This Week's American Idol Auditions

Has American Idol jumped the shark even though Simon Cowell is still there? Sure, I know we're in the auditions, the riff-raff of the season. But usually someone's voice really catches my interest by now. Yes, there have been some decent voices, a handful probably better than some recording artists out and about today. But no one has made me sit back and go "WOW!" I want my WOW and I want it now!

The guest judge thing has been different this year. I wasn't impressed with Avril Lavigne and her little horned hoodie on Tuesday evening. She really didn't add much as far as input on the auditions, either. However, she played with the horns on her sweatshirt. Maybe she got it from a boi.

Last night we had Neil Patrick Harris for the first day in Texas, a Jonas brother (Joe?) for the second day. True to form, NPH jumped right in and got involved. If you've ever seen him on talk shows or when he's substituted for Regis ... he's good at these things. The Jonas was a bit like Avril Lavigne sans an horned hoodie.

As for the auditions themselves, the Tourette's guy sang decently and his little sad story was a nice touch when he really could sing. Did he blow me away? Nope. Nome of them did. We need a Melinda Doolittle methinks. How about you?

American Idol Winner Bulletin

KRIS ALLEN has won American Idol!

For those of you on the West Coast, the show is well worth the watch. I think it was one of the more entertaining shows I've seen in years. Steve Martin, The Black-Eyed Peas, Carlos Santana, etc., etc.

Kris is stunned.

American Idol: The Final Showdown

Well, tonight was the big showdown between Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. I think we've all known all along that Adam would be in the final and it's very obvious that the judges want him to win. Kris has been a dark horse all along. But, as I've watched him all season, I think I'd prefer Kris over Adam for the win. Let me tell you why ...

Adam is extremely theatrical. While he does have a good voice, he depends on theatrics and often screams to songs. While the judges often comment on other people screaming, he seems to float on by with it. I prefer his voice on softer songs like the rendition of "Mad World" which is strikingly similar to this version by Gary Jules. (Nope, Adam's not the creative genius they've made him to be.) Adam screamed the Sam Cook song tonight -- and got mad praises by the judges. Go figure.

Then there's Kris. While I don't see me running out and buying his stuff, I think he's definitely got a Jason Mraz/John Mayer vibe going on. That's very popular these days. Plus, he's an actual musician and I think he'll be writing songs as his career progresses. I've been one partial to singer-songwriters since my childhood. He did an excellent job singing "Ain't No Sunshine" once again.

In ten years I can see Adam doing reprisals of Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In ten years, I can see Kris having a career which parallels folks like James Taylor, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Who's the winner?

BTW - Kara's song did absolutely nothing for me ... sung by either contestant.

American Idol - Results Show 5/13/09

Although I'm watching the entire three hour block finale night of Lost, I have the other TV on in sight (muted) and will be posting the results of last night's voting as it happens here on the East Coast.

Kris is safe. Adam is safe (of course).

Danny Gokey is out of the running.

American Idol Results Show - May 6, 2009

Although I'm watching Lost, I have the other TV on in sight (muted) and will be posting the results of last night's voting. I basically enjoyed last night's show -- classic rock is my own "growing up years" music. Although I'm not an Adam Lambert fan, I do think his rendition of "Whole Lotta Love" was the best one of the night. I'm sure he'll be safe ... he always is. Adam and Allison went at it like old school rockers in their duet, easily beating out the Kris and Danny duet.

I'm not sure who's going home. I think it will be either Allison or Kris. But I'll let you know when I see it in the background.

Kris is safe.

Adam is safe.

Danny is safe ... Allison is going home.

American Idol Results Show - 4/29

Although I'm watching Lost, I have the other TV on in sight (muted) and will be posting the results of last night's voting.

Danny and Allison are safe. The one going home will be one of these three: Adam, Matt, and Kris.

Kris is safe. So, either Matt or Adam will go home. Surprising that Adam is near the bottom, isn't it? I think it will be Matt going, but they haven't announced it yet.

It is indeed goodbye to Matt Giraud.

American Idol does The Rat Pack Era

Although I was too young (and non-existent) for the Rat Pack era when it was ongoing, it's a genre I've grown to love over the years. Going into tonight, I had high hopes for Matt Giraud as I thought it was a genre in which he'd shine. He sang "My Funny Valentine." Simon thought it was great, but my feelings were more along the line with Randy -- good, but something a bit off.

Danny Gokey has Gokey-ized me once again after some lackluster performances as of late. Adam pulled another Adam while both Kris and Allison had decent performances.

Here's how I'm seeing the voting --

• Adam will be safe. Adam is always safe. Adam will win this season unless someone gets Bullwinkle to pull a rabbit out of his hat.
• While I don't adore Kris, he has this Jason Mraz/John Mayer thing going on. That's very popular. Plus, he's as cute as a button, kind of reminiscent of Peter Brady. He will end up coming in second or third this season.
• Oh, Danny Gokey ... if he keeps up with the sort of performance he had tonight, he will be number two to Adam. If he fumbles again, he'll be number three behind Kris.
• Matt Giraud will go home this week or next. I'd be interested to hear what kind of music he does down the line. I like his jazzy style, but he's not going to last much longer. He reminds me of a new age Boz Scaggs.
  
• Then there's Allison. I enjoy her voice and admire her ability to hang in there as the only girl and such a young one at that. I think she will go home either this week or next. But we won't have heard the last of her.

Who's your choice for the win? Or, if not your choice, who do you think WILL win? And who goes home tomorrow night?

American Idol Results Show 4/22

Not surprisingly, Lil Rounds is the first to go tonight. I'm watching Lost, but keeping tabs on AI in the background. We have one more going home tonight. I'm thinking it will be either Anoop or Matt. But I'll let you know!

They're doing the bottom three for the second boot. Anoop is in the bottom three. Now Allison has joined Anoop. One of the two will be going home.

Allison is safe. Anoop is going home.

American Idol Results - 4/15

Although I'm watching Lost, I'll update this with the big events which I can see on a muted TV in the background ...

Allison and Adam are safe. Anoop is in the bottom three. Kris is safe, Lil is bottom three. Danny is safe, Matt is bottom three.

Anoop was sent back -- Lil and Matt are bottom two.

Yikes. Lil is safe and Matt has to sing for the judges.

THE JUDGES USED THE SAVE ON MATT! Next week, two will be eliminated if I'm remembering right.

Quickie American Idol Update -- April 8 Results

I'm actually watching Lost, but have a second TV muted in the background. The bottom three are: Anoop, Scott, and Lil. That's pretty much what I thought it would be although I had Kris in there instead of Anoop.

I think it's a toss-up who goes home -- Scott or Lil. I'm thinking Lil. I'll update this post with more results soon.

Whoops! I was wrong there. Lil was the one they sent back first. It's between Anoop and Scott and both Lost and AI are in commercial at the same time. Grr.

Scott and Anoop were separated by only 30,000 votes in the bottom two. Anoop is safe, Scott is singing. I know this sounds mean, but I hope the judges don't save him.

And they didn't. Bye-bye Scott MacIntyre.

American Idol - The Top Eight Sing

Tonight the final eight sang songs from the year of their birth.

Gosh, I feel old.

Overall, I totally agree with the judges about Lil Rounds version of "What's Love Got to Do With It." She was imitating Tina Turner rather than anything else -- down to the outfit, the heels, and the moves. I think she's going to be in trouble.

I think it could be time for Scott MacIntyre to go if Lil doesn't. For me, he's the same week in and week out whether he has a guitar or a piano. Kris Allen also had a weak performance tonight, but I think it will be between Lil and Scott going home. Anoop rebounded.

The best performances of the night came from Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraurd, and (sigh, it pains me to say this) Adam Lambert. I was truly impressed with Matt, in particular. However, Adam's performance was very theatrical and we know he's not going anywhere but to the finals even though I don't like a lot of what he does. He did do a good job on the record-selling performance side of things and that's what it's all about. Danny Gokey was good tonight, but more middle of the road.

I looked around for songs from my birth year that I would sing if I could sing. Although the date says the next year, this was actually released and a hit in my birth year:



I remember singing this one in the car with my brothers and father. My father could really sing it well. The other song I'd want to sing from that year would be "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash if only for the line "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die."

Is there a song from your birth year you'd sing (if you could sing)? I just Googled my "songs from" and my year of birth. Because ... obviously I was too young to remember them.

American Idol 4/01 Results Show

My apologies for the lack of updates the last few days. I've been a bit under the weather and overworked at the same time. Yes, I believe I've become a zombie.

In the bottom three tonight are Megan, Allison, and Anoop. Based on last night's performances I think it will be between Anoop and Megan leaving ... most likely Megan. I'll update this when they announce it.

Allison is safe. Anoop is safe.

Megan is going home.

American Idol Results Show 3/26

I watched last night's show into the wee hours due to it being on the air the same time as Survivor and LOST. So, I didn't comment. That said, I was actually impressed with Adam Lambert for a change. I thought that Megan, Scott, and Michael were the worst of the bunch with Lil Rounds on their tails. That's unusual for Lil and I usually enjoy Megan. Not so much last night.

Onto tonight --

Rueben Studdard sweated all over the place and sang. Blech. Smokey Robinson sang a duet with Joss Stone and they were good. But I always have a special place in my heart for the big guest of the night -- Stevie Wonder. I remember back when he was Little Stevie Wonder. I think he's only five or six years older than I am. Now, "Little" isn't a good description these days, but the man is great. I recall blasting "Superstition" in the college dorm and his music was such a part of my life in those days. He did a medley which included "Superstition."

The results --

The bottom three weren't quite what I expected. Megan was safe, but Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre were indeed two of the three. The third was a bit of a shock -- Matt Giraurd. Say what? I thought he did quite well last night.

It doesn't matter. The right one went home. Bye-bye, Michael Sarver. And, no. He wasn't saved by the judges.

American Idol Results Show 3/18

Oh my. I'm a bit surprised, aren't you? The bottom three were Allison, Alexis, and Michael Sarver. Now, I thought Michael didn't do well with his song even though he's a country genre kind of singer.

Allison was sent back to the chairs first leaving it between Michael and Alexis. Meanwhile, the judges said they might use the save if "one" of them was to be going home. I thought at the time they meant they'd save Alexis but Michael was surely the one to be sent packing.

Nuh-uh! Michael Sarver (somehow) is safe! After hearing Alexis sing "Jolene" again, the judges declined to save her. Yikes.

American Idol Results Bulletin

I haven't seen the entire show as I recorded it. Yes, you heard me. I actually went out to dinner and beverages with a friend, getting home about 9:45. The new power of the judges is that they can make one save during the season. They chose not to use it tonight.

Eliminated are Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.

American Idol - The Top 13 Sing

Well, tonight was the big night for the American Idol hopefuls. The Top 13 took the stage. I have to give them all credit -- I couldn't do it. Of course, I have the kind of singing voice which should be confined to the shower or in a car with all the windows rolled up. In other words, my singing is on par with many of those going through the auditions for American idol. I make up for my lack of singing talent with my mad dance moves.

Er ... um ... okay. I can't dance well either. Never mind.

As for the show, I think this season has the best talent with the fewest clunkers of any season so far. Actually, I don't think there are any real clunkers (thinking to past seasons with kids like Sanjaya, etc.). I was disappointed with Anoop's performance tonight although he's shown he can sing well in the past. Why he chose Beat It beats me! There's not much that can be done with that song and not have it sound like Karaoke Night.

Although his style isn't my cuppa, Adam Lambert snagged the winning comments of the night. I just remember the uproar about Fantasia being a single mother a few seasons back. Adam's past is a bit racier with gay male porn doings. I'm kind of surprised that he made it through all the screening with what's available about him on the web and the squeaky clean image of Idol.

I don't care that the judges didn't care all that much for Megan Joy Corkrey. There's something about her voice and performances which make me smile. I'm not saying I'd run out and buy a record, but I enjoy listening to her and watching her little Meganisms.

All in all, the talent was showing tonight. Two will be going home tomorrow. I fear Anoop will be one of them. With him ...? I just don't know. Maybe Kris Allen, but he has teen fans. Megan? Jasmine? Hmmm.

They'll be announcing a rules change which will definitely affect the show on tomorrow's result show. Vote for the Worst might have to go out of business. From the rumors I've seen, it looks like the judges are also going to have a say in who stays and who goes. They could be false rumors, but we'll see.

Oh. When I went to Vote for the Worst to get the link, they're pushing the vote for Megan. I don't care. She makes me smile.

American Idol Bulletin

For the first time ever, just as Anoop thought he was gone ... they're going for a top thirteen!

The top thirteen are:

Danny Gokey
Michael Sarver
Alexis Grace
Adam Lambert
Allison Iraheta
Kris Allen
Jorge Nunez
Lil Rounds
Scott McIntyre

Added in the Wild Card tonight:

Jasmine Murray
Megan Joy Corkrey
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai

And ... poor Tatiana broke down when she didn't make it. A real shocker there, eh?

American Idol - The Second Twelve

Well, tonight was the second group of twelve. Obviously, I didn't go into what each one sang this week. But I figured a quick post with those who I think will make and/or I liked --

My picks for the top three would be: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Megan Joy Corkrey. Of those three, I think Adam would have the teenage female fans, but I find Megan the most intriguing.

It's too bad Nick Mitchell had to be Norman tonight, but it was funny. He's so not right for the show, but I got a giggle. I never giggled back in the days I was paying the Norbert E. Mitchell Oil Company my bills back in CT.

I kind of like Kai -- he's got a disheveled John Stamos thing going on. I feel I should note that the Jimmy Ruffin song he sang, "What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted?" was released the year AFTER "Satisfaction" (sung by Adam Lambert) was -- 1966 vs. 1965. They gave grief to Kai about the "old" song, yet loved Lambert. Sure, it was a different kind of song and Lambert rocked his out ... but!

Quickie American Idol Update

The three voted into the top twelve from last night's group are:

Alexis Grace
Michael Sarver
Danny Gokey

And Tatiana cried. Out of all of the ones not voted into the top three, she was the sole drama queen. I'm so not surprised.

I would have rather Anoop Desai had made it rather than Michael, but I think he has strong wild card possibilities. I can only hope never to see or hear Tatiana again.

American Idol - The First 12 Group

Now, I can't promise to do this each night, but I'm here now with a look at the first group of twelve. I'll be updating this post sporadically as the show airs. From this group, all but three will be eliminated. The judges seem to be playing Three Nice Judges against One Mean Judge. Guess who is whom? Interesting, each contestant's parents have been with Ryan for the after performance interview. What if there are family issues?

Jackie Tohn: Eh, great first name, lots of energy. I don't think she'll make it.

Ricky Braddy: Wow. What a voice! I don't really remember this guy much, but he's good!

Alexis Grace: Better than Jackie, but still not amazing like Ricky was. Hmm ... even Simon is liking her. He's comparing her to Kelly Clarkson. Maybe I'm wrong -- no. I'm not. I think Ricky was better!

Brent Keith: He's a bit country. I think he could probably have a hit country record right now. But will he make it? He's good, but he's against a lot of talent tonight.

Stevie Wright: Hmmm ... off to a rough start, methinks. Nice girl, but I'm not seeing her making it or winning it all.Weird outfit -- she has HUGE feet. Phew, Randy agrees with me. Well, he didn't mention her feet. The judges aren't thrilled at all.

Anoop Desai: Ah, here's some talent! I'm not overly thrilled with the song choice. But he can sing! The judges agree with me so far. None of them seemed to click with the song choice, but Anoop should do well.

Casey Carlson: She's doing an old Police song. I'm just not getting into it. Not good. So far, the guys have been much more impressive than the girls. Once again, Randy is agreeing with me ... Cara, too. Paula, too. Simon tells her she was atrocious. She looks like a deer caught in the headlights.

Michael Sarver: This is the oil rig guy. I enjoy his voice ... let's see. Country, yes. Um, he might want to reconsider his dancing style. Definitely not bad, but not the best of the guys so far tonight. Randy has an issue with the performance, so does Cara. Gee, I should be a judge. Paula liked it. Simon isn't thrilled, but likes Michael.

Ann Marie Boscovich: She's going for Aretha ... already a better choice than some of them. Decent, but not awe-inspiring. Okay, the judges are agreeing with me. She didn't "kill it."

Stephen Fowler: I want to like him, but this Michael Jackson song is sounding a bit off key or something. Randy agrees with me ... pitchy and not good.

Tatiana Del Toro: It's a shame. She's singing better than most of the other women and some of the men. Too bad. I so don't like this excitable girl drama queen. She must go away even if she's stellar. Simon just called her a drama queen, desperate to be famous.

Danny Gokey: I really love this guy ... and he can sing! Paula is up and dancing. Heck, let's cancel this season and declare Danny the winner. He's my favorite!

My three pick for tonight is: Danny, Anoop, and then either Ricky or (more likely to be voted in) Alexis.