American Idol – Season 8 – FINALE! 05-20-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

It’s a bittersweet night tonight…Tonight we crown the winner of Season 8…which is great, but it also means the end to another American Idol season…A record number of votes, just under 100-million, determined the winner tonight…Total this season…624 million votes were cast!  Another record...Amazing!  That just goes to show the talent that we had this year…

To kick things off the Top 13 came out for the group sing to the song “So What” – it was a good song with good energy, and they all looked like they were having a great time…

Tonight was, in my opinion, the best season finale of all.  There was some amazing talent on stage tonight, including the 13 finalists.  The first amazing performance came from Season 7 winner, David Cook.  David sang his new song “Permanent” – a tribute to his brother that recently passed…it was truly a tear-jerker moment…I for one cried, it was a beautiful (not the crying…the song)…This song will be available on iTunes and all proceeds will go to the “ABC-squared” charity to find a cure for cancer…make sure to download this song…the song is worth it and so is the cause.

To change things up and bring a little humor in, Ryan gave out the first Golden Idol Award of the night…for “Outstanding Male” the award went to Nick Mitchell, aka, Norman Gentle…He of course provided us with his usual good humor and had the audience laughing with his musical performance…funny stuff…

The first duet of the night was Lil Rounds and Queen Latiffa to the song “Cue the Rain” – It was a great pairing, I thought their voices melded nicely and it was a good performance.

Next Anoop and Alexis performed with Jason Mraz and it was great!  Loved Alexis’ voice; and Anoop was pretty good himself…and of course Jason…well, Jason was great!  Then the top 13 came out and joined them.  Nice.

The journey of Kris was shown in clips and then Kris was introduced for his duet with Keith Urban…Song was “Kiss a Girl” – and it was FAN-FLIPPIN-TASTIC!  If you closed your eyes it was hard to tell which one was singing…Wow-Wow-Wow!  Loved it!

Next up…Alexis, Allison, Megan, Lil and Jasmine came out for the group girl sing to the song “Glamorous” which of course segwayed into the intro of Fergie, who came out and sang her song “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” which then intro’d the Black-eyed Peas, who then sang a song that I don’t know the name of, but since they said “Boom Boom” a lot I’m going to call it the Boom-Boom song.  Fox had to cut away for a bit during this song as some not so nice language was used…This segment was pretty good.

Then came the Golden Idol Awards again…this time for “Best Attitude” – The winner of this one was none other than “Bikini Girl” Katrina Darrell, who, after she accepts her award is asked to sing…which of course is pretty awful, and then you hear someone in the background singing really good…It’s Kara!  Wow!…She can sing!  Katrina tries to keep up but gives up for a bit…then starts up again trying to sing with Kara…at the end of the song Kara rips open her dress and she too has a bikini on…Now THAT was funny!

And now it’s time for the performance from our last girl standing…Allison, who is dueting with Cyndi Lauper…to the song “Time After Time” – Cyndi looks and sounds great and Allison is of course great…really good duet…

Danny’s up now and sings a solo “Hello” which is amazingly great (of course) – and then of course this sets it up for Lionel Ritchie to come out and duet with him…they sing a medley of 3 songs…”Just Chill (I think that’s the name)”, “Party” and “All Night Long” – it was a PERFECT melding of voices…Wow!  This was really awesome!

Next we get to see clips of Adam’s journey and then he comes out, in a “Kiss-like” costume and sings “Beth” – REALLY beautiful! And then is joined by Kiss for a medley of 2 songs, “Rock City” and “I Wanna Rock n Roll”  AWESOMELY GREAT!

Moving along, as this show has done all night, Carlos Santana is next…He is such a great guitar player!  I’ve always loved him….After a brief guitar solo, Matt Giraud joins in and sings “Black Magic Woman” and he is great!  Then the Top 13 come out and join the song (Santana briefly takes his hands off the guitar to shake Adam’s hand).  Another awesome performance tonight.

Now for the Ford Music Video commercial to the song “I Will Remember You” – Loved it too!  And then David Cook presents a surprise to both Adam and Kris…They each get a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid…Nice….Adam doubles over and laughs…funny…love his laugh..

Now up…Steve Martin and Megan Joy and Michael Sarver…Michael and Megan sound great together with the banjo-playin’ Steve in the background…The song is called “Pretty Flowers” and was written by Steve Martin…It’s on his new album just released…I loved it…Perfect duet choice…

Now it’s time for the guys group sing to “If You Think I’m Sexy” which of course brings out Rod Steward…who sings solo to the song “Maggie” I just love Rod…Always been one of my favs since I was a youngin.  He’s still got it.

Now for the last Golden Idol of the night…Not sure what this one is for…I think “Outstanding Female” which goes to none other than our favorite irritant, Tatianna (never thought I’d have to type her name again…) She of course comes on stage and does a “bit” about not going away and singing as two guys try to pull her off stage…not one of the funniest things tonight…Oh well, it can’t be all good…

Now for the duet with Adam and Kris to “We Are the Champions” with Queen!  Loved it so much I called my sis and put the phone up by the TV as we sang loud and proud with Kris and Adam on TV…(She’s in a different time zone and wasn’t able to watch it yet…).  This was truly a bonding moment between sisters…my husband, however, came in the room and threatened to cut the cable…song was over so I agreed to stop singing…that was fun…good times, good times…

Before they announce the winner Simon has some nice words to say…which he said is not like him…He tells them that they were both brilliant and should be proud of what they’ve accomplished…

Now dim the lights and here we go…After the nationwide vote, just under 100-million of them, the winner of American Idol 2009 is…

KRIS ALLEN!  O Wow!

I’m happy for Kris, but way disappointed for Adam…on the bright side; Adam won’t have to put that awful song on his CD.

Kris sings us out to the “song” we’ll call it…but at least tonight it sounds like Kris brought it down an octave, and is singing it WAY better than last night.  I still don’t like the song, but Kris did himself proud…TV cuts away as all join him on stage for group hug…last shot is of Kris hugging his wife and crying…Awwww.

And so another season comes to an end…not the end that a lot of people thought it would be…but the ending is good and the right person won…Adam is going to be just fine without the win…Kris is the one that needed the win the most to get his career going…After this season, Adam has the exposure he needs to push his career to the next level, and I predict that both will be very successful in the music industry…However, I think that Adam will have the most staying power…I believe he will be as Paula predicted last night…an iconic figure in the music industry for years to come…

So until next year…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – FINAL 02-FINALE! 05-19-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Show starts and the excitement builds!  This is the final performance show and THIS! Is American Idol! WOO HOO!  The final showdown!

Will it be the acoustic rocker or will it be the glam rocker? (Ryan’s words, not mine), Kris or Adam?!?  Ryan introduces the judges and then brings out my boys…WOO HOO!  Kris won the coin toss and has decided to go last…They will be singing three songs tonight…Their favorite from the season, Simon Fuller’s pick and the “coronation” song…which was co-written by judge Kara…There will be 4 hours for voting tonight and a 2-hour finale Wednesday night…Ryan warns us now that the 2-hour finale will run long so be forewarned if you are TEVO-ing or DVR-ing the finale; set your recording devices accordingly.

And HERE WE GO!  Kicking things off tonight is Adam who will be singing “Mad World” for his Favorite Performance…His voice flows over the audience through the theater and out of my TV….This is even better than the first time if that is at all possible.  He looks and sounds amazing!  Chills and goosebumps…Randy, Kara and Paula LOVE it, but Simon holds back and tells him it was a bit theatrical…Uh...nuh uh….it was AMAZING!  LOVED IT!

Kris is up now with his favorite, “Ain’t No Sunshine” – This was the one I hoped he would sing…This was what I considered to be the song that was his breakout song…his moment…during this season…And tonight HE is even better than the first time he sang it…Wow!  What a musical battle this is going to be tonight.  Simon told him that he had his doubts about America’s choice to put him through to the finals, but that after this performance, all doubts are gone and he deserves to be here…Um duh!  Of course he deserves to be here!  Kradam finale forever!  Simon gives Round One to Kris…I call it a draw…They were both FAN-FLIPPIN-TASTIC!

On to Round Two with Adam singing Simon Fuller’s choice…”Change is Gonna Come” – via Sam Cook version…Adam comes out in suit and tie looking very nice…a guitarist joins him onstage…Nice bluesy feel…In the beginning I was a little worried because he held back and was kind of reserved….not really “Adam” – but WOW!  Punch in the gut with passion and energy as the song builds…His vocals were powerful and amazing and he had a VERY powerful ending…This was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!  I shouldn’t have worried, the boy knows what he’s doing…Paula is on her feet…Said it was the best she’s ever heard him…told him she predicts that he will become an iconic figure in the music industry in years to come…Simon said he was 100 percent back in the game…(was he ever out?)

Now Kris is going to sing Simon Fuller’s pick “What’s Goin’ On” – onstage with acoustic guitar. This is nice and bluesy.  He made this horrible pick of a song suit him, but it was nothing special.  It was good, but not wow…Poor Kris…what a crummy song that Simon picked for him.  He did really well considering the crap song he was dealt.  Socially conscious song my aunt fanny…he was dealt a load of crap and did the best he could with it…that said…I’d say that Round Two goes to Adam…duh…poor Kris.  Simon Cowell also said Round Two goes a million percent to Adam…double-duh.

Now on to Round Three – The “Coronation” song – “No Boundaries” - written in part by judge Kara…before I tell you how they did, let me tell you this…the song is horrible, I can’t imagine it being played on the radio, and after it is done being forced down our throats on the radio it will die a certain quick death…

Now for Adam – Adam brings emotion to this song and provides a good build…Adam’s vocals are awesome of course, and the only thing saving this song right now is Adam singing it…This one was “eh” – he gave it all he had and left everything out on the stage…too bad the song sux and wasn’t worth the effort he had to give to this song.  The song was not an “Adam” song in the least and I can’t imagine it even going on one of his CD’s.  Randy hated the song and said to judge Adam on the season, not the song; of course Kara loved it and thanked Adam for singing it (like he had a choice); Paula not really commenting on the performance, but rather his season record; and Simon said he is too is not going to judge him on that song…he’s gonna judge him based on his past record, and then Simon told him that he feels Adam is the worldwide star that they are looking for…Awww.  I agree.

Now for Kris…poor Kris…While this song style is more suited for Kris, the key is too high for him and he is straining to hit the notes throughout the song.  He really struggles to stay on key…If the song had been an octave lower he might have stood a chance.  When he’s done you can see the look of defeat all over his face, he knows his vocals were way off.  He looks sad…All the judges, even Kara, tell him that the key was too high and that they were not going to judge him (like Adam) on this song either, but on his season record of performances…it’s just too bad that this is the note that the show will end on…

Winner of Round Three is no one in my opinion because the song blew.  If the judges can say they aren’t going to judge either of them based on this song, then I can too…No winner, Round Three.

So that’s it…the final performance show is in the bag and it’s now in the hands of America to chose who will be our next American Idol. Phones will be open for 4 hours tonight, so get those dialing and texting fingers ready to go and remember to set your recording devices to accommodate for the long show tomorrow.  And now Carrie Underwood sings us out to the end of the show…She looks and sounds amazing as always…Just love her…Thank God she’s the last note we’ll hear tonight.

So until the Finale Results Show Wednesday night…Nerd Out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 03! 05-13-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Ben Stiller and the cast of the “Night at the Museum-Smithsonian” open up the show with the American Idol desk…in the Smithsonian…pretty funny bit.  You’ll have to youTube it and see…

Ry starts off the show with his usual walk down the stairs and tells us that over 88-million votes came in last night, and that just over 1-million votes separate the Top 2.  A quick hey to the judges (just as Paula seats herself-she was late).  It’s gonna be a busy night so Ryan gets right to the Ford Music Video commercial to the tune of “Break my Stride.”  Go to Americanidol.com to check out this and all the Ford Music Videos from the season.

Next up is Alicia Keys who is involved with a charity called “Keep a Child Alive” – Alicia introduces a young boy from Rwanda whose dream is to sing on the American Idol stage to help raise money for this charity.  He sings “I’m the Greatest” – and he does really well…even busts a few moves…Very nice, very cute.  To donate you can download his song from iTunes and the proceeds will go to this charity.  You can also text the word “Alive” to 90999 to donate $5.00…don’t forget to reply “yes.”

Ok…so now back to the show…The top 3 are waiting backstage…Danny is the first one called out and they show a clip of his hometown visit to Milwaukee…some touching moments and loads and loads of peeps in attendance…Danny is really touched by everyone that came out to support him…then Ryan sends Danny to the couch.

Now Ryan brings out Kris Allen who went to his hometown of Conway, Arkansas…where he gets free cheese dip for life-hey?  That’s worth a stint on American Idol isn’t it?…And he has a very touching Dad moment…Awww…nice visit.  He too is very touched by the support he receives…

Next up is…nope…not Adam…Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks…who, by the way, looks AMAZING!  And sounds AMAZING!  She sings her new single “Battlefield.”  Should be another hit for her.

Now we finally get to say hi to Adam and see the clip of his hometown visit.  During his visit he visited the Met where he performed as a child…he gets to sit and talk with the kids that currently go there…Awww….I got a little misty…He’s great with the kids, answering their questions…and he said his visit to the Met made him feel like he’d come full circle…Next we get to see when he went to his old high school, Mt. Carmel…and they show us “Bra Girl” – I think his laugh made me laugh more than the moment…good stuff (go to youTube to see clip of this)…and now Adam is sent to the couch…

Katie Perry joins us next with her song “Waking up in Vegas” – um…ok…cracked me up that in her intro she displays a cape with Adam Lambert’s name embroidered on it…guess we know who she likes…I like her but this song was um…weird…ok…but weird…and off to commercial we go…

Back live, dim the lights…Here we go!  After the nationwide vote, the first person competing in next weeks Finale is….KRIS!!! YES!!!!!

Now…after 88-million votes…the person competing next week WITH Kris is….ADAM!!!!  WOW!!!! YEA!!!

But wait…oh…that means that Danny has to go….I love Danny & I think he has an amazing voice so this is sad…But I’m also so happy that Adam and Kris are in the finals…I love that Kris started this thing with no back-story, no airtime…and that he made it here by sheer determination and great vocals…he deserves this Finale…and I love that Adam made his way here by changing it up every week and striving to bring something special, unique and different every time he performed…this promises to be a really really great Finale…Or to quote Simon…”This Finale could be what we call a Ding Dong…”  Huh?  I think maybe this lost something in the translation from English Slang to American Slang…Anywho….IT’S GONNA BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next week…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 03! 05-12-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

First and foremost….HAPPY B-DAY SUZYQUE!   Now…On with the show…The Top 3 were heroes in their hometowns this past week…but who will be America’s hero!  These are your Top 3, and THIS! Is American Idol!  Danny, Adam and Kris everyone!

Ry makes his usual entrance down the stairs to an excited audience…After all this is the week we decide the two that will battle it out for the title…So after 100,000 contestant’s it is now down to the 3 amigo’s (to quote Ryan).  And tonight is American Idol’s 300th episode…wow!  Let’s get started…

Danny is up first with a song picked by Paula, “Dance Lil Sister” – Song sounds disco to me…I don’t like disco.  He’s singing it well; I just don’t care for the song choice.  Danny is showing good energy and good vocals…except for his attempt at scatting…not so much.  I do like him though so A for effort.  Simon and Kara kinda dissed him, but Randy and Paula liked it.  And now Paula and Simon are fighting…well, at least Paula is, Simon’s trying to restrain her…VERY childish.  As Ryan is trying to give out Danny’s phone numbers we hear Paula yelling “help, help, help” I mean seriously?!  Then Ryan tells us that Paula punched Simon.  Poor Danny.  This is not fair to him and totally takes away from his performance.  Rude on so many levels!

Now we have Kris up with a pick from Randy and Kara (sorry Kris).  They picked “Apologize.”  Kris is seated at the piano for this one.  Opening notes were a little weak, but he picked up as he went along.  Some of the falsettos were off, but overall pretty good.  Ya know? It just hit me tonight who he sounds like…He sounds like Keith Urban.  I love Keith Urban…No wonder his voice draws me in…After Kris’ song, Kara disses him, Randy liked it.  Paula not so much, and Simon told Kara that she and Randy did a disservice to Kris by picking that song.  Which brings on yet another fight…SO bad that Fox broke away to a commercial for a couple seconds and then came back so we could at least get the voting numbers for Kris…I gotta say this fighting and yelling from Kara and Paula have put me in a bad mood…I am totally pissed off right now.  This is SO not fair to Danny and Kris…these are people’s futures they are playing with…and for what?  Some airtime?  They are not supposed to be the center of the show.  THE CONTESTANT’S ARE!  Idiots!  I sure do hope Kara gets cut from next year…I can’t take another year of her!

Now up is Adam with a pick from Simon, “One” by U2…Seems Simon went out of his way to get this song for Adam…which is what he said Kara & Randy should have done for Kris…I agree.  Wow!  Ok…bad mood is fading cuz Adam is singing amazingly!  Haunting chills on opening.  He is showing great emotion in this performance.  I totally feel it.  He is the Chit!  Simon said it was a brilliant song choice (of course you think so), and it was a brilliant performance.  Simon also said it would be a big upset if he was not here next week.

When we come back from commercial we are shown some footage of Carrie Underwood in Angola Africa for some Idol Gives Back updates.  Over 300,000 mosquito nets have been distributed, and over 140-million raised over the past couple years.  Carrie reminds us that the support so far has been great but we’re not done…we still need more.  I agree.

Now we are on to Round 2 – Danny is up with his choice “You Are so Beautiful” – He’s got string backup and sounds very nice, breathless and gravely.  Beautiful falsetto.  Stronger in the middle with a good build.  Great ending!  He stayed close to the original while still making it more him.  This song showed off his great vocal range.  Simon called it a vocal masterclass.  Great! (and no fighting…)

Now Kris is up with “Heartless” by Kanye West – He’s singing with acoustical guitar.  This is beautiful.  Nice pure vocals that we have all come to know and love.  Much better than the original.  I agree with Randy.  Simon loved it and said that Kris is now back in the competition…(he had him counted out after the first song).  This is going to be a battle royale on the phones tonight!

Now we close the show with Adam singing his song choice “Cryin” by Aerosmith.  He starts off great…but I think his backup singer needs to back off a bit…she’s singing louder than Adam and its distracting.  The arrangement is a bit choppy but he sings every note to perfection….and what notes he is hitting!  Loved his ending!  After his performance Simon encourages everyone to vote…says that they (the judges) may think that Adam will sail through to next week, but can’t assume it….America needs to vote to keep Adam in…Wow…he’s never done that before…I agree, but dang…

So that’s it…shows over…it’s now up to America to decide who will be in the Top 2 Finale.

Since we are at the end here…and I really like all three…I’m not going to list who I think should stay (Adam) and who I think should go…hmmmm…

One last thing…Tonight was total idiocy by the judges, namely Paula and Kara…what they displayed was childish and certainly NOT in keeping with American Idol values…I mean seriously?  What they showed tonight was if you don’t like someone’s opinion be rude, interrupt them and hit them if necessary…Ya…that’s just what I want my kids to learn…NOT!  I think an apology from the judges is most DEFINITELY in order…don’t you?  And not just an apology to America, but to poor Danny and Kris who bore the brunt of their disrespect…Guess you could say I’m still pissed…

So until the Results Show Wednesday night…Nerd Out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 04! 05-06-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Tonight the Top 4 become 3.  Who will graduate from the Idol school of rock & who will get schooled?  THIS is American Idol!

Last night over 64-million votes were cast, registering as the highest amount of votes outside of a finale.  Wow!

After the usual Intro banter, Ryan says hey to the judges & brings out the Top 4…Adam, Allison, Danny & Kris.  Then Ry reminds us that No Doubt will perform tonight; Daughtry will take the stage live; & for the first time ever! Paul Abdul will take the stage…But first, the Ford Music Video…You can go to Americanidol.com & click on the “Videos” “Ford Music Videos” link to check out tonight’s & all the Ford Music Videos...You can also go to Americanidol.com/Ford to enter the contest for the Ford Music Video Challenge.  Here’s the link in case you want to check it out… http://www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge/ .  Here’s the challenge - Answer trivia about the latest Ford Music Video & you’ll be entered for a chance to hang with the Idols & see a Video filmed live, plus win your very own limited edition American Idol Fusion! Good luck!

We then continue with the rock theme to the tune of “School’s Out” for the group sing, with lead guitarist, Slash.  Pretty great guitar playing…Looks like Danny is taking the lead tonight in the group sing, with Adam, Allison & Kris performing mainly backup with just a few vocal solo’s here & there…It was ok.  Then off to commercial.

Back from commercial & Ryan tells us that we have a packed evening & that Paula will take to the stage in a few minutes, but first he wants to check in with the Top 4.  He asks them if they are getting used to routine of the Result’s shows…Kris says that Wednesdays are the most tiring & that the whole thing feels surreal; he can’t believe that he has lasted this long & is still here…Simon interjects at this point that they all need to feel like they belong.  Ry then asks Adam about how he felt singing a Zeppelin song…Adam of course LOVED singing a Led Zeppelin song & couldn’t believe how lucky he was to get his song cleared.  Ryan then asks Danny about how he felt about his last note the previous night.  Danny said that he listened to the playback & said he laughed about it all night.  Said his family muted him, & that was his most memorable and funniest moment on the show.  Then Ryan turns to Allison...Allison refers to her little spar with Simon last night and said that it’s not like her to talk back, but that Simon was asking for it…of course she said it in good humor…Simon again was amused.

Now we turn our attention to Paula who is taking the Idol stage to perform her new song “I’m Just Here for the Music” – Wow!  She IS going to sing!  She sounds & looks great.  Of course, since she is dancing, the song is lip synced…but who cares…just call me a nerd…I like the choreographed songs…Welcome back to the stage Paula…you did great, & I really liked the song.  Ry asked Paula why now?  Why return to the stage?  Paula said because it is the happiest place on earth for her…performing on stage.  Awww…then off to commercial.

Back from commercial & No Doubt is up…Lot’s of energy & sounding great.  Gwen does some push ups during the performance…weird, but ok…whatever…she then jumps into the crowd & pushes her way back up stage…she’s all over the place…& she is singing live by the way…no lip sync for her!  After the song Ryan tells her that she made him nervous with all the running around on stage, as the stage has been a high risk place this week…ha ha…No Doubt will be going on a massive tour that will kick off next week in Vegas…Asked, why now with no new album coming out are they going out on tour, & Gwen says that she’s been off having babies & feels it’s time to get back out on tour & get some inspiration for a new album.  Cool.  Ryan then promises us the results when we come back from yet another commercial.

And as promised, here we go.  Over 64-million votes produced the results.  Adam, Allison, Kris & Danny are backstage waiting.  The Top 3 will get to go to their hometown for a parade & visit.  Ry tells us that tonight is different…there are 3 chairs onstage that are for the Top 3 instead of the bottom 3, & that the 3 semi-finalists will be announced in random order…We won’t know who got the lowest votes.

So here we go & dim the lights…Starting with Allison, then Danny…after a nationwide vote….we move on to Adam & then humble Kris…Ryan is about to send one of them to safety now…& the first person in the Top 3 & headed home for a hometown parade is….KRIS!  YEA!!!  Danny, Adam & Allison will have to wait a little longer as Chris Daughtry, who 3 years ago this week was in this very position…shocking everyone with his early exit, will perform next.  And with that introduction, Chris Daughtry is brought out to debut a new song called “No Surprise” from his 2nd album, titled “Leave This Town.”

No surprise (pun intended) that Chris is great…looks great, sounds great, IS great!  Note to self…mark calendar to remind me to buy Chris Daughtry’s new CD in July.  Can’t wait!  After Chris is done singing Ryan does the usual chit chat & asks Chris if he remembers the night he got the shocking news that he was cut…Chris says that he remembers it vividly & that at the time he thought his world was coming to an end…but got over it in about 30 seconds…he says jokingly…He said he knew he didn’t want to be a solo artist & was happy to be able to put together such a great band & that it was great returning to the Idol stage tonight.  Before he leaves Kris Allen then gets to present Chris D with a special plaque commemorating over 5-million copies sold of his first CD…Congrats Chris!  Then off to commersh…

Commercial spot announcing that “So You Think You Can Dance” will be back on May 21st in a 2 hour premier…Can’t wait! (Marks calendar.)

Annnnd, we’re back!  Adam, Allison & Danny are on stage with Ryan; Kris is safely seated in one of the Top 3 chairs…And the 2nd person in the Top 3 (in random order), & headed to their hometown is…ADAM!  Double YEAH!!!  (Did you ever doubt it?).

Now we are down to these two, Allison & Danny.  After a record setting vote of over 64-million…Danny…You…Are…Safe!  Yeah!…but sadly, we say goodbye to Allison (sobs into pillow!)  I HATE this!  I love all 4 of them!  This saying goodbye stuff really sux…So now we get to see Allison’s journey as tears stream down her face.  This is NOT the end for Allison by any means…you mark my words!  And now she gets to sing us out with tears still streaming down her face…this is just SO sad!  Bye Allison!  I will miss you next week!  I hope to hear you on my radio soon & I can’t wait until the Idol Tour comes to good ole St. Louis this summer…I for one (& thousands of others) will be there!

Next week…I think Ryan said that they will be singing 3 songs; sorry...I was SO caught up in the sad moment that I missed how many songs he said…but if it’s like last year, then they will be singing 3; Producer’s Choice, Judges Choice & Personal Choice…So until next week...

Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 04! 05-05-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

This is Rock Week & THIS is American Idol…And thank goodness we even have a show tonight!  It seemed like a day filled with bad luck on the ole Idol stage…The stage manager was injured falling down the stairs when the stairs malfunctioned & then to make matters worse, the stage started falling apart.  One of the towers collapsed, there was glass popping, & dress rehearsal was cancelled…hopefully it’s not a sign of what will come tonight…

As the saying goes, “The show must go on” So onward we go…tonight the contestants will pair up & perform duets, as well as sing a solo.  First Ry says “hey” to the judges & then let’s us know that each contestant will have two phone numbers tonight & one text number…& now a warm welcome for the Final 4 as Adam, Allison, Kris & Danny come out on stage…Adam, Alli & Kris are in black & leather, & Danny in red.  They all look the part tonight…hopefully they will live up to this week’s theme…well, at least we hope that for two of them (you know which two)…Slash is the mentor for this week & he brings the Fab 4 to a club so they can rehearse in a club atmosphere with the sound cranked up…So here we go!

Adam is up first with “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeplin.  This theme tonight is right up Adam’s alley…He starts great, he stays great & he finishes great!  His voice is so pure & I just loved his energy.  I felt like I was at a rock concert…(volume on high & dancing on the bed, tossing hair around…I’m 21 again!  I’d say younger, but drinking age is 21, so I only want to go back that far…).  Dog loved it, Kara needs to shut up, Paula was thrilled & Simon said that this was one of his favorite performances…bad news is that no one else will be able to top that performance tonight.  LOVED IT!

Allison is next with Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” – Alli went to Adam’s hair girl…didn’t catch her name…sorry…Her hair & her look is great tonight…She sounds great too!  I think she just may have sung herself into the Top 3!  She’s showing great confidence.  This is her genre & she is really shining tonight.  Boo to Randy who didn’t love it, double boo & shut up to Kara…who cares what she thinks…Paula, eh…Simon…he kind of agreed with the others & told her she should have sang the other song…I forget by who, but that’s ok…he was wrong anyway & Alli set him straight…she had some feistiness tonight…And it amused Simon.  He liked her spunk…Awww, the proud papa taught her to fight back well…I liked her spunk too & I loved her tonight.

Now it’s time for the first duet of the night…First duet will be Kris & Danny singing “Renegade” by Styx.  Nice meld of voices, great opening, Kris is rockin’ it with the band, but having some pitch problems…never heard him have pitch problems before…I’m guessing this was not his favorite pick of songs.  Danny is singing the lower register solo’s while Kris is performing the higher register solo’s in the song, yet when they blend, it’s the opposite…I think maybe they should have switched solo parts…harmony was good though…A problem I have with this duet is that while there ARE two people singing on stage, they are not singing like a team…each on opposite ends of the stage barely acknowledging that the other one is there…not very “duetish” if you ask me.  Simon didn’t quite know what to say so he said that the duet went to Danny.  I have to agree.

Now it’s time for Kris’ solo with “Come Together” by the Beatles…Slash lent him his guitar for the mentor session & said that Kris needs to pick up the performance factor & be more animated when he performs.  So Kris comes out, guitar in hand (not Slash’s guitar, he took that back…). I think Kris had great vocals on this song, & had a nice moment in the middle when the music cut back & he got the hands clapping in the air…nice job…not great…but nice, & he made the song suit him, made it a bit more current too.  Now for the judges…Kara…Shut the front door…Can’t stand you anymore…hey!  That rhymes!  Someone finish the words to that song & get back to me…Anywho…back to the judges…Paula, Randy & Simon all dissed Kris…said that he did make the song suit Kris, but weren’t thrilled by his song choice.  Simon said it was like eating ice for lunch.  Completely forgettable after you were done eating it.  He really needs to work on his analogies…sigh.  I liked it a lot…Didn’t LOVE it like Adam & Allison’s, but I did LIKE it…

Danny is next with “Dream On” by Aerosmith…really?  Dude…during his mentor session Slash said he was taking on a difficult song & good luck to Danny hitting the last screaming note…heard it in the background…it was awful…He had a rough start, didn’t sound like Danny, kinda weird, can’t put my finger on it…he got better in the middle when he could let loose with the growl, but OH MY GOD!  That scream at the end!  I had to actually plug my ears cuz I couldn’t mute the remote fast enough…I have never heard such torture!  And from Danny!  Last person I would have expected to make me wince…This was too much of a risk to take for Final 4 night…This song may have just cost him a shot at the finals.  And now the judges are blowin’ smoke up his arse…they said it was bad, but then praised him for taking a risk…Uh…no…not if the risk didn’t pay off you doofs…At least Kris knew his limits & chose a song that he could sing well & tailor to his voice & style…Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE Danny, & I’ve been a fan of his since day one…check my other blogs…you’ll see…but tonight I gotta keep it real.  Danny sucked…plain & simple...& I’m afraid to say that this might have been his last performance night…but then again…I’ve been known to be wrong before…

And now, last, but certainly not least…Adam & Allison will sing their duet…They are singing “Slow Ride” by Foghat.  This is a great pairing!  Good interaction between the two, they are playing off each other during the song & I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them together!  Awww, they even hugged after the song…cute.  They really had great chemistry & great energy…now THIS is what a duet should look & sound like.  I have a feeling that this will be one of the top iTunes downloads from tonight, along with both Adam & Allison’s solo performances….Duet duel goes to Adam & Allison.  Simon said to Adam that he just might have given Allison a chance to advance to next week…Um…yea, but I think she did pretty darn good on her own too…Adam said that he hoped that was the case because Allison is like a little sister to him…Awwww…how sweet!

So…my opinion of tonight?…I really feel that Adam & Allison were the strongest tonight, while Kris & Danny are the two that will battle it out for the 3rd spot in the semi-finals next week. Based on tonight…here’s how I think they stacked up…

1.  Adam Lambert (OMG! OMG! OMG!)
2.  Allison Iraheta (The girl had IT tonight!)

3.  Kris Allen (Off night, but better than Danny)

4.  Danny (Danny, Danny, Danny…bad risk to take on Final 4 night…bad last note dude)

No matter who goes home it will be sad, because based on the whole season, these 4 have been the most consistently good performers that have entertained us & shown growth each & every week…So tomorrow I night I will morn with whomever leaves, yet rejoice with whomever stays…this was such a strong Top 4 this year…

Chris Daughtry & No Doubt will perform on the Results show, & Paula Abdul will also take the stage…Hmmm…what does that mean “take the stage?”  Is this a trickery of words?  Guess we’ll find out tomorrow!

So until the Results Show Wednesday night…Nerd Out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 05! 04-29-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Who is going to win it?  Who will make it to the finish line?  Who will get the shock tonight?  THIS is American Idol!

Ryan descends the stairs in his usual entrance and informs us that over 47-million votes were cast last night!  Wow!  He then moves on to the usual “hey” to the judges and asks Simon what he thought of last night.  Simon responds that it’s not like him to say this, but after reviewing the tape from last night he thinks everyone was good…Wow!  A nice comment from Simon…I run to window to see if pigs are flying...Nope…scratches head.in wonderment at Simon’s kind words.

Tonight we will hear from Season 5 champ, Taylor Hicks, as well as from Natalie Cole; and singing, “Blame It” from his platinum CD, Jamie Fox.  But first we get to see the Ford Music Video…it was kind of, “eh.”  You can go to Americanidol.com and click on the “Videos” “Ford Music Videos” link to check out all the Ford Music Videos...You can also go to Americanidol.com/Ford to enter the contest for the Ford Music Video Challenge.  Here’s the link in case you want to check it out… http://www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge/ .  Here’s the challenge - Answer trivia about the latest Ford Music Video & you’ll be entered for a chance to hang with the Idols & see a Video filmed live, plus win your very own limited edition American Idol Fusion! Good luck!

Now for the fun shot of the contestants at home in the mansion.  Seems that Danny and Allison had a birthday this past week so they all decide to make a cake but instead end up in a food fight…After the tape Ryan asks who was the instigator of the food fight, and they all say it was Danny, so Ryan hands Danny an envelope, says it’s a special surprise…so Danny opens it and finds a $6,000.00 bill for the cleaning.  Danny says, “Doesn’t Idol pay for that?”  Ryan says only if you win Danny, so now let’s get to it…

Ryan asks them all to join him on stage…Dim the lights and here we go America…

Matt, after the nationwide vote, please stand on the right side of the stage.

Next, Danny.  Go to the left side of the stage.

Allison, Step on up there next to Danny.

Kris, go stand next to Matt.

That leaves us with Adam.  Ryan tells Adam to look at both groups…Which group to you think you belong in, he asks?  Adam says that based on last nights show he chooses Danny and Allison…Um…nope Adam…Ryan escorts him over to Matt and Kris…these three make up the bottom 3 tonight.  Seriously?!?!?!  Allison and Danny are safe!…Yeah for them, but WTH!?!?  Adam?  In the bottom 3?!?!?  Ryan asks Simon if America made the right choice, Simon said not to take anything away from Danny and Allison for being safe, and that America decided this and this is who they like.  Wow!  Never thought I’d see Adam in the bottom 3.  I predict he will be safe, but also PRAY that my Krissy is safe too!  If one of my top 4 picks goes home before Matt, then the judges “save” was the worst thing they ever could have done (in my opinion).

Back from break and Natalie Cole is going to sing “Something’s Gotta Give” off her new album.  She looks great and sounds good.  Can’t say sounds great because she had some pitch problems at the end…See?  Even the pro’s have an off-night.  Ryan and Natalie talk after her number and Natalie tells us that she will be going on tour this summer, and one of the places she’ll be going to is Korea…She’s excited about that.  Ryan then tells us that Natalie has been around for 4 decades!  Dang!  Has it been that long?  You’d never know it to look at her…As Natalie leaves the stage Ryan tells us that Allison and Danny are sitting comfortably on the couches because they are safe, but Danny, Adam and Matt are backstage awaiting their fate…And they’ll have to wait until after the break, AND after Taylor Hicks sings for their results…

Annnnd, we’re back…Taylor comes out and sings a song off of his new CD “7 Mile Breakdown.”  I feel that the music is kind of overpowering his voice, like he’s trying to compete with the band to be heard.  He’s singing great, but I’m not loving this song, just liking it.  The judges love him though as they give him a standing ovation when it’s over.  I did like the harmonica part, that was cool…and it seems he’s dropped a few pounds due to his tour with the play “Grease.”  Looking good Tay, just tone the band down a little bit so you don’t have to struggle to be heard.

Ryan then invites Matt, Kris and Adam back to center stage…Turn the lights down.  He’s going to send one person to safety.  And that person is…..Kris!  O wow!  Ok…that’s 3 of my 4 anyway….but Adam is still in danger!…Adam and Matt now make up the bottom 2. So now we wait a little longer as they go to another commercial; and then upon return Jamie Fox sings will sing his number one hit “Blame It.”  During the commercial break they show the promo’s for “So You Think You Can Dance.”  Yea!  It returns on May 21st!  Woo Hoo!  A little birdie I know got to see some of the auditions and said that there are going to be some awesome dancers this season! So mark your calendars for May 21st!

Ok.  Back to the show…Jamie comes out and performs and is awesome…I loved the beat of this song…I can see why it’s number one on the charts.  After his number Ryan and Jamie chat and Ry asks Jamie for his opinion of the bottom 2.  Jamie says that he was impressed with all five.  And he urges America to continue to support all of these “artists” long after the show is over, and that it doesn’t end here tonight for anyone…this is just the beginning…very nice Jamie…very nice.

So now we have Adam and Matt join Jamie and Ryan on stage…Ryan continues with,…after months of battling it out, the journey ends tonight for one.  Then Ryan chides Simon that Randy and Paula were right last night and how’d it feel to be wrong…as Randy and Paula hug over their accomplishment, Ryan tells them not to get too excited…and he asks for the lights to be dimmed once more…After over 47-million votes…Adam….You…Are….SAFE!!! WOO HOO!!!!! MY TOP FOUR ARE ALIVE AND KICKIN’! …(Jumps on bed in excitement!)  Can’t believe how much this excites me!  Sorry…I’ll try to keep down the noise…I think I just woke up the neighborhood…(closes window, screams again!  WOO HOO!).

And now for the sad part…saying goodbye to Matt…Ryan asks Matt what his most memorable moment was, and Matt tells him that being the cat with 9 lives will be his most memorable moment (ours too Matt, ours too).  So Matt takes the Idol stage one last time and sings “My Funny Valentine.”  Ya know what?  He’s much better tonight.  He’s got some great emotion going on while he sings….Too bad he didn’t do that last night….Oh well…Sorry Matt…someone had to go and I really didn’t want it to be one of my top four…

So now we get the montage of memories and Carrie sings him out…When the montage is over it seems we still have some time to kill so Ry asks Simon if he has any advice for Matt or any of the other contestants that remain…Simon says “Yes, don’t listen to me, and have fun, enjoy, and always remember the ones who picked up the phones for you.”  Truer words were never spoken…So another sad goodbye, another results show in the bag…and it’s on to next week, which will be Rock n Roll week!  Yea! Next week should be killer…I don’t recall a better Final Four in the history of this show…NOW it’s a competition!

So until next week, Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 05! 04-28-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Ok.  It comes down to tonight to decide who the Final Four will be.  Who will set the standard?  THIS is American Idol!

Ryan descends the stairs to start the show off.  He tells us that due to the high volume of calls last week, each of the contestants will have two phone numbers tonight.  He then tells us that tonight will be Standards from the Rat Pack Era.  As the contestants come out we see that all the guys are dressed in suits and Allison is in a dress.  They are all lookin’ pretty good tonight.  We then find out that Jamie Fox was the Mentor for them this week, and that Jamie’s new song is number one in the charts and has been for the past 10 weeks.  Pretty impressive.

Now let’s get right to it…

Kris is up first tonight and will be singing “The Way You Look Tonight” – Prior to Kris singing we get to see some of the mentor session Kris had with Jamie…Jamie tells Kris that he would record a record with him right now, he is THAT good…tell me something we don’t know Jamie…glad you agree with us…er, me anyway…From Kris’ opening note I got chills, CHILLS I tell you!  He has such beautiful vocals tonight and the girls in the audience are going crazy.  Kris then shows us how riffs and falsetto’s should be done…(take note Matt).  I thought this was great, and one of my favorite performances from Kris.  Randy, Kara and Paula agree, but Simon is the wet blanket on this one…he tells Kris that he was “wet” tonight…when Ryan asked him to explain, he said, “Un-dry,” um, yea…you figure it out...I’m clueless on this one...I’m going into my world now and say that Simon is using reverse psychology…Anywho…Great job Kris!

Allison is up next and looking pretty in her dress.  She turned 17 yesterday.  Happy Birthday Allison!  Allison is singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” – Wow!  What vocal control!  I love this performance.  This is my favorite from her this season.  I believe she just had her “O Wow” moment!  Loved everything about this, her vocals were perfect, and she really put some emotion into this performance.  Now it’s time for the judges…Simon again disses this performance.  I am even more convinced he is using reverse psychology now because this was excellent…Nothing bad about it at all…

Matt is up next with “My Funny Valentine” – And we have Matt in the Hat tonight…He starts off very nice, but then goes into some riffs and falsetto and becomes a little pitchy.  Performance-wise he’s great, but vocally, not so much when he tries to put too much into the song.  This was just ok…until the end…when he hit that note…it was good!  Until he decided to riff it…then he just lost it, sour notes at the end are always remembered…Simon and Paula loved him, Randy and Kara, not so much…gotta agree with the Dog, this was pitchy and not his best.

Next up…Danny with “Come Rain or Come Shine” – Nice silky, smooth, bluesy quality to his voice.  He is pitch perfect…again.  I love the crescendo that he builds towards the end to really make the song pop with excitement.  Great momentum and a great big finish.  Go Go Gokey!  Bravo! All the judges loved it! Simon said, “Outstanding.”  I agree!

Adam is up last and is singing “Feeling Good” – Jamie just loved him during their mentoring session (how could he not?).  Adam’s entrance is dramatic as he descends the stairs from center stage…What vocal range!  I know he can sing those notes; it just always amazes me week after week when he hits them though!  He really puts it all out there when he’s on stage…he gives us everything he has.  And that note he just hit!  Dang!  That was awesome!  This will be a popular iTune download for sure! Simon said that was the best entrance of the season…and then he told Ryan that he is no longer allowed to use those stairs.  Good stuff…SO glad Adam had the last spot tonight…really ends things on a great note…literally!

So now…here’s how I think they stacked up tonight…

1.  Adam Lambert (OMG! OMG! OMG!)
2.  Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta tie for second tonight…there is no doubt in my mind as to who the Final Four should and must be!  None of these four belong in the bottom at all.
3.  Matt Giraud (sorry dude…Matt in the Hat gotta go…)

Taylor Hicks, Natalie Cole and Jamie Fox will perform on the Results show…

So until the Results Show Wednesday night…Nerd Out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 07-Again!! 04-22-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Tonight, five will be safe, & two will grace the Idol stage one last time.  Who will it be?  No one is safe tonight.  The judges used their one save last week so tonight it’s all in America’s hands.  Get ready for a double elimination.  THIS is American Idol!

David Archuleta returns to the American Idol stage live tonight.  And over 45 million votes have determined who will go home.

Ryan briefly introduces the judges then sets up the scenario of tonight’s group sing…er, make that group dance & lip sync.  Paula was the special choreographer for the gang this week, & from the tape shown she was quite the drill master.  Looks like they all had fun even though it looked like a lot of hard work.  Overall I think the group dance went pretty well, I enjoyed it & Paula did a great job working with them…Matt seemed to be the most comfortable with the dance followed by Adam…it was a fun number.  At the end of the dance they present Paula with some flowers.  Awww, that was nice…& then it’s off to commercial.

When we return it seems only the guys are on the couch…the gals are taking a little longer to change, so Ryan fills some time by reminding everyone to go to Americanidol.com/Ford to enter the contest for the Ford Music Video Challenge.  Here’s the link in case you want to check it out… http://www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge/ .  Here’s the challenge - Answer trivia about the latest Ford Music Video & you’ll be entered for a chance to hang with the Idols & see a Video filmed live, plus win your very own limited edition American Idol Fusion!  Wish I could enter but my sis works for Fox…Darnit…Anywho…Check out the link to enter, somebody’s gonna win, might as well be you!  We are then shown this week’s Ford Music Video commercial, which is to the song “I’m Good, I’m Gone.”  You can check out all the Ford Music Video commercials at the American Idol website under “Videos” “Ford Music Videos,” In case you missed any of them.

So now everyone’s in their seats & we are ready to begin…dim the lights.  Let’s start with Lil Rounds.  Lil, please stand up.  After the nationwide vote, please walk to the far side of the stage.  Ryan then joins her & says, “Unfortunately, the journey ends for her tonight.  Lil Rounds everybody,” then, “Lil, give it all you got” as he hands her the microphone so she can sing her swan song…Wow…only 17 minutes into the show & we already have an elimination!  Harsh.  Lil sings for the last time on the American Idol stage, & I gotta say it was much better than last night.  It’s a good way to go out…on a high note.  The judges then give her some nice parting words, & Simon says that he still likes her very much & will miss her family sitting behind him screaming every week.  This was sad…but then all the eliminations are sad whether or not it’s their time to go…real people & real feelings are involved here & you can’t help but get the ole heartstrings pulled.  Good luck to you Lil…at least you have the added comfort of being able to go on tour, &, you will be able to be with your husband & kids again soon…

When the show returns from commercial we find out we will be entertained by a medley of people singing songs from the disco era to get everyone into the mood…Um, I don’t think “entertained” was quite the right word here…unfortunately the medley wasn’t so…”entertaining.”  It was like nursing home talent night meets American Idol…First up was Freida Payne (sp?)…Wow…if she were on the gong show I think I’d have to yank her off stage…she’s having a very hard time trying to breathe, dance & sing…this is sad…just sad…; Next up is Thelma Houston – well, she’s at least breathing better & doesn’t sound too bad…; then last up is KC of KC & the Sunshine Band…Geez…this has been a “has-been’s on parade” tonight.  I can’t imagine who thought that this was a good idea…anyway…it’s finally over & we can get back down to business…

There are two more seats to fill to round out the bottom 3.  Dim the lights.  Kris, would you please stand up.  After the nationwide vote, America thought it all seemed to fit last night…You are safe!  YES!

Adam Lambert, please stand up.  Take a seat.  You are safe.  YES!

Danny Gokey, ladies & gentlemen; after a nationwide vote, you are safe!  YES! (fingers crossed that all my top 4’s make it to safety tonight).

Anoop, please stand up.  Let’s get right to it, as Simon just said when Ryan tried to talk to him…Anoop, you are in the bottom 3.  Take a seat on stage bro.

Allison, please stand up, & Matt, please stand up…both of you…Matt, you got the save last week, did you make the most of it?  Matt feels he did all he could.  So Ryan continues with, “One of you is in danger.  It was up to America, & they have also decided to save you.”  Allison please join Anoop on stage.  (my heart just sank)…

After the break David Archuleta joins us on stage & sings “Touch My Hand” – I just love how joyful David always looks…he has the kindest eyes, & such a beautiful voice.  I love this song, & I love how comfortable he looks on stage…he’s certainly come a long way.  And if it’s possible, he is sounding better than ever.  Still love ya Lil D!  After his song is over we find out during his chat with Ryan that David will be leaving tomorrow to begin touring in the UK.  Sounds exciting for him.  Luck to David!  Then David walks over to Anoop & Lil & gives them some really nice words of encouragement.  Always the gentleman.  Then off to commercial.

And now we are back with 6 minutes left in the show.  It’s down to Anoop & Allison…Let’s get to America’s votes right now.  After a record breaking vote for this season, from over 45-million votes, the person going home tonight is…Anoop. (Yea for Allison, but sad for Anoop).  Ryan hands Anoop the mic so he can now sing for his last time on the Idol stage….& ya know what?  He sounds SO much better tonight than last night…& that’s a good note to go out on…tonight is what I’m calling collateral damage after the bad judgment (in my opinion) to use the save last week.  If not for that, Matt would have gone home last week, Lil this week & Anoop would have had at least one more week (again, my opinion).  Either way you slice it though, someone has to go home & it’s not a happy occasion.

So now we get the montage of Lil & Anoop’s journey on American Idol as Carrie sings them home, but not before Lil gets a chance to tell her husband & kids that she’s coming home, & Anoop thanks the vocal coaches, the band & everyone on American Idol…another gentleman.  After the montage everyone joins Anoop, Lil & Ryan onstage to group hug & cry.  Ryan also thanks the band & everyone one on Idol as he tells us to tune in next week for the next performance show Tuesday night.  If he said what the theme will be I didn’t catch it as the audience was cheering too loud.

So until next week, Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 07-Again! 04-21-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://www.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/myfox/

Ryan comes out onstage & the judges are already seated.  Ryan reminds us that last week the judges used their save & that two people will go home tonight.  He does a brief intro of the judges & then brings out the Top 7…& then we get right to it…

Lil starts off the night with “I’m Every Woman” – Her hair looks good…she’s wearing some type of black unitard…Um…no comment.  I promised to be nice.  I will say this…she don’t look like no mama I know…but that’s not necessarily a bad thing…Hey!  I did have something nice to say!  Ok…now to the performance.  It was just ok for me…another evening of Karaoke with Lil Rounds…I thought she was going to bring herself tonight.  Guess she lost that memo.  She didn’t sing badly…it’s just that she didn’t bring any Wow to this performance…& with two going home; she really needed to bring some uniqueness tonight.  Kara’s comment was dead on when she said that Lil has been “every woman” but herself.  None of the judges are giving favorable reviews.  As Paula speaks the camera goes to a close-up of Lil…& let me tell you, if looks could kill…Then Simon starts to tell her how sad she looks, & before he could go any further she asks to speak.  She then says that she disagrees with the judges…She felt that she did bring herself tonight & that she has every week (then why each week do you promise to “bring it” if you think you already ARE bringing it?).  You see, this has been her problem…she refuses to listen to the judges advice when they tell her to show us who Lil is & to make her next performance unique to her…By not listening she is not growing…& at this stage of the game we need someone that has shown growth.  I think her time has come… If she wants to stay stagnant & not take any advice then she needs to go back to the Karaoke bars where she will be loved & adored because she is not bringing anything new to the music industry.  She will always be a woman that sings really well…but not great…& for that, I’m sad for her…

Kris is next with “She Works Hard For Her Money” – And he’s got his guitar in hand this week…Oh Wow…I love, love, LOVE this…now THIS is how you make a song your own…I love this arrangement…It’s got kind of a Santana feel to it…His vocals are great, he is great!  I love that each week he listens to the judges & applies what they’ve said to each performance…sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn’t, but the point is he is willing to take a risk & try it…& this week it worked…Like Simon said, this was original, thought out, NOT Karaoke…It was a fantastic performance.  Nuff said…Loved it!

Danny’s next with “September” from Earth, Wind & Fire…He’s got kind of a growl goin’ on tonight.  I like the few liberties he took with the melody to show off more vocal range than this song traditionally allows. I like the interaction he has with his backup singers & with the audience.  He is working the whole stage…Paula is up on her feet dancing…she’s enjoying this too.  Danny pushes his vocals each & every week, & each & every week he delivers a pitch perfect performance.  This was solid…not over the top wow, but still very good…he should be around next week.  That said…he is slipping just a tad & needs to bring an “Oh Wow” performance to stay in the top ranks.

Allison is in the number four spot tonight with “Hot Stuff” – As the partitions pull back we see her lying on the stairs bringing a sultry vibe to the song…then she gets up & comes to center stage as the beat picks up & she rocks out the rest of the song.  Lil should really take note of these last three performers…that’s how you show who you are as an artist…you take something old & make it new again…Randy, Kara & Paula were not too crazy about the arrangement…didn’t like the slow start & rock out ending…I for one thought it was a great move….Simon agrees with me.  He called her performance brilliant…I wouldn’t go that far, but it is up there.

Adam now follows Allison with “If I Can’t Have You” from Saturday Night Fever…OMG!  I LOVE this!  He has turned a song that I couldn’t stand to a ballad that I absolutely LOVE!  He shows such emotion when he performs…I get goosebumps from his vocals!  Paula said she loves how he just tore his heart out & left it on the stage…I am speechless…This will be a top iTunes download for sure.  I was melting right along with Paula on this one.  I could listen to him sing like this all day… (By the way, have you heard him sing a song from Brigadoon?  If not…you need to)…What a voice, what a performance…I don’t even need to hear anyone else tonight.  I’d like to end the show with that song in my head…As you can tell I didn’t like it that much…I LOVED IT!

Matt is up next & will be singing “Stayin’ Alive” – Sigh…he’s got that hat on again…but I’m not going to go there.  This arrangement is all over the place…there aren’t any real smooth transitions with the verses…I even think he forgot some of the words?  His riffs were off, his falsetto was off-pitch & his last note made me cringe…but to give him credit the boy does have some moves…he is a true performer, but tonight he was just trying too hard…I’d almost say it bordered on manic.  I feel bad for the dude…he was given such a gift last week & he failed to cash in on it…Paula & Kara are making me mad with their comments…not because they are being nice, but because they are praising him for the very thing they criticized Lil for…hypocrites…they should at least be consistent with their critiques of all the contestants.  If they knock one person for something, then they should knock them all for that very same thing.  Randy & Simon were the only two that kept it real tonight.  Matt does have some mad vocals (like Randy said), but they aren’t consistent throughout the song when he sings up-tempo.  He goes for the riffs & falsetto way too much & without hitting them every time it’s something that is remembered.  Simon called his performance desperate.  Good description…

Anoop is up last tonight with “Dim the Lights” – I am not a big fan of this arrangement…it’s not awful, it’s just that he started the song off-key & it took a while into the song before he found the right one.  I did like that the tempo bumped up as the song progressed.  But that last note…wow…that was a cringer…That said…I do like that he tried to change up the song to suit him.  He showed that he does not want to play it safe.  That he tried to make it something new I applaud.  While this song was “sort of” a stinker, I do give him points for effort.  I like that he is trying to grow.  Do I think he’ll win?  No, but I do think he deserves points for courage.  The clip that they played when they showed his phone number was from his dress rehearsal…Too bad he couldn’t have taped that & lip synced it tonight…I would have enjoyed that performance more as it sounded much better than his live performance tonight.  Bet the studio version is better too.

So now…here’s how I think they stacked up tonight…

Adam Lambert (OMG! Good!  There are no words)
Kris Allen (Talk about growth!  WOW!)
Danny Gokey (Love my boy, but watch out Danny!  Kris is nippin’ at your toes!)
Allison (My girl rocked it tonight…)
Anoop DeSai (I’m giving you points for originality)
Matt Giraud (Not good enough to survive two weeks in a row. Good performance tho)
Lil Rounds (Failed to deliver again tonight…no growth or originality)

Until the Results Show Wednesday night…Nerd Out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 07! 04-15-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Tonight one persons dream will end.  Who will it be?  Or will the judges use their save tonight?

The show starts off with a montage of the contestants last week after the show.  Then Ryan descends the stairs to centerstage to kick things off.  Ryan tells us that the votes are in and we will find out the news that will end someone’s Idol dream.  He then tells us to go to Americanidol.com to find out details about the American Idol Summer Tour and to find out how we can win a Ford Focus.

Now we get right to this weeks musical Ford commercial to the song “Freeze Frame.”  The concept of this commercial is a photo shoot of the contestant’s.  Then we have the group sing to the song “Maniac” from the movie Flash Dance.  This was better than last weeks group-sing by a mile…Audience gets excited when Kris, Adam and Danny sing their solos…

So enough fluff…let’s get down to business, dim the lights…Lets build our bottom three.

Let’s start with Allison, please stand up.  After the Nationwide vote, you are safe, have a seat.

Adam Lambert, please stand up; Adam, after the Nationwide vote, Adam, you may take a seat….(long pause)…on the couch, you are safe.  Whew!

Anoop Desai, please stand up.  Last week you were in the bottom three, and you are in the bottom three again this week.  Then it’s off to commercial.

When we come back we get to hear from past Idol Alum, Jennifer Hudson…who is the only Idol Alum to have won an Academy Award; and who recently just won a Grammy for Best Album with her very first album…Way to go Jennifer!  Jennifer looks just awesome tonight, and sounds just as awesome…great performance!  After she’s done singing she chats a little with Ryan and we learn that she is going on tour with Robin Thicke and also was recently engaged…Congrats Jennifer!

Next Ryan talks a bit with Anoop and asks him if he’s surprised to be in the bottom three…and of course he is because he felt he did great last night & the judges really liked him…however, when Ryan asks Simon if he is surprised, he answers with a very curt, “No.”

Now back to the results…Kris, please stand up; and Lil, please stand up as well.  Simon told Kris that since he didn’t get to talk last night he just wanted to let him know that he thought he was brilliant.  Awww, that was nice…Lil still doesn’t have a clue…she thinks she did great last night…after which Ryan informs them that Kris is safe, which means, Lil, you’re in the bottom three…

Now we go to Matt and Danny, Randy thinks Danny worked it out last night.  Ryan continues…Matt, you’ve been in the bottom three before, Danny, you’ve NEVER been in the bottom three, and Danny, tonight, you are safe; Anoop and Lil, join Matt onstage.

Right now I’m going to give relief to someone.  Who’s it gonna be?  Who will be safe another week?…Anoop Desai!…go back to the couches, you are safe!

Lil and Matt, one of you will be singing their swan song tonight.  But first, here is Miley Cyrus to sing her song “It’s the Climb” – She too looks great and sounds…good…a little nasal, but then I think that’s her signature sound…By the way…I went to see her movie this past weekend with the 5 year old…I’d recommend the movie for that age group and up…not really for anyone younger than that…she laughed and enjoyed it though…worth a look-see…Anywho…back to the results.

The judges have 2 more weeks to use the save.  Simon said he would consider saving one of them, but that they might be surprised by who it would be…After we come back from the break Ryan let’s us know that after a Nationwide vote of over 36-million…Lil…I’m afraid you are going to have to endure the competition at least one more week…Matt will be singing for his life…Ryan tells him to give it all he’s got; and with all the pressure in the world, go ahead…

While Matt sings the song he sang last night, “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” – which by the way he sings even worse than last night, the judges deliberate.  As Simon is about to give him the axe, the audience is chanting, “Save Him, Save Him,” and the girls are yelling in his ear, “NO!  Save him!”...and he does…I mean seriously?  Simon just got done saying there is no chance in heck that he will win and then he saves him?!?!??!  THAT!  Was a stupid decision!

As all the contestants gather with Matt on stage hugging him and congratulating him, Simon cuts in on the merriment and tells them not to get too excited about the save because he’s got some bad news…first, he says, next week two people will be going home; and second, next week is disco week.  Great (she says sarcastically…)  I got nothing else to say…this was a VERY disappointing turn of events….

Until next week, Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 07! 04-14-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Tonight we will hear songs from the Cinema…so this week we will be graced with the presence of Quentin Tarrantino, as he will be this week’s mentor.  Quentin is an avid music lover and a big fan of American Idol.  He says that he will be as tough and as critical as he needs to be in order to help them…

But first we are told that tonight things will change up a little after last week’s disappointment when too many fans missed Adam’s performance due to the show running too long.  Simon said that last week the ladies talked too much, so they decided that tonight the contestants will only hear from 2 judges at a time…so here we go…

We start tonight with Allison who will be singing “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” – She starts off sounding a little weak, but manages to get better as she begins to belt it out.  She had a couple pitch problems tonight though, and while she did have some rough spots, she also managed to have some good moments.  This was a mixed bag tonight for Alli; however, she did manage to have a strong ending & rocked it out Allison-style.  The crowd really cheered her on, and Simon said that she is the girl’s only hope of survival this season.  Simon said that he loved her confidence and that she is a contender to be here in the end.  Hope he’s right.  I really like Allison.  Since she usually gives a pretty solid performance I hope the fans will be forgiving of her rough spots and put her through to next week.

Anoop is up next and will be singing “Everything I Do” – Quentin said that he needs to rough it up a bit with the vocals…get some growl in his voice.  Anoop starts off beautifully and keeps it up throughout.  Seems he took Quentin’s advice.  I had him down and out last week, but can’t say the same this week.  He brought it back and is fighting to continue on.  After tonight, I think he deserves another chance.  He was emotional and really brought his “A” game tonight.  Kara said that this was his best performance so far…I tend to agree.

Now we have Adam…and like me (& I’m sure a lot of other people), Quentin looks forward to seeing what Adam will do each week, and this week is no exception.  Quentin said he only got a taste of what Adam will bring tonight from his rehearsal and can’t wait to see the whole performance…Me too!  Adam is singing “Born to be Wild,” and he brought a little “techno-rock” to his arrangement of this song…This is a head-bangin’, hair-tossin’ good time!  And what a note at the end!  Dang!  This boy can sang!  I also like the interaction he has with the band and with the audience.  When he’s done the audience goes CRAZY!  Simon knocks him a little bit by saying that compared to last week, this wasn’t as good; but further explains that while it WAS good tonight, it just won’t be as memorable as last weeks performance.  I agree…That said…Simon said there will be some that love this and some that absolutely hate this.  Put me in the ranks of those that LOVED it!

Matt is up now…poor guy…has to follow the high the audience is on from Adam…Matt is going to sing “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” – before he sings, Matt sits in the pimp chair on stage and chats a little with Ryan…tells Ry that he’ll be back on the piano tonight, and then I heard blah, blah, blah…sorry…zoned out for a minute…During his rehearsal session with Quentin, Quentin tells him not to lose the enunciation of the lyrics when he sings.  Glad to see he lost the hat tonight…can’t stand the hat on him.  Now on to his performance…He starts out pretty good, and I’m ready to be entertained…then he loses it for me when he starts with his falsetto, runs, and pitchy notes; especially on his falsetto’s…The musical twists he put in were not good for this song…sorry, but tonight he just didn’t do it for me…I liked him much better last week.  When he’s done the audience gives him a luke-warm reaction, and so do the judges…Randy and Kara both tell him pretty much what I said, so no need to repeat…Could be in the bottom again this week based on this performance.

Danny’s up next with “Endless Love” - Seems Danny is sporting some contact lenses tonight…a good look I’d say…Told Ryan that he bought a guitar this week, but will in no way play it on the show…needs to learn how to play.  Danny has a harp accompanying him tonight…I wish he would have used the whole band, or at least thrown in some violins cuz the beginning of the song sounds like of flat…not note-wise flat, but BLEEP-hum flat…Finally he brings the tempo and the emotion up and gets the Danny vibrato goin’.  Much better towards the end…This song obviously means a lot to him as he appears teary-eyed at the end…Simon lets him know that this wasn’t his best, but understands that this song means a lot to him, and will leave him with letting him know his vocals were great as usual, but that this was not his best performance.  And I will leave it there too…should be safe…

Kris Allen is now going to sing “Falling Slowly” – I’ve never heard this song before, but Quentin said that he picked the perfect song for him to sing…I like this song…Kris brings nice emotion and great vocals tonight…but then he always sounds great vocally.  I love his falsetto and I didn’t want this song to stop…I wanted more.  I’d like to hear the studio version of this song.  Kris may not have the popular vote like Adam and Danny, but I hope that tonight he managed to garner a few more fans willing to vote for him…He needs to stick around for a few more weeks at the very least…hopefully to the top 4, and then we’ll see where it goes from there.

Lil closes out the show with “The Rose” – Really?  I would never have picked this song for her to sing…I don’t think this song is suited to her vocal abilities…and I’m proven right…She’s pitchy on the low notes, and doesn’t get much better when she tries to “gospel” it up-this arrangement is all over the place & so are her notes…Too pitchy and screamy for me…When she’s done, like Matt, she too gets a luke-warm reception from the audience…and to make matters worse Paula just said something to her that made absolutely no sense… I’m left scratching my head and going, Huh? It’s like she didn’t want to say outright that she didn’t care for it tonight, but had to say something nice.  Simon agrees…He doesn’t know what the heck Paula just said either…He then proceeds to tell Lil that she is not the same person they put through…she has failed to deliver what they thought she would and feels that her time on the show is short…(I condensed).  For me it was the same ole, same ole…she keeps promising to deliver, but each week she fails…She tries to argue her case with Simon, but it falls on deaf ears…she just doesn’t get that each week she is failing to deliver.  For me this was the worst tonight…I’d say bottom and out.

So now…here’s how I think they stacked up tonight…

Adam Lambert (Head-bangin’ hair tossin’ good time!)
Anoop DeSai (I’m surprised too…I thought he’d be the one I’d pick to go tonight)
Kris Allen (I loved that you made me like a new song that I’d never heard before)
Danny Gokey (Lot’s of love goin’ your way buddy!)
Allison Iraheta (Had a few vocal issues tonight, but I want to see you back)
Matt Giraud (Naw…sorry…You lost me this week)
Lil Rounds (Keeps failing to deliver on her promise to show us who she is)
 
Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson will be on the Results show Wednesday night.  Should be a good show…Until the Results Show…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 08! 04-08-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Who’s dream is on the line?  Will the judges use their save tonight?  These questions will soon be answered.  THIS is American Idol!

Ryan descends the stairs on stage & introduces the judges…Seems Kara’s a little in love with herself tonight as she cheers herself on…good thing too…otherwise no one would be cheering…cut out the middle man I say Kara!  Go ahead & cheer for you…idiot.  Sorry…that wasn’t very nice…Moving on…Ryan reminds us that Flo Rida is here tonight, & also Season 5 Alum, Kellie Pickler (Yea!).

Ryan starts out chatting with the judges; he asks Randy what he thought of last night.  Randy said that other than a few good performances, last night was a little disappointing…it felt a little flat.  Truer words were never spoken Dog.  Ryan then reminds us that last night was about songs from the year they were born, & that they did a little more digging around about Simon & the year he was born…they then show a tape of a song from that very year…”Venus,” by Frankie Avalon…And then…lo & behold we see Frankie Avalon singing on stage…Simon looks pleasantly surprised…grinning from ear to ear he is…Awww, he does have a heart…sweet….

Now…not so sweet…the group sing…& it sounds like they are singing it live…& not very well either…The group song tonight is from 2002, the year American Idol was born…The song is “Can’t Get You Out of my Head” - This is really bad…weak vocals.  Let’s La La La this song right out of my head please…Oh good, now we get to see the Ford music commercial; behind the scenes no less….This one has a magic show concept.  Theatrical; right up Adam’s alley he says. Anoop was not so comfortable…seems he didn’t want to put the glitter on but they made him.  There sure is a lot that goes into one of these babies…And now we get to see the commercial…& it’s pretty good...MUCH better than the group sing…They are singing “Circus,” by Ms. Spears…Nice job guys.

Now Ryan says that since they didn’t get any time with Adam last night, what did Adam think about Simon’s standing ovation (along with the other judges standing O) last night…Adam said that he was extremely honored…Said he’s been watching this show for 8 years (um Adam…you’re in the 8th year buddy…) & that he has never seen Simon do that before, so he is very flattered.  I know Adam…I’ve never seen him do that either…I had to run to my window to see if pigs were flying…I think I saw one squealing through the air too, but it might have just been the wine…just kidding…I wasn’t drinking wine….it was beer…oh wait, no…it was just water…but I swear I saw something!  Anywho...back to the show…Now Ryan talks to Matt & points out that the Mayor of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is in the audience tonight.  Matt said that the Mayor has been one of his biggest supporters, & that the Mayor came to hear him sing when he couldn’t get ten people in the room to listen to him…Hmmm, very telling Matt…very telling…I don’t think I would have shared that little tidbit.

Ryan lets us know that if you go to Americanidol.com you can find out how you can win tickets to see American Idol live…don’t everybody go at once though…don’t want to bog down the site.  Pace yourselves, ok?  And good luck to all!

Now let’s get to it…dim the lights…After the nationwide vote, Adam, please stand up sir; Kris, please stand up; & Anoop, please stand up…One of these three is in our bottom three; who will it be?  Adam…take a seat, you are safe.  That means that Kris or Anoop is in the bottom three; & that person is…Anoop!  Kris, you are safe, take a seat partner…Anoop go join Ryan on stage in one of the stools.  And then we are out to commercial, but don’t worry, I’ve cut them all out for you…

When we come back from commercial Flo Rida joins us with a song that just went to number one this week, “Right Round” from their album, “Roots.”  I LOVE this song!  I can’t understand a word he’s saying, but I love it & I love the beat!  Excuse me while I dance upon my bed…cuz I GOTTA DANCE!  WOO HOO!  Way to get the energy going Flo Rida!  Thanks!  We certainly needed some energy after last nights show.  Flo Rida tells us that they will be going on an International tour this summer…Good for you!  I wish you success!  And now we cut away again, but not before Ryan reminds us that Kellie Pickler will be joining us soon.

We are back from commercial again & Ryan tells us that two more people will be joining Anoop onstage...Bring down the lights…Danny, please stand up; after a nationwide vote, sit down, you are safe.  Matt Giraud, please stand up; as you know, you’ve been in the bottom three before, & I’m afraid that tonight….you will have to deal with….staying!  You are safe!  Scott, please stand up where you are; Scott, you took a risk with the guitar last night & it seems it did NOT pay off; you ARE in the bottom three.  Ryan then guides him onstage to Anoop who helps Scott to his stool.  Now on to Allison, it’s your turn to stand up; & Lil, please stand up as well.  Allison, you’ve been in the bottom three twice before.  I can tell you that you will….be back next week!  You are safe!  Lil, I’m sorry, but you are in the bottom three…join Anoop & Scott onstage in the stools (stools…sounds so gross doesn’t it?  But I guess it’s appropriate since if you are in the bottom three you’re pretty much sitting in doo doo).  We will have to wait just a bit because, yes…there’s another commercial, & when we come back Kellie Pickler will join us!

Kellie’s in the house!  Yea!  She looks great!  She’s singing the song she co-wrote with Taylor Swift, “The Best Days of your Life.”  As she sings she flirts with Simon & works the audience…she’s so darn cute!  I don’t care that she’s a little pitchy at times…I love Kellie Pickler…There…I said it…I love Kellie Pickler & I’m not afraid to admit I’m a fan of hers, she’s just oozes personality.  Kellie’s second album is out & it is self-titled. (note to self…go buy Kellie’s new CD.)  Ryan & Kellie talk about her & Taylor Swift being in concert at the Staples Arena in Los Angeles soon & that the show sold out in two minutes!  Should be one heck of a concert!  Jealous of those that get to go…

Ok…back to results…Anoop, Lil, Scott.  One of you will be sent back to safety, & that person is…Anoop…please stay; Lil, back to the couches, you are safe (that was kinda mean).  So this is it…It’s between Scott & Anoop.  Who will be singing for their life?  It all comes down to this…After 34-million votes; only 30,000 votes separate these two.  And the person with the lowest number of votes is….Scott!  Anoop, you are safe.

Scott, ladies & gentlemen…Scott, you need to sing to prove to us why you should stay…& then he doesn’t…prove to us why he should stay that is…He sings the same song from last night “The Search is Over” – & the curse of singing any kind of song title that sounds like you could be leaving continues…he does not do well at all.  When he’s done Ryan asks the judges if they will be saving him…As Scott basically pleads to the judges, the girls are arguing on Scott’s behalf…Simon says that two think he should stay & two think he should go…After some more awkward pleading from Scott & pleading from Paula & Kara, Simon makes the decision…He tells Scott that it’s not about him…that he has to consider that there are other more talented people sitting on the couches, so no, he would not be saved tonight…Sorry.

So we end the night with Scott’s montage of his American Idol Journey to Carrie Underwood’s singing; & I gotta tell you, I got a little choked up.  As much as I thought he should leave, it’s still sad…He is an inspiration & a truly nice guy…he just wasn’t going to win the title of American Idol…at least not on this show; but in the minds of those he managed to inspire…& for that I say, I will miss you Scott, not so much your singing, but your kind spirit.  I wish you well, & I know you’ll have an amazing time on tour this summer.  Paula has some kind parting words for Scott, & reiterates what an inspiration he has been & will continue to be…Awww, that was nice.  So as we say goodbye to Scott, we look to next week’s performance show & another result’s show where we will say goodbye to one more as we get closer to finding out who will be our next American Idol!

Until next week, Nerd out!

PS…I didn’t catch what the theme will be next week.  Sorry!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 08! 04-07-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Tonight starts off kind of low-key…judges are already seated at their table & Ryan gets right to it…tonight, we will be hearing songs from the year they were born, & with that, we’ll see their baby pics…but first we get to see the judges when they were little tikes…or at least younger…we see Randy as a toddler (awww); Kara as a baby (eek!); Paula as a pre-teen (yikes!); & Simon as a youth (a tyrant even then)…then we get to see Ryan, who seems to have a little “What’s up Doc” goin’ on with the ole toofers…that one was funny…

With only an hour tonight we get started right away with the oldest, Danny Gokey.  Danny was born in 1980 & will sing “Stand by Me” – First, I gotta say…looks like Danny dropped a few lbs…lookin’ good Danny my boy!  And sounding good too.  He has such a nice pure sound in his opening notes…very nice…he then bumps up the tempo a bit & then a little more.  Mid song it gets a little boring & repetitive with the verse, but in the end he steps it up & makes it a little more Danny.  As Simon said…the beginning was good, the middle was lazy, & the end was terrific.  But over all, very good.  I agree…

Kris was born in 1985 & is going to sing “All She Wants to do Is Dance” – He’s got his guitar & is singing from the audience tonight, much like Matt did last week…& unfortunately, much like Matt, he didn’t hit a home run with his song selection.  The band kind of overpowered his vocal talent.  He still sang great, it’s just that this wasn’t the Kris we’ve been used to hearing the last few weeks.  It was, as Simon said, forgettable…& it pains me to say that…I still love the guy though & hope he sticks around for a while…

Lil was born in 1984 & is going to sing “What’s Love Got To Do With It” – Um...a lot…& I’m not loving this at all.  If she’s trying to sound like someone from the 80’s, then she did just that…but on a karaoke level…she missed notes here & there & the last note was a wincer…She keeps saying she’s going to step it up & show us who she is, but so far has failed to deliver.  She could wind up in the danger zone with this one.

Anoop is up next with “True Colors” from the year 1986…He starts out sitting on a stool singing…then stands as the song builds.  He’s sounding a little nasal tonight in some of his lower register, but manages to finish with a nice falsetto.  No wow factor here, but he did pretty good in keeping the song toned down to what was a nice arrangement.  Not bad, but not great either.  When all is said & done, Anoop takes the judges critiques with grace, & is properly contrite for the reaction he gave to them last week.  Simon told him it’s ok for him to be nasty to them when they are nasty to him….he says nothing & just smiles…good decision…don’t add fuel to the fire.  PS…Love your parents Anoop!  They’re so cute & so proud of you!

Scott is next with “The Search Is Over” from 1985…Can I just say that he is just a mess on this song…he ditched the piano for an electric guitar…& I’m not sure that he really knows how to play it…his guitar playing is awful & tonight, so is he.  I really wanted to like him tonight too, but his off moments SO outweighed his good moments.  Had some screechy notes & at times the high notes eluded him.  Scott is not liking the judges critiques at all either…Scott said he wanted to show the “punk” side of him…Scott….put the punk back.  It’s not you…Sorry dude…this was not good.

Now up is Allison, who is our youngest, born in 1992.  Allison is going to sing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” – I got goosebumps from Note One.  She looks great, she sounds great…she IS great!  I like the liberties she took with the melody to make this song more her…This was an O Wow moment for Allison tonight.  Although the judges loved her tonight, Simon felt the need to tell her that she needs to make people like her…to which she replies…nobody likes me?  Randy then jumps in & makes a comparison between her & Kelly Clarkson…said she is on that level, but just needs to talk more & connect more with the public.  I don’t know about anybody else, but Allison…I love you & think you are great!  Keep singing the way you do & you’ll do just fine.

Matt’s up next with a song from 1985 “Part Time Lover” – And Matt is FINALLY back to his bluesy roots…Maybe he read my Blog last week when I told him he needs to get back to his audition days & bring the blues back…I know I’ve been his biggest critic in weeks past, but tonight, not so much…He was much better tonight & his vocals were awesome.  Welcome back Matt, welcome back…

And last, but certainly not least we get to hear from Adam who will be singing “Mad World” – I missed the year he was born, but since he’s 26, I’m gonna say either 1983 or 1982, depending on when his b-day is…sorry…I got interrupted…but no interruptions when he was singing thank God!  As he sits in his chair looking like the Adam of old he quietly sings showing his awesome vocal control to a great arrangement.  Adam stands as the song builds & the crowd eats it up…(me too!)…He sings almost the whole song in his upper register & it is fantastic!  I loved it!  Simon tells Adam that he has good news & bad news…The bad news is that since they are out of time only Simon will speak…the good news is that Simon loved it so much he gives him a standing ovation!  (I run to my window to see if pigs are flying…).  Wow!  Simon really can show his enthusiasm for a great artist!  Will wonders never cease!?!?  Nice way to end what was kind of a BLEEP hum night.  Can we just let Adam sing last all the time?

As the credits roll we hear Ryan tell us that tomorrow night we’ll hear from Flo Rider & Kelly Pickler.  Yeah!  I LOVE Kelly Pickler!  Can’t wait!

One last thing before I close & share my rankings for the evening; I just want to say how proud I am of Carrie Underwood winning not only “Female Artist of the Year” last night, but also the 1st woman since 1990 to WIN “Entertainer of the Year”…Of course, this last title was voted on by the fans…Take note of the power of the fans Record Producers…Take note!  CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE!  WE LOVE YOU!!!

So now…here’s how I think they stacked up tonight…

Adam Lambert (Standing O buddy, standing O!)
Allison Iraheta (You have fans, & people DO love you!)
Danny Gokey (Gotta love the Gokey)
Matt Giraud (I know!  I’m surprised too!)
Kris Allen (great vocals, bad song choice, but I still love you!)
Anoop DeSai (A little nasal, but overall, nice job)
Lil Rounds (Kind of a mess tonight…sorry)
Scott Macintyre (I wanted to like you tonight…but you were all over the place.  Sorry)

Until Results Show…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 09! 04-01-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

They faced the judges and now they must face the decision of the nation.  THIS is American Idol!

Awww, Jason Castro and Alexis Grace are in the audience tonight…I miss them.   Sorry, already I’m distracted…Tonight, Lady GaGa is here along with our current American Idol, David Cook, who will both be performing later.  So tonight, the big question is who will sing for their survival tonight?

Ryan starts off by telling us that we really must love this show, as over 36-million votes came in last night…Wow!...then he goes into his bantering back and forth with the judges.  When he gets to Kara it gets a little uncomfortable and irritating…Kara thinks it’s great to have been booed by the audience last night, says now she feels like she’s part of the group, and then encourages the audience to boo her some more…sheesh…she’s really getting on my last nerve.  I guess she fancy’s herself as the female Simon...NOT.  When Ryan gets to Simon he asks him who he would pick to be in the bottom 3 if he could pick tonight.  Simon says that he would pick Matt, Megan and Anoop (& so would a lot of other people).

Now we move on to the Ford Music Commercial…The 9 are singing the song “Mixed Up” and it shows them being interchanged together with their heads, mid sections and lower half as the song plays during the commercial.  I like this song.  And now it’s on to the group sing to the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by the group Journey…(I LOVE Journey!).  This is my favorite group sing so far…Amazing vocals by Allison & Kris as they start off the song…Danny, Adam and Matt are also kind of featured in this song and they all sound amazing too.  Adam ends the song on such a high note…Wow!  Nice job guys…

Ok…fun’s over, we now have your results, Ryan says…Someone might have to sing for their life tonight. But first let’s take a look at a typical Idol week.  Looks crazy busy, but like crazy fun too…This group really gets along well…As they come back from tape of their typical week Ryan encourages them to do some of the imitations of each other that they’ve been doing…Matt & Danny imitate each other…pretty funny…and then Anoop does Kris…also funny, and Allison does Danny…and funny again…you’ll have to see the show to really appreciate this…it’s worth a look-see.

So now…finally…we build our bottom three…Dim the lights…

Megan, please stand up.  Matt, please stand up.  Kris, please stand up…Come down on stage and stand over here (stage left).  Here is group one.

Now let’s go to Adam Lambert…please stand up.  Lil Rounds, pop up.  Allison, please stand up.  You three, head to the center of the stage.

Scott, stand up right where you are.  Danny, you too.  Anoop, after a nationwide vote, Anoop…please stand up.   Ryan goes to the couches and leads Scott & the other two to the stage (Stage Right).

Now Ryan asks the age old question…Who is safe?  Which of these three groups make up the bottom three?  We’ll find out after the break…and after we hear David Cook sing.  As we come back from commercial (isn’t it nice that I just cut them out for you?  You’re welcome!)…Anywho…after we come back Ryan asks us to please welcome our current American Idol, David Cook, who will be singing his new song “Come Back To Me.”  Wow…you guys should hear this…it’s a great song and he is just awesome…I LOVE his vocals…he’s still got it…Note to self…Go buy David’s CD.  LOVE HIM!  Ryan talks to David a little bit after his performance, and while they are talking some girls in the audience shout out, “I Love You David!” & he replies right back, “Not as much as I Love You!” A little more talk annnnnd, were out…and now we’re not!  As we come back Ryan & David are still on stage.  As David goes to leave, Ryan said that they had a little surprise for him; a gift…the gift is his first Platinum Album, which means he sold over 1-million copies of his debut CD.  David said before Idol he put out an album that only sold 1000 in a whole year, and how unbelievable it is that this CD sold over 1-million copies in just 3 months…then they show a clip of David’s video of this song…Um…can I just say…yummy!  Sigh…& then off to commercial…again…and now we’re back!  (You’re welcome!)…

Ryan says that last night we weighed in and that he now has the results…

Let’s start with the first group…Kris.  After a nationwide vote, Kris, you are safe!

Matt, after a nationwide vote, last week you were in the bottom 3, this week, you’re gonna have to take a seat…as Matt goes off to the bottom 3 chairs Ryan stops him and says, no, this way…take a seat on the couches, you are safe…

Megan, after a nationwide vote…Megan, you can also take a seat…over there.  You are in the bottom 3.  Megan then caws like a bird and flaps her arms all the way to the seat…has she lost her mind?  Awkwarrrrrd…

Now onto the 2nd group…Lil, after a nationwide vote, Lil, you are safe.

Allison, after the vote, Allison…you are in the bottom 3.

Ok.  Lambert, after the nationwide vote, You…Are…Safe and may take a seat on the couches.

Now for the last group, let’s start with Danny…America voted.  Danny, you are safe, take a seat on the couches.

Now for the last two.  Scott, Anoop…One of these people is safe and one is in the bottom 3.  He asks Randy who he thinks it will be.  Randy thinks it will be Anoop.  Ryan then says, Scott, and then pulls him to the couches as he says, Anoop, you ARE in the bottom 3.  And then off to a break, but when we come back we will hear from Lady GaGa…

And now Lady GaGa sings “Poker Face” – I hate to admit this but I’ve never heard of her before…the song’s kind of strange…she’s kind of strange…but then when she gets up from the piano the song gets better, at least for me it does…some cool choreography with her dancers onstage…Not bad…I liked the dancing..

Now, as the smoke clears (there was smoke on the stage during Lady GaGa’s performance), Ryan asks Simon, out of the bottom 3 who would you save?  Simon says only one…just one.  Then off to break again, as we go to commercial someone yells, Allison! (I agree!).

When we come back from break Ryan does indeed send Allison back to the couch…whew!

Now, Megan and Anoop are left…Ryan asks what she thought about what Simon said to her last night…she said she didn’t care what Simon thought (truly a stupid move-career suicide more like it).  Then he asked Anoop what he thought about what the judges said to him.  He said they were right…He saw the playback last night and agreed with them (good answer dog)…Then Ryan tells them…the person who faces elimination tonight is…Megan…Anoop, go back to the couches…you are safe.

Now before Megan sings Ryan asks Simon if they will consider saving Megan…Simon said that he won’t even pretend to even contemplate saving her.  That when Megan said she didn’t care, then they no longer cared., so, not to be rude, he says, but tonight Megan, this is your swan song.…Simon’s pissed…bad move Megan…not that they would have saved you anyway, but at least you could have gone out with class and no hard feelings…

So sing she does…and horribly to boot…very awkward jerky movements that don’t match the beat of the song…kind of like Elaine on Seinfeld when she danced, with a mixture of Baby’s sister on Dirty Dancing when she sang at the talent show…and then to top it off she gets right in front of the judges and just, well…she just embarrasses herself as far as I’m concerned.  Simon won’t even look at her…I gotta say…I’ve always liked her, and even rooted for her…but after tonight…I’m glad she’s gone…I’m pretty sure she said what she said as a defense mechanism to protect herself, but I think she really showed her immaturity tonight, along with the fact that she is just not ready for all this attention…she needs to go grow up a little more.  Hopefully she can do that while on tour this summer.  While they showed the clip of her journey on American Idol, they also show her finally breaking down and sobbing.  That part of it was sad, and I felt bad for her, but she really brought this upon herself…hopefully this will be a lesson learned for her, and for the rest of the group…After last night, Anoop’s days are numbered as well, unless he managed to do a little damage control tonight when he said he agreed with the judges criticism last night…

And no ladies and gents…this is no April Fool’s joke…Megan Joy Corkrey is really gone, and along with her, a lot of the controversy.

Anywho, that’s another Results show in the bag.  Next week it will be songs from the year they were born…

Until next week, Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 09! 03-31-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Welcome judges & welcome our host, Ryan…Judges enter center stage as Ryan descends the stairs…And as Ryan states in his opening, we are one step closer to the prize!  After a little banter with the judges we are shown the contestants visiting Ryan at his radio station where the Top 40 are counted down every week.  We also find out that past Idol contestants have been in the Top Forty, 29 times…impressive.

We get right to it tonight with Anoop DeSai singing first.  Anoop is singing an Usher song, “Caught Up” – He’s having some pitch problems tonight, both he & the acoustics sound a little flat.  While his stage presence is good, his singing tonight is not his best.  And the looks he shot at the judges as they shot him down won’t win him any “Save” points with the judges…His days are numbered, but I don’t think it will be this week.

Megan Joy Corkrey is up next with a Bob Marley song “Turn Your Lights Down Low” – Um…can we turn them off?  Well, not all the way off…she is pretty darn cute…it’s just that this song was not the best choice for her…it drug on & her vocals were not the best tonight.  At this stage of the game she should at least appear comfortable on stage…she seems to show more confidence when the song is over & she’s talking to Ryan…but while she is performing, her awkward movements are just well, awkward & hard to watch.  In the beginning it was endearing…now it’s…well, not so much.  Days numbered?  Probably one…At the most…Seven.

Danny Gokey, ladies & gentlemen, will now sing a Rascal Flatts song, “What Hurts the Most” – Wow, this is beautiful from the first note.  He’s toning it down tonight.  He is really showing his vocal range as he builds up momentum.  Great performance tonight.  All the judges are in agreement on this one…Danny just gave one of, if not thee best performance from him to date.  Like Simon said to Danny…Get a great song, sing it brilliantly, & sing it your way…way to go Danny!  The show begins now!

Next…Allison Iraheta…& it looks as though we have Punk Allison tonight…not lovin’ the look, but it is so uniquely her.  Tonight she takes guitar in hand & sings a No Doubt song “Don’t Speak” – I just love the mellow way she starts out the song…she gets the build up going but sacrifices a few notes along the way…not too many though…just a couple here & there, but she always manages to bring it back in tune…Her hairdo is a little distracting…I keep trying to see what the heck that thing is by her ear…oh!  It’s a flower…Um…Ok…Judges agree…outfit is distracting & takes away from her performance some…but overall I think she did a good job tonight.  She kept it very “Allison.”  In spite of the judges criticism I think she’ll be safe.  Fingers crossed!

Now up is Scott Macintyre back on the piano singing a Billy Joel song…finally…a dude song…Scott is going to sing “Don’t Go Changin” – Sigh…And it’s back to the piano bar we go…he sounds very amateurish & pitchy…the kind of singing that can only be thought of as great when you’re drunk at a piano bar & lookin’ to score with some old lady…excuse me…cougar…(smile).  And what the heck did the stylists do to his hair?!?  It’s a good thing he can’t see it…Ugh!  The judges are pouring it on way too thick with the compliments…it was not great, it was not one of the best tonight, & it certainly was not worthy of the praise they were giving him.  Maybe he’s somewhere in the same league as Anoop & Megan, but certainly not Danny or Allison.  Their gushing is just pissing me off, & I’m sure a lot of others as well…Listen to the playback judges, audio only…he was not that great…trust me.

Matt Giraud is in the audience with the keyboard singing “You Found Me” by the Fray…Pitchy start on the low notes, better vocal control on the more powerful notes, but ultimately all over the place with his vocals.  Song was pitchy, off, & falsetto sounded like he was screaming…Did not like this at all…he just butchered a perfectly good song.  Simon said he should be happy the judges didn’t like him because last week they did & he ended up in the bottom three…after this performance, he might very well be there again…This was not a good song choice…he needs to get back to his audition days & remember when he was good.  He said he’s trying to show that he has a rock side to him…Um Matt…no you don’t…at least not with this song.  Sorry dude.

Lil Rounds is up & looking lovely in her evening gown…Lil is going to sing “I Surrender” by Celine Dion.  Although she has some pitch problems, she’s finally showing us that she can put passion & emotion into a song…it’s just too bad that she picked such an outdated song…I’d like to have heard something more contemporary, or a different arrangement to make this unique to her…she missed the boat with this song choice.  Although for the most part, she sang it well, it did not show me the artist she will be when she sits down to record.  I think she has a strong enough fan base to keep her out of the bottom though, especially considering some of the other performances tonight.

Adam is next…yea!  Adam is going to sing…are you ready for this?  Adam is going to sing “Play that Funky Music (white boy)” – Really?  Ok…He comes out sporting an Elvis-like pompadour...Adam changed up the song to make it a little more him…I don’t really know what to think about a rocked up version of a very definite Disco song…it’s a little odd, but then it wouldn’t be Adam if it wasn’t.  I liked that he tailored it to him & stayed true to himself though, & he did sing it pitch perfect…what can I say…I’m a fan, and so is Bay-bay…& Bay-bay is never wrong…Adam is her No. 1 Fav…(shout out to Bay…Holla!)

Last, but certainly not least is Kris Allen at the keyboards singing “Ain’t No Sunshine” – He’s looking for his “moment” so is trying something new by pulling out the old ivories…& I think he just had his AHA moment!  This was absolutely phenomenal!  I love this arrangement & I love that he is just singing with the keyboard & the strings in the background.  Kris!…Welcome to the top of the leaderboard buddy!  LOVED IT!  This is certain to be a popular iTune download…Thanks for ending the show on such a great note!

And that’s it for tonight.  Tomorrow night we’ll hear from David Cook & Lady Gaga.

So now we’ve heard them all…let’s see how I think they stacked up…

Kris Allen (loved him!)
Danny Gokey (He brought it tonight)
Adam Lambert (Loved him, but the song was just not quite right for No. 1 or 2 spot)
Allison Iraheta (Loved the voice, not so much the look)
Lil Rounds (She brought the passion back tonight, but chose the wrong song)
Anoop DeSai (Not your night dude)
Matt Giraud (You stunk, but 2 others stunk more)
Megan Corkrey (I don’t put you last tonight because you have uniqueness on your side)
Scott Macintyre (I’m sorry, I don’t see you as a recording artist…yet…but I bet you’re one heck of a song writer, you’ve got a tender heart I can tell)

Everyone’s opinion is welcome, & no one’s opinion is wrong…

Until Results Show…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 10! 03-26-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

It’s time to face the music.  THIS is American Idol!  The results are in!  Over 36-million votes!  The most for any top 10 in the history of American Idol.  My guess is America is trying to send a message after last weeks poor decision…

Tonight we will enjoy music from Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard; and a duet by Smokey Robinson and Jos Stone; and finally, a medley from Stevie Wonder.  But first we have to introduce the judges and be reminded of the new rule regarding the possible save the judges now have the power to enact.  Then we get a look back at last nights highs and lows, including the funny scene when Simon drew on Paula’s face…I still love the way Simon cracked up when she popped out the crayola’s and coloring book.  Good times.  Good times.  Ryan continues with “Who made a mark on you America?” (good pun Ry).  “The results are in.”

Now on to the group sing, or rather, the group lip sync.  They medley out to “Set Me Free” “You’re All I Need” & “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”  Lot’s of face time for Matt G. and Lil.  Hmmm…After the lip sync, er, medley, we are shown the new Ford music commercial to the tune of “Pocket Full of Sunshine.”  Eh…Focus of the commersh is the new Ford Fusion.  Nice cars.

Next up is Ruben Studdard, everyone’s favorite velvet teddy bear.  He’s still got the nice silky tone goin’ on as he sings one of his new songs “Together.”  Also still has the same sweat glands too I see…heh heh…After his performance we find out that his song isn’t the only thing that is new, seems our resident teddy bear went and got himself hitched.  Congrats Rube!

Now we get to see a clip of the group jet setting off to Detroit in a private jet.  Pretty nice ride.  Looks like all had an awesome time…except for Michael of course.  Poor guy stayed back because he was sick.

Ok.  Now it’s time to get serious.  Dim the lights, Ryan says…Time to pick out our bottom 3.  Let’s start with Adam.  Stand up Adam.  After a nationwide vote, Adam, you are safe.  Take a seat.  Yea!

Matt G.  Stand up please sir…America voted and they did not agree with the judges.  You are in the bottom 3!  Audience disagrees.  Wow.  Dial Idol didn’t see this one coming.

Kris, please stand up.  America voted, and Kris.  You too are……….SAFE! (Shame on you Ryan, teasing Kris like that two weeks in a row).  Ry is forgiven since he delivered good news.  Yea Kris!

Lil and Michael, please stand up.  Tonight, after the vote, Lil, Jennifer Hudson and (I think he said LaToya) both sang Heat Wave and were eliminated after singing that song.  Lil.  You sang that song and you……are…..safe.  Michael, that means you are not safe.  Go take a seat next to Matt G. (no surprise here.)

Someone from the bottom row will join the bottom 3 when we come back from commercial.  We’ll just edit out the commercial and go right to…Smokey and Jos Stone’s duet of “You’re The One For Me.”  Nice duet.  You know…Megan sounds a lot like Jos Stone…Maybe Megan can sing a Jos tune sometime…that is, if she doesn’t get the boot tonight.

Ok.  Now we are honing in on who will be coming over from the couches to join Matt and Michael in the bottom 3.  And we’ll find out when we come back from commercial…oh yea…my paper doesn’t do commercials.  Right.  Here we go…Live, back in Hollywood…Allison, would you please stand up.  Last week you were in the bottom 3.  This week.  You are safe!  Take a seat!  Double Yea!  (Thanks America!)

And now, let’s have Anoop stand up.  America voted.  They disagreed with Randy and Simon.  You are safe! (No surprise here either.)

Ok.  Danny Gokey, ladies and gentlemen.  After a nationwide vote, they do not agree with Simon.  You are safe!  Woo hoo!

Scott and Megan.  Now.  As you know…One of you is in the bottom 3.  And that person is…(holds breath), Scott!  O wow…(I hoped, but didn’t dare dream this!).  Scott, Michael and Matt.  One of these guys that are in danger will be given an early reprieve.  Ry asks Randy…who of these 3 doesn’t belong up here.  Randy answers that Matt should not be up there.  Nope…sorry dog…Scott is safe (darn).  Ryan then states the obvious. ..Those in the seats are safe; Michael and Matt are not.  Duh.  Ry asks Simon what he thinks.  Simon states the obvious as well.  They are up there because America didn’t like them…double duh…But we’ll have to wait.  Stevie Wonder is up next to sing a medley of his songs.  The contestants now rock out to some Stevie.  Stevie sings “My Cherie Amore” “Superstitious” “Castle of Love? Overjoyed?”  Sorry, not up on my Stevie songs; not sure of the title; and then he finishes up with “So Good to Me?”  Not sure of this song title either.  Then Stevie gives a shout out to Pres. Obama with an “I Love you Barrack Obama!” then on to harmonica and an “I Love You American Idol” and more harmonica…aaannnnd he’s done.  Great performance by Stevie.  And we’ll be back with the results after commercial.  Me, not you.  You get to find out right now…

Back live on American Idol (for me, not you)…Ry reminds us of the intense week we had last week when Alexis was voted off.  He says, “Who will survive tonight?” Gee, I wonder? (She says sarcastically)…and the answer is…Michael Sarver.  Michael now needs to sing for his life, so what does he do?  He does what Alexis did last week.  He sings the same song that got him to the bottom in the first place.  After he’s done Ryan asks the judges if they are going to save Michael.  Simon says they haven’t decided yet.  Simon asks Paula for her answer, but she says, “oh no, I’m not going to decide”…As Ryan reminds them that another show is coming on soon, Simon says fine.  I will decide.  “Michael…you’re going home.”  Really?  Oh what a shock (again she says sarcastically).  Did you really think that the judges would save him after trashing that very song the night before?…Didn’t think so. 

So now we get a look at the montage of Michael’s journey here on American Idol as Carrie sings him out.  Time for the group hug…and cut.  We are out…Ry says, “See you next week…”  But no mention of what the theme is for next week…Dang it!…I wonder what the theme is going to be…anyone?  The AI Message Boards say it’s the top 100 iTune downloads…and a couple others say songs of the 90’s…the peeps that say iTunes sounded more convincing though…Anyone have a positive confirmation on this?

Until next week, Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 10! 03-25-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

After the judges are introduced on stage, Ryan comes out and introduces Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, who will be joining the audience tonight.  Smokey was the mentor this week, as this week is the sounds of Motown.  We are then shown a clip of the group; minus Michael cuz he was sick, in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown music.  Berry Gordy says that Motown was initially touted as the sound of young America…but now it IS the sound of America.  Smokey tells us that Berry says Motown is not black music; it’s music for everyone.  So sit back, relax, and get ready for some great music.  We hope…

Matt Giraud is first up tonight with his rendition of “Let’s Get It On” – seated at the piano, Matt starts off good then gets into some pitch problems.  As he gets into the song he brings it back under control.  However, I’m not really a fan of the falsetto’s tonight…a little pitchy.  Overall he’s ok.  Not great…just ok.  Randy and Kara are pouring just a little too much love out for this performance.  Paula thinks he’s beautiful and classy and Simon says it was a brilliant song choice.  Really?  Were they listening to the same thing I was?  He was ok…but that’s it.  The judges could really hurt him by being overzealous in their opinions when the opinions don’t match the performance.

Kris Allen is next with “How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)” – Kris has his guitar with him again tonight.  In the clip before he sings, Smokey says that Kris’ version was wonderful…and he was right.  He has such a nice clear tone.  His vocals are right on…clear and pitch perfect.  I think he’s even getting cuter with each week.  I think this song was a great showcase for his vocal talents.  I just wonder why the judges weren’t as gushy with Kris; as Kris was clearly better than Matt tonight.  Simon said that Kris needs to gain more self-belief.  I think he’s doing just fine.  Don’t want him to change his sweet self.  That’s part of his draw.

Now we have Scott Macintyre at the Baby Grand…He is going to sing “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Diana Ross (does he ever sing a dude’s song?) – I liked his opening, but when he upped the tempo he got pitchy.  It sounds like he’s playing in a piano bar…He had some nice moments, but I don’t think enough to warrant him sticking around another week.  He’s not shown us the artist he’s going to be.  I think he is better suited at writing songs versus singing them.  He’s got talent…just not American Idol talent.  When Ryan asked Paula how Scott compared to the other guys that already sang tonight she started hemming and hawing…so Simon was goading her on about telling us the truth (she gushed over Scott’s performance)…finally fed up with Simon, Paula reached under the table and pulled out some crayons and a coloring book since she said he was acting like a child.  It was pretty amusing seeing Simon’s reaction.

Moving on…we now have Megan Joy Corkrey…who looks just beautiful tonight…She is going to sing “For Once in My Life” – Oh dear…this is not good.  She’s bordering on screechy and is missing a lot of notes.  This was NOT a good song choice at all.  I love this girl but even I can’t rightfully defend this performance.  If the Vote For The Worst folks don’t save her…she’s going home tomorrow night.  Ryan asks how she is after the judges give her a scathing review…she answers that she has fans that will save her and tells her fans to vote.  Ummm…No…Sorry sweetie.  I love you to pieces and have voted for you every week waiting for your breakout performance…but even I can’t pick up the phone for you tonight.  And that really makes me sad.  For now I’d say it’s between Scott and Megan going home…

In the number 5 spot we have Anoop “the dog” Desai in the house…and he is singing “Ew Baby Baby” - Seriously…I have no clue as to how to spell Ew other than Ew…Sorry if I got it wrong…at least Anoop didn’t get it wrong with this song.  He actually gave me goosebumps on some of his notes.  Nice silky quality to his voice, and he plays to the camera well.  Simon said it looked like he was asleep through the performance because his eyes were shut most of the time…but I don’t care.  He sounded great.  The only thing I can say bad about Anoop is that he does not have a distinguishable sound…I would be hard-pressed to pick his voice out on the radio.  But for now I think he is safe with this performance.  I still can’t understand the props the judges gave to Matt over Kris and Anoop though.  This was a solid performance by Anoop.

Now it’s Michael Sarver’s turn to redeem himself after last week.  Michael is singing “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” – And tonight it seems that he is…begging that is…He is pulling out all the stops…moving around on the stage, pulling out a growl or two and “pounding” it out as Smokey suggested he do…it’s a little over the top, and the judges aren’t feeling it for him tonight.  Simon said that Michael is just a participant in the show cuz there is no way he is going to win this thing, and Michael will just have to accept that status, and in the meantime…until he is gone, he needs to pick better songs and he needs to bring “himself” if he is around again next week.  They are really ripping him a new one.  Simon told him to fire whoever it was that gave him advice this week.  Um Simon…that would be Smokey who gave him the advice.  He WAS going to sing a toned down version…Anywho…he was certainly better than Scott and Megan…if he has any fans at all they should be able to save him.

Lil Rounds is up now and she is going to sing “Heat Wave” – Ryan said she had an emotional week experiencing the history of Hitsville first hand.  Too bad she didn’t put that emotion into her song.  She was a little over the top for my taste…Some parts of the song were kind of off to me…like she was just singing words, and rushing through it…it’s like she had no soul, like her “Ya Ya’s” were just plain.  I didn’t love this at all.  Love her, hate the hair, didn’t like the performance.  Soul was missing from this…Not her best, but also not the worst of the night.  She has a solid fan base that will carry her through.  She’d better step it up though…she’s losing that “It” factor from her early days.

Now we have Adam...Ryan promises us that this is an Adam we have never met.  And boy was he right!  I didn’t even recognize him with his hair all slicked back, clean cut, no makeup, no nail polish…just a nice reserved Adam singing “Tracks of My Tears” in the most beautiful falsetto I’ve ever heard.  Just him and the guitar…At the end of the song he was very emotional…his eyes were welling up with tears.  He really felt this song, and so did Smokey apparently as he also has tears in his eyes!  I’d say this was his AHA moment.  Just awesome.  Simon said this was the best of the night.  He nailed it!  I totally agree with the judges on this one.  This was one heck of a performance!  Should be safe with this one.

It’s Danny Gokey’s turn now…he’s going to sing “Get Ready” – He is showing lots of energy, going all over the stage, nice interaction with the backup singers, even doing some moves with them.  He’s got some nice strong vocals tonight.  He didn’t take Smokey’s advice to sing the backup singers part but that was ok.  He did it his way, the way he was most comfortable.  After following Adam, I can’t say this was a great performance, but this was definitely in the top 3 or 4 tonight.  A fan favorite so he should be safe too.

Last one of the night is our little Allison Iraheta singing “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” – I got chills when she started singing…WOW!  I just LOVE her!  She showed us some funk tonight!  She made this song current and relevant.  All I can say is that she has some mad vocals.  I think that THIS was THE performance of the night!  What a great way to end the show.  If she ends up in the bottom three next week then there is something wrong with America’s hearing.  Get your dialing fingers ready and vote vote vote!  As we go to the judges for their opinion, Allison asks Paula why she did that?  Did what?  Ohhhh, I see…it seems that Simon drew a mustache on Paula with his crayons…pretty funny moment watching Simon cracking up about it…they have to hurry with their critiques as time is running out…as they giggle their critiques out they tell her that she was great…the best…times out…on to the recaps so people can get the numbers and vote.

As we break away, Ryan quickly tells us that tomorrow night we will hear Smokey and Jos Stone perform a duet, and Ruben Studdard will also sing tomorrow night, as will special guest Stevie Wonder for the group sing.  Can’t wait!

Ok.  So now we’ve heard them all…let’s see how I think they stacked up…

Allison Iraheta (this girl can sang! Mad vocals tonight)
Adam Lambert (I still have no words.  He was great tonight)
Kris Allen (loved him!)
Danny Gokey (He brought it, but Kris brought it more)
Anoop Desai (Nice and sweet)
Michael Sarver (better than last week)
Matt Giraud (also better than last week)
Lil Rounds (missing the soul tonight)
Scott Macintyre (Nice guy, vocals won’t sell records)
Megan Corkrey (terrible tonight, just terrible…this makes me sad)

And there you have it…good or bad, right or wrong…that’s the way I sees it…As always, my opinion is subject to change with next week’s performances…And no ones opinion is wrong…

Until Results Show…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – RESULTS-Top 11! 03-18-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Over 31-million votes were cast last night.  And tonight, Ryan informs us, the results may shock us…it’s possible that the judges may decide to use their newfound power to save one of the contestants, he says…I say…What did you do America?  After that tease Ryan promises us an incredible performance later in the show by none other than Carrie Underwood!  YEA!  Also on stage tonight, Brad Paisley will perform his new song “Then.”  I can’t wait for both performances…

It’s now time for the group sing.  Tonight they are singing T-R-O-U-B-L-E.  I hope that’s not a sign of things to come…Nice upbeat song, but the acoustics are kind of flat tonight.  Group sing is kind of dorky and BLEEP hum…Let’s move on…To the Ford commercial…Prior to airing the commercial Ryan demonstrates for us what is to come by holding up a water balloon and then throwing it at Simon.  After watching the commercial of water balloon fighting around a dirty car (which, surprise!  Is cleaned by the water balloons), we find out that Simon of course dodged the water balloon and it hit the lady sitting behind him…tch tch Ryan…Let’s move on again…to a peek at last week after the camera’s stopped taping.  Of course there are understandably lots of tears by both the saved and the tossed contestants…then we are shown what Ryan called, the celebratory farewell dinner…really?, you think celebratory is the right word here?  Anywho…nice speeches and more tears later, Jorge toasts the group with these immortal words.  “Don’t get too comfortable, we’re not the only ones to get eliminated.”  HA!  Good stuff Jorge…no truer words were ever spoken. So let’s get this thing started and see who is next…Dim the lights…

Let’s pull out the bottom three Ryan says…Danny, stand up – Welcome to the tour, you are safe!

Lil, please rise.  Sit down please…enjoy yourself, you are safe too!

Anoop.  Safe buddy, take a seat.

Allison and Michael, please stand up.  Ryan asks Paula which of these two does she think are in the bottom three.  After much niggling by Simon she finally answers that she thinks it is Allison…and she’s right.  Allison, please join me on stage in these seats over here.  Michael.  Please stand back up and join Allison on stage in one of these seats…You too are in the bottom three (ok…now that was just mean).  Now we are off to a break.

Back after the break Brad Paisley sings his new song “Then.”  Goosebumps!  I think we have a new 1st dance wedding reception song folks.  I love the words to this song.  Makes me want to grab my husband for a dance…almost…he’s in the other room and I’m busy writing right now.  I’ll go buy the CD and dance with him later…Note to self…go buy this CD.  And we are off to another commercial.  Awww, it’s a Carrie commercial where she sings to the horse to calm it down…cute.

Ok.  We are back.  Let’s keep going...Scott, please stand up sir…pack your bags, you are safe.  You are going on tour.

Megan Joy, please stand up.  You had the flu, hope you get better because you are going on tour as well!

Alright Matt, your turn.  America voted.  Matt.  You are safe, have a seat.

Ok Kris, your turn, America voted.  Welcome to the Top 10!  You are safe!

Alexis and Adam, both of you please stand up.  Randy is asked his opinion of who is going to join Michael and Allison in the bottom three.  Randy says Alexis…And he is right!?!??!  What the???!?!?  Adam is safe.  Yea for Adam! But really?  Alexis over one of the others that are safe?  Like say, Scott?!!?  What did you DO America!  This is not my fault…I voted for Alexis…

So now all three are on stage and Ryan decides it’s time to make it easier for one of the three and sends Allison back to safety.  Yea for Allison!  On pins and needles for Alexis.  I love Michael, but since it’s between these two, I just love Alexis more…And now we will have to wait until after the commercial, and when we come back, after Carrie and Randy sing…

Ok, we are back.  After a cute “bit” about Simon begging Carrie to please come back, Carrie is brought out onstage to sing her duet with Randy Travis…What the?!?!?! What the HECK did Carrie do to her hair!??!?  It’s SHORT!  I don’t like it…I don’t hate it either (other than that funky black bow thingy in her hair)…I just love her hair long…sigh.  Oh well, it’s her hair I guess…and she’s singing now and making it all better…I just LOVE her voice!  Wow, Wow, Wow…such a beautiful duet!  Note to self…gotta download this one later.  Ok…Carrie’s gone…back to the results.

Ryan asks the judges, “Would you consider saving one of these two tonight?”  Simon answers yes, they would consider saving one of them…. (Bites fingernails…)

After a nationwide vote of over 31-million….Michael….you…are….safe!  O Wow…really?  I for one am shocked.  Simon says that Alexis is the one they had considered saving so she better sing for her life.  Alexis thanks them and proceeds to sing….Jolene…Oh Alexis!  Why?  They didn’t like it last night!  They aren’t going to like it tonight!  Too late…deed is done.  She sang, she lost, judges say it’s not good enough….she’s gone.  No save tonight.  This is truly sad, she belonged on tour.

Now Carrie will sing her out (recorded, not live), while they show a recap of her American Idol journey…I’m so PO’d right now that I miss the ending shot.  Bad job America, bad job…clean the wax out of your ears for next week and get ready for a celebration of Motown.  Alexis would have “killed” it next week.  Our loss.

Remember that next week the show will be pre-empted by the President on Tuesday night so next week the performance show will be on Wednesday with the results show on Thursday.

Until next week, you knuckleheads that didn’t vote for Alexis (and those that did-thank you by the way)…Nerd out!

American Idol – Season 8 – Top 11! 03-17-09
By:  ImTHEIdolNerd
http://community.myfoxyumaelcentro.com/

Ok.  Tonight is Grand Ole Opry Night.  Yea!  My favorite!  BIG Country fan!  I just hope they don’t disappoint!

The show starts with the judges again walking out from center stage to be introduced before taking their seats…Randy, Kara, Paula, Simon…Wut up?!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Set goes green with a little Irish tune playing…nice…then back to blue…Ryan reminds us how much Simon hates Country music, to which Simon replies that maybe 2 hours isn’t long enough…I know he’s kidding…but I agree…2 hours is not enough time for Country music…unless of course it’s on American Idol…then it’s just long enough…So here we go…

First up is Michael Sarver who sings “Ain’t Goin’ Down Till the Sun Comes Up” – He has a good start but then it seems apparent that he needs a little more meat to his vocals…vocals sound kinda thin on this song…not the usual Michael Sarver power tonight.  This song is not a song to show off vocals…I’m not so sure he made the right choice with this one…When it’s over he gets into some awkward bantering with Simon...and some of his comebacks to Simon don’t really make sense as a response either...not a good thing to piss off a judge when they now have the power to save you’re a@!, especially when it has to be a unanimous vote– Shaky ground tonight Michael…

Allison Iraheta is up next with “Blame it on your Heart” – She has great vocals tonight.  I think she got a little ahead of the beat in the beginning but quickly got back on track.  She sounds a little like Tanya Tucker.  That’s a good thing…I like this girl.  Not a wow performance, but pretty darn good.  She rocked up Country.  Good job.  Great pipes.  Should be safe.

Next, Kris Allen is up to sing “Make you Love Me” – I LOVE his opening vocals!  Haunting and beautiful!  I like that he just sat and let the music flow from him.  Great falsetto, great ending!  This was Kris’ best!  Simon agrees and he hates Country music!  He even looks better tonight.  Randy called him a tender dog tonight that showed vulnerability…So Simon said, “A tender puppy then?”  I don’t care if he’s a dog or a puppy, I like dogs and puppies!…Great job Kris!

Lil Rounds is now going to sing “Independence Day” – Nice opening, so far so good, but something is missing tonight.  I’m not really feeling her performance.  She seems a bit out of her element.  Great vocals, it’s just that there was no passion in her voice.  Not her best.  Vocally great; but overall, eh.  I wanted more from her.  I’m disappointed.

Now Adam…Adam Lambert…what will we hear tonight from Adam…how about a little Johnny Cash…Adam style…I’m not really sure what to say about this…I gotta say I’m a little speechless…It was different…it was out there…I didn’t hate it…I’m just, huh? It was strangely ok.  I do like that you never know what to expect from him, but you know it will be unique…and tonight was certainly unique.  I don’t think I would have liked it if he sang it any other way though…Simon called it indulgent rubbish…Randy said it was like 9-inch Nails does Country.  I agree with Randy…excellent way to describe his performance…Thanks for the analogy Randy!  Crowd loved him…my sweet nephew loved him (shout out to “The Chris!”  Holla!), so he’s got to be ok…right?  Should be safe…

Scott MacIntyre is next with “Wild Angels” – Oh no…this is not good…I do not like this version.  Piano good, vocals not good.  Very pitchy tonight.  Not loving this at all.  Does nothing for me.  Not gonna say anymore…Should be in danger...

Alexis Grace is up now with “Jolene” – It was a nice heartfelt performance with a couple winces on some of the notes.  Not the best vocals.  She would have been better off sticking to the original melody of this song and used her voice to dirty it up.  Should not have changed the arrangement on this one.  Her past performances should save her though.

Danny Gokey is up with “Jesus Take the Wheel” – This is nice.  I didn’t think anyone but Carrie could sing a Carrie song, but I guess what I should have said is that no girl can sing a Carrie song because he totally killed it!  Once he got into the meat of the song he just opened right up and grabbed me in!  Man o Man!  What a finish!  Great job!  Supah Stah!  Still my number one guy!

Anoop “dog” Desai back in the house with “You are always on my Mind” – He grabbed me from note one!  Nice, sweet, beautiful!  He is amazing tonight!  Nice controlled vocals, no over the top anything.  I think this is his best performance to date.  To quote Simon, he went from zero to hero.  The dog is back!

Megan Corkrey is next with “I go Walking after Midnight” – Now these are the vocals I fell in love with from her audition days.  She looks great, she sounds great!  I loved jazzy Megan tonight.  Her tone is so unique.  We find out after she is done singing that she’s been in and out of the hospital with the flu…poor thing…you’d never know it by her performance tonight.  I thought she did great!  Hope she stays!

Matt Giraud wraps things up tonight with “So Small” – I think that he has a bluesy sound, which is nice, but I can’t help but feel that he is just missing the notes…he sounds like he’s a little flat throughout the whole thing.  The judges feel that this is the best performance tonight?  I’m thinking that when they go back and listen to this they won’t be saying the same thing…I do not agree with the judges at all on this one…

Ok.  So now we’ve heard them all…let’s see how I think they stacked up…

Danny Gokey (tie between Kris and Danny…tie goes to Danny)
Kris Allen (great tonight!)
Anoop Desai (he was a tender puppy tonight, and I love puppies!)
Allison Iraheta (this girl can sang!)
Adam Lambert (I have no words)
Megan Corkrey (Glad she was back tonight!)
Alexis Grace (great but had some wincey moments)
Lil Rounds (just wasn’t quite there tonight)
Michael Sarver (shaky vocals tonight)
Matt Giraud (fell flat for me tonight)
Scott Macintyre (Nice guy, vocals won’t sell records)

And there you have it…good or bad, right or wrong…that’s the way I sees it…As always, opinion subject to change with next weeks performances…And no ones opinion is wrong…

Until Results Show…Nerd out!