American Idol - Vote for the 10 Women - 03/3/2010
1. Crystal Bowersox
She's a twin, she's recovered from last night's stay at the hospital, and she's pretty sentimental. She's going to do Credence tonight with just one instrument, the guitar. Ooh, pulling out the gospel stops. Man, I like her voice. She's got great money notes and wow a wonderful humming ending. Wow they're gushing, thank heavens. She's the most talented person this year to me.
2. Haeley Vaughn
Her secret is that she's bubbly? She'll be singing Miley's Climb. She's got a real a good sound, but wondering how copycat it might sound. Not sure it's a good song choice at all. It's not pitch perfect, and largely dull and listless. Too bad.
3. Lacey Brown
Her hobby is antiquing and refurbishing. She's doing Kiss Me. Still has some pitch problems. But definitely better than last week's disaster but could be better. The judges seem rough with her, but they're largely right on. She needs to step it up because she's not showing any star quality.
4. Katie Stevens
She can say "give me a kiss in 6 languages"... Okay... She's doing "Put your records on" tonight. I like the sound of her voice and she's pretty. Katie grabbed a youthful song on the advice of the judges, but umm she made it sound old fashioned. The falsetto was pushed and there were some pitchy notes, but she's got luscious low notes. Judges don't like her older sound.
5. Didi Benami
She was a middle school mascot before she became a cheerleader. She's doing "Lean on Me" and she's much more comfortable in her higher registers. Not sure that was a good song choice. Hmm the judges seem to agree. This isn't as bad as they make it sound.
6. Michelle Delamor
She's a kid's choir director at church. She's doing "With Arms Wide Open", and she's definitely giving us unchurchy stares. She's doing a diva turn on this song. It's voice doesn't sound strong or deep enough to do a diva. Even that money sounds short-changed. I'm glad they didn't crucify her because she wasn't as bad as they made it sound.
7. Lilly Scott
She's a musician. She's doing Sam Cooke with her guitar. I like this much more than last week, because I can actually recognize the tune. Her voice is surprisingly delicate given her tough look. Not sure about some of the ways she handles low notes. She handles her scales well.
8. Katelyn Epperly
Had been studying to be a sound engineer. She'll be playing the piano. Ouch flat on the 4th note. She has a nice sound and she's pretty. It's a pretty good song for her to come on strong. Nice money note.
9. Paige Miles
She's into coloring with markers. Hmm... She's doing a Kelly Clarkson song, which I think is always risky because the judges adore her. Some pitchiness tonight, so it's not as good as last week for me.
10. Siobhan Magnus
She had a mohawk. She's doing Aretha's Think. Oh, she's got a lovely voice and pretty low register but that falsetto wasn't great. I like her look and she's definitely entertaining and relaxed out there. Mmm, awesome money note.
Here are my rankings:
Crystal #01
Lilly #07
Siobhan #10
Katelyn #08
Paige #09
Didi #05
Katie #04
Michelle #06
Lacey #03
Haeley #02
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
American Idol - Vote for the 10 Men - 03/2/2010
American Idol - Vote for the 10 Men - 03/2/2010
Wow, big change. Crystal Bowersox evidently is at the hospital and cannot perform tonight. So, because of that, the men are performing tonight instead of the women.
One thing is striking me about the men so far... "Where's the star quality?" The reason I was bummed by them last week I think was that they lacked some of the confidence that top men have had in the past.
1. Michael Lynche
Impressive muscles on him in the pre-song interview: he was doing bicep curls with Aaron Kelly. He's singing "This is a Man's World" and he's clearly trying to own the stage. A little theatrical but he's got good chops. For the title of the song, he's doing a Diva turn and he's making it work. Judges are drooling.
2. John Park
John learned English in 10th grade. It's sort of a slow John Mayer tune, but sung with a lot more passion and resonance than his performance last week. He sold his money note there. Judges seemed to think he was better than last week but still seemed to undersell himself.
3. Casey James
He grew up without tv - that's his interesting story? Oh interesting, he's playing a hard rock number on his guitar. He's kinda doing a Constantine with his looks and rock motif. Wondering if the cougars will enjoy watching this performance. Some of his vocals aren't as strong as they've been in the past. I agree with Ellen: he's a touch stiff. Kara said he's going backwards.
4. Alex Lambert
As a kid, made up his own language, which makes sense because he's such a nervous wreck. He's singing "Everybody knows" with his guitar. He's much more comfortable than last week. He needs to let his natural boyish charm get into his music. I like his voice, which is quite pleasant. Interesting, went for the falsetto money note. Randy likes his package.
5. Todrick Hall
Started out as a danger in live theatre. He's doing Tina Turner? His voice crackles and has some pitchiness. At least the melody is discernable this week. Hmm I did not enjoy that money note. Randy liked it though. The judges seem to be trying to get him to do something different.
6. Jermaine Sellers
Not sure I get the "onesy" outfit that he's pushing in the pre-song interview. He's doing Marvin Gaye's "What's going on". I like the song but there's definite pitch problems for me. It got better as it went on.
7. Andrew Garcia
He's also a break dancer. Tonight he won't be playing his guitar. Gonna do a ballad - this kid has a voice that's so smooth and clean. I'm not happy about the song choice but he's sounds much better than last week. A couple of odd notes there for me. Boy he must have set the bar high because they keep referencing his performance of a Paula Abdul song.
8. Aaron Kelly
He's also an amateur photographer. He's doing "My Girl". Oh yeah, he looks much more relaxed this week. He's a ton of vibrato in his voice. I like his twists on the tune, similar in some ways to what David Archuleta used to do. Oh hmm not a strong finish to me.
9. Tim Urban
Comes from a big family. He's playing the guitar this week. Looks reasonable attractive and carries himself better this week. His voice is much more on track this week. Nice long note. Still some strength missing in his voice. Ellen said he might be better as an actor. Simon hits it: he's much better this week than last.
10. Lee Dewyze
Sounds like he had a roughneck youth, as he made many "wrong decisions" apparently. Gonna sing Lips of Angels without a guitar. I love the sound of his voice, which is commercial and very Cookish. Couple odd notes, but good to watch and hear.
My rankings:
Michael #01
Lee #10
Alex #04
Andrew #07
Andrew #08
Casey #03
Tim #09
John #02
Jermaine #06
Todrick #05
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Wow, big change. Crystal Bowersox evidently is at the hospital and cannot perform tonight. So, because of that, the men are performing tonight instead of the women.
One thing is striking me about the men so far... "Where's the star quality?" The reason I was bummed by them last week I think was that they lacked some of the confidence that top men have had in the past.
1. Michael Lynche
Impressive muscles on him in the pre-song interview: he was doing bicep curls with Aaron Kelly. He's singing "This is a Man's World" and he's clearly trying to own the stage. A little theatrical but he's got good chops. For the title of the song, he's doing a Diva turn and he's making it work. Judges are drooling.
2. John Park
John learned English in 10th grade. It's sort of a slow John Mayer tune, but sung with a lot more passion and resonance than his performance last week. He sold his money note there. Judges seemed to think he was better than last week but still seemed to undersell himself.
3. Casey James
He grew up without tv - that's his interesting story? Oh interesting, he's playing a hard rock number on his guitar. He's kinda doing a Constantine with his looks and rock motif. Wondering if the cougars will enjoy watching this performance. Some of his vocals aren't as strong as they've been in the past. I agree with Ellen: he's a touch stiff. Kara said he's going backwards.
4. Alex Lambert
As a kid, made up his own language, which makes sense because he's such a nervous wreck. He's singing "Everybody knows" with his guitar. He's much more comfortable than last week. He needs to let his natural boyish charm get into his music. I like his voice, which is quite pleasant. Interesting, went for the falsetto money note. Randy likes his package.
5. Todrick Hall
Started out as a danger in live theatre. He's doing Tina Turner? His voice crackles and has some pitchiness. At least the melody is discernable this week. Hmm I did not enjoy that money note. Randy liked it though. The judges seem to be trying to get him to do something different.
6. Jermaine Sellers
Not sure I get the "onesy" outfit that he's pushing in the pre-song interview. He's doing Marvin Gaye's "What's going on". I like the song but there's definite pitch problems for me. It got better as it went on.
7. Andrew Garcia
He's also a break dancer. Tonight he won't be playing his guitar. Gonna do a ballad - this kid has a voice that's so smooth and clean. I'm not happy about the song choice but he's sounds much better than last week. A couple of odd notes there for me. Boy he must have set the bar high because they keep referencing his performance of a Paula Abdul song.
8. Aaron Kelly
He's also an amateur photographer. He's doing "My Girl". Oh yeah, he looks much more relaxed this week. He's a ton of vibrato in his voice. I like his twists on the tune, similar in some ways to what David Archuleta used to do. Oh hmm not a strong finish to me.
9. Tim Urban
Comes from a big family. He's playing the guitar this week. Looks reasonable attractive and carries himself better this week. His voice is much more on track this week. Nice long note. Still some strength missing in his voice. Ellen said he might be better as an actor. Simon hits it: he's much better this week than last.
10. Lee Dewyze
Sounds like he had a roughneck youth, as he made many "wrong decisions" apparently. Gonna sing Lips of Angels without a guitar. I love the sound of his voice, which is commercial and very Cookish. Couple odd notes, but good to watch and hear.
My rankings:
Michael #01
Lee #10
Alex #04
Andrew #07
Andrew #08
Casey #03
Tim #09
John #02
Jermaine #06
Todrick #05
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
American Idol - Vote for the 12 Men - 02/24/2010
American Idol - Vote for the 12 Men - 02/24/2010
Waiting for the show to start. Not sure why they think the women were better this season. I wasn't overly impressed yesterday. I think the men might surprise tonight.
Looks like FOX is having problems keeping their top rated show on. This error screen is both on high def and regular FOX. Sad.
1. Todrick Hall
He's singing something that's a bit more hip hop. Not sure I'm up on the sound. Seems like a slightly nerdy version of the radio singers. The pitchiness is not great for me. Judges for the most part feel he murdered it.
2. Aaron Kelly, 16, from Sonestown, PA
He seems pretty marketable, but I think he's going to be like David Archuleta and susceptible to losing his words. There's some nervous pitchiness in there. He doesn't have enough control of his notes, even though he's got good tonality. Simon is right in saying he needs self-confidence.
3. Jermaine Sellers from Joliet IL
Church singer, whose bio was interrupted by a terrible FOX broadcast of news highlights. He's doing a falsetto start, but breaks out into a contemporary Gospel sound. Interesting, ends with a jazz chord. Some uncomfortable pitchiness in there. Simon's brutal tonight.
4. Tim Urban, 20, of Duncanville TX
He originally was sent home but is a substitute. He's singing "Apologize", he's got a clean-cut but rocking look. I like his voice in general but his falsetto isn't good. Why did he choose a song with so much falsetto?
5. Joe Munoz, 20, from nearby Huntington Park, CA
He's singing a Jason Mraz song. Funny, he looks like my nephew RJ with that scarf. He seems pretty nervous. He seems like a nice person, and his vibrato is a bit much, but it's better than what we've seen earlier so far. Kara agrees.
6. Tyler Grady, 20, of Nazareth PA
He's all about the 70s rocker look and he's gonna do "American Woman", which is just a little too predictable. So far, he's got the most enjoyable performance. Except for when he pushed that high note, he had the low registers under control. Limp ending.
7. Lee Dewyze , 25, Chicago
He's playing the guitar. Finally some energy and with notes that are mostly right on. The song choice was good for his voice. My fave for tonight. Interesting Randy and Kara didn't care for it. Simon agrees with me.
8. John Park, 21, Northbrook, IL
Shania totally loves him - so funny. He's doing a jazz standard "God Bless this Child". Reasonable sound but felt pretty plastic sounding to me. Simon took a butcher knife to him.
9. Michael Lynch, 26, from St Petersburg, FL
He's the one who just had a newborn during Hollywood week. Wow, he's singing a pop song. Not sure if I get this performance at all. Well, that money note wasn't so good for me. Simon was the only one who spoke truth tonight on Michael.
So far -- not a happy night for me. I think that they might be right; the women are stronger than the men this year. Didn't hear anything tonight that wowed me.
10. Alex Lambert, 19, from TX
Slightly flat, but lovely rich tone and he's singing fairly well, hmm, until that falsetto. He's good looking but, hehe, Alex is definitely not a dancer and a nervous wreck. I'd like to see him relax and grow into himself.
11. Casey James, 27, from Fort Worth
He's got some good looks and plays a slow guitar ballad "Heaven". He seems comfortable and has safe sound. Man, it's ok, but it sure makes me think fondly of that wonderful David vs David year, when Cook knocked this one out of the park. It's pretty good but there are some notes that are slightly off.
12. Andrew Garcia, 23, of nearby Moreno Valley CA
Have great hopes for Andrew, since he was the only guy during the city auditions that struck me as impressive. Another guy playing the guitar while singing. He seems to be playing it safe to me with "Straight Up". I like the sound of his voice, but really think he can do better. Simon was disappointed, too.
So, the rankings for tonight for me:
1. Lee Dewyze #07
2. Andrew Garcia, #12
3. Casey James #11
4. Alex Lambert #10
5. Joe Munoz #05
6. Aaron Kelly #02
7. Michael Lynch #09
8. Tyler Grady #06
9. Tim Urban #03
10. John Park #08
11. Jermaine Sellers #04
12. Todrick Hall #01
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Waiting for the show to start. Not sure why they think the women were better this season. I wasn't overly impressed yesterday. I think the men might surprise tonight.
Looks like FOX is having problems keeping their top rated show on. This error screen is both on high def and regular FOX. Sad.
1. Todrick Hall
He's singing something that's a bit more hip hop. Not sure I'm up on the sound. Seems like a slightly nerdy version of the radio singers. The pitchiness is not great for me. Judges for the most part feel he murdered it.
2. Aaron Kelly, 16, from Sonestown, PA
He seems pretty marketable, but I think he's going to be like David Archuleta and susceptible to losing his words. There's some nervous pitchiness in there. He doesn't have enough control of his notes, even though he's got good tonality. Simon is right in saying he needs self-confidence.
3. Jermaine Sellers from Joliet IL
Church singer, whose bio was interrupted by a terrible FOX broadcast of news highlights. He's doing a falsetto start, but breaks out into a contemporary Gospel sound. Interesting, ends with a jazz chord. Some uncomfortable pitchiness in there. Simon's brutal tonight.
4. Tim Urban, 20, of Duncanville TX
He originally was sent home but is a substitute. He's singing "Apologize", he's got a clean-cut but rocking look. I like his voice in general but his falsetto isn't good. Why did he choose a song with so much falsetto?
5. Joe Munoz, 20, from nearby Huntington Park, CA
He's singing a Jason Mraz song. Funny, he looks like my nephew RJ with that scarf. He seems pretty nervous. He seems like a nice person, and his vibrato is a bit much, but it's better than what we've seen earlier so far. Kara agrees.
6. Tyler Grady, 20, of Nazareth PA
He's all about the 70s rocker look and he's gonna do "American Woman", which is just a little too predictable. So far, he's got the most enjoyable performance. Except for when he pushed that high note, he had the low registers under control. Limp ending.
7. Lee Dewyze , 25, Chicago
He's playing the guitar. Finally some energy and with notes that are mostly right on. The song choice was good for his voice. My fave for tonight. Interesting Randy and Kara didn't care for it. Simon agrees with me.
8. John Park, 21, Northbrook, IL
Shania totally loves him - so funny. He's doing a jazz standard "God Bless this Child". Reasonable sound but felt pretty plastic sounding to me. Simon took a butcher knife to him.
9. Michael Lynch, 26, from St Petersburg, FL
He's the one who just had a newborn during Hollywood week. Wow, he's singing a pop song. Not sure if I get this performance at all. Well, that money note wasn't so good for me. Simon was the only one who spoke truth tonight on Michael.
So far -- not a happy night for me. I think that they might be right; the women are stronger than the men this year. Didn't hear anything tonight that wowed me.
10. Alex Lambert, 19, from TX
Slightly flat, but lovely rich tone and he's singing fairly well, hmm, until that falsetto. He's good looking but, hehe, Alex is definitely not a dancer and a nervous wreck. I'd like to see him relax and grow into himself.
11. Casey James, 27, from Fort Worth
He's got some good looks and plays a slow guitar ballad "Heaven". He seems comfortable and has safe sound. Man, it's ok, but it sure makes me think fondly of that wonderful David vs David year, when Cook knocked this one out of the park. It's pretty good but there are some notes that are slightly off.
12. Andrew Garcia, 23, of nearby Moreno Valley CA
Have great hopes for Andrew, since he was the only guy during the city auditions that struck me as impressive. Another guy playing the guitar while singing. He seems to be playing it safe to me with "Straight Up". I like the sound of his voice, but really think he can do better. Simon was disappointed, too.
So, the rankings for tonight for me:
1. Lee Dewyze #07
2. Andrew Garcia, #12
3. Casey James #11
4. Alex Lambert #10
5. Joe Munoz #05
6. Aaron Kelly #02
7. Michael Lynch #09
8. Tyler Grady #06
9. Tim Urban #03
10. John Park #08
11. Jermaine Sellers #04
12. Todrick Hall #01
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
American Idol - Vote for the 12 Women - 02/23/2010
American Idol - Vote for the 12 Women - 2/23/2010
Oh I love the voting part of this show. I'm so glad we get to do voting like it used to be. Last year's voting in the semi-finals seemed so weird. This seems much more rational.
Here are our judges: Ellen, Randy, Kara and Simon.
1. Paige Miles, 24, from Naples Florida
I'm liking that last performance before the final selection. Here's her song. She sure likes to clap with her arms above her head. "All Right Now". She's energetic and she has a sexy deep voice. Nice riff there. Gospel money note sounded good and controlled. The judges think the song choice was a problem, but I thought it was fine. Oh, she did not say "pee" on tv.
2. Ashley Rodriguez, 22, from Chelsea, MA
Sang a breathy and deep song. She looks pretty. This is not a good song but it seems a little boring and wispy. You can tell she has a nice voice, but it's not one that really suits her. Kara thinks that she shouldn't choose a diva song because it didn't make her stand out.
3. Janell Wheeler, 24, from Orlando
She had a good Hollywood audition, so hoping she sounds that good tonight. "What About Love" from Heart. She's sounding sort of flat, but she's got that Kelly Pickler thing going on. Seemed either nervous or the song wasn't a good match. Randy is going on about the song choice.
4. Lilly Scott, 20, from Littleton, CO
She's gonna do "Fixin a Hole" from the Beatles? I don't get it. She sounds wispy at first. She looks like Uncle Fester with a wig. She's trying to turn the song on its side, but to a Beatlemaniac like me, it's just kinda musak and dull. Not a good song choice to me, but Ellen likes the choice. Evidently they like her for her odd voice and choice. My they love her. Not in agreement here.
5. Katelyn Epperly, 19, from West Des Moines, IA
She has a pretty marketable look and persona. She's doing "Oh Darling" from the Beatles with a country twang but dressed like Madonna 1980s. She's got a good pleading voice and I like her controlled ending. Good money note. They like her in general.
6. Haeley Vaughn, 16, from Denver
She's got such a bubbly personality and she's doing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". Sort of screaming the first line. This is another odd rendition. Almost a uke sound to the arrangement. She's got a nice high voice, but this arrangement takes too many risks for me because she's not right on key during those times. She sounds best when she stays in control but it wasn't quite right.
7. Lacey Brown, 24, from Amarillo, TX
She got cut last year at the last minute, but this year has magenta hair. Must be a site at her church! She's doing "Landslide" and starts off well. Hmm, she has a good voice, but she's starting to wander around. I wonder what she'd sound like with a livelier sound. Nice money note. Yeah, she's not looking popular at the moment.
8. Michelle Delamor, 24, from Miami
She's a corporate singer and children's choir leader. She's got a bubbly personality, too. Singing a very sultry song. Sort of slow and predictable, but hits a good money note. She's a pro. Kara didn't like her performance, but everyone else thought she did ok.
9. Didi Benami, 23, from Knoxville, TN
She had a totally different look in Hollywood, where she had a great sound singing "Terrified". Singing "The Way I Am" tonight. She's singing a quirky, folk sound. She's looking comfortable, but she's can't own the stage with this song. Her money note went slightly flat.
10. Siobhan Magnus, 19, from Cape Cod
She's singing Chris Isaac with a super low voice. She's got a pretty look, sings with nice control. Not an obviously good song to choose, but it somehow works. She carried the haunting feel very well. She seems to like singing guy songs.
11. Crystal Bowersox, 24, from Ohio
Singing "Hand in My Pocket". She's got a wonderful sound, and she's a real musician. Not a particularly original sound, but it's very melodic. Dang, she's doing the harmonica along with the guitar. She's a risk taker, alright. She still controlled her breathing well enough to sound fab.
12. Katie Stevens, 17, from Middlebury CT
Doing Michael Buble's "Feelin Good". Wow, she has such a grown-up voice. Dang, she eats up the screen. Her voice when amped up is pretty good, though the lower notes are less pretty, slight sharp mostly. Nice money note. Interesting, Ellen and Simon thought she sang a song that was too old for her.
Overall, Ellen Degeneres had good opinions. I liked that she was willing to disagree and say her mind, but in a constructive manner.
So far, my rankings are
1. Crystal #11
2. Paige #01
3. Katelyn #05
4. Siobhan #10
5. Katie #12
6. Ashley #02
7. Michele #08
8. Janell #03
9. Didi #09
10. Haeley #06
11. Lilly #04
12. Lacey #07
Time to vote!!!
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Oh I love the voting part of this show. I'm so glad we get to do voting like it used to be. Last year's voting in the semi-finals seemed so weird. This seems much more rational.
Here are our judges: Ellen, Randy, Kara and Simon.
1. Paige Miles, 24, from Naples Florida
I'm liking that last performance before the final selection. Here's her song. She sure likes to clap with her arms above her head. "All Right Now". She's energetic and she has a sexy deep voice. Nice riff there. Gospel money note sounded good and controlled. The judges think the song choice was a problem, but I thought it was fine. Oh, she did not say "pee" on tv.
2. Ashley Rodriguez, 22, from Chelsea, MA
Sang a breathy and deep song. She looks pretty. This is not a good song but it seems a little boring and wispy. You can tell she has a nice voice, but it's not one that really suits her. Kara thinks that she shouldn't choose a diva song because it didn't make her stand out.
3. Janell Wheeler, 24, from Orlando
She had a good Hollywood audition, so hoping she sounds that good tonight. "What About Love" from Heart. She's sounding sort of flat, but she's got that Kelly Pickler thing going on. Seemed either nervous or the song wasn't a good match. Randy is going on about the song choice.
4. Lilly Scott, 20, from Littleton, CO
She's gonna do "Fixin a Hole" from the Beatles? I don't get it. She sounds wispy at first. She looks like Uncle Fester with a wig. She's trying to turn the song on its side, but to a Beatlemaniac like me, it's just kinda musak and dull. Not a good song choice to me, but Ellen likes the choice. Evidently they like her for her odd voice and choice. My they love her. Not in agreement here.
5. Katelyn Epperly, 19, from West Des Moines, IA
She has a pretty marketable look and persona. She's doing "Oh Darling" from the Beatles with a country twang but dressed like Madonna 1980s. She's got a good pleading voice and I like her controlled ending. Good money note. They like her in general.
6. Haeley Vaughn, 16, from Denver
She's got such a bubbly personality and she's doing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". Sort of screaming the first line. This is another odd rendition. Almost a uke sound to the arrangement. She's got a nice high voice, but this arrangement takes too many risks for me because she's not right on key during those times. She sounds best when she stays in control but it wasn't quite right.
7. Lacey Brown, 24, from Amarillo, TX
She got cut last year at the last minute, but this year has magenta hair. Must be a site at her church! She's doing "Landslide" and starts off well. Hmm, she has a good voice, but she's starting to wander around. I wonder what she'd sound like with a livelier sound. Nice money note. Yeah, she's not looking popular at the moment.
8. Michelle Delamor, 24, from Miami
She's a corporate singer and children's choir leader. She's got a bubbly personality, too. Singing a very sultry song. Sort of slow and predictable, but hits a good money note. She's a pro. Kara didn't like her performance, but everyone else thought she did ok.
9. Didi Benami, 23, from Knoxville, TN
She had a totally different look in Hollywood, where she had a great sound singing "Terrified". Singing "The Way I Am" tonight. She's singing a quirky, folk sound. She's looking comfortable, but she's can't own the stage with this song. Her money note went slightly flat.
10. Siobhan Magnus, 19, from Cape Cod
She's singing Chris Isaac with a super low voice. She's got a pretty look, sings with nice control. Not an obviously good song to choose, but it somehow works. She carried the haunting feel very well. She seems to like singing guy songs.
11. Crystal Bowersox, 24, from Ohio
Singing "Hand in My Pocket". She's got a wonderful sound, and she's a real musician. Not a particularly original sound, but it's very melodic. Dang, she's doing the harmonica along with the guitar. She's a risk taker, alright. She still controlled her breathing well enough to sound fab.
12. Katie Stevens, 17, from Middlebury CT
Doing Michael Buble's "Feelin Good". Wow, she has such a grown-up voice. Dang, she eats up the screen. Her voice when amped up is pretty good, though the lower notes are less pretty, slight sharp mostly. Nice money note. Interesting, Ellen and Simon thought she sang a song that was too old for her.
Overall, Ellen Degeneres had good opinions. I liked that she was willing to disagree and say her mind, but in a constructive manner.
So far, my rankings are
1. Crystal #11
2. Paige #01
3. Katelyn #05
4. Siobhan #10
5. Katie #12
6. Ashley #02
7. Michele #08
8. Janell #03
9. Didi #09
10. Haeley #06
11. Lilly #04
12. Lacey #07
Time to vote!!!
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Monday, September 21, 2009
September: Awe -- August: Osage County
Yipes, I'm still reeling from the psychological onslaught that was August: Osage County. At the Ahmanson, we had prepared ourselves for a 3-1/2 hour night. (Two intermissions? Was this Wagner?) I assure you, it flies by quickly. I really enjoyed myself, but as with any good dramas, was left to ponder and wonder about life.
I winced here and there at some of the language, as I wondered if some of the audience would prove unable to tolerate such saltiness. But the play takes place in rural Oklahoma. Real people can be puritanical and polite, and they can be vituperative and nasty. In this play, you get Jerry Springer redux.
When it comes to wincing, however, the language pales in comparison to the melodramatic, soap opera stunts in the plotline. These people do it all. We see dish-throwing, yes, but that's the fun part. We cover death, alcohol, sexual traumas, adultery, sibling rivalry, racism, mental impairment, battery, drugs, and Florida.
In many ways, the play is quite tough on women. Except for the housekeeper, all the women in this play have character flaws that create and sustain their misery. Yes, their weaknesses drive the play on all cyclinders, but one can't help but wonder why the women are held to such a miserable place in life.
Of course, Estelle Parson steals every stinking scene she's in. Everyone makes a fuss about her running about and down the stairs, and yes, 82 year olds don't usually do that. But I was amazed by her verbal agility. She was so in control of her character!
The eldest daughter was, to me, the most interesting character. She was strong but weak, in love but hateful. How conflicted she, as an everywoman, seemed!
The father and son character seemed genuinely open and caring. They wore their weaknesses on their sleeves and stood strongly against attacks from others. The other two male characters were weak, yes, but they seemed able to attribute their problems to the influence of drugs and alcohol. The women were left with nothing to blame but themselves.
The housekeeper was a fascinating character. She comes off slow and simple. She is here because she has no choice: she needs the money. But surprisingly, given the antics of the
families, she's the hare to the rabbits around her. She's attentive, caring and is the base of stability, with a wonderful heroic turn towards the end. She said all of 50 words all night, but the play would have been unbearable without her.
I admit that I thought that the soap opera elements would be most irritating. They were manipulative, yes, but unlike daytime dramas, the gimmicks aren't there to move the story along. They're in this play to give us an opportunity to peer into the minds and characters. It's the slowly exposing personalities that move the story along here.
And that's what makes this play so interesting. For all the yelling, cursing, blaspheming and insolence, the quiet pain and secret motivations are what speak most loudly to the viewer. The shock value of the profane is obvious, but that final, eerie scene at the top of the house - that was the most stunning and lasting image of all.
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I winced here and there at some of the language, as I wondered if some of the audience would prove unable to tolerate such saltiness. But the play takes place in rural Oklahoma. Real people can be puritanical and polite, and they can be vituperative and nasty. In this play, you get Jerry Springer redux.
When it comes to wincing, however, the language pales in comparison to the melodramatic, soap opera stunts in the plotline. These people do it all. We see dish-throwing, yes, but that's the fun part. We cover death, alcohol, sexual traumas, adultery, sibling rivalry, racism, mental impairment, battery, drugs, and Florida.
In many ways, the play is quite tough on women. Except for the housekeeper, all the women in this play have character flaws that create and sustain their misery. Yes, their weaknesses drive the play on all cyclinders, but one can't help but wonder why the women are held to such a miserable place in life.
Of course, Estelle Parson steals every stinking scene she's in. Everyone makes a fuss about her running about and down the stairs, and yes, 82 year olds don't usually do that. But I was amazed by her verbal agility. She was so in control of her character!
The eldest daughter was, to me, the most interesting character. She was strong but weak, in love but hateful. How conflicted she, as an everywoman, seemed!
The father and son character seemed genuinely open and caring. They wore their weaknesses on their sleeves and stood strongly against attacks from others. The other two male characters were weak, yes, but they seemed able to attribute their problems to the influence of drugs and alcohol. The women were left with nothing to blame but themselves.
The housekeeper was a fascinating character. She comes off slow and simple. She is here because she has no choice: she needs the money. But surprisingly, given the antics of the
families, she's the hare to the rabbits around her. She's attentive, caring and is the base of stability, with a wonderful heroic turn towards the end. She said all of 50 words all night, but the play would have been unbearable without her.
I admit that I thought that the soap opera elements would be most irritating. They were manipulative, yes, but unlike daytime dramas, the gimmicks aren't there to move the story along. They're in this play to give us an opportunity to peer into the minds and characters. It's the slowly exposing personalities that move the story along here.
And that's what makes this play so interesting. For all the yelling, cursing, blaspheming and insolence, the quiet pain and secret motivations are what speak most loudly to the viewer. The shock value of the profane is obvious, but that final, eerie scene at the top of the house - that was the most stunning and lasting image of all.
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Saturday, September 12, 2009
David Cook in Concert
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
Quite fun to be there. The opening acts were wonderful and I've downloaded some of their stuff since the show.
These are the David Cook videos that I've posted here on the blog. Since there were a bunch of videos, I'm grouping them all together here in this posting.
The David Cook photos are here
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Quite fun to be there. The opening acts were wonderful and I've downloaded some of their stuff since the show.
These are the David Cook videos that I've posted here on the blog. Since there were a bunch of videos, I'm grouping them all together here in this posting.
The David Cook photos are here
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David Cook in concert - photos
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
These are the pictures that I took of David and his band that night.
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These are the pictures that I took of David and his band that night.
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David Cook - Light On
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
In this piece, the keyboards were covered by Tony of Crash Kings.
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In this piece, the keyboards were covered by Tony of Crash Kings.
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David Cook - Come Back to Me
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - Declaration
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - Bar-ba-sol
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - I Did It for You
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - Lie
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook, just jamming in concert
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - Mr Sensitive
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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David Cook - Heros
Saw David Cook perform on Sep 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood. His opening acts were Crash Kings and Ryan Star. We met Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay afterwards, but missed Jason Castro and Brooke White.
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ryan Star opens for David Cook in Hollywood
September 9, 2009 at the Fonda in Hollywood
David Cook sang backup to Ryan Star. Ryan was an opening act for David, but they surprised the fanatical crowd by having David come out to sing a wonderful duet.
Ryan was really enjoyable. Love his sound and vocal qualities. They sang quite well together
David and Ryan Star singing together
David Cook singing backup
David and Ryan Star singing together
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David Cook sang backup to Ryan Star. Ryan was an opening act for David, but they surprised the fanatical crowd by having David come out to sing a wonderful duet.
Ryan was really enjoyable. Love his sound and vocal qualities. They sang quite well together
David and Ryan Star singing together
David Cook singing backup
David and Ryan Star singing together
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Syesha, Ramiele and Mel at the David Cook concert on Sep 9, 2009
Just a picture of us from the David Cook concert in Hollywood on September 9, 2009. They look fabulous, don't they?
Sorry it's blurry, but a friend took the picture and, well, he's not a photographer by profession.
That's Syesha Mercado on the left, Ramiele Malubay in the middle, and me on the right. I couldn't find Jason Castro or Brooke White.
Keep an eye out on this blog for further pictures and comments from the David Cook concert
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Sorry it's blurry, but a friend took the picture and, well, he's not a photographer by profession.
That's Syesha Mercado on the left, Ramiele Malubay in the middle, and me on the right. I couldn't find Jason Castro or Brooke White.
Keep an eye out on this blog for further pictures and comments from the David Cook concert
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Idol Degeneres
Ellen
On American Idol
I was quite surprised, as were most folks who are familiar with both shows. Ellen's not a singer. Not a musician. Not a record producer.
I ponder this, since I only heard the news after I got back from the David Cook concert (and got to meet Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay, too!). Check out the blog later on for photos and comments. I saw it from Twitter and Facebook, which were practically choking in shock.
Did I like it? Perhaps not at first. But that's probably because I was perplexed and, well hey, it was different. But I think it's a good match.
a. Ellen obviously loves music, like most people.
b. She's amusing to watch because she's funny. Paula was amusing to watch because she said or did funny things.
c. We'll never have to see Ellen kiss Simon Cowell (good heavens)!
d. She's a nice person.
So for American Idol, they get the following.
a. A judge who's nice (replacing the "nice" judge Paula)
b. A judge who's funny (replacing the sometimes odd and funny Paula).
c. A judge who may not be a musician but knows a lot of musicians and likes music (like Paula)
d. A judge who enjoys dancing to music (like Paula) - - can't wait to see her boogie on the show
e. A judge who brings her own huge fan base (more than Paula).
In some ways, I'm disappointed we don't get to see Ellen judge the local competitions. I can only imagine what her mugs would have looked like whenever the next aspiring William Hung sang.
But she'll bring pleasant and non-mean judging to the table, like Paula did. ("Well, you're dress is lovely" or "I love that makeup job"). I'm certain she'll be constructive in her critique, as she seems to know how to bring up touchy points during her talk show.
So brava, Ellen. Good choices all around.
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On American Idol
I was quite surprised, as were most folks who are familiar with both shows. Ellen's not a singer. Not a musician. Not a record producer.
I ponder this, since I only heard the news after I got back from the David Cook concert (and got to meet Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay, too!). Check out the blog later on for photos and comments. I saw it from Twitter and Facebook, which were practically choking in shock.
Did I like it? Perhaps not at first. But that's probably because I was perplexed and, well hey, it was different. But I think it's a good match.
a. Ellen obviously loves music, like most people.
b. She's amusing to watch because she's funny. Paula was amusing to watch because she said or did funny things.
c. We'll never have to see Ellen kiss Simon Cowell (good heavens)!
d. She's a nice person.
So for American Idol, they get the following.
a. A judge who's nice (replacing the "nice" judge Paula)
b. A judge who's funny (replacing the sometimes odd and funny Paula).
c. A judge who may not be a musician but knows a lot of musicians and likes music (like Paula)
d. A judge who enjoys dancing to music (like Paula) - - can't wait to see her boogie on the show
e. A judge who brings her own huge fan base (more than Paula).
In some ways, I'm disappointed we don't get to see Ellen judge the local competitions. I can only imagine what her mugs would have looked like whenever the next aspiring William Hung sang.
But she'll bring pleasant and non-mean judging to the table, like Paula did. ("Well, you're dress is lovely" or "I love that makeup job"). I'm certain she'll be constructive in her critique, as she seems to know how to bring up touchy points during her talk show.
So brava, Ellen. Good choices all around.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Sweet! And Lo Legally Blond tastes great
Should I be surprised? The playful Legally Blond movie was so cheery and encouraging, shouldn't a staged version be equally enjoyable?
Success in one medium does no have to translate to success in a live format. Musical audiences demand non-stop, toe-tapping tunes. Musicals don't have to be bright and cheery, but the melodies need to be recognizable and evocative. Stage audiences usually have far less patience with the trite and cute. Why pay the high ticket prices when you can watch kittens frolic at home?
But Legally Blond at Hollywood's Pantages Theater was able to pull it off. The writing was fluffy, the music was sometimes corny, but overall, it worked. Here's a play where at first you may not want to root for the lead, Elle, but you've been irresistably drawn to her unfamiliar underdog position. Elle to me is both feminine and feminist, but feminist in a post-modern, acceptable to Fox News America manner.
I especially liked D.B Bonds, who played Emmett. He carried his role with just the right amount of charisma and, in his nerdier moments, awkwardness. The character was changed from the movie, with a boost to the play's basic themes. He even got what I thought was the best number, as Emmett had bee living all his young life with a chip on his shoulder.
For the movie, Elle eventually succeeded because chose to be the person she was meant to be and, somewhat, to do so in her own manner. In the play, a greater emphasis was made on the exploiting your individual strengths, character, and uniqueness, including quirky mannerisms. Emmett was goaded into success by Elle, which gave a nice complement to her own journey.
The dancing was very good, if rather frenetic. But the whirling dance routines, marred only by the oddly misplaced Irish riverdancing, needed to be wild, because the rolling music demanded it.
As noted by other critics, Reese Witherspoon as Elle is a tough act to follow. As such, one can't help but being disappointed that Elle wasn't a diva. Let's face it. This girl *must* be a diva. Whether it's the staging, the actress, the writing or her lack of show stopping numbers, Elle wasn't the diva that many of us wanted.
Though we lacked divas, we did have stage-stealers. The dog and the UPS guy, couldn't have had sappier and corny scenes, but who cares! And the various gay characters added some of that diva aspects, too, but that's still not going to catch up with Reese.
Finally, I did find that a sub-text of the show was left unexplored. We as a society were held to be rather a sad mob of the superficial. You can't succeed unless you can craft a first-impression look that dazzles. I find that disturbing, and the play didn't do enough to counter that sentiment. Yes, ultimately, inner beauty, strength and character were shown to be most important qualities, but only when brought out against the face of social pressures. Our hair-stylist and UPS guy actually offer the necessary counterweight, as they found happiness without those trappings. Sadly, it wasn't emphasized.
Will people find the musical light and forgetful? Probably, but many others can enjoy a story that's deeper than the movie and surprising in musicality.
My Full Blog
Success in one medium does no have to translate to success in a live format. Musical audiences demand non-stop, toe-tapping tunes. Musicals don't have to be bright and cheery, but the melodies need to be recognizable and evocative. Stage audiences usually have far less patience with the trite and cute. Why pay the high ticket prices when you can watch kittens frolic at home?
But Legally Blond at Hollywood's Pantages Theater was able to pull it off. The writing was fluffy, the music was sometimes corny, but overall, it worked. Here's a play where at first you may not want to root for the lead, Elle, but you've been irresistably drawn to her unfamiliar underdog position. Elle to me is both feminine and feminist, but feminist in a post-modern, acceptable to Fox News America manner.
I especially liked D.B Bonds, who played Emmett. He carried his role with just the right amount of charisma and, in his nerdier moments, awkwardness. The character was changed from the movie, with a boost to the play's basic themes. He even got what I thought was the best number, as Emmett had bee living all his young life with a chip on his shoulder.
For the movie, Elle eventually succeeded because chose to be the person she was meant to be and, somewhat, to do so in her own manner. In the play, a greater emphasis was made on the exploiting your individual strengths, character, and uniqueness, including quirky mannerisms. Emmett was goaded into success by Elle, which gave a nice complement to her own journey.
The dancing was very good, if rather frenetic. But the whirling dance routines, marred only by the oddly misplaced Irish riverdancing, needed to be wild, because the rolling music demanded it.
As noted by other critics, Reese Witherspoon as Elle is a tough act to follow. As such, one can't help but being disappointed that Elle wasn't a diva. Let's face it. This girl *must* be a diva. Whether it's the staging, the actress, the writing or her lack of show stopping numbers, Elle wasn't the diva that many of us wanted.
Though we lacked divas, we did have stage-stealers. The dog and the UPS guy, couldn't have had sappier and corny scenes, but who cares! And the various gay characters added some of that diva aspects, too, but that's still not going to catch up with Reese.
Finally, I did find that a sub-text of the show was left unexplored. We as a society were held to be rather a sad mob of the superficial. You can't succeed unless you can craft a first-impression look that dazzles. I find that disturbing, and the play didn't do enough to counter that sentiment. Yes, ultimately, inner beauty, strength and character were shown to be most important qualities, but only when brought out against the face of social pressures. Our hair-stylist and UPS guy actually offer the necessary counterweight, as they found happiness without those trappings. Sadly, it wasn't emphasized.
Will people find the musical light and forgetful? Probably, but many others can enjoy a story that's deeper than the movie and surprising in musicality.
My Full Blog
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