American Idol 2009 - Final Thoughts

I've been a little bit busy these last few weeks and I haven't posted on American Idol thoughts. Well, today is the day for the final thoughts of the year.

Let's talk about TOP 3 week. I did miss Alison's voice this week, but the guys were good. Gokey started off the night with "Dance Little Sister" by Terence Trent D'Arby. I thought he acquitted himself nicely and I enjoyed the night. I don't see him singing a song like that on his album though. Kris Allen was next with "Apologize". I thought he did great with that one. I felt like he was unfairly criticized for singing the song as the song and not trying to re-arrange it. I thought he did great. This guy was growing on me I thought. Adam Lambert was next with U2's "One". He did good. I didn't love it, but it was fine. Danny next did "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. Probably one of his best of the season. Brilliant. Finals here we come I thought. Kris did a stripped down version of "Heartless". He blew me away. I didn't think he had a chance of making the finals and the judges basically say the same thing. Brilliant and powerful performance. Adam finished up the night with "Cryin'" by Aerosmith. I thought he did a great job and I'm assuming it's Danny and Adam in the finals. I was very surprised that Kris made it, but I was really happy for the guy. He seemed to get better and better and I think I'll really enjoy listening to his record when it comes out.

Finale. A battle between Glambert and Allen. What surprised me the most with the finale was that the contestants couldn't sing what they wanted. Very strange to me. They did such a great job all season that I thought they deserved to pick their own songs all the way. Whatever though. Every year they seem to do something different format wise for the finale and this year I just didn't care for the approach. Adam did a big theater performance of "Mad World" which was really good. He seemed to love it. Kris followed it up with "Ain't No Sunshine" which I thought was again fantastic. Maybe even better than the first time he did it. I downloaded the iTunes version and that recording is even better than both performances. Next up was Lambert with "A Change is Gonna Come" which even though he didn't pick it, I thought he was really great on that one. Allen was next with "What's Going On". I thought it was really nice stripped down piece. Judges tore him apart for being too small and too intimate. This is who the guy is. Dumb comments. Anyway, on to the final performances where each guy needs to perform the same song written for the finale. I thought it was a stupid decision. I didn't think the song suited either performer. The finale Idol songs are always schmaltzy and this one was one of the worst. I didn't like either performance. To be fair, I've listened to them back and downloaded the iTunes recordings of each performer. They're not that bad, but I think both singers will have better tracks on their albums when they come out.

Finale and Results. Floored that Kris won. Really was. So happy for the guy. He needed the win more than Adam. Adam is being groomed as a superstar, so not winning isn't gonna hurt him at all. The performances were really fun. I loved the guys singing with Queen. I really loved Adam with KISS. Who knew I'd like that. Even though I said all season that I hated Adam, he's not that bad. Overall, the show was good. They focused on performances and let lots of people shine. Not sure how some people get more exposure than others. I mean Anoop gets to sing a few lines and Michael Sarver and Megan get a duet? I was happy to see Alison shine with Cyndi Lauper. Really good performance. David Cook's heartfelt performance of "Permanent" was amazing. All in all, a good year for Idol.

To close out my Idol thoughts on the season, I thought it was a year filled with lots of good performances and some people that didn't live up to expectations. It will be interesting to see how this group does after the idol bubble ends. Alison, Adam and Kris all have record deals already and will be bringing out albums in the fall. We'll see what happens.

American Idol - Top 4 ROCK WEEK

May 5th, 2009 - Top 4 ROCK WEEK

My initial reaction is that this was an excellent show. Freaking great. All the performances were fantastic. I loved it. I know that someone has to go tomorrow, but I'm glad to have watched and heard such great performances.

Adam - Crazy ass Adam. He pulled out an amazing performance tonight.
Alison - I loved it. I thought it was one of her best.
Kris - I really liked his. I guess if someone has to go, it could be him. But I really liked his "Come Together".
Danny - I enjoyed this immensely. I know I should say "i wasn't into it", but I liked it.

Duets: I really liked the idea and the performances. I didn't like that it was part of a performance night, since this was definitely something that should have been better suited for elimination night. I mean you can't vote for a duet? Strange. But the performances were great. Adam and Alison should release some music together because they kicked ass. Kris and Danny should consider it too since they sounded great together.

A very talented group. I loved all the performances. I guess Kris will probably go, but who knows. It will be interesting and I hear that Daughtry is performing a new song tomorrow night. Looking forward to that.

American Idol Results

For a minute I thought Adam Lambert might go home. Alas, my prediction of Matt G came true. Good luck Matt! Looking forward to hearing your record.

American Idol Thoughts - Top 5: Standards

April 28th, 2009 - Top 5 Perform Rat Pack Standards

My initial reaction is that this was an excellent show. I loved it. Everyone did a really great job. But tomorrow, someone has to go.

Kris - I loved his performance. Understated and effortless. Great job.
Alison - C'mon, she did fantastic! She was really great and I loved her tonight. She did much better than I thought she would. Vote for her America. I did twice.
Matt G - He did a bang up job tonight. I thought he did a good job by singing lower most of the time and really opening up tonight. I think he still tried a little too hard by singing more runs than he needed too, but all around I found it one of his better performances.
Danny - In it to win it. I really loved him tonight. Hands down my favorite of the night!
Adam - He was good. But I still don't like him. Too theatrical and a little too confident. He doesn't need to win, he might want to, but he can still get a record deal if he doesn't. I just wasn't that thrilled.

Overall, a great night of music and we'll see what tomorrow brings. My gut tells me that Matt G is out of his depth in this competition now. In a slower year, he could win the whole thing, but I think he goes out 5.

April 21st, 2009 - Top 7 Perform Again! Disco Night
Good all around show with lots of surprises in my opinion. Hated the old disco performances from the elimination night, but we did get a little Archuleta after having some DC (David Cook) the week before. Here's my reactions from this week's performances.

Lil - "I'm Every Woman". Finally a great song choice, but I didn't love it. Man, this girl just needs a super producer to take her and scoop her up. She needs lots of guidance and I still feel that she could be a Whitney Houston type. But, this is probably it for her.
Kris - "She Works Hard For The Money". Seriously Kris, you picked this song? It was a good performance and I liked what he did with it. But a very weird song choice for me.
Danny - "September" by Earth Wind & Fire. I knew this would be a rough week for Danny, but he pulled it off. I liked it and it had tons of energy. I'm sure not the type of song he would normally perform, but he did great.
Alison - "Hot Stuff". She looked hot! Wow! Her singing was good as usual, but not her wheelhouse either. I did like her performance though.
Adam - "If I Can't Have You". Just when I'm starting to hate him again, he pulls out another fantastic performance. I did like this performance.
Matt - "Stayin Alive". I liked what he did with the song. I enjoyed the performance. I'm not sure it's enough to stick around another week.
Anoop - "Dim All The Lights". I really liked his performance. I thought he did a great job. Top 5 he you go Anoop.

Elimination Night I was figuring that Lil was going home. Good luck to her. I was surprised that Matt G stayed and Anoop went home. I really was. I like Matt, but I thought Anoop was better the night before.

Let's see what happens this week on Idol. I hear it's Rat Pack Standards Week. Should be interesting....

American Idol Reactions - Top 8 Songs From the Year They Were Born

April 7th, 2009 - Top 8 Perform Songs From the Year they were Born
Here's my reactions from this week's performances. Overall a good show, but a few hits and misses.

Danny - Performed "Stand By Me". I really liked it. In my iTunes now. Was it his best? I don't think so, but it was a great way to get the show started.
Kris - "All She Wants to Do is Dance" by Don Henley. It was OK. I enjoyed that he was doing something much different than the week before and I usually enjoy him with the guitar. It was just OK for me.
Lil - She did Tina's "What's Love Got to Do With It". It was alright. She is really trying, but she just isn't getting it. She tried to be Tina. She isn't Tina. She's Lil. I'm getting worried.
Anoop - Did a heartfelt "True Colors" from Cyndi Lauper? I loved this performance. I thought he did great and didn't try to sound like anyone. Brilliant.
Scott - "The Search Is Over" by Survivor. What were you thinking? Great song, but not for you. The guitar isn't your friend. Good choice, but I think it's over for you too.
Alison - Did "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. This was fantastic. I loved it. She is really proving to be a girl with some stage presence. Really really good. Now part of my iTunes library.
Matt G - Stevie Wonder's "Part-Time Lover". Weird song choice I felt, but I liked it. He did a good job I thought.
Adam - not a big fan. He did "Mad World" by Tears for Fears. Not one of the bigger hits. Again, not a big fan - But you can't say he didn't blow it out of the park. This was a genuine moment. I didn't see this on TV, since the show ran over and I was watching it on tape. I watched it on americanidol.com. I didn't realize that they put up all the performances online. This is a fantastic idea and they should promote that more, but I guess they want you to watch the show. And you don't get the judges' critiques.

Man this show should've been 2 hours to make more time. Anyway, elimination night Scott went home which was a relief personally. I didn't love Scott. He was good and I enjoyed him, but I believe he was a level down from most of the other contestants. I would have rather Alexis was still in it. Anyway, that's my thoughts.

American Idol iTunes Night Top 9

In a strategic partnership, Fox, American Idol and Apple/iTunes have banded together again this year to offer downloads of songs from each night of American Idol performances. This year, they've upped it by mentioning iTunes a ton during each broadcast. Tonight, they talked about it so much, I'm curious how much each partner is getting paid. Regardless, tonight's lame attempt at a theme night was iTunes night. As long as you could download the song on iTunes, you could sing it. Weird, but good excuse to have a night when the contestants could sing absolutely anything. Here's my review of the performances tonight.

Anoop - I liked his performance of "Caught Up". It wasn't the best of the night, but it was a good solid performance. I think he deserves another week to see what he can do. I was glad to see him do something upbeat this week too.
Megan - This was just bad. She did Bob Marley. Not good at all. I think she's going home this week.
Danny - This was his best performance yet. Heartfelt, emotional and real. I loved it. He did Rascal Flatts and I think I will buy that song on iTunes. Hey it's working Fox and Apple.
Allison - I thought she sounded good and I even liked her quirky outfit. She sang "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. It wasn't her best I don't think, but I thought she did good.
Scott - I hate to keep picking on Scott, but c'mon he doesn't sound contemporary. Taylor Hicks sounded more contemporary than he does. He did Billy Joel tonight. I thought it was a good performance, but I just can't help thinking that he's out of his depth. How did Alexis leave and Scott & Megan are still performing? He might make it another week, but just because Megan was sooo bad.
Matt G - I love this guy. But he may need help picking songs. Whenever he can pick whatever he wants, he picks the totally wrong song. Is there anything wrong with The Fray? No. He did good, but he didn't show us a heartfelt deep in my gut Matt G performance. I thought Apologize by One Republic, Cry Me A River by Timberlake or even an updated version of a soulful Careless Whisper or Father Figure would've been much better choices for Matt G. Email me Matt, I've got some ideas for you, because you are too good to go home yet.
Lil Rounds - She sounded great. Don't get me wrong. I love Lil. Here's my problem with Lil. She is trying too hard. She suffers from what Matt G suffers from. They are cracking under the pressure and picking songs that don't suit them. Celine Dion? She tried to sound like Celine. Not a good choice for me. Why isn't this girl doing Mary J Blige, Lauren Hill, Mariah Carey or at least early Janet Jackson? She can do it. I think Lil needs a producer and she'll do fine. She just might not last in the competition.
Adam - I don't like Adam. I'm not gonna lie. But I think for the 2nd consecutive week, he's pulled off fantastic performances. Last week was much better. But he still made Play that Funky Music sound current and that's pretty good.
Kris - Tonight he had a moment. Very shocked and surprised by his stunning heartfelt raw performance tonight. Ain't No Sunshine. Definitely downloading that track.

Finally, was Paula reading from a music dictionary tonight? I think she was trying hard to sound like she knows what she's talking about. I love Paula, but quit talking so much. I really like Kara too, but she is starting to talk way too much too. Simon should be the only judge that is allowed to go on and on, because I respect his opinions so much. Randy is good, but he's usually to the point mostly. These ladies are just talking way too much and not saying that much. I love you girls, but keep it a little shorter if you can. At least give it a try. What can it hurt?

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

American Idol Motown

American Idol was great tonight. Motown songs. Very cool. Here's my
thoughts.

Matt - Awesome!
Kris - sounded great.
Scott. - boring
Megan - eeeh
ANoop - very good
Michael - I liked it. Not great but good.
Lil - good. Wrong song. A little disappointing
Adam - had a moment. I don't like him and I loved it
Danny. - great job. Very fun
Alison - fabulous. I love her!

I think that megan may be going home. I voted for Matt, Kris, Anoop,
michael, Lil, Adam, Danny & Alison.

Sent from freddie's iPhone

american idol is getting a new judge

Not sure how i feel about this, but we'll see what happens. American Idol is getting a new judge this season which starts in January. I think it's just a way to keep it fresh this year, since the format hasn't been shaken up too much lately. We'll see what happens. Read the article.

idol fun

check out this video clip of Paula Abdul tonight critiquing Jason Castro's 2nd song after he only sang 1 LIVE! UGH! Paula, we love you, but you are a ditz and I swear you're on drugs. Crazy!

Another Idol Shocker! Carly Smithson voted off!

Sadly, Carly Smithson was voted off American Idol Tonight. I was a little bummed out by this one. I mean Michael Johns going early was surprising, but Carly gave one of her best performances last night. She had been suffering from trying really hard to impress and last night, she just put her heart in it and laid it out. I was betting that Jason Castro was going home. His laid back musical style can only go so far in my book, but he's now in the Top 5 and Carly is out. I really thought that Carly would be the last woman standing. My money is on David Cook this year, because he's so versatile and always delivers a great performance. He's had 3 outstanding performances so far this season. "Hello", "Billie Jean" and "Always Be My Baby". His "Music of the Night" wasn't bad last night either. I guess you can't count out the little David Archuletta either, but I'm pulling for David Cook. Oh well, I'll write more about Idol another time, but please enjoy this performance by Carly, since we won't be seeing her anymore this season. I think she'll be back with a record at some point and I'll pick it up.