Season 8: Idol at the Movies Week...525,600 minutes (or, how do you measure an episode of American Idol with boring songs)

Where do I sign up to be a mentor on American Idol because, the way I figure, Quentin Tarantino and I have about the same qualifications...and he's already been asked twice! Tonight's episode seemed incredibly long and drawn out to me, and I didn't even watch the commercials. Hopefully next week will present a better theme.

Bonus Question: Why does Paula always look like a former figure skater who just can't let that dream go?

Allison Iraheta - Don't Want To Miss a Thing. I had an epiphany tonight: Allison's initials are the same as the initials of American Idol! I wonder if that means something. I love Allison. Her spunk and her soul seem to light up the screen when she's on stage. But tonight's performance of this Aerosmith song started out shaky and ended up even worse. I will say, she got better during the chorus, but there were some definite pitch problems. Allison could have (and should have) chosen a better song. All in all, I would say this was a Gokey-caliber performance, so I'll give her the same score I usually give him....7.

By the way, I have discovered that Simon Cowell reads my blog....and I have it recorded on VHS as evidence. When Allison finished singing, Paula commended her by telling her that she possessed the same "special sauce" as Adam (that is a strange compliment, but I will have to let that one go this time because there's a more important matter at hand). Simon then commented that he believed the "sauce" Paula was referring to must have been Barbecque sauce because Allison's voice was smoky and spicy. Now, please read this quote from my blog just last week:

Her voice sounded like a good barbecque sauce...really sweet and smoky with this song.

Now, I know many people will say that this is merely a coincidence, but come on! How often does someone compare a voice to Barbecque sauce? Simon, I'll be expecting my royalty check in the mail...and thanks for reading!

Anoop Desai- Everything I Do. Man, I love this song. I can remember David Cook singing it during his Hollywood audition last season. I rushed right over to iTunes and bought Bryan Adams' version of the song because I remembered what a beautiful song it was. Nobody can write a love song like Bryan Adams. Here's a word of advice for Anoop: don't take singing advice from Quentin Tarantino. His recommendation for Anoop to punch in those words "DIE", "LIE", "DIE"...that might work for Kill Bill, but it's not what the song is about...whatever Quentin. I'm probably just jealous that you've been on AI twice, and I haven't even sat in the audience. Anoop's delivery of the song was nice. He took a couple of liberties (especially in that letterman jacket/sport coat thing he was wearing). But the overall effect of the song was still boring. Sorry, Anoop...this wasn't it, either. Rating: 7

Adam Lambert - Born to be Wild. Here's a word of advice for Adam: Rockstars don't skip! Adam seriously skipped out to the front of the stage at the beginning of his performance. Unfortunately, Adam's singing was just what I would expect from him. Good in parts and shrill in others. And he's still doing that asthmatic breathing thing...it annoys me so much! Adam should have been in a 1980's hair band...that's his schtick. So when people say that Adam is bringing something new and different to the table, I'm going to point them in the direction of Poison and Motley Crue...Here's my prediction, in 20 years, Adam will have his own reality show on VH1 called "Shriek of Love". Adam's performance was decent, I suppose, although that ending run was way over the top. Rating: 7

Matt Giraud - Have You Really Ever Loved a Woman. Another beautiful Bryan Adams song, and this one makes us think of a Spanish accented Johnny Depp, what could be better? I liked the beginning of Matt's performance when it was just him and the piano. It was beautiful and tender and different from the original. And then when Matt switched things up by adding in the band and made it a more rocked-out version, his voice faltered a little, but the arrangement was still good. And I don't think the judges gave him enough credit for what he did. I made an observation about Matt this week...he is sort of this season's Carly Smithson. If you'll remember from last season, Carly was the one who the judges (especially Simon) loved from the beginning. But she took the competition so seriously, and her mind was constantly focused on pleasing the judges (especially Simon), that she never really looked like she was having fun. The same is true for Matt. He always talks about the judges' responses to his performances. It's like he's constantly trying to figure out how to give the judges what they want. He rarely smiles, and often looks like he's in pain while he's singing. He will only be successful with this competition when he realizes that the judges' opinions are as irrelevant as they could possibly be. When he starts having fun and loosens up is when the judges will take notice and start complimenting him. It's a shame that it has to happen like that. Rating: 7

This is the point in the program where Cheesefest 2009 began.

Danny Gokey - Endless Love. (The following sentence should be read in the voice of Chandler Bing.) Could Danny BE more cheesy? I'll be honest, Danny got a big eye roll out of me when he announced his song for this week. He sounded pretty bad at the beginning of the song, but he seemed to pull it together around the "it's the second verse so it's time to stand up dramatically and wave my arms as I sing" part. I'm pretty sure Danny would be rendered unable to sing if someone were to tie his hands behind his back. He's worse than Mariah Carey. Danny did sing a more subtle song, but he still did his tired old provolone moves. And he hit some pretty bad notes in there, too. Rating: 6
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In Danny's defense, though, there were a couple of things wrong with the judging tonight:

1. For the past couple of weeks, the judges have tried to bait Danny into talking about his sad story...I wish they would give it a rest. And I am very glad Danny has stopped discussing his personal tragedy. His motives were questionable at the beginning of the show, but I think now he's significantly toned it down, and I commend him for that.


2. Simon gave one of the dumbest critiques I've ever heard tonight. He told Danny that since David Cook took Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" and changed it up completely last season, that Danny should never have sung Lionel Ritchie's "Endless Love" so close to the original version. That is absurd! Does this mean that nobody on American Idol should ever sing a Bon Jovi song unless they beatbox to it like Blake Lewis did in Season 6? Or that nobody can ever sing a Dolly Parton song unless they "dirty it up" like Michael Johns did last year? Simon, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, and since I now know that you read my blog, I would like for you, on Wednesday's episode, to apologize to Danny for such a nonsense critique!


Kris Allen- Falling Slowly. I had never heard this song, that I can remember. The lyrics were a little sharp cheddar for my taste, but Kris seemed like he really meant what he was singing. He always connects emotionally to the songs he's singing. It's a special talent, and I think a lot of people don't realize how important that is. I think Kris had a couple of problems with some of his lower notes tonight, and man, that background singer sounded awful with this voice. She was so shrill, it made my ears bleed. In spite of those snags, though, I really thought Kris gave a very pretty, very pleasant performance. Probably the best of the night, in my opinion. Rating: 8


Lil Rounds - The Rose. There is only one song in history that is cheesier than "Endless Love"...it's "The Rose". Now, don't get me wrong...I love a good Bette Midler tear jerker, but not with my American Idol, thank you. I can't quite figure out Lil. I can't understand her game play strategy in the competition, but I've narrowed it down to two possible options: Either she thinks she's a really, really talented singer but the rest of America knows she's not, or she knows she's wavering, but wants to try to fool America into thinking she's good by overcompensating. Either way, Lil is fighting a losing battle. Her vocals were not good tonight...at all. Lil's bad notes far outnumbered her good ones, and she still fails to convey any feeling with the songs she sings. She could be singing about killing puppies with the same inflections and nobody would know the difference. And as if all that wasn't bad enough, she massacred that ending note of hers. Rating: 5


And now for a couple of bonus questions:

1. What was different about the American Idol stage on Tuesday's episode?

2. Ryan did NOT call Randy which of the following:
a. Congenial b. Vibrant c. Dawg d. Yellow-striped.

3. Ryan called Kara which of the following:
a. Talented b. Provocative c. Beautiful d. Commercial

4. Ryan called Paula which of the following:
a. Hot b. Entertaining c. Radiant d. Unpredictable

5. Ryan did NOT call Simon which of the following:
a. Obnoxious b. Legendary c. His Majesty d. Sir

6. How many times were the words "for me" or "for you" spoken during the critiques of the contestants?
Reminder: Randy critiqued less than half of the contestants tonight.
Reminder: Kara is the judges' table resident parrot this season, and her "for me's" and "for you's" count toward the total, too.
Reminder: Each "For me" and "For you" is counted separately, so if someone said, "For me, for you," that would count as two separate instances.
Reminder: Only 1 person will get the points for this activity. The person who guesses closest to the correct answer gets 15 points...nobody else gets any!!


And remember, there is a bonus question hidden in the body of the blog, too..don't forget to answer that one!

Currently Listening To: Seasons of Love from Rent




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Season 8: Songs From the Year You Were Born..I Love Rock & Roll

YEAH!, The show is only an hour long tonight…that means I can catch the second half of The Biggest Loser...and eat a bowl of ice cream.

I am so glad they didn’t do the annoying judges announcement thing.

Danny Gokey – Stand by Me. Cute opening package with the family. Danny had some blatant bad notes in the beginning....I mean the kind of bad notes that reach out of the TV screen and slap you in the face. Did he always have that weird goatee? At the beginning, I thought the Gokinator might have finally brought a low-key mellow performance…but no, of course he had to go into the big, belting out, chest bumping thing...why would he ever give us something else? I liked this performance about as much as I like any of his other performances…same old, same old. Man, he makes a lot of stink faces when he’s singing. Rating: 7

Kris – All She Wants to do is Dance. I liked the swagger Kris used on this song. That’s something we haven’t seen from him before. This was a cool arrangement of the song. The mosh pit looked seriously disengaged, but I thought it was a solid performance from Kris. He rarely misses notes, and he always does something original with these songs. Rating: 8

These judges are whack!

Lil – What’s Love Got to do With It. Well, her makeup looks great….She sounds terrible in the first verse, though. Lil just doesn’t have it. She’s like a less-talented version of Syesha from last year. She doesn’t have the big voice to sing the songs she keeps trying. Sounded a “Lil” better towards the end of the song, but then the ending note was crap. Lil has lost me. But hey, at least she looked good. Rating: 5

Randy is serious about the Simon butt-kissing tonight…every sentence starts with, “Yo, dawg, Simon is right”

Anoop – True Colors. What a cute kid. Anoop knows he can win America back with a heartfelt ballad, but I don’t know…he has to figure out something else that works for him than sappy ballads. He sang this song beautifully. The arrangement was straightforward…the background singers actually sounded good. He did the traditional “get up from the stool and seem more emotional for the second verse”. A little nasally in the middle. I really like Anoop…but I think he’d be a better buddy than recording artist. That’s too bad. He’s just missing something. He’s either singing a boring ballad, or seeming like an imitation of some r&b singer. Rating: 7, but I don’t know how much longer he’ll last.

Scott – The Search is Over. Is this a show tune? Since when did Scott play the guitar? Check him out! Props to Scott for being a two-instrument contestant, along with Kris. His singing was still atrocious. But I’m proud of him for leaving the piano. Scott just can’t hit the notes he needs to hit. Man, I don’t understand how he made it this far in the competition. Rating: 5

Kara wouldn’t have picked a power ballad for Scott? She thinks he’s more of a singer-songwriter? Every week, they tell the contestants to step outside of their comfort zones….they bash it into their heads, and then Kara (and Simon, by the way) told Scott to stick with what he knows…

Allison – I Can’t Make You Love Me. Hooray for Allison singing a ballad! Her voice sounded like a good barbecque sauce...really sweet and smoky with this song. This was a perfect song choice, but I know all the words to this song, and they were still difficult to understand. That is my pet peeve with Allison. Very nice run at the end of the song. Allison is one of the most talented contestants of the season, and one of the most underrated contestants in American Idol history! Rating: 8

FINALLY! Randy gave her some credit by comparing her to Kelly Clarkson (don’t know why he couldn’t bring himself to utter Kelly’s name…but I’ll take what I can get).

Matt – Part-Time Lover. Cute little clip of the play..that was adorable. There’s come confidence! I think Matt looks and sounds great tonight. It seems like he always has an incredible performance after he bombs the week before. A little bit of breathing trouble, but I think this is where Matt really shines…and, he sounded better than Stevie Wonder himself did a couple weeks ago. For the first time this season, Matt displayed some charisma and sex appeal. Rating: 9

Too bad all the judging was so rushed. He didn't get the praise he deserved...then again, he's not one of the pre-ordained winners, so I guess it's okay.

I actually forgot about Adam! I thought Matt was the last performance of the night…that sucks!

Adam –“Mad World”…I was really hoping someone would sing Tears for Fears tonight, I was just hoping it would be one of the 1985 people, because that was when all of their well-known songs came out. The opening shot of him on the stool was weird…it looked like he was sitting on a toilet or something, and like his legs were a mile long and he had a mini-torso. The vocal was really exceptionally good. He has a dramatic breathing issue; he takes huge, loud breaths in between all of his phrases...that bothers me a little (Archuleta was Public Enemy No.1 last year for his loud breathing). He sounds like an asthmatic. Props for the “stand up for the second verse” thing…That ending note was really high…wow. This was my favorite of Adam’s performances so far; I liked the subtlety and the reservedness of it all . Rating: 9

I guess Adam did my birth year justice after all...way to go!

Ugh…Kellie Pickler is on tomorrow night's show...it's moments like these that make me wish I had a DVR.

Bonus Question: See how well you listened to the show tonight....I have listed below a number of quotes that occurred throughout the course of tonight's episode. Your job is to look at each quote, and tell me who said it, and to whom they were speaking. Two points for each correct answer.

So if the quote is, "You are ridiculous. I want to squish you, squeeze your head
off and hang you from my rearview mirror."...and you guessed that Paula
said this to David Archuleta, you would get 4 points...2 for Paula, and
2 for Archuleta. Oh yeah, and there are a few fake quotes I added in to the mix.
If you can identify the phonies, they're worth 4 points each.

“Two words, Standing O”
“Indulgent”
"That's something you don't see every day."
“We can be horrible to you, and you can be horrible back”
"You've gotta lighten up a little bit"
"Chord substitutions"
“That’s a gift that you can’t put a price tag on.”
"Simon's right"
“You’ve gotta take a song no one else has done before, and make it an original version”
"This one's on fire tonight!"
“Melodically same-notes song”
"That was just okay for me, for you."
"All right, hottie"
“A million times better than last week”
"You blew it out the box."
"If you’re not able to take the reins, and Rickey Minor and the b-band…”
"You are a crazy talented singer."
"Your precision is amazing."
"The beginning was good, the middle was lazy, and the ending was terrific…and that adds up to great."
"You have a wonderful sense of humor, you really do, it’s infectious.”
“Where it sat in your voice was truly magical”
"“There were so many songs you could have chosen. This was you, trying to be somebody else.”

So, be sure to get your answers to me before the show starts tomorrow, along with your picks for the bottom 3, who will be going home, and if the judges will employ their All-Powerful save.

Currently Listening To: I Love Rock & Roll by Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers

Season 8: A Mid-Season Pause to Gather Our Thoughts...

Well, now that a lot of people have posted a comment, I'll share my opinion (because the people in my life don't get nearly enough of my opinion...ha).

This season of American Idol is completely lacking. That is actually not an opinion, but a fact. Ratings are down. The judges are more annoying and serve less of a purpose than ever. It's like all the changes that have been made from last season to this season have failed...miserably.

Before the season ever started, Ken Warwick said in a press conference that this season of Idol would be the best because it would feature more of the contestants' personalities and back stories. Well, with the exception of one or two, I don't know anything about the contestants' lives before Idol. And now more than ever, it seems like when the contestants are interviewed by Ryan Seacrest, they are giving rehearsed, scripted answers. There are less smiles and laughs among the Idols this season, and that alarms me....The show should be all in good fun...it's not a singer's boot camp. From the horrible choices made in the Wild Card round, to the ludicrous "judes' save" rule, to the lip-synched group numbers, it's like everything on American Idol is turning from an exciting reality competition, to a staged, fixed contest in which America gets to make the decision....as long as it's the decision the producers want....And I can't figure out why they're trying so hard to make sure they get the people they want...David Cook is doing fine for himself. It's not like last season was some complete failure. I just don't get it. I'm really afraid that Season 7 was the pinnacle of American Idol's success and it's all downhill from there....let's hope not.


I have always believed that Ryan Seacrest is the fuel behind American Idol. But even Ryan's presentation seems lackluster this season. It's like nobody's heart is in it.


And the judges?! I never in my wildest dreams thought I would see the day when Paula Abdul was the coherent one with the most to say on the judges' panel. It's tragic, really. I don't know if they're aware of it or not, but the judges are making the show less and less credible and more and more like a circus. From Randy's constant "for me, for you's" to his "listen baby, it was just aight". Simon is less invested in the show than he ever has been before. It's like he's more hungry for camera time than he is interested in offering up constructive criticism to anyone....All he does is badger Paula the whole time the cameras are off him...and the whole time they're on him, he's trying to say the most shocking thing he can think of...he has Adam Lambert syndrome (more on that later). And don't even get me started on Kara DioGuardi. She is constantly making blunders...and the kid in the audience this week was right...she is a broken record. All we ever hear from her is "commercial", "artistry", "I really like you, but..."...and then she'll break out into song lest anyone forget that she is actually a singer in addition to her judging abilities. Paula has had her moments of drunken rambling this season, but on the whole, she has been the one to offer the words of wisdom and sage advice to the contestants this year. I had to go back and re-read that sentence because I never thought I would see the day when I praised Paula Abdul.


I started out this season really loathing Danny Gokey. But, to his credit, he has now worked his way up to my second least favorite person. I have to admit, I've been pleased that he hasn't mentioned that he's a widower since the Top 13 started (that I can remember). But there's still something about him I don't like. He just seems pretentious to me. I think his vocals are overrated. He's a good singer, but his performances are always laced with pitch problems. He gets over-zealous while he's singing...I don't think he has a toned down side. I'd like to see a performance where he sings softly and with emotion...but what we get every week is a song with a plain verse that turns into a big, belting chorus where he can pound on his chest and raise his hands in the air.

And if I see that stupid crotch dance of his one more time, I'm going to have to throw a remote control! But my annoyance at Danny and his "funny" dance moves pales in comparison to what I feel for Adam "Drama Queen" Lambert...

Adam is so fake it makes my skin crawl. I was initially impressed by his Bohemian Rhapsody audition, and really, all the way up through his Michael Jackson Week performance of Black and White. After that, though, he lost me. People are describing Adam as some kind of great musical innovator. I am sorry, but Adam is no genius. He operates only on shock and awe...mixed with high dosages of shrieking. His rendition of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire was insulting and vulgar, not to mention a rip off from Jeff Buckley. And since then all of his performances have been the same way. It's like he's less concerned with actually singing well, and more concerned with what kind of surprising song choice he can make. But as far as real musicianship goes? It's just not there. Has anyone ever seen an instrument in Adam's hands? Has anyone ever heard him challenge himself by singing from the lower register of his voice? He is no Steven Tyler...and he is definitely no Freddie Mercury. He skates by every week because he has emo hair with blue streaks in it, paints his nails black and wears eyeliner, and tries to "stun" America by picking a song that they would never expect him to sing. He's a decent singer, don't get me wrong...but he certainly has gotten more credit than he is due. I wonder if everyone would be so impressed by Adam's song choices if he looked more like...say, Ricky Braddy from the earlier rounds.

Probably not...Adam has it figured out: if he looks like a rock star, then sings something a rock star wouldn't sing, America will be impressed and inspired to vote for him. His rendition of "Tracks of my Tears" really wasn't anything different than the original, except for the acoustic guitar...which Adam didn't even play. And he needs to get rid of his "Twilight" hair...STAT!




My favorite(s) have recently changed. I really like Matt Giraud. Yes, he's had a couple of bad performances, but I feel like he's generally a talented musician. He brings something American Idol hasn't seen much of before, and it's refreshing. I just hope he can truly figure out what works for him as an artist, because it seems like when he tries to sing anything contemporary, he has trouble. His rendition of The Fray's "You Found Me" was not pretty. But I'm confident he can pull through. And I really don't get the whole Justin Timberlake comparison...musically, they're nothing alike, and Matt doesn't have the confidence (or cockiness) to pull of a Timberlake swagger.


I really like Allison, and I felt for her when she did great with that No Doubt song this week and all the judges could critique was her outfit, which incidentally, wasn't that bad. Allison needs to work on her enunciation, though, because I can never understand her lyrics when she sings. And I've seen little tinges of attitude here and there from her...she was pretty disrespectful and defiant during Megan's elimination episode. Don't know if I like that...


I, like a lot of you have mentioned, am really starting to recognize the wonder that is Kris Allen. He has sort of been a quiet force since the beginning of the show, and I think he really deserves to win...I don't know about the heartthrob thing, because I think he has more of an Archuleta "squeeze your head off and hang it from my rearview mirror" quality about him than a Michael Johns sex appeal, but I really like the unassuming grace he has carried throughout the competition. I wish I would have noticed him sooner....I'm even learning to tolerate the side-mouth singing.


I'm really glad you all are participating in this contest...I always enjoy doing things like this. It makes the show more fun, and you all reading the blog every week gives me a chance to work on my writing. So I appreciate your participation...and I think I'm going to have to have a big American Idol finale party this year. I think the finale is scheduled for some time around the 20th of May, according to my calculations (I just pushed the glasses up on the bridge of my nose when I typed that). So plan a break in your schedule to come and join us...and I think everyone who participates in the Idol Pool will get a prize! But the Grand Prize will be worth it.

And yes, Aunt Sharon, you might find some extra points coming your way....I never said I was above bribery.

Season 8: Next Week's Theme Plus an End of the Week Chance for Some More Points!

Hey everyone,
How about that eliminaton tonight? Megan was in rare form. I think she started out wanting to be tough and laugh at herself along with America, but then she realized that she actually was a little sad to be going, and then she had an emotional meltdown on the stage. I felt for her.

According to Paula*, next week's theme is going to be "Songs from the Year You Were Born"....I always enjoy that week. It offers up a fresh variety of 80s tunes, and allows the contestants an opportunity to pick good old songs within their own personal tastes (or, in Adam's case, lack of taste). You may select 10 songs for each contestant. If you want an easy way to find songs for each contesant, Wikipedia is a great resource. Just type "1985 in music" in the search bar on the home page. Scroll down and you'll see a long list of #1 hits from that year, along with other notable happenings in music, Top 40 singles (in the US and the UK), and a list of albums and bands that were big that year. Be sure to get your song selections in to me on or before Monday. Here is a list of everyone's birthdays:

Adam Lambert - January 29, 1982
Allison Iraheta - April 27, 1992
Anoop Desai - December 20, 1986
Danny Gokey - April 24, 1980
Kris Allen - June 21, 1985
Lil Rounds - November 14, 1984
Matt Giraud - May 11, 1985
Scott MacIntyre - June 22, 1985

*I cannot guarantee Paula's claims as to the theme for next week. She was slightly right for this week's theme (she said the theme would be #1 downloads, when it was actually "Top downloads"...and not even really "top" downloads...more or less anything that can be found and purchased on iTunes). Paula could be slightly right again...maybe the real theme is "Songs from the year after you were born".....who knows?

You know in high school you were graded for participation points....I thought it might be interesting to get a little conversation happening. Please post your answers to these bonus questions below by clicking the button that says "comments" at the bottom of this blog entry. If you need help, contact me, and I will walk you through it.

Here's an opportunity for some extra points:
I was having a conversation with a fellow contestant of yours today and we were both wondering how everyone thinks this season of Idol compares with past seasons? Is this the best season yet? Do you think it's about the same? Or is this season lacking something? Give me your answer and why you feel this way for an extra 10 bonus points!

Also, 5 bonus points if you tell me who you think DESERVES to win the whole thing...not who you think WILL win, not who is the "package artist" or the "most commercial", but who you think is actually the most talented musician on the show right now. I think I've just changed my pick again. And I'm curious what everyone else is thinking. Tell me who deserves it and why they deserve it.

Also, 3 bonus points for telling me who you can't stand this season, if anyone...Who rattles your cage? Who is overrated? Who doesn't deserve to be in the competition? Again, who you can't stand, and why you can't stand them.

Maybe she didn't have the best dance moves, but we won't soon forget her!

Season 8: "Top Downloads" week...Ain't No Sunshine

Okay, so every season American Idol fans complain that the show’s themes inhibit the contestants from really demonstrating that they can be “current”…that is always a buzz word. And then, when they do a show with a “current” theme, the contestants get slammed with accusations of being “soundalike”, “copy cat” or “karaoke”. I contend that the theme weeks are better for American Idol because they allow the contestants (if they’re good enough) to pick an old song and make it new. Artists don’t want to be compared to other artists. I’m sure they cringe every time someone says they’re like Justin Timberlake or Mary J. Blige. The world doesn’t need another Justin Timberlake…one is plenty (trust me). So, American Idol, let’s bring on some more theme weeks. How about another disco week? Or a Monster Ballad week? Or Big Band? We’ll have plenty of time to hear the Idols sing something “current” when they get their record deals.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I am having a hard time with American Idol lately. I feel like this season is just a dud, and, really inconsequential….kind of like the season that Taylor Hicks won. Who remembers that? Here’s to hoping we don’t get another Taylor Hicks this season…and here’s to hoping that a new front runner will emerge. But for now, I can’t say that there’s anyone I’m really 100% rooting for. There’s nobody that I tune in every week to see. I’m watching more out of obligation than a real desire to watch the show. Does anyone else feel this way? Maybe it’s just me because I’m coming off of the adrenaline rush that was last season for me. But I just feel like this season is full of mediocre contestants with little to no personality.

Anoop “Caught Up” – It’s strange for me, and I’m not sure why it works, but this is definitely Anoop’s wheelhouse. He seems comfortable with this sort of pop/r&b/hip hop style. This song doesn’t really display incredibly difficult vocals, but Anoop sounded phenomenal compared to those atrocious background singers. Why haven’t they gotten new back-up singers yet? They were awful last year, too. Anoop sounded a little whiny in parts, but then again, so does Usher when he sings the song. Randy…Usher is more of a dancer’s singer? Is that a slam to Usher? Or, what exactly is a dancer’s singer? Or is it dancer/singer? I feel for Anoop because the judges were all over the place with him tonight…and not a single one of them made sense. It’s just a guy trying to be current…when all that’s on the charts is whiny r&b singers, what do you expect someone to do, unless they’re going to go the faux rock Hinder/Nickelback route? Rating: 7

Megan “Turn Your Life Down Low” – First of all, why was Megan wearing Farmer John overalls when she went to Ryan Seacrest’s radio show? I like that Megan knows who she is as an artist, but I don’t think her talent is developed enough. Maybe she needs to go back to singing in jazz clubs for a couple more years or something, but she just isn’t hitting the notes she’s reaching for. That run she did in the middle was pretty, though. This week was better than last week for sure, but Megan just isn’t up to par with some of the rest of the competition. Megan got a little snarky at the end there…part of me wonders if she’s over the whole Idol thing…maybe she realizes she’s this season’s Kristy Lee Cook, and she’s embracing that…Rating: 6

I sort of secretly enjoyed Kara being heckled by fans, though….does that make me a bad person?
Danny Gokey “What Hurts the Most” – Man, I hate Rascal Flatts worse than I hate Hokey Gokey. Their face was plastered across a city bus in Nashville that drove the downtown route, and it passed by me at least once a day when I worked down there. It was like they were glaring at me and mocking me. And if Danny is complaining about not being able to reach those nasally high notes that the lead singer of Rascal Flatts sings, then he has more problems than I ever thought. It seemed like the vocals were very rushed to me, but I have to admit, I’d rather listen to Danny’s version of this song than the original (that may not be saying much, but from me, considering that this is Danny, that’s actually saying something). I think Danny’s main problem is that he’s a little over zealous. He needs to funnel his energy in a different way. It comes across as a little desperate sometimes…sorry, Amanda….and Scott…and Sharon…and whomever else is a Hokey Gokey fan. I’m not sure if it was Danny’s best performance of the season, like Simon said, and I’m not sure if he “brought it crazy with the vocals”, or that he should “keep that mic stand a-rockin’” as Randy exclaimed…I think Danny’s vocals were decent though. Rating: 7

Allison “Don’t Speak” – Just when we thought Allison couldn’t get any better…she pulled out the guitar! I’m behind Allison now….She looked like a disheveled prom queen, but her rendition was beautiful, understated, and emotional. I’m glad she sang this song because I can’t stand Gwen Stefani’s voice either…she sounds like a baby or Shirley Temple or something….but now I can download Allison’s version because I actually do like the song. In many ways, Allison is sort of this season’s David C. Cook. And I’m not just saying that because I want her to win. She’s understated and subtle…but she comes out and performs every week…and that she –wait a minute, did Paula just say, “I’m glad you brought your axe out with you”?—sorry…Allison is just a natural talent, and I think she’s going to cruise her way right on through to the finals and nobody will know she’s there until the end….because, believe it or not, she is not one of the chosen ones this season. Rating: 9

Scott “Just the Way You Are” – Okay, so we’ve heard Scott sing Billy Joel on a couple of occasions before, and I want to know when this song was EVER a most popular download on iTunes! Somebody show me the records. Oh man, Scott. You seem like a really genuine, and earnest guy, but the voice just isn’t nice to listen to. His haircut looked more like Billy Idol than Billy Joel. Maybe this is something I need to get over because of Scott’s handicap, or maybe it’s something that he needs to incorporate more of into his songs, but I just feel like he never connects emotionally with the songs he chooses. I thought his vocals were just as whiny and flat as ever. Don’t know what the judges were listening to before they gave their critique. Rating: 6
Bonus Question: Why did Simon want to rewind the tape?

Matt “You Found Me” – Nice haircut, Matt! Man, is it just me, or does it seem like Matt is really devoid of personality? He seems like he takes everything so seriously…I just want to see him laugh and smile. This performance wasn’t good. He shouldn’t have been standing with a keyboard in the middle of the audience. He did too much to the song to change it. I know there is a big demand for the contestants to make the song their own…but I feel like Matt drifted too far. Matt doesn’t do the big glory notes incredibly well…If he had done more of an intimate bluesy performance, I would have been much happier. Rating: 6

Lilopatra “I Surrender” – Oh, she hasn’t started singing yet, and I’m already worried for her. If the judges are badgering you about song choice, why would you ever choose to sing a Celine Dion song? I think Lil thinks she’s better than she really is. Lil is only in her twenties, but she seems like she’s a 40 year old woman who is caught up singing these big, bellowing songs. Why couldn’t she have used this week to prove she was “current”. Lil should have gone with some Beyonce or even taken a male song and changed the arrangement. Lil has ruined her turn on American Idol….actually, one could say she has “surrendered” it. Rating: 6—for me, for you.

I love how Kara laughs at Ryan Seacrest like he is freaking Carol Burnett or something...

Adam “Play that Funky Music” – I rolled my eyes when I heard this song choice…and I didn’t stop rolling them throughout the whole performance. When was this song ever a popular download on iTunes? Is he trying to look like the guy from Twilight with his high hair? I chastised Brooke White for her stage twirl last season…ditto for Adam. I just don’t think the song ever went anywhere. There was no build up, no climax…it was just crazy screeching and “sensual” dance moves for a minute and a half. Too much of something is never good. And then Adam looked like he was just really pleased with what he had just delivered. Uck. He just makes me shudder. Rating: 6

Ooo Mandisa looks good. I’ve heard that she lost 100 lbs., and she has an album that just dropped. Way to go, Mandisa.

Kris “Ain’t No Sunshine” – I love Kris’s interpretation of this song. His vocals are always spot-on. And, props to him for pulling out his keyboard. Who knew he had another trick up his sleeve? Kris had the performance that Matt should have—or could have—had this week. It’s difficult to take someone seriously when he’s singing the blues but looks so boyishly unassuming…like nothing bad has ever happened in his life. That’s not his fault, though. Rating: 9
Bonus Question: What were Kara’s 3 words for Kris in her feeble attempt to redeem herself from last week’s gaffe?

Man, I hope something exciting happens soon with American Idol this season.

Season 8: Motown Week...Ain't Too Proud to Beg

Who knew that President Obama's preempting of American Idol would keep me hangin' on for one more day? I was actually glad for the preempting because I was able to watch The Biggest Loser (the one-hour of show and the one-hour of commercials) in its entirety Tuesday night. I wish, truly, that Idol was on every Wednesday and Thursday instead. But, I can't help myself...I'll be there every Tuesday night to watch American Idol with the rest of you fine people; Biggest Loser will just have to be DVR-ed. American Idol, you've really got a hold on me.

Bonus Question: Where did Motown get its name?

First up tonight was my guy...

Matt Giraud: Let's Get it On. Matt impresses me more and more every week; I hear a symphony each time he takes the stage. I really enjoyed his performance of this song tonight; this old heart of mine was melting as he crooned. I was glad to see him step away from the piano in the middle of his song. It made for a nice dramatic effect and a punch of charisma. I love Matt's falsetto...I don't love his super tight pants, though. I think Matt's one weakness is that he tries to do too much with some of his songs. It's like he strays too far from what he's doing, and embellishes a little too much. The judges, obviously, don't agree with me on that since they said he had just the right amount of artistic license incorporated into his performances. Rating: 8

Kris Allen: How Sweet It Is. Kris has a boyish charm about him, so this was a perfect song choice. It fit well with his sweet, unassuming, almost cute style. I am convinced that Kris is this year's Archuleta....only more polished and minus the scary stage dad. It was pleasant enough to hear (I'm still not sure I enjoy watching the side-mouth singing), but I'm just not sure that the song really ever went anywhere. The whole performance was kind of a droning monotone, until he got to his big ending note. Rating: 7

Scott MacIntyre: You Can't Hurry Love. Nice Supremes, Scott! Those ladies looked a little silly standing around his piano like that. It was like some sort of strange lounge restaurant thing. For me, Scott's performances always fall comfortably into the category of Adult Contemporary. There is nothing cutting edge or new or different about Scott's music. I guess, though, if he's trying to get into the Adult Contemporary scene...or, dare I say, the Contemporary Christian music scene, he'll be wildly successful with his exposure on the show. I know he's not going to win...America knows he's not going to win...I'm pretty sure at this point that even Scott knows he's not going to win. But God bless him for going out there and doing what he needs to do, and keeping his own musical stylings, in open defiance of what any of the judges tell him to do. Scott knows what he's good at, and he's playing to his strengths. And I think he'll manage to stay afloat for just a little while longer in this competition. Rating: 6

This is not a bonus question, but rather an annoyance question--Why does Kara continually over-pronounce her words as if she is trying to communicate with chimpanzees? She especially does this with Scott. I'm peeved.

Megan Joy: For Once in my Life. Oh boy. I've been Megan's advocate since the beginning of the season...even when nobody else liked her, and even when she was adopted as the poster child for Vote for the Worst. But I just can't overlook tonight's performance. I haven't seen much worse on Idol from the Top 10 stage. That was an abomination. And I really think she could have been good. The song just moved too quickly for Megan's style of singing. I'm no musical expert, and I could even tell that. Megan got better toward the end of the song, but man, was the beginning horrible! Megan, I want you back to the singer you used to be! Isn't she lovely, though? Megan never fails to take the stage looking stunning...now I sound like Paula. I'm just afraid she's cruisin' right out of this competition. Rating: 5

Anoop Desai: Ooo Baby Baby. Anoop has really turned it around these last two weeks. He's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Take note, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert, the gimmicky thing doesn't work for me....ain't nothing like the real thing; just be natural. Anoop's falsetto was beautiful. His performance was emotionally connected and raw. I was overjoyed to hear him sing. Anoop, if I were your woman, I would have fallen in love with you over the last two weeks. Rating: 8

Michael Sarver: Ain't Too Proud to Beg. I can't critique Michael's performance because I left the room to go make popcorn for the residents. From what I heard on the recap, though, it wasn't pretty. I'm afraid it might be the end of the road for Michael.

Lil Rounds: Heat Wave. Before I write anything about the music, I need to address something. Lil needs to shop around for a new wig. Is it just my imagination, or did it look like that thing was on sideways. I thought Lil's performance was decent in some parts, but it was the worst I've heard her in other parts. She was out of breath and had some really screechy notes. And her personality was a little dead tonight, too. Part of me wonders if Lil is more hype than talent. Rating: 6

Adam Lambert: Tracks of my Tears. Oh, mercy mercy me...I am having trouble focusing on Adam's singing tonight because he looks like Elvis...and not the real Elvis, but a Vegas-style Elvis. He could deep fry a turkey with all of the grease in his hair. Gross! My opinion of Adam's performance tonight is not going to be a popular one. Yes, he sang a very pretty rendition of the song. Yes, it was tender and reserved. But Adam is trying too hard to play the part of this season's enigma. Why does he have to be a different person every single week? Why did he dress up like Lyle Lovett this week when he was some kind of lewd temptress (yes, I used the feminine on purpose) last week? I'm not fooled by Adam's shenanigans. He's a good singer, but at this point, his whole schtick is shock value. I'm not buying what he's selling. I'm over it. Plus, why did the judges praise Adam for singing such a groundbreaking version? In my opinion, it was just the same old song, but it sounded different because of the greased hair and the suit. Performance Rating: 8 (character/appearance rating: 2) Bonus Question: What were Kara's 6 words for Adam?

Danny Gokey: Get Ready. Danny, maybe it's a superstition, but why do you have to use your arms to demonstrate the notes you are singing? It's like a stinking male version of Mariah Carey! I think Danny's vocal sounded pretty good, but the arrangement and the performance istelf were cheesy. From the trumpets, to the fake pips (not to mention Danny's dancing with the fake pips), to the singing into the camera, it was all a little hokey. But cheese is what works best on Danny, I suppose. And, just like Scott, if it works, you better use it. But you better believe I'm going to start calling him "hokey Gokey." Can I get a witness? Rating: 7

Allison Iraheta: Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. Now, Allison is my girl, but I think she is still extremely difficult to understand when she's singing. Maybe she flubbed the lyrics this week, but I found her lyrics exceptionally difficult to decipher. On the other hand, though, she can sing! I love listening to her voice because she makes it seem easy. The song never really took off until the end, but when it did, it blasted into outer space! This wasn't my favorite performance of Allison's, but she definitely doesn't deserve to be in the bottom 3 this week (she didn't last week either, for that matter). Rating: 7

What's goin' on with these judges tonight? I don't know how they can pay attention to the show when they're playing with each other all night long (all night). Paula is getting out coloring books and "crowns", as Seacrest called them...and Simon is drawing mustaches on people? By the by, there is no way someone could have marked on Paula's face that much if she hadn't sat there and allowed them to do it. It was kind of a funny gag, though. Now that Simon's single, though, he better watch out. Sometimes the one who really loves you is the one you fight with the most.

Now, we're doing something a little different with the blog this week. I have hidden several Motown song titles (I mean a ton of them) within the words of this blog. Your job is to find as many of these song titles as you can and email me a list of the titles (just giving me a number is not good enough). Each song title you find is worth one point, so there is potential for big points this week! You may include the titles of the songs the contestants sang, but each song title counts only once (I don't think there are any repeats, but just in case).

Season 8: Top 11 - Grand Ole Opry Week - Fancy

While I'm not your run of the mill country music fan, I enjoy a smattering of Martina or Reba every now and then...and country music week is always one I look to with great anticipation every season on American Idol. I feel like country music week allows the competitors the opportunity to really prove their musicianship. It seems like every season, this is the week when the true talent starts to reveal itself, and the contestants start to really come into their own as artists.

That being said, I felt like tonight's episode was a bit of a disappointment (with the exception of Randy Travis...I love that guy). It seemed to move too slowly and to drag on forever. I felt like the judges' bickering was never going to end...and the contestants were much too talky tonight as they were being critiqued. Apparently the Idol people needed some filler because they didn't have enough show. I'll be glad in two weeks when Tuesday episodes go down to just an hour.

The big surprise of the evening was that the Golden Children (Danny, Adam, Lil) were the ones who really faltered, and the contestants who have been in the shadows (Matt, Kris, Anoop) had standout performances. I'll be interested to see what impact this has over the next few weeks.

Michael Sarver - Ain't Goin' Down 'Til the Sun Comes Up. Poor Michael. He is the least memorable contestant on the show right now, and he got the dreaded duty of singing first. I'm afraid this spells doom for Michael. He made a great song choice. America needed to hear him perform something upbeat and fun after last week's "You Are Not Alone" debacle. I thought Michael's performance was decent...it's probably my favorite performance of his. But there's something about him that still bothers me a little: he pronounces his words so strangely when he sings. I think it boils down to his mouth. He keeps his mouth muscles so tense and tightened that it inhibits his enunciation and he sounds very weird when he sings. I'm always distracted by it...maybe I'm the only one. I think Michael's voice seemed a little weak, but he managed to cover it up for the most part with this fun song. Rating: 7 Bonus Question: What was Michael's "perfect" retort to Simon's criticism that he sounded like he was singing karaoke and had some pitch problems?

Allison Iraheta - Blame it on your Heart. I liked Allison's softer look tonight; it was very becoming on her and she looked pretty. Maybe if she makes it to the Top 10. someone will do something with that cherry Kool-Aid hair of hers. I really liked Allison's performance. She's so authentic. A lot of people on Idol are good singers, but Allison is such a well-rounded performer. I hope she will sing a ballad next week, so that we can see other facets of her vocals. Rating: 8

By the way, for anyone who missed it, Kara's comment to Allison was, "I think you could sing the Alphabet and it would sound good." Umm...Kara, there's already a song for that...I think she meant to say Allison could sing the phonebook.

Kris Allen- Make You Feel My Love. Before I talk about Kris's performance, I have to say this: is anyone else annoyed by his side-mouth singing? I've gotten to the point where I tend to look away while Kris is singing. It's so distracting...he looks like he sucked on a lemon before he started singing.--sorry, I just had to get that out. Now, man, I LOVE that song (British soul singer Adele has a heart-wrenching rendition of it available for purchase on iTunes)! It is probably one of my favorite love songs of all time. Kris sang it well. He had a tenderness and a vulnerability (I wrote those words before the judges used them, thank you very much) that captured the emotion behind the song. I was unsure about Kris going into this week, but he won me over with this performance. Hopefully he's starting to make a name for himself in this competition...I think he's been a little lost in the shuffle up until now. Rating: 8

Lil Rounds - Independence Day. I can sort of understand Lil's reasoning behind making this song choice....sort of. Everyone was expecting Lil to choose something like Dolly's "I Will Always Love You" or Trisha Yearwood's "How do I Live"...songs that are big, well-known ballads. And if she would have picked those, she would have killed it with them. But she would have disappointed by making such predictable choices. So I think Lil decided to do something a little more off-beat. But I think she should have chosen some really fun, up-tempo country song (like Carrie Underwood's "Last Name" or Reba's "Fancy")....if she wanted to truly "honor country music" as she said in her Seacrest interview, she should have chosen a country song with an attitude and really performed it. But instead, she chose something bland and sort of did a half-butt job...(that phrase doesn't sound right unless you curse). I just think Lil didn't really connect with the song tonight...she was boring I daresay a little pitchy in some parts. Rating: 6 Bonus Question: What name did Simon keep "mistakenly" calling Lil when he was speaking to her after her performance?

By the way, I can normally tolerate (even appreciate) Simon, but he was really snarky tonight with the way he treated Lil. It seems like every season he manages to "forget" at least one person's name (last season he forgot Carly Smithson's name a number of times). I don't believe he forgot her name for a second...as a producer of the show, he is invested in the contestants...I'm sure he's in meetings and interviews and other happenings throughout the season that make it impossible to forget these people's names. What a self-important prat. That's all I have to say.

Adam Lambert - Ring of Fire. I remember a couple weeks ago writing that I was "on team Adam"....I am sadly here to inform you that I have hereby turned in my jersey. What the crap was that?!? I felt like Adam's performance was cocky, self-worthy, desperate, and needy. What a joke! I really enjoy when contestants on the show take a song and conform it to their own style (David Cook and Jason Castro were masters at this), but the difference with Adam is that he was purely and simply going for shock value. The rendition of "Ring of Fire" he chose to sing tonight was nothing like his own personal style. I feel like Adam scoured the Internet for the strangest arrangement he could find, and then decided to go with that. I would have preferred for Adam to choose a true country arrangement of a country song, and then to put his own spin on it by throwing in a few high-pitched banshee calls and runs. Instead, Adam brought out the hookahs and the sitars and the magic carpets and ruined Johnny Cash's legendary hit. And it was horrible. He was trying too hard. Rating: 5

By the way, what's with all the Taylor Hicks bashing this season? This is at least the third time I've heard them use Hicks as a derogatory remark in the last 3 weeks! I'm no Taylor Hicks fan, but come on! They should support him...he won on their show, for crying out loud.

Scott MacIntyre - Wild Angels. Well, Scott is an incredible piano player...I just wish they'd turn his mic off. Scott's voice just isn't there. He's singing more and more through his nose, and tonight's song was too low for him in parts. It did sound better when the band came in and joined him, but I just don't think Scott is good enough for American Idol. On the other hand, there are a lot of performers who make a career of singing with a nasally sounding voice (Mark Schultz is one in the Christian arena). The singer/songwriter thing really works for a lot of markets. I'd be shocked if there wasn't a Scott MacIntyre album on the shelf at your local Christian bookstore within the next year. Rating: 6

And then we have to watch a 10 minute sparring match between Paula and Simon about whether or not Scott should sit behind a piano while he sings. And I begin to pull my hair out.

Alexis - Jolene. I didn't like this arrangement of the song. I couldn't tell if it was just a weird arrangement, or if Alexis was falling behind in some parts, but it seemed like the song just stalled at certain points. It just wasn't happening for me tonight. Alexis sang it pretty, like she always does. But frankly, I'm getting a little bored with her trying to "Aretha-tize" every song she does. Can't she just sing something soft and pretty with emotion? Also, I wish she would get over the whole "dirty" thing. It seems like she's trying too hard (I'm fully aware that I sound like a broken record, but so does Alexis). Rating: 7

Does anyone else think these new Old Navy commercials with the talking mannequins are really annoying? I may never shop at Old Navy again...

Danny Gokey - Jesus Take the Wheel. I know a lot of you really like Danny, but I'm still getting a pretentious vibe from him....and especially after his opening segment. Don't you think that if you were going in to sing for Randy Travis, that you would practice a little and have your song prepared beforehand?!? I managed to get over that so I could watch Danny's performance of the song. Then I became angry again when he started using his Mariah Carey "diva" hand. Why do people do that? I think Danny would have done better to choose something with a little more soul. Pop ballads don't suit his voice and his musical style. Speaking of Taylor Hicks, I think Danny is sort of a Taylor Hicks 2.0 - minus the gray hair and harmonica. The chorus of the song definitely sounded better than the verses, but this performance was the worst I've seen of him. Rating: 6

Anoop Desai - You Were Always on my Mind. I have to eat my words a little from last week. I said that Anoop lacked the vocal ability and relied on shock value and charisma to get him through the competition. Anoop proved me wrong. He picked the best song he could have chosen. He did retain some of that shock value, though...who knew Anoop could sing a serious, tender and heartfelt song? I was blown away by his vocals tonight. He definitely out sang the front runners of the competition, and I'm really happy for him. And then, as if his emotional performance was not enough, he threw in a little falsetto as the cherry on the top! Since I returned my Adam Lambert jersey, I'd like to join team Noop Dogg...consider me a fan. Rating: 9

Megan Joy -Walkin' After Midnight. I knew Megan would sing Pasty Cline tonight, but I thought she'd go with "Crazy". I think she made the right choice, though. "Crazy" would have brought the mood down a little too much. I think Megan did a good job tonight. Maybe America is finally starting to figure her out...I hope? Megan is a bluesy jazz singer who does contemporary music with a vintage feel. She's comparable to Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele, or even someone like a Norah Jones. True, she isn't as seasoned and polished as those ladies are (with the exception of Amy Winehouse, of course), but that will develop over time. In addition to Noop Dogg, I'm also on Team Megan....along with everyone at Vote For the Worst. All I know is that Megan's rendition of this song was a million times better than Kellie ("nawdy whut?") Pickler's version two years ago. And Megan's dress was really pretty tonight...no matter what Simon had to say about it. Rating: 8

Matt Giruad - So Small. I was very surprised by Matt's decision to sing this song...but as it turns out, he knows himself better than I know him...who knew? And he gave a terrific performance tonight. The piano was exquisite (by the way, why didn't the judges chastise him for using the piano two weeks in a row?). And Matt's vocals were good....especially with the chorus of the song. Matt's voice clearly is not the strongest, "beltiest", most powerful voice on the show, but his genuine musicianship shines through more and more each week. For some people, the slight imperfections in their voice only give them more character and originality (Jason Castro, again, is a prime example...along with someone like Bob Dylan). If it's possible to do this, I'm also joining Team Matt. Rating: 9

So, in summary: I never liked Danny, I'm over Adam, My affections are wavering for Alexis, I've always loved Megan, I love Matt even more than I did before, Anoop has my vote, and Kris Allen is getting there.

Season 8 is strange for me...usually by this point in the season, I've chosen my favorite and made my mind up as to a general ranking of the contestants. I'm just not getting that this time. Anyone else feel this way?

Currently Listening To: Fancy by Reba McIntire