Top 3 –> Top 2 — :(

Syesha Mercado has been eliminated from American Idol. Top Three! Not bad for someone who has been in the bottom two too many times to count. Not bad for the contestant that the judges never wanted to compliment. Not bad for the contestant that a majority of the viewing audience disliked. Not bad for my crush. 🙂

Syesha Mercado has come a long way and I am happy that she made it to top three against so much adversity in the American Idol public. Ha.

I fear that she might fall into the traps of a lot of the third place contestants. Shall I mention Melinda Doolittle (no album yet), Vonzell Solomon (no record deal), Nikki McKibbin (sucked), Kimberley Locke (mild success), etc. If she didn’t have that many fans voting for her, who will buy her album. Either way, my fingers are crossed.

Thanks to those who came to comfort me about my “loss”. Fortunately, I knew it was coming!

To Erica…She doesn’t suck! Get over it! just kidding.

Reality shows

There was a time when you couldn’t catch me watching a reality show. I detested the idea of Survivor or Big Brother or yes, even American Idol. Then something happened. What this something was, I have no idea, but I started watching Idol and was hooked.

So back in April I was talking about Big Brother and how my favorite person was kicked off and I kind of instantly lost interest in the show. That led me to a tangent in which I decided that there is a formula to my like/dislike of reality shows.

My overall thought on reality shows: they suck at first. get awesome. then (usually) suck again.

Let me break this down for you…

they suck at first.

The reason I think they all suck at first is because you don’t know what you are going to get. On most shows you start with way too many contestants, therefore each person gets about 23 seconds of air time and you know nothing about them. Worst case scenario is that you hate everyone and the concept of the show. The benefit of that is that you can shut off the TV and not try again.

get awesome.

Assuming that you have dedicated yourself longer than a few episodes to any reality show, you have begun to choose favorites. If you are anything like me, you have started a verbal fan club and tell everyone to jump on your bandwagon and fight! This is where the show is awesome. Your favorite contestant is winning and beating all the others that you hate. Even better is when you love the underdog and they are beating out everyone else’s favorites! GLOAT!

then (usually) suck again.

Usually for me, my favorite gets an early boot. I try to come up with my “next” favorite and hang on to hope, but inevitably they get kicked off too. That’s when I hate Reality shows and vow to not watch again. But, you know it, I do. 🙂

So there you have my thoughts on reality shows. If they slightly spark my interest, I will give them a shot.

What are your thoughts on Reality Shows?

A small but still resilient voice!!!

So for years, since WHEN YOU BELIEVE came out. I had no idea what was being said after “They don’t always happen when you ask/ And its easy to give in to your fears/ But when you’re blinded by your pain can’t see your way through the rain/ djshfjshkjfhkdjhfkjsdhkfjds/ says love is very near”

Thanks to David Archuleta, I now know…

A small but still resilient voice!

Yes, I guess I could have just read the lyrics. I am not that smart apparently.

Idol Gives Back – My Thoughts

Overall, I think I was disappointed compared to last year.  I hate to say that because the money raised goes to some good causes. The footage of the work being done was moving, but I think the entertainment filler was mostly boring. I enjoyed that they brought the past finalists of So You Think You Can Dance out. I cant wait for that show to start up again. Surprisingly, the Idol finalists weren’t too bad at singing Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna.

At 2:32 in the video below, lets watch Fergie do her two one-handed walk-overs while holding a mic and going back to singing. I think this was the most anticipated performance of the night for me. Ha. 🙂

Why did Miley Cyrus and Billy Crystal waste my time? Why did Miley Cyrus perform twice? Why did Robin Williams waste my time? Many many questions! Why was Kristy Lee Cook’s mic louder than anyone elses during SEASONS OF LOVE? Why didn’t they give Syesha the SOLO part? Hmmm. I still liked it when the chorus came along and finally drowned out Kristy Lee. 

The segments with Annie Lennox and Forest Whittaker hit the hardest. I can’t even imagine being in that situation. I guess thats what they are trying to show everyone. How good most of us have it. Annie’s performance was good. Certainly did not lack emotion. Carrie Underwood looked gorgeous as always and sounded great. I think she was getting a little choked up at the end.

Hmm. What else? Oh, it ran over time so my dvr didn’t get the end. Which means, I missed Mariah. I heard it wasn’t a fantastic performance. But I will post it anyway (of course).

Finally, I missed SHOUT TO THE LORD by the finalists to end the night. I found it below. I think they sounded good and David Cook’s solo was awesome! 

Top 8 – Inspirational Songs – My Thoughts

INSPIRATIONAL SONG NIGHT – Actually live blogging tonight, wow.

Michael Johns – Dream On

Well, he screamed the entire song and frankly made me want to vomit. And I am really starting to get sick of the contestants talking back to the judges; just let them say their thoughts and move on. Do with it what you want. I hear that there is an Australian Idol Michael if this doesn’t work out for you.

Paula’s breasts should be the theme of the night.

Syesha Mercado – I Believe

Before hearing it, I say “Why?” After hearing it, “WOW!” I thought that she was amazing and I thought that Randy is the dumbest person on the planet. I hope that people feel that Syesha deserves to stay. I would also like to know why no one commented on the last note. She killed it and I want to marry her now. The end. Ha

Jason Castro – Somewhere Over the Rainbow (BIG HAWAIIAN MAN Version)

I love this simple version. I am so grateful that he did not do the Judy Garland version or the acapella Kat McPhee version. I always feel like Jason Castro seeks to feel each song that he sings. I hope that people get him. I loved his version and thought that he really nailed it. Why were the judges right for Jason and not Syesha?

Kristy Lee Cook – Anyway

Can she just go? I don’t care if she can sometimes pull it off. She annoys me without even singing. What a bold move to do a Martina song when you suck. So, I hate to say this, I think that Kristy Lee can sing a bit when she belts. The best part of the performance was when Paula got up and started dancing along. I might have to agree with Simon that it was good. I HATE SAYING THAT. I am worried for Syesha now. 😦

David Cook – Innocent

I don’t know that I would consider OUR LADY PEACE as inspirational, but David Cook needed his rock song. He really has a lesbian hair cut (no offensive). David Cook started off the song crappy. In my opinion, it continued to be crappy. ZZZZZZ. The cheesiest ending with, “GIVE BACK” on his hand. I think Paula is deaf, maybe Marlee Matlin can replace her next year.

Carly Smithson – The Show Must Go On

Queen? Seriously? First off, she looks like a circus clown, but somewhat pretty. Which probably makes no sense at all. As I listen to her, I still can’t figure out why everyone thinks she has an amazing voice. I DO NOT GET IT. I’m even Irish. Hmmm. I agree with Simon that she sounded angry. PLEASE BE IN THE BOTTOM THREE AND GO HOME!

David Archuleta – Angels

I love this song. I get so jealous when I see people that can play the piano and sing effortlessly. David was a bit boring at the beginning, but I knew he would pick it up at the end. He’s just really good and hopefully he is safe. He needs weeks like this. Definitely in the top three for me this week.

The best sign “David, Lick those lips”. Um, haha.

Brooke White – You’ve Got A Friend

Not a shock that she is doing a Carole King song. Not at all. Positive note: she looks good. She sounds like Brooke. I think the performance is pretty boring, but much better than she has done for the past few weeks. She always looks so worried when she is singing; lighten up Brooke! My thoughts: Eh

Top 9 –> Top 8… FINALLY!

For once, I feel that the right thing happened. My ideal bottom three occurred (yes, I even thought Brooke would be there). I was happy to see that Syesha was safe, maybe she does have a following? HOLLA!

Anyway, I was sick of seeing Ramiele pout and whine and be an annoying high school girl. SEE YA! Oh, and what was she wearing last night? Looked somewhat like pajamas.

I have come to the conclusion that Brooke White talks too much. Kristy Lee Cook is annoying. David Cook has bad hair. Syesha Mercado is hot. Carly is annoying and wore sleeves for the first time this season last night. Michael Johns is forgettable. Jason Castro is goofy. David Archuleta sings effortlessly but is 6 years old (and wears Mr. Rogers sweaters).

Oh, and group number “9 to 5”, I think I threw up.

EDIT: I got my first hate response today to this particular post. Apparently I am being mean and acting as though I am perfect. Can’t a guy have superficial reasons for not liking people on Idol??

American Idol – Top 9 – Dolly Parton Week – My Thoughts

Brooke White – “Jolene”

Um, Brooke? Where did you go? I felt absolutely no connection on that song. Although, I was shocked that she chose the song. I thought for sure that David Cook would steal someone elses version of “Jolene”. Wrong again. Either way, Brooke is good (sometimes) and frankly, there have been a few weeks of eh. Don’t let it happen again! We like you. Oh, brush your hair.

David Cook – “Little Sparrow” 

I am happy that he finally cleared the air about the big “cover of cover” scandal. I felt it was pretty reminiscent of Daughtry a few years back with his “cover of cover” scandal. Ha. Anyway, I like David Cook, but I felt this week was a bit dull. He won’t be going anywhere though. I did read that he was rushed to the hospital with heart palpitations, but he is okay. See you next week David.

Ramiele Malubay – “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”

Ramiele just bores me, plain and simple. She doesn’t connect. I feel that she is one of those snots in high school that no on really liked, but they kept her around anyway. This week they should let her go back to Miramar, Fl.  

Jason Castro – “Traveling Through”

I liked it. He was in my top three of the night with this song. It just solidifies the fact that I think he should be signed to Brushfire Records. Pronto. I doubt he will win, but he deserves to win a record deal, for sure. Still not a fan of the hair though.

Carly Smithson – “Here You Come Again”

This was a song not written by Dolly, and maybe that was a good idea for Carly. I was honestly surprised I didn’t hear her sing “I Will Always Love You” this week. But thank god, cause I loved Syesha doing it. This song that Carly did, I didn’t recognize at all. I had to go back and listen to Dolly sing it to say, “oh, duh. I know that one.” I just have no interest in Carly and am surprised at her big following. BOO

David Archuleta – “Smokey Mountain Memories”

This definitely brought David Archuleta back to form. I think he always has to do ballads that he can showcase his voice. The up-tempo often come across as goofy and uncomfortable. I don’t see the immaturity that others do; I think some can’t get passed the age thing. I hope he keeps on going strong. This was my second favorite performance of the night (even though there were some crazy cracks in the middle). 🙂 

Kristy Lee Cook – “Coat of Many Colors”

Kristy Lee makes me vomit. Please leave. I also decided that she looks alot like LeAnn Rimes. Could it be the eyebrows? 

Syesha Mercado – “I Will Always Love You”

I wish people would give this girl some credit. Realize that she is not Whitney or Mariah and move on. Syesha was my favorite of the night. She blended the Dolly version with the Whitney version and executed it awesomely (yes, I said awesomely). It was very subdued at the beginning, ending each stanza with one note instead of a run. The end was the Whitney power notes; ending with a long held out note (which Shelly said was TOO TOO long). Ha. I love Syesha, I wish more people did. Here’s to hoping she stays another week.

Michael Johns – “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right”

I thought that it was hysterical for me. Only because when Ryan Seacrest announced that Michael Johns was coming up after the break, I said to myself, “Oh, I completely forgot he was still on the show.” Oops, I guess that shows how much I care. I will say he did a good job and sounded nice and really went for it. But he is still not a favorite of mine. I don’t think he is in any danger of going anywhere yet.

Top 10 –> Top 9 – Not a huge shocker

Bottom Three: Cheezits (not a surprise), Syesha (somewhat a surprise), Jason Castro (somewhat a surprise)

So Cheezits went home. I think it was inevitable. I don’t think he is marketable. He bored too many people and didn’t connect. He has a great voice. I think Syesha is falling into that trap as well. People cannot connect with her personality. She isn’t original though, great voice, just nothing special. Jason was just getting to comfortable; maybe this will be the shake up he needs.

On to more important things, Kimberley Locke. Um, was it me or was she STUFFED into that dress. Particularly her boobs. Not sure if last nights theme was prom night but Paula, Kimberley and Ryan were ready.

Top 10 Performances – Idol – My Thoughts

Ramiele Malubay – Alone

The curse of going first might hurt her. She also might have assumed she was safe until Kristy Lee did “God Bless the USA” which may save her (stupidly). Ramiele has a good voice and I think she did alright on the song, but I will continue to think she is not marketable. She won’t win. She will probably go home; I don’t feel that America really connects with her.

Jason Castro – Fragile

I still like Jason Castro, but I feel that we will never hear something “different” from him. He will always be poised to be signed to Brushfire Records under Jack Johnson’s guidance. Not too bad though, I’d take it. 

Syesha Mercado – If I Was Your Woman

So, I still love Syesha. I think she is so pretty and she has an awesome voice. If only she didn’t pick such boring and obscure songs. I still think she deserves to stay. I don’t know how marketable she would be since she is very common, but it’s fun to see her each week. I much prefer her straightened hair (bonus tidbit). Ha

Chikezie Eze – If Only For One Night

Cheezits just bores me. I don’t think he would sell many albums. I don’t have much to say. 🙂 

Brooke White – Every Breath You Take

So she messed up at the beginning; who cares? 🙂 I think she did a good job. I love piano, but I didn’t hate when the band came in. I think that it was blown out of proportion. She sounded great at the beginning, middle and end. Get over the arrangements judges.

 

Michael Johns – We Will Rock You

What I liked or noticed about Michael Johns’ performance was that it appeared to be not just a “HS talent” show, but almost like concert footage. It was a big visual spectacle compared to the rest of the performances. His singing, or should I say, SHOUTING, was not that spectacular. He still bores me. Australian, too.

 

Carly Smithson – Total Eclipse of the Heart

Irish. Boring. Has proven she can flop a major label album. I just felt the whole thing was “safe” and not surprising. I wish I didn’t feel mean thinking she was over-rated.

David Archeluta – You’re the Voice

I felt this obscure song choice was not so bad. He was engaging and I wasn’t bored. I think it also might be that I wish I could sing half as good as this kid. It is so effortless. He did have a really SWEET crack in the middle of the song, but that is alright. He needs to be careful that he doesn’t always pick preachy songs though. David Foster might like this kid.

Kristy Lee Cook – God Bless The USA

Sans mustache, she was alright. She did the best she could. Like the judges said, she may have picked the only song that can possibly keep her safe this week. There is alot of patriotism going around nowadays; this song might make Ramiele go home first. Maybe Cheezits? Is she this years Carmen Rasmusen? Mikaylah Gordon? Camille Velasco?

David Cook – Billie Jean

I hope people realized that he didn’t arrange that song himself. He covered the Chris Cornell version of the song. I feel that he is good, but on the same token, he plays it “safe” doing songs like this. This is his comfort zone. The judges get on everyone else for playing it safe, but not David Cook? Lets be fair now. He’s still really good. He shouldn’t want to win though, he will do better without winning, kinda like Daughtry.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Top 10 – American Idol

Last night on Idol, another one of my dreams came true. Haha.

First off, Idol needs to hold back on the group numbers until the finalists can learn how to sing together and/or with each other. It just sounds like a gigantic mess. Also, I know Ford gives lots of money to Fox for Idol, but can we be spared those horrible commercials? Yikes.

Kellie Pickler looked good and sounded, well, like Kellie Pickler. I am happy she has found success in the country world. I rather enjoyed her debut album and am looking forward to her follow-up. If only she could learn to sing “I Wonder” without crying. Ugh.

Back to the results, the bottom three: Carly, Amanda and Kristy. I know alot of people were surprised about Carly, but I wasn’t. I don’t think everyone loves her as much as they used to. The funnier thing though is that this week was the first week where I didn’t mind her so much. Oh well, she was safe.

Amanda Overmyer goes home. Finally. “You just got the boot, now sing!”

Our Top Ten:

Brooke White

Carly Smithson

Chikeze Eze

David Archuleta

David Cook

Jason Castro

Kristy Lee Cook

Michael Johns

Ramiele Malubay

Syesha Mercado