Thursday, April 30, 2009

Week 8 Results

I go to church on Wednesday nights so I always record the results show. However, I'm stupid and this week set my time record for 7pm instead of 8pm, thus missing the results. So I had to wait for it to be posted on the bootleg sites.

Simon said this is an open competition, which makes it fun. I agree. The show could totally go any direction from here. I think all of the contestants have a shot at winning.

The Ford video was actually really cool this week.

The group performed "It Don't Mean a Thing" and "I Got Rhythm." It didn't suck this week! Some of the solos were a little over-the-top, but I enjoyed it. The balance worked this week (finally).

Both Danny and Allison celebrated birthdays this week. I cracked up at the food fight video.

Ryan did the stage split results. He made Adam choose which group is safe. He actually made a decision rather than just sitting down like previous contestants did.

Right side of the stage: Matt, Kris
Left side of the stage: Danny, Allison

Adam walked to the left side with Danny and Allison. Ryan then moved Adam to the right side with Matt and Kris to complete the bottom three. Yes, Adam was in the bottom three. Danny and Allison are safe, and both of their mouths dropped at that announcement. Happy birthdays to them.

Natalie Cole performed. Taylor Hicks performed. Jamie Foxx performed. Geez.

Kris is safe. [I'd just like to say that the three people I voted for last night 5 times each are the top three.]

Adam is safe. Matt is going home. At least he gets to go out with a bang rather than a crap performance that no one wants to suffer through again.

Top 4: Danny, Allison, Kris, and Adam (as it should be)
Next week is going to be insane if these four bring their best. Next week is Rock and Roll!!!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Top 5

The theme this week is "Standards from the Rat Pack Era." I had very high hopes for tonight, and I wasn't let down. The competition is getting really tough, and the Rat Pack put out some amazing songs. The mentor this week was Jamie Foxx. Ryan joked about how it was difficult to pick a mentor because all the singers in the Rat Pack are dead. I'm curious as to why they didn't ask Michael Buble to be the mentor, considering he's brought back many rat pack hits and made them current. Jamie did a great job though. He had really good advice for the contestants.

Kris—“The Way You Look Tonight”
Jamie told Kris that if Idol didn't work out, he'd produce a record with him. (YES!) Kris just makes me swoon. It was a great performance, and for once I loved the fancy ending. Randy said it was Kris's best performance this season because he took his time and told a story. Kara said he set the technical standard high; complimented his phrasing, diction, rhythms, and timing; and called him a dark horse in this competition. Simon said Kris's performance was "wet." Yes, wet. Then he compared Kris to a cocker spaniel. I was very confused. Did Simon trade brains with Paula?

Allison—“Someone to Watch over Me”
I love that Allison picked a song with a higher range. It was a beautiful vocal performance, but she maintained her rock edge. It was definitely one of her best performances. Randy said Allison "sang like Pink but with 900 different octaves." Kara said that Allison isn't a one-trick pony like many people think, and that she won over some more fans tonight. Simon, however, thinks that Allison has been and will be overshadowed and in trouble this week.

Matt—“My Funny Valentine”
What was with the weird inflection Matt was using tonight? He sounded like he was trying to sing with an old time New York accent or something. I thought it was a good performance, but it wasn't worth all the hype. Matt, as a jazz artist, should have blown the other competitors out of the water, but he didn't. I enjoyed it, but I think his time is up on this show. Paula said his performance was "pure, simple, and really impressive." Simon called it "believable and authentic."

Danny—“Come Rain or Come Shine”
Just when I was thinking that I had nothing to say about Danny's performance other than "it was good as usual," he surprised me. Finally. The latter half of Danny's performance was incredible. The ending was powerful and amazing. Randy said that Danny could put out a jazz album. Kara said Danny has "Rat Pack swagger" and said he was took more creative liberty with tonight's performance than any of his others. Paula said he was "stellar." Simon called it "outstanding."

Adam—“Feeling Good”
I love this song, so I was pretty excited to hear Adam's take on it. The first verse was great, but Adam lost me in the second verse. Then he got me again with that long high note at the end of the song. Randy said Adam's performance was "too theatrical and dramatic" for his taste, but he credited Adam's talent. Paula compared watching Adam each week to watching Michael Phelps in last summer's Olympics. Simon said that this season is different because all the contestants clearly want to win.

My favorites of the night were Kris, Allison, and Danny.

I think that Matt will go home, but for once I have no clue about the bottom three. It could go many ways. I’m guessing Matt, Kris, and Allison though just based on the huge Danny-Adam fan base.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Week 7 Results

Double elimination. Here we go.

The Top 7 performed a a disco song together to which Paula choreographed a dance. They lip-synched, clear as day. This isn't a dance competition, it's a singing competition. As entertaining as it was to watch them dance (they were actually pretty good), that's not why I watch this show.

The Ford video vocals are getting worse and worse every week.

Weird results tonight. No bottom three?

Lil Rounds is going home, finally! All the judges stood for her after she finished singing. At least she went out with class.

Some people I don't know sang a medley of disco songs. It was terrible from the first note. The first woman was awful. I was afraid the second one was going to show more than we wanted to see with that dress. Then, KC from KC and the Sunshine Band performed with a bunch of dancers dressed like The Pussycat Dolls, and it made him look like a pedophile. There's a reason that disco died.

Back to the results. Thank God.

Safe: Kris, Adam, Danny, Matt

Bottom Three (minus Lil): Anoop, Allison

David Archuleta performed "Touch My Hand." Love him. He's grown as a performer since Idol last season. (P.S. David and Allison would be super adorable together.)

Anoop is going home. Allison is safe.

Top 5: Kris, Adam, Danny, Matt, and Allison

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Top 7 Round Two

Tonight's theme is disco. There is no mentor this week, which means no video beforehand so the show will go faster. All four judges are critiquing each contestant tonight. Good. No one will be robbed of Simon's opinion.

Lil Rounds—“I’m Every Woman”
Lil chose an annoying song and she was all over the place vocally. It was awkward and dull. As comedian Michael Buckley said last week, "another week, another weave." Randy said it sounded wild. Kara said that Lil picked the right song, but it just "wasn't worth the wait." The judges repeated their mantra of not knowing who Lil is as an artist. Simon said Lil's performance was a mess, and this was her final shot.

Ryan asked Lil what she thought of their critiques. Really, Ryan? No one cares what she thinks.

Kris—“She Works Hard for the Money”
As soon as I hear what song Kris was singing, I knew he was going to be amazing. Tonight's performance is exactly why I adore Kris. He turned a disco song into a Latin acoustic song. It was incredible. Kara said he took a risk and it paid off big time. Paula said it had a "classy Santana aspect" to it. Simon called it the "polar opposite to Lil's performance," and said that it was "original, well thought out, and a fantastic performance." Randy said that Kris is ready for the big time because he knows who he is as an artist.

Danny—“September”
Danny got to dance around again. It was a good performance as expected. Danny is a solid vocalist, but he doesn't surprise me like Kris and Adam do. I just want him to "wow" me. Kara said he is an incredible vocalist and that his pitch is always right on. Paula said that Danny has "one of the sexiest voices ever."

Allison—“Hot Stuff”
Allison turned a disco song into a rock song. I actually liked her take on it. The end was great. I love when she goes into her higher range. Kara said that Allison shouldn't have slowed down the tempo. I agree. Simon called it a "brilliant performance."

Adam—“If I Can’t Have You”
Adam looks like a stud tonight. (Sorry Ladies, he likes studs himself.) It was a great vocal as always, but is it possible to "connect" too much? Adam was so emotional that it didn't seem sincere. Kara said that Adam is "brilliant" and "inspiring." Paula cried and said that she "felt his pain and vulnerability." Simon said that he "didn't quite feel the pain," but he said that no one expected that song from Adam tonight and called it "memorable."

Matt—“Staying Alive”
I had banked on Adam picking this song, but it was a fun choice for Matt as far as the lyrics go. Matt mixed it up this week by ditching the piano and singing a fast song. I was torn by his performance. I liked his interpretation of the chorus, but the verses were just too fast. That fancy ending he tried was awful. The judges looked really disappointed. Kara said he "brought disco back" because everyone else had changed the arrangements of their songs. Paula called it a strike in her weird bowling analogy and predicted that Matt will be sticking around. Simon called it desperate and said it lacked originality.

Anoop—“Dim the Lights”
My first thought was "shave, please." Anoop has such a pure voice; it really is beautiful. He had a shaky ending but overall I thought it was a good performance. The applause he received was notably quieter than that of the other contestants, however. Kara said Anoop made a great choice by choosing a ballad with a beat. Paula said that "real men know how to wear pink" and said he should smile because he was "beautiful teeth." (Really, Paula?) Simon hated the beat and called it mediocre. He also thought it was Anoop's worst performance, with which I totally disagree.

My favorite of the night was Kris by a mile. Adam, Allison, and Danny also delivered solid performances.

I predict that Lil, Anoop, and Matt will be in the bottom three, with Lil and Anoop going home.

Can Paula go home too?

Overall, I was impressed by tonight's performances. It was not the disaster I was expecting from disco week.

David Archuleta performs tomorrow night!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Week 6 Results

The Ford video was annoying again.

The Top 7 performed "Maniac" together. Anoop tripped down the stairs. They were off tempo a little bit. It was much better than last week's group song though.

The contestants got to go to the premiere of "17 Again." I'm sooo jealous. 2 days! Zac Efron was in the audience tonight. Love him.

Safe: Allison, Adam, Kris (Simon said he was brilliant), Danny

Bottom Three: Anoop, Lil, Matt

Jennifer Hudson performed. She's amazingly talented and so beautiful.

I think it's the right group overall for the bottom three, though I will admit that personally based on this week alone Allison and Anoop should switch places. But I wouldn't want Allison to go home.

Anoop is safe for another week. Good. Based on last night, he deserves another chance.

Miley Cyrus sang "The Climb." I love this song. Miley, not so much. Why was she headbanging? Her hair was a complete mess by the end of the song. She never smiled either.

Simon said he would consider saving one of the bottom two (Matt or Lil).

Lil is safe.

Matt is going home unless the judges use their save. If he sings the melody straight, the judges may save him. The crowd chanted "save him." He definitely doesn't deserve to leave before Lil. The judges used their save. Matt is in the competition for another week, which means that two people will go home next week.

Seriously though, Lil is starting to be like Sanjaya. She's never received a positive critique from all four judges. I can't remember a single performance of hers, and she just isn't a competitor in this contest. Why is she on the show still? I know why, but still. Enough is enough.

Top 7 remain. Next week's theme is disco. It's going to be a tough week.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Top 7

Have I mentioned how annoying this introduction stuff is? Maybe if they cut this crap, the show wouldn’t run over 6 minutes. To fix that problem, only 2 judges are critiquing each performance tonight. What? That’s retarded. Why are you getting paid?

The theme this week is Songs of the Cinema, with mentor, Quentin Tarantino.

Allison—“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon
I was disappointed by Allison's performance tonight, but apparently I was watching a different performance than the judges. I thought the song was too low for Allison for half of the song until she did her improv toward the end. Paula, however, said Allison is "authentic and remarkable," and Simon said that she is the only hope for the girls in this competition. I agree with that.

Anoop—“Everything I Do, I Do for You” from Robin Hood
I thought it was a nice, tender vocal as would be expected from Anoop. For the first time I really felt that Anoop made a connection with the audience. Randy said Anoop has found his groove, and Kara said it was his best performance. I agree, but I'm not sure how much it will help this late in the competition.

Adam—“Born to Be Wild” from Easy Rider
What is there to say? Adam can sing the phone book. Tonight's performance was hot, and the ending was incredible! Let's critique Paula instead. What the heck did she say to Adam? I feel like she's reading fortune cookies under the table for her critiques. Simon is getting tougher on Adam now. He compared Adam's performance to Rocky Horror. I agree in a weird way, but I love Rocky Horror!

Matt—“Have You Really Ever Loved a Woman?” from Don Juan DeMarco
Matt got off to a rough start. He tried to do too much with a simple melody. It didn't get much better from there. That's really all there is to say about his performance tonight.

Danny—“Endless Love” from Endless Love
Fun little sidenote: Danny is learning to play guitar.
Quentin told him to use his eyes to speak, and Danny ditched the glasses tonight to do just that. This is a beautiful song and Danny sang it well. I'll admit I cried a little bit because we all know who he was singing about. It was beautiful and touching, and a simple but wonderful vocal. Simon was disappointed because Danny's interpretation was traditional and boring, but he credited Danny for his vocal talent and the personal meaning of the song.

Kris—“Falling Slowly” from Once
I love this song, and for once, I was glad that Kris didn't play his guitar. I thought it was an amazing and tender performance. Randy didn't like it, but Kara loved it. She said it was one of Kris's best moments. It was a risk for Kris to choose an obscure song, but I think it paid off.

Lil—“The Rose” from The Rose
I thought the beginning was boring, but actually liked the gospel section for the most part. It was a little whiny, and I'll say it again, the fancy last notes are annoying and pointless. Simon rolled his eyes at Paula during her critique, and so did the rest of America. He said that Lil is still getting it completely wrong and there are no excuses anymore. Lil then argued with Simon and the show ran over. I got annoyed and changed the channel to watch 90210. Lil, shut up and go home.

Bottom Three Prediction: Lil, Matt, and Allison (I think Anoop may have won the audience over tonight and Allison was early in the show, forgettable, and a bit boring.)
My favorites of the night were Adam, Danny, and Kris as usual.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Week 5 Results

Is it bad that I had no idea who that guy was that came out singing in the beginning?

Apparently it was Frankie Avalon. He was a surprise guest who sang his hit single from the year that Simon was born.

The group song was from the year that American Idol was born, 2002. They performed "Can't Get You Out of My Head." Really? There's not a better song from 2002? Worst group performance ever. The harmonies were off. The balance was terrible. The song was awful and annoying in 2002. Guess what? It still is. I couldn't wait for it to be over. I wish the judges would critique that one. Allison's solo was the only good element.

The Ford video was a theatrical magic show to Britney Spears's "Circus."

Safe: Adam, Kris, Danny, Matt, Allison

Bottom Three: Anoop, Scott, Lil

Flo Rida performed "Right Round."

America got it completely right this week. Yay!

Kelly Pickler performed "The Best Days." I've never really been a fan of her (she's dumb as a rock), but I actually liked this song a lot. Apparently, she co-wrote that song with Taylor Swift. Ah, that's why I liked it.

Lil and Anoop are safe. Scott is going home unless the judges use their save.

Again, I hate that the losers have to sing the song that put them in the bottom three. We sufferend through it once; we don't want to do it again.

The judges debated for a while, but Scott is finally going home! (Umm...is it weird that we're all watching Scott's journey and he can't see it?)

So, the Top 7 are Adam, Kris, Danny, Allison, Matt, Anoop, and Lil.

P.S. Is everyone else as excited for the new show "Glee" as I am?

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Top 8

The theme this week is "songs from the year the contestants were born."

In honor of the theme, Ryan showed baby pictures of the judges. Kara's picture was hilarious. Ryan said, “Kara you look like you just made a poopy.”

On to the competition.

Danny—“Stand by Me” from 1980
I wasn't too crazy about the arrangement of this song. I thought the beginning was boring, but the true Danny came out at the chorus and breakdown, which was much better. I'm fading on Danny though. I want him to surprise me! This was definitely not my favorite performance. Simon said, "the beginning was lazy, the middle was boring, and the ending was terrific, so overall, great."

Kris—“All She wants to Do is Dance” from 1985
Apparently Kris wanted to be a taxi driver when he was a kid. Aww...how weird. Kris performed on the pit stage that Matt performed on last week. I don't like it. There are thirty people around that stage, but thirty million (or whatever) watching on TV. I feel excluded. Kris busted out the electric guitar on this one, and he definitely made it his own, but again, this was not my favorite performance of his. Kara said it was like "jazz funk homework." Simon said it was "indulgent, boring, and forgettable...like a guitarist who wanted to sing rather than a singer." Is anyone else getting sick of Simon and the word "indulgent?" Does he even know what that means? Ryan then told Simon that his critique was "indulgent and predictable." I laughed.

Lil—“What’s Love Got to Do with it?” from 1984
Lil definitely looked like a rock star tonight, but she didn't perform like one. The beginning was boring, but once she got into her higher register it was much better. I liked her improvisation toward the end, but that final run was obnoxious. The judges all basically said that Lil lacks artistry and originality and it was a karoke performance. Blah, blah, blah. Lil, go home.

Anoop—“True Colors” from 1986
This was a great song choice for Anoop because it brought out the Anoop that we all know and love. I like that he diversified his performance by picking up the tempo and standing up from the stool. Kara said he took a pop song and interpreted it with soul. Simon called Anoop a "singing yo-yo" because he's up one week and down the next.

Scott—“The Search is Over” from 1985
Scott wanted to be a train conductor when he was little. That was cute, but then they went into this spiel about how he used to play creepy music on Halloween and he did this weird creepy laugh. It was bizarre. Scott surprised everyone this week by playing guitar instead of piano. He wasn't very good at it though, so that was not a wise choice. He was still annoying and awkward and constantly flat. Kara said it was "overambitious." Scott made some dumb joke about his electric guitar and his "punk side coming out." No one laughed. Simon said that Scott tried to be someone else and failed.

Allison—“I Can’t Make You Love Me” from 1992
Allison's mom thought that she talked to much as a baby, so she took her to the doctor. The doctor said that Allison would be a famous singer someday, and her mom believed him. Look where she is now. Cute story. Allison's mom is adorable. I like that we got to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Allison tonight. I loved her performance. It was one of my favorites of the night. Randy said Allison reminds him of Kelly Clarkson. Simon said that she needs to reveal her personality more. Her vocals are solid, but she needs to be more "likeable."

Matt—“Part Time Lovers” from 1985
Matt had the JT look going on tonight with that fedora and jacket. His performance was funky and soulful, and I absolutely loved it. Randy said it was "vocally one of the best of the night." Kara said simply, "incredible." Paula gave Matt a standing ovation.

Sidenote: Idol was running late into my 90210 time! The judges should talk and argue less.

Adam—“Mad World” 1982
I cracked up at Adam's video. He said, "I just loved playing dress-up, not soccer." That explains so much. This song was perfectly fitting for Adam. It is dark and creepy, which we all know that Adam can do well. He is a great performer with amazing vocals as always. But I hated the ending note. Resolve it! The show was way out of time, so Simon was the only judge to critique, and he gave Adam a standing ovation. Wow.

My favorites of the night were Allison, Anoop, Matt, and Adam.
I think that Lil, Scott, possibly Anoop, and maybe even Danny may be in trouble this week.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Week 4 Results

Why must Ryan speak with all four judges for 10 minutes in the beginning? So annoying.

Simon predicted that Anoop, Matt, and Megan were in trouble.

Kris and Matt rapped in the Ford video. Adorable. haha. Were the girls even singing?

The Top 9 performed "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Allison and Kris kicked it off to an amazing start. Scott was at the piano again. Danny rocked it in the chorus. Adam did his thing at the end. I'm totally downloading that one. One of my all-time favorite songs--they did well.

They showed a clip on a typical Idol week. Did anyone else crack up at Kris's "sexy face?"

Matt did a hilarious impression of Danny on the video, so Ryan had them do more impressions of each other. Anoop and Allison also busted out impersonations of Danny. (Anoop's was terrible.) Danny poked fun at Matt's Coldplay performance from Top 36.

Oh no. Ryan's doing the split results. He told Kris, Matt, and Megan to stand on one side of the stage. Then he told Adam, Allison, and Lil to stand in the center. Danny, Scott, and Anoop were placed on the opposite side of the stage.

The reigning American Idol, DAVID COOK, performed "Come Back to Me." Love him! David got a little teary-eyed when Ryan presented him with a plaque in honor of his debut album going platinum. "I always cry on this stage." haha...aww.

Back to the results.

Safe--Kris, Matt, Lil (what? ugh.), Adam (he didn't look nervous at all), Danny, Scott

Bottom Three--Megan, Allison (no!!!), Anoop

Megan waved like a moron from the bottom three stools. This is a competition and you are losing. Get serious.

Lady GaGa performed "Poker Face." She is SO weird, but it was a really cool performance.

Allison is safe.

Anoop is safe.

Megan is going home. I think her performance was even worse than last night. In her farewell, she told her son "I'm coming home baby!"

Top 8: Kris, Danny, Adam, Allison, Lil, Anoop, Scott, and Matt

Next week the theme is Hits From the Year They Were Born. This was a really fun theme last year. Remember Michael John's Queen medley? Or David Cook's rendition of "Billie Jean?" I have high hopes.