Didn't get to vote last night so I'm watching the DVR of the show today on Thursday. Instead of seeing the show, I did get to see a wonderful concert at Club 322 in Sierra Madre. Love the work of the Jennifer Leitham Trio!
So here we go.
1. The 16yo girl Mississippi, Jasmine Murray, sang "Love Song". She sang it way too low. Her voice has such a nice quality but here it quivered throughout. Nerves? Disappointed because I've liked her earlier so far this season. Sounds like the judges are agreeing. I'll set her at a score of 55 to start the night.
2. Matt Giraud, the "dueling piano player", is next. Who comes up with these nicknames? Cold Play's "Viva La Vida" is his number. He's had a clear voice during the season so far, but he's got some odd vibrato tonight. And I'm he looks uncomfortable up there. I think the contestants should stay away from those low notes tonight I guess. Another one having problems down there. Score was 50. Preferred Jasmine to this one.
3. Jeanine Vailes from Washington DC is a bartender.Not sure about the hooker look or the really deep notes. Leave the notes to us basses! Pitchy. She was trying to work up a diva thing but it just wasn't good. I'm going to have to score her as a 45.
4 Nick Mitchell sang as Norman Gentle and I guess Jennifer Holliday... “And I Am Telling You” was never done in a bandana before I imagine. Well, how refreshing to not hear the song sung too low! I've never understood this comedy act and the screaching is rather distressing. Well at least he had a nice money note soaring before he truncated it. Is Paula sober tonight? She's actually comprehensible until she said "blah blah blah". Score was 4.
5. Allison Iraheta is a 17yo high school student from L.A (born next door in Glendale). She's doing Heart's “Alone”. Best so far and she's actually entertaining to watch. Nailed it. As Randy said, "she blew it out the box". Score is 75.
6. Kris Allen has that Archie look. He sang “Man In the Mirror”. He's singing it fine but not memorable. If one of the guys coming up sounds as good but impresses more, Kris will be out. Nice money note. Score was 65.
7. Now, in a babydoll dress and tattoos, we have Megan Joy Corkrey and “Put Your Records On”. She's got a nice sound, sort of bluesy. She'd sell at Starbucks. Some quivering that money note. Score is 60.
8. The welder is on. Matt Breitzke does a song “If You Could Only See”. Comes across as a karaoke song to me and seemed somewhat boring. Pretty on much pitch for the most part but not overly memorable. I guess they thought more of him because they keep saying it's song choice. Score was 55 to me.
9. Jesse Langseth does “Bette Davis Eyes”? That's a tough quirky song to do. Missing the high notes. No this isn't working for me. Score is 45, same as the bartender.
10. Kai Kalama is the hair and the guitar. He did “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” and hmmm not particularly memorable. Silky voice. He seems really gawky up there. Yikes one section was pitchy. Score 55.
11. Mishavonna Henson was apparently a singer last year, too. She did "Drops of Jupiter”. I can't stand that staccato stuff. Not really on pitch in some parts. Score was 48.
12. Oh I like the Rolling Stones. Adam Lambert is the Wicked guy doing "Satisfaction" with a super slow intro. Perfectly on pitch. Surprised he did the whole rock thing. Ooh he worked some of those notes. Didn't realize he did rock, since he's such a Broadway guy. Nice money note. Score 70.
So, my top list is Allison then Adam then Kris then Megan. Given the male / female thing it looks like:
Girls: Allison
Guys: Adam
Wildcard: Kris
And, one more comment : Still hate this format!
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Synthesis. Musicals in time for Lent
I'm only a cock-eyed optimist
Sorry to throw out lyrics from Dick and Oscar, but it certainly was a weekend that I can only describe as affirming. I didn't expressly select plays that somehow made me think of faith, but perhaps it was my subconscious at work. With Lent rapidly approaching, I had no idea that I was buying Broadway tickets that would certainly give me something to think about during this annual fast.
(And certainly I have a tendency to make comparisons where none ought ever be made, so forgive me if I make my contrast too oddly. Or gush. I am a theater queen I admit.)
I went to the Great White Way this weekend and saw "Billy Elliot", "Altar Boyz" and "In the Heights". Not as overwhelming as seeing 7 plays in 5 days with my nephews in London back in 2007, but still pretty intense.
It turns out that these three musicals will give me plenty to think about during this Lenten season. Now I had seen Billy Elliot during that 2007 trip, but had not seen the New York production. The other two plays were new to me, with "In the Heights" a particular concern, since I feared that it would be Rent-redux and far outside my musical tastes.
Thank heavens God intricates his love in the oddest of ways.
Let's go in sequence. I first saw Billy Elliot the movie in 2000 when it was released. I easily connected to the story because I lived in the UK during the 1980s miner strike. Maggie Thatcher was the most polarizing leader I had ever watched, well, until recent years.
This New York musical closely resembled the London offering. It inspired because, to me, it connected to us most strongly when it asserted that
a) God-given gifts must be nourished
b) we must be attentive to God's signs, even in the most unlikely of places
c) it is possible to rise above circumstances that even Job would think worse than his own
For Saturday's matinee, I saw Altar Boyz, which was an amusing satire on boys band. In this situation, we watched a Roman Catholic boy band work its Christian rock magic. It was a surprising delight. The music wasn't challenging, but it was a toe-tapping pleasure. With the talented dancing, you got a good show, good music and cute actors; hey off-Broadway knows how to sell seats.
Altar Boyz was amazingly respectful of religion. Atheists may have watched it as an entirely mocking work, but in no way at all did it actually ever insult faith. These characters sincerely believed and wanted, in their own way. to evangelicize. Matthew was a strong leader, Mark was a loving talent, Luke was the faulty everyman who tries and tries, Juan was a starry-eyed Lothario, and Abraham, well, he's the Jew who wrote great lyrics. How Broadway can you get?
I found the play encouraging because
a) it showed that God works the youth, even with fun-though-slightly-insipid boy-band music
b) I could relate to one of its story lines, that of the "closet Catholic"
c) we saw the bonding strength of Christian community and family.
Lastly on Saturday night, I saw "In the Heights". This was an amazing musical. Its tagline is "No pare, no pare, sigue, sigue", which roughly translates to "don't stop, go on, go on".
Now that's gotta be the most hopeful Broadway tagline I've ever seen.Perhaps that's because it started off-broadway. Or that it's very Mundial Latino. There has not, in my recollection, ever been as diverse a cast, save the United Nations scene in the 1960s campy Batman the Movie.
This play had a song called "Pacencia y Fe" (Patience and Faith). It heroicized family, courage in the face of adversity, community, faith, hope,... I don't know where to stop without this sounding like one of Father Ed's sermons. I was "Epiphing" for almost 3 hours straight.
And I cried. I cried because the sentimental book did not seem a weakness to me. No, it affirmed to me why I believe in the first place.
"In the Heights" asserted
a) bravery, quiet or otherwise, will arise BECAUSE we believe and hope
b) all people, great or small, still aspire and should aspire to the heavens
c) we cannot learn on our own, but depend on the dreams, mistakes and love of those who preceeded us
Perhaps I'm writing this as a part of my Lenten exercises. But I have to wonder what made this weekend so moving to me.
I think it's because I started with a play that said "Life sucks. Maybe if God gave you a gift, your family and community will stand behind you, and you can escape. And thank heavens, because every one will be out of work for hundreds of miles in the next two years."
I love Billy Elliot. But in context with this weekend, it's somehow profoundly inadequate. What Grace did God have for the miners? He gave them an example of love and community, so that their souls could rise about their circumstances. But their earthly toils were not only dangerous, but unneeded. Turn your attention to the miners' plight (which is easy given this country's current economic meltdown), and you realize this play works only when you focus on Billy himself.
Altar Boyz also emphasized a tight-knit family, in the form of a boy band. It wasn't deep by any means. Nevertheless, the sincerely loving faith was notable.
So was the desire to spread His word.And of all things, the closet-Catholic song closely resembled my own faith issues. I spurned the Roman Catholic church of my family because it did not welcome me. It loved me as a sinner, but could not countenance me living out the life that God had set for me.
So I went into the closet. Not as a gay young man. As a person of faith. I cry every time I think of this. I cry whenever I hear of others who were so hurt by their Christian communities that they find Christ and his message at fault. It was an amazing rebirth for me to discover that God did not plague me as a subset of Mankind unworthy of his Grace, God did not challenge me with an impossible test where the only way to succeed was through constant deception (self and otherwise). God made me in his image and challenged me to spread his word of unfailing love an Grace.
And those Altar Boyz, faulty and amusing to my generation as they are, well, they are sincere in their love of God. Who's to say that the classical and jazz Christian music I sing is better than theirs? They did magic on the soul! If the point is to touch, to nurture, to salve broken hearts, then good grief, the play made its point.
But the focus of Altar Boyz and Billy Elliot was very much about the ego. "In the Heights" was the last play I saw, and it filled the gaps that the other two plays left untouched.
It yells out "Ego schmego". It's not a bad thing to have, but a person's ego can only get them so far. You'll be a big shot in your world, though it's a world that only barely covers a subway map. But instead, by using your gifts, using God's gifts, using the love and strength of a family and a community, you'll be surprised at how much stronger, happier, and satisfying your life will be.
It's a point that far exceeds the first two plays. Perhaps because the author was the, in his words, "the only begotten son of a minister and a church organist". In terms of a satisfying arc of faith and hope, of what Lent teaches us as we approach Easter, it was pretty bitchin.
So, despite my naive, touristy and unsuspecting plans, I had a weekend of Epiphing in the Big Apple. May my Lenten fast and volunteerism at the homeless shelter add to my growth. And I pray that the Lord strengthen in me a little more of that toe-tapping, God-loving, can't-shake-my-faith cock-eyed optimism of life everlasting that all of us are Graced to deserve.
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Review - In the Heights
I've decided that I would start documenting the various plays and shows I watch, my thoughts, and so on, mostly because my memory fails me. So here we go!
What I saw: In the Heights (New York City)
When: Saturday February 21, 2009, 8pm
I was astonished. Admittedly, I had low expectations. I do love a good melody. My only exposure to "In the Heights" was not, egads, from the 2008 Tony awards. I way traveling that day and my DVR did not record the show correctly.
No, my only exposure was the Forbidden Broadway (Goes to Rehab) riff on the show this year. And it was all rap. So, predictably, I thought "Good heavens the Tonys have over-Rented and picked a totally rap 'musical' as its standard-bearer"... Thank goodness I was wrong.
I saw a gorgeous set. I gasped at the dancing. Was this indeed Broadway? It was amazing. Salsa, Marenge, and more! I had 3rd row seats and I belatedly think that everyone in the balconies and in rows 4 through 40 were watching my butt wiggle-waggle. I loved the music.
Now, the book as just "eh". It definitely good have been better. Maybe a good Sondheim injection. But oy, the lyrics and the insanely inversive, heck MALversive rhymes - - it was sheer magic! I loved it! When do you hear "business" and "hipsters" sung as though they actualy rhymed? Or "awning" and "morning"... And it worked!
Thank heavens I'm not a cynic. Cynicism is antithetical to my moral being. And this musical demanded that you stamp out cynicism because you felt GOOD afterwards. Bill Clinton couldn't wax sentimentally about his hometown of "Hope" like "In the Heights". This play, without ever saying hope, in English or in Spanish, practically screamed "hope hope hope" with every soaring note, with every shimmying hip, and with every aye aye aye.
So yes, it may be a bit sentimental about the plight of these good, hard-working people. But good heavens, you can't help but love these characters for trying.
For those who know how much I adore "Drowsy Chaperone", this play is not about a nod and a wink. It sincerely loves its characters and wants you to connect to them not because you feel like they do, but because you've struggled like they have.
I just wish I had a good Latin rhythm behind me my whole life. After watching "In the Heights", I can't help but feel that I could have survived my trials better if my toes were tapping to an infection tune.
Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith)!
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What I saw: In the Heights (New York City)
When: Saturday February 21, 2009, 8pm
I was astonished. Admittedly, I had low expectations. I do love a good melody. My only exposure to "In the Heights" was not, egads, from the 2008 Tony awards. I way traveling that day and my DVR did not record the show correctly.
No, my only exposure was the Forbidden Broadway (Goes to Rehab) riff on the show this year. And it was all rap. So, predictably, I thought "Good heavens the Tonys have over-Rented and picked a totally rap 'musical' as its standard-bearer"... Thank goodness I was wrong.
I saw a gorgeous set. I gasped at the dancing. Was this indeed Broadway? It was amazing. Salsa, Marenge, and more! I had 3rd row seats and I belatedly think that everyone in the balconies and in rows 4 through 40 were watching my butt wiggle-waggle. I loved the music.
Now, the book as just "eh". It definitely good have been better. Maybe a good Sondheim injection. But oy, the lyrics and the insanely inversive, heck MALversive rhymes - - it was sheer magic! I loved it! When do you hear "business" and "hipsters" sung as though they actualy rhymed? Or "awning" and "morning"... And it worked!
Thank heavens I'm not a cynic. Cynicism is antithetical to my moral being. And this musical demanded that you stamp out cynicism because you felt GOOD afterwards. Bill Clinton couldn't wax sentimentally about his hometown of "Hope" like "In the Heights". This play, without ever saying hope, in English or in Spanish, practically screamed "hope hope hope" with every soaring note, with every shimmying hip, and with every aye aye aye.
So yes, it may be a bit sentimental about the plight of these good, hard-working people. But good heavens, you can't help but love these characters for trying.
For those who know how much I adore "Drowsy Chaperone", this play is not about a nod and a wink. It sincerely loves its characters and wants you to connect to them not because you feel like they do, but because you've struggled like they have.
I just wish I had a good Latin rhythm behind me my whole life. After watching "In the Heights", I can't help but feel that I could have survived my trials better if my toes were tapping to an infection tune.
Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith)!
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Feb 17 - The Voting begins. Week 1 (36 group 1)
Love to vote on this show. Not a cynic like that vote for the worst site. I really think people should be given a chance to win it all. The mocking is mean to me.
So on to the show. Not sure how the voting format will be.
Oy this is tough.
They'll be picking one girl and one guy and the next highest vote getter from each night, for a total of 3 people. I don't like it because it means we hear some of these people only once.
My comments:
5701. Jackie Thon - "Little Less Conversation"
Nice sultry sound. Oh she's rocking it out. Works with her voice. She's entertaining, if someone awkward and oddly dressed. Sort of J Joplin. The notes were just ok but was really into it. So she's staked out the "rocker" genre and not the "diva" genre. Have to admit, seems more votable than last year's nurse. I'll start with giving her a score of 50.
5702. Ricky Braddy - Country guy "This Song for you"
Ooh nice and lovely sound. Surprising sexy sound. Only a couple of odd notes. Fell into a nice falsetto. Man he brings it out. Gorgeous tone. I'm surprised. I'll give him a score of 75.
5703. Alexis Grace - "Never Loved a Man".
Mommy with the pink hair. Sexy sultry look.Singing an Aretha song but with a soulful sound. She's doing well but not sure it's a sellable act. Her low sultry notes weren't as good as her hot sound voice. Fun to watch. Simon actually likes her (instead of dissing the everyone). Not as into her as Simon was unfortunately. I'm scoring her a 68.
1-866-436-5712
1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5706
1-866-436-5709
Ranking:
5712 (Danny w/ 85) ***
5702 (Ricky w/ 75) ***
5706 (Anoop w/ 70) ***
5709 (Ann Marie w/ 70) ***
5711 (Tatiana w/ 69)
5703 (Alexis w/ 68)
5708 (Michael w/ 65)
5701 (Jackie w/ 50)
5704 (Brent w/ 45)
5705 (Stevie w/ 30)
5710 (Stephen w/ 15)
5707 (Casey w/ 10)
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So on to the show. Not sure how the voting format will be.
Oy this is tough.
They'll be picking one girl and one guy and the next highest vote getter from each night, for a total of 3 people. I don't like it because it means we hear some of these people only once.
My comments:
5701. Jackie Thon - "Little Less Conversation"
Nice sultry sound. Oh she's rocking it out. Works with her voice. She's entertaining, if someone awkward and oddly dressed. Sort of J Joplin. The notes were just ok but was really into it. So she's staked out the "rocker" genre and not the "diva" genre. Have to admit, seems more votable than last year's nurse. I'll start with giving her a score of 50.
5702. Ricky Braddy - Country guy "This Song for you"
Ooh nice and lovely sound. Surprising sexy sound. Only a couple of odd notes. Fell into a nice falsetto. Man he brings it out. Gorgeous tone. I'm surprised. I'll give him a score of 75.
5703. Alexis Grace - "Never Loved a Man".
Mommy with the pink hair. Sexy sultry look.Singing an Aretha song but with a soulful sound. She's doing well but not sure it's a sellable act. Her low sultry notes weren't as good as her hot sound voice. Fun to watch. Simon actually likes her (instead of dissing the everyone). Not as into her as Simon was unfortunately. I'm scoring her a 68.
5704. Brent Keith - "Hick Town"
Beefy 29yo country guy. Not exactly memorable. Good looking (dimples that don't quit) and should get some votes. Some odd notes but a touch of nervousness. Simon dissed him as singing a forgetable tune then Brent basically courts the country vote. Score is 45.
5705. Stevie Wright - "You Belong With Me"
The 17yo girl from the Barstow area. Not a good choice and her voice is too low for it. She's nervous maybe? She didn't sound this shaky and off-key before. Aww, sort of sad. Score of 30.
5706. Anoop Desai - "Angel of Mine"
The geeky guy with a teen voice. I really do like his voice. Not sure about this boyband sound, but he may get a bunch of teen votes this way. Don't really care for the vibrato but his money note was good and straight. Score of 70. Think Ricky Braddy beat him tonight, though I've liked Anoop more up until now.
5707. Casey Carlson - "Every Little Thing She Does"
Pretty girl. Not on key. Looking a little scary and like a lounge singer or a pole dancer. We need to stop it now because the song choice was out the window. Score 10.
5708. Michael Sarver - "Hard on the Ticker"
Crapkicker or roughneck or whatever they called him. He's a pre-season fave of mine. Oh dear. Not good. He's vamping it up. I don't care for the song but he sounded good by the end. He's really good with soulful numbers so it's a shame that he wanted to do this so rocker. I'm scoring him 65.
5709. Ann Marie Boskovich - "Feel Like a Natural Woman"
She's a waitress who had to go out and come back in. Third note wasn't good. She has a nice voice with a couple of nervous quivers. Nice moans. Ooh finally a good money note. Score 70. Not sure why they're so down on her. I liked her more than Alexis.
5710. Steven Fowler - "Rock With You"
He's the guy who has forgetten lyrics during the tryouts. Oh my. This isn't working for me. Off-key and not weirdly sung, as though shakiness masked as vibrato were acceptable. And a horrifying money note. Well, at least he did better than Casey. Score 15.
5711. Tatiana del Toro - "Saving All My Love"
Crazy Puerto Rican contestant. Smoky. Nice sound. Good high notes and a handle on the low notes. Some wiggly notes and shakiness but overall pretty good. Good money note. Score 69.
5712. Danny Gokey - "Hero"
The widower music teacher. Nice sound with so much soul. Could have had some more gravitas in the beginning. But he handles the lyrics nice and love the money notes. Good falsetto and close. He has got to move forward. Score 85.
1-866-436-5712
1-866-436-5702
1-866-436-5706
1-866-436-5709
Ranking:
5712 (Danny w/ 85) ***
5702 (Ricky w/ 75) ***
5706 (Anoop w/ 70) ***
5709 (Ann Marie w/ 70) ***
5711 (Tatiana w/ 69)
5703 (Alexis w/ 68)
5708 (Michael w/ 65)
5701 (Jackie w/ 50)
5704 (Brent w/ 45)
5705 (Stevie w/ 30)
5710 (Stephen w/ 15)
5707 (Casey w/ 10)
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Feb 11 American Idol Hollywood - Final Cut
Oooh, so exciting to me. This is the part I've been waiting for. I really love the voting part and I cannot wait to see who I get to judge. We start with 54 folks and will have 36 by the end of the evening.
First is Anoop Desai from NC. Awesome, he'll be in the contest!
Vaughn Smith is next. Wow, he goes forward! He was ripped last week, but he does have a good voice.
Oh no. Some sort of sing off between 17yo Cody Sheldon... And it didn't sound so hot, not like his audition. Oh this is sad. He's competing against someone he befriended. Alex Wagner-Trugman. Also nervous sounding but not as off as Cody. Oh they're sad that they're against each other. Hmmm. They're so cute leaning on each other.
Adam Lambert is next. Gee, lots of guys. Well, he's not a surprise - he had a good presence and consistent sound.
Taylor Vaifuna was someone I liked her earlier this season. Oh good, she'll get to go.
Now a series of women. Jasmine Murray (love that child), Ariana Asfar, Casey Carlson, Megan Carkley and Misha, and Stevie Wright go through. Joanne Pacitti got tugged along, but she'll be going.
Kendall goes through. She had a nice sound in PR.
Now Jenn Korbee sings off against Kristen McNamara (who was in that fight against the hair-stylist). They picked Kristen and Simon evidently was hoping for Jenn.
Mommy Alexis Grace has some oddly pink hair. She'll be going through.
Scott MacIntyre (blind guy) has such a nice voice.
Lil Rounds (mother of 3) is now up. She had a good voice earlier this year. She's in. This is so mean the way they tease these folks.
Going home: Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister, Devon Baldwin.
Frankie Jordan is singing off against Jesse Langseth. Not good for Frankie - the first person to sing hasn't been winning... Yup, Jessie goes through.
More folks going home.
Allison Iraheta is 16yo. She'll go through.
Danny Gokey goes through. No surprise - he's good.
Buddy Jamar Rogers is next. Oh dear. He didn't get through. That's a surprise to me. He was good I thought during the auditions.
Going: Ricky Braddy, Matt Giraud, Ju'not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, Brent Keith. Stephen Fowler (wow, he forgot his words and everything yesterday).
Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle) is going through? So weird. And Jamar doesn't? I guess they really want to leave it to America to decide what they want to hear.
Jackie Tohn has a scratchy voice and will go to the contest.
Tatiana Del Toro walks into the room and is immediately irritating. She's going. She's such a pain; it's a shame that her good voice will not be noticed by people who are more likely to notice her screaming.
Jackie Midkiff is going to have a sing-off against somewhat outrageous Nathaniel Marshall. Jackie's first. I bet he'll be off. Nice sound. Now Nathaniel. Slight edge to Nathaniel.
Jeanine, Kai, Anne Marie, and Kris will continue.
Welder and Oilman are now meeting up in a sing-off? Matt Breitzke goes first. Not good news for him. He sounds good though. Now Michael Sarver goes up. I do like his country voice. They're both going to compete. Nice. It's crazy to not include them.
That's 36.
So apparently, we'll see three groups of twelve. For each dozen, we'll get to vote three onwards. Three times three is 9. The judges will then do some sort of wild-card round where they get to vote more people through. Quite a change from the last couple years.
Wow. So they already know who will compete in the first group. Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Anne Marie, Brent Keith, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, Stevie Wright, Danny Gokey, Tatiana del Toro and Anoop Desai are in the first group next week.
That's sort of tough. Just from everything up to now, who would I like to see go forward? Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver for sure.
Woohoo, love the voting part. Can't wait!
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First is Anoop Desai from NC. Awesome, he'll be in the contest!
Vaughn Smith is next. Wow, he goes forward! He was ripped last week, but he does have a good voice.
Oh no. Some sort of sing off between 17yo Cody Sheldon... And it didn't sound so hot, not like his audition. Oh this is sad. He's competing against someone he befriended. Alex Wagner-Trugman. Also nervous sounding but not as off as Cody. Oh they're sad that they're against each other. Hmmm. They're so cute leaning on each other.
Adam Lambert is next. Gee, lots of guys. Well, he's not a surprise - he had a good presence and consistent sound.
Taylor Vaifuna was someone I liked her earlier this season. Oh good, she'll get to go.
Now a series of women. Jasmine Murray (love that child), Ariana Asfar, Casey Carlson, Megan Carkley and Misha, and Stevie Wright go through. Joanne Pacitti got tugged along, but she'll be going.
Kendall goes through. She had a nice sound in PR.
Now Jenn Korbee sings off against Kristen McNamara (who was in that fight against the hair-stylist). They picked Kristen and Simon evidently was hoping for Jenn.
Mommy Alexis Grace has some oddly pink hair. She'll be going through.
Scott MacIntyre (blind guy) has such a nice voice.
Lil Rounds (mother of 3) is now up. She had a good voice earlier this year. She's in. This is so mean the way they tease these folks.
Going home: Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister, Devon Baldwin.
Frankie Jordan is singing off against Jesse Langseth. Not good for Frankie - the first person to sing hasn't been winning... Yup, Jessie goes through.
More folks going home.
Allison Iraheta is 16yo. She'll go through.
Danny Gokey goes through. No surprise - he's good.
Buddy Jamar Rogers is next. Oh dear. He didn't get through. That's a surprise to me. He was good I thought during the auditions.
Going: Ricky Braddy, Matt Giraud, Ju'not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, Brent Keith. Stephen Fowler (wow, he forgot his words and everything yesterday).
Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle) is going through? So weird. And Jamar doesn't? I guess they really want to leave it to America to decide what they want to hear.
Jackie Tohn has a scratchy voice and will go to the contest.
Tatiana Del Toro walks into the room and is immediately irritating. She's going. She's such a pain; it's a shame that her good voice will not be noticed by people who are more likely to notice her screaming.
Jackie Midkiff is going to have a sing-off against somewhat outrageous Nathaniel Marshall. Jackie's first. I bet he'll be off. Nice sound. Now Nathaniel. Slight edge to Nathaniel.
Jeanine, Kai, Anne Marie, and Kris will continue.
Welder and Oilman are now meeting up in a sing-off? Matt Breitzke goes first. Not good news for him. He sounds good though. Now Michael Sarver goes up. I do like his country voice. They're both going to compete. Nice. It's crazy to not include them.
That's 36.
So apparently, we'll see three groups of twelve. For each dozen, we'll get to vote three onwards. Three times three is 9. The judges will then do some sort of wild-card round where they get to vote more people through. Quite a change from the last couple years.
Wow. So they already know who will compete in the first group. Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Anne Marie, Brent Keith, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, Stevie Wright, Danny Gokey, Tatiana del Toro and Anoop Desai are in the first group next week.
That's sort of tough. Just from everything up to now, who would I like to see go forward? Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver for sure.
Woohoo, love the voting part. Can't wait!
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 10 American Idol in Hollywood
Not sure about this episode. Zipping right through, so this is just note keeping for my blog. Hope I get the names right.
Adam Lambert. The guy from Wicked.
Love him. Hope he goes foward. Singing Cher's "Believe". Changed it to a emo song. Not sure I liked it but it was perfectly in pitch.
Keyboardist Matt Giraud from Kalamazoo.
Has a nice bluesy voice with his geeky look. I liked it much.
Look at the hideous floor in the holding room.
Jamar Rogers is the bud of Danny.
It's sort of gimmicky but I really love his personality and his vocal control.
Danny Gockey, whose wife died.
Man I love his voice. It's a smoky controlled performance, though the falsetto slightly veared.
Anoop Desai from NC.
Ooh, he grooves pretty nice. Not so geeky any more.
Puerto Rico Nunez guy got no coverage.
Scott McIntyre the blind guy.
Hope he goes forward. Wow, what a great voice.
Kendall Beard from Austin.
Hey, she's doing Carrie's song. Sounded good.
Short sounds from Fallon gal.
Short sounds from the mom.
Blond-dyed girl whose partner was a mean hair-stylist.
Wow big mouth and a Joplin sound.
Mishavonna has returned
Not sure about that voice. Altos don't do so well.
Tatanya the pushy girl from PR.
She has a nice voice but her personality is annoying. Hmm started to screach.
Alexis Grace also sang Carrie. Barely any coverage.
Kenny Hoffpauer. Barely any coverage.
Jasmine Murray is the 16yo who sings like a dreamy grownup.
Queenie Nathanial played the guitar. Not much of a play. Sounded ok.
Joanna Pacitti - I don't recall.
Oh dear. Not good.
Casey Carlson (I don't recall) forgot his words too.
Not sure who the pianist Stephen Fowler is. Ooh, seriously forgot his words.
Not sure if it's Norman or Nick. Nope. Norman Mitchell performing.
He's singing Georgia. I just don't get why they like his drag so much.
Ann-Marie Boscovich sang a song others did in a purple song.
Just ok to me.
Ju'not Joyner sang a pretty ballad.
Doesn't have a star look to me but it could work.
Louisville Caylon was sad that Simon cut her off.
Leneshe Young was the homeless girl.
She has alot of good tude. Not sure how she sounded from the short clip.
Kai Kalarama was offkey from a tired voice.
Michael "roughneck" Sarver
What a gift he has.
India Morrison seems to be off-key.
Adam Lambert. The guy from Wicked.
Love him. Hope he goes foward. Singing Cher's "Believe". Changed it to a emo song. Not sure I liked it but it was perfectly in pitch.
Keyboardist Matt Giraud from Kalamazoo.
Has a nice bluesy voice with his geeky look. I liked it much.
Look at the hideous floor in the holding room.
Jamar Rogers is the bud of Danny.
It's sort of gimmicky but I really love his personality and his vocal control.
Danny Gockey, whose wife died.
Man I love his voice. It's a smoky controlled performance, though the falsetto slightly veared.
Anoop Desai from NC.
Ooh, he grooves pretty nice. Not so geeky any more.
Puerto Rico Nunez guy got no coverage.
Scott McIntyre the blind guy.
Hope he goes forward. Wow, what a great voice.
Kendall Beard from Austin.
Hey, she's doing Carrie's song. Sounded good.
Short sounds from Fallon gal.
Short sounds from the mom.
Blond-dyed girl whose partner was a mean hair-stylist.
Wow big mouth and a Joplin sound.
Mishavonna has returned
Not sure about that voice. Altos don't do so well.
Tatanya the pushy girl from PR.
She has a nice voice but her personality is annoying. Hmm started to screach.
Alexis Grace also sang Carrie. Barely any coverage.
Kenny Hoffpauer. Barely any coverage.
Jasmine Murray is the 16yo who sings like a dreamy grownup.
Queenie Nathanial played the guitar. Not much of a play. Sounded ok.
Joanna Pacitti - I don't recall.
Oh dear. Not good.
Casey Carlson (I don't recall) forgot his words too.
Not sure who the pianist Stephen Fowler is. Ooh, seriously forgot his words.
Not sure if it's Norman or Nick. Nope. Norman Mitchell performing.
He's singing Georgia. I just don't get why they like his drag so much.
Ann-Marie Boscovich sang a song others did in a purple song.
Just ok to me.
Ju'not Joyner sang a pretty ballad.
Doesn't have a star look to me but it could work.
Louisville Caylon was sad that Simon cut her off.
Leneshe Young was the homeless girl.
She has alot of good tude. Not sure how she sounded from the short clip.
Kai Kalarama was offkey from a tired voice.
Michael "roughneck" Sarver
What a gift he has.
India Morrison seems to be off-key.
Monday, January 26, 2009
"Snow" in Altadena this morning
Lots of little hail on the lawn this morning. Sort of like a snow scene. The citrus trees look okay, but it's still dark, so I won't know if the little yummy fruits froze off.Worst part was I left the car out and the hail brought done pounds and pounds of pine needles onto the top of the hood. What a mess!
Got to work before 6am in downtown Pasadena and saw nothing. Looks like they escaped the extra chilly weather.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Belated American Idol 2009-01-21 in Louisville
(Sorry about the late posting)
Louisvile this evening. So lots of horseplay apparently. They're going to have a ball with all the horse race stuff.
We're starting with a platinum bombshell named Tiffany Shed. She's singing Mariah and oh no. She's a platinum bomb period. Why does she think she can sing?
#16071 is next. 23yo Joanne Pacitti has dark hair and was previously on an album. She's doing Pat Benatar. Oh I like the voice. She has more oomph than I realized. Helps that she does a Benatar song I like.
A frighteningly scary guy named Mark Mudd who evidently was related to Dr Mudd of Lincoln's assassination fame. Oh my they think his bad singing is part of a joke. So sad!
A very attractive Brent Smith has a great country sound singing "Can't Get Enough". Wow, listen to the judges fight but for what reason? They all let him go through.
Now comes the part I dislike (as if you haven't noticed). They string along a queue of really bad bad bad bad bad bad singers.
#13758 from Kalamazoo (Matt Giraud) is a dueling pianist? He's got an odd mountain voice but is right on pitch. Interesting, they'll let him through. Not sure how far he'll go.
No we get Ross Plavic who spends his time categorizing chinese characters. He studied Youtube opera greats for this audition. He's sing "Cara Mia" and I am unsure he knows how this contest works. Oh what a train wreck. He now sings "Love Me Tender". And sorry but he can at least focus on his studies.
A mother whose hubbie is in military school at the moment now sings. Alexis Grace has a very bright pink shirt, as does her baby. She sings Aretha (but without the hat), and she's got a huge on pitch sound. Nice, she'll go.
Ok, now some more bad singers.
Now we have a very excitable Aaron Williamson. He yells out Clearance. He belts it out. Sometimes singing involves a yell, but rarely does yelling involve singing. Sorry Aaron.
Someone named Rebecca Garcia was on the morning news so they bring it up. Oh does she not know she's bad? Oh they thought it was a joke performance! Oh how sad!
There are four people who go forward: Kris Allen, Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson, and Shera Lawrence. Dang, why don't we get to hear any of these?
Oh it's sob story time. A young person who grew up in and out of homelessness. Lenesha Young will oops sing an original number, but she's a sob story so we know she'll go through. Ooh I like the song and her voice. She's very entertaining.
So that's it! Til next week!
My Full Blog
Louisvile this evening. So lots of horseplay apparently. They're going to have a ball with all the horse race stuff.
We're starting with a platinum bombshell named Tiffany Shed. She's singing Mariah and oh no. She's a platinum bomb period. Why does she think she can sing?
#16071 is next. 23yo Joanne Pacitti has dark hair and was previously on an album. She's doing Pat Benatar. Oh I like the voice. She has more oomph than I realized. Helps that she does a Benatar song I like.
A frighteningly scary guy named Mark Mudd who evidently was related to Dr Mudd of Lincoln's assassination fame. Oh my they think his bad singing is part of a joke. So sad!
A very attractive Brent Smith has a great country sound singing "Can't Get Enough". Wow, listen to the judges fight but for what reason? They all let him go through.
Now comes the part I dislike (as if you haven't noticed). They string along a queue of really bad bad bad bad bad bad singers.
#13758 from Kalamazoo (Matt Giraud) is a dueling pianist? He's got an odd mountain voice but is right on pitch. Interesting, they'll let him through. Not sure how far he'll go.
No we get Ross Plavic who spends his time categorizing chinese characters. He studied Youtube opera greats for this audition. He's sing "Cara Mia" and I am unsure he knows how this contest works. Oh what a train wreck. He now sings "Love Me Tender". And sorry but he can at least focus on his studies.
A mother whose hubbie is in military school at the moment now sings. Alexis Grace has a very bright pink shirt, as does her baby. She sings Aretha (but without the hat), and she's got a huge on pitch sound. Nice, she'll go.
Ok, now some more bad singers.
Now we have a very excitable Aaron Williamson. He yells out Clearance. He belts it out. Sometimes singing involves a yell, but rarely does yelling involve singing. Sorry Aaron.
Someone named Rebecca Garcia was on the morning news so they bring it up. Oh does she not know she's bad? Oh they thought it was a joke performance! Oh how sad!
There are four people who go forward: Kris Allen, Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson, and Shera Lawrence. Dang, why don't we get to hear any of these?
Oh it's sob story time. A young person who grew up in and out of homelessness. Lenesha Young will oops sing an original number, but she's a sob story so we know she'll go through. Ooh I like the song and her voice. She's very entertaining.
So that's it! Til next week!
My Full Blog
Thursday, January 22, 2009
I love the hat
So many articles about the hat Aretha wore during Barack Obama's inauguration. One blogger wrote that it had crystals and mentioned that some folks thought it distracting from the President.
Uhh, are they crazy? I'm with the blogger. She looked fabulous and wanted to be dolled up for the President. Who wouldn't want to look their best for the new President? She wore what she instinctively knew was styling. And for Pete's sake, she's the Queen of Soul! Queens wear tiaras made of diamonds (not crystals) and don't need to justify why.
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Uhh, are they crazy? I'm with the blogger. She looked fabulous and wanted to be dolled up for the President. Who wouldn't want to look their best for the new President? She wore what she instinctively knew was styling. And for Pete's sake, she's the Queen of Soul! Queens wear tiaras made of diamonds (not crystals) and don't need to justify why.
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Coming down off the mountain
It's raining in Pasadena today. Not our typical Southern California deluge. Just a chance to wet down the sidewalks, germinate some seeds, mess up the dust on my car.
And, unlike what I've been doing almost every day for the past two weeks, I won't be taking advantage of the spectacular weather to go on a stroll up the local mountains. It's really easy for me to take short hike, because one trail head is across the street from my home and other trail heads are less than a mile away. So, I've gone up to Echo, down into Rubio, explored hills post-2007 fire, and other fun little adventures.
Oooh, and the views are amazing. One Sunday, I could actually see lines and shadows on Catalina Island from my street. Now mind you, Catalina Island is 40 miles away. And a couple days ago, from atop the Cobb estate on Lake Street, it dawned on me that I was looking at Santa Barbara Island (a little spit of land about the size of Eagle Rock) or perhaps San Nicholas island, way past Santa Monica. I often forget they're even out there, much less see them on these strolls.
Now that's a view.
So why the bummed out mood? Well, the rain dampens the spirits and the hiking some. But also, reality hit after Tuesday's inauguration. There really are a basketful of challenges to be faced. Business is tough, and I'm trying to figure out how to avoid lay-offs. We have two wars, with friends serving overseas in frightful places. And the nation and the states have Kafka-esque budget nightmares tainting everything.
I'd love to bask and revel, as we did the other day. Watching Obama take his place as the most powerful person on the planet did move me. He is the living embodiment of not just African Americans empowerment but of the extent of today's diversity. His family has chinese, canadian, hawaiian, indonesian, african, irish and other interesting mixtures. He's got a rabbi, Muslims, and Christians in his family. Obama's brother in law is a Pac-10 (Oregon State) basketball coach - how "in the times" is that? He went to Oxy, depends on the internet and cell phones, and plays basketball daily. Dang, he really can be a cousin in my family. It's a reason to rejoice.
But it's tough to make a living while hanging out on these mountain tops. It takes hard work to climb up there and you still have mouths to feed. So, despite the glorious views, the gentle breezes and the bountiful joy, there are times when we have to come down and get to work.
So rain on, Southern California. Instead of being bummed, I just need to remember that with the rain and the gloom comes an opportunity for growth, rebirth, nourishment. We can germinate a tiny seedling that may one day be an astonishing tree from which we can seek shelter and shade. And not just for me, but for all who come after me. Bless us all with the water from the skies.
And I will let the optimist in me reign on.
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And, unlike what I've been doing almost every day for the past two weeks, I won't be taking advantage of the spectacular weather to go on a stroll up the local mountains. It's really easy for me to take short hike, because one trail head is across the street from my home and other trail heads are less than a mile away. So, I've gone up to Echo, down into Rubio, explored hills post-2007 fire, and other fun little adventures.
Oooh, and the views are amazing. One Sunday, I could actually see lines and shadows on Catalina Island from my street. Now mind you, Catalina Island is 40 miles away. And a couple days ago, from atop the Cobb estate on Lake Street, it dawned on me that I was looking at Santa Barbara Island (a little spit of land about the size of Eagle Rock) or perhaps San Nicholas island, way past Santa Monica. I often forget they're even out there, much less see them on these strolls.
Now that's a view.
So why the bummed out mood? Well, the rain dampens the spirits and the hiking some. But also, reality hit after Tuesday's inauguration. There really are a basketful of challenges to be faced. Business is tough, and I'm trying to figure out how to avoid lay-offs. We have two wars, with friends serving overseas in frightful places. And the nation and the states have Kafka-esque budget nightmares tainting everything.
I'd love to bask and revel, as we did the other day. Watching Obama take his place as the most powerful person on the planet did move me. He is the living embodiment of not just African Americans empowerment but of the extent of today's diversity. His family has chinese, canadian, hawaiian, indonesian, african, irish and other interesting mixtures. He's got a rabbi, Muslims, and Christians in his family. Obama's brother in law is a Pac-10 (Oregon State) basketball coach - how "in the times" is that? He went to Oxy, depends on the internet and cell phones, and plays basketball daily. Dang, he really can be a cousin in my family. It's a reason to rejoice.
But it's tough to make a living while hanging out on these mountain tops. It takes hard work to climb up there and you still have mouths to feed. So, despite the glorious views, the gentle breezes and the bountiful joy, there are times when we have to come down and get to work.
So rain on, Southern California. Instead of being bummed, I just need to remember that with the rain and the gloom comes an opportunity for growth, rebirth, nourishment. We can germinate a tiny seedling that may one day be an astonishing tree from which we can seek shelter and shade. And not just for me, but for all who come after me. Bless us all with the water from the skies.
And I will let the optimist in me reign on.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
American Idol Season 8 in San Francisco (2008-01-20)
I cannot believe I'm going to be watching American Idol tonight. Not after we saw what today in Washington DC, where the "real American Idol" was inaugurated.
But we do what we must do.
OMG the auditions are at the Parc 55 in San Francisco tonight. I've spent maybe 80 nights there in the past 3 years. Ugh, I certainly know that place only too well. How on earth did they keep the clanging of the cable cars from overwhelming the auditions?
Tatiana del Coro is from Puerto Rico and had a heck of a dress. Alot of vibrato and jazzy but too "cabaret" and a creepy laugh.
Scary freek redhead named Nick. And Jiayu is a scary offtune asian gal.
Then Dean Bradford (oh no from Pasadena) looks like a nightmare and sings from Simply Red. He's intense and loud, that's for sure. He's surprised he's not going through?
Jesus Valenzuela is a Dad with a few kids. Interesting, he's singing a boy band number. I like it. Simon's in a grumpy mood and said "no" to the kids. Oh wow, Gabriel (small kid) hugs Simon. Ewww.
Dalton does Rubik's cube. Does that mean he can sing? "Oh Baby Baby" was whimpered out. Poor guy.
James Smith has a beret and points. Oh, someone point him out the door. It's so bad.
Akilah shows up with some biology stuff. She's going to be singing some gospel. Trachea? Why isn't she singing gospel then? The song wasn't very good at highlighting her voice. Oh dear, off key. Oh stop the fighting.
String of singers who made it through but we didn't really get to hear them.
Now, Annie Murdoch. Sings Summertime and then got stabbed in the side.
Adam Lambert used to do musical theater when he was younger. Sings Bohemian Rhapsody with a really nice sound. Simon thinks he's theatrical.
Kai Kalama is a musician who takes care of his mom. One note shaded poor but a nice sound to his voice. Rather old fashioned crooner. Good he goes through.
So, that's it. We're off to Louisville tomorrow night. And, we can return to watching the Inaugural Balls...
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But we do what we must do.
OMG the auditions are at the Parc 55 in San Francisco tonight. I've spent maybe 80 nights there in the past 3 years. Ugh, I certainly know that place only too well. How on earth did they keep the clanging of the cable cars from overwhelming the auditions?
Tatiana del Coro is from Puerto Rico and had a heck of a dress. Alot of vibrato and jazzy but too "cabaret" and a creepy laugh.
Scary freek redhead named Nick. And Jiayu is a scary offtune asian gal.
Then Dean Bradford (oh no from Pasadena) looks like a nightmare and sings from Simply Red. He's intense and loud, that's for sure. He's surprised he's not going through?
Jesus Valenzuela is a Dad with a few kids. Interesting, he's singing a boy band number. I like it. Simon's in a grumpy mood and said "no" to the kids. Oh wow, Gabriel (small kid) hugs Simon. Ewww.
Dalton does Rubik's cube. Does that mean he can sing? "Oh Baby Baby" was whimpered out. Poor guy.
James Smith has a beret and points. Oh, someone point him out the door. It's so bad.
Akilah shows up with some biology stuff. She's going to be singing some gospel. Trachea? Why isn't she singing gospel then? The song wasn't very good at highlighting her voice. Oh dear, off key. Oh stop the fighting.
String of singers who made it through but we didn't really get to hear them.
Now, Annie Murdoch. Sings Summertime and then got stabbed in the side.
Adam Lambert used to do musical theater when he was younger. Sings Bohemian Rhapsody with a really nice sound. Simon thinks he's theatrical.
Kai Kalama is a musician who takes care of his mom. One note shaded poor but a nice sound to his voice. Rather old fashioned crooner. Good he goes through.
So, that's it. We're off to Louisville tomorrow night. And, we can return to watching the Inaugural Balls...
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
American Idol @ Kansas City (Wed Jan 14 2009)
Alright - getting ready for tonight's show and it's on Cookie monster's home turf. You figure if Kansas City can churn out a pleasing pop-rocker like David Cook, maybe there will be other Midwest farmboys and farmgirls looking to make it big.
Oy Jason Castro's brother is here. Not a good sign.
Chelsea Marquardt seemed like a nice person, but umm, it was a disaster. Simon unfortunately is again correct: "Sounds like cats falling off the Empire State building, before it hit the floor." Hope she doesn't cry.
Ashley Anderson had a nice sound if slightly off pitch at one point. Oh she's going through.
Casey Carlson seemed to have a pretty voice and has a nice personality. She'll go through. Yup. See you in Hollywood Casey.
Brian Hettler is a big boy and was an opera student. Oy that was awful. What was he thinking, singing Aretha? Good heavens.
Now on to a trail of tears, all to Mozart's Requiem. Such drama!
A series of "original takes". A tall skinny dude sounded like a dying weasel unfortunately. Some guy named Billy Vinson was a large guy with a tiny voice. Chris Jones sang a song from Phantom and it was definitely music of the night. Deandre Hopkins sang an unholy song.
Vaughan Smith looked like the guy in High School Musical, what with his hat. He sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He has a strong voice, despite his crap start (maybe from a cold), and I am surprised. Doubt he'll make it, but I think he deserves a chance. He'd be cut right away I suspect if he goes through. He's in. Well, pack up Toto and come on over to Hollywood.
Oh no. Not another Castro. Hmm he's actually not bad. I like it. Good sound and mostly on pitch. Thank goodness he didn't bring a ukelele. Oh he's going through. I underestimated his older brother. Maybe this one will survive too.
He's wearing a yellow and orange suit. Vaughn English is another joke. Man I thought we were going to get real people this year!
Matt Breitzke is like the oil rig guy. All butch and not looking like a singer. Oh a nice bluesy voice. Wouldn't have expected this sound from him. Only a couple odd notes. I like him. Randy said no, but everyone else likes him. Cool.
Jasmine Joseph is unfortunately oblivious to her inadequate singing, as she sang it. Huh? No comments? Odd. It was perfect to diss this audition.
Now we get guitar-playing girl, Jessica with a deaf grannie. How fun! Singing Joplin. 19yo. She has a nice big voice with good control. She's going.
Asia and India are rapping sisters. Big girl Asia isn't that good. Ok she's bad. India is second. She's pitchy but has a nice sound. Not really going to go though. Oh my, they're sending India! Interesting.
Jamar Rogers sings “California Dreamin'” like Mama Cass on a loudspeaker. Screaming. Too bad cuz he has a nice voice and over the top. Interesting, he's going too.
Danny Gokey is a music teacher whose wife died. I hate sob stories. Oh. Great voice and a nice falsetto singing "Heard it through the grapevine". A real smokey voice that's for real. Nice, he's going.
Oh no, the stream of bad singers. Sad sad. Crazy wide-eyed blond. Crazy wide-eyed red-head. Crazy wide-stanced and wide-gapped singer.
An Indian guy Anoop Desai is a Masters student. Of course. He sings Boyz 2 Men. Oh nice soul voice. Surprised. Geeky guys like me CAN sing... :) haha, "Anoop dawg"
Montage of scary "Signed Sealed Delivered" and heavens this is not good.
Oh no. Two cheerleaders introduce the next guy. Andrew Lang. Oy. Sort of a cute twink but he's overacting. Not a great sound quality, but theatrical. It would be better if he could settle on a pitch. Cute but not for me. Oh he sings again. They said he's theatrical, too. Oh he won't go. Well that wasn't a surprise I guess. Oh so many people like him. Aww now I'm sad.
A middle school band director is next. Asa Barnes. He's doing Michael J? Not a wise choise to me, but hmm good voice. Despite the rough start, and as long as he doesn't go up to falsetto, it's not bad.
Michael Nicewonder needs a makeover. Hank Williams Jr is related to this guy? Oh no an original song. Not a good sign. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh wait. Oh no. Oh no.
Now some guy Dennis dreams about Simon. Does a Brown song. Um, he's a dancing wide-eyed nutcase. I think he has a voice that could work without his look but it's hard to see him doing well. What? He's through? Interesting.
A sleeping Mia Conley thinks she's singing. Oh no she sang that note. Oh no.
Tornado victim Lil Rounds sings Stevie W. Oh, nice control and tone. They like her alot it seems.
That's it. I guess the farmboys and farmgirls weren't really in attendance. Mostly got urban types. Oh well, so much for perceptions on what the Midwest is all about.
So next week we go to where, Louisville? Looking forward to the Hollywood rounds, to be honest, because these bad singers that so many people like to watch, are, well, ummm, bad. Let's get to the meatier singers and go from there.
Til next week...
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Oy Jason Castro's brother is here. Not a good sign.
Chelsea Marquardt seemed like a nice person, but umm, it was a disaster. Simon unfortunately is again correct: "Sounds like cats falling off the Empire State building, before it hit the floor." Hope she doesn't cry.
Ashley Anderson had a nice sound if slightly off pitch at one point. Oh she's going through.
Casey Carlson seemed to have a pretty voice and has a nice personality. She'll go through. Yup. See you in Hollywood Casey.
Brian Hettler is a big boy and was an opera student. Oy that was awful. What was he thinking, singing Aretha? Good heavens.
Now on to a trail of tears, all to Mozart's Requiem. Such drama!
A series of "original takes". A tall skinny dude sounded like a dying weasel unfortunately. Some guy named Billy Vinson was a large guy with a tiny voice. Chris Jones sang a song from Phantom and it was definitely music of the night. Deandre Hopkins sang an unholy song.
Vaughan Smith looked like the guy in High School Musical, what with his hat. He sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He has a strong voice, despite his crap start (maybe from a cold), and I am surprised. Doubt he'll make it, but I think he deserves a chance. He'd be cut right away I suspect if he goes through. He's in. Well, pack up Toto and come on over to Hollywood.
Oh no. Not another Castro. Hmm he's actually not bad. I like it. Good sound and mostly on pitch. Thank goodness he didn't bring a ukelele. Oh he's going through. I underestimated his older brother. Maybe this one will survive too.
He's wearing a yellow and orange suit. Vaughn English is another joke. Man I thought we were going to get real people this year!
Matt Breitzke is like the oil rig guy. All butch and not looking like a singer. Oh a nice bluesy voice. Wouldn't have expected this sound from him. Only a couple odd notes. I like him. Randy said no, but everyone else likes him. Cool.
Jasmine Joseph is unfortunately oblivious to her inadequate singing, as she sang it. Huh? No comments? Odd. It was perfect to diss this audition.
Now we get guitar-playing girl, Jessica with a deaf grannie. How fun! Singing Joplin. 19yo. She has a nice big voice with good control. She's going.
Asia and India are rapping sisters. Big girl Asia isn't that good. Ok she's bad. India is second. She's pitchy but has a nice sound. Not really going to go though. Oh my, they're sending India! Interesting.
Jamar Rogers sings “California Dreamin'” like Mama Cass on a loudspeaker. Screaming. Too bad cuz he has a nice voice and over the top. Interesting, he's going too.
Danny Gokey is a music teacher whose wife died. I hate sob stories. Oh. Great voice and a nice falsetto singing "Heard it through the grapevine". A real smokey voice that's for real. Nice, he's going.
Oh no, the stream of bad singers. Sad sad. Crazy wide-eyed blond. Crazy wide-eyed red-head. Crazy wide-stanced and wide-gapped singer.
An Indian guy Anoop Desai is a Masters student. Of course. He sings Boyz 2 Men. Oh nice soul voice. Surprised. Geeky guys like me CAN sing... :) haha, "Anoop dawg"
Montage of scary "Signed Sealed Delivered" and heavens this is not good.
Oh no. Two cheerleaders introduce the next guy. Andrew Lang. Oy. Sort of a cute twink but he's overacting. Not a great sound quality, but theatrical. It would be better if he could settle on a pitch. Cute but not for me. Oh he sings again. They said he's theatrical, too. Oh he won't go. Well that wasn't a surprise I guess. Oh so many people like him. Aww now I'm sad.
A middle school band director is next. Asa Barnes. He's doing Michael J? Not a wise choise to me, but hmm good voice. Despite the rough start, and as long as he doesn't go up to falsetto, it's not bad.
Michael Nicewonder needs a makeover. Hank Williams Jr is related to this guy? Oh no an original song. Not a good sign. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh wait. Oh no. Oh no.
Now some guy Dennis dreams about Simon. Does a Brown song. Um, he's a dancing wide-eyed nutcase. I think he has a voice that could work without his look but it's hard to see him doing well. What? He's through? Interesting.
A sleeping Mia Conley thinks she's singing. Oh no she sang that note. Oh no.
Tornado victim Lil Rounds sings Stevie W. Oh, nice control and tone. They like her alot it seems.
That's it. I guess the farmboys and farmgirls weren't really in attendance. Mostly got urban types. Oh well, so much for perceptions on what the Midwest is all about.
So next week we go to where, Louisville? Looking forward to the Hollywood rounds, to be honest, because these bad singers that so many people like to watch, are, well, ummm, bad. Let's get to the meatier singers and go from there.
Til next week...
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
American Idol @ Phoenix (Season 8 premier Tue Jan 13 2009)
It's that time of year again. When we see some truly awful singers get on stage with some lucky and talented "ordinary" person from somewhere out there. I don't particularly enjoy listening or watching the bad ones. I know that's what many people really enjoy about this part of the season.
But it's fun watching the cattle call, where thousands stream through auditions, and somehow upon the tryout, we the audience can somehow tell that this person, this singer has something special in their voice, in their personae. Last year, for example, I distinctly recall saying "Hey did you hear that kid from San Diego last night? He had an amazing adult voice in such a small body". It turned out to be David Archuleta. And at another point of last season, I said, "Well I'm not crazy about that mass murderer looking red-dyed hair but he has a really good rocker sound to his voice." That was David Cook. Within weeks we saw them gather many eager fans.
So we start in Phoenix. Gorgeous views of the Grand Canyon in the winter.
And the first singer is a fro'd out Vietnamese guy Tuan Nguyen. Nice sound, too stagy and went off-key.
Emily Wynne-Hughes sang Barracuda. Nice sound. On key. Odd hair. Not very loyal, but hope she goes through. Should make it into semi finals.
Randy Madden from Moorpark is a "rocker". Looks sort of like k.d.lang but is a guy. Nice sound (singing Bon Jovi) but doesn't match his image. Not a solo singer guy.
JB Ahfua has a nice voice but to me is sometimes pitchy. Wow, they let him through.
Now they bring on a guy that they are teasing. Michael Gurr is ... ummm... not really singing is he? Hmm.... Is he constipated? Is he Golom?
Will Kunick must be trying sound bad on purpose.
DJ Bradley does Celine like he's mad at someone.
Hmm missed the woman's name but she's crazy offkey.
Now we have a wildman Aundre Caraway singing and clapping and dancing. Not a good stretch in the show. Why is he surprised that they don't want him?
Arrianna Asfar started some organization and is a kid. Oh, she has a sweet voice. Not sure how she'd survive but she'll get some youth votes.
Now we get to day 2. Elijah Scarlett sings some weirdly low song. It's appallingly bad. Does he have a cold?
Another kid. Pinky. Lisa Marie. Hmm She's annoying. Hope she doesn't go through. She think she's Madonna. Hmm. Not a good sign for her then. Not a good sound to me but on key.
Stevie Wright is in a cow outfit. Hmm. Bad blouse from Phelan Cal. Singing "At Last" Ooo nice lounge sound. Love that sound. She's 16?
Jeremy Sarver works in oil. Real beefy butch guy from Jasper TX with 2 kids. Cleans up well and seems like a pleasant guy. I like the sound of his voice! Wow, does not match his job and background. Hope they like him. Yay.
Ouch. Bad singing stretch. Bad guy. Bad girl. Screaming blond guy #28207.
Bikini girl. They've been pushing her all episode as a way to keep us tuned in. Katrina Darrell from Chino Hills CA. She has a lotta cajones for dressing like that. Nice sound if bland and one bad note. Cannot believe the sexism here. Is it battle of sexes for real or fake? Ooh, she dissed a judge...
Sexual Chocolate? Eric Thomas is 18 and doesn't sound that good.
From Tempe, Brianna Quijada has reasonable voice control. In pitch for the most part, but the voice is not that bad. Ugh don't do that weird voice groaning stuff. Are they letter her through on her personality? Interesting.
Deanna Brown. Another smoky voice. Southern. Hope she goes through. Not sure how far she'll go. She's going through. Cool.
Oh my. Some emo 17yo is next. Cody Shell. Odd family to boot. Oh dear, he's into horror movies. He's singing "Wonderful World". Oh, he has a nice voice! No pitch problems and a clear boy band sound. Good control and everything.
Alex Wenger-Troutman is scary geeky. Cute in a scary way from Studio City. Well, that's a surprise. He has a nice sound. He looks very awkward but has a good sound and is in pitch. Randy's singing didn't throw him off. I see him going well.
Ugh more bad singers in a row. Yikes.
Lastly Scott McIntyre, the blind musician. Great voice! Lovely control, nice sound and a good falsetto. Yay he's through.
Phew... Long show, huh? 27 people got through. Not bad for Phoenix
On to the next show!
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But it's fun watching the cattle call, where thousands stream through auditions, and somehow upon the tryout, we the audience can somehow tell that this person, this singer has something special in their voice, in their personae. Last year, for example, I distinctly recall saying "Hey did you hear that kid from San Diego last night? He had an amazing adult voice in such a small body". It turned out to be David Archuleta. And at another point of last season, I said, "Well I'm not crazy about that mass murderer looking red-dyed hair but he has a really good rocker sound to his voice." That was David Cook. Within weeks we saw them gather many eager fans.
So we start in Phoenix. Gorgeous views of the Grand Canyon in the winter.
And the first singer is a fro'd out Vietnamese guy Tuan Nguyen. Nice sound, too stagy and went off-key.
Emily Wynne-Hughes sang Barracuda. Nice sound. On key. Odd hair. Not very loyal, but hope she goes through. Should make it into semi finals.
Randy Madden from Moorpark is a "rocker". Looks sort of like k.d.lang but is a guy. Nice sound (singing Bon Jovi) but doesn't match his image. Not a solo singer guy.
JB Ahfua has a nice voice but to me is sometimes pitchy. Wow, they let him through.
Now they bring on a guy that they are teasing. Michael Gurr is ... ummm... not really singing is he? Hmm.... Is he constipated? Is he Golom?
Will Kunick must be trying sound bad on purpose.
DJ Bradley does Celine like he's mad at someone.
Hmm missed the woman's name but she's crazy offkey.
Now we have a wildman Aundre Caraway singing and clapping and dancing. Not a good stretch in the show. Why is he surprised that they don't want him?
Arrianna Asfar started some organization and is a kid. Oh, she has a sweet voice. Not sure how she'd survive but she'll get some youth votes.
Now we get to day 2. Elijah Scarlett sings some weirdly low song. It's appallingly bad. Does he have a cold?
Another kid. Pinky. Lisa Marie. Hmm She's annoying. Hope she doesn't go through. She think she's Madonna. Hmm. Not a good sign for her then. Not a good sound to me but on key.
Stevie Wright is in a cow outfit. Hmm. Bad blouse from Phelan Cal. Singing "At Last" Ooo nice lounge sound. Love that sound. She's 16?
Jeremy Sarver works in oil. Real beefy butch guy from Jasper TX with 2 kids. Cleans up well and seems like a pleasant guy. I like the sound of his voice! Wow, does not match his job and background. Hope they like him. Yay.
Ouch. Bad singing stretch. Bad guy. Bad girl. Screaming blond guy #28207.
Bikini girl. They've been pushing her all episode as a way to keep us tuned in. Katrina Darrell from Chino Hills CA. She has a lotta cajones for dressing like that. Nice sound if bland and one bad note. Cannot believe the sexism here. Is it battle of sexes for real or fake? Ooh, she dissed a judge...
Sexual Chocolate? Eric Thomas is 18 and doesn't sound that good.
From Tempe, Brianna Quijada has reasonable voice control. In pitch for the most part, but the voice is not that bad. Ugh don't do that weird voice groaning stuff. Are they letter her through on her personality? Interesting.
Deanna Brown. Another smoky voice. Southern. Hope she goes through. Not sure how far she'll go. She's going through. Cool.
Oh my. Some emo 17yo is next. Cody Shell. Odd family to boot. Oh dear, he's into horror movies. He's singing "Wonderful World". Oh, he has a nice voice! No pitch problems and a clear boy band sound. Good control and everything.
Alex Wenger-Troutman is scary geeky. Cute in a scary way from Studio City. Well, that's a surprise. He has a nice sound. He looks very awkward but has a good sound and is in pitch. Randy's singing didn't throw him off. I see him going well.
Ugh more bad singers in a row. Yikes.
Lastly Scott McIntyre, the blind musician. Great voice! Lovely control, nice sound and a good falsetto. Yay he's through.
Phew... Long show, huh? 27 people got through. Not bad for Phoenix
On to the next show!
My Full Blog
Monday, January 12, 2009
American Idol starts this week!
Woohoo!
Decided on keeping my blogs online so that people don't get flogged with a flurry of emails. Feel free to post your comments
My Full Blog
Decided on keeping my blogs online so that people don't get flogged with a flurry of emails. Feel free to post your comments
My Full Blog
Friday, August 1, 2008
Jersey Boys - Vegas-style
Now that's the way to start a show. I have to say, I never really knew the Four Seasons and all I really knew about Frankie Valli was that he was the Teen Angel on Grease.
But starting with the French Rap version of Oh What A Night really resonated. I recognized the tune, found the new interpretation wonderfully refreshing, and made the point that the music was timeless and still works today.
And the music really did work well throughout the play. Unfortunately for me, though, I found the book to be somewhat weak. After all, the story was basically read to us, as the lyrics of these old songs did little to move the story forward. It felt like a profane bedtime story, one with mafia-style lessons.
Starring
Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio
Rick Faugno as Frankie Valli
Jeff Leibow as Nick Massi
Jeremy Kushnier as Tommy DeVito
My Full Blog
But starting with the French Rap version of Oh What A Night really resonated. I recognized the tune, found the new interpretation wonderfully refreshing, and made the point that the music was timeless and still works today.
And the music really did work well throughout the play. Unfortunately for me, though, I found the book to be somewhat weak. After all, the story was basically read to us, as the lyrics of these old songs did little to move the story forward. It felt like a profane bedtime story, one with mafia-style lessons.
Starring
Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio
Rick Faugno as Frankie Valli
Jeff Leibow as Nick Massi
Jeremy Kushnier as Tommy DeVito
My Full Blog
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