Bottom Of The Barrel

Thursday, May 21, 2009

AI: Kris Is The Winner

After 12 weeks and nearly 100 million votes, Kris Allen is your new American Idol. I think Kris himself was the most shocked by the announcement and I bet deep down inside he feels bad for Adam who was by far the judges favorite but not Americas. The finale was long and drawn out but did contain some great moments:

David Cook played his new single Permanent, with iTunes proceeds going to the Accelerate Brain Trust Cure in honor of his brother Adam.
Anoop Desai Alexis Grace [and the rest of the top 13] performed I'm Yours with Jason Mraz.
Kris Allen and Keith Urban sang Ubran's newest single Kiss a Girl. This would be a nice guest on Allen's debut album.
Katrina "bikini girl" Darrell was given the Best Attitude award and during her less-than-average performance of Vision of Love, Kara DioGuardi popped out, showed off her vocal skils and even dropped her own bikini look off. She is really the whole package!
Adam Lambert went all gothic in a Beth/Detroit Rock City/Rock and Roll All Nite medley with the one and only KISS.
Carlos Santana went old school with Matt Giraud on Black Magic Woman and then he was Smooth with the rest of the top 13.
Lastley, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert dropped We Are the Champions with surprise guests Queen which was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

All-in-all, it was a great season where we had less of the bad singers, more of the good performers and a dark-horse mild mannered singer who is now your American Idol!

Labels: American Idol

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Idol, Morning After The Final Showdown

The final showdown gives each contestant 3 chances to blow us away, so let's see how they do:

Contestant's Favorite From The Season:

Adam Lambert - Mad World

Great control and nice tone. Pretty much the same as last time. Good start to the night.

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine

Solid vocals with a different arrangement than the last time he did this song. Loved the piano. Tie game.

American Idol creator Simon Fuller's choice:

Adam Lambert - A Change Is Gonna Come

Good not great. Forgettable in the first half and Adamish in the end.

Kris Allen - What's Going On

Totally Kris. Solid performance. It's going to be close.

Winner's Single, co-written by Kara DioGuardi:

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen - No Boundaries

First off I thought this song didn't sound very good. The words seemed nice enough but the music was terrible. For Adam's rendition, I thought it was pretty good. He kept his screeching in a minimum and I think it did him well to be less over-the-top of the song that could be his first single. As a counter, Kris was good but struggled at the big points of the song. I liked that is was rearranged for his style but in the end I am underwhemled by both guys on what will be one of their first single.

Should Win: Kris
Needs To Win: Adam
Will Win: Kris

I think the Danny G. fans are more likely to back acoustic Kris and louder-than-loud Adam. I think this is going to be very, very close and clearly we need to adjust our DVR's in order to capture the entire show.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, May 14, 2009

AI: Mano-A-Mano

Well my boy Danny finishes 3rd in season 8. In the past 7 years, that has not been a very good place to finish [see the careers of Nikki McKibbin, Kimberley Locke, Jasmine Trias, or Vonzell Solomon] but in the last couple years we have seen much more music out of the top 10 [Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, or Kellie Pickler as examples] so I think this is not the last we have seen of good old Danny Boy. I look forward to hearing what he can come up with once he is away for the Idol machine and has a studio to work with.

Now as for the finals - for the second season in a row, it will be an all male final pitting Adam's over-the-top vocals vs Kris down-to-earth musicality. As far as future artists goes, I think this season has gotten it right. Both these guys will find themselves recording an album which will ironically be dropping sometime around the start of season 9. In some respects I believe Adam needs to win it more than Kris but I'm sure Kris would take the title. Sure Adam has been the judges favorite all year but what if Kris ends up with all of Danny's votes? He could just slide into the winners circle from nearly nowhere. It is going to be interesting next week. Wino Out!

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Idol, Morning After Everybody's Pick Week

On AI's 300 episode, we get the judges and contestants choice. I usually really like what the judges select so let's see if they can pick something great this week.

Danny Gokey - Dance Little Sister

Paula picked a song I don't think I ever heard before but I have to say I thought it was a solid vocals. Liked how he worked it with the sax guy. More of the same from Danny and definitely a good start to the night.

Kris Allen - Apologize

Randy and Kara went with something a bit more popular than Paula and while his rendition is a straight cover, I liked seeing him at the piano. Kris is musician left and this song was definitely his type of music.

Adam Lambert - One

Simon selected the biggest hit so far and it seems like he may have given some arrangement suggestions. Started off great but he lost me when he went all Mary J. on the song. Seems like he has been already anointed.

Round 1: Kris was my favorite but Adam was clearly the judges pick.

Danny Gokey - You Are So Beautiful

I liked the choice of a Cocker tune and enjoyed the arrangement but didn't love it. Started off a bit shaky but he worked it out in the back half of the song. This might have just punched his ticket to the finals.

Kris Allen - Heartless

Talk about making it your own! Kris totally Allenized this Kayne West hip-hop track into an acoustic pop song in the style of song he will be recording in the next few months. So far, the coolest song of the night.

Adam Lambert - Cryin'

Adam is for sure the only guy [this season] who has the range to really cover Aerosmith. He can definitely sing but again I not a fan of his high note vocal style. Obviously, the judges believe the finals are going to be Adam and one the other two guys.

Round 2: The show is tightening up. Kris was by far my favorite in this round.

After 10 weeks, we have 3 guys who all could end up in the finals or go home as the 3rd best of season 8. Having Adam is the bottom 2 last week really proves it is anybody's game.

Should Go Home: Danny
Will Go Home: Kris

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, May 07, 2009

AI: And then there were only men left

Last night was the departure of Allison Iraheta who went from 17 year old LA unknown to the best female singer in the 8th season. I expect Allison to move forward as a recording artist and could even see her more as part of a band instead of just being herself out there. I also think a few more years of seasoning would do her a world of good. Unfortunately, I don't think coming in 4th place on the top rated show on TV will give her time to grow up and mature a little more.

Next week we will get the Judge's choice / Contestant's choice week. This gives the idols one more shot to show us who they think they are and it gives the judges a chance to select what they think the idols are. I particularly like when the judges, who do have good musical knowledge, get to select a song because it usually doesn't lead to a bad song choice. I now choose to listen to some All-American Rejects. Wino Out.

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Idol, The Morning Aftter We Rocked

Rock & Roll Week! Maybe we might hear Rock And Roll or Rock You Like A Hurricane or Rock And Roll Band or Rock And Roll All Nite. Well probably not but we should hear some rock classics. Note sure if the duet's will be good or not but they should definitely be interesting.

Adam Lambert - Whole Lotta Love

Certainly the only one left that could attempt a true Zeppelin cover. I have not been an Adam fan this year but this was a rockin' performance. Still felt his vocal was too high pitched but overall it was really good. I don't think he be returning to the bottom 3 this week.

Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby

Flawless vocals but I think she be a little unforgettable this week. At this point I think the show becomes more than just vocal talent and it becomes a show about an artist. I'm not overly familiar with the song but it did sound very Joplinish. Here is where Allison is left behind.

Duet 1: Kris & Danny - Renegade

Awesome song choice! Started very strong, the total harmonies were solid and an interesting twist. I agree with Simon, I preferred Danny over Kris on this track.

Kris Allen - Come Together

Wouldn't have been the Beatles song I would have chosen for Kris but this was pretty good. The vocals were good, even if it was a bit to high pitched, and the guitar work sounded solid. Even if this is the end for Kris, I don't think he'll ever forget jammin' with Slash.

Danny Gokey - Dream On

Started a little rough but got much better as the vocal volume got louder. I'm not so sure the really high note at the end was a good idea. I think this is why they don't have an Aerosmith week. I think Danny will get through even if this week didn't quite work for him.

Editors Note: No offense Ms. DioGuardi, but Dream On was released in 1973 while Cryin' and Crazy were released in 1993 - 20 years later. Dream On is early Aerosmith! I know your a big wig in the biz but please bring a little more music knowledge to the show, please.

Duet 1: Allison & Adam - Slow Ride

Interesting song choice but these two sounded better then Kris and Danny. Maybe Adam will ask Allison to guest vocal on his debut album. This last performance may have just saved Allison for another week.

Bound For The Finals: Adam
Bottom Three: Allison, Kris and Danny
Should Go Home: Allison
Will Go Home: Kris

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, April 30, 2009

AI: The Final Four

Matt had a good run and even got a couple extra weeks of screen time via this years new save option. He did well for his talent but as the show starts it's beginning-of-the-end it was time to take the 4 best vocalist and performers and put them center stage. Next week we get Slash mentoring Kris, Allison, Danny and Adam. Wonder if we will see any Guns N' Roses or Velvet Revolver covers next week? Probably not but at least this gives the idols a chance to either go old school remake like Blue Öyster Cult's (Don't) Fear The Reaper {because you can always use more cow bell] or cover something really current like Seether's Careless Whisper [yes a cover of that Careless Whisper]. In the immortal words of Mother Burgundy, Carry On Son, Carry On!

Wino out!

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Idol, The Morning After The Rat Pack

Another week, another genre which I could really do without. The Rat Pack is generally considered to be Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop, who appeared together on stage and in films in the early-1960s. Honestly, this should be Matt's week simply because of his singing/piano stylings. Hopefully someone will bring something new to this terribly old music.

Kris Allen - The Way You Look Tonight

Definitely nice vocals but not even close to his best performance to date. I agree that this shows how good his technical skills are however I would have liked to have heard a Kris-ized version. Maybe that is what "wet" means, not sure I always understand what Simon is getting at.

Allison Iraheta - Someone To Watch Over Me

I really liked how controlled her voice was on this song [and I didn't even mind the totally 60's arrangement]. It is refreshing to hear Allison bring something a little different than the smokey/rockish voice she has brought to the last few weeks. PS: The answer is YES, you can win [even if you can't].

Matt Giraud - My Funny Valentine

Not sure if I like this song choice, especially since it comes across so depressing. Maybe it was lowering of the key [or what ever] that made it come across this way. It have been technically solid but thus far my least favorite and I felt actually bored during his performance. Sorry Matt, your no Nat King Cole.

Danny Gokey - Come Rain Or Come Shine

Really liked the jazz feel and energy Danny put into this song. His voice has that something different [which I really like] and he is so consistent week in and week out. This performance is the kind of thing we have been missing from Danny for the past couple of weeks. Welcome back Danny.

Adam Lambert - Feeling Good

For some reason this performance felt too much like Broadway for our next American Idol. Ok that was some last note but [again] just not blown away by his vocals and still have a hard time figuring out what kind of album he would make. All that doesn't seem to matter, just listen to the crowd. Mooooooooooooooooo.

Least Favorite Theme: Rat Pack Week
Bound For The Finals: Danny and Adam
Should Go Home: Matt
Will Go Home: Matt

It will be an ironic twist for Matt to be eliminated on the week that should be he bread-and-butter week.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, April 23, 2009

AI: Two for the road

Last night we got our promised 2-for-1 special - Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai both went sent to the big disco ball in the sky. Should go home, will go home? Yeah it was time for them. With 5 weeks left, it looks like we are heading toward a all male final. Allison has been hanging around the bottom 3 for a while and Matt has hung on only by the magic of Simon's save last week. So the only question is will it be Adam and Danny or Adam and Kris? I'm pulling for Kris at this point because he is really the only one I can see making an album that I would buy.

Next week the contestants get to put their own spin on Rat Pack Standards not just once, but twice. This is another week that I am less-than-enthused about but maybe the Idols can make these old songs feel current as they did this week with disco.

The record shows, I took the blows - And did it my way!

Wino Out!

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Idol, The Morning Goes All Bell Bottoms

I'm not a fan of disco, so I'm afraid I'm really not going to like much tonight. As the show begins, it appears AI is making an effort to be quick and not run over so I too will keep my comments short.

Lil Rounds - I'm Every Woman

Still not sure what she is. Still has a huge voice, now if we can just find her voice.

Kris Allen - She Works Hard for the Money

That is how you make it your own! I could listen to this kind of disco all day long.

Danny Gokey - September

I really like Danny's talent and vocals but I haven't been blown away in a few weeks.

Allison Iraheta - Hot Stuff

Donna Summer may have won a rock Grammy, but Allison has made it a Hot song again.

Adam Lambert - If I Can't Have You

Cool arrangement and nice soft vocals however I just didn't dig the real high notes.

Matt Giraud - Stayin' Alive

I am glad they saved him last week because that was really cool and felt very current.

Anoop Desai - Dim All The Lights

Yeah he can sing but just not this song on this night. I was just bored, pink and all.

My Favorites: Kris, Allison, Matt
Projected Finalist: Kris and Adam
Should Go Home: Lil and Anoop
Will Go Home: Lil and Allison

Labels: American Idol

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Idol and Fringe

I am a fan of both American Idol and Fringe, which air back-to-back on Fox. These two shows couldn't be more different but they each provide entertainment in there own way. American Idol has been running long [very long in one case] which has had three interesting side effects for my DVR:

1. It has been cutting AI short based on the scheduled end time in the comcast guide.

AND

2. The Fringe recording is starting "on-time" and picking up the end of Idol.

AND

3. Fringe is being cut off because it too is ending at it's designated time, even if the local news can wait 5 minutes.

Ultimately, the long running Idol broadcasts are in effect are cutting my Fringe recordings. Hopefully Idol on Fox can get their s*&t together tonight and finish on-time.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, April 16, 2009

AI: Goodbye and Hello Again

As expected, Matt was eliminated last night and also as predicted the judges saved him for another week. I'm not going to say Simon and company didn't want to save Matt for his own ability but I think this was more just a matter of timing [I mean Simon even came right out and said Matt can't win this season]. If they didn't save Matt last night, they would have been given just one more week to use this new ability and would they save Lil if she was next to go? I think not. So for one more week we have a top 7 and up next is the dreaded disco week. This is one the weeks I wish they would do away with. Sure it gives the idols a chance to take something old and make it new again but do I have sit through another week of snoring songs? I would rather Idol do theme weeks like Songs in the Hot 100 this week or Hair Bands of the 80's but instead I will have to just suffer in silence listening to the best and worst of the disco era. Good luck to Matt and Lil.

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Idol, The Morning After The Movies

Idol at the movies gives the contestants a chance to sing songs from films and with Quentin Tarantino as the mentor but it's bound to be frantic at times. I have to say I was not overly thrilled with the mentor choice but it seems like he gave the idols a bit more actual direction then other musical types, which is very cool.

Allison Iraheta - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Started off a bit choppy and got better as the song went on. Unfortunately, I feel like this was just a good copy of the original. I would have liked to hear her do something not so orchestra based.

Anoop Desai - (Everything I Do) I Do It for You

I think Anoop is really starting to take this seriously. In this case, I liked he didn't do much to the music and what was his take was his slightly drawn out vocals. Another week with good execution of his own melody.

Adam Lambert - Born to Be Wild

I liked most of his vocals, save the really high screaming parts. Cool arrangement where the band looked like they were really having fun. He again puts on the performance that the crowd loved [and some will hate].

Matt Giraud - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?

Good vocals but not great. Lost it a bit in the middle but the piano work sounded [and looked] great. Maybe just not a great song choice for the funk soul brother. Matt could really be in trouble this week.

Danny Gokey - Endless Love

Grabbed, Wowed, and Slayed. Really liked his vocals on a very pretty song which did get better as it want along. I too would have liked to see a little more unique arrangement but a straight cover was still really good.

Kris Allen - Falling Slowly

The only song I didn't know, which might be unfair in comparison. Kris's vocals were spot on to the music and he sang it so softly. I was a bit bored but his tone made it totally listenable.

Lil Rounds - The Rose

For a girl with huge, powerful voice Lil showed great restraint holding back her power in both the beginning and the end. I thought her soulful twists were good but could have been great with maybe a different song selection.

Cream Of The Crop: Anoop, Adam, and Danny
Bottom Of The Barrel: Matt and Lil
Should Go Home: Lil
Will Go Home: Matt

Will He/She Be Saved: We are getting close to where they can no longer save anyone so I wouldn't be surprised if this is the week they decide to save someone like Matt.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, April 09, 2009

AI: Farewell Scott, you did pretty well

Scott MacIntyre didn't win Idol but the visually-impaired singer, songwriter, and pianist won our hearts. It may seem that he has accomplished so much in the past 6 weeks but when you hear he has already self recorded and released 5 albums and has a bachelors degree from Arizona State University, a masters degree from University of London and has been accepted to both Oxford and Cambridge University for further graduate-level education maybe Idol is just the icing on the cake instead of the only thing he has going for him. In any case, good job and good luck [not that I think he needs it].

Next week should be interesting because for one thing it is being listed as Idol at the Movies which I assume is referring to songs from popular films. This should give the Idols another opportunity to a very wide range of songs. But the other thing that should be entertaining at the least is their mentor - Quentin Tarantino. Yeah that Quentin Tarantino [of Pulp Fiction fame]. I know he works really hard on the music for his films but I'm not sure how much vocal or arrangement advice he can provide. It should be Mother F*&^%ing interesting...

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Idol, The Morning After The Born On Date

Born on date week again gives the contestants a big range of songs and styles to choose from. But can they select songs that fit their voice? Hmmmm 1971 it would have to be Joy To The World by Three Dog Night just because it was the #1 song of the year but I digress.

Danny Gokey - Stand By Me

This is by far my least favorite Gokey performance this year. It wasn't until about 2/3rds the way through the song that I didn't fell like I was watching a B performer on a cruise ship. The arrangement was horrible and only got tolerable at the end where I think Danny's style finally arrived.

Kris Allen - All She Wants to Do Is Dance

Solid performance on a song which I thought was a bad song choice. Kris did really put his mark on this classic 80's track. I have to agree with Randy the horns were a bit much but [again] I think this song tells us what Kris will and won't be.

Lil Rounds - What's Love Got to Do with It

Editors note: Called it! This week again Lil shows that she can sing but only as a copycat without much originality. Is she gonna be a Celin clone? Tina clone? Or a Whitney Clone? Not sure at this point and she'll begin to loose people if she continues down this path. Does she not see the other contestants "making it there own"?

Anoop Desai - True Colors

Could Anoop be emerging as a contender? Great rework of a very popular song and I really love when there is a gender switch which makes the song really feel new. This is much more like what I think Anoop would be like as an artist. Singing songs like this could take him further than the Usher like tracks which don't work.

Scott MacIntyre - The Search Is Over

I think the search is over for this weeks eliminated contestant. No only was it unoriginal the vocals sounded worse then things I have heard at the local bar on karaoke night. Sure I'm impressed he can play piano and guitar but I think his run has come to an end. PS If this is your punk side coming out,put it back.

Allison Iraheta - I Can't Make You Love Me

This goes to show that sometimes, a simple cover works when you can really sing and the song only needs your own tiny little inflections to own it. It was nice to see Allison holding back her powerful voice and showing she can be soft and tender when the song calls for it. So far the best of the night.

Matt Giraud - Part-Time Lover

Fantastic song choice and I thought the funk based arrangement matches who Matt is as an artist. Not the strongest vocalist but his style and straight is this kind of song. I think performance got Matt back on track into the top 5. Note to Paula, O is technically not a word.

Necessary Rant: Damn you American Idol for running long. My DVR did not capture any thing after Matt's performance so no childhood stories nor any of Adam's performance. Why are they having such a problem with time management this year? It is beginning to piss me off and I don't think any TV show can do things to alienate their already shrinking audience. Heck they might even want to embrace the technology, it's not going away and only becoming more popular. Ok, I feel better now, sort of. Here is a posting of his performance for those who also missed it last night.

Adam Lambert -

Adam continues to surprise me in the with his vocals and unique stylings. The song was haunting, in a good way, and I was very glad to hear him keep the vocals in check and not go all squealer at the end. He has become the clear on favorite to win.

Cream Of The Crop: Allison and Adam
Bottom Of The Barrel: Lil and Scott
Should Go Home: Scott
Will Go Home: Scott

Will He/She Be Saved: I can't see the judges wanting to keep Scott around another week but if someone like Anoop or Kris ends up out tonight don't be surprised if they use their new AI given power to save.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, April 02, 2009

AI: 9th place for Megan

In a not-so-surprising move, the judges would not even consider discussing if Megan should be saved or not. She had a good run and I think with some coaching, lessons, management, writers, and producers she could maybe make a run at a record contract. Or at least, take her American Idol experience and create a left arm tattoo telling outlining her entire AI journey from Salt Lake City, Utah through the upcoming summer tour.

As for next week, we are going to be entertained by the Year They Were Born song choices for our Idol contestants. Below are my suggestions for their song selections [taken from the #'1 of their birth year]:

Kris Allen (1985) - Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
Anoop Desai (1986) - Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
Matt Giraud (1985) - One More Night by Phil Collins
Danny Gokey (1980) - Sailing by Christopher Cross
Allison Iraheta (1992) - Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John
Adam Lambert (1982) - I Love Rock 'n Roll by Joan Jett
Scott MacIntyre (1985) - Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
Lil Rounds (1984) - What's Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner

Till next week, Wino Out!

Labels: American Idol

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Idol, The Morning After Digital Week

First I wanted to ask, what's with the announcer for the judges? Kind of cool and definitely different but that change seemed to come out of nowhere. Anyway, this week the Idols get to choose #1 Downloads so we should get songs that are very current and very popular - at least popular to those how download music from the web.

Anoop Desai - Caught Up

Anoop certainly came out with a tone of confidence even if his vocal skills doesn't quite match his attitude. Overall a straightforward and very karaoke-esque like cover. I think my problem is every time I see Anoop, I am expecting Harold to pop out on stage.

Megan Joy - Turn Your Lights Down

And the karaoke continues. I actually felt bored watching Megan try to put her style on a Bob Marley song. I couldn't agree more with Kara that this song was bad a choice but even more it might be the worse choice of the season for any contestant.

Danny Gokey - What Hurts the Most

Even though the arrangement was really a straight cover, Danny covered it very well. Good control and solid vocals on a terrific song. Certainly the best of the night so far [and by a mile] but of course so that tonight that's not saying much right now.

Allison Iraheta - Don't Speak

For a girl who can totally rock, I'm not sure I like this song selection. I felt she ran some of the lyrics together in the front end of the song but straightened out a bit by the end. I agree with Paula that I liked her playing the axe but I wish she played it for the whole song.

Scott MacIntyre - Just the Way You Are

Brilliant song choice unfortunately the vocals were not quite as good. The best part of the song was the very good piano work. I guess he was legato [which I had to look up in the dictionary] so good for him for being "smooth and connected; without breaks between the successive tones."

Matt Giraud - You Found Me

Not sure if it was the sound system in the auditorium, but the beginning sounded awful. Unfortunately, it didn't get much better throughout the song. It's really sad [for me] because I thought he would go far but I'm not sure this helped his cause.

Lil Rounds - I Surrender

I don't know this song but I was underwhelmed by Lil this week. She has a huge voice that I don't think it filled this song very well. I guess this is just another bad song choice. Have we had any really good song choices?

Adam Lambert - Play That Funky Music

Cool [and funky] arrangement and I have to admit Adam is really an original - love him or hate him. I liked the first half of the song but the really high pitched sections I could have done without. PS Adam, great shout out to the band. That should help you down the line with more arrangements.

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine

No Randy, this was the best performance of the night. Unbelievable arrangement. Controlled and nearly flawless vocals. And even had a touch of crowd participation on a song that would typically not be that engaging. Kris really did make something old new again.

Cream Of The Crop: Danny, Adam, Kris
Muddling In The Middle: Allison, Lil
Bottom Of The Barrel: Anoop, Megan, Scott, Matt
Should Go Home: Matt
Will Go Home: Megan

Will He/She Be Saved: I don't think Megan [or Scott or even Matt at his point] would be saved by the judges.

Labels: American Idol

Friday, March 27, 2009

AI: The 10th wasn't saved

I think it was a great run for Micaela, where he made the most out of what he's got. I did find it odd last night watching that when Michael was "singing for his life", the judges didn't appear to be discussing if he should be saved or not. Which then lead to an awkward scene at the end of the show where Simon basically made the decision for everyone. In the end they would never use their one and only one chance to save someone on Michael it since Simon already had his mind made up about that I guess a team discussion was not really necessary. I just wish, for Michael's sake, they took that a little more serious. I am assuming they have already selected a couple of contestants that they feel should make it to the final 5 and will use this new power if and when one of those pre-selected people get voted off before then. Until next week, Wino out.

Labels: American Idol

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Idol, The Morning After Motown Week

Top 10 + Motown = Potentially Great Week. Motown music gives the contestants a opportunity to take something old [and classic] and make it new again.

Matt Giraud - Let's Get It On

Soft piano driven start leading to a full band finish was a nice arrangement. I really liked how he stepped from behind the piano and he gave a crowd-pleasing performance.

Kris Allen - How Sweet It Is

Hmmm, interesting. Felt like a very safe song for Kris this week. I actually thought the arrangement was a basic copy of how JT might play it with a large backing band instead of oh-so-very-Kris like that the judges kept saying.

Scott MacIntyre - You Can't Hurry Love

Something about his performance made me think he was completely uncomfortable with this song choice. It maybe the song range was too big for his own skill and style. Honky Tonk is a great description Simon.

Megan Joy - For Once In My Life

I think Smokey was right and Megan's stle is all about Jazz and Cabaret and that just didn't fit this song. I also thought the key she chose may have been too low for this song.

Anoop Desai - Ooo Baby Baby

While his vocals were good, my problem with Anoop Dog is that over the past 5 weeks I still have no clue what he is all about. Front man? Singer Songwriter? Rocker? Rap Star? I'm just not sure what he would record.

Mid Point Commentary - So far Smokey appears to have told each performer to just do what they did for him and I would say he's about 1 for 5 with that advice. Dear AI, please show us these mentors actually mentor the contestants.

Michael Sarver - Ain't Too Proud to Beg

For me, this was his best performance so far - which might not be saying too much. A good copy of the original in arrangement, vocals and performance. It could have better if he tried to make it more of his own.

Lil Rounds - (Love is Like a) Heatwave

Yeah she has a hell of a voice but I actually felt like it was too big for this song, if that's possible. Maybe she ust needs to learn how to pull bakc that huge voice to better fit the song instead of just over powering it. On the plus side, I think her stylist put her in the perfect outfit for her bootie, I mean body.

Adam Lambert - Tracks Of My Tears

Wow, that's what Adam really looks like. I have not been his biggest fan but I have to say this was good. The stripped down arrangement was brilliant and I actually liked his control and even vocals which is quite a change from his past screechy performances. PS Kara, that was 8 words.

Danny Gokey - Get Ready

Still ove his voice and his vocals here were as expected - solid. Interestingly, I felt this was my least favorite of his so far because it felt like a straight-on cover where in the past he has delivered on some unexpected songs.

Allison Iraheta - Papa Was a Rollin' Stone

In the beginning I thought she had made a bad song choice but once she got the first chorus and beyond I thought it was really great. I am still wondering if she as the range to fit into all of the different styles in the coming weeks. And yes Paula, the "Pencil Thin Mustache" is funny - really funny.

Cream Of The Crop: Matt, Adam, Danny, Alison
Muddling In The Middle: Kris, Anoop, Lil
Bottom Of The Barrel: Scott, Megan, Michael
Should Go Home: Scott
Will Go Home: Michael

Labels: American Idol

Sunday, March 22, 2009

AI: Several Days Later

Ok I got a chance to skim through this weeks Idol and luckily for me I got to skim country week, which is one of my least favorites.

Kris Allen - Make You Feel My Love - Looked good, sounded fine, will stay around.

Anoop Desai - Always on My Mind - I guess this is the Anoop they put through.

Matt Giraud - So Small - Still loving his performance and style.

Danny Gokey - Jesus, Take the Wheel - Only song I watched the whole performance.

Allison Iraheta - Blame It on Your Heart - So far, my least favorite Allison song.

Megan Joy - Walkin' After Midnight - At least she stood still. Now if she can perk up some.

Adam Lambert - Ring of Fire - Still confused on all of this Adam-mania.

Scott MacIntyre - Wild Angels - Novelty is wearing off.

Lil Rounds - Independence Day - I disagree with the judges and thought this was really good.

Michael Sarver - Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up) - I think this could be the end of the line.

Alexis Grace - Jolene - A bit up and down, but I liked it anyways.

Cream Of The Crop: Danny, Matt and Lil
Bottom Of The Barrel: Michael, Scott and Megan
Should Go Home: Michael
Will Go Home: Michael

Update: Just found out that Alexis is no longer with us. Oh well. Hope Paula is right [even though I think she is wrong] and something good happens for Alexis.

Labels: American Idol