The 80s Reloaded

So I am on the road this week watching/blogging from western PA.  Most of the people who read this blog were sitting in the living room with me, but I would still like to post my review for my non-family readers.  This season is proving to show stellar talent and even though they say this every year, I do genuinely believe that this year has the best talent.  Since the oldest contestant was born in 1982 (boy do I feel old) I knew my friends Mike & Ariane would be loving tonight's show as a tribute to the music of the 80s.

Danny Gokey - Not only do I think that Danny is a front runner in this competition, he may end up in the top two.  The beginning of the song was a bit weak, but he came out strong in the end.  He showed once again that he communicates well with the audience and is definitely an original.  As in most weeks, I wish Paula would sit on down when she feels so inspired to get up in dance. Luckily she is only 4' 10" so you can see over her even when she is rockin' out.  Grade: B+

Kris Allen - So I am glad that he is proving as I have said before that he is okay but not great.  The arrangement was not great, performing in the crowd was annoying and I am so sick of the military jacket...again.  Is that the only thing he can wear each week?  He is not an awful singer, but I don't agree with Paula that he has so much likeability it is hard not to like him.  It is not hard at all for me not to like him.  Grade: C

Lil Rounds - Whew! The name controversy has been cleared up! Now we can move on with the competition.  I thought singing Tina would be a good idea, but she really didn't do anything fantastic with it.  She is a good singer, but with the talent we have on this show, she is going to need to stand out to really be able to compete.  She looks great tonight and I think will probably be around next week.  Grade: C

Anoop Desai - I was nervous...but he surprised me with his interpretation of True Colors.  The song was fit well to his voice and I liked that he did something unique with the song.  He seems to found his niche with "stool singing".  He does better with slower songs when he can really show his vocals.  Grade: B

Scott MacIntyre - It was not as bad as it could have been, but it was not great.  I am not a huge fan of that song, and it was not executed well especially in his upper register.  He wanted to show he is "versatile" but he showed he is good at more of the same...soft rock ballad. Grade: C-

Allison Iraheta - Another amazing performance.  She picks the best songs and sings them perfectly. I still can't believe that she is only 17.  She is so confident and performs like she has been doing it for years.  I really think she could be a very successful recording artist in the near future.  Grade: A

Matt Giraud - JT is that you?  If I could listen to it with my eyes closed it would be better.  Are there budget cuts in the styling department?  The fedora and vinyl Members Only jacket are back just like Kris's military jacket.  The vocals were good...but he is just so annoying to watch.  Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - The Dish Network broadcast we were watching last night cut off the last (and best) performance so I had to wait to see it up on You Tube.  Once again I am amazed by Adam's genius in picking the perfect song and singing it in his own unique style.  His ability to transition seamlessly between falsetto and belt is something that makes him a true frontrunner. I also like how he chose to maintain a mostly understated performance tonight but still showed his phenomenal skill.  I wish I had been able to see this last night but what a great way to close the show!!  

What did you all think?

The Top 9 Do The Top 40

What a night! After hearing all the performances tonight I have to say I feel kind of like when I eat strangely all day. Eating things that don't necessarily go together but strike my fancy at the moment. Or, in the event of a potluck, you eat some things because they look interesting and other things you ingest just to be polite. In any case, in about an hour it feels like a very odd combo. I would say a majority of the contestants rose to the challenge and did very well. Others brought green Jello with carrots. Here are my reviews.

Anoop Desai - Not bad but not great. I really don't like the facial expressions he makes when he is singing a "sexy" song. This performance brought back the awkward inner feelings of My Prerogative and I didn't like feeling that again. I thought the frat boy comment was funny coming on a night when his "brothers" appeared to be in the audience cheering for him. I don't think he'll win the show, but he deserves another week. Grade: B-

Megan Joy - Oh dear me. Once again she thinks she can pull this off. Everything about the performance was wrong from the song choice to the leotard/corset/chain and pearl artwork top, and the Olivia Newton John jeans, to the maze of braids in the back of her hair. And, for once the judges seem to agree with me. Paula's idea of stool singing is not the solution. The reason she hasn't done that yet is quite simply that she lack the vocal ability to captivate and audience like ahem, Adam. In despite of all they say she seems to think that her "audience" and her "fans" will continue to vote her through. I cannot wait for her to leave this show. She is getting more than annoying...it is teetering on painful. I don't care for Scott's voice, but at least he is humble enough to think he is not bulletproof in this competition. Grade: F

Danny Gokey - I about came out of my chair when he announced his choice to sing a Rascal Flatts song. This is a great song choice for him. They are one of the few country groups I really, really like and I was hoping he would do an awesome job with it. I love this guy! Unlike Megan, Danny can just stand there and sing and really communicate it well with the audience. I was about in tears thinking about him singing that song after losing his wife this year. Even the cynic has a soft spot. Or it could just be that I'm pregnant and I cry during pharmaceutical commercials. Grade: A+

Allison Iraheta - So I thought the punk princess look was a bit much, but once again she delivered a great vocal. I don't know if playing the opening guitar plucks of Don't Speak really qualifies as "bringing out your ax" as Paula said. I nearly did a spit take after hearing Paula say that. It is like she just doesn't realize at all how ridiculous she sounds most of the time. I agree it was not her best performance, but definitely enough to get her through to next week. Grade: B+

Scott MacIntyre - It is well known that I am huge Billy Joel fan, and Scott did exactly what I thought he would do on a night when he gets his chance to sing 70s soft rock. I was just telling my sister this weekend that I he reminded me of Barry Manilow. He knows his niche, but I still keep wishing he would sing something more current. In contrast to the judges image critiques, I think he needs to steer clear of the lady with hairspray and a pick who is teasing his curly mane into an illuminated masterpiece. He did sing it well, and he should be around for another week. Grade: B+

Matt Giraud - I cannot remember another contestant beginning their song in the middle of the crowd with a keyboard. I am not sure why he thought it was a good idea, but it certainly was interesting. Another interesting choice was the vinyl Members Only jacket. He has a great voice and I really hope he is still around. I couldn't believe he was in the bottom three last week. Grade: C+

Lil Rounds - Singing Celine is always a huge risk. Lil has a great voice, but for me it sounded like she was a bit off pitch. Evidently the judges were not hearing the same thing. I did like Paula's comment about not wanting to hear Adult Contemporary from Lil. They should make that a rule for all contestants. She looked great...there is just not hiding the back I guess. Side note: It is times like this when I wish I was black. I wish I could just slip on new and different hair everyday depending on my outfit and whim. When I watch Sherri Shepherd on The View I think the same thing. Each day is a completely new look and she is quite vocal about how much she loves her purchased hair. White women just can't pull it off, but if you're black, no one needs to know what your real hair is like. Grade: B

Adam Lambert - The award for best Kurt Russell look-a-like in 3,000 Miles to Graceland goes to...Adam. He is such a weirdo but I just LOVE how he's so original. I was nervous that this song would be over the top and I guess if you had never heard Adam before you could say that. But this leopard can't change his spots. He is who he is and it sings every song brilliantly. I like Kara, can't wait to see what he will do next and I would LOVE to see him live. Grade: A+

Kris Allen - Even though he is not my favorite, he did sing it well and I agree the arrangement was very unique. I just cannot latch on to him. He is a good singer and has obvious musicality, but for some reason I just don't care for him as much as some others in the competition. To be fair though, I need to give credit where credit is due. Grade: A

What do you all think?

Motown Meets Idol

So I know I was MIA last week for my review but that is because I wasn't able to watch the performance show until Wednesday night just before the results show. I thought if I did my review after knowing the results it wouldn't seem as authentic. I went to the RS Birthday Party Enrichment night and although I had a good time, I was sad to miss Idol. Hopefully I won't have to miss any more weeks this season. Overall tonight was a great showing of the music of Motown and I still think this is a very strong top 10.

Matt Giraud - I'm not sure if I was singing Let's Get It On I would wear a button up shirt, skinny tie and cardigan, but it is clear to me that Matt thinks he is the next JT. All he was missing was a houndstooth fedora. He has a great voice and is very confident and I liked his performance tonight. I disagree with Kara that he should have pushed his performance tonight because I think it would have come over as awkward and oversung. I really like when contestants surprise you and show they are serious about being here. I was not Matt's biggest fan from the beginning, but he is growing on me week by week. Grade: A-

Kris Allen - So the judges and crowd went crazy but I am again only so so on him. He has a good voice and performs well, but I can't see him winning this competition. Something about him just reminds me of a guy I would see performing at Hogi Yogi in Provo on a Friday night. I can't put my finger on it, but just something about him annoys me. I know people are going to post that they really like him and he is a nice guy, yada yada. I don't care...he doesn't do it for me. Grade: B+

Scott MacIntyre - Guys on this show have usually had success adapting a female song to fit their interpretation. David Cook singing Mariah comes to mind. But this was not one of those moments for me. My, oh my, this was bad. Simon nailed it...it was all wrong. From the tight salmon pants, paisley shirt, Gene Wilder/Napoleon Dynamite hair and the awkward hand gestures it was all bad. Luckily he can't see Kara grooving in her chair when she said he had rhythm. Nice job Ryan patronizing him with explanations of Paula's "gift" to Simon and asking him how he knew what color his pants were. Ha ha the blind kid doesn't know how bad he looks. Hilarious. Back to his performance, it was not strong enough to compete with the other talent in this competition. Grade: C-

Megan Joy - Or the Artist-Formerly-Known-As-Megan-Joy-Corkrey. I loved the shot of Simon completely unimpressed at her performance when she came to sing by him. I guess I spoke too soon saying that Scott was not good enough for this competition. Through the whole shouty, pitchy performance I couldn't believe she made it to the top 10. I disagreed with Randy that the outfit was good. Teased up hair with feathers, bubble hem Asian satin dress and kindergarten necklace is not a good look. She is also alarmingly cocky that her fans are out there and voting for her which is REALLY annoying. She got in to the top 10 by the "I'm so sick" pity vote. I was not the biggest fan of Alexis or her song choice last week, but she is a far better singer than Megan. Alexis should be singing this week instead of Megan. Megan is getting worse each week. Grade: D-

Anoop Desai - Oooh baby baby...what a cutie! Anoop is proving that brown is the new black. After My Prerogative I was nervous that he was not the best singer but he is showing us not only that he has skills but he has the charisma to make it all work. I do agree that he needs to be a bit more confident to be able to compete with some of the other heavy hitters, but he is just so charming and has a very pleasant voice to listen to. Grade: B+

Michael Sarver - Ain't too proud to tell you that was not a great performance of that song. The "dance" moves were strange and stiff, the outfit looks like two separate outfits, and it was pitchy all over. It's like he and Megan went to the same singing school. Props to Simon and Randy for keeping it real with him in a very direct way. Even Kara made sense for once which was refreshing. I want to rip those stupid fake dog tags off his neck!! What is up with all the necklaces? Grade: C-

Lil Rounds - I fully expected for Motown week that Lil would excel and she did not disappoint. She has such a great voice and she looks amazing tonight. She finally figured out a way to cover the front and the back. I think she could have picked a better song but I don't think it was as bad as Randy and Kara were trying to make it out to be. She has true talent and she is not annoying. Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - The Wild Card strikes again! First of all, let me say I loved last week's performance. It was crazy, strange and completely unique and most of all well executed. I just love this kid! He totally gets how to be his own artist. Even with his Danny Zuko hair he still looks comfortable in his own skin and made the look his own. He has a way of being "over the top" without being completely annoying. Don't get me wrong I love musical theatre kids but sometimes they push it too far. Adam has a way of being creative and strange without being inaccessible. He still seems like a real guy with real feelings not just a drama freak. Grade: A+

Danny Gokey - Danny is completely cool and unique in a totally different way. Who doesn't love the cute Christian singing widower? I think tonight he proved he has a fantastic voice but the marching choreography with the background singers was funny to watch. I think because he is used to working with kids in his church group he has less of a barometer on what looks odd. He still deserves to be in this competition and I am excited to see/hear what he will do next. Grade: A

Allison Iraheta - Wow, wow, wow! She is such a seasoned performer and commands the stage in a way I wish other people would. The outfit was a bit of a mystery to me but maybe they are just rolling Alexis's wardrobe over to her. What I love about her is the same reason I love Adam. She knows who she is as an artist, sticks by it and executes it well. I cannot believe she was in the bottom three last week. I will definitely be voting for her this week to make sure that doesn't happen again. Grade: A+

If I had my way Megan would be the first sent home tomorrow. I was shocked that she stayed after Rockin' Robin, but tonights was just as bad if not worse. Second choice would be Scott and third choice Michael Sarver. What do you all think?

I have found my new drama

I hesitate to post this because I don't want to be one of those people that only blogs about TV shows, but I have been looking for a drama to get into for a while now and have finally found one to latch on to. I tried to get into several popular dramas including Lost, but I really wasn't blown away. I saw teaser previews for the new NBC show Kings and thought it looked interesting but didn't make plans to watch the series opener. By chance, I came back from choir practice last night and Mike had the show on. I sat down to see if it was any good and then I spent the next hour and a half completely glued to the screen. I have to admit the main draw for the show was Christopher Egan who in my opinion looks like Val Kilmer and Matt Damon's love child. I immediately fell in love with his story line and wanted him to succeed. He is the character you connect with and grounds the story in some reality. I was also impressed with the performances of Ian McShane and Sebastian Stan and I definitely want to see what happens in their relationship next. In the two-hour opener the plot took many twists and turns and set up the story well for the rest of the season. I can't wait to see it again next week! Did anyone else see it?

The Baker's Dozen

First of all, let me say I am so glad we are past the riff-raff stage. I don't think the performances were that bad (with the exception of Megan) and I am happy to say that this upcoming season is really looking good. I am also intrigued to find out about the judging change. It seems like the judges are trying to take the show back from the American people which I can see as both a good and bad thing. When Ryan announced it would be Michael Jackson night I was both terrified and excited to see what the contestants would come up with and so without further ado, here are my reviews for this week.

Lil Rounds - I was excited to see her start off the show despite her taking the stage in taper legged, pleated white pants. The SNL commercial Mom Jeans immediately came to mind but I knew she would deliver a strong performance. Lil you are an amazing vocalist, but when Paula gives you wardrobe compliments it is time to find a new look. Just something to think about for next week. All in all a strong, solid performance to start the show. Grade: A

Scott McIntyre - As a disclaimer I must admit I only listened to the next three performers since my husband finally acquiesced to a much needed haircut. I think Scott sounded good, not great and I still think people are more interested with his backstory than his actual vocal chops (shout out Kara!). Grade: B

Danny Gokey - I have been a huge fan of his since his initial audition and he did not disappoint tonight. He has an amazing singing talent but I agree with the judges comments that he is definitely not a dancer. Grade: A

Michael Sarver - I have liked him less and less each time I see him and tonight's predictable choice of You Are Not Alone really annoyed me. He is not pleasing to watch and again I think people are voting for him because he is a "regular" guy. There is something so old fashioned about the way he performs and not in a cool Dean Martin type of way, but in a late-nineties JC Chasez type of way. Does anyone remember back when MTV played music videos how excited JC would get when he had a small solo during an *NSYNC song? That is the same feeling I get when I see Michael perform. I just feel like he is ten years too late. With all the talk from the judges about being "relevant" I am surprised he is not given more criticism on that point. Grade: B-

Jasmine Murray - For the "commercial" singer of the bunch I was not blown away. I felt that her performance of I'll Be There was flat and non-dynamic throughout. I know there must be something the judges see that I don't see, but to me she is a pretty girl singing okay. Grade: B-

Kris Allen - I know the intro with him and his new wife making Hamburger Helper together was supposed to be endearing but it just made me roll my eyes even more. To me he seems like a John Mayer wannabe and was trying to make much more out of the song than was really there. How excited did he expect the crowd to get for Remember the Time? It is just not a get up and into it song. Again, this is someone the judges are in love with but I just can't seem to latch on to. Grade: B

Allison Iraheta - I love the fact that she got her start singing in a Latino BJs/Costco/Bob's Discount Furniture. It was so funny to see here back there singing for patrons in the warehouse filled with recliner sofas and fake potted plants. Not surprisingly I loved her performance yet again tonight. She has always impressed me and what I love most about her is that she knows how to pick songs that really show off her voice. That is a gift in and of itself. She also has a very clearly defined self-image and it seems very genuine. That cannot be taught. Grade: A

Anoop Desai - Despite my high hopes for him, his performance of Beat It was disappointing. What was he thinking? Of all the songs in MJ's catalog, that is one of the ones I definitely would NOT pick. He is likeable but with so much strong competition I just don't see how he can go very far if he doesn't pick better songs. Grade: C

Jorge Nunez - Caterpillar eyebrows aside, sweet Jorge can sing. I was not in love with his song choice of Never Can Say Goodbye. His movements seems stiff and then oddly fluid and I don't know if it had to do with the Miami Vice blazer he was wearing. It looked like it might be cutting off circulation to his arms. He is a sweet boy and sang the song well. Grade: B-

Megan Joy Corkrey - Ugh! It was like I was in a bad dream. It was the same "I can't believe this" feeling I had with Norman Gentle, but you could tell she is not joking. The whole Rockin' Robin performance for me was ridiculous from the push-up bra dress with the macrame straps her weird facial expressions and "dance moves". The real icing on the cake was the "Caw! Caw! Caw!" she gave at the end. Does she realize this is not a kindergarten talent show for the parents? I seriously don't get what the judges see in her and the critique is always the same. "Not a great vocal, but at least you are you" How is that a compliment? This is a singing competition not a "Who's the Most Unique?" contest. Grade:D

Adam Lambert - Just when I thought the show was taking a nosedive, Adam comes along to save the day. I completely agree with the judges that he is an excellent performer and he completely knows who he is. He, like Allison, knows how to pick songs to showcase his voice and use his stage presence to best advantage. I also think he is deserving of the title "relevant" which I think is a term that has been thrown around too willy-nilly this season. The only thing I would change is telling the light show guy to not go so crazy with effects. I know the song was Black and White but the light show was a little intense. Easy does it. He is talented enough on his own he doesn't need all that jazz. Grade: A+

Matt Giraud - Was it just me or did the music seem to drown him out? I felt like I couldn't hear him throughout the whole song. I am not a huge fan of Human Nature because as I have said before I think the show is heading too much in the direction of Delilah. He did an alright job but I was not blown away especially after seeing Adam perform. Does anyone else think he looks like he could be Josh Lucas's less attractive, younger brother? Grade: B

Alexis Grace - For me, Dirty Diana was over the top and over-sung. She does have a good voice and I at least give her credit for going full bore on the song but it was all just a little too much. The 6 inch plat form heels, footless tights and zip up strapless hot pants jumpsuit to me just screams "I am trying to be edgy...how am I doing?" Allison and Adam are able to pull off the more edgy rocker clothes because it seems like something they are comfortable in. When Alexis tries a similar look it just seems too contrived to me. Grade: A-

So, two must go tonight. If I were choosing who would go home based on tonight's show it would be Megan for sure and then either Michael or Anoop. I like Anoop and would like to see him again, but he performed badly tonight. Michael was passable tonight but I really do not care to see him again. What do you all think?

p.s. What is up with all the make-up touch up shots before commercial break?

Delilah presents American Idol

For those of you who are fans of listen-while-you-work stations tonight's American Idol was for you. As most Americans know Delilah (love someone tonight) is a nationally syndicated radio show that usually plays on soft rock stations after 7 p.m. All of the songs from tonight's broadcast (with perhaps the exception of Lil' Rounds) would be featured on that show. I just don't get why a collection of teens and twentysomethings with all of Billboards Top 100 hits to choose from would pick such "Lite" songs. Watching tonight's show I felt like drinking cans of Tab and eating miniature candy bars while smiling at Cathy comic strips pinned to my cubicle wall. As usual it feels like there were a few clear standouts amid a sea of mediocrity.

Von Smith - To be fair to Von I have not liked him ever since I saw him perform And I'm Telling You on The View last year. I think he is commonly guilty of oversinging, tonight he came close but mostly remained restrained for his performance of You're All I Need to Get By. For me, this is the least annoying I have seen him despite his fire engine red V-Neck under a grey suit. Grade: B+

Taylor Vaifanua - When she announced that she would be singing If I Ain't Got U I thought this would be a good choice. That is because I assumed she could sing low notes well. I was wrong. The song wasn't awful, but it was not that great. I also did not like her shiny black leggings tucked into knee-high boots. I guess Hurricane or Hurricun as she said it will have to produce another American Idol. Grade: C+

Alex Wagner-Trugman - Because he is the resident geek I want to like him. There is something so enjoyable about seeing someone try so hard and still be so awkward. I feel especially bad for him that even Paula was making fun of him. Hi s "choreography" of stepping four feet from the microphone and then throwing the stand late on in the performance was hilarious and much like Norman/Nick from the week before I almost hope he goes through so I can see him perform again. I am rooting for the mathlete. Grade: B-

Arianne Afsar - My friend Ariane may kill me for saying this, but choosing ABBA's The Winner Takes It All was a bad choice. There is not enough of a melody to really make it interesting and it is laughable to see a teen try to sing this song seriously. The notes especially the last note was rough!! Hey, if Pierce Brosnan can sing this song, you should at least be able to get the notes right. Grade: C

Ju'not Joyner - I hate the song Hey There Delilah and I am not Ju'not's biggest fan. I really hate when people have apostrophes in the middle of their name for really no reason. I don't think he is that talented and his clothing looks like he just stepped out of Gen-X...not good. Listening to the performance it felt like the longest 1:20 minutes of my life. The song is a bubbly pop song not a serious slow ballad. I don't know why the judges are so crazy about the kid with cat scratches in his hair. I just don't get it. Grade: C-

Kristen McNamara - Singing Tracy Chapman's Give Me One Reason was actually not as bad as I thought it would be. The many key changes and her soulful interpretation of the song definitely showed me that she can sing and she is serious about being in this competition. I did feel bad for her that the judges (mostly Simon) were so harsh on her outfit because I felt like she looked SO much better than I have ever seen her. She admits she doesn't have the best style, but at least she is trying. Grade: B

Nathaniel Marshall - I am so sick of the drama that seems to follow this freak show wherever he goes. His interpretation of Meatloaf's I Would Do Anything For Love was so odd but not in a good way. His choreography reminded me so much of Jazzercise and even Paula compared him to Boy George. Nothing says crazy like blue foil headband, shoulder padded blazer and tight black pants. Grade: C-

Felicia Barton - She has the likeability factor that so many contestants (ahem Nathaniel) lack. The fact that she was cut and brought back makes me like her more. Her singing was quite good and I like the fact that she is a SAHM that actually wears clothes that cover her. What I mean is she doesn't seem to be trying to be something she is not (Alexis Grace). Grade: B

Scott McIntyre - Despite what the judges agreed on, I was not blown away by his performance. This may not make me the most popular girl on the blogosphere, but I feel like Scott may be getting the pity vote because of his disability. He has a good voice yes, but to me it just wasn't fantastic. The Napoleon Dynamite hair needs to be tamed as well. Grade: B-

Kendall Beard - I don't mind country music and I actually like most of Martina McBride's songs. BUT...if you are going to sing Martina you better be able to hold your own and really blow it out. Her performance was pitchy, slidy and I just wanted it to stop. She is adorable and clearly knows it. Grade: D

Jorge Nunez - I was impressed with his voice all during his performance. He has a strong voice and a very confident stage presence. His Peter Gallagher eyebrows are a little unhinging and if he makes it through, I hope the stylists take care of them. I felt bad for him because I think the judges were patronizing to him about his accent. Vote for Pedro! Grade: B+

Lil' Rounds - As usual the producers save the best for last. Lil seems so confident, so comfortable, so professional, it is hard not to like her. Amazingly strong vocals and she is packing it in the front and back! Whoa girl! Grade: A+

If I were choosing tonights three it would be Lil' Rounds, Jorge Nunez, and for the third Von or Felicia. What did you all think?

p.s. Will someone please tell Cara to stop banging on the table and swallowing the mic when she gives a crtiique!!!

And they called it puppy love...

Many of my friends knew that I was not exactly in favor of my parents buying a purebred boxer a year and a half ago, but how can I resist pictures like this? Carter loves to play with Magnus and now loves to give him a bath.

To see the whole album and a couple short videos of Carter walking, check out our Flickr page.