I guess I forgot to hit publish last night... oops:
We're in Miami tonight and I've got to admit, I definitely liked the opening sequence with "American Idol" in the place of "Miami Vice" in the Miami Vice logo. So of course they also get the crowd in the stadium to sing Gloria Estefan's "The Rhythm is going to get you." Looking good already!
So after a strange interaction between Randy and Simon and Paula, where Simon calls Paula's short dress "very sluty" in a quite creepy voice, we immediately get introduced to Shannon McGough whose parents own a meat market. Of course since it's interesting enough that she "works with meat" she gets a segment. She pretty much yells her entire song and after asking if she can sing something else she gets an immediate "Never" from Simon. Randy, who has been in the "nugget zone" (and yes I just made that up) these past two days drops this goldie: "You almost maybe tone deaf, I don't know." I think I know, Randy.
Next is former "Boybander" (btw, DO NOT forget to check that link especially the "Why We Love Robbie" section) and current "Rocker" Robbie Carrico (who apparently is part of a band named Missing Picket) who isn't bad, but who has a rather undistinguished voice. Of course he's through and I immediately put him as a lock for making the top 12 and getting too far simply because he'll have a large following of preteen girls (ala Ace Young and Constantine Maura-whachamacallit). Don't forget, you heard it here first.
Back from the break we get a montage of guys who would/could have definitely made for good TV had they dedicated more than 5 seconds on each. Just bad auditions in general.
But then we get Ghaleb Emachah who kinda looks and sounds like Antonio Banderas. I'm not a fan of his voice, and Simon says it would sound good if you were drunk... that just can't be good. Paula however likes his voice, Randy gives him a yes, and finally Paula sends him to Hollywood with a yes.
Brittany Wescott and Corliss Smith are up and just from their speaking voices, I'm guessing they're in. Corliss sings first and she's pretty good, really good actually. Brittany is next and she can definitely carry a tune, but her voice is not as unique as Corliss. I'm a bigger fan of Corliss, but they're both darn good. They're both through to Hollywood, and I immediately get the feeling this is going to end up in one of those "Only one of you is getting into the Top 24" situations like Sanajaya Malakar and his sister had a last year.
Suzanne Toon brings us back from the break and we get treated to a "feel good" segment about her and her daughter, which considering how the producers have set things up recently, this could go either way. She sings one of my favorite songs, Bonnie Raitt's "I can't make you love me" , and she just doesn't do it that well. Good but definitely nothing special. However, all three judges like her well enough and so she's through.
Next we have a petite and frail looking Ramiele Malubay who picks a tough, tough song to sing (Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman") but she's surprisingly good all things considered. She misses a few notes, but she deserves to get through... and she does.
More than half way through tonight's episode and we're off to another break. My immediate thoughts are that we have yet to get a real bad audition with a corresponding contestant breakdown AND Miami definitely made for a better show than Omaha. We can only hope there are more bad auditions to come.
Syesha Mercado brings us back from a break, and she gets a "feel good" segment about her and her father. Maybe this is the feel good story that doesn't get through. She starts singing somewhat well but then gets to screaming a bit too much. All three judges agree with each other, and they send her through.
Natashia Blach is next, with another one of my favorite songs, "At Last." She's good enough to get to Hollywood but not amazing. Predictably she's through.
Ilsy Lorena Pinot follows and is also good. I don't see either contestant making it to the Top 12, but at least they should have fun in Hollywood.
After a break we get a montage of bad auditions featuring Ben Hausbach, Carroy Bethea, Grant Rhea, and Fabienne Hyppolite. Sadly it just serves to remind us of what could have been with this season's Idol, since the montage lasted at most 2 minutes and we weren't treated to any departing tantrums.
A very nasal Richard Valles continues the bad auditions and even gets Randy to do a great imitation of RV (Which I'm convinced would have been his nickname had he gotten to Hollywood.)
Former American Juniors contestant Julie Dubela is next and she's ready to audition in a yellow and neon pink dress straight out of the 80s (perfect for Miami, btw). She acts WAY older than 16, and she seems to move her mouth much more than you would think she would need to when she speaks. Also, I wouldn't be at all surprised if she were high. Anywas, she's not terrible, but she doesn't get through to Hollywood. Not that she really deserved to go but they've sent much worse people to Hollywood this season. Strange I guess.
We're back and we're treated to a young man in an all white suit, who comes in sliding all over the place just like Sandman Sims at the Apollo. His name is Brandon Black and he kinda Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" while doing a few other strange things. He's so bad Randy and Simon just leave and say from off camera "no, never" when he asks if he's through or not.
And with that we're done.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
American Idol Season 7: Omaha, NE
Have you ever been to Omaha, Nebraska? It's pretty flat, let's hope the contestants aren't. Ha! I know, I know, I should go on the road. Anyways, Idol is in scenic Nebraska and since there isn't much to say about that let's get to it:
We start off promisingly with a fellow named Chris Bernheisel, who comes bearing gifts for the judges. They way he's acting, I'm going to guess he's not so much good. He even starts crying because he's so excited to be on the show... and I'm feeling a tinge bad for just assuming he's going to suck. But then he starts singing and it's just bad. And then in a "feel good" twist Simon encourages the local Fox affiliate to send Chris as their reporter to the AI finale. Not surprisingly, he doesn't get a yellow ticket, but he leaves as if he had. Have I mentioned this is a kinder, gentler American Idol?
As we head into the break, we're teased with Paula's arrival and some pretty bad auditions. I get the feeling they're not going to be as good (i.e. bad auditions combined with crazy breakdowns) as we're led to believe. Have I mentioned this is a kindler, gentler American Idol?
We're back with Jason Rich, who gets a "back story" segment (where they show his home and hometown), but as we've seen this year, that's no guarantee. He's breathy and nervously forgets the words. He even says "when you light the nark" (combining night and dark). When he finally gets to the high notes though, he hits them fairly well. I'm guessing he's in, but in this season, you never know... but he's through to Hollywood with votes from Randy and Simon.
Paula finally shows up and we get a forgotten lyrics montage. All the people in the montage not only forgot their lyrics but they're a little bit horrible. Of course, that's all we get to see of them because the AI producers don't seem to want to harp on the crazy breakdown auditions. Have I mentioned how this is a kindler, gentler American Idol?
Rachael Wicker, who kinda looks like a man (not my original comment, btw), has a relatively deep speaking voice and prepares for her audition by arm wrestling people including Ryan Seacrest. She's a little whiny when she sings, but she has a good voice under the country whine. Randy puts my thoughts perfectly when he asks why country singers tend to yodel. Randy says yes, Simon says no, and then, to no ones surprise, Paula send her to Hollywood. To celebrate, Rachael arm wrestles Paula and ends up ripping Paula's arm off. (Sorry. Does it show that I'm getting a little bored with this season of Idol.)
Back from the break we're introduced to Lady Morgue, aka Sarah Whittaker, who claims to be a former professional wrestler. While waiting her turn outside, she shows off her lungs with a loud cackle. She starts her audition by singing a song that reminds me a strange musical. Randy is on the top of his game as he does a great imitation of her creepy laugh and then drops this nugget: "Noooooo, not... completely not right. wrong." Of course she's leaves without a coveted yellow ticket.
Ryan peeks in following her audition, and ends up trading places with Paula. So we've got our new judge Ryan as Samantha Sidley starts her audition. She's really shy and doesn't seem at all confident... but then she starts singing a Norah Jones song and she can sing. My main complaint is that she seems to be trying to sing too much like Norah Jones and not herself. Randy thinks she needs to work on her performance and as Paula returns she rightfully gets 3 yeses (4 if you count Judge Ryan's yes). I may have to add her to my favorite list, since she's good and doesn't seem to know it.
After Samantha we get treated to 3 pretty good singers who go on to Hollywood: Elizabeth Erkert (who has a good but common voice... lacking some deep tone), Denise Jackson (who has a better voice, but seems to jump around a little too much), and Michael Sanfilippo (who has an Elliot Yamin-type voice).
Angelica Puente gets a "back story" segment centered around her dad. Considering she doesn't seem insane, there was a time when it was a good guess that she would be through. This year? Not so much. She sings a Celine Dion song and continues the trend of people who keep singing songs as if they're trying to imitate the original version. Randy pretty much says as much and even gets Simon to concur. But she's through to Hollywood and AI continues the other trend of this season, not letting on whether the tweeners make it or not.
We get back from another break with a Rocker montage (of course, including many shots of Chris Daughtry). David Cook is one of those "rockers" and he's got a good speaking voice. He does a pretty good version of "Livin on a Prayer" and is through.
A sequin-shirted 17 year old named Johnny Escamilla is up next. And he sings "Shout" with a spastic wide legged tap dancing motion (and that description just doesn't do it justice). Randy's last statement puts it perfectly: "Yeah." Go ahead and take a wild guess as to if he made it through.
We come back from what should be the last break to a montage of really bad versions of "Stuck in the Middle with You." So many of them had crazy breakdown written all over them, but since this is a kindler, gentler American Idol (have I mentioned that?) we get them all compacted into this minute and a half.
Leo Marlowe, who if I'm not mistaken pretty much called himself a homecoming queen, seems to be our last audition of the night. And he's pretty darn good... probably the best developed voice of the night. Of course he's through and thats it for the night.
Well that was relatively uneventful and that works out well since that describes pretty much any visit to Nebraska. In the end, Omaha gave us 19 Hollywood bound contestants and one guy yelling "goodbye!" (yet another possible crazy breakdown that got shortened/ignored).
Tomorrow: Miami, FL.
We start off promisingly with a fellow named Chris Bernheisel, who comes bearing gifts for the judges. They way he's acting, I'm going to guess he's not so much good. He even starts crying because he's so excited to be on the show... and I'm feeling a tinge bad for just assuming he's going to suck. But then he starts singing and it's just bad. And then in a "feel good" twist Simon encourages the local Fox affiliate to send Chris as their reporter to the AI finale. Not surprisingly, he doesn't get a yellow ticket, but he leaves as if he had. Have I mentioned this is a kinder, gentler American Idol?
As we head into the break, we're teased with Paula's arrival and some pretty bad auditions. I get the feeling they're not going to be as good (i.e. bad auditions combined with crazy breakdowns) as we're led to believe. Have I mentioned this is a kindler, gentler American Idol?
We're back with Jason Rich, who gets a "back story" segment (where they show his home and hometown), but as we've seen this year, that's no guarantee. He's breathy and nervously forgets the words. He even says "when you light the nark" (combining night and dark). When he finally gets to the high notes though, he hits them fairly well. I'm guessing he's in, but in this season, you never know... but he's through to Hollywood with votes from Randy and Simon.
Paula finally shows up and we get a forgotten lyrics montage. All the people in the montage not only forgot their lyrics but they're a little bit horrible. Of course, that's all we get to see of them because the AI producers don't seem to want to harp on the crazy breakdown auditions. Have I mentioned how this is a kindler, gentler American Idol?
Rachael Wicker, who kinda looks like a man (not my original comment, btw), has a relatively deep speaking voice and prepares for her audition by arm wrestling people including Ryan Seacrest. She's a little whiny when she sings, but she has a good voice under the country whine. Randy puts my thoughts perfectly when he asks why country singers tend to yodel. Randy says yes, Simon says no, and then, to no ones surprise, Paula send her to Hollywood. To celebrate, Rachael arm wrestles Paula and ends up ripping Paula's arm off. (Sorry. Does it show that I'm getting a little bored with this season of Idol.)
Back from the break we're introduced to Lady Morgue, aka Sarah Whittaker, who claims to be a former professional wrestler. While waiting her turn outside, she shows off her lungs with a loud cackle. She starts her audition by singing a song that reminds me a strange musical. Randy is on the top of his game as he does a great imitation of her creepy laugh and then drops this nugget: "Noooooo, not... completely not right. wrong." Of course she's leaves without a coveted yellow ticket.
Ryan peeks in following her audition, and ends up trading places with Paula. So we've got our new judge Ryan as Samantha Sidley starts her audition. She's really shy and doesn't seem at all confident... but then she starts singing a Norah Jones song and she can sing. My main complaint is that she seems to be trying to sing too much like Norah Jones and not herself. Randy thinks she needs to work on her performance and as Paula returns she rightfully gets 3 yeses (4 if you count Judge Ryan's yes). I may have to add her to my favorite list, since she's good and doesn't seem to know it.
After Samantha we get treated to 3 pretty good singers who go on to Hollywood: Elizabeth Erkert (who has a good but common voice... lacking some deep tone), Denise Jackson (who has a better voice, but seems to jump around a little too much), and Michael Sanfilippo (who has an Elliot Yamin-type voice).
Angelica Puente gets a "back story" segment centered around her dad. Considering she doesn't seem insane, there was a time when it was a good guess that she would be through. This year? Not so much. She sings a Celine Dion song and continues the trend of people who keep singing songs as if they're trying to imitate the original version. Randy pretty much says as much and even gets Simon to concur. But she's through to Hollywood and AI continues the other trend of this season, not letting on whether the tweeners make it or not.
We get back from another break with a Rocker montage (of course, including many shots of Chris Daughtry). David Cook is one of those "rockers" and he's got a good speaking voice. He does a pretty good version of "Livin on a Prayer" and is through.
A sequin-shirted 17 year old named Johnny Escamilla is up next. And he sings "Shout" with a spastic wide legged tap dancing motion (and that description just doesn't do it justice). Randy's last statement puts it perfectly: "Yeah." Go ahead and take a wild guess as to if he made it through.
We come back from what should be the last break to a montage of really bad versions of "Stuck in the Middle with You." So many of them had crazy breakdown written all over them, but since this is a kindler, gentler American Idol (have I mentioned that?) we get them all compacted into this minute and a half.
Leo Marlowe, who if I'm not mistaken pretty much called himself a homecoming queen, seems to be our last audition of the night. And he's pretty darn good... probably the best developed voice of the night. Of course he's through and thats it for the night.
Well that was relatively uneventful and that works out well since that describes pretty much any visit to Nebraska. In the end, Omaha gave us 19 Hollywood bound contestants and one guy yelling "goodbye!" (yet another possible crazy breakdown that got shortened/ignored).
Tomorrow: Miami, FL.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
American Idol Season 7 Commentary: Charleston, SC
I spaced and forgot to Tivo last night's American Idol AND I almost forgot to do it today, which makes me miss the first 8 minutes of the show. So let's get to it:
We're in Charleston, SC (I learned this later) and I'm starting halfway through Randy (missed his last name) and Crystal Ortiz's audition. Auditioning Randy (to differentiate him from Judge Randy) sounds like a bad immitation of John Mayer. Crystal doesn't sound like anything specific. Simon though says it was a "complete torture." Not at all surprisingly they don't get through to Hollywood.
Next are brother and sister, Michelle and Jeffrey Lampkin. They start off doing a "bow-chicka-wa-wa" thing, so its not looking good. Jeffrey reminds me of Nipsey Russell and he wore what look like snakeskin boots... you know for Randy. They start singing together and they're not as bad as you would think. They're not Hollywood material but they just might get 2 yeses (of 3) each because they're "interesting." Simon prefers Jeffrey over Michelle and Randy really liked Jeffrey (I guess I was totally off). And although it seemed like they'd get split, Simon ends up sending both to Hollywood. Like I said they probably got through more on charisma than singing ability, so my guess is they don't last long in Hollywood.
Coming back from commercials we get an update on Oliver Highman and his pregnant wife (I guess they were first introduced in the part that I missed) who appear to be on the way to the hospital. We then get treated to a a montage of really bad version of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Of course since Idol has this new "Don't Be So Mean" philosophy, we just get a snippet of how bad these folks were. But at least we got to see a lady who kinda does a weird singing narration of the video.
Amy Catherine Flynn, a 16 year old cheerleader, is up and next and she's says her name is "Amy Catherine, AC, whatevs." Anyhoo, Simon gets her to go on a whole abstinence speech which Simon facetiously said he liked... okely dokely! So, anyways, she starts singing and she's good for a 16 year old, but her voice is just not developed enough. I guess she'll get through. Of course Paula likes her and gives her a yes. Simon says her song was "too big for her" and then adds "a lot of people are going to find you annoying." She reminds of the large number of people who do cover songs on Youtube. Simon says yes tho, making Randy's yes inconsequential. I just don't see how she should get through to the top 24 though.
Back from the break, and Oliver Highman (the guy whose wife went into labor) and his wife finally get to the hospital.
London Weidberg auditions next. She's a pretty face, but she has a strong speaking voice. She does Billie Holliday's "Good Morning Heartache" and she's pretty good, but a bit breathy. Not surprisingly she's through, I can see her definitely making the top 24, maybe even the top 12.
We're told 15 people made it through on day 1, and we're off for more commercials.
Airforce pilot Lindsey Goodman brings us back from the break. They give her a whole segment (where we get to see the C17 she flies) so I just can't see her not making it. She sings "Black Velvet"... not a song I like because it a little to simple. She's okay but nothing special. And surprisingly she doesn't make it. That continues another trend for this season in which they're showcasing a lot of people that could go either way. They're keeping us guessing.
Next is Aretha Codner, who decides to sing Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing." (And Cindy makes a good suggestion: Maybe I should make a Rule #1a of American Idol: Don't sing Whitney Houston to go along with my Rule #1 of American Idol: Never sing Stevie Wonder) Her voice has potential, but she picked a hard hard song and just didn't do it well enough. Simon calls her out on her "funny blue dress" and "big belt" even getting Paula to whisper "stop." And then surprisingly Simon says the singing was terrible. I wouldn't call it terrible, though. Maybe "common" but not terrible. And Wow, even Paula gives a her No. She thinks she can sing and keeps arguing her case as she leaves.
Joshua Boson wearing bright red pants is up doing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" which strangely reminds of Jake Gyllenhaal's Saturday Night Live version. You just have to see it. Simon is nice when he says "It wasn't a good audition." Apparently, though, Joshua thinks he can sing and he starts getting agitated. At least he's smart enough to realize he isn't making it and he walks out in the middle of Paula's review. But don't worry he's not looking to be the next American Idol, he's going for "World Idol." Good luck with that!
Tara Smith's "no" audition leads to a bunch of Nos including someone Randy called a "Disney character" and someone Randy said "sounded like a chipmunk." But of course we don't get to actually hear Randy say these things (the auditioners said these things) since this is a kinder, gentler American Idol. Can you tell I'm bitter?
New father Oliver Highman is finally ready to audition and he immediately reminds me of Taylor Hicks. And he's not bad, but he way over does the vibrato thing. Simon says the warbling is too much. And yet another no. Although it's not surprising that he got a no, it's surprising that we keep seeing a bunch of tweener "nos."
And then all of a sudden my Tivo recording is done! So I guess that's it for Charleston which apparently didn't yield too many Hollywood bound contestants.
So what have we learned from this seasons American Idol: We aren't going to see the really crazy people or the judges reaction to them AND we're seeing a lot of tweeners where you just don't know if they're making it through or not. I like the latter but not the former.... I guess you can't win em all.
We're in Charleston, SC (I learned this later) and I'm starting halfway through Randy (missed his last name) and Crystal Ortiz's audition. Auditioning Randy (to differentiate him from Judge Randy) sounds like a bad immitation of John Mayer. Crystal doesn't sound like anything specific. Simon though says it was a "complete torture." Not at all surprisingly they don't get through to Hollywood.
Next are brother and sister, Michelle and Jeffrey Lampkin. They start off doing a "bow-chicka-wa-wa" thing, so its not looking good. Jeffrey reminds me of Nipsey Russell and he wore what look like snakeskin boots... you know for Randy. They start singing together and they're not as bad as you would think. They're not Hollywood material but they just might get 2 yeses (of 3) each because they're "interesting." Simon prefers Jeffrey over Michelle and Randy really liked Jeffrey (I guess I was totally off). And although it seemed like they'd get split, Simon ends up sending both to Hollywood. Like I said they probably got through more on charisma than singing ability, so my guess is they don't last long in Hollywood.
Coming back from commercials we get an update on Oliver Highman and his pregnant wife (I guess they were first introduced in the part that I missed) who appear to be on the way to the hospital. We then get treated to a a montage of really bad version of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Of course since Idol has this new "Don't Be So Mean" philosophy, we just get a snippet of how bad these folks were. But at least we got to see a lady who kinda does a weird singing narration of the video.
Amy Catherine Flynn, a 16 year old cheerleader, is up and next and she's says her name is "Amy Catherine, AC, whatevs." Anyhoo, Simon gets her to go on a whole abstinence speech which Simon facetiously said he liked... okely dokely! So, anyways, she starts singing and she's good for a 16 year old, but her voice is just not developed enough. I guess she'll get through. Of course Paula likes her and gives her a yes. Simon says her song was "too big for her" and then adds "a lot of people are going to find you annoying." She reminds of the large number of people who do cover songs on Youtube. Simon says yes tho, making Randy's yes inconsequential. I just don't see how she should get through to the top 24 though.
Back from the break, and Oliver Highman (the guy whose wife went into labor) and his wife finally get to the hospital.
London Weidberg auditions next. She's a pretty face, but she has a strong speaking voice. She does Billie Holliday's "Good Morning Heartache" and she's pretty good, but a bit breathy. Not surprisingly she's through, I can see her definitely making the top 24, maybe even the top 12.
We're told 15 people made it through on day 1, and we're off for more commercials.
Airforce pilot Lindsey Goodman brings us back from the break. They give her a whole segment (where we get to see the C17 she flies) so I just can't see her not making it. She sings "Black Velvet"... not a song I like because it a little to simple. She's okay but nothing special. And surprisingly she doesn't make it. That continues another trend for this season in which they're showcasing a lot of people that could go either way. They're keeping us guessing.
Next is Aretha Codner, who decides to sing Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing." (And Cindy makes a good suggestion: Maybe I should make a Rule #1a of American Idol: Don't sing Whitney Houston to go along with my Rule #1 of American Idol: Never sing Stevie Wonder) Her voice has potential, but she picked a hard hard song and just didn't do it well enough. Simon calls her out on her "funny blue dress" and "big belt" even getting Paula to whisper "stop." And then surprisingly Simon says the singing was terrible. I wouldn't call it terrible, though. Maybe "common" but not terrible. And Wow, even Paula gives a her No. She thinks she can sing and keeps arguing her case as she leaves.
Joshua Boson wearing bright red pants is up doing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" which strangely reminds of Jake Gyllenhaal's Saturday Night Live version. You just have to see it. Simon is nice when he says "It wasn't a good audition." Apparently, though, Joshua thinks he can sing and he starts getting agitated. At least he's smart enough to realize he isn't making it and he walks out in the middle of Paula's review. But don't worry he's not looking to be the next American Idol, he's going for "World Idol." Good luck with that!
Tara Smith's "no" audition leads to a bunch of Nos including someone Randy called a "Disney character" and someone Randy said "sounded like a chipmunk." But of course we don't get to actually hear Randy say these things (the auditioners said these things) since this is a kinder, gentler American Idol. Can you tell I'm bitter?
New father Oliver Highman is finally ready to audition and he immediately reminds me of Taylor Hicks. And he's not bad, but he way over does the vibrato thing. Simon says the warbling is too much. And yet another no. Although it's not surprising that he got a no, it's surprising that we keep seeing a bunch of tweener "nos."
And then all of a sudden my Tivo recording is done! So I guess that's it for Charleston which apparently didn't yield too many Hollywood bound contestants.
So what have we learned from this seasons American Idol: We aren't going to see the really crazy people or the judges reaction to them AND we're seeing a lot of tweeners where you just don't know if they're making it through or not. I like the latter but not the former.... I guess you can't win em all.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
American Idol Season 7: Dallas Auditions Day 2
We're heading into the second hour (Day Two) (BTW, you can find my thoughts on Day One here) and my big thoughts are what I've been saying all along: They're toning down the mean, which after the past two seasons is understandable, but still a little disappointing.
BTW, I'm digging the Honda Ridgeline commerical where a weathered Chuck Norris enters a fancy restaurant with just the tagline "Tough meets Classy." I know, I'm easy.
Douglas Davidson brings us into Day 2, and starts off with a warmup, which kind of sounds like he's choking himself. And he does "Livin on a Prayer" as if he's running out of breath the entire time. Simon asks him "What the bloody hell was that?" After a few more warm-ups he keeps singing. He does this by either whispering or singing really loudly while at the same time crossing his arms in an "X" in front of him. He graciously gets escorted out.
Newlywed Angela Reilly is up and sings "Baby Love." There is no way she could be serious especially considering how her husband Chad is there cheering her on rather vibrantly... a little too vibrantly if you ask me. Paula even pulls out this nugget: "Ohhhhh, sweetie pie. Reality check." She's sent home and leaves crying, which now makes me think that she was serious. Oooops.
A break and we're back with Kyle Ensley, who they portray as a politician while playing up how goofy he is. He's starts off badly, but kinda fixes it up towards the end. But he's definitely... as Simon says "Not as a bad as I thought you we're going to be." Simon hands out another mercy "yes", with Randy following up with a reasonable "no." Paula is the deciding vote, and sends him to Hollywood. Another wasted flight, but oh well, maybe they'll turn up the mean in Hollywood.
Tammy Tuzinski follows up Kyle by deadpanning, "The type of singer I would be is R&B/Hip Hop. I will eat your children." (Okay so I made up the second sentence.) Anyways, her audition is "Power of Love" by Celine Dion but she starts singing "If You Ask Me To" in what really looks and sounds like a bad Alanis Morrisette impersonation. Not that it matters since I don't know the difference between the two songs, but it should matter that apparently neither does she. The whole time she seems to be holding back a smile as if she's putting us on. She answers Randy's question of "What do you think we're think?" with a "uhhh, a no." Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Colton Swon is up and my first guess is that he's heading to Hollywood. He starts singing "Boondocks" (which btw has some dubious grammar going on) and immediately I'm reminded of Bucky Covington. Good voice. Not to my liking/style, but he deserves to go to Hollywood. And we're off to more commercials.
We come back to bunch of men in drag and/or men singing like they were women.
But farmer Drew Poppelreiter, who probably has the thickest southern accent of the night, is up. It almost feels like he's acting, when he sticks a bit hay in his mouth and mentions that he's never been on a plane. His voice is okay. It shouldn't be Hollywood, but I get the feeling he's through because of the whole "Farmer act." And in spite of Simon's "no" he's headed to Hollywood.
Karl Reinneck, who reminds me of a Backstreet Boy and claims to be a rocker, auditions next. He starts singing and he's definitely not rocking. Simon calls it "slightly demonic." So he's got that going for him but not the a trip to Hollywood.
Heading into some more commercials we're teased with a few crazies including a mime and a young Liberace look alike. We can hope can't we?
Coming back from the commercials we get this city's terrible medley, Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone." And they continue skipping some good crazies, which of course is disappointing.
Anyways, Nina Shaw, who's from the same town as Kelly Clarkson, is up and she's good but not great. She gets to sing another, and I feel the same way. Randy points out the reason why I'm not sure about her: she's doing the retro jazzy thing, which I'm not sure I like. I agree with Simon, but she still gets a pair of yeses from Randy and Paula.
We're back from the final break, and a fella in a white and silver Pimp/Liberace suit is about to audition. I think he's got some big white wings on his hat, so that's good. Renaldo Lapuz is his name and he's doing his original composition, "Brothers Forever." He starts singing and to be honest, it's not all that funny. Even when Paula and Randy start mockingly lip syncing and dancing along, it doesn't make it any funnier.
And with that we're done for this week and we're headed to San Diego next week. This was definitely disappointing, and I get the feeling it's going to last. Oh well...
BTW, I'm digging the Honda Ridgeline commerical where a weathered Chuck Norris enters a fancy restaurant with just the tagline "Tough meets Classy." I know, I'm easy.
Douglas Davidson brings us into Day 2, and starts off with a warmup, which kind of sounds like he's choking himself. And he does "Livin on a Prayer" as if he's running out of breath the entire time. Simon asks him "What the bloody hell was that?" After a few more warm-ups he keeps singing. He does this by either whispering or singing really loudly while at the same time crossing his arms in an "X" in front of him. He graciously gets escorted out.
Newlywed Angela Reilly is up and sings "Baby Love." There is no way she could be serious especially considering how her husband Chad is there cheering her on rather vibrantly... a little too vibrantly if you ask me. Paula even pulls out this nugget: "Ohhhhh, sweetie pie. Reality check." She's sent home and leaves crying, which now makes me think that she was serious. Oooops.
A break and we're back with Kyle Ensley, who they portray as a politician while playing up how goofy he is. He's starts off badly, but kinda fixes it up towards the end. But he's definitely... as Simon says "Not as a bad as I thought you we're going to be." Simon hands out another mercy "yes", with Randy following up with a reasonable "no." Paula is the deciding vote, and sends him to Hollywood. Another wasted flight, but oh well, maybe they'll turn up the mean in Hollywood.
Tammy Tuzinski follows up Kyle by deadpanning, "The type of singer I would be is R&B/Hip Hop. I will eat your children." (Okay so I made up the second sentence.) Anyways, her audition is "Power of Love" by Celine Dion but she starts singing "If You Ask Me To" in what really looks and sounds like a bad Alanis Morrisette impersonation. Not that it matters since I don't know the difference between the two songs, but it should matter that apparently neither does she. The whole time she seems to be holding back a smile as if she's putting us on. She answers Randy's question of "What do you think we're think?" with a "uhhh, a no." Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Colton Swon is up and my first guess is that he's heading to Hollywood. He starts singing "Boondocks" (which btw has some dubious grammar going on) and immediately I'm reminded of Bucky Covington. Good voice. Not to my liking/style, but he deserves to go to Hollywood. And we're off to more commercials.
We come back to bunch of men in drag and/or men singing like they were women.
But farmer Drew Poppelreiter, who probably has the thickest southern accent of the night, is up. It almost feels like he's acting, when he sticks a bit hay in his mouth and mentions that he's never been on a plane. His voice is okay. It shouldn't be Hollywood, but I get the feeling he's through because of the whole "Farmer act." And in spite of Simon's "no" he's headed to Hollywood.
Karl Reinneck, who reminds me of a Backstreet Boy and claims to be a rocker, auditions next. He starts singing and he's definitely not rocking. Simon calls it "slightly demonic." So he's got that going for him but not the a trip to Hollywood.
Heading into some more commercials we're teased with a few crazies including a mime and a young Liberace look alike. We can hope can't we?
Coming back from the commercials we get this city's terrible medley, Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone." And they continue skipping some good crazies, which of course is disappointing.
Anyways, Nina Shaw, who's from the same town as Kelly Clarkson, is up and she's good but not great. She gets to sing another, and I feel the same way. Randy points out the reason why I'm not sure about her: she's doing the retro jazzy thing, which I'm not sure I like. I agree with Simon, but she still gets a pair of yeses from Randy and Paula.
We're back from the final break, and a fella in a white and silver Pimp/Liberace suit is about to audition. I think he's got some big white wings on his hat, so that's good. Renaldo Lapuz is his name and he's doing his original composition, "Brothers Forever." He starts singing and to be honest, it's not all that funny. Even when Paula and Randy start mockingly lip syncing and dancing along, it doesn't make it any funnier.
And with that we're done for this week and we're headed to San Diego next week. This was definitely disappointing, and I get the feeling it's going to last. Oh well...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
American Idol Season 7: Dallas Auditions Day 1
Man, you people love you some American Idol! I write about Project Runway, the NFL (I know it's been a while but I'm still moping about the Redskins losing), I review the state quarters, but do you people care? Well, some people do... but definitely not as much as you people seem to care about American Idol. Anyways, since you guys love American Idol... here it is:
We're in Dallas tonight, and we can only hope that someone turned up the crazy on this show. Well, we have good start with someone who went into labor at the tryouts and decided to name their child Idol... this is American Idol!
First we start with Jessica Brown a former meth addict. She's got "heartwarmer/feel good" story written all over her. If things hold to form, she'll be good and headed to Hollywood. She picks a good song, "I'll stand by you" by the Pretenders. She's good, not outstanding but good. I still think she'll be through... and she's in.
Next we have Paul Stafford, who tends to a baseball park... kinda like Forrest Gump tended that football field in Greenbo, Alabama. He's a little, check that, a lot goofy. He does Elliot Yamin's "I'll Wait for You" in a nice monotone voice. Like Simon says, he seems like a nice guy... Paula puts it best with her go-to phrase "I don't think this is right for you."
Beth Maddocks is up. She was a singing waitress at a fondue restaurant, so I really have no clue which way this is headed. She's not good and unfortunately she chose to sing "Beautiful Disaster" which of course sets her up for a few obvious jokes.
Esteban Deanada follows with something Simon calls "Atrocious." Victoria Metz and Drucilla Wideman also follow with "nos". And once again it seems like the AI producers are turning down the mean, since we're hurried through the bad auditions.
Alaina Whitaker is up and she's pretty good. Singing a country song, she kinda doesn't stand out, but suddenly hits a few good notes. I like her. After telling her it was a good audition, Simon tells her "I don't think your as good as you think you are." Which she responds with a "shoot!" I've got to admit, she's cute. She's like a smarter and better voiced Kelly Pickler. Of course she's through.
We're back from the break with Gregory and Mia Tobias. I have no clue what they're singing. I don't even think they're singing together, although they might think they are. As Simon silently nods incredulously, they seem to get the hint and leave.
Bruce Dickinson is up and the first thing they mention about him is that he's never been with a woman. Strangely, he explains a "whole my daddy has my heart until my wife takes it" necklace thing, which I obviously don't understand and I think is creepy. Anyways, he's not bad, especially considering the tough song he chose (Ain't No Sunshine). But as Paula even said, his voice isn't R&B-ish. And as you well know, if Paula isn't supporting you, you're probably not going to Hollywood... and neither is Bruce.
Pia "Zpia" Easley kinda looks like Eve, especially with her short hair. And, wow, she can sing, she's can really sing. She's got a nice natural sounding voice. Another one for my favorites list.
Back from another break with Brandon Green who has a bag full of his old fingernail clippings. Wow, that's... um... yeah... disgusting is too weak a word. Okay, now that I've got that stuck in my mind, he starts singing. Good voice. Kinda reminds me of weaker Elliot Yamin. (And remember I REALLY like Elliot Yamin) And he's in with the single "no" coming from Simon.
Kayla Hatfield is up. Her speaking voice is a little high pitched, so this could go either way. A half "feel good" story considering she was in a pretty bad car crash. She sings Janice Joplin and sounds like she's doing an imitation and that's not really a good thing. Strangely Simon says "yes" and Paula says "no". Finally we end with Randy saying yes. I'm thinking it's a wasted trip to Hollywood but at least she is a character.
Erick Mauldin brings us back from the break, and he's gets Simon to say "You sound like you're seven." Charles Markham follow him, and Simon hands out another "Atrocious." Tristan Clements is next and delivers his song, seemingly, without blinking. Simon calls him "creepy." (Obviously, none of these guys are through and, I know I'm beating a dead horse, but the mean is definitely toned down this season.)
A well tanned Kady Malloy is up and she does a pretty good impersonation of Britney Spears singing. She follows that up with what sounds like an imitation of Carrie Underwood doing "Before He Cheats." Simon stops her and asks her to be herself. And she's pretty darn good. Simon even says she's the best so far this year, like Randy I don't agree, but there's no denying she's good.
And Day One is over with 11 people through. On to Day Two.
We're in Dallas tonight, and we can only hope that someone turned up the crazy on this show. Well, we have good start with someone who went into labor at the tryouts and decided to name their child Idol... this is American Idol!
First we start with Jessica Brown a former meth addict. She's got "heartwarmer/feel good" story written all over her. If things hold to form, she'll be good and headed to Hollywood. She picks a good song, "I'll stand by you" by the Pretenders. She's good, not outstanding but good. I still think she'll be through... and she's in.
Next we have Paul Stafford, who tends to a baseball park... kinda like Forrest Gump tended that football field in Greenbo, Alabama. He's a little, check that, a lot goofy. He does Elliot Yamin's "I'll Wait for You" in a nice monotone voice. Like Simon says, he seems like a nice guy... Paula puts it best with her go-to phrase "I don't think this is right for you."
Beth Maddocks is up. She was a singing waitress at a fondue restaurant, so I really have no clue which way this is headed. She's not good and unfortunately she chose to sing "Beautiful Disaster" which of course sets her up for a few obvious jokes.
Esteban Deanada follows with something Simon calls "Atrocious." Victoria Metz and Drucilla Wideman also follow with "nos". And once again it seems like the AI producers are turning down the mean, since we're hurried through the bad auditions.
Alaina Whitaker is up and she's pretty good. Singing a country song, she kinda doesn't stand out, but suddenly hits a few good notes. I like her. After telling her it was a good audition, Simon tells her "I don't think your as good as you think you are." Which she responds with a "shoot!" I've got to admit, she's cute. She's like a smarter and better voiced Kelly Pickler. Of course she's through.
We're back from the break with Gregory and Mia Tobias. I have no clue what they're singing. I don't even think they're singing together, although they might think they are. As Simon silently nods incredulously, they seem to get the hint and leave.
Bruce Dickinson is up and the first thing they mention about him is that he's never been with a woman. Strangely, he explains a "whole my daddy has my heart until my wife takes it" necklace thing, which I obviously don't understand and I think is creepy. Anyways, he's not bad, especially considering the tough song he chose (Ain't No Sunshine). But as Paula even said, his voice isn't R&B-ish. And as you well know, if Paula isn't supporting you, you're probably not going to Hollywood... and neither is Bruce.
Pia "Zpia" Easley kinda looks like Eve, especially with her short hair. And, wow, she can sing, she's can really sing. She's got a nice natural sounding voice. Another one for my favorites list.
Back from another break with Brandon Green who has a bag full of his old fingernail clippings. Wow, that's... um... yeah... disgusting is too weak a word. Okay, now that I've got that stuck in my mind, he starts singing. Good voice. Kinda reminds me of weaker Elliot Yamin. (And remember I REALLY like Elliot Yamin) And he's in with the single "no" coming from Simon.
Kayla Hatfield is up. Her speaking voice is a little high pitched, so this could go either way. A half "feel good" story considering she was in a pretty bad car crash. She sings Janice Joplin and sounds like she's doing an imitation and that's not really a good thing. Strangely Simon says "yes" and Paula says "no". Finally we end with Randy saying yes. I'm thinking it's a wasted trip to Hollywood but at least she is a character.
Erick Mauldin brings us back from the break, and he's gets Simon to say "You sound like you're seven." Charles Markham follow him, and Simon hands out another "Atrocious." Tristan Clements is next and delivers his song, seemingly, without blinking. Simon calls him "creepy." (Obviously, none of these guys are through and, I know I'm beating a dead horse, but the mean is definitely toned down this season.)
A well tanned Kady Malloy is up and she does a pretty good impersonation of Britney Spears singing. She follows that up with what sounds like an imitation of Carrie Underwood doing "Before He Cheats." Simon stops her and asks her to be herself. And she's pretty darn good. Simon even says she's the best so far this year, like Randy I don't agree, but there's no denying she's good.
And Day One is over with 11 people through. On to Day Two.
2006 State Quarters: Nevada to South Dakota
It's been almost a year since I gave my last State Quarter Design Review! I was facing a problem then because 2008 was the last year for the States, and they hadn't come out yet (BTW, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands will also be getting quarters.) But never fear, I'm back to the quarters, so I present to you 2006: Nevada to South Dakota.
Nevada - Here's a "trick" I used to remember Nevada's nickname of the Silver State... just think of the easier to remember nickname for California: The Golden State. Too bad there isn't a Bronze State. Anyhoo, Nevada is an interesting state of contrasts (mountains and flats, Mormons and brothels/gambling, etc.) so understandably for it's quarter Nevada couldn't fairly concentrate on it's main draw, Las Vegas. In fact, they never even seemed to consider it. Understandable, because... well what would they put on there, a casino? A blackjack table? So they eschew the unworkable for the more natural: mustangs, sagebrush and a sunrise over the mountains. I like it, because it works well without being too busy. Although, I do wonder why the third mustang (in the background) doesn't seem to be following the other two. It just looks a bit lost. My main gripe with the quarter is a gripe I have with a bunch of quarters, it isn't specific to the individual state. But that won't drop your grade too far, especially if you don't have much of a choice and if your quarter looks good anways... and I can say those two about Nevada. Grade: B
Nebraska - I'll admit that I was probably too harsh with Kansas's quarter in that they really didn't have much to put on their quarter, but here is my explanation: Nebraska's quarter. Now I've never been to Kansas but I hear it's just as boring as Nebraska. If you don't believe me just take this into consideration: Nebraska's quarter features people leaving the state. However, unlike Kansas's quarter, it's an interesting design. Nebraska had to go west in two ways for their design: First, they used westbound settlers on what is presumably the Oregon or California Trail. Second, they went to the far west section of Nebraska (practically in Wyoming) for their defining feature: Chimney Rock. My problems with the quarter are: how they cut off the design at the bottom, that they seem to need to tell you that it's "Chimney Rock" and that the rock formation seems pretty bland (the actual formation has some grass on it). But they get points for not featuring corn and/or Warren Buffett. A good solid Grade: B
Colorado - When I started this I used negatives and positive grades (i.e. A-, A+) to distinguish between grades. I stopped because it was getting too complicated to compare each quarter as I graded it, so i decided to use whole letter grades and just rank the quarters at the end. Here is a case were two quarters will score the same but will be at the opposite ends of the ranking: The Nebraska quarter at the low end of the As and the Colorado quarter at the high end. Anyways, about the Colorado quarter, there really isn't much to say about the quarter except that everything was done perfectly. A great subject (Longs Peak), a great lesser known motto/nickname ("Colorful Colorado") in a great banner to end the design at the bottom. Definitely among the best quarters in the series. Grade: A
North Dakota - So remember how I admitted that I might have been harsh with the Kansas quarter because of the lack of originality. Well here is a quarter with, essentially, the same subject but entirely different outcome. North Dakota, much like it's neighbors to the south (South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma), is pretty plain, but they designed a fairly beautiful quarter which they didn't mess up by trying to stuff in a motto or nickname. A very classic and clean design. Not the best quarter, but probably the best quarter with what they had to work with. Grade: A
South Dakota - South Dakota is a beautiful state with large prairie lands, badlands, and Black Hills. Somewhat unfortunately, they also have Mount Rushmore. Now don't get me wrong: The area around Mount Rushmore is BEAUTIFUL and since they have such an iconic monument in their state, it is certainly understandable that they would want to put it on their quarter. But wow, did they ever mess that up. Not only (as Wikipedia points out) are all three things on their quarter not really native to South Dakota, the design is horrible. The wheat looks weird and the pheasant makes it look like a giant bird is attacking Mount Rushmore. And it's not like they had a good lot to choice from with every proposed quarter having the wheat on it. This quarter would have easily gotten a B if the just did Mount Rushmore. As it is though? Grade: D
Nevada - Here's a "trick" I used to remember Nevada's nickname of the Silver State... just think of the easier to remember nickname for California: The Golden State. Too bad there isn't a Bronze State. Anyhoo, Nevada is an interesting state of contrasts (mountains and flats, Mormons and brothels/gambling, etc.) so understandably for it's quarter Nevada couldn't fairly concentrate on it's main draw, Las Vegas. In fact, they never even seemed to consider it. Understandable, because... well what would they put on there, a casino? A blackjack table? So they eschew the unworkable for the more natural: mustangs, sagebrush and a sunrise over the mountains. I like it, because it works well without being too busy. Although, I do wonder why the third mustang (in the background) doesn't seem to be following the other two. It just looks a bit lost. My main gripe with the quarter is a gripe I have with a bunch of quarters, it isn't specific to the individual state. But that won't drop your grade too far, especially if you don't have much of a choice and if your quarter looks good anways... and I can say those two about Nevada. Grade: B
Nebraska - I'll admit that I was probably too harsh with Kansas's quarter in that they really didn't have much to put on their quarter, but here is my explanation: Nebraska's quarter. Now I've never been to Kansas but I hear it's just as boring as Nebraska. If you don't believe me just take this into consideration: Nebraska's quarter features people leaving the state. However, unlike Kansas's quarter, it's an interesting design. Nebraska had to go west in two ways for their design: First, they used westbound settlers on what is presumably the Oregon or California Trail. Second, they went to the far west section of Nebraska (practically in Wyoming) for their defining feature: Chimney Rock. My problems with the quarter are: how they cut off the design at the bottom, that they seem to need to tell you that it's "Chimney Rock" and that the rock formation seems pretty bland (the actual formation has some grass on it). But they get points for not featuring corn and/or Warren Buffett. A good solid Grade: B
Colorado - When I started this I used negatives and positive grades (i.e. A-, A+) to distinguish between grades. I stopped because it was getting too complicated to compare each quarter as I graded it, so i decided to use whole letter grades and just rank the quarters at the end. Here is a case were two quarters will score the same but will be at the opposite ends of the ranking: The Nebraska quarter at the low end of the As and the Colorado quarter at the high end. Anyways, about the Colorado quarter, there really isn't much to say about the quarter except that everything was done perfectly. A great subject (Longs Peak), a great lesser known motto/nickname ("Colorful Colorado") in a great banner to end the design at the bottom. Definitely among the best quarters in the series. Grade: A
North Dakota - So remember how I admitted that I might have been harsh with the Kansas quarter because of the lack of originality. Well here is a quarter with, essentially, the same subject but entirely different outcome. North Dakota, much like it's neighbors to the south (South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma), is pretty plain, but they designed a fairly beautiful quarter which they didn't mess up by trying to stuff in a motto or nickname. A very classic and clean design. Not the best quarter, but probably the best quarter with what they had to work with. Grade: A
South Dakota - South Dakota is a beautiful state with large prairie lands, badlands, and Black Hills. Somewhat unfortunately, they also have Mount Rushmore. Now don't get me wrong: The area around Mount Rushmore is BEAUTIFUL and since they have such an iconic monument in their state, it is certainly understandable that they would want to put it on their quarter. But wow, did they ever mess that up. Not only (as Wikipedia points out) are all three things on their quarter not really native to South Dakota, the design is horrible. The wheat looks weird and the pheasant makes it look like a giant bird is attacking Mount Rushmore. And it's not like they had a good lot to choice from with every proposed quarter having the wheat on it. This quarter would have easily gotten a B if the just did Mount Rushmore. As it is though? Grade: D
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Return of the Idol: American Idol Season 7 (Part 2)
Half way through and we come back to a few nondescript winners and losers. (For my comments on the first hour of the show, scroll down or click here for Part 1)
Angela Martin is our next featured singer. She's another "heartwarming" story, with a daughter with Rett Syndrome (which supposedly is like Cerebral Palsy). Hopefully this ends a little better than Temptress's audition.
She breaks my first rule of American Idol by doing a Stevie Wonder song. She's good, but she's doesn't hold a note, instead doing the whole vibrato thing. Simon mentions that she needs to stop adding "yos" and a few other extra noises. But she's through.
Back from another break, and it's day 2 in Philly. We get a short review of the good, the sad, the bad and the crazy. Well that was fun.
Alyse Wojciechowski is up now and she mentions Eva Cassidy as an influence. You gotta like that. But she starts singing and she's all over the place. Simon is pretty cruel and she's quickly gone. Two more yellers follow her.
Milo Turk, an over-aged balding man with a leopard print vest auditions next with a song called "No Sex Allowed." Although he's over the maximum age, they let him sing. He does the pee-pee dance and stomps his feet as he sings. Sadly his 15 minutes lasted all of about 2 minutes. (Edit: apparently this guy is actually a comedian, so I say "Well done Sir!")
Next we have a horse training, kick-boxing martial artist pretty girl named Kristy Lee Cook. She picks a tough song, "Amazing Graze", but does pretty well. She's not amazing, but she'll get through because she's good looking.
Coming back from the break, we have Ben Haar in a long black cape. His surprise costume, which was under the cape, is Princess Leia's slave costume from Return of the Jedi. They convince him to shave his hairy chest, so we have to wait for him to return.
A few more strange auditions, and it's becoming apparent that they're not letting loose on the bad contestants, at least not on the first night. That is to say, they aren't showing the judges being mean, but they do show a show a bunch of mad contestants. I'm disappointed.
Next we have Paul Marturano who serenades Paula while slowly creeping up to her. He sings about stalking her, "Peter Falk"ing her, and "Caulk"ing her. Not surprisingly they have him escorted out by security.
Beth Stalker is up (get it? first a stalker, now a real stalker? ha! let's move on), and she has a nice jazzy voice. Simon says she wouldn't stand out, but she's through. I'm thinking she might just stand out if she can translate her voice to pop songs. She joins Junot from Bowie in my "I'll be rooting for them" list.
Back from the break and Ben Haar is back with a freshly waxed chest. He gets a half second audition and is out. And no I'm not kidding, half a second. Obviously he was just there for the TV time, but he waxed his entire chest! Yee-ouch.
Chris Watson follows Haar's debacle. He's not great, but as Simon points out he looks like a star. I see him as a candidate for this year's Constantine or Ace Young type.
The last break is up and a bunch of no's go by. 2 ladies are left including a Star Wars fan... just take a wild guess where this is headed. Christina Tolisano (who maybe works at a high school?) is her name and she's not scary bad, but she's definitely not getting through. After being rejected, the last audition begins with her yelling in the background.
Brooke White has a good voice, but I just can't believe that her voice is that much better than a bunch of the people who have been rejected. Also, she's already got a following. She's through though, along with the 28 other people.
They finish with the Star Wars girl pointing out that they keep picking the same kind of people. It feels like they're trying to prove her wrong but she's entirely correct. You could easily pick out a similar looking former contestant from everyone they've picked.
And with that Philly is done. They took it easy on the crazies tonight and concentrated on the heartwarming stories and good singers. Texas is up tomorrow, and they tease it by making it seem like they'll have more crazy contestants. We'll be able to judge better tomorrow, but it does seem like this season might be a nicer Americal Idol tryouts show.... disappointing.
Angela Martin is our next featured singer. She's another "heartwarming" story, with a daughter with Rett Syndrome (which supposedly is like Cerebral Palsy). Hopefully this ends a little better than Temptress's audition.
She breaks my first rule of American Idol by doing a Stevie Wonder song. She's good, but she's doesn't hold a note, instead doing the whole vibrato thing. Simon mentions that she needs to stop adding "yos" and a few other extra noises. But she's through.
Back from another break, and it's day 2 in Philly. We get a short review of the good, the sad, the bad and the crazy. Well that was fun.
Alyse Wojciechowski is up now and she mentions Eva Cassidy as an influence. You gotta like that. But she starts singing and she's all over the place. Simon is pretty cruel and she's quickly gone. Two more yellers follow her.
Milo Turk, an over-aged balding man with a leopard print vest auditions next with a song called "No Sex Allowed." Although he's over the maximum age, they let him sing. He does the pee-pee dance and stomps his feet as he sings. Sadly his 15 minutes lasted all of about 2 minutes. (Edit: apparently this guy is actually a comedian, so I say "Well done Sir!")
Next we have a horse training, kick-boxing martial artist pretty girl named Kristy Lee Cook. She picks a tough song, "Amazing Graze", but does pretty well. She's not amazing, but she'll get through because she's good looking.
Coming back from the break, we have Ben Haar in a long black cape. His surprise costume, which was under the cape, is Princess Leia's slave costume from Return of the Jedi. They convince him to shave his hairy chest, so we have to wait for him to return.
A few more strange auditions, and it's becoming apparent that they're not letting loose on the bad contestants, at least not on the first night. That is to say, they aren't showing the judges being mean, but they do show a show a bunch of mad contestants. I'm disappointed.
Next we have Paul Marturano who serenades Paula while slowly creeping up to her. He sings about stalking her, "Peter Falk"ing her, and "Caulk"ing her. Not surprisingly they have him escorted out by security.
Beth Stalker is up (get it? first a stalker, now a real stalker? ha! let's move on), and she has a nice jazzy voice. Simon says she wouldn't stand out, but she's through. I'm thinking she might just stand out if she can translate her voice to pop songs. She joins Junot from Bowie in my "I'll be rooting for them" list.
Back from the break and Ben Haar is back with a freshly waxed chest. He gets a half second audition and is out. And no I'm not kidding, half a second. Obviously he was just there for the TV time, but he waxed his entire chest! Yee-ouch.
Chris Watson follows Haar's debacle. He's not great, but as Simon points out he looks like a star. I see him as a candidate for this year's Constantine or Ace Young type.
The last break is up and a bunch of no's go by. 2 ladies are left including a Star Wars fan... just take a wild guess where this is headed. Christina Tolisano (who maybe works at a high school?) is her name and she's not scary bad, but she's definitely not getting through. After being rejected, the last audition begins with her yelling in the background.
Brooke White has a good voice, but I just can't believe that her voice is that much better than a bunch of the people who have been rejected. Also, she's already got a following. She's through though, along with the 28 other people.
They finish with the Star Wars girl pointing out that they keep picking the same kind of people. It feels like they're trying to prove her wrong but she's entirely correct. You could easily pick out a similar looking former contestant from everyone they've picked.
And with that Philly is done. They took it easy on the crazies tonight and concentrated on the heartwarming stories and good singers. Texas is up tomorrow, and they tease it by making it seem like they'll have more crazy contestants. We'll be able to judge better tomorrow, but it does seem like this season might be a nicer Americal Idol tryouts show.... disappointing.
Return of the Idol: American Idol Season 7 (Part 1)
Ahhhhh, a new year and a new American Idol. Really, what did we do before the internet and American Idol. Do you even remember?
Well here we are at Superjuan Central, starting to watch a Tivo delayed debut of American Idol. (On delay becuase I had to watch the Caps beat the Ottawa Senators 4-2.) Anyways, since we're already delayed, lets get to it:
We start out in beautiful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A town I like, and a town I expect to get some good contestants... and by good I mean actually good singers and insane people.
Our first contestant is Joey Catalano, a young guy who lost a bunch of weight. Before singing he strikes me as a "Scott Savol"-type if Savol lost some weight. He's got a good speaking voice. He starts singing and it's pretty good. A little too breathy for me but he should get through. And he gets 3 yes's and is through to Hollywood.
Next we have a guy (Alaa "Youka" Youakeem) who "can't stop love America music." Looking good already. "I wanna love a girl from... from the hair to the nipple." Right. Anyways, Youka reminds me of Borat, so take a guess as to where this is headed. His rendition of "Mr. Bee Gee's How Deep is Your Love" was... well interesting. Of course he gets three no's.
Melanie Nyema, who was a backup singer for Taylor Hicks, is next. And she's not bad. I agree with Simon's assessment of "I'm completely neither there or there." She's through though.
Next we have James Lewis, a Philly tour guide who admits to having a "unique voice." That just can't be good. And it isn't.... it really isn't. He sounds like the complete opposite of one of the Chimpmunks. Really, really low pitched, like an extended singing yawn. I don't think I need to tell you what happened.
We come back from a break to bunch of bad singers followed by Junot Joyner from Bowie, MD. Well, I've got my first favorite, because he's from Maryland and he can sing. Of course he's through.
Junot is followed by a couple of good singers going through.
16 year old Temptress Brown, a female middle linebacker, is next. It's a "heartwarming" story with her mom in a wheelchair at the auditions to cheer her on. Sadly, she has mediocre voice. She's definitely not Hollywood material, and Simon tells her about as nicely as you could expect from Simon. Wow... that was a downer. At least Simon wasn't mean. Things finish a bit more on the upside when all three judges walk her out to her family to help her tell them the news that she wasn't through to Hollywood. And we're off to a break.
We're back with a guy who does a "cricket" sound and sings a little strangely. Following his strange audition we have Udgeet "Udi" Sampat who supposedly sounds like Barry Manilow or Frank Sinatra. Who much like the "cricket guy" seems to talk through his audition of "My Way." Simon tells him that he was "tuneless" and he asks for an explanation... and I think I've found it.
Next we get treated to the medley AI producers make by asking everyone to sing the same song. This time it's "I love Rock and Roll." We get glimpses of a few characters, including an Angel and a 50s style Army Girl Trio. I get the feeling we're not going to see as many crazy folk today, since a lot of them seem to be in this medley. And we're back to commercials.
Alexis Cohen, who looks like someone threw a tub of glitter on her, is next. We know she's not making it since every tease leading up to this has her eventually going ape doo doo. She pretty much yells her entire audition. She's not entirely horrible, but she's definitely not good enough. She leaves somewhat mad, and gradually gets worse and worse. Don't worry though since she says she's going into "actressing."
Well, we're half way through today's show so I'm cutting it of here. I'll start a new commentary for the second hour... right now!
Well here we are at Superjuan Central, starting to watch a Tivo delayed debut of American Idol. (On delay becuase I had to watch the Caps beat the Ottawa Senators 4-2.) Anyways, since we're already delayed, lets get to it:
We start out in beautiful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A town I like, and a town I expect to get some good contestants... and by good I mean actually good singers and insane people.
Our first contestant is Joey Catalano, a young guy who lost a bunch of weight. Before singing he strikes me as a "Scott Savol"-type if Savol lost some weight. He's got a good speaking voice. He starts singing and it's pretty good. A little too breathy for me but he should get through. And he gets 3 yes's and is through to Hollywood.
Next we have a guy (Alaa "Youka" Youakeem) who "can't stop love America music." Looking good already. "I wanna love a girl from... from the hair to the nipple." Right. Anyways, Youka reminds me of Borat, so take a guess as to where this is headed. His rendition of "Mr. Bee Gee's How Deep is Your Love" was... well interesting. Of course he gets three no's.
Melanie Nyema, who was a backup singer for Taylor Hicks, is next. And she's not bad. I agree with Simon's assessment of "I'm completely neither there or there." She's through though.
Next we have James Lewis, a Philly tour guide who admits to having a "unique voice." That just can't be good. And it isn't.... it really isn't. He sounds like the complete opposite of one of the Chimpmunks. Really, really low pitched, like an extended singing yawn. I don't think I need to tell you what happened.
We come back from a break to bunch of bad singers followed by Junot Joyner from Bowie, MD. Well, I've got my first favorite, because he's from Maryland and he can sing. Of course he's through.
Junot is followed by a couple of good singers going through.
16 year old Temptress Brown, a female middle linebacker, is next. It's a "heartwarming" story with her mom in a wheelchair at the auditions to cheer her on. Sadly, she has mediocre voice. She's definitely not Hollywood material, and Simon tells her about as nicely as you could expect from Simon. Wow... that was a downer. At least Simon wasn't mean. Things finish a bit more on the upside when all three judges walk her out to her family to help her tell them the news that she wasn't through to Hollywood. And we're off to a break.
We're back with a guy who does a "cricket" sound and sings a little strangely. Following his strange audition we have Udgeet "Udi" Sampat who supposedly sounds like Barry Manilow or Frank Sinatra. Who much like the "cricket guy" seems to talk through his audition of "My Way." Simon tells him that he was "tuneless" and he asks for an explanation... and I think I've found it.
Next we get treated to the medley AI producers make by asking everyone to sing the same song. This time it's "I love Rock and Roll." We get glimpses of a few characters, including an Angel and a 50s style Army Girl Trio. I get the feeling we're not going to see as many crazy folk today, since a lot of them seem to be in this medley. And we're back to commercials.
Alexis Cohen, who looks like someone threw a tub of glitter on her, is next. We know she's not making it since every tease leading up to this has her eventually going ape doo doo. She pretty much yells her entire audition. She's not entirely horrible, but she's definitely not good enough. She leaves somewhat mad, and gradually gets worse and worse. Don't worry though since she says she's going into "actressing."
Well, we're half way through today's show so I'm cutting it of here. I'll start a new commentary for the second hour... right now!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
07-08 NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Weekend
4 weeks ago I doubted. I said the Redskins weren't good enough to replicate their 2005 run to the playoffs. I thought the Giants would beat the Redskins and the BTEIAS (Best Team Ever In Any Sport, i.e. New England Patriots) would easily get to 16-0. Well I was partially right, as the Patriots made it to 16-0 but the Redskins made it into the playoffs with a 4 game winning streak.
I'll discuss the BTEIAS later... for now it's all about the Redskins.
Frankly, I wasn't all that surprised that the Redskins beat the Giants and Vikings, but I was a bit worried about the Cowboys. It seemed too easy. The Cowboys had nothing to play for and that just meant the Redskins could have relaxed, enough to lose it in a close one at the end.
I'm willing to believe all of the "Joe Gibbs does his best amid adversity" talk, but I do so for the same reasons as I believe the "Penguins will somehow, someway always best the Caps" idea. It makes no sense to me, but I believe it because I see it.
I'll discuss the BTEIAS later... for now it's all about the Redskins.
Frankly, I wasn't all that surprised that the Redskins beat the Giants and Vikings, but I was a bit worried about the Cowboys. It seemed too easy. The Cowboys had nothing to play for and that just meant the Redskins could have relaxed, enough to lose it in a close one at the end.
I'm willing to believe all of the "Joe Gibbs does his best amid adversity" talk, but I do so for the same reasons as I believe the "Penguins will somehow, someway always best the Caps" idea. It makes no sense to me, but I believe it because I see it.
Movie Review: Juno
I just saw Juno and unlike, apparently, everyone else in the world, I REALLY didn't like it. The fact that the movie is so overhyped doesn't help, but regardless of that I just found it to be too unbelievable and too contrived. To put it succinctly, I would call it an indy teen version of Knocked Up.
I won't act like I'm a great movie reviewer, especially when you can read this well put review, so I'll stick to my beloved lists:
What I didn't like:
What I did like:
You'll probably like it if you like:
Similar movies I liked:
more: Saved!
more: Superbad
much more: Knocked Up
much more: Election
much much more: Rushmore
I won't act like I'm a great movie reviewer, especially when you can read this well put review, so I'll stick to my beloved lists:
What I didn't like:
- The biggest problem, the witty yet shallow dialog. Dialog-wise, everyone one is witty and amusing, save for the extremely unsympathetic, until the end, Vanessa (Jennifer Garner).
- The occasional and seemingly capricious use of "visual aids" throughout. (Did we really need watch the transition between a normal chick and a "strange chick"? Also when Juno lists her top 3 bands, did we HAVE to see the photos of Iggy Pop, Patti Smith and the Runaways?)
- Similarly, Juno's voice overs are constant in the beginning and end but otherwise sporadic and unnecessary.
- The parents never even bring up keeping the child with Juno? It's not like they're an impoverished family.
- A forced "Indy" feel, with the animated opening credits, seasons titles, and acoustic guitar soundtrack.
- Rather abruptly, the tone of the movie goes from teen pregnancy comedy to teen pregnancy drama. There is a very distinct point in the movie where the witty lines disappear and everything gets serious.
- The movie starts with the line "It started with a chair" and seemingly ends with "It ended with a chair" BUT then a happy ending is crammed in after Juno says "It ended with a chair". I know I'm nitpicking... but still!
What I did like:
- The dialog, while annoyingly similar for essentially every character, is funny.
- A female in the lead of a "witty movie" was a good change, and all things considered, Ellen Page played Juno well.
You'll probably like it if you like:
- "Kevin Smith" dialog (Clerks, Dogma)
- Nerdy Indy Teen movies (Napoleon Dynamite)
- Nerdy Teen movies with "Kevin Smith" dialog (Superbad).
- a forced feel good endings
Similar movies I liked:
more: Saved!
more: Superbad
much more: Knocked Up
much more: Election
much much more: Rushmore
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