when her contract is up in a year. Please do Paula and take Randy and possibly Kara with you. With the ratings dropping drastically, and will continue to drop with Tatiana making the wild card round, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the second to last year for "AI". The changes the producers made this year has caused more harm than helped. Producers you can still save the show.
I'll be back Saturday at the latest. Judges please ignore the producers and pick intelligently the final three contestants for the Top 12. Have a good day. themusicaddict
Last night's results show lacked suspense. First Ryan brought up Lil Rounds by herself, how was that suppose to build drama? I don't think there has been an "AI" situation with any less suspense than that. Lil was as much of a sure thing advancing to the Top 12 as there ever has been. Group 2 had Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall and Scott with Ryan saying only one going through. Let's see Arianna, Taylor and Alex were all terrible and Kendall was forgettable. I had to check my notes to be reminded what she sang. So duh Scott was advancing from that group. We know two of tonight's picks and so far there has been no suspense.
The only possible remaining suspense after that was the third person to the Top 12 would either be Felicia or Jorge. However the next group was Nate and Kristin McNamara, no suspense here with "no" to both. Next up, Felicia and Von "butt ugly hair" Smith. Some suspense but "no" to both. This was the first of many shocks for the fans of Felicia Barton tonight. There are two remaining people who don"t know their fate: Jorge "Top 12" Nunez or Ju'Not "cannon fodder" Joyner. Again no suspense here as Jorge makes it through. Only 4 people deserved to make it through from this group and only 3 of them can. This show continued the trend of 2 guys and 1 girl making it through to the Top 12.
Did you see the puppet strings on Simon when Ryan asked him about this crappy format? Simon said the only way Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken making the Top 12 was through this format. If Jennifer Hudson didn't make the Top 12 through any format, that is the judges ineptitude. Clay Aiken making the Top 12 via this format doesn't show that it works.
What was up with that hidden audition? I did love a white girl singing the theme song from "The Jeffersons" though. I thought she sang it pretty well.
Now let's get to the travesties of the night! The wildcard selections: before Randy made his first pick I said to my wife that Randy would pick someone that sucks. (It's obvious the judges made these picks as a group.) Sure enough Randy named Von Smith (33), then later he named Tatiana Del Torture (36). That's par for the course for Randy, although again this clearly was a group decision. If the judges have any sense at all, neither one of these train wrecks can make the Top 12. They shouldn't have even made the Top 36.
Paula named her personal favorite, Ricky Braddy (21) and Jesse Langseth (17). Then Kara named Jasmine Murray (9) and Matt Giraud (23). I like Jasmine Murray, although she still hasn't lived up to her potential yet. Matt was awesome in Hollywood, but the things he did to that crappy Coldplay song should be against the law. Simon was able to name the most logical choices of them all. He named Megan (4) and Anoop (7), both of whom are no-brainers. Megan and Anoop both have amazing voices and Megan is absolutely gorgeous.
Let's get to the people who were completely ripped off. Tatiana getting a wildcard shot over anyone is a complete joke. However getting that chance over Felicia (13), Kristin McNamara (27)and the exquisite Mishavonna Henson (5)is completely ludicrous. Von Smith getting chosen over a horse turd is outrageous, how did he even make the Top 36? Now he has a chance to make the Top 12? Jesse is not terrible but her getting selected over Felicia Barton is a travesty.
Tonight we have 8 contestants fighting it out for the final three spots. Here they are and my percentage for them to make it to the Top 12. I'm listing them in order of my chances of them actually making it to the Top 12. Right now we have 6 males and 3 females. The top 12 is looking very white. So much for diversity.
1) Anoop Desai: 95% as long as he brings his A game.
2) Megan Joy Corkrey: 80% as long as she brings her A game.
3) Ricky Braddy: I think his chances of making the Top 12 are excellent because he's Paula's stated favorite. I think she'll personally do her best to get him into the Top 12.
4) Jesse Langseth: 50% I'm surprised she made the wildcard round. Although she is considerably better than the person she replaced at the last minute. According to joesplaceblog.com, she replaced Arianna Afsar at the last minute.
5) Jasmine Murray: 50% She must have really impressed in Hollywood as she was lackluster in the Top 36 round. I think she has the potential, but can she turn it on enough tonight?
6) Matt Giraud: 40% If he's as good as he was in Hollywood with "Georgia", his chances of advancing to the Top 12 are a lot higher. If he goes the crappy Coldplay route again, he'll virtually have no chance to advance.
7 & 8) Then we have Randy's two picks: Von Smith (1%) and Tatiana (hopefully nil). The only reason Tatiana would make the Top 12 would be to gain the car wreck audience. There's no other logical reason she would advance. Someone commented at ew.com that if Tatiana harms herself after she is inevitably rejected again, that will be on the producers. She clearly is mentally unstable.
Other "AI" news: Paula is threatening to quit when her contract is up in a year. Please do Paula and take Randy and possibly Kara with you. With the ratings dropping drastically, and will continue to drop with Tatiana making the wild card round, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the second to last year for "AI". The changes the producers made this year has caused more harm than helped. Producers you can still save the show.
I'll be back Saturday at the latest. Judges please ignore the producers and pick intelligently the final three contestants for the Top 12. Have a good day. themusicaddict
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Round 3 review 3/3/09
Hello,
Before I get to my review, I really hate, hate this format. It sucks, one bad performance and it's all over for a contestant. I prefer Season 7's format, a contestant could build some momentum and gain voters. I don't even know if David Cook would have made the Top 12 with this format. The biggest negative using this format is that David Archuleta probably would have won last year. Archuleta is so mediocre. I also hate that the band is hidden somewhere. Of course as with anything involving corporate America, it all comes down to money and metrics. Who cares if the product suffers in the corporate America world? You'd think that Fox would be a little more protective of the #1 show in America.
Interacting with the band really helps some performers. I also hate in the Top 36 round the singers can't use instruments. That's another thing that really helped David Cook. Having them sing without them playing an instrument or interacting with a band isn't how it's going to be when they are out on their own. If "AI" is really trying to create a music superstar, why don''t they replicate the actual experience as much as possible?
The first half of tonight's show was terrible. In the parenthesis contains my chances of them advancing to the Top 12 based on tonight's show. The second part is how they'll do in my next Top 36 rankings. I copied and pasted the singers and the songs they sang from mjsbigblog.com. Thanks MJ.
1) Von Smith (.001% TMAR: about the same) He sang “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye. He's finally learning restraint. Now he's just annoying and it seemed like that song lasted forever. When Simon Cowell compared him to Clay Aiken, I think that's all that needs to be said.
2) Taylor Vaifanua - (.001, TMAR: going down) She sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by the amazing Alicia Keys. Ryan said "the pride of Hurricane, Utah", maybe not after that performance. I like her nice, husky voice, but she's a mediocre performer. She's going to be voted off with no chance at a wildcard. Simon was absolutely right when he said that her performance was "very generic" and "bland". After less than inspiring performances by her, Stevie Wright, Jasmine Murray and Arianna Afsar, "AI's" minimum age should be raised to 19 at least.
3) Alex Wagner-Trugman - (.001% TMAR: With so many bad performances in the top 36 he might be saying about the same. The bottom third of the Top 36 is terrible.) He sang “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” by Elton John. I like his sense of humor and it was obvious he was nervous. He started out well, but when he started growling the performance really suffered.
4) Arianna Afsar - (.0001% TMAR: going down) She sang “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba. First of all why did she choose that song? Second what was with that janky arrangement? Terrible arrangements of songs continues to mar this season. Other than she's attractive, there's nothing good to say about that performance.
5) Ju’Not Joyner - (10%, TMAR: he'll be moving from not rated.) He sang “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts. The judges really liked him, but I didn't. I hated his arrangement of that song. I had to listen to The Plain White T's recording of that song to purge my memory of his dreary performance.
6) Kristen McNamara - (5% With her battling Felicia Barton and Lil Rounds, her chances of advancing from tonight's show are slim. TMAR: up) She sang “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman. I really liked her arrangement of that song. Up to this point by far the best performance of the night. She's goofy, that might also hold her back.
7) Nate Marshall - (.0001%, TMAR- going down) Freak! He tortured “I Would Do Anything for Love” by Meat Loaf. Oh man, did his performance suck! It was awful, awful, awful. What a complete and utter train wreck! Simon said he was "verging on excruciating", No Simon he was excruciating. Paula said he sang the "Boy George version of this song". That's probably her most accurate comment of the night.
8) Felicia Barton (75%, TMAR going up) She sang “No One” by Alicia Keys. Eight performances in and this is only the second good performance of the night? I love her voice. I'm glad she got a second chance also and she took full advantage of it. How did she not make the original Top 36 and Nate Marshall did I'll never understand. This was by far the weakest of the three groups in the Top 36. I can think of several people who were better than tonight's clunker performances.
Just for the record here are some people who are better than the bottom third of the Top 36, or at least couldn't be any worse. 1) David Osmond 2) Leneshe Young 3) Jessica Furney, 4) Emily Wynne-Hughes, 5) Rose Flack, 6) Frankie Jordan, 7) Chris Kirkham and 8) Michael Perelli.
9)Scott MacIntyre - (50%, TMAR: about the same)He sang “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. First of all I love this song and I love the lyrics. (What was Simon talking about anyway?) He's really likeable. The 800 pound gorilla in the room, no one wants to criticize the blind guy. No one wants to come off as insensitive. That being said, I really, really like him. He may not be the most exciting contestant ever, but either was Blake Lewis or David Archuleta.
10) Kendall Beard - (.001, TMAR: about the same). She sang “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride. Of the two blondes that I couldn't keep track of, she'll be the one who will be easiest to forget. A very mediocre performance of that song. If that was her best performance, she didn't belong in the Top 36 either.
11) Jorge Nunez - (50%, TMAR: about the same. He sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John. I really like him. The song started out slow and I couldn't figure out what he was doing that was bothering me. Then I read Michael Slezak's review over at ew.com. Slezak pointed out "Well, the whole thing was awfully overwrought, dude. I mean, when each word is sung at Full Emotional Throttle, it kind of leaves the performance without any way to crescendo, y'know?" I absolutely agree with him. (Although Michael I have no idea how you and the judges like Ju'Not Joyner.)
12) Lil Rounds - (99.9%, TMAR: because she's already so high, she'll stay about the same.) She sang “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige. I admit this is a song I've never heard and I'm not a Mary J. Blige fan. However Lil Rounds is awesome and I love her powerful voice. I see Rounds going very far in this competition. I can see Rounds taking over the Whitney Houston mantle, because Houston doesn't seem to be interested in having it anymore.
From tonight's show I'm guessing that Lil Rounds and Felicia Barton will make the Top 12 and the male contestant will either be Jorge Nunez or Scott MacIntyre. The wildcards from this show in my opinion should be Kristin McNamara and who doesn't get voted in out of Nunez or MacIntyre.
I have to go, I have a new Top 36 to write. I'm not sure how much my Top 12 will have in common with the Top 12 that starts next week. Remember tonight is the results show and tomorrow is the one hour wildcard round.
Have a good day, themusicaddict
Before I get to my review, I really hate, hate this format. It sucks, one bad performance and it's all over for a contestant. I prefer Season 7's format, a contestant could build some momentum and gain voters. I don't even know if David Cook would have made the Top 12 with this format. The biggest negative using this format is that David Archuleta probably would have won last year. Archuleta is so mediocre. I also hate that the band is hidden somewhere. Of course as with anything involving corporate America, it all comes down to money and metrics. Who cares if the product suffers in the corporate America world? You'd think that Fox would be a little more protective of the #1 show in America.
Interacting with the band really helps some performers. I also hate in the Top 36 round the singers can't use instruments. That's another thing that really helped David Cook. Having them sing without them playing an instrument or interacting with a band isn't how it's going to be when they are out on their own. If "AI" is really trying to create a music superstar, why don''t they replicate the actual experience as much as possible?
The first half of tonight's show was terrible. In the parenthesis contains my chances of them advancing to the Top 12 based on tonight's show. The second part is how they'll do in my next Top 36 rankings. I copied and pasted the singers and the songs they sang from mjsbigblog.com. Thanks MJ.
1) Von Smith (.001% TMAR: about the same) He sang “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye. He's finally learning restraint. Now he's just annoying and it seemed like that song lasted forever. When Simon Cowell compared him to Clay Aiken, I think that's all that needs to be said.
2) Taylor Vaifanua - (.001, TMAR: going down) She sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by the amazing Alicia Keys. Ryan said "the pride of Hurricane, Utah", maybe not after that performance. I like her nice, husky voice, but she's a mediocre performer. She's going to be voted off with no chance at a wildcard. Simon was absolutely right when he said that her performance was "very generic" and "bland". After less than inspiring performances by her, Stevie Wright, Jasmine Murray and Arianna Afsar, "AI's" minimum age should be raised to 19 at least.
3) Alex Wagner-Trugman - (.001% TMAR: With so many bad performances in the top 36 he might be saying about the same. The bottom third of the Top 36 is terrible.) He sang “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” by Elton John. I like his sense of humor and it was obvious he was nervous. He started out well, but when he started growling the performance really suffered.
4) Arianna Afsar - (.0001% TMAR: going down) She sang “The Winner Takes it All” by Abba. First of all why did she choose that song? Second what was with that janky arrangement? Terrible arrangements of songs continues to mar this season. Other than she's attractive, there's nothing good to say about that performance.
5) Ju’Not Joyner - (10%, TMAR: he'll be moving from not rated.) He sang “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts. The judges really liked him, but I didn't. I hated his arrangement of that song. I had to listen to The Plain White T's recording of that song to purge my memory of his dreary performance.
6) Kristen McNamara - (5% With her battling Felicia Barton and Lil Rounds, her chances of advancing from tonight's show are slim. TMAR: up) She sang “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman. I really liked her arrangement of that song. Up to this point by far the best performance of the night. She's goofy, that might also hold her back.
7) Nate Marshall - (.0001%, TMAR- going down) Freak! He tortured “I Would Do Anything for Love” by Meat Loaf. Oh man, did his performance suck! It was awful, awful, awful. What a complete and utter train wreck! Simon said he was "verging on excruciating", No Simon he was excruciating. Paula said he sang the "Boy George version of this song". That's probably her most accurate comment of the night.
8) Felicia Barton (75%, TMAR going up) She sang “No One” by Alicia Keys. Eight performances in and this is only the second good performance of the night? I love her voice. I'm glad she got a second chance also and she took full advantage of it. How did she not make the original Top 36 and Nate Marshall did I'll never understand. This was by far the weakest of the three groups in the Top 36. I can think of several people who were better than tonight's clunker performances.
Just for the record here are some people who are better than the bottom third of the Top 36, or at least couldn't be any worse. 1) David Osmond 2) Leneshe Young 3) Jessica Furney, 4) Emily Wynne-Hughes, 5) Rose Flack, 6) Frankie Jordan, 7) Chris Kirkham and 8) Michael Perelli.
9)Scott MacIntyre - (50%, TMAR: about the same)He sang “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. First of all I love this song and I love the lyrics. (What was Simon talking about anyway?) He's really likeable. The 800 pound gorilla in the room, no one wants to criticize the blind guy. No one wants to come off as insensitive. That being said, I really, really like him. He may not be the most exciting contestant ever, but either was Blake Lewis or David Archuleta.
10) Kendall Beard - (.001, TMAR: about the same). She sang “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride. Of the two blondes that I couldn't keep track of, she'll be the one who will be easiest to forget. A very mediocre performance of that song. If that was her best performance, she didn't belong in the Top 36 either.
11) Jorge Nunez - (50%, TMAR: about the same. He sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John. I really like him. The song started out slow and I couldn't figure out what he was doing that was bothering me. Then I read Michael Slezak's review over at ew.com. Slezak pointed out "Well, the whole thing was awfully overwrought, dude. I mean, when each word is sung at Full Emotional Throttle, it kind of leaves the performance without any way to crescendo, y'know?" I absolutely agree with him. (Although Michael I have no idea how you and the judges like Ju'Not Joyner.)
12) Lil Rounds - (99.9%, TMAR: because she's already so high, she'll stay about the same.) She sang “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige. I admit this is a song I've never heard and I'm not a Mary J. Blige fan. However Lil Rounds is awesome and I love her powerful voice. I see Rounds going very far in this competition. I can see Rounds taking over the Whitney Houston mantle, because Houston doesn't seem to be interested in having it anymore.
From tonight's show I'm guessing that Lil Rounds and Felicia Barton will make the Top 12 and the male contestant will either be Jorge Nunez or Scott MacIntyre. The wildcards from this show in my opinion should be Kristin McNamara and who doesn't get voted in out of Nunez or MacIntyre.
I have to go, I have a new Top 36 to write. I'm not sure how much my Top 12 will have in common with the Top 12 that starts next week. Remember tonight is the results show and tomorrow is the one hour wildcard round.
Have a good day, themusicaddict
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Round 3 of the Top 36 preview,
Hello,
From what I've seen so far tonight's group is by far the weakest. I'll list tonight's contestants and their current themusicaddict ranking (TMAR).
1) Lil Rounds (3) She'll probably sing last tonight, that's the pimp spot given to the producer's favorites. I agree with the producers on her as I also really like her. Lil remember vocal restraint can be a good thing.
2) Scott McIntyre (11) I really liked his "And So It Goes" in the audition round and loved his singing of "Home" in Hollywood.
3) Jorge Nunez (12) In the audition round he was someone who had a powerful voice but sang with restraint. I could definitely see him being the top male vote getter from this group. He should probably be a little higher in my rankings.
4) Felicia Barton (13) I'm expecting big things from her tonight. I love the tone, power and rawness of her voice.
5) Taylor Vaifauna (14) She is very young, only 16 or 17, but she has an amazing voice as well. I'm hoping she'll be more like Allison Iraheta than Stevie Wright.
6) Arianna Afsar (18) Like most of the contestants in tonight's round, she's mostly an unknown quantity. She could be fantastic or terrible.
7) Nate Marshall (24) Again he could surprise but the talent drop seems to be very big after Arianna Afsar. I just can't get his whining in Hollywood week out of my head.
8) Alex Wagner-Trugman (25) Another mostly unknown contestant, I only remember him from the audition rounds and I thought he was okay there.
9 & 10) Kendall Beard and Kristin McNamara (26 & 27) I hope one or both of these ladies stand out more tonight. Either/or might be fantastic but honestly I still can't tell the difference between both.
11) Von Smith (33) Unless he amazes tonight, I hope this is the last time we see him.
12) Ju'not Joyner (not rated) He sang "Hey Delilah" in Hollywood and I thought he was terrible with that song. Again for the most part an unknown quantity.
From tonight's group to advance to the Top 12, Lil Rounds is as much of a sure thing as there is. I expect the battle between the men to be fought between Jorge Nunez, Scott MacIntyre and maybe Ju'not Joyner. To get the third, non gender specific spot I would put my money on Felicia Barton. Tonight's show is two hours, with a one hour results show tomorrow night. Thursday is the wildcard round and the announcement of the Final 3 contestants advancing to the Top 12.
Barring the unforeseen, I'll be back with my review of tonight's show tomorrow.
Have a good Tuesday, themusicaddict
From what I've seen so far tonight's group is by far the weakest. I'll list tonight's contestants and their current themusicaddict ranking (TMAR).
1) Lil Rounds (3) She'll probably sing last tonight, that's the pimp spot given to the producer's favorites. I agree with the producers on her as I also really like her. Lil remember vocal restraint can be a good thing.
2) Scott McIntyre (11) I really liked his "And So It Goes" in the audition round and loved his singing of "Home" in Hollywood.
3) Jorge Nunez (12) In the audition round he was someone who had a powerful voice but sang with restraint. I could definitely see him being the top male vote getter from this group. He should probably be a little higher in my rankings.
4) Felicia Barton (13) I'm expecting big things from her tonight. I love the tone, power and rawness of her voice.
5) Taylor Vaifauna (14) She is very young, only 16 or 17, but she has an amazing voice as well. I'm hoping she'll be more like Allison Iraheta than Stevie Wright.
6) Arianna Afsar (18) Like most of the contestants in tonight's round, she's mostly an unknown quantity. She could be fantastic or terrible.
7) Nate Marshall (24) Again he could surprise but the talent drop seems to be very big after Arianna Afsar. I just can't get his whining in Hollywood week out of my head.
8) Alex Wagner-Trugman (25) Another mostly unknown contestant, I only remember him from the audition rounds and I thought he was okay there.
9 & 10) Kendall Beard and Kristin McNamara (26 & 27) I hope one or both of these ladies stand out more tonight. Either/or might be fantastic but honestly I still can't tell the difference between both.
11) Von Smith (33) Unless he amazes tonight, I hope this is the last time we see him.
12) Ju'not Joyner (not rated) He sang "Hey Delilah" in Hollywood and I thought he was terrible with that song. Again for the most part an unknown quantity.
From tonight's group to advance to the Top 12, Lil Rounds is as much of a sure thing as there is. I expect the battle between the men to be fought between Jorge Nunez, Scott MacIntyre and maybe Ju'not Joyner. To get the third, non gender specific spot I would put my money on Felicia Barton. Tonight's show is two hours, with a one hour results show tomorrow night. Thursday is the wildcard round and the announcement of the Final 3 contestants advancing to the Top 12.
Barring the unforeseen, I'll be back with my review of tonight's show tomorrow.
Have a good Tuesday, themusicaddict
Monday, March 2, 2009
Songs Rocking My iPod
Hello,
Breaking news: "American Idol" Season 8 contestant Adam Lambert is gay. First of all I hope this did not surprise anyone and more importantly who cares?
Songs rocking my iPod: 1) "Samsonite Man"- Alicia Keys She's one of the best musicians we currently have. I think she would be great as an "AI" mentor. 2) "Total Eclipse of The Heart"- Bonnie Tyler I think this would be a great song for Jesse Langseth to sing if she earns a wildcard shot. 3) "Cheeseburger In Paradise"- Jimmy Buffet 4) "I Got You"- Shenadoah A great and romantic song. 5) "Home Sweet Home"- Motley Crue One of the best songs by one of the best bands ever. 6) "She Believes In Me"- Kenny Rogers A song that should remind one of their wife. 7) "Orinico Flow"- Enya A great song from the 80's that for some reason has been forgotten. 8) "Don't Go"- Yaz 9) "Hella Good"- No Doubt They have reunited and are touring this summer for the first time in 5 years. I'm very excited by that as they're great in concert. 10) "Every Rose Has It's Thorn"- A classic. 11) "All I Really Want"- Alanis Morrissette This is from her classic first CD, "Jagged Little Pill". 12) "La Vie Boheme"- From the "Rent" Soundtrack. A great song from one of the best musicals of the 90's. 13) "Neighborhood #2 (Laika")- The Arcade Fire This is from the CD "Funeral", if you don't have it yet you really need to buy it. 14) "High Flying, Adored"- Madonna This is from the fantastic "Evita" soundtrack. One of Andrew Lloyd Webber's best and least underappreciated musicals. 15) "Set It Off"- Audioslave A song that kicks you in the butt. 16) "Irish Blood, English Heart" (Live)-Morrissey 17) "You Know I'm No Good"- Amy Winehouse. This is off the great CD "Back to Black". 18) "Disturbia"- Rihanna Nate Marshall please don't destroy this song again. 19) "Pride (In The Name of Love"- U2 Even after all these years, this song still kicks butt. 20) "He Stopped Loving Her Today"- George Jones A classic song about unrequited love. 21) "Spiral"- XTC 22) "Number One Camera"- Nina Gordon A song for a former lover that really pissed you off. 23) "Dirty White Boy"- Foreigner 24) "One Moment In Time"- Whitney Houston 25) "Face Down"- The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus 26) "U Can't Touch This"- MC Hammer. Another song that kicks butt, even after all these years.
Have a good week, themusicaddict
Breaking news: "American Idol" Season 8 contestant Adam Lambert is gay. First of all I hope this did not surprise anyone and more importantly who cares?
Songs rocking my iPod: 1) "Samsonite Man"- Alicia Keys She's one of the best musicians we currently have. I think she would be great as an "AI" mentor. 2) "Total Eclipse of The Heart"- Bonnie Tyler I think this would be a great song for Jesse Langseth to sing if she earns a wildcard shot. 3) "Cheeseburger In Paradise"- Jimmy Buffet 4) "I Got You"- Shenadoah A great and romantic song. 5) "Home Sweet Home"- Motley Crue One of the best songs by one of the best bands ever. 6) "She Believes In Me"- Kenny Rogers A song that should remind one of their wife. 7) "Orinico Flow"- Enya A great song from the 80's that for some reason has been forgotten. 8) "Don't Go"- Yaz 9) "Hella Good"- No Doubt They have reunited and are touring this summer for the first time in 5 years. I'm very excited by that as they're great in concert. 10) "Every Rose Has It's Thorn"- A classic. 11) "All I Really Want"- Alanis Morrissette This is from her classic first CD, "Jagged Little Pill". 12) "La Vie Boheme"- From the "Rent" Soundtrack. A great song from one of the best musicals of the 90's. 13) "Neighborhood #2 (Laika")- The Arcade Fire This is from the CD "Funeral", if you don't have it yet you really need to buy it. 14) "High Flying, Adored"- Madonna This is from the fantastic "Evita" soundtrack. One of Andrew Lloyd Webber's best and least underappreciated musicals. 15) "Set It Off"- Audioslave A song that kicks you in the butt. 16) "Irish Blood, English Heart" (Live)-Morrissey 17) "You Know I'm No Good"- Amy Winehouse. This is off the great CD "Back to Black". 18) "Disturbia"- Rihanna Nate Marshall please don't destroy this song again. 19) "Pride (In The Name of Love"- U2 Even after all these years, this song still kicks butt. 20) "He Stopped Loving Her Today"- George Jones A classic song about unrequited love. 21) "Spiral"- XTC 22) "Number One Camera"- Nina Gordon A song for a former lover that really pissed you off. 23) "Dirty White Boy"- Foreigner 24) "One Moment In Time"- Whitney Houston 25) "Face Down"- The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus 26) "U Can't Touch This"- MC Hammer. Another song that kicks butt, even after all these years.
Have a good week, themusicaddict
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Top 36 following Week 2's performances
Hello,
Here is my new Top 36 after Week 2's performances.
1) Alexis Grace, last week #1. I'm still enthralled by her bluesy cover of Aretha Franklin's "Never Loved A Man" and I'm looking forward to her singing again. It was a close victory over Allison however.
2) Allison Iraheta, last week #20. Her cover of Heart's "Alone" was terrific. She rocked that song, she did it even better than Carrie Underwood when she was an "Idol".
3) Lil Rounds, last week #4. I'm fairly certain she'll easily be the female contestant from Week 3 moving to the Top 12. Keep an eye out for Felicia Barton and Taylor Vaifauna. Rounds only liability is she sometimes lets her voice go full blast, restraint is a good thing. She'll probably get the pimp spot Tuesday, that is the space usually reserved for the producer's favorite. The pimp spot is the final singer of the night.
4) Megan Joy Corkrey, last week #2. I was disappointed a bit by her performance. I hope next time she picks a much more vocally appropriate song than "Put Your Records On". I'm pretty sure she's going to be in the Top 12, unless she completely blows it in the wildcard round. Sing something with a jazzy or bluesy feeling. Maybe some old school Melissa Etheridge or Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car".
5) Mishavonna Henson, last week # 10. I'm not sure why the judges were such haters. I love her. She's relevant, vibrant and has a great voice. I liked her singing of "Drops of Jupiter" but she does need to pick a better song in the wildcard round. How 'bout Katrina and the Waves "Walkin On Sunshine" or Deee-Lites "Groove Is In The Heart".
Yes, I realize my Top 5 are all females. After the first two rounds of the Top 36 these 5 contestants are the cream of the crop so far.
6) Michael Sarver, last week #5. He dropped through no fault of his. I'm expecting Jorge Nunez and Scott Macintyre to give him a challenge for #1 overall male vocalist Tuesday. Ju'not Joyner is an unknown quantity so far.
7) Anoop Desai, last week #6. I'm looking forward to March 5th, the wildcard episode, where I hope Anoop redeems himself. Bring the funk, no more slow, sappy ballads. I think Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" or The Time's "Jungle Love" would be great.
8) Kris Allen, last week not rated. He may be a little bit high. However I really liked his "Man In The Mirror". (Too bad he's such a freak, but Michael Jackson was the man back in the day.) I also like Allen's funky vibe. Why hasn't he scored more screen time before last Wednesday's episode?
9) Jasmine Murray, last week #3. This was one of the more disappointing performances Wednesday night for me. "Love Song" is not the song she should have sung. If, a big if, she gets an invite to the wildcard show, she's really got to bring it. Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys or some classic Aretha would all be good song choices. Maybe something by Janis Joplin, if she wants to go for something a bit out of the box.
10) Danny Gokey, last week #7. I think he'll continue to drop in these rankings, he just sort of has that David Archuleta feeling for me. He's got a much better voice than Archuleta, but they're both equally annoying.
11) Scott MacIntyre, last week #9. He finally gets to sing Tuesday, in the round of 36. I liked both his audition and what I saw of him in Hollywood. In my notes of Hollywood, I wrote great, great, great about his performance of Daughtry's "Home"in Hollywood. I think he might be hurt by the fact that he can't perform with an instrument.
12) Jorge Nunez, last week #12. I'm really looking forward to his performance Tuesday night. I loved his audition round dual performances. He sang better in Spanish but still sounded good in English.
13) Felicia Barton, last week #16. Another performance that I'm looking forward to. Check this out:
There's video of her on youtube.com singing "Black Horse and A Cherry Tree". That would be a good song choice for Tuesday as well. I know Katherine McPhee already made this song her own. Felicia can do a great job with it as well.
14) Taylor Vaifauna, last week #15. Another contestant I'm expecting big things from on Tuesday. Let's hope she is more Mishavonna or Allison than Casey.
15) Matt Breitzke, last week #8. I liked his version of Tonic's "If You Could Only See" although I may be one of the few who did. Unfortunately I think his "Idol" journey is over.
16) Adam Lambert, last week #21. I'm just not sold on him and I hate how much he's being pushed by the producers. Usually if something is overhyped they aren't very good. In this case, though Lambert is very good. Please producers stop pimping him so much.
17) Jesse Langseth, last week #12. I liked her version of Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes", but there's something about her that leaves me cold. She'll be lucky to make the wildcard round. If she does, she really has got to blow it out of the box to advance to the Top 12.
18) Arianna Afsar, last week #19. She's still an unknown quantity at this point. I expect her to do pretty well Tuesday. See #14.
19) Brent Keith, last week # 13. I think his "Idol" journey is over. I expected more from him.
20) Nick Mitchell, last week #18. His was definitely one of the most entertaining performances of Round 2. He's not going any further, but thanks for the memories, comic relief and not taking yourself too seriously.
21) Ricky Braddy, last week #22. He's received more press lately about his website than his singing. That's not a good sign. He's one of Paula's favorite's so it's highly likely he will get a wildcard spot.
22) Ann Marie Boskovich, last week #17. I think her "Idol" journey is over as well.
23) Matt Giraud, last week #14. Matt, why in the hell did you pick a Coldplay song? That would only be a good choice if you were on a show called "American Wimp". That's a terrible song and you did a terrible performance of it. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a wildcard invite however.
24) Nate Marshall, last week #23. On Tuesday he could be genius or a complete disaster. Please spare us the bad dancing. I liked him in his group performance in Hollywood, but his "Disturbia" during the same week was weak. He's really helped by being able to play an instrument also.
25) Alex Wagner-Trugman, last week #25. I don't see him going further, but who knows?? He really has to bring it if he wants to advance. He will not be getting out of this group and he'll be lucky to get a wildcard bid.
26 @ 27) Kendall Beard and Kristin McNamara, which one is which again?
28) Jeanine Vailes, last week not rated. As a top 36 contestant, she should have received more screen time previous to this round. I liked her performance a lot more than the judges did. I feel confident in saying her "Idol" journey is over.
29) Kai Kalamma, last week #30. He's not one of my favorites of this season. However he was a lot better than I thought he would be.
30) Casey Carlson, last week #28. Sorry Casey, it's the end of the line.
31) Stevie Wright, last week #24. See #30.
32) Stephen Fowler, last week #29. See #30.
The bottom three all suck and they would all be lower if this was a Top 40.
33) Von Smith, last week #31. Like Lil Rounds, if he learns to sing with some restraint he would be a lot better. The screaming has got to go.
34) Jackie Tohn, last week #33. Please go away and take Tatiana with you. Her "Idol" journey is so over.
35) Tatiana Del Torture, last week #33. I haven't written about her for awhile. It's been so nice.
Not rated: Ju'not Joyner: Let's hope he's not cannon fodder.
This upcoming week on "Idol": Tuesday is the final round of 36, that'll be a two hour show. Wednesday is an one hour results show and Thursday will be a one hour wildcard show. The judges will decide the final three contestants to advance to the Top 12.
I'll be back tomorrow with songs rocking my iPod and anything else interesting. Have a peaceful Sunday, themusicaddict.
Here is my new Top 36 after Week 2's performances.
1) Alexis Grace, last week #1. I'm still enthralled by her bluesy cover of Aretha Franklin's "Never Loved A Man" and I'm looking forward to her singing again. It was a close victory over Allison however.
2) Allison Iraheta, last week #20. Her cover of Heart's "Alone" was terrific. She rocked that song, she did it even better than Carrie Underwood when she was an "Idol".
3) Lil Rounds, last week #4. I'm fairly certain she'll easily be the female contestant from Week 3 moving to the Top 12. Keep an eye out for Felicia Barton and Taylor Vaifauna. Rounds only liability is she sometimes lets her voice go full blast, restraint is a good thing. She'll probably get the pimp spot Tuesday, that is the space usually reserved for the producer's favorite. The pimp spot is the final singer of the night.
4) Megan Joy Corkrey, last week #2. I was disappointed a bit by her performance. I hope next time she picks a much more vocally appropriate song than "Put Your Records On". I'm pretty sure she's going to be in the Top 12, unless she completely blows it in the wildcard round. Sing something with a jazzy or bluesy feeling. Maybe some old school Melissa Etheridge or Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car".
5) Mishavonna Henson, last week # 10. I'm not sure why the judges were such haters. I love her. She's relevant, vibrant and has a great voice. I liked her singing of "Drops of Jupiter" but she does need to pick a better song in the wildcard round. How 'bout Katrina and the Waves "Walkin On Sunshine" or Deee-Lites "Groove Is In The Heart".
Yes, I realize my Top 5 are all females. After the first two rounds of the Top 36 these 5 contestants are the cream of the crop so far.
6) Michael Sarver, last week #5. He dropped through no fault of his. I'm expecting Jorge Nunez and Scott Macintyre to give him a challenge for #1 overall male vocalist Tuesday. Ju'not Joyner is an unknown quantity so far.
7) Anoop Desai, last week #6. I'm looking forward to March 5th, the wildcard episode, where I hope Anoop redeems himself. Bring the funk, no more slow, sappy ballads. I think Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" or The Time's "Jungle Love" would be great.
8) Kris Allen, last week not rated. He may be a little bit high. However I really liked his "Man In The Mirror". (Too bad he's such a freak, but Michael Jackson was the man back in the day.) I also like Allen's funky vibe. Why hasn't he scored more screen time before last Wednesday's episode?
9) Jasmine Murray, last week #3. This was one of the more disappointing performances Wednesday night for me. "Love Song" is not the song she should have sung. If, a big if, she gets an invite to the wildcard show, she's really got to bring it. Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys or some classic Aretha would all be good song choices. Maybe something by Janis Joplin, if she wants to go for something a bit out of the box.
10) Danny Gokey, last week #7. I think he'll continue to drop in these rankings, he just sort of has that David Archuleta feeling for me. He's got a much better voice than Archuleta, but they're both equally annoying.
11) Scott MacIntyre, last week #9. He finally gets to sing Tuesday, in the round of 36. I liked both his audition and what I saw of him in Hollywood. In my notes of Hollywood, I wrote great, great, great about his performance of Daughtry's "Home"in Hollywood. I think he might be hurt by the fact that he can't perform with an instrument.
12) Jorge Nunez, last week #12. I'm really looking forward to his performance Tuesday night. I loved his audition round dual performances. He sang better in Spanish but still sounded good in English.
13) Felicia Barton, last week #16. Another performance that I'm looking forward to. Check this out:
There's video of her on youtube.com singing "Black Horse and A Cherry Tree". That would be a good song choice for Tuesday as well. I know Katherine McPhee already made this song her own. Felicia can do a great job with it as well.
14) Taylor Vaifauna, last week #15. Another contestant I'm expecting big things from on Tuesday. Let's hope she is more Mishavonna or Allison than Casey.
15) Matt Breitzke, last week #8. I liked his version of Tonic's "If You Could Only See" although I may be one of the few who did. Unfortunately I think his "Idol" journey is over.
16) Adam Lambert, last week #21. I'm just not sold on him and I hate how much he's being pushed by the producers. Usually if something is overhyped they aren't very good. In this case, though Lambert is very good. Please producers stop pimping him so much.
17) Jesse Langseth, last week #12. I liked her version of Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes", but there's something about her that leaves me cold. She'll be lucky to make the wildcard round. If she does, she really has got to blow it out of the box to advance to the Top 12.
18) Arianna Afsar, last week #19. She's still an unknown quantity at this point. I expect her to do pretty well Tuesday. See #14.
19) Brent Keith, last week # 13. I think his "Idol" journey is over. I expected more from him.
20) Nick Mitchell, last week #18. His was definitely one of the most entertaining performances of Round 2. He's not going any further, but thanks for the memories, comic relief and not taking yourself too seriously.
21) Ricky Braddy, last week #22. He's received more press lately about his website than his singing. That's not a good sign. He's one of Paula's favorite's so it's highly likely he will get a wildcard spot.
22) Ann Marie Boskovich, last week #17. I think her "Idol" journey is over as well.
23) Matt Giraud, last week #14. Matt, why in the hell did you pick a Coldplay song? That would only be a good choice if you were on a show called "American Wimp". That's a terrible song and you did a terrible performance of it. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a wildcard invite however.
24) Nate Marshall, last week #23. On Tuesday he could be genius or a complete disaster. Please spare us the bad dancing. I liked him in his group performance in Hollywood, but his "Disturbia" during the same week was weak. He's really helped by being able to play an instrument also.
25) Alex Wagner-Trugman, last week #25. I don't see him going further, but who knows?? He really has to bring it if he wants to advance. He will not be getting out of this group and he'll be lucky to get a wildcard bid.
26 @ 27) Kendall Beard and Kristin McNamara, which one is which again?
28) Jeanine Vailes, last week not rated. As a top 36 contestant, she should have received more screen time previous to this round. I liked her performance a lot more than the judges did. I feel confident in saying her "Idol" journey is over.
29) Kai Kalamma, last week #30. He's not one of my favorites of this season. However he was a lot better than I thought he would be.
30) Casey Carlson, last week #28. Sorry Casey, it's the end of the line.
31) Stevie Wright, last week #24. See #30.
32) Stephen Fowler, last week #29. See #30.
The bottom three all suck and they would all be lower if this was a Top 40.
33) Von Smith, last week #31. Like Lil Rounds, if he learns to sing with some restraint he would be a lot better. The screaming has got to go.
34) Jackie Tohn, last week #33. Please go away and take Tatiana with you. Her "Idol" journey is so over.
35) Tatiana Del Torture, last week #33. I haven't written about her for awhile. It's been so nice.
Not rated: Ju'not Joyner: Let's hope he's not cannon fodder.
This upcoming week on "Idol": Tuesday is the final round of 36, that'll be a two hour show. Wednesday is an one hour results show and Thursday will be a one hour wildcard show. The judges will decide the final three contestants to advance to the Top 12.
I'll be back tomorrow with songs rocking my iPod and anything else interesting. Have a peaceful Sunday, themusicaddict.
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