Idol Chat: Top 6

Sorry I've been sparse with the idol updates. I don't have a ton to say about the show this week - I love country music, but most ppl opted out of the country vibe. This week tends to make it or break it for so many of the contestants, so that's probably why.

1. Lee - You're Still the One - best song choice of the night, IMO. He's a true star.
2. Casey - Don't - I was glad to see a departure from his normal style. I thought this was his best performance
3. Crystal - No One Needs to Know - this is my favorite Shania song ever and I was really disappointed. She took so much of the spunk out of this song. It was too slow
4. Mike - It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing - I'm not a fan of Mike's "sappy love song" rut, but Shania was in tears, so I guess it was good
5. Aaron - It's In the Way You Love Me - I thought he sounded good but looked sick or on the verge of tears.
6. Siobhan - Any Man of Mine - Am I the only one who thinks that the judges all must've been ON something. I thought she murdered that song - what a horrible song choice! Of all the contestants to NOT do a country vibe, I would have picked her, yet they gave her accolades! I just didn't get it AT ALL

I think it's a toss-up between Siobhan and Aaron, but my bets are on Aaron to go

Idol Chat: Top 9

Much to my surprise, I wasn't too enthralled by yesterday's show. I am a HUGE Beatles fan, so I was excited for it, but only a couple of performances really "did it" for me this week! I did love seeing the little extras to learn more about their personalities. It makes me kind of like them all and not want to choose someone to go home....

1. Lee - Hey Jude - G keeps saying he sounds just like the guy from the Counting Crows. I love the gravelly-ness of his voice. I thought the song was awesome, but agreed that the bagpipe was a bit out of place.
2. Casey - Jealous Guy - I wasn't familiar with his song so it was a little harder for me to get into but I thought he was really great again last night. I like how he held back a bit to highlight the vocals.
3. Crystal - Come Together - good solid performance for her. Very much in her vibe, but nothing super outstanding about the song in general.
4. Mike - Eleanor Rigby - I agreed with the judges that there were certain parts that just didn't do it for me, but the break down at the end was awesome - it almost put me in mind a bit of Gangster's Paradise (which is kinda weird, I guess).
5. Katie - Let it Be - this is such a pure-vocal song that her rendition left me feeling a little flat at the end. I was expecting a little more power behind her voice, etc, but the judges loved it, so what do I know?
6. Siobhan - Across the Universe - I thought it was nice that she held back and didn't scream this week, but I was definitely sleepy by the end.
7. Tim - All My Lovin - Definitely Tim's best performance, IMO. I like that he was playing the guitar...he may have bought himself one more week???
8. Andrew - Can't Buy Me Love - I liked the vibe of the song (especially the funk near the middle) & that it was still enough like the original, yet showed some of his personality. However, I thought that the trumpets along with the acoustic guitar made it sound kind of disjointed.
9. Aaron - Long & Winding Road - very true to his style, but when will he break out? I think he's treading into dangerous territory by setting himself up as the "ballad guy".

Bottom 3 Tonight: Katie, Andrew & Tim/Aaron (though I am going to say Tim for the record, just because he's been to the bottom 3 before and Aaron hasn't)
Going home: Andrew

Idol Chat: Top 10

Sorry I haven't updated about my life in a while - I promise I will very soon!

When G & I were talking about last night's show, I asked him if he knew what the theme was. He said, hopefully not "Boring" LOL! Here they are from the best to the worst (in my opinion, of course!)

1. Lee - Treat Her Like a Lady - Lee was awesome last night & totally rocked the house! Great vibe for him & I LOVED it! What a confidence builder for him
2. Crystal - Midnight Train - neat to see her doing something different & I agree with Simon for her to be true to who she is. I'm glad to see she can be versatile! That's talent!
3. Casey - Hold On, I'm Coming - besides the fact that he looked like he was hopped up on something, I really liked this performance. It seemed a little safe, but I loved seeing him rock out on the guitar & I did like that he had more energy than in weeks past.
4. Mike - Ready for Love - although I'm tired of him doing sappy love songs & really hoped to see him embrace his inner soul, I thought he picked a good song for his voice. He had a great, clean pitch/tone, but it seemed a little bit boring.
5. Katie - Chain of Fools - First of all, what was with her outfit? Her hair and earrings (BIG!) were cute, but her outfit was horrible. I agreed with Simon that it did seem somewhat robotic & put her back into the "old" vibe...she should've done a Christina or Alicia Keys song, IMO. Definitely not as pitchy as past weeks.
6. Andrew - Forever - so much better than weeks past, but I didn't think it was as super-wonderful as the judges said. I think they just liked that he went for the acoustic vibe again since that seems to work for him.
7. Aaron - Aint No Sunshine - perfect vibe for him - I felt like he should've built more throughout the song but overall another solid (albeit predictable) performance for Aaron. I still think he's adorable.
8. Siobhan - Through the Fire - Pitchier than I've ever heard her be. Not the best song choice, IMO & I've had enough with the screaming, really. I was very "bleh" about this performance.
9. Tim - Sweet Love - It seemed like Tim had some mic issues at the beginning of this song. He looked kind of uncomfortable (maybe because of the "connect" advice that Usher gave him - he was almost looking creepily at the camera). Even so, it was one of his better performances.
10. Didi - What Becomes of the Broken Hearted - I thought this was an interesting song choice & came across as very show-tunesy. It was very disjointed throughout & I just didn't get it. And what makes me sad about that is that she has such a neat voice but she chooses terrible songs to showcase that. If she makes it through far enough, I think her saving grace would be when the judges choose the songs for them!

Bottom 3: Tim, Didi, Katie/Andrew (can't decide - if I had to choose, I would say Katie)
Going home: Tim

Idol Chat: Top 11

It seems we're back to the old, torturous idol of past weeks now....I wasn't really a HUGE fan of too many performances last night. In order from best to worst...

1. Crystal - Bobby McGee - I was sitting at my computer last night while watching idol & for a few moments, I forgot that I was even listening to an Idol contestant. She's just so much more consistent than EVERYONE else on the show & while I may not always love her song choice (she's sort of in a rut, IMO), she knows who she is & stays true to that each week. I predict her to win this season.

2. Casey - The Power of Love - I have to say that it's a pretty sad night when we couldn't find anything better than a good rendition of Huey Lewis to come in at #2...I love the rasp of his voice (perfect for that song) & how he's showing more versatility each week.

3. Siobhan - Superstition - Dear Siobhan, just because you can shriek every week doesn't mean you should. That last note did not make my ears happy. Sincerely, Me

4. Lee - The Letter - I liked the bluesy, big-band vibe of the song. I felt like he got into it more than in past weeks but it was a bit safe. I'm still a Lee fan and I would've put him above Siobhan if I hadn't let the judges persuade me by their comments about the two contestants.

5. Didi - You're No Good - I LOVE Didi's voice & I do think that she was better than the judges gave her credit for (just KIND OF pitchy), but I do agree that the slowed tempo of the song made it very dramatic & theatrical almost.

6. Aaron - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing - great song choice for Aaron again, but he's becoming predictable in that he always chooses the ballads. I'd like to see more personality from him by rocking it out or something. I think he's so adorable :)

7. Mike - When a Man Loves a Woman - I loved the sincerity and power in Mike's voice, however I do feel as though he's plateaued somewhat. I would love to see him really knock it out of the park next week.

8. Katie - Big Girls Don't Cry - I have no idea what the judges were hearing last night but that performance was a hot mess - does anyone agree with me? She was just pitchy and all over the place. I've been expecting so much more from her based on what we'd seen in the past.

9. Andrew - Heard it Through the Grapevine - I thought the performance overall was kind of safe and didn't really have any big elements to show off what he could do. I do think it's good that Miley got him to ditch the guitar because I have a hard time seeing how it would have really fit with the vibe of the song. There was nothing particularly outstanding about his performance & it lacked energy.

10. Tim - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - I agree with the judges that it was kind of corny, but I sort of missed Kara's point about how he's strutting around & sliding around up there like he's an established star & he's not - isn't the point to ENTERTAIN? It was an OK vocal, but not winner material. This song is always the kiss of death (David Radford - cutie crooner several seasons back performed it and got cut that week!) **VFTW candidate still

11. Paige - Against All Odds - not much to say about this one. She totally butchered that song - it was pitchy and all over the place throughout. There really were no positive elements other than she looked really cute.

Bottom 3: Paige, Tim & Andrew.
Going Home: Paige

Idol Chat: Top 12

DH & I agreed that last night was BY FAR the best (finally!) Idol episode so far this season...I wasn't bored to tears, despite the fact that I'm not too well-versed on Stones songs, so I only knew about 5 of them. I didn't completely agree with the judges on some (so you'll notice that my favorite was not their favorite)...I think it's that whole thing where it sounds so much different at home & they'll see that when they watch it back. I just didn't get a couple of the performances like they did! Share your thoughts & comments! DISCUSS! (Remember! These are just my/our opinions!!)

Here they are from my favorite to least favorite!

1. Didi - Play with Fire - what a come-back! I didn't know her song but I loved the intensity & passion in her voice. Defintely her best performance since Hollywood!
2. Crystal - You Can't Always Get What You Want - She's a great performer and she performs like a true star who knows herself and her strengths/limitations. She chose a great song, but I felt it was a bit safe. She's my clear pick to win the comp, but I think she's in danger of all of her songs sounding the same over and over. I think next week she might need to ditch the guitar and really rock it out or do a ballad to surprise everyone.
3. Aaron - Angie - what a doll & from (sort-of) central PA, so I love that, too! I thought the song was a PERFECT choice for him...right before Simon said that he sounded like a Justin Timberlake or something, I told G that he sounded like Jesse McCartney or Nick Carter...
4. Michael - Miss You - loved to see him rock it out and go soulful/bluesy after his serious song last week. The falsetto was pretty good & I love his confidence. I didn't think Simon should be preaching to a brotha' about his corny dancing!! :)
5. Siobhan - Paint it Black - I was excited to hear that she was doing this song because it's my favorite Stones song (like I said, I don't know many) & I thought it was a great match in that the song is pretty dark & she's so mysterious & different. I was kind of disappointed & didn't really get why the judges were going so crazy over it. I know that musically, she changed the intro by switching up the time signature & I didn't like it at all, which I guess they did (this is the only reason I put her ahead of Lee, because her musical talent is evident). I wanted to see her really rock out & I didn't think that she really did.
6. Lee - Beast of Burden - I loved the John Mayer/Dave Matthews vibe that he has. I did feel like he was holding back a bit, but I did love how his version of the song let the lyrics & vocals shine without all the bells & whistles. I think it suits him perfectly!
****I think these 6 could be the top 6!****
7. Katie - Wild Horses - I thought she did better than the past few weeks, as she was finally strong throughout. We loved how she held back at the beginning and really let it build throughout the song. She's got such a pure, trained tone to her voice that we like, but she's inconsistent.
8. Paige - Honky Tonk Woman - good song choice for her (maybe a little corny, surprisingly Simon didn't say that) & amazing that she had laryngitis. She is definitely the diva of the show, but like Katie, she's inconsistent, especially with song choice.
9. Casey - It's All Over Now - G & I had big hopes for Casey but we thought that his song fell flat - his was one of the the ones that we just didn't "get" like the judges did. We loved the bluesy, almost country/southern rock version of the song, but we weren't impressed with his performance & almost felt like he got lost in the song or behind the beat at times throughout. (As Randy would say, I'm still a fan, dawg!)
10. Andrew - Gimme Shelter - I wasn't familiar w/ his song & he really felt like he was holding back. The song needed more intensity, but much better than his past 2 weeks.
11. Lacey - Ruby Tuesday - I'm afraid this might be the end for poor Lacey. She's one of those ones that just hasn't seem to have gotten her stride yet. The song was a good choice for her, but I felt like it almost had an old-timey vibe to it that made it kind of forgettable, especially as early in the show as she performed. It got better through the 2nd chorus & I agreed w/ Ellen about the whole sitting/standing thing!
12. Tim - Under My Thumb - Oh Tim...dear Tim. What can I say? You're cute but you single-handedly turned off every Rolling Stones star with the beach rendition of that song. VFTW or not, I'm afraid his days are numbered.

Idol Chat: Top 16

Before I start posting about the lowdown of this week's Idol shows, I have to throw a question at you...for those of you hanging in there with me, does it bother you that I haven't blogged about IF? For those of you who are IF, would you like to see more posts or does it provide some strange comfort that I'm IF and NOT blogging about it, exclusively? Please give me your feedback...I know this is an IF blog, after all, but I also know that there's life outside of & apart from infertility & I want to know where you stand! Thanks!

Now for the idol recap...next week, I'll start up w/ the more in depth coverage of the individual performances, but for now, I'll just do my overall rankings!

The girls were once again very boring in my opinion...:
Crystal (the line there shows how head & shoulders Crystal is over the other girls...in my opinion, while they are all very talented, the other girls just pale in comparison to her (and I never thought I'd say that!)
********
Lily
Siobhan
Didi
Lacey
Katelyn
Katie*
Paige* (VFTW candidate)

I think Crystal, Lily & Siobhan are the only 3 truly safe ones tonight!

The guys (from the best listed first):
Big Mike
Tim (never thought I'd see him up here!)(VFTW candidate)
Todrick
Alex
Casey
Lee
Andrew*
Aaron*

I think that it was a very mixed up & backwards night for the guys...some of the better ones in my opinion are down at the bottom (Casey, Lee, Andrew) while some of the weaker ones really excelled (Alex, Todrick, Tim - although Alex still does look like a deer in headlights). I don't think Alex or Todrick are completely safe tonight either, though, simply based on prior performances.

American Idol: FINALS!

I'm not going to do a song-by-song run-down this week, but I will do a "round winner" for each round...here goes

Round 1: Kris for sure! Ain't No Sunshine was excellent
Round 2: Adam hands down! I agree 100% with Simon's comments for Kris...and Adam OWNED his song!
Round 3: The song was more in Kris's style of music (which I don't think is fair to Adam & I've said that in years past when both contestants have to sing the same song), so this is a hard call. Both guys were pitchy & I just wasn't a real fan of the song. I'll pick Adam because I felt more emotion from his performance.

I liked Simon's comment at the end about the point of the show being to find a "worldwide star" & I definitely think that Adam fits that more so than Kris...I love Kris, don't get me wrong, but he isn't the kind of guy that I can see selling out concert arenas or anything like that. I just feel like Adam has more of the "star quality" and sustainability.

I think that Kris is going to win (based on the fact that most of Danny's votes will likely go to him), even though I'm all about Adam!! They'll both have albums out in a few months, though!

PS - Carrie Underwood is still my favorite Idol EVER!!

American Idol: Top 3

Judges Choice night!

1. Adam - Cryin' - I really loved Adam's version of this song. I thought he definitely did it justice (as Danny showed last week, Steven Tyler is tough to sing). I did NOT, however, like the back-up singing; it rang in my ears like nails on a chalkboard. I thought he shouted a bit throughout the middle (that's where I thought the backup vocals were competing with him), but overall, great performance!

2. Danny - Paula's Choice: Dance Little Sister - I don't know the original of this song, so I couldn't tell you if it is a copycat performance or if Danny made it his own, but I think that it suits the style of his voice very well. I thought the scatting/improv part was really jazzy in the middle, although I didn't like that the song's verses only seemed to center around a few notes. Good, solid, Danny-esque performance!

3. Danny - You Are So Beautiful - I really like how Danny changed up the song through the middle (respectfully, without mutilating a really beautiful song) & his voice matched Joe Cocker's really well...nice and soft! Danny's awesome!

4. Kris - Heartless - considering Kanye practically murdered his own song on idol several weeks ago, I would think that Kris could only improve upon it...I will say, however, that this doesn't really seem like his style of music, but I have heard an acapella version of this song by The Fray, so I am imagining that he will pick up the same vibe. I do like the guitar & he definitely sounds better than Kanye's digitized version. I love Kris but I think that his journey is ending tonight (no worries - off to bigger and better things!!)

5. Kris - Kara & Randy's Choice: Apologize - it's great to see him sitting at the piano. I think this style of song suits him perfectly & the range fits with his very well. It seemed a little pitchy here and there (but that could have been just because it was hard for us to hear the piano on our end). I think he sounds awesome & my only complaint is that maybe it sounded too much like the original.

6. Adam - Simon's Choice: One - The beginning of the song seems too slow, but I know that just means he's holding back a little. He did pick it up through the middle, but he verged on shouting at times. In general, I'm not a big U2 fan, so this song was just ok for me. I personally think this was one of his worst performances, even though I usually do root for team Adam!

I think that it could go either way between Danny & Kris, but I am guessing that Kris will go home tomorrow. However, if Kris sticks around, Adam probably has a better chance of beating Kris than he does of beating Danny.

American Idol: Top 4

Tonight's theme: Rock & Roll

1. Adam - Whole Lotta Love - this style is definitely his genre (haven't I been saying he's like an Axl Rose??), even though he has done well with each new obstacle - and even though I do actually enjoy his scaled-back ballads, as well. He is absolutely meant to be a rocker. Theatrical, yes, but that's what being a performer is about (especially in the rock/metal genre). Hubby said that Kara must have been taking some Paula pills tonight - she was practically having an O in her chair.

2. Allison - Cry Baby - I'll preface this by saying that I am very anti-Janis Joplin, so hopefully she can make me like it - the good news is that I couldn't tell it was a JJ song anymore. I thought she sounded great and this was actually one of her better performances in my opinion, but still can't compete with the boys, IMO. She's definitely a rocker, as well.

3. Danny - Dream On - This is a really interesting/crazy song choice for Danny because he is SO NOT the rocker - I am a little scared about this one...ok, a LOT scared. I liked the soft & sweet part at the beginning (but it was a little pitchy)...is he going to scream it out like Steven Tyler???? Yes, he did...I think he just might get pulled through the wringer for that one. Definitely a tough song to sing & I'm not so sure he should have tried for the big finish, but if he's gonna go out, I guess go out with style...

4. Kris - Come Together - I love the Beatles & I think this is an ok song choice for Kris (despite the fact that he's not a "rocker" per se), but I'm worried that it isn't enough of a "musical" piece to really show what he can do. The song tends to hover over the same few notes. I think he sounded good & made the best of it. I really liked him playing the guitar. We commented that he doesn't seem like himself this week.

Duets
1. Adam & Allison - Slow Ride - great song for two great rockers! That was really great and they are absolutely veteran performers...the only thing I'll comment about is their outfits...I hate what Allison wears and Adam's pants make him look like he's in the circus!

2. Danny & Kris - Renegade - the harmonies were amazing!!! It's very obvious (looks-wise) that Danny is not a rocker, but his voice actually matched that song really well & I thought he actually did better than Kris who ended up being a bit pitchy in spots. Really nice performance!

Bottom 2: Allison & Kris! (but really anyone's guess!)!
Going Home: Allison

PS - please make sure you check out my other post from earlier today! Major prayers are needed!

American Idol: Top 5

This week's theme: The Rat Pack era

1. Adam - I'm Feeling Good - Ok, I hate to sound like a broken record, but Adam is amazing! They were talking about swagger...ADAM has SWAGGER, baby! I know there's Adam haters out there, but wow...I can't get over what he does with that voice. Un.freakin.believable.

2. Matt - My Funny Valentine - This seems like it should be a great style & song for Matt. He definitely has that crooner-style voice (and look). I loved the control of the runs in the middle of the song & I loved when he started belting out the second half. That kid can SING and I am so, so, SO glad that they saved him (even if he doesn't win). I hope we see a lot more of him!

3. Kris - The Way You Look Tonight - I was kind of taken aback to see Kris in a suit since he's usually in his jeans & tee, but I liked the little bit of casual-ness that he threw in there by loosening his tie a little - I thought the song sounded great - nice & soft & he held back a little. He showed off his range & threw in little runs that were great & it just sounded so sincere. I will actually quote Paula when she said that he could be a "contemporary crooner", like a Michael Buble of sorts, but I also agree with Simon that it wasn't incredible.

4. Danny - Come Rain or Come Shine - Ok first off, Danny looks SMOKIN' tonight! I have to admit that I felt kind of disjointed from the song - I'm not sure if it is the phrasing or the timing of the song, but I didn't really enjoy the performance as much as all of the judges did. I thought he sounded great, but I just wasn't drawn in...but I guess I don't know as much as the judges do!!!!

5. Allison - Someone To Watch Over Me - I definitely think she looks great tonight (finally) & I love this song! I did it in high school at a voice recital! She puts me in mind of Eartha Kitt in this song (although I can admit that the only Eartha Kitt song I know is Santa Baby). This is probably my favorite performance of Allison's - I haven't been a fan in past weeks (even though I agree she can definitely sing), but this style really pushes her to sing instead of shout. She showed a lot of control in this song, but I agree with Simon that I think she's in jeopardy this week, simply because she has a hard time connecting emotionally with her audience.

Bottom 3 (despite great performances by all): Matt, Allison & Kris???

Going home: Allison (due to VFTW factor on Matt)

American Idol: Top 7 (AGAIN!)

Disco week! I can't wait to see what they pull out of their hats this time around! I was kind of surprised that they saved Matt last week! I think he's awesome and has come so far in the competition, but I thought they would save the save for Adam, Danny or Kris, if need be.

1. Kris - She Works Hard For the Money - interesting song choice, but I totally love his acoustic arrangement...kind of like an MTV unplugged thing going on. Kris is really starting to put me in mind of a John Mayer & he's definitely growing on me more and more each week! What a cool, one-of-a-kind performance!
2. Danny - September - great choice for Danny, but I'm not a fan of the scruff going on on his face. I thought he did a great job and I thought this song was a lot of fun! And I agree with Kara, Danny never has pitch problems!
3. Adam - If I Can't Have You - Adam's back to his JoBro/Elvis look & I still can't decide if I like it or not - vocally, I was surprised to see Adam scale it back for disco week (because I think he could have gone really crazy with funky, falsetto, disco-esque stuff). He sounded amazing & he continues to make us expect the unexpected. Not my favorite performance, but still solid &, as always, unique!
4. Matt - Stayin Alive - I'm not so sure how the judges will feel about this song since it's SO cliche disco, but I thought it was a nice performance. I really liked when Matt went up into his falsetto, in true Bee Gees fashion. This was a surprising choice, but I thought he worked it out and really showed his stuff.
5. Allison - Hot Stuff - First of all, her outfit is only marginally better than it has been in the past weeks...she looks half cat-woman, half disco-ball (which I suppose is appropriate). I wasn't really a fan of this performance. Vocally, she sounded good (shouting at times), but I didn't like the arrangement...I didn't feel like there was much meat to it (but what was there, she made it sound great!)
6. Anoop - Dim All the Lights - Just an ok performance from Anoop. I thought he sounded good vocally but there was nothing outstanding in the song's arrangement that really drew me in. I liked that he was doing something softer instead of going "traditional" disco...and I don't like his scruff either.
7. Lil - I'm Every Woman - again, just OK - I felt like this style of music suited her more than any of the others, but I'm just not a fan. Pitchy & all over the place. Sorry, Lil. Your days are numbered. I hope you just saved Matt from his imminent death.

Bottom 3: Lil, Anoop, ???? (Matt)

Going Home: Lil (I hope) & Anoop

American Idol: Top 7

Music from the movies...

Adam - Born to Be Wild - as I've come to expect with Adam, interesting song choice...I love when he breaks out into his metal band shriek. I thought it was a really cool performance and I'm once again floored by his talent...but I agree with Simon that it was a bit theatrical (that's Adam, though) and prior performances were a bit more original in the way that he changed them up.
Danny - Endless Love - Awesome song choice for Danny - I seriously had chills the whole way through this song. His tone just gets me everytime! LOVED.THAT.PERFORMANCE!
Anoop - Everything I Do, I Do it For You - as an aside, this is the first song I ever slow-danced to in 7th grade, so I have an emotional attachment to it - I hope Anoop doesn't disappoint...and he didn't - he gave me chills because he's so sincere and you really feel like he means what he's singing (or as Kara said, I felt so connected!). Awesome job, Anoop!
Kris - Falling Slowly - Kris sounded great, but I was a bit bored with the song...maybe because I wasn't familiar with it. I loved the falsetto. I think he would have made a good choice doing piano this week, but maybe it would have been too distracting for him to do both. Not my favorite of his performances.
Matt - To Really Love a Woman - I loved seeing Matt at the piano still & doing his little falsetto thing. He had some problems in the middle especially with the key change - he started to fall apart a bit. He just tried to do too much. I think this song was just a little too "soft" for him.
Allison - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - after seeing her practice session w/ Quentin, I thought it was going to be a really good match for Allison, but I did NOT like this performance. I thought she was really pitchy, especially in the beginning, and definitely over-singing throughout. I wasn't impressed and I'm surprised the judges didn't hear that.
Lil - The Rose - this song choice makes me really nervous, as it's kind of a traditional voice-lesson recital song (meaning it's pretty easy and sticks to the same 4-5 notes throughout). I did not like how she tried to add runs, etc into the song. The problem with the song is that it its beauty is in its simplicity...doctoring it up ruins it, IMO...and again, she kept starting before the beat almost every phrase...drives.me.crazy.

Bottom 3: Allison, Lil, Anoop

Going Home: Lil

American Idol: Top 8

Here we go with American Idol's top 8 contestants: songs from their birth year (I think this is always my favorite because it allows them to choose any genre!) I loved the pics of the judges - I think Simon was dressed up like someone from Devo!

Allison - I Can't Make You Love Me - Great song choice, although it's hard for me to compare because Carrie Underwood also did this song & she's my favorite idol ever. I thought Allison sounded great & definitely redeemed herself from last week's No Doubt performance...although her wardrobe still has me trying to figure things out...I'm not a fan of the high heels, half-grunge, half-leather, ruffly skirt trend...if there is such a thing.
Matt - Part Time Lovers - I love the funked-out version of Stevie's song & he looks hottt...but slowing it down took some of the sense of urgency out of the original song that made you want to move along to it, so that made it not as good to me as it could be. But Matt is BAAACK!
Adam - Mad World - Ok, so I missed this because Idol ran long and I was watching it on Tivo, which didn't record it, but I went back on youtube to find it (click my link). I didn't really love the song, even though it was musically great...what I do love however is that Adam always keeps you guessing & I think that's really important in music today...unless, of course, you are Britney Spears and you don't mind that all of your songs sound exactly the same. And hey...he got a standing ovation from Simon, so my words don't really matter anyway!
Danny (I love how Danny's the oldest and he's only 6 days older than me...greeeeaaat) - Stand By Me - As always, Danny had great tone in his voice (I think the song was a perfect match to his style, range, and ability) & I really liked how he changed things up.
Anoop - way to be a big man and apologize, Anoop! - True Colors - interesting song choice (in a good way!), and the arrangement was nice. There was nothing super flashy about it but it was soft & sweet and just nice to listen to. Way to go, Anoop!
Kris - All She Wants to do is Dance - interesting song choice; the arrangement definitely made it different, but it was kind of confusing to me...Kris is my favorite (even though I love Adam and think he will win), but this just didn't do it for me. I just didn't "get it."
Lil - What's Love Got to do with It? - for probably the 3rd or 4th week in a row, I felt like Lil was behind tempo a bit & trying to drag it out...The song was just OK. It seemed kind of "flat" compared to Tina Turner's version of the song...She sounded like she was getting very tired by the end of the song...it amazes me that Lil has never been in the bottom 3 thus far because she just hasn't been impressing me lately and I don't think that she has been listening to what the judges have been telling her each week (even though she says she has).
Scott - The Search is Over - I thought the song was really soft & sweet at the beginning, but once he started in with the guitar (which I thought I would like), it seemed more like a kid in his garage, playing along to the radio. He started to fall off pitch and basically just fell apart.

Bottom 3 this week: Scott, Lil & Anoop
Going home: Scott, even though he is being promoted now on VFTW

American Idol: Top 9

I ended up doing pretty well with last week's predictions (two out of the bottom three, and who went home). Let's check out the top 9...

Kris - Ain't No Sunshine - I love how multi-instrumental so many of the contestants are this year. The beginning of that song gave me CHILLS and he's such a cutie. The thing I think I like the most about Kris is that he is just himself - he doesn't need flashy clothes or guyliner. He wears a tee and jeans & makes it all about the music. Nice, solid performance.
Danny - Rascal Flatts - soft & sensitive. I could really feel the emotion coming through in his voice & he seemed so sincere. I love the "gravel-ly" tone of his voice, which I think sounds like Michael Bolton a little bit (even though I'm not a big MB fan or anything). Well done! (yeah, Simon!!!)
Adam - Wild Cherry - Rock it out, Adam! The things he does with his voice are just amazing & I like the changes that he made in the verses of the song. I love the young Elvis look that he's keeping. He's a total rock star! I love that he's humble & knows what works for him.
Scott - Billy Joel - Great song/voice match for Scott, but he's definitely not Billy...I like the new hair. Definitely his best performance from the recent weeks, with the most emotion, but I still think he's in danger. PS - Paula, again, what are you SAYING? I swear, she researches all of these musical terms to try to incorporate them into her critique, regardless of whether or not she knows how to use them appropriately.
Allison - No Doubt - Gwen Stefani is a good voice match with Allison, but I had to laugh when she said "I grew up listening to this song" like Don't Speak is such a classic or something (plus it made me feel old! LOL). Her outfit & hair are horrible, IMO (Amen, Randy!). I thought the song was OK, but I felt like there are so many songs that are both more musical & more lyrical than this one. I mean, her voice sounded good, but I think there are so many songs where should could have sounded GREAT.
Lil - Celine Dion - I'm nervous about this one - you really have to have the pipes to sing Celine. Again, I feel like she's lagging behind the music a bit, almost like she's trying to get the musicians to slow down. This was definitely one of her better performances, although it was a bit pitchy throughout the middle (especially around the key changes). I felt like she was "sliding up" to too many of the notes (not really as effortless as Kara made it sound, IMO). I loved how her little girl hugged Randy, though :)
Matt - The Fray - The beginning was very pitchy for me (dawg). You can definitely tell this isn't the style of music for Matt, but I didn't think that it was terrible. I didn't like his set-up with him out in the middle of the mini stage, surrounded by "fans" - it made him seem like less of a big star & more of a club singer, which is NOT what he needs, especially after (wrongly) being in the bottom 3 last week. Definitely not one of his best performances.
Anoop - he did an Usher song, which I wasn't familiar with. I felt like I couldn't understand a lot of the words, and in general, it was just ok. PS - don't talk back to the judges. PSS - Paula, WTH are you saying? I am so confused.
Megan - Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill - I never heard this song either (which is odd since I do listen to popular music). She sounds like some popular singer, but I can't put my finger on who...Sara Bareilles maybe? I thought the song sounded good & was a good choice for her, but it was just one-dimensional to me...there wasn't much "meat" to it. PS - I love how Simon was making faces at Paula's vision of Megan sitting on a stool...nonetheless, I thought they were hard on her (but still not enough to make her safe this week)***EDITED TO ADD...I figured out who her voice reminds me of...Nelly Furtado!

Bottom 3: Megan, Scott & Anoop (regardless of the quality of their performance)
Going Home: Scott

American Idol: Top 10

Here's the idol run-down this week.

1. Matt - I thought he was the best this week, even though everyone was all over Adam. His song was just soooo sexy and he's so soulful & versatile.
2. Adam - Once again, I loved him & he totally redeemed himself after last week's odd (albeit talented) performance. He looked like a cross between Elvis and the Jonas Brothers (the suit!). I loved the falsetto! I was touched by Smokey's standing ovation and how Adam really wanted to get to the story behind the song (tracks of my tears). The "unplugged" version rocked! Wow!
3. Kris - I loved his sweet & simple rendition of How Sweet it Is. I consider myself to be pretty musically versed, so I was shocked to find out that the song was actually a Marvin Gaye tune...I had only ever known the James Taylor version. Kris is a cutie!
4. Allison - I thought her performance was great. It was the perfect song choice for her & I still can't get over the fact that she is only 16, but I do get a little annoyed that she seems a bit cocky (ok, rightfully so), especially how much in disbelief she was last week to be in the bottom 3. I mean, I was shocked, too, but as we know from Chris Daughtry, you're NEVER safe!
5. Danny - Ok, so his dancing was a little corny this time, but it was another solid Danny performance. I was kind of confused, though, how they spent so much time in the pre-song clip, talking about the suggestions that Smokey gave him and then he didn't make the changes anyway.
6. Anoop - another solid performance from Anoop. I loved how it was soft & sweet and we got to see some of his falsetto. Not too much to say, but good job!
7. Lil - I didn't really like her song & I agree completely with the judges when they say that this didn't give her the chance to really show what she could do & she really had her chance to shine this week, but it just didn't work. I felt like she kept falling behind the tempo (as I thought with her song last week).
8. Michael - I think his days are numbered. I said during the song that I felt like he was shouting a lot & they said that during the critique. I agree that he's sort of just playing the waiting game until he gets kicked off, but I love his attitude that he's still one of the top 10 on one of the greatest shows on tv.
9. Megan - That song just wasn't good...I was not impressed, but in general I think she's been overrated for a while...but she was better last week when she was sick, which is really sad.
10. Scott - I thought it was a really bad song choice & I wasn't impressed. I felt like he didn't carry the song well.

Bottom 3: Scott, Megan, Michael

Going home: Michael

American Idol: Top 11

Here's a quick run-down this week so that I can get it in before the results show comes on...

1. Matt - He was really awesome & I think it's so funny how the judges are saying he's like Michael Buble & Justin Timberlake, since I've said both of those before. I also told DH he reminds me of a young Billy Joel. Awesome job this week! I want to see him rock something out soon!
2. Anoop - Wow! He went from second worst to second best for me all in a week! He did an awesome job on that song...it was nice to have the slow pace, but still feel his energy and emotion in the song...I'm not a big Willie fan, so I can say that I definitely took a liking to Anoop's version more than the original.
3. Danny - I loved the SOUL that he brought to his performance tonight. I found it interesting that two GUYS chose to perform Carrie Underwood songs, but they totally did them justice. Way to go, Danny!
4. Allison - the tone of her voice is just amazing and I love how she blew Randy Travis away. I think she chose the perfect song to have a little fun but still show off what she can do!
5. Kris - His song was so soft and sweet. There was nothing huge, but that was what made it memorable - it was tender and all about his vocals. I really enjoyed it!
6. Megan - did a really great job, especially for being sick. I loved her hair, but hated the top part of her dress. I am in love with the tone of her voice, but her inflection was almost too much (the jazzy, scatty kind of sound). The judges didn't comment on that though, so maybe it's just me
7. Alexis - I thought Alexis struggled in her upper register & therefore wasn't as powerful as I would have though she would be. I didn't like her hair and I thought it made her look old. The song could have been a good one, but it just didn't do it for me this week.
8. Adam - As much as I love him, I felt like I was at a 60's orgy...that was just so weird, or as DH put on his notes to me (he watched the show last night), "WTF???" It wasn't that it was BAD, per se, just STRANGE! I liked how Kara put it, "I'm confused, but sort of happy"
9. Michael - I definitely think that Garth was a good pick for Michael, since he definitely has the same husky tone to his voice as Garth, but I think one of Garth's ballads or slower songs would have been better...like the Thunder Rolls or even Rodeo...I did like when he said "Country Music's 'bout havin' some fun!" You go, Michael!
10. Scott - I do agree with Paula (shock of shocks!) that I would like to maybe see Scott out on a stool singing right to the audience. It isn't that he isn't amazing with the piano, but I would like to get that other connection with him...KWIM? Anyone? I thought he sounded good once the tempo of the song picked up.
11. Lil - I do not think this was a good song choice for Lil. Martina is very hard to match & I felt like Lil was often falling behind the tempo of the song. I wasn't really feeling her energy and sort of thought that it fell flat in parts. I wonder if this could be the end of the road.

Bottom 3: Michael, Scott & Lil
Going home: Lil

PS - I love the comments coming in on my Wait! posts! It's definitely giving a lot of perspective...and in many ways shows me how far I've come from my days of being down in the depths...

A break from "Wait!" for some Idol

Last year I posted updates & ranked my favorites each week on American Idol and I thought I would do the same this year. The Rocks in My Dryer blog (Shannon) used to have a Mr. Linky up, but I haven't seen it yet this year, so I'll start my own here...maybe if we have any other idol viewers, we could start our own Mr. Linky to link up to YOUR idol chat!

Here is my rank of the evening (I had to watch it this afternoon, actually, because we have bible study on Tuesday nights)
1. Adam - I realize he's an acquired taste for many viewers, but I just love him! I love that he's different and comfortable with who he is! His song was great and his vocals are amazing (and so unique). He's like Pete Wentz (looks) meets Axl Rose (voice)...KWIM? He just came out of nowhere for me, too, because I wasn't nuts about him early-on.
2. Danny - Totally awesome & I loved his moves...I liked when the girls said that his moves were just part of the music, not cheesy dance moves (like, say...Taylor Hicks?). And I love that he loves his church music
3. Matt - I loved him in Hollywood & then he kind of faded for me during the top 36. I thought he got a bit boring & forgettable, but he was HOT this week! What a great voice and I love that little falsetto (Justin Timberlake) thing he's got going on...sexy :)
4. Allison - She's really cool & at 16, I am totally impressed. The tone of her voice is so developed, you would think she'd been singing (professionally for 20 years)...and I love that she was joking with Simon
5. Michael - I really liked his song choice & I love the emotion that he puts into his songs. I was getting a bit teary by the end of it actually. And he's gotta make the top 5 when he tells Paula & Kara "Yes Ma'am" anytime they ask him a question! :)
6. Alexis - this definitely wasn't her strongest performance but I still really liked it and it was neat to see her rocking it out. She did oversing a bit, as the judges said, but that isn't ALWAYS a bad thing, IMO.
7. Kris - I thought he was "ok." I thought it was interesting because I was taking notes as I was watching it & I wrote "acoustic guitar seems odd in this song" and sure enough, Simon said the same thing. It seems that, if nothing else, his guitar keeps him in his comfort zone, which is fine, but, again, not right for that song.
8. Lil - again, just OK. I liked her song & agreed with Simon that I did not like her outfit...I thought she started the show off great...it's just that I saw lots of other good ones after her!
9. Megan - WOW! What an interesting song choice...I guess that's part of her personality though...quirky & always keeps you guessing. I still love her voice & definitely don't think she's a bad singer, but her song choice tonight was just WAY OFF. And it surprises me that she's being touted on Vote for the Worst this week...I swear, that site promotes the middle-of-the-road singers so that they can feel better about themselves, rather than actually promoting the worst singer...which really WAS NOT Megan.
10. Jasmine - I love the control of her voice, but I agree that she tends to go a bit robotic. She's great for being so young, but unfortunately, the only thing I remember about her is how cute she looked & not what she sang...
11. Scott - I love him & I thought he sounded good. I loved that he played the piano on a song that he just learned this week. Unfortunately for Scott, however, he misses out on the opportunity to connect with his audience by physically getting into the music which, as we know, is such a huge part of the Idol performance experience...I just hope he can stick around for at least another week!
12. Anoop - I did not expect that song from him at all & I am really disappointed because I was rooting for him...He said about wanting to pick a more energetic song, but I think he assumed that an up-tempo song would automatically create more energy on the stage...I just wasn't feelin' it Anoop Dogg :(
13. Jorge - I know the language thing is an issue for him & I was really excited for him to make it into the top 12/13, but that just wasn't the right song...as Simon would say, "I felt like I was on a cruise ship."

Going home predictions: Anoop & Jorge

American Idol - Top 6

Andrew Lloyd Weber week - interesting!

Syesha - song from Starlight Express - I wasn't familiar w/ it, but she sounded great. The jazzy feel is great for her!
David A. - Think of Me - I thought it sounded good - the ending was really nice - such an amazing singer and what a sweetie-pie!
David C. - Music of the Night - wow - interesting choice - I'm not sure I'm into this one - I totally agreed w/ Simon that he made the most of it, but not the side of him we prefer to see.
Carly - Jesus Christ, Superstar - awesome song choice (way to go, ALW!) - I thought she over-sang it a little bit, though
Brooke - Evita - just ok - like the judges said, the mess up totally did her in, but I like how she isn't making excuses this week.
Jason - Memories - interesting song choice, I'm kind of nervous about this one - I think he did ok, but I have a feeling the judges will be tough on this one

Bottom 3: Carly, Brooke, Jason
Going home: Brooke

American Idol - Top 7, plus a little sumthin'

Not a Mariah fan, so I don't have much to say this week...in general, I was bored by most ppl's songs...so I am only ranking them from best to "not the best" and not really commenting much...

1. David Cook - cool song - he's so musically talented
2. Jason - what a cutie pie & I totally agreed with Paula (gasp!) and Simon!
3. David Archuleta - always my favorite (but he really was great)
4. Carly Smithson - big song, big voice
5. Syesha - Ditto above
6. Brooke - good song choice - I agreed w/ Randy...and I love Brooke, but I hate how she always comments on what they say to her...just accept it...no excuses..
7. Kristy - pretty good - she seems to be improving each week

Agreed with Simon: the guys won the night!

Bottom 3: tough call now, they are all so good: Kristy, Syesha, Carly
Going Home: Kristy

DH says: Kristy, Syesha, Brooke
Going Home: Syesha

*****************************************
Infertility update! AF showed, so I start my lupron tomorrow & go for ultrasound & bloodwork in the morning! I start stims on Thursday - bring it on, baby! Let's make some eggs!

I miss all of my blogging buddies - I promise I'll post you some comment love very soon! Between this IVF cycle & trying to get our house market-ready, things have been...let's say UNBELIEVABLY CRAZY!!!

And just to make you smile...Disney's Desperate Housewives...

American Idol - Top 8

Sorry this is late! I won't be going very in-depth because I just watched it now from the Tivo since we didn't have time last night...

Here is my order from the evening:
1. Jason Castro - so cute & sweet - what a great song! I love that arrangement!
2. David Archuleta - I agreed completely w/ Simon - great song choice, he sounded good & since Simon wanted to be nit-picky, he was a little nasally.
3. Syesha - I thought she sounded great & they were overly harsh
4. Kristy - Wow - this is the first time she has ever been in my top 5
5. Carly - I agree w/ them that she was kind of shouting, but I still thought it sounded good
6. Brooke - I was surprised w/ her - I thought she would have been awesome on that song, but she was just OK.
7. David Cook - I didn't really feel his performance tonight - it was a'ight
8. Michael Johns - I thought everyone sounded good tonight so I don't really have anything negative to say.

Bottom 3: Brooke, Kristy, Syesha
Going home (is someone going home? Last year, they didn't on Idol Gives Back week): Syesha