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Girls Semi Finals: The Ladies Answer Back!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Laura L | 1 Comment

Tonight we get to hear from the ladies. My expectations are high, and they need to be to get a female winner on this show.

1. Chelsea Sorrell

Cowboy Cassanova by Carrie Underwood

She is alright, but the song was a bit big for her. She also fell flat a few times throughout he song. She has potential, and she has a good country voice, but I don’t know if it was good enough to fly past tonight.

RATING:

+1/2

2. Erika Van Pelt

What About Love by Heart

Good Song! Her voice is deep and sultry, but her on stage entertainment factor was a bit lacking. I thought she was just sauntering around the stage a bit, and there wasn’t any huge climax. But I would looove to see her again.

RATING:

3. Jen Hirsh

One and Only by Adele

This girl is sooo Kat McPhee it is not even funny. Which is a good thing considering McPhee’s recent resurgence. I was looking forward to her the most of all the girls, and it was a little underwhelming for me. Not that it wasn’t a good performance, but my expectations were very high. I hope we will see her again. Even if she isn’t top 5, I think she will be a wildcard pick.

RATING:

4. Brielle Von Hugel

The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

I want to hate her because her personality is so obnoxious. But this was a halfway decent performance. I thought it was way too typical for her to start by sitting among the boys on the stage. But I actually like her voice and her stage presence. A strong, on key vocal.

RATING:

5. Hallie Day

Feelin Good by Michael Buble

I wasn’t feeling this performance. There were some off-key moments where she pushed a little too much. She is ok, but maybe requires a little more polish for this show. Meh, it was just ok.

RATING:

6. Skylar Laine

Stay With Me by Faces

Love Love Love. She is such an entertainer. This is what Lauren Alaina always wanted to be and never could. I am a huge fan already. This was such an exciting rocking performance. She is very Reba. Love her.

RATING:

7. Baylie Brown

Amazed by Lonestar

She kind of blew this whole thing. Bad, overdone song choice. Off key start. Yikes. I feel bad, because I’m sure she is not typically this off. But even if she was spot on pitch, I would still knock her song choice. Pick something that hasn’t been done 100 times on this show before.

RATING:

8. Hollie Cavanaugh

Reflection by Xtina Aguilera

I can’t get over her accent! Fortunately it doesn’t come out in her singing. Which was fabulous, by the way. I remember her being awesome from last year. And then she got zero screen time up until now. But wow…she made an impression tonight. Huge voice, perfect pitch. Holy crappers! She was amazing. I can’t wait to see her again.

RATING:

9. Haley johnsen

Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics

This performance was pretty much a hot mess. I felt like she was off pitch, I didn’t like this dark vibe she had. The arrangement was bad, she was yelling and straining her voice trying to do runs she had no business doing. Not a fan. And I don’t think the voting audience will be either.

RATING:

10. Shannon Magrane

Go Light Your World by Kathy Triccoli

The whole thing was a little too beauty pageant for me. The dress, the bad ballad. Bleh. The whole thing was way too old for her and unexciting for a 16-year-old to be performing. Technically proficient, but just kind of off.

RATING:

11. Jessica Sanchez

Love You I Do by Jennifer Husdon

This tiny little girl has one huge voice! I would not expect that to come out of her. She has great control and great stage presence, too. I worry that she doesn’t quite have the emotional connection, but maybe she can grow into that. I think she will be top 13.

RATING:

12. Elise Testone

One and Only by Adele

The second time we’ve heard this Adele song tonight. But Elise gets the pimp spot over Jen Hirsh. But I have to admit, I liked Jen’s version better. But she gets points for recycling her room service flowers.

RATING:

My top three favorites should come as no surprise: Jessica, Skylar, and Hollie. Then add in Jen Hirsh and maybe Erika? or Elise? But let me say this now…the girls are way stronger than the guys. Although that was the case last year, and we didn’t get a female winner out of that. But maybe one of these girls can slay the dragon.

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Posted in News

Guys Semi Finals: Surprise! Jermaine is Back.

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Laura L | 1 Comment

Wow, our first live show! I thought it would never get here. Idol has a fancy pants new stage, too, and Ryan is dressed to match. Tonight the guys perform and they are all aiming to be in the top 5. The top 5 guys and girls move forward into the finals, and the remaining contestants have to fight for a wildcard spot from each of the judges, which will round out the top 13.

1. REED GRIMM

Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

Glad to see that the Voice/Idol crossover continues on the other side of the coin, as well. Reed shows America the wonder of the cheese curd, and now I am extremely hungry for cheese. The performance itself started out well, and I liked the swagger he brought, but then the standing drum set, the scatting, the galloping all over the stage–well it all got a bit over the top for me. Simon would have called it horrendous. The current judges seemed to love it. I am somewhere in the middle. Dude just needs to calm down a bit.

RATING:

2. ADAM BROCK

Think by Aretha Franklin

I want to say it is an original choice for him to sing a large black woman’s song, but since the producers constantly remind us that he has one living inside him, it is almost a predictable choice. His voice has power but the shades of his voice are not that extensive. He has a good shot of making the finals but he definitely won’t win this thing. The performance was adequate but “I’m not jumping out my chair.”

RATING:

+1/2

3. DEANDRE BRACKENSICK

Reasons by Earth Wind and Fire

When he is in the lower falsetto he lacks control. Unfortunately the verses of this song showcased that weakness. I understand that some people might like this vocal technique (Hello, JLo), but I personally do not enjoy him at all. However, I liked the last note that he belted in his lower range. I feel like I could like him if he sings more of that. But for now, not really a fan.

RATING:

4. COLTON DIXON

Decode by Paramore

I love him. Like, A LOT. I think he is really talented, both vocally and musically in general. I think girls will like him, and he could be radio friendly in some “I wanna be emo but really I’m mainstream” type band.

RATING:

+1/2

5. JEREMY ROSADO

Gravity by Sara Barellies

Um, that was bad. I was not impressed with his voice. I was never impressed by any of his performances throughout the audition process actually–I always thought he was carried by his group. They let David Leathers go for this guy? Because I can’t be totally mean, the performance was technically proficient. He didn’t sing off-key or anything. But his voice is weak and the stage and the backing vocals just seemed to swallow him up. In this stiff competition, I doubt he makes the cut.

RATING:

6. Aaron Marcellus

Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5

I enjoy his voice, and I enjoy the song choice, but did he miss the memo that choosing a song with “goodbye” in the title is the ultimate Idol kiss of death? Dude will definitely not make it. And in a season where the guys category appears to be well populated with male black soulful singers, someone is going to have to get the boot. He is generic and didn’t really get enough buzz or face time to be memorable. But don’t worry, Aaron, i am still a fan!

RATING:

+1/2

7. Chase Likens

Storm Warning by Hunter Hayes

Blah. Blah Blah. He was cast as the requisite male country artist, but in the standard of the real world, there is no way he could have a career in country music. He is just one in a million guys. There is nothing unique about him. Proficient? Yes. On Key? Yes. But I was just so bored.

RATING:

8. Creighton Fraker

True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

I hope he can act because he will be great on Broadway. There is no way he makes the cut tonight, though. I just don’t see what type of fan base he will find on this show. Good voice and good control. I love his range, too. Maybe with a different song I would feel differently, but I just can’t see him on this show. And what is up with the faux-hawks this season?

RATING:

9. Phillip Phillips

In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins

This kid is Dave Matthews. Or really trying to emulate him anyway. He pulls it off quite well, and I would actually love to see him sing some Dave (or a song Dave covered, which would be cool.) There was much buzz on twitter about him winning the whole thing because he is a white guy with a guitar, and they certainly have a track record. But I’m still thinking positive and rooting for the ladies tonight. As for Phil’s performance, he does need to stick to the melody a bit more and will eventually need to change up his shtick as to not get boring throughout the next few months. But he definitely has staying power.

RATING:

10. EBEN FRANCKEWITZ

Set Fire To The Rain by Adele

Let me reiterate…they sent home David Leathers for this guy? Really? He is 15, he looks 11. He chooses to sing Adele and absolutely fails. I hated the whole thing. His emotions are totally flat, his voice is very juvenile, and he was singing under pitch. Maybe there is a place for him in the world of Radio Disney, but he seems like he might even be too uncool for that. Hate to bash a little kid like this but he is absolutely not ready for this.

RATING:

11. Heejun Han

Angels by Robbie Williams

Maybe if he sticks around he will earn enough money to by real lenses for his glasses. Overall, I am on the fence about this guy. He is mostly on pitch, but there is something off about his style. Maybe it is his pronunciation or lack of enunciation, but his performances seem a little sloppy. I really want to like him, and sometimes he surprises me, but I could live without him in the finals.

RATING:

12. Joshua Ledet

You Pulled Me Through by Jennifer Hudson

Amen Brotha! In the last few seasons we have had some gospel singers on the stage (Lusky Stank, anyone?) but this guy is the best, most powerful, and most moving one of all of them. I may not be a fan of gospel or r&b singing in general, but I recognize his talent. I am rooting for him to make it through.

RATING:

13. Jermaine Jones

Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross

Surprise! Jermaine is back! I was still rooting for David Leathers, but it is a good story that he (and his mama) came back. However, I hate that he chose this overdone and totally predictable song. Nothing off-key or anything, I was just bored. Blah. I would like to see him on a much more creative song choice. Plus, I like how he makes Ryan look like a midget. And he got the pimp spot, so he might squeak through.

RATING:

+1/2

Tonight was a bit lackluster for me. My favorite by far was Colton Dixon–he might even be my favorite of the whole competition, but I will reserve judgement until I watch the girls (I know…me have a guy favorite? That hasn’t happened since Daughtry!)

I also think PhilPhil will do well in the competition, but is the world ready for the second coming of DMB? Not sure. My top 5 guys would be Adam, Colton, Jacob, Phillip, and Aaron, but Jermaine will make it in place of Aaron. I doubt it will actually go down this way–my ability to predict the idol voting population has significantly decreased in recent seasons.

Looking forward to the ladies, who will likely (fingers crossed) outshine the guys.

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Posted in American Idol, Idol 11, Performance Shows

The Voice Auditions 5

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Laura L | 1 Comment

The last audition show! Thank the Voice gods. I am anxious for the next round.

Whitney Myer – “No One” – I love her voice! She takes some wonderful liberties with her runs and inflections she makes on the song. I think she is one of the best auditioners thus far. She went TEAM ADAM.

David Dunn – “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” – He had some wavering in his voice and he wasn’t as strong as he could have been. He has a nice voice but sounded nervous and I think that is why the judges were hesitant.

The Sheilds Brothers – “Dancing With Myself” – These guys are two balls of energy! And slightly chaotic. Maybe CeeLo will help channel that energy into success. They go TEAM CEELO.

Cheesa – “If I Were A Boy” – She was a little weak in her lower register, but in the heart of the song she was strong, yet sort of uncontrolled. I understand their hesitation. But ultimately she went TEAM CEELO.

Preston Shannon – “The Midnight Hour” – This guy is pretty awesome, and no one picked him! They are all crazy. No one turns around for this guy.

Lex Land – “I Can’t Make You Love Me” – I am actually not a fan of her’s…she sounded really nervous. Maybe she would be better outside this situation. But she goes TEAM BLAKE.

Cameron Novack – “You Oughta Know” – This guy was awesome, and CeeLo said he made a mistake. He is extremely versatile, too. But no one turns their chair around.

Orlando Napier – “Waiting On The World To Change” – I loved this performance and I’m surprised Adam is the only one to turn around. This guy has some serious natural talent, and will probably be pretty awesome. He goes TEAM ADAM.

Lee Koch – “Like A Rolling Stone” – The harmonica got Xtina in the end! He had an interesting tone, but no range, really. But maybe he has a few tricks up his sleeve. He goes TEAM XTINA.

Wade – “Rehab” – This was a fun rendition of this often heard song. He will be perfect on TEAM CEELO.

Adley Stump – “Last Name” – She was WAY pitchy. She was just all over the place. I can’t believe that both Blake and Xtina picked her. Desperate at the end, guys? She goes TEAM BLAKE.

Beta, Aaron Gordon, and Lana Lowe, all get rejected by Xtina before she finds her match.

Sera Hill – “I’m Going Down” – Aw, Xtina gets up and sings, and Sera holds her own with that diva! This one has some talent, and will be great on TEAM XTINA.

The blind auditions are over! Yay! Next week we have the battle rounds, and this will prove to be very exciting. I am exciting for the format to change up a little. Plus Kelly C makes an appearance. Always good for some vocal reality show crossover. Until then!

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Posted in Auditions, The Voice

Top 24 Season 11

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Laura L | 2 Comments

Here you go…the full list!

The Guys (in no particular order):

Adam Brock
Jeremy Rosado
Chase Likens
Aaron Marcellus
Deandre Brackensick
Eben Franckewitz
Creighton Fraker
Joshua Ledet
Reed Grimm
Heejun Han
Phillip Phillips
Colton Dixon
One more guy from the following list: David Leathers, Richie Law, Johnny Keyser, Jermaine Jones.

The Ladies (in no particular order):

Brielle Von Hugel
Jessica Sanchez
Baylie Brown
Chelsea Sorrell
Erika Van Pelt
Elise Testone
Haley Johnsen
Jen Hirsh
Hollie Cavanaugh
Skylar Laine
Shannon Magrane
Hallie Day

I wonder if the ladies will receive a surprise 13th contestant, as well? If so, I hope it is Schyler Dixon or Gabi Carubba! I miss you girls already!

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Posted in News

Final Judgement Part 2

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Laura L | 1 Comment

Ahhh, the last night before the live shows! Tonight we get to meet the full top 24. Let’s get to it!

Adam Brock – Last night we cliff-hung with Adam Brock, as he awaited his fate. Naturally, we found out that he mad the TOP 24.

Jeremy Rosado – “I Don’t Know You” – I am always distracted by his yellow tongue! He did have some crazy notes in his final performance. Jen was really moved by it. He also makes the TOP 24.

Shannon Magrane – “Trouble With Love” – She rocks and old school Kelly song! It was a really amazing performance, actually. And she makes it through to the TOP 24.

Scott Dangerfield – “Folsom Prison Blues” – Um, Scott, buddy, what kind of sweater are you rocking? Good choice of song though. Aw, he gets cut though. It was probably the sweater.

We see three anonymous faces go home that we haven’t even met before. Goodbye people! Maybe the producers will give you face time next year…

Skylar Laine – “Fancy” – She can rock out Reba! I like this little girl. She is a better version of Lauren Alaina. Yay she makes the Top 24, too

Hallie Day, Chase Likens, and Aaron Marcellus all make it through! Top 24!

Deandre Brackensick – “Thinking” (?) – Dude, falsetto only in small increments! I mean, i have no idea what song he sang…maybe it was meant for that. But still. I was not a fan. But I do enjoy his regular voice. he will get a chance to show it off next week because he makes it to the TOP 24.

Jermaine Jones – “I Believe In You And Me” – I didn’t love this song for him. But he really did have some good performances. Unfortunately he didn’t make it. This was the worst cut that we got to see from these final judgement episodes. So heartbreaking. Ugh.

Ariel Sprague, Shelby Tweetin, and Hollie Cavanaugh, are vying for one last female spot. Hollie! We haven’t seen you at all yet this year, but don’t think we don’t remember you! Hollie sang “Believe You Can Change the World” for her final performance, and was even better than I remember her. But Hollie makes it to the TOP 24! Shelby and Ariel are going home.

David Leathers and Eben Franckewitz are vying for the last male spot. David sang “I Want You Back” for his final performance, while Evan crooned out “You Are So Beautiful.” David gets sent home (wha wha what?) and Eben makes it through. Wow – that was actually a shocker to me. David would be SO GOOD on this show. Blah.

Well we have our top 24! The big “shocker” is that there will be another guy in the top 12 to make it a top 13 guys. But we don’t know who it will be yet. It is one of the four though:

Jermaine Jones, David Leathers, Richie Law, Johnny Keyser. I’m rooting for David on this one, but would love to see Johnny again, too. Good luck, boys!

Next week we are three-a-week idol episodes. Which means I will have to delay watching The Biggest Loser on Tuesday. Sad. Fortunately I live in DVR land now…thank god for dual tuning! Until then…

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Posted in American Idol, Hollywood Week, Idol 11