American Idol Season 8 (Week 8)

I always look forward to how contestants would perform on Big Band week. Some of the very best musical scores and jazz-infused tunes are from this genre... lots of brass & percussion, and clever harmonies. If you can't appreciate the fantastic melodies that came out of the 40s/50s, then you simply cannot be a complete musician. This is that one genre where you need to appreciate the voice behind the words, and the artistry within the lyrics themselves.

1) Adam Lambert - I can't help but chuckle everytime he opens his mouth, because it continues to confirm that he is simply too good for this competition.
2) Danny Gokey - actually for the first time, I liked his arrangement more than the other four performances (yes, even more than Adam's - whoa, did I just admit that?!?)
3) Allison Iraheta - a little Gershwin with an edge. Nice. What's sad is that she can't get enough votes. Maybe it's coz she looks like that lucky troll with the red hair that the grannies bring along to Bingo night?
4) Kris Allen - didn't dazzle me, but his talent on interpreting simple songs and peppering it with a unique style, now clearly shows. And it is very refreshing to see a different kind of brilliance.
5) Matt Giraud - he totally missed the mark. Some stuff in there I actually cringed at. One who cannot hold a solid note for five stinkin' seconds, riffs. A purist will not riff on a powerful note.

American Idol Season 8 (Week 7)

Although the theme this week was disco, I found it to be a week where we got to see the personality of every contestant actually come through their performances, regardless of whether the performance itself was terrific, mediocre, or awful. Out of the seven performances, there were only two I didn't really care for...

1) Adam Lambert - a song the Bee Gees wrote for Yvonne Elliman. I love the Bee Gees' songwriting and melodic ingenuity. To me the Bee Gees INVENTED the good part of "disco". I have always wanted to hear a melancholy rendition of this tune, because it is in fact lyrically a melancholy song! BRAVO!
2) Danny Gokey - didn't hate it, and strangely, it was distinctly Danny. I do like his voice.
3) Allison Iraheta - again, not bad. Right pick. Pammy and I looked at each other, and said "hot sauce"? HEHEHEHEHE... please enunciate Allison :)
4) Anoop Desai - this is ONE tune that should not have been slowed down. No.
5) Kris Allen - fantastic arrangement. If the voting gods say no to Adam in the end, it is because they are reconsidering Kris.
6) Lil Rounds - I have seen enough.
7) Matt Giraud - unfortunately this is the kind of song and arrangement that suits him best. This is the best he can do for himself.

American Idol Season 8 (Week 6)

Quentin makes great films, and his movie soundtracks are terrific -- but his opinions have no place in a "singing competition". Actually looking at Quentin sometimes makes my stomach curl...

1) Adam Lambert - who can even sing like this?!? He is unbelievably good.
2) Danny Gokey - one of my favorite tunes, and there were spots where his voice was distinct and made a hair or two stand on my neck.
3) Allison Iraheta - not bad... but never compare her to Adam.
4) Anoop Desai - this pleaseths me.
5) Kris Allen - when I first heard this tune on the radio, I didn't love it instantly.. it sounded different and odd. The second listen I found it to be outstanding. Kind of how my opinion of this boy has changed. Kris is like love at second sight, not first.
6) Lil Rounds - "Just because you can sing, doesn't make you an artist!" - Pam snapped at the TV after watching Lil. Yes, please no more extra Rounds.
7) Matt Giraud - too many runs and riffs can RUIN a song, Mr. Sourface. Learn this now.

American Idol Season 8 (Week 5)

Will have to cut this short, so I can watch the results show saved on the DVR:

1) Adam Lambert - standing O well deserved! Very haunting rendition of a beautiful song.
2) Danny Gokey - HUH?!?
3) Allison Iraheta - I remember that Constantine sang the same song, which became his one memorable performance. Allison did an even better one, though I won't tag it as THE memorable performance for her.
4) Anoop Desai - ok.
5) Kris Allen - didn't hate it actually... but didn't love it. Still, should keep this dude around a little longer.
6) Lil Rounds - must go.
7) Matt Giraud - this is pretty much the kind of stuff he ought to be singing.
8) Scott MacIntyre - continuing stomach pains...

American Idol Season 8 (Week 4)

So far I am pleased that contestants who never passed muster with me have been voted off. I must rant about this new Get Out Of Jail Free card that the judges get to hold this season. So let me try to understand the logic here: probably wrong song and/or performed badly, judges most likely hated it, and the rest of America sent a message that they hated it. Then the judges get to hear the same miserable performance all over again, and maybe have a change of heart? I sez let every contestant pick a song they think can shamwow the judges with (something hopefully never before seen), perfect it on the side, then put it in their back pocket. Then when it's their turn on the cutting block, pull it out! At least it's a real second chance to redeem yourself.

1) Adam Lambert - enjoyed watching this white boy play that funky music right!

2) Danny Gokey - well well well... actually showcased his distinct voice and range... proved he can be still and just sing. Very nice.

3) Allison Iraheta - delivered her usual style, though a little boring and distracting this week.

4) Anoop Desai - Usher? Are you kidding me??? Of all the R&B songs in the universe, he picks something bleahhh.

5) Kris Allen - first performance of his that I really dug. I saw a glimpse of a creative artist. Now that I've seen the potential in this boy, I am curious to see more... so keep him in.

6) Lil Rounds - no originality, nothing in her that makes me take notice.

7) Matt Giraud - he irks me a lot now. Such a sour face. Unlikeable.

8) Megan Joy - she's proven she has nothing to give. Annoys me. Needs to go.

9) Scott MacIntyre - please no more, hurts my feelings.

American Idol Season 8 (Week 3)

Just caught up with my DVR, been avoiding any Idol news & clips of this week's performances. In my opinion, you need to BRING it when you try to sing a Motown classic -- my favorite tunes were produced during the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Oldies but goodies, and a huge part of my love for simple, well-written, and original tunes. They just don't make 'em like this anymore...

1) Adam Lambert - unplugged with a touch of class. This season is Adam's concert. All the other contestants are just "guests".

2) Danny Gokey - I got what I expected from him. He'll put a little extra riff here and there, scream out the song, dance around. It's all the same.

3) Allison Iraheta - Excellent choice, works with her edgey style.

4) Anoop Desai - very nice vocal, but boring.

5) Kris Allen - nothing special, guitar was just a prop.

6) Lil Rounds - everything she does is too copy-cat, no originality.

7) Matt Giraud - not bad...

8) Megan Joy - after singing a few lines, I wanted to puke. I thought she was gonna pick something that would showcase her jazzy voice. There may not be a next time...

9) Michael Sarver - he has to go. I would have preferred Alexis to him for the Top 10 tour.

10) Scott MacIntyre - Please stop talking about being true to yourself, because YOU are boring. Who is voting for this guy that he's still in? Vote for an artist who doesn't sound monotonous!

America Idol - Season 8 (Week 2)

So just need to rant a bit: why do the contestants, especially this season, feel compelled to talk back to the judges when the judges are giving their opinions?!? Who cares what the reason was behind why you picked a certain song, performed it a certain way, etc. If you didn't quite deliver, learn from it. Just smile, say thank you, and let the music roll. I hate it when they respond like "if I get another chance, next week will be different". EVERY WEEK should be treated like there is no next week, and that you will be judged by America on this performance alone! Feh!

1) Adam Lambert - brilliant range. "Ring of Fire" arrangement may have sounded weird to some ears, but not to mine -- it is pure artistry, talent, and singing ability. This boy deserves to win.

2) Danny Gokey - sounding just like last week, and the week before, etc. I still like the fellow though. Do something different please.

3) Allison Iraheta - ok, I know what to expect from her in the following weeks.

4) Alexis Grace - she's starting to annoy me.

5) Anoop Desai - VERY VERY nice. Finally realized this is a singing competition. I was reminded how this is the only country song I actually know and like. Willie Nelson wrote a very simple but timeless song.

6) Kris Allen - he'll live.

7) Lil Rounds - still doesn't do anything for me.

8) Matt Giraud - okay, but nothing special.

9) Megan Joy - actually her best performance. Lose the quirky, needs to focus on the unique singing style.

10) Michael Sarver - he has to go. Lose the chip on your shoulder, boy.

11) Scott MacIntyre - he may have the sympathy vote, but he bores me to death.