I'm Jackie and I watch TV. I'm not proud. Bookmark the blog now as your source for live feed reports from inside the 'Big Brother' house! Come, join in on the fun ...
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
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.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
American Idol Results Bulletin
Eliminated are Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
American Idol Bulletin
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?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Quickie American Idol Update
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
American Idol: The Top 36
Yep, here's another American Idol blog logo made for us by Zoetawny! How cool is that?
Well, they've changed things around a bit this season. Obviously, there's a top 36 instead of the 24 of previous years. They also told the wannabe idols their fate a bit differently, as well. Reminiscent of "dancing for your life" on So You Think You Can Dance, some of them had to sing against others to earn their prized spot. Eh. I suppose it added some drama, something the show is notoriously short on. Er, yes ... I'm being sarcastic. Me? I'd rather they get up and talk about how they will not be obnoxious. Like that's going to happen, eh?
Here's the list:
The gals
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Ann Marie Boskovich
Arianna Afsar
Casey CarlsonJoanna Pacitti Felicia Barton
Jackie Tohn
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jessie Langseth
Kendall Beard
Kristen McNamara
Lil Rounds
Megan Corkrey
Mishavonna Henson
Stevie Wright
Tatiana Nicole Del Toro
Taylor Vaifanua
The guys:
Adam Lambert
Alexander Wagner-Trugman
Anoop Desai
Brent Keith
Danny Gokey
Jorge Nunez
Ju'Not Joyner
Kai Kalama
Kris Allen
Matt Breitzke
Matt Giraud
Michael Sarver
Nathaniel Marshall
Nick Mitchell
Ricky Braddy
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Von Smith
Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton when they finally deemed her ineligible to compete. It's something about previous contracts and the relationship with the record company.
Two who made it and can go away
I'm sorry, but Tatiana and Nathaniel Marshall can go far away. These are two of the most annoying contestants ever on the show. I don't care if they can sing or not. They're both drama queens and, as they say, save the drama for your mama ... you aren't welcome on my TV set, neither one of you.
Really iffy
Nick Mitchell made it? Or, should I say ... Norman Gentle made it? He can sing and has that annoyance factor, too. However, at least he doesn't cry all the time. He's from Brookfield, CT, near my old stomping grounds in Danbury. I've been reading the online newspaper from the area -- they're cheering him on. I guess we'll see.
Random comments
- Aw, too bad that Jamar and Danny got split up. I was sure Danny would make it. I think Jamar would be more fun to watch than Nathaniel.
- None of the girls are striking me the way Melinda Doolittle did. Hopefully one or two will stand out for me to cheer them on.
- Anoop is good, as are many of the other guys.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Survivor and TAR Blog Pools, Tonight's TV, and a bit of Off Topic
ORKmommy is running the Survivor pool and here's who she has listed as in so far:
Terry in CA
Jennasmom
PDX Granny
Laurie
Becky
Dixie
Rbennie
lynn1
Margo
Joyce
meb
dla
Caroline
ORKMommy
Jackie
Sydney
Gayle
Jodie
Sizzie
Donna in AL
Petals
Zoetawny
Margo has volunteered to run the pool for The Amazing Race. So far (I'm adding my name):
Margo
Donna in AL
Meb
Sizzie
Caroline
ORKMommy
Lynn1
Jackie
If you want in, just reply in comments and mention which pool. Or, if you prefer to notify Margo or ORKMommy, they left messages in my last post's comments. I just don't want to put email addresses here on the main page of the blog.
I have a TV dilemma tonight. I want to watch American Idol as they're going to narrow it down to the final 36. Argh! It's two hours tonight! Meanwhile, at 9 PM ET, Lost comes on. What I'll probably do is record the second hour of AI and watch Lost as it airs. Then it's Life on Mars for me. Hopefully either late tonight or tomorrow I'll at least get some commentary up about both Lost and American Idol.
And, now to a bit of off topic. I haven't seen Roofus the Cat for a few days, but I'm sure he's fine. Unfortunately, there was a murder at the station in the wee hours of Sunday morning. An 18-year-old was shot, no one is in custody. The train station I go to daily and the neighborhood surrounding it are safe as I go through both on my way to work and home. I'm friendly with fellow commuters and the shopkeepers in the area. But I wouldn't be there at 2:30 AM. It's a totally different world there at that hour.
Today's musical non sequitur:
When you walk through the garden
You gotta watch your back
Well, I beg your pardon
Walk the straight and narrow track
If you walk with Jesus
He's gonna save your soul
You gotta keep the devil
Way down in the hole
-- "Way Down in the Hole" by Tom Waits
Thursday, February 05, 2009
American Idol Hollywood Week ... So Far
Whoa, they've gotten even more strict on Hollywood Week this year! On Tuesday's show, each wannabe had one song to keep them going on with the show. One bad move and POOF, they're gone.
Last night was the group singing. Now, of course, that leads to drama when the contestants might not like each other. A lot of good contenders got the boot including the Osmond and Rose (both of whom I liked). Thankfully, Bikini Girl (I can't even remember her name as I write this, but she annoys me) got canned. As the show ended, I had to call up a co-worker named Nancy Wilson and offer my condolences about her getting the boot. My co-worker is actually more personable, but I told her that her behavior going off stage was inappropriate anyway.
I'm liking the music teacher with the recently deceased wife and his friend more and more each time I see them. Have you any early favorites?
In a world far away from Hollywood, here's what it looked like around here recently:
A neglected bit o' woods is etched in snow, making it a thing of beauty. I won't mention that it's built on contaminated ground. Let's just say it's very pretty.
The Plainfield NJ Train Station in the evening last night. There's a fancy-schmancy NJ Transit double-decker train discharging NYC commuters. Clicking on the images will open them larger and in a new window.
Today's musical non sequitur:
They say that I won't last too long on Broadway
I'll catch a Greyhound bus for home, they all say
But they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit till I'm a star on Broadway
-- "On Broadway" by George Benson
Friday, January 30, 2009
American Idol Auditions in NYC and San Juan
Last night American Idol hit two different cities within a mere hour. We're talking San Juan (Puerto Rico) and New York City. Yep, it was at warp speed. I can understand why they condensed the two cities into the hour. With the lack of talent shown, a half-hour may have done the trick.
For some reason, in both cities the judges sat in front of a window. Not only did I find it distracting to see things moving about behind them, but at one point the window tint pane set (the only way I can think to describe it) came crashing down. That, for me, was the highlight of the evening. Ah. well ... at least it didn't look like the contestants were bringing their gold tickets down some back porch like Jacksonville.
I'm kind of pleased they went to San Juan. If memory serves, they've never held auditions there before. It might add a bit of spice. I think, overall, the auditions in San Juan had more interesting singers than NYC. However, it could all be in the editing.
Okay ... to the talent, or lack thereof. I think I'm getting cranky. I kind of liked one of the guys in San Juan. But, once again, no one blew me away. At least they didn't make an innocent guy look threatening. Yep, the show apologized to Mudd ... as they should.
In a sidenote: My doctor called out sick today and my appointment was canceled. Argh. I have it set up for next Friday. This is for the not-replaced (so far) knee.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What a Wednesday Primetime TV!
I'm writing this up during commercials as I watch Life on Mars. Now, tonight was one darn good television night for me! First, there was American Idol (which I'll write a bit about here), then Lost (will write more about tomorrow), now Life on Mars (which I probably won't do much more than touch on in this entry). One quick time quibble with Life on Mars -- All in the Family started in 1971. This show is supposed to be 1973. In 1973 everybody knew who Archie and Meathead were! How did that get by the producers, editors, etc.?
I didn't write up anything on last night's American Idol and ended up hitting the sack not much after it ended as I had to get up extra early today. Had the Jacksonville auditions had anyone who really impressed me, I would have written a quick entry last night. But, blech for the most part. A few were okay, but they'd have a long way to go to win it all.
Tonight's auditions from Salt Lake City were different for me. First off, there was an Osmond -- the son of Alan Osmond, the eldest singing Osmond. I didn't realize Alan had been sick and he does really look like he's been through the wringer. But he has a son much cuter than Donny ever was! I thought the Osmond could sing, too. He made it to Hollywood.
As a sidenote, I saw Donny on The Bonnie Hunt Show recently. He will be doing Dancing With the Stars.
I also liked Megan (very pretty stay-at-home-mom with tattooed arm) and blond girl at the end whose parents passed away. Yeah, another sob story. There are a million sob stories on the show and she's but a one. However, I enjoyed her voice. She could be very interesting.
Did anyone catch your eye? And, how do you like the new graphic by rockin' Zoetawny?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day and American Idol, too!
Today was not only an historic moment in time, but it was personally moving as well. As one who remembers the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, I'm proud that we as a people have shown that the color of a person's skin is not the only thing he's all about. With Barack Obama, I think his intelligence, charisma, and determination to succeed played a role in his victory. It's very reminiscent of the kind of charisma of Bobby Kennedy so many decades ago. I'm proud that Americans have elected such a man and I'm hopeful for the future. I usually don't delve into politics here on the blog as things can get so vehement.
But it's a new day. We have a new first family in the White House. These are truly interesting times we live in. And, even if you aren't a supporter, he's got one of the most fun names of any President ever -- it just rolls right off the tongue, fun to say, fun to type! Barack Obama! :-)
I watched today's events unfold on TV. I've only been to one Presidential Inauguration in my life and I wasn't exactly at the Inauguration, nor was I particularly a desired guest.
Yep, on January 20, 1973, I was in Washington to protest Richard Nixon's second Inauguration. Riot police with plexiglass shields every three feet, tear gas, and all. Above is one of the pins I still have from that event. I was a McGovern/Shriver campaign worker and it was the biggest landslide loss in history. I didn't get myself arrested which was a good thing. I'd never be a good ex-convict. I was too young to vote. Back then you had to be 21. I was all of 17 but was a politically active college kid at the time. Thirteen buses took us from Albany (NY) to Washington. It was a day I'll never forget.
Correction for the historians out there -- 1972 was the first Presidential election in which 18-year-olds could vote. Before that, the voting age was 21. It didn't really matter to me as I was 17.
I didn't go today. But in many ways, my memories of today will be stronger than my personal experiences back then. I'm proud of us!
And, just to touch on it -- American Idol had its San Francisco auditions tonight. Unlike last week's shows, it was only an hour long. I wasn't really blown away by any of the auditions. There was one guy whose voice I liked, but his look reeked of David Cook. Same haircut. Gosh, I don't like that haircut.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Roofus the Cat, the American Idol Kansas City Auditions
We're in the beginning of a bitter cold spell here in New Jersey. But early this morning on my way to work, I spotted a certain Roofus the cat taking a nap in his favorite spot. I think the sun probably heats the bricks some. He didn't look uncomfortable, but I was shivering. (Remember, if you click on the image it will open up in a new window much larger than it is here.)
Now it's on to American Idol ...
Heh. Yes, I'm using this for the bad auditions. In reality, it's on the side of the Friends Meeting House (Shakers) in Plainfield, NJ and it's regarding the war. But it fits this situation to a lesser extent.
The bad were bad once again tonight on American Idol. However, I was more impressed with the folks they showed making it through tonight in the Kansas City auditions than I was with the ones from Phoenix. I'm not too keen on Jason Castro's younger brother, but I doubt he'll make it through Hollywood (two) Weeks. The last young woman (mother of three children, living in hotel with husband and kids due to tornado) was the best of the women so far. As for the guys, I liked the ones the judges enjoyed -- the welder, Anuup, the teacher who recently lost his wife, and the marching coach guy.
Don't you love that the only name I remembered was Anuup? ;-)
Stay warm!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Madness Returns -- American Idol is Back
Y'know, with the exception of Melinda Doolittle, I've never bought anything from any American Idol contestants. Sure, some of the more successful ones have a load of talent, but often the songs they sing just aren't my cuppa. However, more power to them.
Tonight was the premiere of the eighth season. Yes, it's been that long. A new judge is in the mix. I'm a bit so-so about that although I liked Simon not being able to say the "aaa" sound in Kara (Care-ah). So he calls her Kara (Car-ah). Great. He'd call me "Jockie."
Since we're in the audition phase of the show, it's pretty much what we've seen before -- some horrible singers who think they can sing, some horrible singers who know they're horrible and just want to be on TV, and a gem or two along the way. Oh. We also had a girl who looks hot in a bikini. The jury is still out as to whether she can sing or not.
I tried to look at the show from another perspective tonight. I've decided I'd like to be on it. Um, no ... not really on it, per se. The production, the editing of the scenes, the decisions regarding songs in the background to enhance the happenings. The cheese.
Let me explain. This show not only has a built-in traffic maker with the teenage crowd looking for new teenybopper stars. But it's also very slick, well-produced, cleverly edited, and it's cheesy while doing all that stuff! I've always been a fan of cheese (not the dairy product so much, mind you). I enjoyed the days when Jeff Probst (Survivor) would leave the final tribal council on a jet ski, then arrive in NYC on the same one. I liked the old Batman television show. I adored David Letterman in the 80s. Cheese, zaniness, a bit of camp on the side and I'm hooked. American Idol does it all very well.
While I'd never want to be on camera and the world should never be exposed to my singing, I'd love to be behind the scenes on the show. I'd love to be the one to say "this song goes fantastic with this loser" or be the one to edit the reactions of the judges in perfect precision with off-key performances. Make it happen, FOX. No, I've never studied anything in film or production. But the contestants often haven't studied voice either. So ...
Did you watch? Your thoughts on Kara?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
American Idol Finale
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
American Idol 4/23 Results Show East Coast Update
David Cook is safe.
Brooke White is SAFE? How could that be?
Syesha Mercado is bottom two. How could that be?
Jason Castro is safe.
Carly Smithson is bottom two. (She was good last night, too!)
Carly Smithson is going home tonight.