Wednesday, March 28, 2012

American Idol S.11 - Top 9

So last week was a total fail. I didn't watch either episode. I didn't care. I'm not sure I care this week either, but here we go...

theme: Idols perform their idols

Colton Dixon - Everything by Lifehouse: damn. seriously. Why are all the cute Idol boys all churchy? WTF. Now all the churchy frau will latch on to him. *eye roll* This was just ok. The beginning was weak, but it ended well.

Skylar Laine - Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert: I think its interesting that there was no mention of how Miranda Lambert started her career. That is really what these contestants want to aspire to. No mention of starting on a reality show. Anyway, this performance was great. She is always on it. Oh and singing with Stevie Nicks... HOLY SHIT!!

trio #1 Colton, Phillip, Elise: First off, why are they doing this? And why are they medleys? Can't they do this on results night? But regardless... Elise was really great. Phillip is still cute.

Heejun Han - A Song For You by Donny Hathaway: This is actually the first time I have liked a performance of his based on the singing itself. Right in his "wheel house."

Hollie Cavanagh - Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood: It was nice.

How long has Steven's mic been wrapped in scarves? LOL

Deandre Brackensick - Sometimes I Cry by Eric Benet: The transition up to falsetto that I was having a problem with before, seem to be corrected today. This was actually the first time I've like a performance of his. What is up with me? Maybe I am just not in a snarky mood. That must be it.

Jessica Sanchez - Sweet Dreams by Beyonce: Highly disappointed that she did not sing Single Ladies. Are those the red doors from So You Think You Can Dance?

trio #2 Deandre, Heejun, Joshua: These trio's kinda made sense when they were Fleetwood Mac songs, now they are just dumb. Ok. Ok. I can't lie. That was sorta cute.

Phillip Phillips - Look Out My Window by Jonny Lang: woop woop

Joshua Ledet - Without You by (insert artist here): I like his jacket. No. Seriously. He was great.

trio #3 Hollie, Skylar, Jessica: I am sorry, but I really don't like Jessica's voice. This was the worst of all the trio's. They just don't mesh well.

Elise Teston - Whole Lotta Love by Led Zepplin: awesomesauce. Best performance of the night. And more singing with Stevie Nicks!!

I think this needs mentioning... These are songs they got to pick from their favorite artists. That leads one to believe that they have sung these songs at some point in the past. Elise said she did it with her band. Skylar said she sung her song all the time. I am sure there are similar stories with the rest. I feel this explains why the performances were so strong tonight. Typically, they have to learn a song in a few days that they may have never heard before. So knowing the songs clearly helps. I am not sure if I feel that they should always be able to sing a song they know OR that there is more challenge in the competition if they have to learn a new song. Either way, they have made it hard for me to pick a bottom 3.

bottom 3: Hollie, Deandre, Joshua

favorite thing of the day


Joe and Bear should watch out!

Just for reference...

Friday, March 23, 2012

favorite thing of the day

this picture of Rachel Maddow:
I can't help it. I have the biggest girl crush on her. 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

favorite thing of the day


It finally came in the mail today from Spain and I love it so much. I have wanted one for a long time and it is perfection.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

favorite thing of the day


American Idol S.11 - Top 12... er, 11

Last weeks results: I was 75% correct on the bottom 4.

theme: songs from the year they were born.

Phillip Phillips - Hard To Handle by The Black Crowes: Kidney stones?!?! I've heard those hurt like a bitch. This is soooo good. I just wish that he had taken the mic off the stand and interacted with the band. Not necessarily interacting with the sway bots, but more movement was needed. He is so cute.

Jessica Sanchez - Turn the Beat Around by Gloria Estefan:  She's too prissy for this. She's trying too hard. It was annoying. VIBRATO OVERLOAD. I am not liking her at all this season.

Heejun Han - Right Here Waiting by Richard Marks: Make this stop. PLEASE MAKE IT STOP.  Dare I say "She Bangs"? No, I didn't say that. That would be mean. Also... No bow ties. Ever.

Elise Testone - Let's Stay Together by Al Green: I did not like the beginning while she was sitting on the piano. Too fake. She is just not a smiley person. Nothing wrong with that. Forcing her to smile, cheeses it up too much. How often do you see Adele smile when she performs? (Not saying she's Adele, but it makes my point.)

Deandre Brackensick - Endless Love by (insert correct artist here) : This song came out in 1981. They are letting him get away with it because Luther and Mariah covered it in 94. That is... um... dumb. I actually didn't even pay attention to this performance. Boring.

The AT&T plug made me want to vomit.

Shannon Magrane - One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey & Boys II Men:  Wish she had sung Don't Speak. Either song would be a train wreck, but at least that would have been an entertaining one. This was just boring. Also, she's tall.

Colton Dixon - Broken Heart by White Lion: First of all, its not his fault that the band doesn't know the song. That was not cool to discourage him with that fact. Kinda getting annoyed with the rock look. Looks sorta poser-ish. He looked much better in that twitpic with Daughtry, then he does on the show. The performance was alright.

Erika Van Pelt - Heaven by Bryan Adams: She looks just like her mother. I did not like this either. She over-sung it bad. I don't think I like her voice. Either that or she hasn't found her spot yet. Curious what my friend/Bryan Adams über fan thought of this.

It is cruel to have taped the talk with Jermaine, then show it on national television. Cruel. "You are so great, but get the hell out." Then they played his rehearsal?!?! This is the worst I've ever seen them handle a situation like this. Its not the first time they've kicked off someone, but the first time they've humiliated them like this.

Skylar Laine - Love Sneakin Up On You by Bonnie Raitt: It is a real shame she didn't sing Fantastic Voyage. That would have been AWESOME! This song seems safe for her, but at least she picked a good song for herself. She's a little firecracker.

Joshua Ledet - When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton: I was totally shocked when he was in the bottom last week. He was better last week then this, but this was great. He does take you to church. It seems like a totally different version of the song. He finally did that thing... "Make it your own."

Hollie Cavanagh - Power of Love by Celine Dion: ah. That's why she has that weird thing in her speaking voice. English. Makes sense. Its weird how they chopped the song up. She did not "make it her own." Scary last note. *big eyes*

bottom: Heejun, Deandre, Shannon.
Am I the only one who was waiting for Daryl to go all Boondock Saints on Dale?
And shepherds we shall be, for thee my Lord for thee, power hath descended forth from thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command. We shall flow a river forth to thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

American Idol S.11 - Top 13

boys - Stevie Wonder week
girls - Whitney Houston week
Why are they making this so complicated? They are also changing how the peeps go home. The judges get to pick between the bottom girl & bottom guy. I doubt they will do this all season. Probably just the first few episodes.

Joshua Ledet - I Wish:  Really surprised that he said it was out of his comfort zone. That doesn't really make sense. He killed this song.

Elise Testone -  I'm Your Baby Tonight: I song Greatest Love of All in the 8th grade talent show. Soooo happy she changed song. I think I liked this. Not sure about her outfit and the fact that she was constantly bent over. It appears she was trying to get closer to the crowd, but it just looked weird. Plus, it squishes your diaphragm. It was kinda lounge singer-ish. The judges were really right about her.

Jermaine  Jones - Knocks Me Off My Feet: Please stop calling him the gentle giant. As true as it may be, its annoying. This is not my cup of tea. His voice sounds like he is just waiting to drop down. It rests in that place. I appreciate the low tone, but when he sings a little higher, it sounds so sweet.

What the hell kinda button is on Randy's jacket?

Erika Van Pelt - I Believe In You And Me: This makeover made her look older. She looked cute in the studio, but seeing her in this dress does not feel right. It seems like she isn't taking their advice at all. The rasp is not there. She didn't "make it her own." And I really liked her...

Colton Dixon - Lately: Based on the studio, this might be train wreck. The beginning was. He was mumbling and it was dull. It woke up in the middle and stayed great the rest of the way. Not the best, but I am not sure there is a Stevie Wonder song he could have sung any better.

Shannon  Magrane - I Have Nothing: She's tall.

Deandre Brackensick - Master Blaster: I like him better with his hair back. Jamaican overkill much? I can't even understand the words. Mary sung it awesome. She should've sung this instead. Did not like. Male Naima? That's a death wish. She went soooo downhill after her Jamaican performance. That was her peak.

Skylar Laine - Where Do Broken Hearts Go: Sway bots in full effect. She is cute and did a great job.

Heejun Han - All In Love Is Fair: They are really playing up his personality by showing those twitpics. Before I even say anything about his performance, I have to say that he will make it through. Its a given. So, this was boring. He sung well. But way boring.

Hollie Cavanagh - All The Man That I Need: Is there something weird when she says "H"'s? Its distracting. Oh did she sing too? That almost end power note was great. She did goodish (somewhere between ok and good).

Jeremy Rosado - Ribbon In The Sky: Pretty.

Jessica Sanchez - I Will Always Love You: Don't peak too soon, kiddo.

Phillip Phillips - Superstition: This is totally how Dave would sing this. Love!!

bottom girl: Shannon or Elise
bottom boy: Jeremy or Deandre

disclaimer: Yes, this is posted AFTER the results show aired. However. I have not yet watched it and have no clue about the actual results.

Friday, March 02, 2012

American Idol S.11 - top 13 revealed

**SPOILERS**
I am a little surprised that they made such a huge cut in one week. Not that I am complaining about there being less contestants, but its unusual. These shows are so long that I end up fast forwarding thru most of it.

IN - boys: Phillip Phillips, Joshua Ledet, Heejun Han, Colton Dixon, Jermaine Jones

IN - girls: Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone

wild card: Deandre Brackensick, Erika Van Pelt, Jeremy Rosado

my picks were SPOT ON.
I was 6 out 7 on the boys, with Jeremy coming back.
For some reason I only picked 5 girls to leave, but of those I was 5 for 5 with Erika coming back.

My picks are still around. Guess I will still watch.

American Idol S.11 - Top 12 girls

I have not felt like myself for the last few days, but I am gonna use watching Idol as a way to feel normal again. So bring on the screechy girls.

Chelsea Sorrell - Cowboy Cassanova by Carrie Underwood: She sings thru her nose. I think she's cute, but nothing special. I like it when the judges agree with me, but for the record, i don't care when they don't.

Erika Van Pelt - What About Love by Heart: This girl sings with her throat. At least we are moving down to the correct place. I had like her, but not so much this. She looks old and did nothing different with this song.

Jenn Hirsh - One And Only by Adele: She's better than this. Not sure why these people think they can tackle Adele songs? She is and will always be, a better singer than all of them. Aim a little lower and it will make yourself better.

These girls need makeovers. Badly.

Brielle Von Hugel - Sittin' on the Dock of Bay by Otis Redding: Cannot stand this girl. She lived up to my expectations. Which were none.

Hallie Day - Feeling Good by Nina Simone: Still not impressed by anyone so far. She had a few hiccups, but sung it well. I guess it will take more to impress me lately.

Skylar Laine - Stay With Me by Faces: She's a little firecracker. She is confident in her voice and it shows. For being so young, she is really good performer. I have never heard that song before, but I liked it.

BTW... I type my responses BEFORE the judges talk. I am not ripping off what they say.

Baylie Brown - Amazed by Lone Star: Oh sweetie, this is bad. I am cringing. This is really sad. Sad that she took someone else's spot in the top 24.

Hollie Cavanagh - Reflection By Christian Aguilera: Why are these girls picking these songs? If she makes it next week, who is she gonna sing, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey? These kids need to know their limits.

Haley Johnsen - Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics: Nerves are really getting to these girls. Few decent notes here and there, but cringe-worthy as well. I don't get what is up with these chicas. I thought they were better than this.

Shannon Magrane - Go Light Your World by Kathy Troccoli: She is so damn tall.

Jessica Sanchez - Love You I Do by Jennifer Hudson: Maybe its the missing tooth. I didn't like AS much as the judges, but it was good. That voice coming out of that body makes no sense. She will be around for a long time.

Elise Testone - One And Only by Adele: Didn't Jen do this song? seriously? Really lame. Would like to know who picked it first. This chick is rough. She's been through some shit. You can just tell. Her's is the only voice I have any desire to hear again. My favorite of the night.


Who goes: Baylie, Chelsea, Haley, Brielle, and Erika.*


*This was written AFTER the top 13 was revealed, but I have not watched the show or looked at the list of winners.
The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost.


- Arthur Schopenhauer

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

American Idol S.11 - Top 13 boys

I blogged last season of Idol, but did it on my tumblr. This year it just makes sense to do it here. I am back with my snarky comments. Remember that I really hate this show, so my remarks are coming from that place. Apparently I enjoy torturing myself by watching Idol. Let's go.

I remember back when they didn't move to "the big stage" until top 12. That changed last year, I think. I don't think that's such a good idea. I think that it makes top 12 much more important and it should be. Top 24 ain't the place to be, so why do they get a big stage. I guess it might help the audience see how they perform that way, but I still don't like the idea.

Reed Grimm - Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5: This guy skeeves me out. He has talent, but jesus. He needs to calm the fuck down. He also needs to be on Broadway, not the pop scene. He is just not what this show is about. Or maybe it is now. And the drum thing got old after the second time. I also dislike his song choice and the arrangement. This is not a jazzy song and changing it to one makes the lyrics seem really creepy. I am not sure though, what this kid can do to make me like him. No Randy, Reed is not like Casey. Bite your tongue.

Adam Brock - Think by Aretha Franklin: Please stop calling yourself White Chocolate. He was trying too hard. He was pushing it all out. I guess they tell them to leave it all on the stage, but he was conscious of this and it shows. I think he's talented at what he does, but this was kinda crazy like. He'll make the top 12, easy.

Deandre Brackensick - Reasons by Earth, Wind & Fire: I can't decide if I like the hair or not. The transitions between falsetto and chest voice were anything but seamless this time. It was all over the place. Too many la, la, la's. This was just really strange. He can't win on high notes alone.

Sometimes I wonder if the judges and I are watching the same show.

Colton Dixon - Decode by Paramore: He is one of my favs. I love his story. Didn't even want to try out. His sister. So cute. I don't think there has been a voice like his on the show since David. A current rock singer. Not old school, like they've been the past few seasons. He is that whole "complete" package thing. I don't know this song, so I have nothing to compare it to. Yes, judges... I just said he was relevant too.

Jeremy Rosado - Gravity by Sara Bareilles: This kid is good. I really liked this. He hit those high notes out of the park. I think Sara will love this version.

Interesting that so far there has been no criticism. Also interesting that this occurs when they can sing a song of their choice. Ponder that.

Aaron Marcellus - Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5: I don't remember this guy during the previous shows. He's good, but not special. Clearly forgettable.

Chase Likens - Storm Warning by Hunter Hayes: Here are my horses. I am country. Another bore. Nothing special. They are padding the middle of the show with the ones they are ok with getting rid of. Mummies at home will love you. LMAO! Stephen knows about the frau fo sho.

Creighton Fraker - True Colors by Cyndi Lauper: This kid looks like a bird. I am so judgey. I literally went to the bathroom and did not pause it. I want a rock star bio-dad.

Phillip Phillips - In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins: He is my Dave Matthews reincarnation. Its really eery. He's my other favorite. I want this kid to make it. He's similar to Dave, but he can do his own thing too. He's so unique. However, I fear he will go the way of Paul McDonald.

Eben Franckewitz - Set Fire to the Rain by Adele: He is so young. Not only in age, but in appearance and maturity. He will get eaten alive. Oh no. no. no. no. His voice would be special on a female. They really should have turned him down and told him to come back when he is older. This totally sounds like a high school choir performance. I cringed the whole time.

Finally, some criticism.

Heejun Han - Angels by Robbie Williams: Seriously the best personality on Idol. He can sing, but his personality is what will keep him around for a while. It will come to end as the less talented singers go. This is such an easy prediction.

Joshua Ledet - You Pulled Me Through by Jennifer Hudson: Mantasia? spare me. This season's Jacob Lusk, but way better. Not my kind of music, but he's good.

the extra dude gets the pimp spot...

Jermaine Jones - Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross: If the judges loved him so much that they brought him back, why don't they look happy? It's Nigel, of course. I think he should have started in a key higher. This key was supposed to show off his voice, but it made me a little shaky. The higher bits at the end were much stronger prove the key should have been hugher.


Who goes: Eben, Aaron, Chase, Creighton, Jermaine AND... damn, I don't know. Maybe Jeremy and Reed. Those last 2 are tough.

p.s. The place to comment is up and to the right of the post title. Please post your thoughts. I am totally open for discussion.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

best picture nominees - 2012

Every year I try to see each movie that is nominated for Best Picture. Here is my current list:
The Artist
The Decendants
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Moneyball
Tree of Life
War Horse

Entertainment Weekly is doing a series of articles they are calling, "A deep dive into..." One for each film. I have linked the movie to the article. I will update the list as the rest of the articles are posted. There are spoilers in these articles, but also a lot of information about them and trailers. If you haven't seen the movies, these articles will give you a pretty good idea about them.

my nails - 02/21/12

Nicole by OPI - My Lifesaver



Essence Colour & Go - Choose Me

 Just painted my toenails this color. Love it. Can't go wrong with glitter.