It should go without saying (so don't read this out loud) that I'll be watching the American Idol results show tonight as it airs here on the East Coast at 9 PM. And, but of course, I'll post an East Coast Update about the voted-off contestant as soon as the information airs.I won't be reviewing the show, per se. I can see that now - "Diana Ross sang. So-and-so got voted off. All cried and hugged. Then So-and-so was forced to sing in front of millions at the worst time of his/her life." But, especially if you're in another time zone and just have to know or want to chime in with your two cents -- stop back about 9:30 EDT for the update.At 8 PM ET/PT, there is a new Jericho on CBS. I've missed the episodes since the end of the show's hiatus, so I'm not sure if I'll watch it or not. There's also a new episode of Bones on FOX. That's more likely to catch my attention at this point. I feel like I'm watching too many ongoing must see every episode type of shows and Bones isn't a demanding constant watch. NBC has a repeat Dateline, while ABC has a new George Lopez followed by a repeat According to Jim.At 9 PM, it's American Idol vote results show for the first half hour. FOX is following it with 'Til Death which I absolutely don't want to watch. CBS has a repeat Criminal Minds for the hour while NBC is airing a new Crossing Jordan. That doesn't help me with my half-hour dilemma. ABC has a new According to Jim followed by a new In Case of Emergency. I might turn to the latter for the odd half-hour. I saw the show once before and wasn't too impressed. But I think it's better than 'Til Death.At 10 PM, you know my must-see show is Lost. Alas, because of its late hour, I won't be able to do a proper review/recap until I return from work tomorrow. CBS has a repeat C.S.I.: NY and NBC has a repeat Medium. A&E has its Sopranos episode running at that time, but I've given up trying to catch up with that show. I'm struggling to keep up with the times I've been catching up on The Wire on BET (tomorrow I'll actually watch that one at 9 PM for the first time ever) and, as I mentioned before, I have too many can't-miss-an-episode-or-I'm-lost shows on my TV platter. The Sopranos had to go.What will you be watching tonight?
I apologize that I'm a bit late reporting on this week's show. I've had a rather odd week myself, perhaps not like Tommy Donnelly's latest, but odd enough. Two friends died, one by murder, the other a natural death but still awaiting an autopsy for exactly why it happened. Then, yesterday, getting off the train from my work commute, I stepped pretty much smack-dab into a murder scene. Future trains were held back, but all the cops were still arriving, emergency folks were trying to save a man shot several times in the chest... in broad daylight, in a busy downtown area I consider very safe at that hour of the day. There was mass confusion on the scene and although I was five minutes from home, I got home over an hour later. No, I didn't see the shooters. It apparently happened just prior to when I arrived. I did see the victim from a distance. It brought back to me how precious life really is and unpredictable things really are. I had planned to write up my Black Donnellys report upon my return home from work yesterday, but it felt almost disrespectful to write about fictional mob stories after going through that. Oh... and everyone I know seems to have caught the latest norovirus (stomach flu) that's going around. I've escaped so far, but live in fear. It would be a shame to waste paid sick days being ill, wouldn't it?But life does go on. And, I definitely want to touch on Monday's episode of The Black Donnellys. Although the episode didn't have as much humorous interaction between the characters, it also didn't have a horrifying gory mob hit scene, either. It seems that Tommy leads a bit of a charmed life. Think about it. He killed the leader of the Irish mob and then gets asked to host the wake in the bar owned by his brother. And, he carries it off? Even though the lead mobster's revengeful brother has an inkling that Tommy had something to do with the death, he carries it off!But the price seems to be unrequited love as Jenny Riley just can't take having the goings-on in her life. The Mob brother took Jenny down to the basement of the bar to get Tommy and his brothers (sans Sean in the hosptal still) down there for "questioning." Put in mobspeak, that would be busted kneecaps. (Why do these guys use an ax? I've never known mobsters to use axes on a regular basis. What are they, lumbermen?) Kevin freaked and ran, so it was up to junkie wild-card Jimmy and Tommy to face the mob dudes. Tommy's quick talking saved them. He told them how he was the last to see the murdered mobster because he asked for his help to save them from the Italian mobsters after murdering one in that very basement. Blood in the drain saved their butts.As I mentioned before, I'm finding this show intriguing. Although this recent episode wasn't action-packed, didn't provide much dark humor either... it made me actually respect the character of Tommy Donnelly a bit more. It touched on his past and how the past has affected the present.Did you watch the show? What did you think?
Tonight was the first outing for the final twelve contestants. All are winners as all will participate in the tour, so their lives have certainly already been changed. [Update note: Apparently only the top ten go on tour, but the exposure the top twelve get is life-changing nonetheless.]
I know I've voiced my own opinions on who I think should win and once again tonight, those thoughts were also voiced by Simon. To me, it's the Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones show.
But tonight, it was also the Diana Ross show. I grew up on old school Motown and have observed and listened to Diana Ross throughout her career. The last time I saw her live was at a very rainy free concert in Central Park (NYC) some long years ago. I thought that she may have gotten a bit "odd" over the years since. After all, much of what we've seen connected with her in the last decade or so was Michael Jackson related. Ah, but not so! I thought her advice to each contestant was the most spot on that we've ever seen in this situation. She rocks!
Alas, some of the contestants, not so much.
First up was Brandon Rogers. I want to like him for some reason. However tonight, I just couldn't. He sang "You Can't Hurry Love." He forgot some of the words and didn't recover all that well. It was just kind of boring. Yes, it was better than I can sing, but...! Randy said he had to be a lot better and it was boring. Paula thought his nerves got to him. Simon said it was a complete letdown, not star quality, not good enough, sorry. Sigh, Simon said it.
Then there was Melinda Doolittle. I swear this woman has magic to do songs I don't even like well enough to enamor me with her voice and stage presence. She sang "Home" from The Wiz. I really don't like that song. I don't like it at a show. I don't like it in the snow. I just don't like it, don't you know. But I sat there and admired her talent. Paula sobbed through the performance. Randy called it hot and exciting. It gave Paula goosebumps. Simon said she made a boring song fantastic and likened her to a young Gladys Knight. Pip Pip Hooray for Doolittle!
Then I was let down by my favorite male singer on the show... Chris Sligh. Now, Diana told him to follow the melody. He didn't. He wanted to "hip" up "Endless Love." He didn't wear his glasses and looked even pastier than usual. Oh, he was better than Brandon, but he let me down nonetheless. Randy called it a mess. Paula told him he tried to be hip and cool with a classic song and he didn't need to do it that way. Simon said the arrangement ruined it and to keep his glasses on. Come back, Chris!
Gina Glocksen chose to sing "Love Child." I think it was a good song choice for her. Diana told her to pronunciate and project, tell the story. I thought she did okay, but nothing to write a blog about. Randy, who was very hoarse this evening, said it was pitchy with no excitement. Paula said she was better than how she sang. Simon declared it okay, not terrible, not fantastic... a middle-pack performance.
Next up was Sanjaya Malakar. I'm going to keep messing with photos of him until he goes away. Diana thinks he's "love." Blech. He sang "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Now, there was a boring rendition. I don't care how much he smiles to the camera while he sings. Randy said it was weak, but his hair looked good. Paula told him he must explode and get into his songs, but he's adorable. Simon said that a wail will be heard somewhere in Beverly Hills when Diana hears what he did to her song. To say something nice, he said Sanjaya was brave.
Haley Scarnato took the stage next singing "Missing You." Diana said that Haley has a recording studio voice moreso than a live performance one. I think she may have something there. I thought she came across as a bit mumbly and she forgot some of the lyrics. At times, the tone in her voice was very nice, but the flaws were many and obvious. Randy said it was a valiant effort, she forgot the words and it was pitchy. Paula told her she looked lovely, but forgot the words and was pitchy. Simon said he didn't think it was all that bad and she had a real stage presence.
Phil Stacey sang "I'm Going to Make You Love Me." I thought it was perhaps my favorite performance of his so far this season although it was a bit boring. Just going on the voice, he did well. Presentation, not so hot. Randy thought the vocals were hot, but the overall song was on the boring side. Paula said he needed to up the tempo a bit. Simon said the tempo was fine, but he has to watch not to shout the big notes. He said it was better than last week. I agree.
We found that Lakisha's nickname is Kiki. I like it. She sang a song that seems like it's been in my life all my life - "God Bless the Child." I have the original Billie Holiday, the Diana Ross from Lady Sings the Blues, and even Blood, Sweat and Tears cover. There's something about that song which has always touched a chord with me. And, for Lakisha Jones, one of my two favorites to sing it? Wow. She added a bit of herself into the song, yet remained true to the original. Wow.
Randy said it was a perfect song choice and sensational. Paula called the performance beautiful. Simon told her that you've either got it or you don't... and she has it. He once again said that Lakisha and Melinda are in a different league from the others. He's so right.
I have to give Blake Lewis some credit for being into some of the technical aspects. He tech'd up "You Keep Me Hanging On." The judges didn't care for it, but in a way I did. That's a song which has been covered by many artists, as well.
From the real dragging version by Vanilla Fudge to the more up tempo Supremes. No, I wouldn't go out and buy it, but I did find it interesting. Had he been strictly adhering to the original, I think it would have been boring. Simon didn't "get it" at all, but I kind of did. It's no Melinda or Lakisha, but definitely on the interesting side.
Stephanie Edwards sang "Love Hangover." And she skipped the disco part! Blasphemy! I thought she looked attractive and sang quite nicely at times although she's another one who forgot the words at one point. Diana Ross said she had star quality in the pre-performance taped segment. I think she does. But, this performance didn't do it for me. Randy mentioned forgetting the lyrics. Paula told her to strive to be better. Simon said it was if she just sang the intro to the song and that it was the wrong song.
Chris Richardson didn't impress me with his version of "The Boss." I thought he sounded nasal and it was my least favorite performance of his so far. Randy thought he overdid it a bit. Paula thought he nailed the blend between contemporary and the original. Simon said the vocals were dreadful and terrible. I have to go with Simon on this one.
Jordin Sparks closed the show "If We Hold On Together," not really a favorite song of mine. But, wow. She nailed it. I can't believe this kid is only seventeen! She has a good voice and poise. She makes her age-counterpart Sanjaya look like a silly kid. (Oh, wait... he is!) Randy declared it a three-girl race. Paula gushed. Simon called it a "gooey song." (Yes!) But he said it was a good vocal and thinks she has a shot at the finals.
So, who's going home? Of course, I want it to be Sanjaya, but I think the teenybopper vote will keep him in longer. I think we may say goodbye to Brandon tomorrow night. I think all of the girls are safe although Haley might be on the edge.
No Heroes tonight. Yikes! At least there are two new episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine and, later on, The Black Donnellys.It's going to be an odd week -- no Survivor either (on Thursday). Oh, but fear not... I'm sure I'll have something to watch!Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found out and about the Internet today:- "If You're Female, it's Over," claims Rita, the recently booted Survivor contestant in an interview on Reality News Online. She has a point.
- In Amazing Race bits, David and Mary are featured in a recent interview. Surprisingly, they don't think much of Mirna and Charla (heh). They wanted Rob and Amber to win. Speaking of Romber, Reality TV World has an interview with them posted. As I mentioned in my review/recap of last night's show, the end was nowhere near as close as editing made it appear. Rob said in the interview that there was a good 10-15 minutes between Charla/Mirna and them. The other team was at the mat before Rob finished reading his letter.
- According to Celebrity Spider, Josh Holloway (Sawyer of Lost) thinks the local police target show stars.
Although I'm no longer doing full reviews of the show, here's the East Coast lowdown:
- The teams had to create a halftime show promoting GNC for a pro soccer game.
- Kinetic, led by Kristine, won.
- The reward was golf with Trump and golf clubs.
- Surya brought Tim and James to the Boardroom
- Surya got fired.
It should go without saying (so don't read this out loud) that I'll be watching the American Idol results show tonight as it airs here on the East Coast at 9 PM. And, but of course, I'll post an East Coast Update about the voted-off contestant as soon as the information airs.
