I told myself I would not comment on American Idol at all this year. And I haven't.
But after watching two of the top 36 elimination rounds, I have to say something.
I can't, for the time I've watched American Idol, remember a time when there were as many people who flat out stunk, especially at this level. Some of it appears to be nerves. I understand what nerves do to your voice, to your presentation. I've sung in front of people before - it's not easy.
Several of the singers have been off key. Not just pitchy, not just hitting a note sharp or flat here and there. I mean totally out of key. And some have been out of rhythm as well.
It's almost as if they can't hear the background music really well.
HERE'S A TOTALLY RANDOM THOUGHT
Why do car dealers say that some of the vehicles they advertise are "Priced to Sell?"
Does that mean that the other cars in the ad are overpriced? That they couldn't be bothered to price them to sell as well?
Oh well, that's all.
Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The AI Finals
First song:
Clive Davis Pick
Second Song
Songwriters Contest
Third Song
Personal Choice
Because of this mindless love for "Imagine" Archie probably won the round. I would have picked DC though. His performance was artistry. Archie's was schmaltz.
So in my world the score ends up David Cook 2, David Archuleta 1.
But I've always preferred art over teenage marketability. Guess that's why I'm not rich.
Clive Davis Pick
- David Cook - “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2
- David Archuleta - “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John
Second Song
Songwriters Contest
- David Cook - “Dream Big”
- David Archuleta - “In This Moment”
Third Song
Personal Choice
- David Cook - “The World I Know” by Collective Soul
- David Archuleta - “Imagine” by John Lennon
Because of this mindless love for "Imagine" Archie probably won the round. I would have picked DC though. His performance was artistry. Archie's was schmaltz.
So in my world the score ends up David Cook 2, David Archuleta 1.
But I've always preferred art over teenage marketability. Guess that's why I'm not rich.
Friday, May 16, 2008
What Could be Done?
American Idol has slipped in the ratings. It's not drawing the same amount of people it has in the past. For its time slot, it still usually leads, however, the decline has been noticed and commented on ad nauseum (sometimes with hand-rubbing glee).
Part of this has to be attributable to being in its 7th season. The bloom is off the rose, so to speak. It has reached saturation and is going through the natural evolution of a show that has run for multiple years. I assume (I don't really know) that Survivor probably doesn't draw like it used to. But these reality shows are so inexpensive to make (relative to other shows) that CBS is still able to make money from it despite the drop in ratings.
That's ultimately what keeps a show running - if it makes money.
One of the other problems with AI, as far as I can see, is that it has become all too predictable. Even if the judges' comments aren't scripted, they often give the appearance of being so. And it seems like they try to shape the 'contest' to go in a specific direction. This year's example would be the final David vs. David face-off.
I think it's time to retool Idol.
I think it's time to turn it into a singing competition instead of a popularity contest.
Here's a few ideas as to what sort of changes I'd like to see.
1. When it gets down to the final 6-8 (or maybe even 10?), the participants should sing the ENTIRE song - not a 90 second snippet. Or at least they should be limited to 3 minutes (this will prevent someone from singing a 10-minute song, but still give sufficient time to build to a climax.
2. The results show needs to go. It's 95% fluff with only 5% of what we want to see. I did not watch any results show beyond the top 10 this year because I am sick to death of Ford videos, group sings, special guest star sings and so on. I just want to know who stays and who goes.
3. The top 6 should have to face off against each other in a steel cage death match. Bo staff optional.
4. There should only be one vote per person. No speed dialing, no multiple text messaging. Then we will actually see that only 100 people are voting each time - not the 300 million they continue to claim.
These are a few ideas. I'm sure that others have many more. Feel free to submit them in comments.
Part of this has to be attributable to being in its 7th season. The bloom is off the rose, so to speak. It has reached saturation and is going through the natural evolution of a show that has run for multiple years. I assume (I don't really know) that Survivor probably doesn't draw like it used to. But these reality shows are so inexpensive to make (relative to other shows) that CBS is still able to make money from it despite the drop in ratings.
That's ultimately what keeps a show running - if it makes money.
One of the other problems with AI, as far as I can see, is that it has become all too predictable. Even if the judges' comments aren't scripted, they often give the appearance of being so. And it seems like they try to shape the 'contest' to go in a specific direction. This year's example would be the final David vs. David face-off.
I think it's time to retool Idol.
I think it's time to turn it into a singing competition instead of a popularity contest.
Here's a few ideas as to what sort of changes I'd like to see.
1. When it gets down to the final 6-8 (or maybe even 10?), the participants should sing the ENTIRE song - not a 90 second snippet. Or at least they should be limited to 3 minutes (this will prevent someone from singing a 10-minute song, but still give sufficient time to build to a climax.
2. The results show needs to go. It's 95% fluff with only 5% of what we want to see. I did not watch any results show beyond the top 10 this year because I am sick to death of Ford videos, group sings, special guest star sings and so on. I just want to know who stays and who goes.
3. The top 6 should have to face off against each other in a steel cage death match. Bo staff optional.
4. There should only be one vote per person. No speed dialing, no multiple text messaging. Then we will actually see that only 100 people are voting each time - not the 300 million they continue to claim.
These are a few ideas. I'm sure that others have many more. Feel free to submit them in comments.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Redirect - Jason Fans, Enjoy
I can't be much of a blogger if I keep posting what other people write, eh? However, I really enjoyed this article. It made me wish I'd written it. It's written by Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times.
Jason Castro rides off with the fun parade
The question hangs in the air: is “Idol” working? Or do dropping ratings and the strange enervation of the show’s Final Four contenders suggest that it has lost the potential to tap into pop’s fundamental pheromone, cited again and again by exhausted Idol strivers as a goal: simple, fleeting fun?
Jason Castro had more fun than any other contestant has managed in weeks, doing his hippie dance as he romped through “I Shot the Sheriff” after being eliminated. Good for him for reprising a song the judges clearly thought was inappropriate -- a song he obviously loved, and actually sang fairly competently, whatever the panel says.
Think about “I Shot the Sheriff” for a minute. A huge crossover hit for Eric Clapton in 1974, the song definitely sounded more Marley-esque in Castro’s hands. Its lyric is about killing a police officer; its rhythms evoke the off-kilter, skanky reggae of the late Jamaican master’s most revolutionary songs. This choice was way edgier than David Cook’s post-Stone Temple Pilots reworkings of R&B.
Had Castro chosen a more conciliatory Marley song, like “No Woman, No Cry” (also on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll) Syesha might have departed before he did. But the good-natured nonconformist, apparently already sensing doom, chose to put his own pleasure first. His loosey-goosey rendition offered an exceedingly rare “Idol” sighting: the kind of spontaneity musicians actually conjure when playing live nearly anywhere but a television studio.
I wanted Jason to be eliminated, because I thought his super-sleepy energy was damping the fire of his more vocally gifted and showmanlike competitors. Now I’m not so sure. There’s something wrong up there: David Cook seems truly drained, David Archuleta’s melismatic runs grow more extreme as his anxiety visibly mounts, and Syesha Mercado is so desperate to figure out why she’s special that she’s taken to embarrassing herself with sweeping declarations about her “Idol” journey’s relationship to the slightly more momentous contest taking place on the primary circuit.
A quick defense of Syesha: I know some people were horrified that she turned the civil rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” into a vehicle for self-aggrandizement. She didn’t make her comparison tactfully, but she’s not the only entertainer to relate personal success to the larger matter of uplifting the race.
Kanye West’s notorious line in the song “Good Morning” –- “I’m like the fly Malcolm X, buy any jeans necessary” –- may or may not have been a joke, but Mary J. Blige was dead serious when she told “Blender" magazine, “My God wants me to bling.” And I’ll bet Halle Berry’s emotional Academy Awards’ speech upon becoming the first African-American to win Best Actress was somewhere in the back of Syesha’s mind when she made her comments.
Of course, Syesha’s hardly the first non-white woman to do well on “Idol.” But she stands alone in that category now. This year’s wide range of personalities could be one reason for the current aura of melancholy –- as their numbers dwindle, each hopeful seems more isolated within his or her niche.
Previous seasons had variety, but there was a sense that the Idols were learning from each other, or at least enjoying friendly rivalries. Now, each fits into a slot so particular that it’s hard to see how they even relate. What can Cook, a grown man who even tried (vainly) to inject some sex into the show this week with a growly “Hungry Like the Wolf,” really have to say to the virginal Archuleta? Can Syesha, whose charisma has unfurled alongside a disturbingly ruthless pageant-queen personality, stand to be around either of them, or is Cookie too grimy and Archie too naïve?
The “Idols” have to love each other for the show’s formula to work. They have to project real glee when they joke around in those silly Ford commercials, and cry in each other’s arms when Ryan gives one the ax. Without camaraderie –- without some whiff of fun, even in the hardest moments -- “Idol” no longer feels like an agent of magical transformation. It feels like an endless casting call.
No one wants to watch careerist kids fighting to be become pawns in a dying music industry. If the last few episodes of this season continue to sink in that direction, it will end in a sad finale, no matter who wins. Come on, Final Three. Bring back the fun. Keep that bit of Jason Castro’s spirit with you.
- Ann Powers
(photo courtesy of Fox)
Jason Castro rides off with the fun parade
The question hangs in the air: is “Idol” working? Or do dropping ratings and the strange enervation of the show’s Final Four contenders suggest that it has lost the potential to tap into pop’s fundamental pheromone, cited again and again by exhausted Idol strivers as a goal: simple, fleeting fun?
Jason Castro had more fun than any other contestant has managed in weeks, doing his hippie dance as he romped through “I Shot the Sheriff” after being eliminated. Good for him for reprising a song the judges clearly thought was inappropriate -- a song he obviously loved, and actually sang fairly competently, whatever the panel says.
Think about “I Shot the Sheriff” for a minute. A huge crossover hit for Eric Clapton in 1974, the song definitely sounded more Marley-esque in Castro’s hands. Its lyric is about killing a police officer; its rhythms evoke the off-kilter, skanky reggae of the late Jamaican master’s most revolutionary songs. This choice was way edgier than David Cook’s post-Stone Temple Pilots reworkings of R&B.
Had Castro chosen a more conciliatory Marley song, like “No Woman, No Cry” (also on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll) Syesha might have departed before he did. But the good-natured nonconformist, apparently already sensing doom, chose to put his own pleasure first. His loosey-goosey rendition offered an exceedingly rare “Idol” sighting: the kind of spontaneity musicians actually conjure when playing live nearly anywhere but a television studio.
I wanted Jason to be eliminated, because I thought his super-sleepy energy was damping the fire of his more vocally gifted and showmanlike competitors. Now I’m not so sure. There’s something wrong up there: David Cook seems truly drained, David Archuleta’s melismatic runs grow more extreme as his anxiety visibly mounts, and Syesha Mercado is so desperate to figure out why she’s special that she’s taken to embarrassing herself with sweeping declarations about her “Idol” journey’s relationship to the slightly more momentous contest taking place on the primary circuit.
A quick defense of Syesha: I know some people were horrified that she turned the civil rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” into a vehicle for self-aggrandizement. She didn’t make her comparison tactfully, but she’s not the only entertainer to relate personal success to the larger matter of uplifting the race.
Kanye West’s notorious line in the song “Good Morning” –- “I’m like the fly Malcolm X, buy any jeans necessary” –- may or may not have been a joke, but Mary J. Blige was dead serious when she told “Blender" magazine, “My God wants me to bling.” And I’ll bet Halle Berry’s emotional Academy Awards’ speech upon becoming the first African-American to win Best Actress was somewhere in the back of Syesha’s mind when she made her comments.
Of course, Syesha’s hardly the first non-white woman to do well on “Idol.” But she stands alone in that category now. This year’s wide range of personalities could be one reason for the current aura of melancholy –- as their numbers dwindle, each hopeful seems more isolated within his or her niche.
Previous seasons had variety, but there was a sense that the Idols were learning from each other, or at least enjoying friendly rivalries. Now, each fits into a slot so particular that it’s hard to see how they even relate. What can Cook, a grown man who even tried (vainly) to inject some sex into the show this week with a growly “Hungry Like the Wolf,” really have to say to the virginal Archuleta? Can Syesha, whose charisma has unfurled alongside a disturbingly ruthless pageant-queen personality, stand to be around either of them, or is Cookie too grimy and Archie too naïve?
The “Idols” have to love each other for the show’s formula to work. They have to project real glee when they joke around in those silly Ford commercials, and cry in each other’s arms when Ryan gives one the ax. Without camaraderie –- without some whiff of fun, even in the hardest moments -- “Idol” no longer feels like an agent of magical transformation. It feels like an endless casting call.
No one wants to watch careerist kids fighting to be become pawns in a dying music industry. If the last few episodes of this season continue to sink in that direction, it will end in a sad finale, no matter who wins. Come on, Final Three. Bring back the fun. Keep that bit of Jason Castro’s spirit with you.
- Ann Powers
(photo courtesy of Fox)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Idol Wrap - Wednesday Night
I don't want to go into any specific comments with regards to particular singers and songs. However, I do have to say that the judges seem to be following some sort of scripted(?) path to carry Archuleta to the finals. I don't know why, but he just didn't deserve the magnanimous amounts of praise heaped on him.
He wasn't bad, but he wasn't THAT good.
I think Jason looked and sounded better during dress rehearsal than the live performance. Syesha did a really nice job, both songs.
And David Cook was David Cook.
With the show creating David Archuleta as some sort of strange standard-bearer, I find my interest levels dropping in the whole process. Next week, when it's only Cook, Mercado and Archuleta, I'm going to be hard pressed to think of a reason to tune in.
But I probably will anyway.
He wasn't bad, but he wasn't THAT good.
I think Jason looked and sounded better during dress rehearsal than the live performance. Syesha did a really nice job, both songs.
And David Cook was David Cook.
With the show creating David Archuleta as some sort of strange standard-bearer, I find my interest levels dropping in the whole process. Next week, when it's only Cook, Mercado and Archuleta, I'm going to be hard pressed to think of a reason to tune in.
But I probably will anyway.
500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll
This is the list that the AI contestants have to choose from this week:
500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll
They pick two from the list. Which direction do you think they'll go in?
Jason - The Weight by The Band?
David C - London Calling by The Clash?
David A - Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel?
Syesha - Respect by Aretha?
Tune in and find out.
AND HERE ARE THE SPOILERS:
500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll
They pick two from the list. Which direction do you think they'll go in?
Jason - The Weight by The Band?
David C - London Calling by The Clash?
David A - Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel?
Syesha - Respect by Aretha?
Tune in and find out.
AND HERE ARE THE SPOILERS:
Performance Order! From Carie
- David Cook - “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran
- Syesha Mercado - “Proud Mary” by Ike and Tina Turner
- Jason Castro - “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley
- David Archuleta- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- David Cook - “Baba O’Riley” by The Who
- Syesha Mercado - “Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
- Jason Castro - “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan
- David Archuleta - “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What They are Singing Tonight - Spoilers & Wrap
Jason Castro - “Forever in Blue Jeans” - I liked this a lot. Liked the vibe, the personality Jason brought to the song. Had a peppery feel to it. Hoped he would big voice the part that Diamond does, but Jason doesn't really have the big voice. I disagree with Simon; I didn't think it forgettable.
David Cook - “I’m Alive” - Of the two David did, I liked this one better than the second. It has a good hook to it.
Brooke White - “I’m a Believer” - decent job with a nice country feel to it.
David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline” - eh? Yeah, I heard the changes he made to it. Didn't really like them. Sweet Caroline is too iconic a song for Red Sox fans to take to Archie's version.
Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again” - It was OK. Syesha has a nice delivery and she looked hot. But let's face it: she's no Mindy D or Jordin Sparks. She's not even a Lakisha.
Jason Castro - “September Morn” - boring boring boring - sorry Jason. You'd have been better off switching the songs and doing this one first.
David Cook - “All I Ever Really Need is You” - Good rocker. Hard to hear the lyrics at times. Not sure if it was the music or enunciation. Still liked the first better.
Brooke White - “I Am … I Said” - Very sweet presentation. Liked it a lot.
David Archuleta - “America” - predictable. I wish the judges would stop touting Archie as a second coming of something.
Syesha Mercado - “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” - average.
David Cook - “I’m Alive” - Of the two David did, I liked this one better than the second. It has a good hook to it.
Brooke White - “I’m a Believer” - decent job with a nice country feel to it.
David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline” - eh? Yeah, I heard the changes he made to it. Didn't really like them. Sweet Caroline is too iconic a song for Red Sox fans to take to Archie's version.
Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again” - It was OK. Syesha has a nice delivery and she looked hot. But let's face it: she's no Mindy D or Jordin Sparks. She's not even a Lakisha.
Jason Castro - “September Morn” - boring boring boring - sorry Jason. You'd have been better off switching the songs and doing this one first.
David Cook - “All I Ever Really Need is You” - Good rocker. Hard to hear the lyrics at times. Not sure if it was the music or enunciation. Still liked the first better.
Brooke White - “I Am … I Said” - Very sweet presentation. Liked it a lot.
David Archuleta - “America” - predictable. I wish the judges would stop touting Archie as a second coming of something.
Syesha Mercado - “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” - average.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Idol
In order of how the performances went (in my opinion).
1. Syesha Mercado - “One Rock & Roll Too Many” from Starlight
Syesha stole the show. Most memorable.
2. David Cook - “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera
It was a nice vocal from David. Showed what a mellow/slow song would be like on an album.
3. Carly Smithson - “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Thought it a bit screechy at times, but overall decent.
4. David Archuleta - “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera
Good vocals, boring performance. I can't even remember how his song goes today even though I remember all the others.
5. Jason Castro - “Memory” from Cats
I like Jason a lot. This just wasn't a standout performance of the song. Didn't Streisand sing it? Jason needed to power ballad it, not whisper sing it in his style.
6. Brooke White - “You Must Love Me” from the film adaption of Evita
Brooke looked awfully good. Unfortunately that was about it. She had trouble singing through the lower register at the beginning and the rest of the song came across as mostly meh with a few spots of emotion sprinkled in.
Based on performance, Brooke should go.
1. Syesha Mercado - “One Rock & Roll Too Many” from Starlight
Syesha stole the show. Most memorable.
2. David Cook - “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera
It was a nice vocal from David. Showed what a mellow/slow song would be like on an album.
3. Carly Smithson - “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Thought it a bit screechy at times, but overall decent.
4. David Archuleta - “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera
Good vocals, boring performance. I can't even remember how his song goes today even though I remember all the others.
5. Jason Castro - “Memory” from Cats
I like Jason a lot. This just wasn't a standout performance of the song. Didn't Streisand sing it? Jason needed to power ballad it, not whisper sing it in his style.
6. Brooke White - “You Must Love Me” from the film adaption of Evita
Brooke looked awfully good. Unfortunately that was about it. She had trouble singing through the lower register at the beginning and the rest of the song came across as mostly meh with a few spots of emotion sprinkled in.
Based on performance, Brooke should go.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Day After....
Every Thursday I cruise the internet reading articles that comment on the Wednesday results show of American Idol. No one really says anything new or groundbreaking, but it's still easy to pick up general trends or sympathies (or nonsympathies as well).
When MIchael Johns was released last week, a lot of headlines tried to make out as if it was a "shocker." But the reading of the articles generally didn't support that idea. Though it may have been something of a surprise, it didn't rate with Chris Daughtry getting the boot at 4th place, or Melinda's ouster at 3rd. No one predicted that Michael Johns would go all the way, especially with the primacy of one David and the ascendancy of the other. Once you got beyond the fluffery of headlines and opening paragraphs, it really came across as no big deal that Michael hadn't made it any further..
On the other hand, though no one is really surprised at Kristy Lee Cook's finish this week, there seems to be a real sense of sympathy percolating on the web. She may not have had the fan base she needed to remain on the show, but many of the online columnists state that they had grown to admire and like Kristy for her tenacity, especially in light of the disaster she made of the Beatle's weeks. From the week she sang "Proud to be an American" to this week, Kristy was improving in her song choice, in her performance. No one would predict her to win the competition (some speculated about it), but most everyone agreed that her presentation outshone several of the others this week.
I've never voted for an Idol contestant. I don't see the point of voting in a system that allows one person to speed dial hundreds of votes. If the show was based on the reality of the quality of performances in a given week, then Kristy should not have gone home this week.
Then again, she would have been booted off after butchering "Eight Days a Week" the way she did. So that cuts both ways, eh?
Kristy Lee Cook seemed like an average person, pleasant with a little sass and a bit more ability than she was credited with. I wish her well.
When MIchael Johns was released last week, a lot of headlines tried to make out as if it was a "shocker." But the reading of the articles generally didn't support that idea. Though it may have been something of a surprise, it didn't rate with Chris Daughtry getting the boot at 4th place, or Melinda's ouster at 3rd. No one predicted that Michael Johns would go all the way, especially with the primacy of one David and the ascendancy of the other. Once you got beyond the fluffery of headlines and opening paragraphs, it really came across as no big deal that Michael hadn't made it any further..
On the other hand, though no one is really surprised at Kristy Lee Cook's finish this week, there seems to be a real sense of sympathy percolating on the web. She may not have had the fan base she needed to remain on the show, but many of the online columnists state that they had grown to admire and like Kristy for her tenacity, especially in light of the disaster she made of the Beatle's weeks. From the week she sang "Proud to be an American" to this week, Kristy was improving in her song choice, in her performance. No one would predict her to win the competition (some speculated about it), but most everyone agreed that her presentation outshone several of the others this week.
I've never voted for an Idol contestant. I don't see the point of voting in a system that allows one person to speed dial hundreds of votes. If the show was based on the reality of the quality of performances in a given week, then Kristy should not have gone home this week.
Then again, she would have been booted off after butchering "Eight Days a Week" the way she did. So that cuts both ways, eh?
Kristy Lee Cook seemed like an average person, pleasant with a little sass and a bit more ability than she was credited with. I wish her well.
Friday, April 11, 2008
G'day Mate!
Michael Johns is the surprise ouster from American Idol this week.
Actually it's only really a surprise to those who liked him. To the rest of us who didn't dislike him, but still had to find reasons to like him, it came as no surprise.
Michael's a decent singer. At times he had a good stage presence. Unlike Chris Daughtry, though, he never seemed to have that undefinable star quality in his performance. It may be that we was trying too much to be a rocker, ignoring his forte which seemed to be a heavy blues style. Even when he was praised as nailing a song by the judges, I never connected to him until he did It's All Wrong, But It's All Right for Dollyweek.
And that's the problem. These contestants are as much about selling themselves as anything else. That is what they are going to have to do constantly if they want to make it in the music industry.
Michael was just not that good a salesman.
Actually it's only really a surprise to those who liked him. To the rest of us who didn't dislike him, but still had to find reasons to like him, it came as no surprise.
Michael's a decent singer. At times he had a good stage presence. Unlike Chris Daughtry, though, he never seemed to have that undefinable star quality in his performance. It may be that we was trying too much to be a rocker, ignoring his forte which seemed to be a heavy blues style. Even when he was praised as nailing a song by the judges, I never connected to him until he did It's All Wrong, But It's All Right for Dollyweek.
And that's the problem. These contestants are as much about selling themselves as anything else. That is what they are going to have to do constantly if they want to make it in the music industry.
Michael was just not that good a salesman.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Quick Thoughts
First, I think everyone did a good job tonight, some better, but all pretty good.
There was, in my opinion, no one bad performance where I can definitively state that a certain person will not make it. Having said that I think a couple observances can be made.
David A. did a bang up job with Appalachian Memories. I have not particularly cared for him this season. I think he's a good singer, but I've always thought his song choices were very transparent. And he's obviously a ballad singer - the uptempo stuff messed him up. But this week he really nailed it.
Michael J., in the pimp spot, reminded me of Delbert McClinton. And that's not a bad thing.
Ramiele may not have been particularly memorable, but she at least wasn't boring.
Kristy Lee seemed a bit flat at the open, but eventually picked it up a few bars in. The night's style suited her marvelously.
Loved Jason's Travelin' Thru. Thought Randy's comment was right on with the singer/songwriter vibe.
Brooke's opener, though not a huge stand out, was solid Brooke.
David C. - glad to see him take on Little Sparrow in the fashion he did. It showed he's not all about the harder rock aspect.
Carly and Syesha - both decent performances, but Syesha strayed way too close to Whitney territory in her close. She had a good voice, but she sounded too much like she was trying to sound like Whitney. Carly's version of Here You Come Again was quite different from the orginal (I remember when it came out). Not sure if I liked it or not.
There will be a bottom three, and I have no idea who it will be this week. I almost think Syesha will be one of them, perhaps with Ramiele. As to a third, I can't say.
Voted off prediction: Syesha, for becoming a cliche as a Whitney wannabe. I also lean toward Syesha because she has been in the bottom three already and Ramiele has not. If the show were about performance, then I'd say Ramiele will go.
But it's so much more (or less) than that.
There was, in my opinion, no one bad performance where I can definitively state that a certain person will not make it. Having said that I think a couple observances can be made.
David A. did a bang up job with Appalachian Memories. I have not particularly cared for him this season. I think he's a good singer, but I've always thought his song choices were very transparent. And he's obviously a ballad singer - the uptempo stuff messed him up. But this week he really nailed it.
Michael J., in the pimp spot, reminded me of Delbert McClinton. And that's not a bad thing.
Ramiele may not have been particularly memorable, but she at least wasn't boring.
Kristy Lee seemed a bit flat at the open, but eventually picked it up a few bars in. The night's style suited her marvelously.
Loved Jason's Travelin' Thru. Thought Randy's comment was right on with the singer/songwriter vibe.
Brooke's opener, though not a huge stand out, was solid Brooke.
David C. - glad to see him take on Little Sparrow in the fashion he did. It showed he's not all about the harder rock aspect.
Carly and Syesha - both decent performances, but Syesha strayed way too close to Whitney territory in her close. She had a good voice, but she sounded too much like she was trying to sound like Whitney. Carly's version of Here You Come Again was quite different from the orginal (I remember when it came out). Not sure if I liked it or not.
There will be a bottom three, and I have no idea who it will be this week. I almost think Syesha will be one of them, perhaps with Ramiele. As to a third, I can't say.
Voted off prediction: Syesha, for becoming a cliche as a Whitney wannabe. I also lean toward Syesha because she has been in the bottom three already and Ramiele has not. If the show were about performance, then I'd say Ramiele will go.
But it's so much more (or less) than that.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The 10 Worst Idol Peformances Ever
This was compiled by Entertainment Weekly. It is their list of the top 10 worst performances through all the seasons of American Idol. After listening to them all, I'd have to say I agree. Their list includes Josh Gracin, Kevin Covais, Sanjaya Malakar, Kristy Lee Cook, Haley Scarnato, Nikki McKibben and others.
Click Here for Performances
Click Here for Performances
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Quick Shots
Syesha - If I Was Your Woman
I like Syesha. I wish she'd do songs I like, but I like her. I think she's cute and can sing better than Ramiele. This song didn't do much for me, but she sang it well.
David Cook - Billie Jean
So many of these songs have been covered over the years that you can't tell if these people are singing someone else's cover version or if they came up with the arrangement on their own. I suspect that they are usually doing a cover version (like Daughtry singing Live's version of I Walk the Line). Probably Blake Lewis was one of the most original innovators. Apparently David C. was singing Chris Cornell's (Soundgarden) version of Billie Jean. . Still he pulled it off quite well AND in the pimp spot no less. He's a rising force.
Carly - Total Eclipse Of The Heart
Jim Steinman wrote Total Eclipse of the Heart. He was Meatloaf's hit song writer with songs such as Two out of Three Ain't Bad and Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. He also wrote Air Supply's Making Love out of Nothing At All. You can tell a Jim Steinman song - it's always about relationships and it has long rambling lines. Total Eclipse of the Heart was sung by Bonnie Tyler who had a short run of fame late 70s, early 80s. She had a distinctive, gravely voice, sort of like a female Rod Stewart, and it gave her songs a strong personality. I don't know if Carly's version lived up to the original. She sang it pretty well. I just don't know if it was enough.
Chikezie - If Only For One Night
Yeah, it was Chikezie being Luther for the night. Very 80s sounding. I thought it was a decent performance, his vocals are smooth. Funny thing is, Simon, who panned Chikezie's last performance as sounding like several different songs in one, now says Chikezie needs to go back to singing with that energetic kind of personality. These contestants can't win. lol.
Brooke - Every Breath You Take
The judges complained that Brooke should have not had the band come in uptempo like they did. I disagree. This wasn't Brooke's best performance of the season, but it was good. And the song really calls out for its hook, that haunting guitar part it starts with. The band provided that. She's still moving on, I'm pretty sure.
Jason - Fragile
I like Jason, even if he stays within his genre/style. He's a good package of personality, performance and presence. He does make some weird faces while singing though, which can be distracting. I don't know this song, so I don't know if it has any Spanish influences in it. Thought it was a good performance.
Ramiele - Alone
Not bad. But she is going to get compared to Nancy Wilson's version which is difficult. She seemed to fall short a bit.
Michael - We Are The Champions
I don't think this was significantly different from how Michael has performed to date, so I'm not sure where the judges are coming from. But I've always thought that what they see and hear there in the venue is probably quite different from what we see/hear in our living rooms. Probably enough to keep him safe.
Kristy - God Bless The USA
Finally, Kristy gets back to something she can do - country/pop style songs. She sang it quite well, thought she was a tad out of tune at the key change, but she came back OK. She will have to be very careful about song choice from this point on.
David A. - You're The Voice
He has a good voice, a smooth delivery. But he makes every song sound the same. David may have peaked too early unless he gives a total package in upcoming shows. He's getting a bit boring, he is.
If I had to guess as to who will go? Probably Chikezie. He seems to be the odd man out right now and I can't imagine his fan base is growing.
I hate the "mosh pit." Can the show stop getting camera angle from behind it. Seeing people's hands wave over the singers is quite irritating.
I like Syesha. I wish she'd do songs I like, but I like her. I think she's cute and can sing better than Ramiele. This song didn't do much for me, but she sang it well.
David Cook - Billie Jean
So many of these songs have been covered over the years that you can't tell if these people are singing someone else's cover version or if they came up with the arrangement on their own. I suspect that they are usually doing a cover version (like Daughtry singing Live's version of I Walk the Line). Probably Blake Lewis was one of the most original innovators. Apparently David C. was singing Chris Cornell's (Soundgarden) version of Billie Jean. . Still he pulled it off quite well AND in the pimp spot no less. He's a rising force.
Carly - Total Eclipse Of The Heart
Jim Steinman wrote Total Eclipse of the Heart. He was Meatloaf's hit song writer with songs such as Two out of Three Ain't Bad and Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. He also wrote Air Supply's Making Love out of Nothing At All. You can tell a Jim Steinman song - it's always about relationships and it has long rambling lines. Total Eclipse of the Heart was sung by Bonnie Tyler who had a short run of fame late 70s, early 80s. She had a distinctive, gravely voice, sort of like a female Rod Stewart, and it gave her songs a strong personality. I don't know if Carly's version lived up to the original. She sang it pretty well. I just don't know if it was enough.
Chikezie - If Only For One Night
Yeah, it was Chikezie being Luther for the night. Very 80s sounding. I thought it was a decent performance, his vocals are smooth. Funny thing is, Simon, who panned Chikezie's last performance as sounding like several different songs in one, now says Chikezie needs to go back to singing with that energetic kind of personality. These contestants can't win. lol.
Brooke - Every Breath You Take
The judges complained that Brooke should have not had the band come in uptempo like they did. I disagree. This wasn't Brooke's best performance of the season, but it was good. And the song really calls out for its hook, that haunting guitar part it starts with. The band provided that. She's still moving on, I'm pretty sure.
Jason - Fragile
I like Jason, even if he stays within his genre/style. He's a good package of personality, performance and presence. He does make some weird faces while singing though, which can be distracting. I don't know this song, so I don't know if it has any Spanish influences in it. Thought it was a good performance.
Ramiele - Alone
Not bad. But she is going to get compared to Nancy Wilson's version which is difficult. She seemed to fall short a bit.
Michael - We Are The Champions
I don't think this was significantly different from how Michael has performed to date, so I'm not sure where the judges are coming from. But I've always thought that what they see and hear there in the venue is probably quite different from what we see/hear in our living rooms. Probably enough to keep him safe.
Kristy - God Bless The USA
Finally, Kristy gets back to something she can do - country/pop style songs. She sang it quite well, thought she was a tad out of tune at the key change, but she came back OK. She will have to be very careful about song choice from this point on.
David A. - You're The Voice
He has a good voice, a smooth delivery. But he makes every song sound the same. David may have peaked too early unless he gives a total package in upcoming shows. He's getting a bit boring, he is.
If I had to guess as to who will go? Probably Chikezie. He seems to be the odd man out right now and I can't imagine his fan base is growing.
I hate the "mosh pit." Can the show stop getting camera angle from behind it. Seeing people's hands wave over the singers is quite irritating.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Tonight's Song Performances
Syesha - "If I Was Your Woman" by Stephanie Mills
David Cook - "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Carly - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
Chikeze - "If Only For One Night" by Luther Vandross
Brooke - "Every Breath You Take" by the Police
Jason - "Fragile" by Sting
Ramiele - "Alone" by Heart
Michael - "We Are The Champions" by Queen
Kristy - "God Bless The USA" by Lee Greenwood
David A. - "You're The Voice" by David Foster
from TMZ.com
David Cook - "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Carly - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler
Chikeze - "If Only For One Night" by Luther Vandross
Brooke - "Every Breath You Take" by the Police
Jason - "Fragile" by Sting
Ramiele - "Alone" by Heart
Michael - "We Are The Champions" by Queen
Kristy - "God Bless The USA" by Lee Greenwood
David A. - "You're The Voice" by David Foster
from TMZ.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Beatlemania Revisited
Without going into a song by song breakdown, last night was the Beatles meets Bizarro World. Everyone's stylizing now, and to the point where it's just getting weird. I'm not a Beatle's fan, but I still winced at times from the performances which were, I assume, done the way they were to avoid being called karaoke. It would seem that everyone is afraid of that term.
But really. You either tear a song apart, reassemble it or you do a straight cover. I don't see putting different inflections or runs in it as making it your own necessarily. Trying to sound like Whitney or Celine singing one of these songs is making it Whitney or Celine singing one of these songs.
I don't remember what half the people sang, so I guess it was quite memorable. ha! I know David A sang the Long and Winding Road, but that's only because it was my high school senior class song. Not sure what the lyrics have to do with a high school graduating class, but that's what they voted for. It was either that or Do You Know Where You're Going To?
Don't know if I'll watch the "who gets booted" show tonight. We'll be out for a couple hours and away from television. Probably need the break anyway.
But really. You either tear a song apart, reassemble it or you do a straight cover. I don't see putting different inflections or runs in it as making it your own necessarily. Trying to sound like Whitney or Celine singing one of these songs is making it Whitney or Celine singing one of these songs.
I don't remember what half the people sang, so I guess it was quite memorable. ha! I know David A sang the Long and Winding Road, but that's only because it was my high school senior class song. Not sure what the lyrics have to do with a high school graduating class, but that's what they voted for. It was either that or Do You Know Where You're Going To?
Don't know if I'll watch the "who gets booted" show tonight. We'll be out for a couple hours and away from television. Probably need the break anyway.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Beatlemania
Top Performances (in no particular order):
Chikezie - She's a Woman
Great! Entertaining. Energetic.
Carly - Come Together
A tight package overall - vocals, performance and arrangement
Brooke - Let it Be
Very professional in the Brooke White emotive style
David C. - Eleanor Rigby
Pitchy at beginning but hammered it home from middle on.
Middle of the Road Performances (in no particular order)
Syesha - Got to Get You Into My Life
Good, fun. Strong vocal with nice horn background. I wouldn't
call it EWF like Randy did, but I can't really place my finger
on the style of the background brass arrangement.
Jason - If I Fell
Solid, not spectacular
Michael - Across the Universe
Nice bit of singing - a bit on the dull side
Amanda - You Can't Do That
As a rock performer, she has the chops. This particular song
seemed rather pointless to me though.
Bottom Performances (in no particular order):
David H - I Saw Her Standing There
Came across as very karaoke
Ramiele - In My Life
Boooooorrrrringg - couldn't wait for it to be done
David A - We Can Work It Out
Oopsy on the lyrics. lol. Not a good performance,
not a particularly good sing either
Kristy Lee - Eight Days a Week
Horrendous arrangement. Perhaps could have
sang it with a country twang, but to add that arrangement
made the whole thing seem like a parody. Quite foolish.
Tempo issues didn't help either.
If I had to guess, either Kristy Lee or Ramiele will get the heave ho. David A could, if the voting were actually based on this night's performances. But we know the reality isn't that at all.
Don't we?
Chikezie - She's a Woman
Great! Entertaining. Energetic.
Carly - Come Together
A tight package overall - vocals, performance and arrangement
Brooke - Let it Be
Very professional in the Brooke White emotive style
David C. - Eleanor Rigby
Pitchy at beginning but hammered it home from middle on.
Middle of the Road Performances (in no particular order)
Syesha - Got to Get You Into My Life
Good, fun. Strong vocal with nice horn background. I wouldn't
call it EWF like Randy did, but I can't really place my finger
on the style of the background brass arrangement.
Jason - If I Fell
Solid, not spectacular
Michael - Across the Universe
Nice bit of singing - a bit on the dull side
Amanda - You Can't Do That
As a rock performer, she has the chops. This particular song
seemed rather pointless to me though.
Bottom Performances (in no particular order):
David H - I Saw Her Standing There
Came across as very karaoke
Ramiele - In My Life
Boooooorrrrringg - couldn't wait for it to be done
David A - We Can Work It Out
Oopsy on the lyrics. lol. Not a good performance,
not a particularly good sing either
Kristy Lee - Eight Days a Week
Horrendous arrangement. Perhaps could have
sang it with a country twang, but to add that arrangement
made the whole thing seem like a parody. Quite foolish.
Tempo issues didn't help either.
If I had to guess, either Kristy Lee or Ramiele will get the heave ho. David A could, if the voting were actually based on this night's performances. But we know the reality isn't that at all.
Don't we?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Top 12
Say bye-bye to:
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
All gone gone gone gone gone gone and Vote For the Worst must
be losing some traction! lol
It was VFTW's intent to keep Danny Noriega around as long as possible.
The four leaving make sense.
Anyone who does Whitney Houston songs should leave automatically - no votes, just go.
Anyone who does Wham songs should leave automatically - no votes, just go.
I still don't know what the heck Kady Malloy sang, and she really bolloxed it in her bow out. Didn't she?
Danjaya - so glad not to have to put up with your little head jerks any more.
Of the 12 that remain? I've seen better in past seasons.
I still don't have a fave. Probably won't either.
Archuleta doesn't come close. Neither does Chikezie or Johns. Didn't David Hernandez look particularly gleeful while Noriega was hacking out that last bit of Tainted Love?
It's a bizarre season.
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
Danny Noriega • Luke Menard • Asia'h Epperson • Kady Malloy
All gone gone gone gone gone gone and Vote For the Worst must
be losing some traction! lol
It was VFTW's intent to keep Danny Noriega around as long as possible.
The four leaving make sense.
Anyone who does Whitney Houston songs should leave automatically - no votes, just go.
Anyone who does Wham songs should leave automatically - no votes, just go.
I still don't know what the heck Kady Malloy sang, and she really bolloxed it in her bow out. Didn't she?
Danjaya - so glad not to have to put up with your little head jerks any more.
Of the 12 that remain? I've seen better in past seasons.
I still don't have a fave. Probably won't either.
Archuleta doesn't come close. Neither does Chikezie or Johns. Didn't David Hernandez look particularly gleeful while Noriega was hacking out that last bit of Tainted Love?
It's a bizarre season.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Quick on the Guys
Luke Menard "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"
David Archuleta "Another Day in Paradise"
Danny Noriega "Tainted Love"
David Hernandez "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"
Michael Johns "Don't You (Forget About Me)"
David Cook "Hello"
Jason Castro "Hallelujah"
Chikezie "All the Man That I Need"
Standout Performance: David Cook
Notable: Jason Castro w/out guitar this week. Don't know the song, thought it came off OK though his voice isn't particularly strong
Hated: Luke Menard and Danny Noriega. Luke has got to go, and Danny just flames too much for me. (I also saw the video online where he said he hopes "Santa rapes your mom" which only expands my negative image of him Click Here for Noriega Video).
Middle of the Road: Michael Johns, David Archuletta and David Hernandez. MJ did better earlier in the competition re: Hollywood round. Seems to be coasting. David A. sang well, but his song choice is becoming dreary. David H. sang well also, big voice type of song.
Forgettable: Chikezie. Seems to be picking out somewhat obscure songs. Maybe go a bit more mainstream?
Have to get my kids to a play practice tonight, so I'll probably miss much of the women.
David Archuleta "Another Day in Paradise"
Danny Noriega "Tainted Love"
David Hernandez "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"
Michael Johns "Don't You (Forget About Me)"
David Cook "Hello"
Jason Castro "Hallelujah"
Chikezie "All the Man That I Need"
Standout Performance: David Cook
Notable: Jason Castro w/out guitar this week. Don't know the song, thought it came off OK though his voice isn't particularly strong
Hated: Luke Menard and Danny Noriega. Luke has got to go, and Danny just flames too much for me. (I also saw the video online where he said he hopes "Santa rapes your mom" which only expands my negative image of him Click Here for Noriega Video).
Middle of the Road: Michael Johns, David Archuletta and David Hernandez. MJ did better earlier in the competition re: Hollywood round. Seems to be coasting. David A. sang well, but his song choice is becoming dreary. David H. sang well also, big voice type of song.
Forgettable: Chikezie. Seems to be picking out somewhat obscure songs. Maybe go a bit more mainstream?
Have to get my kids to a play practice tonight, so I'll probably miss much of the women.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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