American Idol Season 12 Top 5 Perform

21 04 2013

I can say I am 100% confident that a girl will win American Idol this year. And if I can be so bold, two ladies will occupy the top 2 spots. All kidding aside, there are some camps who believe that some of the less talented boys got through Vegas week to make sure that there would be a girl winner this year.

I only got to watch the first round of the top-5 performance night before I had to run to work, then a sick kid, more work, and here I am on Saturday just now watching it. How I managed to stay away from the spoilers of who went home is beyond me.

Tonight are songs from the year the contestant was born; second round is songs from divas. And the performances were dedicated to Boston in light of the bombings there (and here we are, on Saturday, and they have been caught, one dead, one captured). Jimmy would give back-stage critiques after the judges had their say.

Candice Glover


Song 1:  “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul from 1989

I thought she was nuts when I heard the song choice but I absolutely adored it. The people who have been most successful on Idol are the ones who, while on the show, we’re able to take songs and make it sound like an entirely different song. Candice has the ability to do that. People who just turn songs into covers with no changes are singers, not artists. Candice is an artist. I loved that Keith indirectly insulted Paula by saying he did not realize this was a good song. Jimmy did not like her song choice.

Song 2: “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston

I got goosebumps! Enough said. Mariah was very emotional about the performance.

Candice

Candice Glover

Janelle Arthur


Song 1: From 1989 Vince Gill “When I Call Your Name”

I don’t know the original at all. I was bored. She may be a singer and a performer, but not an artist. This was always my problem. I would not ever let my walls down. I could sing, but I never had the ability to emote. But Janelle does better with her guitar. All the judges liked it except Keith. Keith’s opinion matters here because he is the country artist. Jimmy agreed.

Song 2–Dolly Parton “Dumb Blonde”

Again I have never heard this song. This was better than her first song. It did not require much pulling from her emotional base. It was upbeat and fun. Keith did not like the song choice.

Janelle

Janelle Arthur

Kree Harrison


Song 1 from 1990 “She Talks To Angels” by Black Crowes

I really like Kree because she can crossover into genres. I did not think this was her best performance though. I felt like she was very tired. I still think she will be in the top 3. Nicki and Mariah had an exchange where Nicki told Mariah to “simmer down sir.” Jimmy did not think it was strong enough.

Song 2: Celine Dion “Have You Ever Been In Love”

Her lower range is tough. When she ventures past her speaking voice range, she does well. Her last note wavered in and out of pitch. But I liked that she pushed her voice to its full vocal range.

Kree

Kree Harrison

Angie Miller


Song 1 From 1994 “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

At the beginning of the song she was singing the words but not feeling them either regardless of her dedication to Boston. I think because she made the song faster it did not allow for the heartfelt emotion that should have been felt with every word. Maybe if she did the first verse slower, and then picked up the tempo it would have been better. And can we please have a performance by her that does not include the dry-ice effect on stage? It is getting old. Whether it is Angie or Amber who makes it into the top 3 will be interesting. Amber is the better singer, but she is not connecting with the audience for some reason. Angie was a bit pitchy when she made the key change in this song, but no one is voting the girl from Boston home so she will be safe. No one made any criticisms either. Even Jimmy liked it.

Song 2: “Halo” by Beyonce

I think this was much better than her first song. Exceptional! Fantastic song choice. She really pushed herself in that song. Her risk paid off.

Angie

Angie Miller

Amber Holcomb


Song 1 From 1994 MARCH 17??? My birthday but definitely not birth year! Mariah Carey “Without You”

Amber, I love you, but this was absolutely the wrong song choice. At some points it seemed like the notes were just under where they should be. I did not feel the emotion of the song either, the desperation that is required on this–I would rather be dead than live without you. Part of that is her age and the lack of experience of feeling a love that deep. Teenagers think they have loved so deeply that they could just die when it is gone, but they lack the emotional maturity to really understand that. Perhaps you should have thought about God and how you would feel not having His love as I know you have deep church roots. Nicki felt what I was feeling. It was a gutsy choice to try with Mariah. Jimmy agrees with Nicki.

Song 2: Barbra Streisand “What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life”

SHE KILLED THIS SONG! I think she is going to be in the bottom 2 because of her first song was not great.

Amber

Amber Holcomb

I think Janelle is going home not because she is not good, but she is no longer in the same league as the rest of these ladies.

RESULTS SHOW

What? Clay Aiken is on? As usual, I fast-forward through the group number. With few exceptions, I don’t like them. He sounds as great as he always has. I do understand now what Jimmy was saying about Kree now that the previous performance was shown. Latoya London is in the house.

Clay

Clay Aiken

Fantasia–I love her haircut (for me!) That was fantastic!

Fantasia

Fantasia performs

Whoa, Amber is safe!!!!!! Janelle is in the bottom. But will they use the save?  It was 2 for using the save and 2 against so she does not get a second chance.


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American Idol Top 6 Perform

12 04 2013

Yes I’m two days behind. I have no clue at this point as I am typing this as to who is going home (watching on the DVR). This season is really great with these talented contestants, so I really did want to write something, but likely an abbreviated version. Writing blogs is my hobby; I have a real full-time job, a child with a disability and this week a norovirus (not confirmed by lab tests but it fits the profile) hit our house. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

Two themes: Songs from Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And the second are “songs the contestants had actually wished they had written.”

Angie Miller

Song 1: “Anyone Who Had a Heart” by Dionne Warwick

A bit pitchy again. I think she is at her best at her piano. The song choice was boring for me and making me sleepy. She looks terrific but her song choice is not going well.

Keith points out that he doesn’t hear singing the passion and I think his point is valid. She has not had much experience in that department, and many times I think she is pretending (that is “acting” like an actor who also does not have much experience. It will come as she ages and I think her album should be Christian contemporary, like Colton, because that is where I see her shine and where she moves me as a singer.

Song 2: “Love Came Down” by Kari Jobe

It is risky doing an unfamiliar song. I had not heard of it. This was better than the first one. This has a contemporary Christian feel to it and she did great. The judges loved it.

Angie

Angie Miller

Amber Holcomb

Song 1: “I Say A Little Prayer” by Dionne Warwick

It was good. The very low notes were difficult for her (she was slightly flat there). Again another sleeper song until the ending. She did put her own spin on it which was good.

The judges loved it (to the point Nicki declared her her new favorite).

Song 2: “Love On Top” by Beyonce

Liked how she used the backup singers at the beginning. She looks like a pop star. I thought this song was better than the first and on some of the noted I did feel like it was Whitney. At the end it got slightly pitchy but it was nice to have an up-tempo song. Judges loved it too.

Amber

Amber Holcomb

Lazaro Arbos

Song 1: “Close to You” by The Carpenters

No comment. No, I will comment because in this blog I am already irrelevant so it does not matter. It won’t churn votes for him because I have criticized. It was horrendous. Lazaro, dear one, you are a good guy but this song was hardly ever in key. The judges agree with me. Mariah–condense! Tell him all this after the show. The other two judges want to speak.

Song 2: “Angels” by Robbie Williams

The beginning was rough. His lower register needs a LOT of work. This was better than the first song, but it was still not good enough to stay.

Lazaro

Lazaro Arbos

Kree Harrison

Song 1: “What The World Needs Now is Love” version of Jackie DeShannon

I want to see Kree, Amber and Candice in the finale. She really can cross genres easily. I loved the interpretation of the song and making it different and a song from Kree. She has never disappointed. MARIAH– Condense! This is not Camp Mariah. You have other fellow judges.

Song 2: “Help Me Make It Through The Night” by Kris Kristofferson

This happens to be one of the few country songs I like and I loved this unplugged version. If I bought a country CD it would be Kree. It was beautiful. Great job! (Nicki called it a Kreedom show). All the judges loved it.

Kree

Kree Harrison

Janelle Arthur

Song 1: “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” by Dionne Warwick

Underwhelming. She does work the audience and stage well. There were moments that were sweet and effortless. I thought there was emotional disconnection in this song. Some notes were flat.

Song 2: “The Dance” by Garth Brooks

Her lower register is rough. She again had beautiful notes and notes that were sharp or flat. Unfortunately this is nowhere near the level of the other girls, so I put her in the bottom 2 with Lazaro. The judges were not impressed.

Janelle

Janelle Arthur

Candice Glover

Song 1: “Don’t Make Me Over” by Dionne Warwick

America–this is your next American Idol. Week after week she is perfection. If she does not win, I will support her career. I haven’t picked it wrong yet. The judges gave her a standing ovation. By the way, all of my 50 votes went to her. She won me over during the auditions and that feeling has not changed.

Song 2: “Lovesong” by The Cure

BEST performance EVER this season 12. I loved her taking the rock star and making it bluesy. I would actually buy a ticket if she ever came into town. What a FANTASTIC way to end the show. Keith got up and bowed to her from the ground. Mariah threw a glitter bomb. Candice was very moved by the support in the studio. Truly AMAZING!

Candice

Candice Glover

My picks in order: Candice, Kree, Amber, Angie, Janelle, Lazaro

RESULTS SHOW

Jimmy called Lazaro’s performance an Ambien milkshake (so funny–I need to borrow that). Amber is in e bottom two? You are crazy, America, and I am not just saying that because she is from Houston. FINALLY! Lazaro is in the bottom and I KNOW the judges will not save him.


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American Idol S12 Top 7 Perform

4 04 2013

AmericanIdolLogoInstead of having no blog at all because (insert numerous excuses here), I’m just going to keep it short.

Last night’s American Idol was….disappointing. Very, very disappointing. It was ROCK night and only a few rose to the occasion. The group numbers and/or duets were painful to watch. It was cute to see that Burnell has a crush on Amber; however, we have an engaged Idol couple right now–Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young. I also got tired of Ryan Seacrest asking the contestants why they did so crappy. Was he also at a loss for words? These people are being groomed for professionalism and how professional is it to be asked why they did not remember the lyrics (because they never heard of these songs before) or why did they have such a bad performance when usually they are always so good (because they had too much to learn that week or they are not feeling well, etc.) When someone goes to a concert, can you imagine them saying to crowds that paid hard-earned money hear: Hey y’all. I’m sorry I forgot the lyrics on that one. I’m so tired going from city to city playing for all of you. Candice did a great job, but after hearing “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” from Adam Lambert, well, no one could sing that better except for the Rolling Stones.  But Candice was my favorite. Amber Holcomb was my next favorite. Next was Kree despite her rough note. Angie Miller. You have a problem. You have no life experience so while your wind machine blew tropical-storm-force wind in your face, you could not put the emotion that was necessary of the lyrics from “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence to the song. You do best when you sing your original music. “Bid my blood to run, before I come undone…” With your Christian roots, I doubt you’ve ever felt love this deep at your tender age. It’s not your fault. However, you need to pick songs where you can emotionally connect. Then Janelle. Janelle, my dislike of what you do has nothing to do with you. It’s me. I got so sick of my mother playing country music that I grew to dislike it so much. And your twang seems to be growing every week. What’s up with that? Then Burnell and then Lazaro. I love challenges turned into triumph, but Lazaro is not performing on par with what needs to come from the Idol winner. You should be proud you got this far, but it is really time for you to go home until the tour. You should not have worn those pants last night; when they went out for the wide shot, I felt like I was looking at pictures similar to Anthony Weiner, or you were having a Jon Hamm moment. Or perhaps that is why people keep voting for you and I missed it until tonight.

Don’t forget that you can pick the theme for an Idol show by tweeting with the hashtag #ATTIdolTheme. Based on these performances last night, I’m going to suggest TV Show Themes, Songs of the Circus, or One-Hit Wonders


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American Idol S12 Top 8 Perform

28 03 2013

Music of Motown. Smokey Robinson is guest mentor.

Candice Glover–Smokey cried at her performance last week. This week she chose “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye. Preach girl! She is always spot on. She laid down the gauntlet! I believe she is untouchable. Keith said tonight was her best performance (for her). Nicki said she stayed in it emotionally completely. Randy said she was crazy good. Mariah said she wants to hear more of that jazzy sound.

Group song–Kree and Janelle–country version of “Like a Prayer” by Madonna. I preferred Kree over Janelle. This song was not a good choice for Janelle’s voice. Nicki said that Kree looked like she flew in to sing with an Idol contestant. OUCH. Randy said Janelle’s pitch was off night and Kree outshined her. Mariah said it was a sisterhood moment. Then I walked out of the room to ask my husband a question and Mariah was still talking when I got back in. Keith said it worked really well. He felt they could have walked around more but he was glad they had each other’s back in that lyric-slip moment.

Lazaro Arbos — “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder. I think Jimmy was going easy on him this week because he has gotten such flack the past few weeks about his mentoring of Lazaro. Lazaro has enunciation issues but this is the best he has done since the auditions. Randy thinks it was better than last week. Mariah said she hears Randy about the pitch problems. His confidence was back. Keith thought Smokey’s advice was fantastic. This week was better than last week. Nicki feels he was back this week. Nicki said he gave her everything she needed and wanted. She said when he stopped listening to Jimmy, he did a great job.

Janelle Arthur “You Keep Me Hanging On” by The Supremes. I was bored. Mariah said it was her at her finest. Keith thought it was fearless. He thought it was beautiful. Nicki thinks she shines when she has her guitar. She seems to be smiling a lot more (but is smiling during this song appropriate?). Nicki does not think that her voice is where it normally is. Randy thought it was one of her best performances.

Devin Velez–“Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Flawless to me. I like this but Adam Lambert’s is still my favorite Idol cover of the song. Keith says he has to stop thinking about things so much and relax but he has style. Nicki said he looks like a ripe banana and that is a good thing. Amazing job. YES sir. (He was wearing a red jacket, but I think she meant she wanted to eat him all up figuratively speaking). Randy thinks Devin is back tonight. Best performance from him in weeks. Mariah loved it.

Group number:  Amber, Candice and Angie–I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” by The Supremes & The Temptations. Fantastic and they get a standing ovation except for Mariah. Mariah said it was A-plus amazing.

Burnell Taylor–“My Cherie Amour”–Stevie Wonder. He had a nice voice but there’s nothing about it or his performances that stand out. He always sounds like he is right under the note and I think he mispronounced the word “amour.” Nicki thinks he is artsy. Randy loves his choices. Mariah loves him looking debonair. He gave it a modern twist. Keith said where is Ron Burgundy when you need him (and what the hell does that mean, but I love that Keith loves Anchorman). Keith likes him too.

Angie Miller—“Shop Around”–The Miracles. She needs to work on her stage presence when she is not behind the piano. I felt there were opportunities to interact with the good-looking guitar players that would have made that performance stand out more for me, but I think because of her faith and her age, she is reluctant to do that. Nicki said she tried to show a different side of Angie and she does not need to do that. Randy thought it was pitchy.

Amber Holcomb–“Lately“–Stevie Wonder. I loved it. My second favorite performance of the night. Mariah: She is a tour de force. Mariah was bleeped! That’s funny. Keith agrees. It was the right song. She felt it (the song). It was beautiful tonight. Nicki said it was out of this world. When God created those vocal cords….. Randy said it was the best vocal of the night.

Group number:  Devin, Burnell and Lazaro–“I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops (which ironically is at this moment playing on Shark Tales on my son’s DVD). This performance was TERRIBLE. Their voices do not complement each other. Nicki hated it. She told them to get off the stage. I LOVE HER HONESTY.

Kree Harrison— “Don’t Play That Song” Aretha Franklin. Her voice is really growing on me. Randy says she was one of the best in the competition. She is here to stay. Mariah commends her for doing the song. She loves her and she is here to stay. Keith loves her. Nicki says she is a queen.

My top 3: Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb, Kree Harrison.

My bottom 3: Burnell Taylor, Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur


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American Idol S12 Top 9 perform

21 03 2013

I’m back!!! Well I never left but I have been without a computer to do blogs since March 3th. My favorite 3 were the top 3 last week. As much as I love a story of someone overcoming adversity, I was surprised Lazaro came in 4th since he did not have a strong performance. I was not shocked that Curtis went home. His notes were slightly off the entire song. I think people just could not relate to the overdramatic theatrics that can provide a powerful show in a gospel choir but does not translate well to a pop performance.

Tonight the top 9 perform songs by The Beatles. I bet you Angie sings “Imagine.”

Charlie Askew and Aubrey (what’s her name) were invited back to the stage where the #11 slot in the Idol tour was to be awarded.  Aubrey Cleland won that spot.

Kree Harrison–A Little Help From My Friends

Sounded great. Good way to start off the show despite her having a cold. Keith loved it. Nicki feels she has started to become a superstar in front of their eyes. Randy thinks it was da bomb. Mariah thought it was fan-friggin-tastic.

Kree

Kree Harrison

Burnell Taylor–Let It Be

He does not know this song??? This could be a disaster. I think he screwed up the lyrics. I’m not really fond of how it turned out. It sounded like a constipated version of the song. Nicki felt he caressed the song. Randy said he made it his own. Mariah really proud of him. Keith felt he was soulful.

Burnell

Burnell Taylor

Amber Holcomb–She’s Leaving Home

She looks fabulous. It was different enough from the original that I liked it. Amber has a fantastic tone to her voice, but sometimes I think she gets too nasal and the enunciation falls off especially in the lower ranges. There were times the emotional connection to the song disappeared. But instill love bet and she is still in my top 5. Randy said it started slow and unsure but once she got into the power notes, then she was in her element. What? She did not know this song either? Come on! Mariah did not know this song either? These are classic Beatles songs, not the obscure ones. Geez! Mariah thought it was fearless and fantastic. Some parts were detached though. Keith said it was his absolute favorite Beatles song of all time. He reminds us that the songs 46 years old now. She made it as fresh as if it was just written this morning. Nicki said her vocals are unmatched, but she was too much in her brain thinking about it.

Amber

Amber Holcomb

Lazaro Arbos–My Life

Slightly off-key in spots. A little sleepy although the key change was a good thing. I wonder if he is only going to be able to sing ballads. His confidence is improved this week. It did not “wow” me. And Lazaro, I know the feedback is hard to hear, but the only time you can cry is if lyrics move you or you have won. If you cry, people will think you cannot handle the pressure of the music industry. Mariah commends him on his bravery. She may have preferred an acoustic guitar. Keith said choosing the key of the song is important. The key change would have been the place to start at and modulate from there. Nicki still feels that Lazaro is not back to the old Lazaro and they need to stop putting him in a room with Jimmy (oh snap!). Randy said it was his worst performance ever and that it was out of tune from beginning to end.

Lazaro

Lazaro Arbos

Candice Glover–Come Together

She is my favorite in the competition. I loved that she did an up-tempo Beatles song. It was even different from Michael Jackson’s version. Oh my! She can sing ANYTHING, even ROCK! I might like her rock image the best. Keith loved seeing this vibe. It was killer. Nicki loved her vocal but sometimes she wants Candace to wear it on her face always. Randy thinks her voice is CRAZY. Mariah said it was like a prize fighter. She murdered the song.

Candice

Candice Glover

Paul Jolley–Eleanor Rigby

Rough start. He did not nail that falsetto. I did not like this song for him until he hit that power section. The falsetto at the end was nice. Nicki did not like his performance because it was safe, bland and forgettable. I think Lazaro’s performance was more that than Paul’s. Randy said he felt Paul was disconnected from the song. Mariah thought it was a great song choice. He has to give as much emotion on the softer notes that he gives on his power range. Keith said this is his second-favorite Beatles song. He was not a big fan of the end falsetto note, but there were moments in the middle where he has a pop/rock edge that he likes (which goes with Mariah’s feedback, too). Keith does not hear country with him.

Paul

Paul Jolley

Angie Miller–Yesterday

Well, well I was wrong. Why does everyone applaud when a singer holds a note for more than 5 seconds? Some of her notes were flat and sharp, but it was okay. She did things that were different enough from other versions I have heard, but it might have been too slow. She is still in my top 5 as well. Randy said it was stellar. Mariah said it was a respectful version of it but showed her voice. She loves her look tonight, too. Keith said it was his favorite Beatles song (oh, Keith, you are so funny). He said there were moments where he could tell she was thinking of all the things people told her to stop doing, then she would stop and become Angie again, and it drifted in and out of those things. But in the end it does not matter to him. Nicki said it was unbelievably amazing and then something that was bleeped out.

Angie

Angie Miller

Devin Velez–The Long and Winding Road

He is my favorite male contestant. He can do so many amazing runs with his voice. That last run gave me goosebumps. Devin is back! Mariah has no words for his performance. It would be a travesty if he did not go through. Keith said, “THAT is my favorite Beatles song”. So funny. Keith says all he feels is missing is a little bit of emotion. Nicki looked at him like he was crazy. Nicki gets bleeped again! She thinks he IS connecting emotionally. His performance is truthful. Randy thinks Devin is back tonight. (I said it first Randy).

Devin

Devin Velez

Janelle Arthur–I Will

Confession–it’s been a long time since I heard this. It’s hard to go up and down on the notes like that, but I was bored. Sleepy, sleepy bored. Almost as much as LAZARO’s song. Keith thought it was beautiful. Nicki said she looks like a swan goddess. The performance made Nicki more obsessed with Janelle. Randy says Janelle is back tonight. One of the best performances of the night. Mariah thinks she gave an eloquent performance.

Janelle

Janelle Arthur

My top 3 for tonight: Candice, Devin and a tie between Angie and Amber.
My bottom 2 for tonight: Burnell and Lazaro

And thank you to ALL the contestants for NOT doing “Imagine” tonight.


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American Idol S12 Boys’ Hollywood Week

10 02 2013

AmericanIdolLogoAfter these two evenings, I have judged the judges: Keith Urban: The Witty One. Nicki Minaj: The Realist. Randy Jackson: Phoning It In. And Mariah Carey: Working It Out. Some choices left me absolutely baffled, both in a good way and not in a good way. Nicki seemed to contradict herself quite often on Wednesday night.

Round One: Sudden Death: A capella

They would be judged in groups of 10.

Made it (may not a complete list): Adam Sanders, Adrien Madison, Bill White, Bryant Tadeo, Burnell Taylor, Charles Allen, Charlie Askew, Chris Watson, Christian Lopez, Clifton Duffin, Cortez Shaw, Curtis Finch, Jr., Dan Wood, Darien Moses, David Leathers, Jr., David Willis, Devan Jones, Devin Velez, Elijah Liu, Frankie Ford, Gabe Brown, Griffin Peterson, Gurpreet Singh Sarin (The Turbanator), Jason Jones, JDA, Jessie Lawrence, Jimmy Smith, Joel Wayman, Johnny Keyser, Joshua Stephens, Kareem Clark, Kayden Stephenson, Kevin Quinn, Lee Pritchard, Lazaro Arbos, Mario Jose, Marvin Calderon, Mathenee Treco, Matheus Fernandes, Micah Johnson, Nate Tao, Nicholas Mathis, Nick Boddington, Papa Peachez, Paul Jolley, Peter ?, Ryan Conner Smith, Sanni M’Mairura, Scott Fleenor, Tony Foster, Jr., Trevor Blakeney, Vincent Powell, Zach Birnbaum.

Who did not (for sure): Brian Rittenberry, Dr. Calvin Peters, Dustin Watts which were all surprises to me. Karl Skinner was not a surprise, but he is so gracious about it. No tears, no drama. Just a thank-you.

Pic1

Round 2: Groups!

Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe announce that THEY would be deciding the groups and that you could not change your group. They did, however, get to choose their name and song from a list of 20 songs. Even though they were performing in groups, the judges would make decisions on the individual performance.

Group: Nick Boddington, Gabe Brown, Mathenee Treco, Matheus Fernandes
Song: “Somebody to Love” by Queen

Comments: I thought they did a good job. Nicki did a fake-out for Gabe and made our hearts skip for a minute; however, they were all sent through.

Group: “Normal Hills” with Johnny Keyser, Kareem Clark, and 2 individuals I cannot identify.
Song: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by The Four Tops

Comments: Although he picked the song, Johnny was singing a different tune when he realized he was not ready. He said “they” picked a song that he did not know. Johnny sounds horrible. He forgot the lyrics. Kareem Clark is off-key and forgot the lyrics. Forgetting the lyrics should mean automatic disqualification. When Johnny says he has “never” heard the song before, Keith Urban asks, “What planet are you from? I’m from AUSTRALIA and I know that song.” Kareem is sent home and the other three, including Johnny “Why Is He Still Here?” Keyser.

Group: “Couch Potatoes” with Curtis Finch, Jr., Charlie Askew, and Nicholas Mathis
Song: “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars

Comments: Charlie was not feeling well. While Nicholas rallied with his teammate, Curtis says that he would like to show him the bus home because he is there to win. Okay then; we know where he stands! I got goosebumps. Sarcastic Keith: “That was alright.” All of them made it through.

Group: “Four Tones” with Micah Johnson, Vincent Powell, Marvin Calderon, and David Willis.
Song: “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam & Dave

Comments: They all made it through.

VincentPowell

Four Tones with Houston’s Vincent Powell

Group: Zach Birnbaum, Nate Tao, Cortez Shaw, Elijah Liu.
Song: “She’s Some Kind of Wonderful” made famous by Grand Funk Railroad

Comments: I got goosebumps on this one, too. All of them are through.

Group: I don’t recognize any of these guys other than Jimmy Smith.
Song: “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction

Comments: They forget the lyrics and I am not sure who makes it through other than Jimmy who I see later in the solo rounds.

Group: “The Taylors” Paul Jolley, Bill White, and two people I don’t recognize.
Song: “Amazed” by Lonestar

Comments: They all forgot their lyrics. Keith said, “Somethin’ like that.” Randy said, “I’m so happy that that ended.” Paul and Bill make it through. The other two are sent home.

Group: “The B Side” with Gurpreet Singh Sarin, Mark ?, Chris ?, Peter ?, and ?
Song: “Payphone” by Maroon 5

Comments: This was HORRIBLE. They also forgot the lyrics. Randy: “Hang up the damn phone.” Keith: “Adam Levine is still alive and he’s already turning in his grave.” Then the shocker: The judges believe they can all get better and PUT THEM THROUGH? SAY WHAT? Nicki goes out in the hallway and tells them that they were her favorite group there. What are they mixing in the Coca Cola that day?

The judges take a break and when they come back, Keith Urban is the voice of sanity: “Let’s raise the bar a bit here.” Nicki says, “This is not about entertaining; they have to have the voices.” Dear Nicki: I gave you exhibit A, Taylor Hicks. He was entertaining while having an average voice.

Group: Jason Jones, Dan Wood, Jessie Lawrence
Song: “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction

Comments: Dan was horribly off key. I would not have dedicated that song to Mariah and Nicki if you didn’t plan to blow them away with it. Harmonies were sour, too. Keith: “If the word ‘wrongest’ can be used, it was the wrongest song for you guys. The song is by One Direction but you were Four Directions.” Nicki: “All were equally bad actually.” All of them go home.

Group: Ryan Conner Smith, Devan Jones, Devin Velez, Adrien Madison
Song: “Payphone” by Maroon 5

Comments: Ryan suggests they sing it a capella but they sing it slowly. Keith did not like they chose to sing it that way (either choice). Ryan goes home.

DevinVelez

Group: Burnell Taylor, Tony Foster, Jr., Mario Jose, Darien Moses
Song: “She’s Some Kind of Wonderful” made famous by Grand Funk Railroad

Comments: Burnell is the weak link in this group; the others have stronger voices. The judges, however, send Tony and Mario home. What the hell? They let the group that forget the lyrics go through with Nicki telling them they are her favorite, yet they let two talented people in this bunch go home and let sleepy Burnell go through? Letting Mario and Tony go home was a true injustice.

Group: “Super 55” with Lazaro Arbos, Joshua Stephens, Scott Fleenor, and Christian Lopez
Song: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys

Comments: Lazaro did not know the song. Joshua said that Lazaro was “holding them back.” But, Joshua, you sounded off-key and it was not good at all. You cannot blame him for your own performance. Scott forgot the lyrics (and Keith says, “Close enough.”) Lazaro muddled through the lyrics but was at least on key and had a great ending note which seemed to take the others by surprise so I’m guessing it was a spontaneous change. It was a yes for Lazaro and Christian and a no to Scott and Joshua. Afterwards, Josh says, “I feel like I helped this person that ended up taking the slot that I wanted, which is frustrating.” “Wanted” and “deserved,” dear Joshua, are two different things. You have to be responsible for your own performance.

Group: Country Queen with Trevor Blakeney, Lee Pritchard, JDA, Joel Wayman
Song: “More Than Words” by Extreme

Comments: None of them were good in my opinion. Lee forgot the words. Jda was off-key. Trevor forgot most of the words. Trevor was visibly upset, “I’ve never failed anything in my life.” You did not fail Trevor; you made it this far and that is quite impressive. Keep trying, buddy.

Group: DKSK with Kayden Stephenson, David Leathers Jr (who was in the final elimination in the 2012 Vegas round), Kevin Quinn, Sanni M’Mairura (Pearland BOY!)
Song: “Longest Time” by Billy Joel

Comments: The judges were surprised by the key change which got the judge’s attention. When Kayden started singing, Mariah’s face said it all: “Oh God, please do not let this be happening; I don’t want to say no to that young man.” Sanni and David are through; Kevin and Kayden are not. Nicki: “If you’re going on just the voice, just the voice, we made the right decision.” WHAT??? Her “favorite group” was not about “the voice”, it was about, what she considered strictly on entertainment.

DSKS

DSKS with Pearland’s Sanni M’Mairura

Group: Papa Peachez, Adam Sanders, Frankie Ford, Charles Allen
Song: “American Boy” by Estelle

Comments: Frankie has a power struggle with the group and pushes ego when his musical knowledge does not match the groups. Excuse after excuse. Asthma issues, then sobbing. The only one who is decent at all is Adam Sanders and maybe Charles Allen. Nicki asks Papa Peachez and Frankie to step forward. Nicki: “Frankie you fell apart for me today. Keith fought for you, Frankie. Your spirit filled up this room.” To Papa Peachez, Nicki shared this, “If it were not for 1 person changing their vote you would be going home. You are too complacent right now in the competition. You have to step up.” And then she tells Frankie he has to go home. Keith says, “Frankie Returns to Hollywood.” Then Frankie, in a grief-stricken rant, says, “You will not deny me.”

Other people who did not make it through group round: Griffin Peterson and Clifton Duffin.

Thursday Night: Solos with the Band

The solos will be performed and decisions will be made in groups of 8. They can let the band play or they are allowed to play their own instrument with the band. Forty-three remain and half will be cut.

First group of 8: Paul Jolley is a nervous wreck and overcompensates with words which annoys the judges. He sings, “Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood. I did not think it was good enough; it was just under the note. Nicki begs of him, “Give us 1 minute of professionalism!” Keith quirks, “Be Jolly.” Lazaro Arbos sings “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. It is better than the group performance, but I don’t know if it is good enough for the top 10. Curtis Finch, Jr. sings, “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri. It was not as good as we have heard him before. I did not like his song choice. All three of these guys are through.

PaulJolley

Paul Jolley

The second bunch included featured songs by Devin Velez singing, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. I had goosebumps. It was awesome. I bet you he makes the top 10 boys. Gurpreet Singh Sarin had a chance to redeem himself and chose to play guitar with the band. He sang, “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles and did a smashing job. Cortez Shaw of Dallas sang, “Sunny” by Bobby Hebb and did well. He also redeemed his group performance. Matheus Fernandes has begun to make me feel uncomfortable.  He seems to keep playing the “The Glee Project” part. Whether this is his genuine personality or the persona he played for “The Glee Project” and served him well there, so he felt there was no need to grow from that, I am really not sure. He had an excuse about not singing with a band before and then was cracking jokes again about his appearance. He sang “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson but it sounded angry. He seems to feel the need to drop to his knees with every song he sings. It was a very bad song choice. It was terribly executed. He was always under the notes. This “Glee-like” drama does not belong in American Idol. Nicki gave it to him straight, “Sometimes things go from being inspiring to becoming you wanting a pity party. Once you’re great, we don’t even notice your height. You don’t have to milk that…ever again…ever. Be you. Be great. And just rest in your talent after today. Devin, Gurpreet, Cortez, and Adam Sanders (performance not shown) were sent through but Matheus was sent home.

DevinVelez2

Devin Velez is one of my favorites

The third bunch included Nicholas Mathis who sang “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars. Keith Urban was so cool doing background sound effects (of what the music would do) for him. He was always just under the note, not quite flat, but not quite there. Then he dropped to his knees but for different reasons I think than Matheus did. He looked like the song was wearing him out physically because it requires a lot of breathing, lung power and breath control. He was just visibly out of breath. Keith said, “When you said chasing a dream, I felt like you were chasing the song.” Nicholas asks for one more chance because he is doing this for his kids (and I think Keith’s point was he should be doing this because it is his calling in life). As he exits, he says, “Get me a song to sing.” I did not understand that comment. He got a song to sing in the solo rounds–one he picked in fact. Nicki kept a watchful eye on Papa Peachez. He decided to sing, “You and I” by Lady Gaga and Nicki rolled her eyes when he started singing. It is the best I have heard him sing in Hollywood but it is not good enough for a place in the top 20. Nicki says, “I’m pretty sure that flame is completely burnt out. I am so disappointed. I don’t know why you would choose that song.” Jimmy Smith tries to redeem his group performance and sings “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. He has a sweet voice and he did a great job.

JimmySmith

Jimmy Smith’s redemption

In the fourth bunch, Nick Boddington, who made it to the Vegas rounds last year, chose to take a risk and play the keyboard and did one of my favorite songs, “Stars” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Although he was no Amanda Brown from The Voice it was still a good performance and I got goosebumps. I hope he finds a place in our top 10. Charlie Askew uses his charm to win over the judges. He decided to do a talking intro to the “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. He is an interesting quirky person (and I’m quirky and I like that) but he does not have the best voice. Nicki said, “I am obsessed with you.” His response? “Baby I could say the same thing.” And then my favorite line I’ve heard all year, “I glorify weirdness.” Can I use this as my catch line, Charlie? LOVE THAT LINE! Both of these guys go through as does JDA and Mathenee Treco.

NickBoddington

Nick Boddington is another of my favorites

The fifth bunch started with two singers doing the same song, “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri: Burnell Taylor and Marvin Calderon. Burnell is not doing too well. He is more right under the note than he was singing on the note. Marvin was not great, but was better than Burnell, even when he cracked on that end note. I’m upset that Burnell is going through. Is it just because he’s from Baton Rouge? Marvin is also going through as well. Micah Johnson then performs. He sings, “I Told You So” by Randy Travis. It was good but there were no vocal Olympics. He was far better than Burnell. Then they tell him no for this year. This is just NUTS.

They also let go: Gabe Brown, Sanni M’Mairura (WE STILL LOVE YOU IN HOUSTON SANNI!), and Nate Tao. And Johnny Keyser is still there? WHY IS HE STILL THERE?

Top 28 (I’m showing 32 names, the ones in bold are the ones I know are through; not sure if others are through and/or others are missing)?: Adam Sanders, Adrien Madison, Bill White, Bryant Tadeo, Burnell Taylor, Charles Allen, Charlie Askew, Chris Watson, Christian Lopez, Cortez Shaw, Curtis Finch, Jr., Darien Moses, David Leathers, Jr., David Willis, Devan Jones, Devin Velez, Elijah Liu, Gurpreet Singh Sarin (The Turbanator), JDA, Jimmy Smith, Joel Wayman, Johnny Keyser, Josh Holiday, Lee Pritchard, Lazaro Arbos, Mario Jose, Marvin Calderon, Mathenee Treco, Nick Boddington, Paul Jolley, Peter ?, Vincent Powell, Zach Birnbaum.

There is a twist to the boys, however. Next Thursday they will not have to perform, but 8 of them will still need to go home.

Next week: Hollywood Week Girls Style. Let the Hunger Games begin.


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

American Idol Season 12 Auditions Oklahoma City

2 02 2013

The American Idol city auditions came to an anticlimactic end that seemed to produce the least talented group among all the cities. Forty-five contestants were sent to Hollywood.

Wanting to prove that gingers have soul, Karl Skinner sang “I Feel Good” by James Brown for the judges. He is a young man with a LOT of energy. I preferred his original song that he played on the guitar. He “wants to be uncomparable.” I think he has already achieved that.

KarlSkinner

Karl Skinner

Contestant 80132 proved gingers did not have soul. Contestant 80685 did a poor job at singing Super Bass. And the guy who sang the Jessie J song was fun but never in tune.

Another contestant with great energy is Nate Tao. He is an American Sign Language instructor. Both of his parents are deaf. He sang “For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder. He has a good voice. I wished he would have signed the song as he sang it because that would have added to it (for me). We use some basic signs with Patrick (my son with autism) to communicate. Sign language is not only for people who are deaf and hearing-impaired. I hope he does well in Hollywood.

NateTao

Nate Tao

Then Oklahoma brought out the weird. Halie Hilburn is a great ventriloquist. She brought her puppet Oscar with her to do a duet. I was immediately drawn to the fact that Oscar has no eyes. If you’ve been watching “The Following” on Fox you’ll immediately get the reference (and if you aren’t watching, you should). She said she just got married. I really hope Oscar does not sleep in the bed with them because that would be downright awkward. They asked her to sing without Oscar and she sounded much better, even if Oscar could yodel. Keith felt like Oscar was holding her back. (I love Keith’s humor). It was a “no” from Randy but everyone else said yes. Then they showed Oscar on the street asking for money and ultimately in the trash. Poor Oscar. One day you are doing duets and the next day your partner dumps you.

HalieHilburn

Halie Hilburn

PoorOscar

Save Oscar

I wondered what acid the next contestant was dropping when she came to the audition. Zoanette Johnson had the nerve to disgrace our national anthem like that, not even remember the lyrics, and yet, the judges put her through. All of them. I think the woman needs Ritalin.

Zoanette

Zoanette Johnson

Oklahoma City is full of weird. Anastacia Freeman said that God told her to audition for Idol (not the X-Factor, not The Voice, but Idol). She attempted to sing “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton. Sometimes the devil disguises himself as God to fool you into doing things you should not. (2 Corinthians 11:14). This is truth because we had to endure the horror unfolding on our televisions. The whole song was out of key, several keys, was flat. This is someone who should not even sing privately. She stopped in the middle of singing because the judges were laughing. “Are y’all laughing at me?” They all say “no.” Of COURSE they are! But she continues, “…without you I can’t go on.” Yes please don’t go on. Make it stop. Her singing I consider contributes to the noise pollution in our world. Somewhere out in space that will reach the ears of some alien life form and they will come to conquer us just because we sent that crap to them.

AnastaciaFreeman

Anastacia Freeman

The last contestant was a young man, age 16, named Caden Kayden Stephenson. He brought the light of God back into that room. This is a child whose soul is much older than his tender years. Even though the life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has increased over the last half-century, Caden Kayden has made peace that his life may end by his mid-30’s. In 1955, children with cystic fibrosis were not expected to live past grade school. Caden Kayden is living each day to its fullest. He sang “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder. It was not gushingly great, but the aura and that wonderful personality carried him far. The judges were going to make this happen for him.

CadenStephenson

Kayden Stephenson

The last performer walked in. I happened to be on a phone call with someone in my family so I had the sound down. I keep looking at this woman thinking, “This looks like Steven Tyler in drag.” And it was. I guess this is sort of a judge hazing ritual. Although Hollywood was not in his future, Boston was (July 17-19, 2012). Indeed “Dude Looks Like a Lady.”

Tyler

Steven Tyler

Next week: Hollywood where eventually a top 40 will be picked and then to Vegas where the top 10 will be decided.


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

American Idol Season 12 Long Beach Auditions

1 02 2013

The California auditions for American Idol Season 12 occurred on the Queen Mary. Miscellaneous irrelevant information that may or may not interest you: My mother used to work for Cunard back in the 1960’s and she got to tour both the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth ships. All of my life living with her, she proudly displayed the two pictures in our living room. Ignore the little boy (my brother) in the picture and look in the background. The one with the 3 stacks I believe was the Queen Elizabeth and the 2 stacks was the Queen Mary. Or it’s the reverse. I have vague memories of being on the tour with her. She passed away many years ago and I do not know what ever happened to these pictures.

Ships

Look past the kid to the ship portraits on the wall.

For at least one of the contestants, Shubha Vedula, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson were the only judges available as Nicki Minaj was rehearsing for the American Music Awards and Mariah Carey was stuck in traffic. They had a little fun with her name. She sang Christina Aguilera’s “Something’s Got A Hold On Me.” She has a really great voice. I think she’ll be in the top 40.

ShubaVedula

Shubha Vedula

I felt really bad for the next contestant, Brian Martinez. Apparently while in the john, a music producer named “John” told him he should try out for American Idol. Apparently John lied. While I normally don’t feel sorry for individuals like this, it wasn’t so much anger and tears as he looked like his spirit was crushed.

US Veteran Matt Farmer brought her darling daughter into the audition. He had an amazing story about his traumatic brain injury from an incident in combat. He had to take a medication that his doctor said would cause him to be sterile, and 6 months later, his beautiful daughter was conceived. I like his eyes. There is an honesty about them and his aura is just radiant. He did a bang-up job on “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.

MattFarmer

Matt Farmer

Purpled-haired Stephanie Sanson’s version of Adele’s “Set Fire To the Rain” was not exactly what I was expecting. I guess she decided she needed to exorcise her demons. But it did remind me of another song from the movie “XXX” with Vin Disel: “I Will Be Heard” by Hatebreed.

StephanieSanson

Looks harmless, doesn’t she? Her poor mother must be deaf by now.

When the fire alarm went off during Jesaiah Baer’s audition, I thought, “Demon chick decided to set fire to the rain literally.” But it was a car exhaust under a veranda? She returned and sang Kimbra’s “Settle Down” again and got 4 yeses. She is cute and has a unique voice. I was shocked she was only 16.

JesaiahBaer

Jesaiah Baer

Keith Urban harmonized with Micah Johnson to the song, “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band. You would never be able to tell he had nerve damage from having his tonsils removed. I guess maybe the same theory for people who stutter while speaking can sing also applies in this case–singing uses different muscles.

MicahJohnson

Micah Johnson

The unnamed 10-year-old who was singing on the ship who thinks she is going to be the next American Idol in 5 years really does not need to wait that long. She only has to be 13 to try out for The X-Factor. What an amazing talent!

What? What do I see? Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey are actually sitting next to each other? WHOA! I like the truce.

Kimberly “Rachel” Hale has a nice voice, but I did not like her eye movements. They were distracting me. One of those performers who I need to listen to with my eyes shut.

RachelHale

Rachel Hale

I think this story is the one they should have ended with because I am so irked about the final contestant…but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. Briana Oakley was featured on as Maury’s Most Talented Kids in 2009. She opened for Latoya London. Apparently after that, she went back to her school and instead of becoming the most popular girl in school became bullied. At age 16, however, she is going to get the last laugh because she is going to Vegas–right through Hollywood and right into the top 10. She sang “Up To the Mountain” by Patty Griffin and the hair on my arms was standing at attention. Let me point out, that they never tried to hide the fact that she has been professionally singing since age 4, that she was on Maury, etc.

BrianaOakley

Briana Oakley

Now MY RANT. Meet the next contestant: Mateus Fernandes, age 21. Very inspiring story. Very positive attitude. He gets into the audition room and is going to sing, “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I am not the only person on Twitter that appears to have watched “The Glee Project,” Season 1. If they were honest with that, I would not be reacting like this. I don’t know if this was an editing decision or a Mateus’ decision, but he was acting like all of his life no one gave him a break because of his size. I don’t believe any of those tears. Not only did he get vocal coaching from that show, but he got intense choreography and acting lessons. And he came in 8th place out of 40,000 people that auditioned. And he’s saying, “This is crazy, this is crazy?” Let me share. The show’s first season premiered in the US on June 12, 2011 and aired until August of 2011. Perhaps he is suffering short-term memory problems? The auditions for Idol Season 12 likely occurred during the summer of 2012. Could he have forgotten his FIRST big break in just a matter of a year? He said this on the You Tube posting of his Idol audition, “I talked about being in ‘The Glee Project,‘ but they just didn’t wanna show that. And what you saw on this video is indeed the real me, not the “character” that you saw on TGP since that’s the persona they wanted for me on that show. This is me. Apologies if you don’t like it, but that’s alright. I am happy with who I am nowadays. It’s been a long journey thus far. I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

If the producers did indeed cut that out for whatever their reasons, it backfired. People will tolerate being manipulated by an inspiring story only so far. People do not like to be outright deceived.

RANT NOW OVER.

MatheusFernandes

Matheus Fernandes

Next: The journey finally ends in Oklahoma City before Hollywood week.


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

American Idol Season 12 San Antonio Auditions

1 02 2013

The San Antonio, Texas Idol auditions were carried out at Sunset Station, also known as the building of 1000 lights (The Depo). For some, those lights were on, but nobody was home. For others, they got their bright yellow ticket to the Hollywood rounds.

First up was Vincent Powell, originally from Austin, Texas, who now makes his home in Houston, Texas. He is a praise leader. He chose B.B. King’s “Rock Me Baby.” Mariah was groovin’. He made it previously to the Hollywood week during season 11 but did not get through; then he thought it would be his last year to audition and make it through, but the rules have been changed. Will this be the time his star shines? I think so. He is top 10 material.

VincentPowell

Vincent Powell

The Brothers Bacerott (Derek and David) took up way too much air time and time from the judges. They were trying to sing Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” David was trying to channel a bad Elvis imitation. He thinks he is hot. Not only could they not stay on key, they could not harmonize. The boys were very passive-aggressive. This is what they want to do. They want feedback, but apparently no constructive feedback that might save them a lifetime of pursuing something that cannot be theirs. Sometimes the truth IS a negative–the difference between what you want and what you have the talent to do. I could never build a house. But I am an excellent pet sitter. I would never attempt to build a house because it would never meet safety standards. But I have other talents and gifts I can give the world to make it a better place. Mariah tries to help but David will not be quiet. David: “But you guys were very negative.” Randy: “But it is the truth.” Then Nicki realizes they were in a state delusion. She says, “You guys were great, but it is a no from us.” Then David says, “Don’t lie to us.” Randy: “You have terrible attitudes.” Them: “We have great attitudes.” I liked Nicki intervening and said, “Your part of the audition is done.” Where is the Gong Show hook when you need it?

Savannah Votion has a lovely voice, singing, “At Last” by Etta James. Etta James seems to be real big this year at all the auditions. She will get to Vegas week I think. One comment: Watch what you wear. On the side view, you could see your abdominal fat hanging over your pants and that is just never attractive. But I’m definitely rooting for her.

SavannahVotion

Savannah Votion

Like a coyote, I was howling when Ricky Jo Garcia was singing. Randy was thoughtful: “It wasn’t good enough today.” I’m not sure it would ever BE good enough. Another person who has been deluded by people around her that she could sing well.

Cristabel Clack is another worship leader in the group. I had goosebumps. She sang, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. I got goosebumps. I think we’ll see her move through Hollywood and onto Vegas. Mariah loves her. I adore her hair, too.

CristabelClack

Cristabel Clack

Jordan Difani nominated his wife, Ann, a former Miss University of Arkansas. Randy Jackson surprised them at a football game. She sang, “Stronger” by Faith Hill. Her voice is good, but I did not like her performance. If I closed my eyes, it was better. Not sure exactly what was making me feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it is like that with me. Keith: “There’s a lot of faith in there.” Ann: “I hope you felt the passion.” Mariah: “He meant “Hill.” Randy Jackson: “Faith Hill.” Mariah said she liked that she had an anchor (referring to her love of country but she could crossover into pop per the contestant), and then Marian did a quick head-check to Nicki because it was this same topic that caused that big argument in Charlotte.

AnnDifani

Ann Difani

Victoria Acosta spends a lot of her time singing in mariachi groups. She sang, “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” She has a good voice, but I thought it was not a good song choice. That is one of those songs that really need instruments behind it to sound okay. It did look forced. Randy asked her to sing in her style, which she did, and it was much better. Hopefully when she gets to Hollywood she can transpose that passion in that style of song into the choices they are given to sing.

VictoriaAcosta

Victoria Acosta

Stefan Jones, Ongela Clark-Falkquay and Carolyn Jackson were all branded outlaws. That was a cute segment.

Papa Peachez is an interesting fellow. He said he felt like a big black woman trapped in a little boy’s body (a little white boy’s body). He decided to perform an original song. I’m adoring what I’m calling “Keithisms” “Papa Don’t Peach.” I was 100% surprised they said yes. He is interesting, but he’ll be swallowed alive during Hollywood week and nothing but peach pits will be left.

PapaPeachez

Papa Peachez

Sanni M’Mairura is a Pearland, Texas resident (a community south of Houston). For 16, he is adorable. If he does not make it through Hollywood week, he should definitely consider trying out for So You Think You Can Dance when he turns 18. He has a GREAT attitude. I liked his voice. He sang, “Who’s Lovin’ You” by Michael Jackson.

Sanni

Sanni M’Mairura

Adam Sanders looked like Jimmy Kimmel with a wig on. I heard some on Twitter calling him a Latino Adam Lambert. This young man would have been completely happy if he just met his idol Mariah that day. He said he felt he was R&B, Soul or Pop. This was either going to be really, really good or bad, but given that he has the last spot for the day, it is likely going to be spectacular. He sang, “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. GOOSEBUMPS. He will be in the group going to Vegas after Hollywood. I have NO DOUBT. TESTIFY! He got a standing ovation.

AdamSanders

Adam Sanders

The number of people who made it through to San Antonio was not given, but I would guess, if it is the typical amount, somewhere in the 40-50 range. Next up: Long Beach, California on the Queen Mary.


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

American Idol Season 12 Baton Rouge Auditions

30 01 2013

The next stop on American Idol‘s talent tour was Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. It brought out an eclectic group of individuals. And the alpha-dog battle between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey has calmed.  Thank God!

An injured Megan Miller hobbled her way in and into the hearts of the judges. She was on her way to surgery but wanted to audition before she did. Instead of trying to vie for attention, she used her temporary disability in a humorous fashion which delighted the judges. She is Miss Greater Baton Rouge. She delivered an Etta James song like a professional. Why do people think these 1980-like headbands are cool? They really are not. It’s so Olivia Newton John.

MeganMiller

Megan Miller

Charlie Askew was a great surprise. He reminds me of Clay Aiken, someone who likely will undergo a big transformation style-wise if he makes it to the top 10. His voice sounds a lot like Chris Colfer (Glee). He sang “Breakthrough” by Queen, and then “Nature Boy” by Nat King Boy. I thought “Nature Boy” was better. Charlie has a very interesting, big voice for such a petite-sized young man. He is quite unique. Keith mentioned something about a vagenda. The only time I’ve heard the word “vagenda” used was in the TV show “Fringe.” Unless it is a different spelling and Australian slang, it means: “Using your feminine wiles to accomplish evil ends.”

CharlieAskew

Charlie Askew

Nominations have been done with mixed results now. Sylvia Assel nominated her granddaughter, Maddie Assel. I found Sylvia much more interesting. Exactly how much magic dust has she inhaled? Sylvia tells Ryan, “I want to kidnap you and take you home with me.” Maddie sang, “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles. Her vibrato is borderline annoying, but if she tames that just a little bit, she’ll do well. She, too, is unique.

MaddieAssel

Maddie Assel

Of course, there is a string of auditions that do not go well at all. The young lady with the purple glasses needs some anger management classes.

I like Paul Jolley‘s spirit. He did well with Rascal Flatts’ “Don’t Let Go.”

PaulJolley

Paul Jolley

Chris Barthel was nicknamed “Mushroom.” He has now ruined “If I Had You” by Adam Lambert. He was quite entertaining with his dance moves. Keith Urban was laughing so hard he was crying. “I like the keys that song was in.” Perhaps Chris’ calling lies in comedy. When Nicki was running her fingers through his hair, he says, “Nicki you are awesome!” Mariah’s face was priceless. After receiving 4 “no” responses, he says to Ryan, “I met four awesome people including you.” Who was Chris leaving out?

ChrisBarthel

Chris “Mushroom” Barthel

You know you are getting old(er) when the doctors could be as young as your own children. Dr. Calvin Peters, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, came in confident. He pulled off a difficult Maxwell song. It was as smooth as silk.

CalvinPeters

Dr. Calvin Peters

Out of the next contestants, Michelle Montezer (what is UP with those headbands!), Breanna Steer, and Brandy Hotard, I liked Breanna’s voice the best. They are all through to Hollywood.

MichelleMontezer

Michelle Montezer

BreannaSteer

Breanna Steer

BrandyHotard

Brandy Hotard

Alissa Griffin was just horrid.

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard Nicki Minaj ask the contestant if they have a boyfriend. This is not “The Dating Game.” Firefighter Dustin Watts did a wonderful job with Garth Brooks’ “She’s Every Woman.” I like the tone in his voice.

DustinWatts

Dustin Watts

The last contestant usually has a backstory that is shared to move the audience. Burnell Taylor was no different. His home was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, but they moved to Baton Rouge. It was a lesson learned about what is important in life. He slayed “I’m Here” from the movie “The Color Purple.” He had a wonderful voice. I didn’t think he was the best voice in the competition, but he also had a great stage presence. Keith was having a blast with him. Randy, Keith and Mariah gave him a standing ovation. He made Mariah cry. Keith said, “Somewhere there is a spotlight waiting for you to walk into it.”

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Burnell Taylor

A total of 35 people made it through to Hollywood. Next: San Antonio


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Categories : American Idol, Fox Shows, TV shows

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