AI Top 5 Results Show – 04/29/09

Hi Everyone:

It was quite a night last night….we were entertained(?) by Taylor Hicks, Natalie Cole and Jamie Foxx.

But, once again, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start the show….RYAN is actually walking down the stairs (I thought Simon told him not to do that anymore!).

Ryan has the Top 5 sitting on one couch now and they talk about Danny and Allison’s birthdays and how the guys made cakes for them at the house they’re all staying in and then proceeded to have a food fight! It was wicked funny. Then Ryan gave Danny an envelope which he thought was a present and it was a bill for $6K to clean up the mess they made. Danny was funny. He went right along with it….

There were 47M votes cast last night. (WOW! that’s a lot of votes).

Ryan turns to Simon to ask how the kids did the night before. Simon said that they’re all good at this point and it’s going to be very hard to choose who will go home.

Ryan says the Final 2 will receive Special Editions of the Ford Fusion (and they show it…great looking car!).

The Top 5 sing, “It Don’t Mean A Thing” and “I’ve Got Rhythm” (both songs do NOT remind me of The Rat Pack). They do a great job and have a nice blend of voices.

Ryan calls up the 5 to the center of the stage. (Oh boy..I think I know what’s going on here).

First, he calls Matt over and does a recap of Tuesday night and then asks Matt to step to the RIGHT side of the stage.

He then calls up Danny and does the recap and asks Danny to step to the LEFT side of the stage.

Next comes Allison – recap – step to the LEFT side of the stage (with Danny).

Kris – Recap – RIGHT side of the stage (witrh Matt).

This leaves Adam who Ryan puts right in the center and asks to choose which two he wants to stand with. Adam is reluctant (cause he’s supposed to pick the TOP TWO). Eventually, he chooses to stand beside Danny and Allison.

Ryan says, “You’re correct. Allison and Danny are the Top Two and can go back and sit down. However, Adam, you can go over and stand with Kris and Matt because YOU are in the Bottom 3.”

Well, the audience erupts, the Judges are beside themselves. I’m hyperventilating and my friends watching with me are screaming, “UPSET!!!” which I did NOT need to hear.

Even Adam says to Ryan, “You gotta be kidding me!” He was in shock himself.

OK, after that dramatic move, Ryan has Natalie Cole come out to sing, “Something Gotta Give” from her new CD. She looks terrific. (doesn’t she need a liver??? Just wonderin’)
She’s a beautiful woman; love her eyes. But, the voice is struggling. Too bad.

After commercials, Ryan has Taylor Hicks. Season 5 winner (runner up was Katherine McPhee) come out to perform his new single, “7 Mile Breakdown”. He looks really ‘hot’. I bet he’s taken off about 20 lbs. He’s playing the guitar. I’m not sure what type of music this is. I’m told it’s “Rock/Country”. OK, not a fan but I always liked Taylor.

After the song was over, Taylor received a Standing “O”, even from the Judges. Ryan teases Taylor because Simon never really thought that Taylor was “Idol” material and, he was kinda right cause Taylor hasn’t done too much. He’s touring in GREASE now as Teen Angel (Frankie Avalon’s role in the movie). He’s also going to be touring with his band this summer.

OK, commercials over, let’s get back to this ‘madness’!!!

Ryan says, “Let’s send someone over to Danny and Allison….Kris/Matt/Adam – KRIS, go sit down. This means that either Matt or Adam will be going home tonight. (Now part of me wants to believe this is just some rotten joke and Ryan will say, ‘Adam, we’re just pulling your leg, go sit down.’ but he didn’t and so the two are standing there.

More commercials and out comes Jamie Foxx to sing his big hit, “Blame It”. It’s just awful and my friends say that we should go on to ON DEMAND and call up the music video or go to YOUTUBE and type in Jamie Foxx singing Blame It. This is much better and there are a lot of celebrities in it. (I’ll do it soon).

Ryan talks to Jamie about being a mentor and he said he had no idea how hard it would be. He also said that when he asked the five whether they wanted to be singers or artists, they all chose artists! That really impressed him. He said they will ALL have great careers after this show is over.

Nice words from Jamie.

Ohhhh, and by the way, Jamie said, “My movie, The Soloist”, is out in theaters now.

Alright….puhleez let’s get this over with.

So, dim the lights, let’s see who’s journey ends tonight…”After 47M votes last night, the person going home is: drum roll please…MATT.

Well I thought all along it would be but my heart was still pumping. I know I’m gonna be voting my fanny off next week!

Matt sings, “My Funny Valentine” once more. He is a true artist and I can’t wait to see him on Tour.

Next week is ROCK AND ROLL…and the mentor is, Slash of Guns and Roses fame. (This should be interesting!)

Can you see Adam singing something like BLUE SUEDE SHOES??? I know I can.

Have a great weekend everyone..go see The Soloist!

Joanie

AI Top 5 Perform – 4/28/09

Morning Everybody:

Well what a surprise it was to see Jamie Foxx step out of the limo last night and be the ‘mentor’ to the Top 5 contestants who are singing songs that The Rat Pack made popular years ago.

Ohhhh, the 60s era…what can I say. Those were the fun days for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin (who everyone thought would never amount to anything after he and Jerry Lewis broke up ‘ little did people know what a talent Dino was’) and Sammy Davis, Jr. along with Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford (Angie Dickinson, Joey Hetherton, and a few others). Mostly, it was just Frank, Dino and Sammy though. They each had their own shows in Vegas and then when they finished, they would go to the Sands and perform for all the other performers on the strip who would flock their each and every night to watch these three giants!!!

OK, enough reminiscing.

Jamie also filled the five in on the Rat Pack. He was a very good mentor.

Love the way the guys are all dressed in suits..look at Adam with the white silk suit!!! and black shirt.

OK, let’s get started:

First up tonight will be Kris and he will be singing: The Way You Look Tonight (Frank). Has Kris grown a mustache in the last week??? It’s sexy, strong performance. Kris is on a role from last week. Good job.

Randy: Who’s pickin’ up steam??? You Are! This is your best yet.

Kara: You have set the technical standard for the group tonight.

Paula: You are impeccable.

Simon: Good but a little bit wet – like a cocker spaniel. I didn’t find it incredible. Just good.

2. Allison (who turned 17 on the 27th…CONGRATS! Allison) I guess the group gave her a birthday party on Monday. That’s nice. Allison will be singing, Someone To Watch Over Me – Now I like Allison but I felt this song was a little old for her (she should have sung a more ‘bouncy’ song). She’s tryiing but it’s not doing enough for me at this point.

Randy: Could have been tough cause it’s a hard song for you hoever, you sold it. Thru in a little rock style to it.

Kara: No Bottom for you this week.

Paula: You delivered tonight. Loved the innocence and tenderness you gave the song.

Simon: “Do You Think You Can Win This Competition At This Point?” (oh boy, that’s a tough question.) She thinks and says, “Yes” Well Simon says, “I don’t think you believe it.” The song overshadowed you. I think you may be in trouble this week.

3. Matt is next up and he will be singing, “My Funny Valentine” (OK, I’m not comfortable with this…I remember Constantine singing this in S4 and he blew it outta the water. Everyone LOVED it and it was on the CD of the Top 10 that year). Jamie is really cool with Matt and tries to show him to sing it in a lower key….now Jamie knows what he’s talking about because, besides being an Oscar winner – Ray – he also has the #1 song on the Billboard charts this week – Matt told Jamie and the group that this was his favorite week cause he studied this era in school and got a B in it. – He certainly is giving it his all and I noticed how he took Jamie’s advice and went down a key. Overall, a decent job.

Randy: This was a very hard song to sing. I thought it was a little bit pitchy in spots. It didn’t quite come together for me.

Kara: I didn’t feel you were emotionally connected to this song.

Paula: I felt you were. Lower key was a good choice.

Simon: It was believable, authentic and brilliant.

4. Danny is next to perform and he will sing, “Come Rain Or Come Shine” (Frank or Sammy song) – Jamie was funny in mentoring Danny. He told him to sing right in his face. He said, “I’m in your grille like Michael Mann (Miami Vice) was in mine and it worked.” I thought Danny did a very good job. Loved the suit, thought this was the type of song and ‘gendre’ that could make him the bucks!

Randy: Everyone’s singing ballads tonight! You are the only one who can have a CD singing these type of songs. You Can Sing!

Kara: You have that Rat Pack ’swagger’ and you were creative.

Paula: Steller performance. See you in the finals (which she says EVERY week).

Simon: I saw the swagger and confidence tonight. You proved a point to us. The vocals were good. And the arrangement was fantastic.

OK….people…here he comes, ADAM. What will he sing tonight? I had thought something like Mr. Bojangles by Sammy would have been cool but he chose, “Feelin’ Good” (I think Michael Buble made this popular again a few years back). Jamie watched him sing and he said, “WHAAATTT? You don’t even care who the heck is standing here, do you?” Adam just laughed but said later that it wasn’t true. He sang most of the song for Jamie with his eyes closed because he was sooo nervous because he was standing next to JAMIE FOXX!!

OK, I’ll try to be calm and biased while giving you my thoughts on Adam….but I CAN’T. Just to see him walk down those stars was enough to make anyone just melt away. Not to mention the voice, looks, suit…AND can ANYONE forget the last note he sang….he held it like FOREVAHHHH!

Randy: I say it every week. You were a little theatrical/broadway. But it was great!

Kara: You are shocking.

Paula: You make me feel better than good. You remind me of a Michael Phelps at the Olympics…

Simon: “Randy, to say Adam is Broadway is like saying that Cows Moooo! It’s who he is.” I am so happy with this season because there are at least 3 of you that really want to be the winner. And, that has got to be the best entrance down that staircase I have ever seen. Ryan, you are not to use the stairs again (Ryan replied he certainly wouldn’t walk down them like that..ahem).
Aside from all that, Simon loved Adam’s performance.

So another week is about to come to an end. All five of these kids is wonderful. What a Tour they will have! I can’t even begin to choose who will go home. OK, Matt (and it will break his heart because of all the passion he put into his song).

Talk to you tomorrow.

Joanie

AI Top 7 Results Show 04/23/09

Morning Everyone:

Well there were no surprises last night with who went home; however there were VERY pleasant surprises on some who performed.

OK, I’m getting wayyy ahead of myself so let’s take a step back and start over.

Ryan came down that long staircase and announced: Happy Earth Day everyone!

Then proceeded to tell us that there were 45M votes cast last night. (my friend Amanda voted 30 times for Matt!)

We started out with a disco number that our own Paula choreographed and might I say that she looked healthy and very focused while showing the top 7 the moves they had to learn. I think she’s real disciplined when it comes to her craft.

Results were:

Shake Your Body

They did an excellent job. Of course, can not tell a lie, I had my eyes rivotted on Adam the whole time!

After the number they gave Paula a beautiful bouquet of flowers and thanked her for all her encouragement.

Now we have the Ford commercial. Hey, that Ford Fusion they are showing looks really neat. – Song is: I’m Good, I’m Gone – Not my favorite one..still like the circus one best.

Ryan now says, let’s get started, dim the lights and let’s do some results.

He then asks Lil to stand and after recapping her performance from the previous night, he asks her to stand on the far stage beside him. He says, ‘You want to get this over with don’t you?’ She answers, “Yes, I’m ready.” and he says, “Lil, after the votes were counted last night..I am sad to say that you will be going home.” Weeping, talking….and then she sings, “I’m Every Woman” again and knocks it outta the ballpark…go figure! The judges said, “If you had sung it like that last night, you’d still be here!!!” Oh well. She’s on her way home to hubby and 3 kids and we’ll see her again on tour this summer.

We now have the great pleasure of watching and listening to 3 of the most popular stars of the Disco Era!!!!

First up is Freda Payne who will sing “Band of Gold”…this gal has gotta be 70 if she’s a day and looks wonderful…and sounds darn good too.

Next we have Thelma Houston who is singing, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” – boy she too looks great and sounds terrific!

Finally out comes KC of KC and the Sunshine Band who has a hot group of young girl dancers/singers backing him up to “Get Down Tonight”. Love the song and he does a great job too.

Boy, that was a lot of fun!!

After all the clapping subsides and commercials take place, Ryan asks Kris to stand up…recap of his number from Tuesday night (which I thought was 2nd only to Adam’s) and Ryan then tells him he can sit down because he is SAFE.

He asks Adam to stand up and after talking with the judges, he looks at Adam and says, almost halfheartedly, SIT DOWN MY FRIEND…YOU ARE SAFE!

He calls Danny to stand up – recap – “Sit down, you’re SAFE”

This leaves us with Anoop, Matt and Allison.

Before we find out who else is going home, let’s bring David Archuleta to the stage to sing his new single, “Touch My Hand” – This is a little different for David. Cute song. The kids all love him. He sounds like he’s gasping for air though. I know he has vocal chord issues. Anyway, he does a decent jog.

I have to throw this in there though, if David had to compete this year I doubt if he would have gotten into the Finals…this group is so deep in talent this year.

David will be going on tour this summer so watch for those tour dates for when he will come your area.

Getting back to the results, he asks Anoop to stand up and, after the recap, asks him to keep standing and asks Matt to stand up and then tells him to sit down because he is SAFE (your calls sure as heck helped Amanda!). So now we have Anoop and Allison in the Bottom. Who will be going home tonight? Is there any doubt? Although fans have done crazy things in the past…tonight they get it right though because it is time for Anoop to say BUH BYE.
Nice, nice kid. He’ll do fine in Chapel Hill. I’m sure he’ll finish his degree at UNC. Simon said that he will miss his family sitting behind him every week!

I have no idea what the ‘theme’ will be next week. All I know is that there are only FIVE contestants left and it is going to be mighty hard to send any one of them home!

Have a great weekend everyone…talk to you next week, Joanie

AI – Top 7 Perform – 04/21/09

Good Morning Everyone:

Well here we are at Disco Night…I gotta tell ya…I loved Disco. Nothing like listening to the Bee Gees who are still one of my favorite groups. Some really good songs came out of the Disco Era…Donna Summer (from Boston area), Earth, Wind and Fire, to name justr a few.

Because the judges saved Matt last week, we are going to see 2 people leave the building this week.

There has been a lot of speculation on what Adam will choose. I know he won’t disappoint.

Let’s get started.

First up tonight will be Lil Rounds who hasn’t been doing too well in the last few weeks. He song choices have not been the best and Simon is getting very frustrated with her. If she’s smart, she’ll pick a Donna Summer song and give it her own ‘touch’.
Well….she didn’t. She chose to sing, “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan. Lil looks very nice tonight with the black outfit and the hair extensions but, unfortunately, she is mimicking Chaka which is NOT GOOD. She sounds like she just threw the whole thing together in a matter of hours. No originality here.

Randy: It sounded wild but it still didn’t show your vocal control.

Kara: I’m not sure it’s worth the wait for you to show us how good you can be.

Paula: You are the complete package. You were hot tonight but not boiling.

Simon: Lil – I think this is your last week. No originality in this song. Very disappointing.

2. Kris is going to sing “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer…OK! Kris has his guitar tonight and has a small group of musicians sitting with him while he sits on a stool and gives this song a different spin. Boy, he took a chance with this but it sure paid off. Sounds like it’s got a Santana style to it.
Liked it a lot.

Kara: You took a real chance doing this song the way you did and it certainly paid off!

Paula: You gave it a “Santana feel” (hey, I just said that!), It was original and great.

Simon: It was the polar opposite of Lil. You thought about it, worked out the arrangement, gave it your own spin and it worked. Brilliant.

Randy: You know who you are dude..the performance was great.

3. Danny is going to do an Earth, Wind and Fire (YES!) song, “September”. OK, once again, we have someone who has worked out his own feel for the song. Has backup singers and even throws in some of his own words to this song….it worked. Love Danny. Great voice on this kid.

Randy: I was worried when I first heard you were going to do this song but your worked it out dude and you turned it into your own song.

Kara: You’re pitch was, once again, right on. Solid performance.

Paula: You always take you’re vocals higher and find something new in each song that you do. And…I think you have one of the sexiest voices I’ve heard..see you in the finals.

Simon: I agree with everyone. My only negative was that I thought the arrangement was awkward.

4. Allison will sing “Hot Stuff” (once again, a Donna Summer song). Well, Allison looks great! She starts out with a disco flare and then turns into rock and roll which is what she is. Good song – greeat choice – good job.

Randy: I didn’t love the arrangement but I think you’re one of the best.

Kara: You chose the right song and you sold it.

Paula: You have an edginess in you that doesn’t take away from the song. That last note was unreal!

Simon: Brilliant

5. Speaking of brilliant, here comes Adam looking hot as ever in a black leather suit and the hair (did you know he is a natural blonde people???) all teased up, looking every bit the Idol he is. What will he sing??? – OK, how about “If I Can’t Have You” by The Bee Gees from SNF. Now I’m pretty sure this is the song they play while John and the girl he likes (who doesn’t like him) are rehearsing on the dance floor and he spins and spins her around…the tempo is a little faster than what Adam is going to do to it. – WOW! It is sooo sexy. Loved it. He did it again.

Randy: One of the things you do each week is you show us your vocal range – You Are Ready….

Kara: You are brilliant!

Paula: (actually, I don’t remember what she said she was panting so hard..not that I blame her). She did manage to say that while listening to him sing the words to the song, she could feel the pain in his voice.

Simon: First of all, I would have bet $10K you would have sung a Donna Summer song! Well Adam, I didn’t feel the pain but what I did feel was your original take on this song. It’s a song you are probably going to be remembered for it. Brilliant vocals.

(My thought.. I wonder how Barry and Robin Gibb think of his version of this song?)

6. Matt is up next and he will sing, “Staying Alive” by The Bee Gees – once again – from SNF. – Matt’s got his signature hat on tonight and as much as I like the kid I feel that he’s just not original enough. I keep seeing JT impersonations. Sorry.

Randy: This was bad stuff dude. Don’t like the song or the arrangement. BUT, you can really sing.

Kara: You brought disco back (whattt?)

Paula: Ya know Matt, in bowling sometimes I hit a gutter ball and sometimes I hit a strike..you hit a strike tonight and I’m glad we saved you last week.

Simon: Didn’t like it. You’ve got to get out of that “Idol Land” you’re in. No originality.
Sorry….

7. Last one to sing tonight will be Anoop who is dressed kinda preppy style with a ‘pink’ shirt (cool). Anoop will be singing, “Dim All The Lights Sweet Darlin’” by Donna Summer (which tells me that most of these kids did their homework and know the kings and queen of disco!). – It started out slow and I thought for a minute he was going to keep it that way which would have been original but, instead, he kicked it up to the beat Donna sang it at and it became a trainwreck. I do love Anoop and think he has a decent voice but I honestly think this will be his last week as well. We’re getting down to the nitty gritty here. The cream is rising to the top (do I sound like Paula now?).

Randy: You can sing dude. However, it just didn’t do it for me tonight.

Kara: I liked it and I think your last two weeks have been the best.

Paula: (she rambles on about pink shirts…) Good job.

Simon: Thought it was a mediocre performance at best. Horrible version of the song. Worst performance of the night. (Yeah, but Simon, how did you reallllly feel???)

So there you have it. Not many weeks left folks.

I’m tninkin’ Lil and Anoop will be going home on Wednesday night.

I think I heard that David Archuletta will be performing too.

Talk to you tomorrow,

Joanie

AI Top 7 Results Show – 04/15/09

Hi Everyone:

NEWS: The American Idol tour dates have been announced and they will be coming to the: Verizon Center in Manchester, NH on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 9th at 10AM. This will be their LAST performance of the tour so it should be a lot fun!!!

OK, I’m going to do a short version of the Results Show (because I already typed this once and lost it).

Ford Commercial: to the song – FREEZEFRAME

Top 7 perform: Maniac from Flashdance – all good – Adam closes the number with rhat great voice of his.

Last night the kids entr to the premiere of ‘17 Again’ Zac is in the audience tonight along with Quentin, Neil Diamond and lots of others.

Let’s do Results:

Allison – SAFE
Adam – SAFE (I had such good stuff here before but my fingers are numbing up on me…sorry).
Anoop – B3 (whaaattt?)

Jennifer Hudson – looking beautiful – sings a mediocore song from her new CD. She’s gotr a powerful voice – sounds like it’s LIVE. She’s doing a tour with Robin Thicke – WOW now that’s a great take in.

More results:

Kris – SAFE
Lil – Bottom 3 (no duh!)
Matt – Bottom 3
Danny – SAFE

Miley sings…blah, blah

Ryan sends Anoop back to the couches.

Lil and Matt

36 M votes

Lil is sent back to the couch (this is not right!)

Matt sings – judges talk.

Matt finishes and this is what Simon says, “Matt, after talking it over, it is GOOD NEWS – we are using our SAVE tonight. However, the bad news is that next week two people will be going home and it is DISCO WEEK!!!!”

Soooo, all I can say is this: Lil – you had better belt out a Donna Summer song next week or you are definitely leaving the building….

Have a great weekend everyone..sorry about any typos.

Joanie

AI – Top 7 Perform – 04/14/09

Morning Everyone:

Well it’s a sunny day here…little nippy though.

Last night we had Quentin Tarantino, who is, shall I say…a little different from the rest of us…not that that is a bad thing. Afterall, he did give John Travolta his career back (even though John hasn’t done much since). And I like his earlier works…Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill I and, recently, his hand in Sin City which I thought Mickey Rourke was fantastic in.

OK, anyway tonight the Top 7 will perform songs from the movies and Quentin will ‘mentor’ them. If you’re a ‘dyed in the wool’ AI fan, you will remember Quentin as a guest judge back in S3. He’s a big time AI fan ever since it started so let’s see if he can translate his passion to these kids.

Oh, and by the way, what’s with Quentin’s new ‘do’??? A little strange.

First up to see Quentin is Allison who will be singing, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith from the movie, Armegedon. – (Full orchestra tonight!) This is a tough song from Allison but she pulls it off. She starts slow and builds. She’s got such a powerful voice. Good start to the night.

By the way, because last week’s show ran over, tonight we are going to have only 2 judges give their opinions to the performers.

Paula: I noticed tonight that you have what Adam has..unbelievable talent!

Simon: You are the only girl left in this competition for anyone to beat. I feel you could be going all the way to the finals! (WOW, Simon…)

Ohhhh, here’s Russell’s commercial for State of Play…looks really good.

2. Anoop is next to talk to Quentin and he will be performing, Bryan Adams’ song Everything I Do, I Do It For You – Well it looks like he took Quentin’s advice because he is really ‘feeling’ this song. He’s giving it his all. Nice job Anoop.

Randy: Anoop, dog in the house…this was a Big Song and I think you’ve put yourself deep in this competition in the last two weeks.

Kara: Well you’ve found that you are best at “popular” songs. I have to say that this was one of your best performances.
(Simon…if you looked over, did NOT agree).

3. Okay folks, here he is, ADAM, and what will he surprise us with tonight? He will be singing, Born To Be Wild from Easy Rider (which I think won an Oscar?) Now I know why he dug out the full leather outfit tonight. When he was talking to Quentin there wasn’t much he could say to Adam. In fact, he looked at the camera and said, “I’m not sure what he is going to do because he just gave me a glimpse but I know it’s gotta be good!” – So Adam goes to the center stage and starts belting out Born To Be Wild like he’s born to ride! The kid amazes me every week. Great rendition and the vocals are sensational…can ya tell I like him???? And, the arrangement is great.

Paula: I’m not sure what she is saying she’s panting so hard!

Simon: Vocally, it was incredible. However, with that outfit on, it was like watching The Rocky Horror show. You’ll find some people will love it while others will hate it. I liked last week’s performance much better.

4. Matt is up next and will sing, To Really Love A Woman from Don Juan DeMarco (which starred Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando – pretty good movie). – Quentin asks him if he’s going to play his piano and he’s thinking about it. He decided to do it. Nice song. Matt’s doing a good job – not great but Matt’s got a lot of talent!
(Lots of celebs in the audience tonight)

Randy: It was interesting although pretty rough patches here and there. You fell down a lot.

Kara: You have a struggle each week. You tried to make this a soulful/rock song but you flipped it and it didn’t work.

5. Danny is up next and will sing, Endless Love from Lionel Ritchie from the movie, Endless Love (with Brooke Shields). Well I guess Danny didn’t listen to Quentin because he is singing it HIS way. Not that that is a bad thing but he’s using his hands (which Quentin said not to do. He said, “If you put your hands in your pockets you will see how much more power will go into your voice). This song is very pretty but Danny looks like he’s struggling. I’m just not feeling it tonight. His ending was great though.

Paula: It took you half the song before you pulled it together.

Simon: I can’t fault your version but I’m not crazy about the harp! I’m slightly disappointed but I can see it’s an emotional song for you.

6. Kris’s turn – he will be singing, I Don’t Know You from the movie Once (I know this song won Best Oscar song last year) – Quentin asked if Kris was going to play his guitar and he said he wasn’t sure. (in the movie the guy plays a guitar). Nice tones. Good choice of song (even though a lot of people will not recognize it). He’s certainly ’selling it’ for me.

Randy: For me…I dunno. Didn’t quite do it for me. It was pitchy.

Kara: For me, it was one of your best so far. (Paula is happy for Kris)

7. Last, but not least, this week is Lil who will sing, The Rose by Bette Midler from the movie of he same name. – Oh boy, Lil…it’s like you’re copying Bette and that’s not a good thing. Then, halfway thru the song, you make it a gospel number. This wasn’t what Lil should have done and unfortunately, I think she will be ‘leaving the building’ tomorrow night….

Paula: Beautiful lyrics.

Simon: Lil – once again you’re getting it completely wrong. There are no excuses any more. I’m frustrated with you.

Then Lil tries to explain to him why she sang the song the way she did but Simon isn’t listening any more.

So there you have it.

Tomorrow night will see a performance of Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson!!!!

And, sorry to say, I don’t care who else will be in the Bottom group, it will be Lil Rounds going home…unless she’s got one heckuva fan base!

Talk to you tomorrow,
Joanie

AI Top 8 Results 04/08/09

Hi Everyone:

Not too many surprises last night. It’s getting tough to make decisions on who is going home because everyone is pretty darn good who is left…except Adam who is sensational!

Ryan started out by saying that we didn’t discuss Simon’s birthdate and what was popular the year he was born. Flash to the jumbo screen and there is Frankie Avalon singing, VENUS. I hate to reminisce but I used to run like crazy every day to get home from school and watch American Bandstand to see Dick Clark, all my favorite dancers (who’s going with who) and what stars were going to be on the show. This was back in the mid 50s!!!!! (I’m certainly dating myself now.)

Anyway, it was exciting to see Frankie singing. It reminded me, in those days, they had what they called the Philadelphia ’sound’ and a bunch of guys and groups came from Philly in those days. I won’t bore you with names.

Then….all of a sudden…the jumbo screen goes dark, the curtain opens and it’s FRANKIE AVALON himself singing Venus!! WOW! I get chills even now thinking about it. Simon is shocked and Frankie goes over to the table to sing to him. After the song is over, Ryan asks what year that song came out and Frankie says, “I hate to say this but it was back in 1959!!!” which means that Simon will be the big ‘60′ this year.

Ryan says that tonight we are going to hear from Flo Rider and Kellie Pickler (the adorable little blonde from North Carolina who performed in Season 5 will sing for us tonight.

First though, they talk about the Ford commercial which was all about magic and makeup (which Adam loves). It was fun.

The Top 8 perform Can’t Get You Outta My Mind.

OK, let’s get some results:

Ryan asks the following to stand up:

Adam
Kris
Anoop

One is in the Bottom 3 and it is Anoop(!)

We then have Flo Rider and his group come out to perform, “Round, Round” (which is a remake of an 80s song made popular by Dead or Alive). Boy, this kid is muscley(?) and it’s a really cool song. Seems really nice too. Wants to make a difference in our world and that’s always a good thing.

Alright….let’s get some more results:

Danny
Scott
Lill
Allison

Of these 5 – 2 are in the Bottom 3 and they are: Scott and Lil.

Scott isn’t too much of a surprise even though he’s a great kid and has a good voice. He just hasn’t been choosing the right songs in the past few weeks.

Lil is the second one in the bottom 3 (and the last to sit on the stools) The thing with Lil is….she’s becoming a little too ‘into herself’ and, you know that old saying, “Don’t believe all that you read about yourself!” well, she seems to be doing that. The juges love her but if she’s allowed to come back next week she had BETTER bring it or else she could be in the Bottom again and that’s not a good thing at this point.

Anyway, we let Anoop, Scott and Lil cool it on those wicked uncomfortable looking stools and Ryan brings on Kellie Pickler. She looks adorable and the song she is singing is pretty good. It’s called, “The Best Days of Your Life” I believe. She never was the best singer of the group but she’s got a great personality and has carved a nice little career out for herself.

After Ryan asks Kellie to leave the stage by way of the ‘calimari’ table! – we now bring out Anoop, Scott and Lil. Ryan says, “Let’s put someone back over to the couches…Lil please go sit down.”

Now we are left with Anoop and Scott. Ryan says, “After 34M votes there was only 300K separating the two of you. The one getting the least amount of votes tonight is: SCOTT.

Now the judges have to decide whether or not to “SAVE” Scott so he sings his song from the night before while they discuss. After the song is over, they still can’t make up their minds so they converge again for a few minutes. Still it’s 2 to 2 so Ryan says, “We’re running out of time guys.” Simon says, “This is very difficult for us Scott but the thing is that we are left with 7 very good singers and if we use the SAVE on you tonight and, for some reason, one of them gets in the Bottom next week, we won’t be able to save them so I guess I’m going to take it upon myself to speak for the panel and say….Scott, your journey ends tonight.”

Paula is wicked upset and talks to Scott who is very gracious and, I think, kind of relieved. He didn’t really stand a chance of winning and now he can go home and kick back for a while and then do the Tour this summer with the rest of his friends.

So there you have it. Another week has passed. What the ‘theme’ will be next week, I haven’t the foggiest notion….

Have a great weekend everyone.

Joanie

AI Top 8 Perform 4/7/09

Hi Everyone:

Before I start my review of last night’s show, let me first say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Russell Crowe who turned 45 on the 7th! Russell said he would like to be married and have a child by the time he was 40…mission accomplished..in fact, two times so…sons, Charlie and Tenny. Hope you had a great day Russell. Can’t wait to see you in Nottingham next year and State of Play which comes out on the 24th of this month…

OK, that said let’s start.
What is with Ryan and those stairs? I swear everytime I see him walking down them I feel he’s going to take a header.

At least the judges were NOT introduced from the stage tonight.

The Top 8 will perform songs from the year they were born.

Ryan then shows baby pics of the judges and they show one of him…all cute.

First up is Danny:
Danny was born on April 24, 1980 so he would be the ‘big daddy’ of the group coming in at 29 (I think the same age as Taylor Hicks was when he won AI). Danny does a little background with his family and we see some really cute baby pics.
Danny will sing “Stand By Me” (the Mickey Gilley of Urban Cowboy fame) version. He’s a little slow to start. Like the glasses tonight. Then he warms up. Like this version. It suits him.

Randy: There’s a little Gospel/Jazz/R&B all rolled into one but, dude, it’s not the right song choice for you.

Kara: You killed it.

Paula: WOW! You set the standard for the rest of the group tonight. I like the way you took liberties and it paid off.

Simon: Overall it was great.

2. Kris was born on June 21, 1985 so he would be 24 this year. Love the background on Kris with his baby pics. He will be singing, “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” by Don Henley (of the Eagles). He’s in the ‘mosh pit’ again tonight with his guitar. Didn’t think his vocals were that strong tonight. He could have ‘cranked’ it up more. The arrangement wasn’t the best either.

Kara: Glad you picked an up tempo song tonight. It’s Jazz-Funk. It could have been a little bit better.

Paula: You did the same melody but managed to change it to make it your own. And you are a really likeable guy.

Simon: It was boring, indulgent and a stupid song choice.

Randy: Sorry dude, but it was self-indulgent.

3. Next is Lil who was born on October 20, 1984 making her 25 this year. (WOW…and she has 3 children!) Once again…cute baby pics.

Lil is going to attempt to do a classic…”What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina (legs) Turner. – Well you gotta give Lil her props cause she certainly is dressed for action tonight (I get a nose bleed just looking at the size of those heels!) Love the do too. – However, she could have done much better with this song. Lil has a great voice but she just isn’t coming up with the kind of song that can showcase it each week. I’m worried Lil.

Paula: You look hot! Lil, you have to go outside your comfort zone and prove to me who you are. You are a brilliant vocalist but it wasn’t there tonight.

Simon: It was a 2nd or 3rd rate Tina Turner down to the dance, outfit, etc. Copycat. Lil, we’re losing you. You’ve got to start making better song choices.

Randy: You gotta listen to us Lil. That’s why we’re here. It’s just not clicking now.

Kara: You have not come from singer to vocalist yet(?)

4. Anoop was born on December 20, 1986 (the same day as David Cook, our reigning AI was born!) which makes them both 23 this year. Anoop’s baby pics were also adorable.

He will sing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. – My daughter-in-law is a BIG fan of Cyndi’s…me, not so much. This is a good version of the song though. Nice tones to his voice. You can feel his passion on this one.

Randy: Congrats to North Carolina (for winning the NCAA tournament..for the 5th time!) and to you. Good vocals – props to you.

Kara: You controlled the song tonight. Good job.

Paula: Your choice of song was flawless; it was heartfelt.

Simon: You’re like a ‘yo yo’. One week you’re good the next week awful. However, good job tonight.

5. Now we have Scott who was born on June 22, 1985 so he’ll be 24 this year. What an adorable boy he was and, I have to say that, even though he is seeing impaired. he has beautiful eyes. Scott will be singing, “The Search Is Over” by Survivor….oh boy, he’s standing with a guitar in front of a microphone. I feel uncomfortable for him. He is trying (and, don’t get me wrong, Scott is a very talented kid) but tonight I just don’t see it. Sorry Scott but I do see you in the Bottom again tonight.

Kara: This was a very hard song to sing. There were good and bad moments.

Paula: I love that you stepped away from your comfort zone (piano). You have a wonderful sense of humor. However, this song was not one of your best.

Simon: Do me and yourself a favor and go back to the piano. That song was horrible and boring.

Randy: Dude, it was all just OK.

6. Here’s Allison who was born on April 27, 1992 (a lot of April and June babies…) which makes her 17 this year so she would be the ‘true baby’ of the group! Her baby pics and family are very sweet. Love the way the doctor said it’s OK if she talks a lot…she’ll probably be a singer some day… Allison is going to sing, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt. Now this is a tough song to sing and frankly, I feel it’s a little ‘old’ for her but doesn’t she pull it off! Allison seems to get stronger each week and to me, she is the true Dark Horse of this competition! Good job.
Oh, and I love the leather outfit.

Paula: You hear one note and right away you know it is Allison. You gave us your heart tonight.

Simon: It was very good but you need to be more likeable(?)

Randy: You remind us of Kelly Clarkson, our Season 1 winner.

Kara: Let’s go make a record.

7. Here is Matt who was born on May 11, 1985 (making him 24 this year). Love the baby pics but he seems a little ‘precocious’ as the Little Angel.

Matt is going to sing, “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie. This is a cool song. He starts off slow and then kicks it up. This is a very good version of the song. It has a Jazzy flair to it.

Randy: Your vocals were one of the best tonight.

Kara: Incredible

Paula: Standing “O” in my book.

Simon: Well done.

OK….so now it’s 9:01 and Adam hasn’t even sung yet. My friends tell me that the channel will cut to FRINGE and I say, “No Way would they do that!!!!”

8. So here comes Adam at 9:03. He was born on January 29, 1982 (which makes him 27). The baby pics are just precious…love them.

Adam will sing, “Mad World” by Tears For Fears (ohhh, I loved the two of them years ago!!!). Soooo, there’s Adam, sitting on a stool and the lights are low and he starts his song and the place is mesmerized. You can hear a pin drop except for the mosh pit….
He is just so great. I love the song choices he makes each week. We never know what to expect from this kid. And, by the way, he is the only one of the group who gives a ’shout out’ to Ricky Minor and the orchestra.

It is now 9:06 and Ryan goes to Simon.

Simon: We are running late so the bad news is I will be the only one to speak…the good news is, there is nothing to say except…I’m giving you a STANDING OVATION!!!!!

Oh My God…I think that’s the first time in a competition, that I can remember, that Simon has done that. Adam is stunned.

Ryan does a quick recap and now the show is over and here comes FRINGE. I feel bad for people who TiVo’d the show cause they not only missed Adam’s performance but Simon’s “Standing O”….

Who will go home tonight???? I’m guessing it will be Scott.

Bottom 3: Scott, Kris and Lil

Talk to you tomorrow.

Joanie

AI Top 9 – Results Show – 04/01/09

Hi Everyone:

Well it was no April Fool’s Joke last night. The person going home was correct. Bottom 3, however, I didn’t agree with.

OK, so let’s start the show.

Guests tonight will be current Idol Wnner: David Cook and Lady GaGa.

36 M votes were cast on Tuesday night. For a show that’s been said to be waning, those votes show that ’someone’s’ still watching!

We’ll start off with the Ford Commercial which was a takeoff on a Michael Jackson video. It was OK.

Now the Top 9 will perform to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing – LOVE this song and, of course, as all of us who watch AI know, Randy played base for this group years ago. I wonder what ever happened to Steve Perry…great voice.

Now Ryan is going to show us a typical Idol week and, believe me, it’s a good thing their young cause there’s a lot going on for them to do….

Ryan then asks some of the contestants to do an impression of someone else in the group. It was cute.

OK, enough playing…it’s time for Results.

Please dim the lights and let’s get started:

Megan
Matt
Kris
please come to the left of the stage.

Now:

Adam
Lil
Allison
would you come to the center stage and

Scott
Danny
Anoop
please come to the right of the stage.

Then Ryan has them all stand there as he asks the audience which group of 3 do they think are the Bottom 3.

Let’s take a break and when we come back David Cook will perform the new single from his CD.

David sings: Come Back To Me – He sounds great as always. Such a nice kid. He looks good too.

After Ryan talks to David he asks two of the ladies to come on the stage and they are carrying a PLATINUM framed CD of David’s CD.

He has said that he’s had a busy and wonderful year – playing for the Troops – doing Concerts and even performing for Hillary Clinton. He said that, back in 2006, he made an album and it sold 1K copies..my how times have changed. Good for you David.

We are now going to hear Lady GaGa perform. OMG, is this person for real??? What a ’strange’ person. She must be English!!! They love strange things over there. Don’t get me wrong now, I happen to be a BIG fan of John Barrowman and Capt. Jack in TORCHWOOD… but this gal is beyond belief.

OK…let’s pick out the Bottom 3

Allison (!)
Anoop
Megan Joy

and the person who is packing her bags and leaving the ‘mansion’ tonight is….whacky, crazy Megan Joy. Then Ryan asks if the Judges are going to save her, he says, “Megan, you said that you don’t care. Well, neither do we so sing the heck out of your Swan Song because you will be going home tonight.” (Don’t hold back now Simon)….

This morning when I was watching FOX there was Megan eplaining her tattoo on her arm. It’s a Fairy Tale, There’s her as the princess and someone(?) as the prince, all kinds of flowers, her son, and her mother as the Fairy Godmother. OK, well now that we’ve been told about the tattoo, buh bye Megan…..

Next week the theme will be “Songs from the year I was Born” They will range from 1992 (Allison) all the way ‘back’ to 1980 (Danny).

Oh goodie….another ‘theme’ week.

Take care everyone.

Have a great weekend and we’ll talk again next week.

Joanie

AI – Top 9 Finalists 03/31/09

Morning Everyone:

Well all I can say was, last night was certainly ‘different’ given that the Top 9 each had to choose from 5 songs and some of them did NOT choose wisely.

Let’s start the show:

Oh boy…here we go again. Who in the world thought this madness up – introducing the Judges from the stage and then having Ryan walk down those stairs???? I swear one of these nights he’s gonna take a header!

Anyway, they’re all seated and after some banter, we’re told that tonight’s performances are ’supposed’ to be chosen from the Top iTune downloads…OK…

First up is Anoop – who will sing Caught Up by Usher. – (I read an article last night in the National Enquirer telling quite a story about Anoop and a very close friend of his whose car was hijacked and she was killed back in March of 2008. A few weeks ago he ’shouted’ out that he was thinking of everyone in Chapel Hill. Anyway, he carries a reminder of her on him and is dedicating his performances each week to her…) The performance wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t too good either. I like Anoop but he just seems like a college kid trying to make it in the ‘big time’.

Randy: Definitely picked up your swagger this week. Vocally it was cool.

Kara: You really didn’t get it right tonight. Not with Usher. Not for you.

Paula: Liked your playful side – your vocals sounded good. Not much stage presence though.

Simon: I thought it was a complete utter mess. You came over as a ‘wannabe’.

2. Megan Joy will sing a Bob Marley(?) song, Turn Your Lights Down – This is a popular download? Anyway, I wasn’t the least impressed, once again this week, with Megan Joy. For a girl with as good a voice as she has, I can not understand for the life of me why she picks these songs that do her voice no justice whatsoever. She should be going home tonight….

Kara: I really like you but I think you are in trouble.

Paula: At this stage you need to take us by surprise. Didn’t work.

Simon: Song was boring and all things we liked about you are going away.

Randy: It was like waiting for paint to dry for me.

WHEW….well, if that doesn’t have her heading for the EXIT, I don’t know what will…

3. Danny will sing a Rascal Flatts song, What Hurst The Most – Now Danny is feeling the words to this song. He sounds good and if infinitely better than the first two ’singers’.

Paula: This is where you thrives. Love it. I’d hit ‘repeat’ on my download with that song.

Simon: Honest – Best performance yet and best one from you so far.

Randy: You were crazy with the vocals. You’re cool – keep surging forward with that voice.

Kara: You moved everyone in the room emotionally.

4. Allison is up next and will sing Don’t Speak by No Doubt (we’ll see what Allison can do) – It took a few notes for her to get into the rhythm of this song but then she got going and was just fine. She’s quite a talent.

Randy: Vocally, you were great. But I gotta say, “What the heck are you wearing???” It’s crazy.

Kara: The Rock in you came out tonight. You sounded raspy, edgy. However, it was not your best.

Paula: Allison, I liked your “AX”. I see you going to the ‘finish line’.

Simon: It felt like you were trying to sing like a Rock Star. In doing so, you lost your identity.

5. Scott is next and will sing Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel (now this is a great song and the words can be very strong). Oh Scott, I LOVE your new haircut. You look handsome tonight. – He did a great job with this song and looks very comfortable tonight which makes him sound better. I don’t see him in the Bottom 3 on Wednesday.

Kara: You made a smart decision with this song. It was very moving. Love the new look!

Paula: You’ve proven to me, Scott, that you are a very special person. And, the fact that you sang that song with no orchestra made it more powerful. Great Job.

Simon: Best by a country mile.

Randy: You are the DUDE.

6. Here comes Matt and he will sing, You Found Me by The Frey (ohh, they’re a cool group). – What the heck are they doing putting him in the ‘mosh’ pit??? with his piano??? Matt’s cool but he’s trying too hard. I may be wrong though.

Paula: It felt like you aborted the Matt we love. We want him back.

Simon: You should be happy cause we didn’t like you this week…Go Ahead and ‘frown away’.

Randy: Wrong song for you. You should have done JT or One Republic

Kara: You have to decide which road you’re going to take Matt. Rock or R&B. I would choose R&B. You are talented though and shouldn’t go home.

7. It’s time for Lil who will sing, I Surrender by Celine Dion – Like her new ‘do. She’s certainly poured into the gown…what a booty! – Anyway, didn’t care for her rendition of this song and felt at times that she was screaming…I’m thinking Bottom 3 —-

Randy: Not a good song for your voice. You sang it well though.
(With this, Ryan asked her daughters if they wanted to go smack Randy. The older one didn’t say anything but the younger one – whose like 3 – stepped up and threw her arms around Randy and won mom a LOT of votes!!!)

Kara: TOnight we got a glimpse of what we are used to seeing.

Paula: You tried Adult Contemporary and it didn’t suit you.

Simon: You sang a ’safe’ song and it sounded like a ‘wedding’ performance.

8. Oh Boy…here comes ADAM…what will he have for us tonight? I notice that he’s slicked back the hair again. – He tells Ryan that he has chosen, Play That Funky Music, Playboy by…who inows…who cares….OH MY GOD….is there ANYONE who can touch this kid??? I love him to death. He’s hot, the vocals are great and he has all the stage presence he needs to succeed.

Paula: YOU are true genius which comes along once in a great while – like Mick Jagger, Steve Tyler and not YOU.

Simon: I’ve got to hand it you to..you certainly are ‘original’. I think you had a great time up there tonight. Not as powerful as last week though.

Randy: You Are In The Zone…a Star!

Kara: I can’t wait for you to perform each week. It’s like the old Studio 54 days.

Then Adam proceeds to thank the orchestra and Ricky Minor for their great arrangement. He sounded like he was in concert already!

9. The last one to perform tonight will be Kris who will sing Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone – Now this can be a very repetitive song and not one of my favorites but the kid put a new spin on it and SOLD IT. What a great performance. Good for him….

Randy: You’ve been slaying us each week. I’m lovin it.

Kara: Now that’s Artistry.

Paula: You took a 30 year old song and made it new.

Simon: Very very good arrangement. Best of the night!!!!

Well, there you have it.

Who do I think is going to be in the Bottom 3???

How about:

Megan Joy
Anoop
and…Lil (sorry but she just wasn’t that good).

I don’t see Lil going home. I just hope it’s a ‘wake up’ call for her and she chooses better songs from here on out.

AND….if Megan Joy doesn’t ‘walk away’ there’s no justice….
By the way, David Cook and Lady GaGa will perform on Wednesday AND…on Fox Reality on Friday night, the one who went home will be on AND Jason Castro will visit….

Talk to you tomorrow.

Joanie