NPH is a guest judge!! Yea!!!
Julie Kevelin (Lady Marmalade girl) proves that hope springs eternal for a special few. I am trying to resist the urge to comment on her blue 1980's sparkly prom dress, glittery eyeshadow and overprocessed hair, but I can't. She really is the whole package of someone who truly believes she can sing, and really, really can't. I feel most sorry for the fact that she seems nice and is beating herself up over breath support. Breathing technique is not her problem. She is someone that just cannot hear the melody or that she is not singing it.
Lloyd Thomas' (the dock worker)back story made you already hope that he can sing. I knew what Kara was going to say before she even opened. She is amazed every time that people outside "the industry" can sing. Isn't that the whole idea of the show?
Kimberly Carver made me smile. I love her personality and I thought her voice was great. She just seemed like someone I would be friends with. I also liked that she wanted to go home and watch reruns of Doogie Howser. Come on Kimberly, do you really need an excuse to do that? That is classic TV.
Dexter (look no farther) Warren...I don't know if he even changed notes while he was singing. He at least took defeat gracefully.
Barney and Friends' Erica Rhodes decided to do her audition with the aid of a whip and I really thought it was going to backfire. To my surprise the judges liked the whole dominatrix routine. I thought her voice was a bit thin and were she to perform without the props and the Barney experience she probably wouldn't have made it through. We'll see if she makes it past Hollywood week...I doubt it. I also thought it was funny that her mom was so excited that she got through in that getup. Let me tell you, if I walked out of an audition dressed in black pleather and Pretty Woman boots, my mom would not be doing cartwheels. "Yea my daughter thinks she can't get by on her own talent! She values herself so little that she needs to appeal to the lowest common denominator to be accepted! I am so proud."
Turrets guy, Dave Pittman, was great. I think his voice has a really great tone and I agree with Simon, I think people will root for him.
I really liked NPH has a guest judge. I thought he was fair and decent and respectful of contestants' efforts. Plus he can really sing and is actually talented unlike last night's devil horned cutie.
So I am probably dating myself, but I am not really sure which one Joe Jonas is. Is he Taylor Swift's ex or the one who just got married, or the diabetic one?
Blue plaid flannel shirt guy (sorry I didn't write down his name in time) had a good voice, but I, like Simon, wasn't blown away.
Kara has such a unique way of insulting people followed by a compliment. "I really thought by the way you are wearing a tank top and shorts and that you came in here happy and smiling you were really gonna suck."Way to make yourself look dumb Kara, I am sure there are many more moments like that to come. Maegan Wright took the "criticism" in stride and got through to the next round. When she first started singing and dipped way down to sing the word face it brought back unpleasant memories of Megan Joy Corkoree from last season, but I didn't get that vibe for the rest of the song.
I think Vanessa Johnston was a set up. She was a little too happy to not go through. Why waste our time with that.
I liked that Christian Spears picked a lesser known Etta James song and sang it very confidently. I was also glad that the judges didn't make a big deal about her being a cancer survivor. That's not to say that it's not a big deal to be a cancer survivor, I just don't like it when I feel like they are pitying the contestant. If it were me, I would want to get in on my skills not because people felt bad for me.
So which ever Jonas he is, Joe was the most oatmeal judge they have had yet. He pretty much said nothing other than, "you're really awesome" but now that I write that, I really didn't want to hear much more from him. Well done J squared.
What did y'all think?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
City of Angels
In case anyone was wondering where I was last week, I wanted to post my reviews, but got caught up in other things and wasn't able to get to it. Hopefully that won't happen again.
Boo hiss for superstar/clothing designer extraordinaire Avril Lavigne guest judging tonight's episode. Is that really the best they could do?
Tonight's show got off to a disturbingly odd start with the 6 foot man/woman with "the Rachel" season 2 haircut and a blue rayon shirt topped by a silk screened, bedazzled vest. What could go wrong with this combo? When he proudly announced he would be singing Meatloaf I thought, of course he is...he is a wacko. Wow, Neil Goldstein, you really can't sing and you are not very convincing. His whole "I'm not going" speech was like watching him practice for a debate team meet in the mirror and to not be entirely sure what side he's on.
I was slightly bothered by AvLav's hesitancy to put Pastor Jim Rogers through because he has a wife and three kids. If he can sing and he signed up for this show, then let him work out the details of his own life. He is an adult and can make decisions for himself. I mostly just didn't like how Avril kept looking at him like he was a martian because he is a pastor.
Damien Lefour (the sandwich maker) was awful, but at least exited stage right quickly enough. Whenever I hear someone say they are really into martial arts (and in Damien's case, also a pacifist), I roll my eyes because I know right away they are not going through.
Rocker chic (didn't write down her name in time) was ok to me. I wasn't as impressed as the judges were and I agreed with Simon that her whole look was cliched. I don't think she will make it far.
Adam Lambert's look-alike (I am being nice) AJ Mendoza was a strange audition to watch. I think there is talent in there somewhere but he needs to be coached on presentation technique and should practice in front of a mirror to see what he really looks like while singing. I HATE singing in front of a mirror, but it is the only way for me to see if I am making an odd face or standing in a weird way. I was surprised that he judges did not try to coach him more. They seem to be trying harder to coach people this season, but they gave him the boot pretty fast.
SO glad that Katy Perry is stepping in as a guest judge instead of Avril. For some reason I can take her more seriously...oh wait I know what it is, she isn't wearing a devil horned hoodie.
Austin Fullmer--wow. I almost don't know what to say. I loved in his intro how he said no one else in the history of AI had ever had his brand of sexuality and wasn't afraid to be touched. Wait...have you not seen/heard Adam Lambert news. Touching is his problem. Austin is completely delusional and thought that Kara and Katy were supportive of his crazy Iggy Pop/David Bowie performance.
Andrew Garcia was a refreshing change to hear. Someone who can actually sing, isn't crazy, has some humility and has a cute family backstory. Minus the kid with the rat tail and neck tat he was perfect.
Tasha Layton the Pastor/Personal Assistant has a good voice and a laid back style. I will be interested to see how she will do and how long she will last in the competition.
Sometimes I wonder if flamingly gay "performers" like Jason Greene practice a whole schtick of what they are going to say and do to make sure their audition makes it on TV. His whole song and dance was strange to say the least and felt very rehearsed.
Chris Golightly has a touching story and an ok voice, but I am not sure he is as phenomenal as Kara seems to think. We'll see...
I was exceedingly underwhelmed by last week's auditions. Ahem, Chicago (13 tickets/12,000 auditionees) L.A. seemed okay, but for some reason I am still feeling like there are not that many people going through to Hollywood week. Or my other fear is that when I watch Hollywood week there are going to be tons of people there that I never heard sing.
What do you all think?
Boo hiss for superstar/clothing designer extraordinaire Avril Lavigne guest judging tonight's episode. Is that really the best they could do?
Tonight's show got off to a disturbingly odd start with the 6 foot man/woman with "the Rachel" season 2 haircut and a blue rayon shirt topped by a silk screened, bedazzled vest. What could go wrong with this combo? When he proudly announced he would be singing Meatloaf I thought, of course he is...he is a wacko. Wow, Neil Goldstein, you really can't sing and you are not very convincing. His whole "I'm not going" speech was like watching him practice for a debate team meet in the mirror and to not be entirely sure what side he's on.
I was slightly bothered by AvLav's hesitancy to put Pastor Jim Rogers through because he has a wife and three kids. If he can sing and he signed up for this show, then let him work out the details of his own life. He is an adult and can make decisions for himself. I mostly just didn't like how Avril kept looking at him like he was a martian because he is a pastor.
Damien Lefour (the sandwich maker) was awful, but at least exited stage right quickly enough. Whenever I hear someone say they are really into martial arts (and in Damien's case, also a pacifist), I roll my eyes because I know right away they are not going through.
Rocker chic (didn't write down her name in time) was ok to me. I wasn't as impressed as the judges were and I agreed with Simon that her whole look was cliched. I don't think she will make it far.
Adam Lambert's look-alike (I am being nice) AJ Mendoza was a strange audition to watch. I think there is talent in there somewhere but he needs to be coached on presentation technique and should practice in front of a mirror to see what he really looks like while singing. I HATE singing in front of a mirror, but it is the only way for me to see if I am making an odd face or standing in a weird way. I was surprised that he judges did not try to coach him more. They seem to be trying harder to coach people this season, but they gave him the boot pretty fast.
SO glad that Katy Perry is stepping in as a guest judge instead of Avril. For some reason I can take her more seriously...oh wait I know what it is, she isn't wearing a devil horned hoodie.
Austin Fullmer--wow. I almost don't know what to say. I loved in his intro how he said no one else in the history of AI had ever had his brand of sexuality and wasn't afraid to be touched. Wait...have you not seen/heard Adam Lambert news. Touching is his problem. Austin is completely delusional and thought that Kara and Katy were supportive of his crazy Iggy Pop/David Bowie performance.
Andrew Garcia was a refreshing change to hear. Someone who can actually sing, isn't crazy, has some humility and has a cute family backstory. Minus the kid with the rat tail and neck tat he was perfect.
Tasha Layton the Pastor/Personal Assistant has a good voice and a laid back style. I will be interested to see how she will do and how long she will last in the competition.
Sometimes I wonder if flamingly gay "performers" like Jason Greene practice a whole schtick of what they are going to say and do to make sure their audition makes it on TV. His whole song and dance was strange to say the least and felt very rehearsed.
Chris Golightly has a touching story and an ok voice, but I am not sure he is as phenomenal as Kara seems to think. We'll see...
I was exceedingly underwhelmed by last week's auditions. Ahem, Chicago (13 tickets/12,000 auditionees) L.A. seemed okay, but for some reason I am still feeling like there are not that many people going through to Hollywood week. Or my other fear is that when I watch Hollywood week there are going to be tons of people there that I never heard sing.
What do you all think?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Hotlanta
First off, I am glad tonight's show was only an hour and a half. I was already to throw the remote through at the TV after the first hour of craziness tonight. I am not sure if it's the sound on my TV, but I thought the judges (especially MJB) were being way too complimentary to most of the talent.
Standouts tonight were Keia Johnson and Jermaine Sellers. When Keia announced she would sing "the Titanic song" I rolled my eyes and braced for impact. To my surprise, she made the song her own and was not annoying. If she can find a dumpster between Atlanta and Hollywood to stow the neon yellow stretch pants and hot pink sneaks we may be in business.
Jermaine Sellers, who takes care of his mom with spina bifida, had a velvety, smooth, creamy voice--almost as if he were the personification of a chocolate fountain. I love voices like that.
On the next tier down in the they-will-probably-make-it-through-Hollywood-week group was Holly Harden (guitar girl), Bryan Walker (singing cop), and Mallorie Haley. Although, I think MJB saying Mallorie being the best vocalist so far was a bit of a hyperbole. Someone I would like to include in this group is Vanessa Wolfe (country girl) but I don't know how she will fare under pressure and performing non-country songs. I would like to see her succeed, but for now she is a question mark to me. She so reminds me of the trailer park girls I was friends with in elementary school (that is a whole other story for another day) and so for that reason I would like her (and them) to succeed at ANYTHING.
People I could have done without tonight are Dewone Robinson ("It's Over..."), Skiibo ski, Carmen & Lauren, Lamar Royal, and Christy Marie Agranow. With Lamar I, like MJB, thought there might be a moment when guns came to play. He had a rage in him that was altogether unhealthy. And, Christy Marie with her TV show 4-1-1...the show (imagine hand movements) I wanted to burst her bubble as soon as she opened her mouth. There was a moment when I felt bad for her after she confessed her undying love and passion for singing and then realized she was being told that it was never going to happen for her. But in my experience, people with her type of personality will rebound very quickly and be on to the next thing they can be praised for.
I also could have done without the Pants on the Ground General Larry Platt. I didn't see what the point of that was and would have much rather seen other crazies having meltdowns.
What did you all think of tonight's episode?
Standouts tonight were Keia Johnson and Jermaine Sellers. When Keia announced she would sing "the Titanic song" I rolled my eyes and braced for impact. To my surprise, she made the song her own and was not annoying. If she can find a dumpster between Atlanta and Hollywood to stow the neon yellow stretch pants and hot pink sneaks we may be in business.
Jermaine Sellers, who takes care of his mom with spina bifida, had a velvety, smooth, creamy voice--almost as if he were the personification of a chocolate fountain. I love voices like that.
On the next tier down in the they-will-probably-make-it-through-Hollywood-week group was Holly Harden (guitar girl), Bryan Walker (singing cop), and Mallorie Haley. Although, I think MJB saying Mallorie being the best vocalist so far was a bit of a hyperbole. Someone I would like to include in this group is Vanessa Wolfe (country girl) but I don't know how she will fare under pressure and performing non-country songs. I would like to see her succeed, but for now she is a question mark to me. She so reminds me of the trailer park girls I was friends with in elementary school (that is a whole other story for another day) and so for that reason I would like her (and them) to succeed at ANYTHING.
People I could have done without tonight are Dewone Robinson ("It's Over..."), Skiibo ski, Carmen & Lauren, Lamar Royal, and Christy Marie Agranow. With Lamar I, like MJB, thought there might be a moment when guns came to play. He had a rage in him that was altogether unhealthy. And, Christy Marie with her TV show 4-1-1...the show (imagine hand movements) I wanted to burst her bubble as soon as she opened her mouth. There was a moment when I felt bad for her after she confessed her undying love and passion for singing and then realized she was being told that it was never going to happen for her. But in my experience, people with her type of personality will rebound very quickly and be on to the next thing they can be praised for.
I also could have done without the Pants on the Ground General Larry Platt. I didn't see what the point of that was and would have much rather seen other crazies having meltdowns.
What did you all think of tonight's episode?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Off to a Good Start
Whew! After much anticipation and trying to get my house clean and kids down before sitting down to enjoy Idol I have to admit I am feeling exhausted two hours later. Idol met my expectations in two respects--they showed that there looks to be strong female talent this year and they showed a decent number of whack jobs. Believe me, in a few weeks I'm sure I'll be complaining about the weirdness and ready to move on to the legitimate part of the competition, but it was nice to have a laugh tonight and feel a little more normal for a moment. I think they did a good job too if not including too many clips of people saying, "wicked awesome!" or other Boston slang.
As far as standouts go, I thought Maddie Curtis was nice and did a fairly good job of her song. I have mixed feelings about the video intros beforehand because I feel like it endears the audience to a few people who have "extraordinary" stories, so I don't feel like it is fair to all the contestants. At the same time, I love getting to know new people and finding out their background and family. Maddie reminded me of kids I would have been friends with in high school from Nottingham--very hippy-dippy, birkenstocks and corduroys, wild hair and no makeup. I am interested to see how the country mouse does in the big city.
I absolutely loved Ashley Rodrigues. I loved her style, her confidence and humility and her talent. I really hope she does well in the next phases. I also liked Katie Stevens and really connected to her story about her grandma with Alzheimer's. My grandma also had that and I can remember feeling that she recognized me when I sang to her. Even though she sang one of my least favorite AI audition songs (At Last) she sang it well and I think she had enough talent to make it through Hollywood. I also like repressed church girl Leah and feel like she has a talent that will grow with encouragement.
For the boys, I was brought under the spell of dreamy Justin Williams even before he sang. I don't think he has the most impressive voice I have ever heard, and I think he did too much with thte song but I do like to watch him. Pretty as he is, I did have some reservations towards him since he reminds me of those guys in Utah who know exactly how good looking they are and who would never speak to someone like me because I am not blond and skinny and 19. Here's to hoping that he doesn't fit that stereotype. After writing that, I think it is funny that I am married with two kids and still look at guys like that and imagine the ways they would ignore or embarrass me if I were single. I am such a weirdo.
I also like Amadeo Dipicco because I like his big fat Mediterranean family and would love to see more of them. I also liked the tone of his voice. And, if anyone reading this blog has been to Providence, his accent is spot on.
My heart went out to Justin Blaylock, the unassertive "Simon, shut up!" guy because I feel like he will never really succeed in this competition and I can see him having a breakdown during group number rehearsal in Hollywood week. He started his song out strong, but it kind of unraveled as he got further into it.
For completely entertaining weirdos I really like Pat Ford from Derry and I really hope I run into him one of these days. He was so delusional and had this very odd accent that is not really typical of people from NH. For some reason I can picture myself at a Target and hear that voice coming from the handbag aisle asking the two tubby girls he's with if he can pull off yellow patent leather.
My other favorite non-winner for the night was Derek Hilton. I loved in his intro when he said his interest in music came during the "lowest peak" of his life. I'd like to know what a low peak looks like. I also couldn't tell when I first saw him if he was a boy or a girl. And, when he dramatically blew the flower off his palm and it landed about 6 inches past his foot I started to laugh knowing his audition was going to be bad.
All in all I think the season is off to a good start and am looking forward to Atlanta's audtions tomorrow.
As far as standouts go, I thought Maddie Curtis was nice and did a fairly good job of her song. I have mixed feelings about the video intros beforehand because I feel like it endears the audience to a few people who have "extraordinary" stories, so I don't feel like it is fair to all the contestants. At the same time, I love getting to know new people and finding out their background and family. Maddie reminded me of kids I would have been friends with in high school from Nottingham--very hippy-dippy, birkenstocks and corduroys, wild hair and no makeup. I am interested to see how the country mouse does in the big city.
I absolutely loved Ashley Rodrigues. I loved her style, her confidence and humility and her talent. I really hope she does well in the next phases. I also liked Katie Stevens and really connected to her story about her grandma with Alzheimer's. My grandma also had that and I can remember feeling that she recognized me when I sang to her. Even though she sang one of my least favorite AI audition songs (At Last) she sang it well and I think she had enough talent to make it through Hollywood. I also like repressed church girl Leah and feel like she has a talent that will grow with encouragement.
For the boys, I was brought under the spell of dreamy Justin Williams even before he sang. I don't think he has the most impressive voice I have ever heard, and I think he did too much with thte song but I do like to watch him. Pretty as he is, I did have some reservations towards him since he reminds me of those guys in Utah who know exactly how good looking they are and who would never speak to someone like me because I am not blond and skinny and 19. Here's to hoping that he doesn't fit that stereotype. After writing that, I think it is funny that I am married with two kids and still look at guys like that and imagine the ways they would ignore or embarrass me if I were single. I am such a weirdo.
I also like Amadeo Dipicco because I like his big fat Mediterranean family and would love to see more of them. I also liked the tone of his voice. And, if anyone reading this blog has been to Providence, his accent is spot on.
My heart went out to Justin Blaylock, the unassertive "Simon, shut up!" guy because I feel like he will never really succeed in this competition and I can see him having a breakdown during group number rehearsal in Hollywood week. He started his song out strong, but it kind of unraveled as he got further into it.
For completely entertaining weirdos I really like Pat Ford from Derry and I really hope I run into him one of these days. He was so delusional and had this very odd accent that is not really typical of people from NH. For some reason I can picture myself at a Target and hear that voice coming from the handbag aisle asking the two tubby girls he's with if he can pull off yellow patent leather.
My other favorite non-winner for the night was Derek Hilton. I loved in his intro when he said his interest in music came during the "lowest peak" of his life. I'd like to know what a low peak looks like. I also couldn't tell when I first saw him if he was a boy or a girl. And, when he dramatically blew the flower off his palm and it landed about 6 inches past his foot I started to laugh knowing his audition was going to be bad.
All in all I think the season is off to a good start and am looking forward to Atlanta's audtions tomorrow.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Confession
I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve...American Idol season premiere is tomorrow and I can't wait!! Today anytime I have a moment that doesn't require all of my brain power (ie. doing dishes, cleaning, hauling wood) my mind wanders and wonders what the next night and the next five months with hold. It sadly is the only time of year I am very consistent about updating the old blog and I like having a commitment of something to write about. Anyway, just wanted to express my excitement to someone other than my babies who will be in bed when all the merriment takes place.
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