American Idol - No Yellow Brick Road

Here is my review folks...am I wrong? (My friend is in Italics)

Scotty – Good as usual. Consistency is a great thing but I fear that Scotty is too good at it. What happens several weeks from now when we see the same ol’ Scotty again and again. And I suggest keeping the guitar though, it was a nice touch and stopped him from doing that weird caressing of the mic thing he does. I agree! I think he is very talented…I just always hope he will shock everyone and do something out of his comfort zone…I just don’t see that happening. I don’t think he will win, but he will be successful in the country music world.

Naima – BARF! Why can’t this girl just sing a freaking song!?! I’m sorry honey but your fake accent, your dancing or your rap style ain’t going to save you for long. And am I the only one who found her reggae voice annoying? Why does your voice change? Gwen Stefani has heavy reggae influences in her music but she never sounds like she’s developed that reggae sound, the bitch sings in her own voice. And your shout out to people who are overcoming obstacles in their life doesn’t seem so moving when someone else told you to say it. I think maybe you should have asked them to edit that bit out. Or perhaps they are helping set-up your demise. Cause you need to go…and I vote you’ll be one of the two tonight! Amen! Her look, her sound, her teeth! Ugh. I just cant wait this girl perform. She is terrible!!! I HATE when people change themselves, she talks like she’s ghetto, than she performs like she is from Jamaica born and raised….gross!!! Bye Bye Naima!

Paul – He’s not doing much for me anymore. I like him with his guitar, his awkward swag is definitely at a normal level. But I think these themed weeks are only going to hurt him because he has such a distinct sound. He’s safe tonight…but for how long…depends on the themed weeks I suppose. I do think he is safe this week, but only because I know Naima will be one to go. I don’t see him sticking around much longer, even though I don’t mind looking at his face. But I don’t enjoy his performances anymore….boring.

Pia – For me, this was Pia’s best performance. It may seem simple but her little walk on stage, the lightening and the background chorus gave her usual ballad number a little pep. I don’t think she’s going to make it all the way but if she can keep upping her game, maybe I’ll like her one day. This girl is gorgeous and she has some serious pipes. I just want to see her do something current, something more up beat and exciting….if I recall correctly, I believe she mentioned last night that if she sticks around she will be singing No River, No Mountain, that doesn’t get me excited at all.

Stefano – I hate to say it, but this kid isn’t going anywhere. I’m so sorry Stefano but making eye contact still doesn’t make you connect to the audience. And not only that your singing isn’t phenomenal. Enjoy your run on Idol because this is your fifteen minutes of fame. This is the part in the show when I get so bored, I go to the kitchen to grab a snack….hoping he will be done by the time I get back. Stefano who?

Lauren – Very refreshing last night. I agree with the judges one of her best performances and I like her more subdued like this. She has moments in her past performances that just look too cocky and annoying. But last night she found the right balance. Except did anyone think she was a little Paula Abdul’ish with Ryan Seacrest after her performance? This girl is super safe. I really like her. She has uniqueness to her voice. She is young and keeps it young. She is definitely safe for a while, but once the boring ones get filtered out…I don’t see her sticking around all the way till the end.

James – Oh, James how I love thee. And not always for the right reasons. Only you have the power to make a piano spontaneously combust into flames while doing semi-back bend in skin tight jeans. How I love to laugh at thee…but flaming aside, I still like him. He has moves. He has a voice when he isn’t screeching and he’s just likeable to me. Safe! His stage presence may be a little corny at times, but at least he puts on a show, he performs for the audience. I always look forward to what he will do. He always makes the songs his own and he has a great voice. I have a feeling he will be in the top three, tight pants and bandana tail ‘n all.

Thia – Snoozefest! And I hope and pray this is your last week on Idol because you add absolutely nothing to the show. It’s like having an extended bathroom break when she performs. You aren’t missing anything!!! Why are you still here? Please, please America send her home. GOODBYE! OMG! This poor young girl, she is stuck in a 30 yr olds soul. She can sing, but the songs she chooses are always too old for her, and she never changes them up to make them current. Seriously one of the most boring performers Idol has ever had of all seasons…I would rather watch terrible yet entertaining performers than watch Thia sing.

Casey – He’s safe. Without even considering his performance he’ll be safe. He’ll get lots of his fans voting repeatedly after last weeks near send off. And if you consider his performance last night, he deserves to stay. I agree with the judges that it’s nice that he adds “himself” into the songs but last night those moments he adding “himself” I actually didn’t like those moments. But the best part…his beard looks like a beard last night and not some pubes glued to his face. And the trim of his hair made his full face seem smaller. Keep up the trips to the barber…it did you good. Did anyone else notice that the hip barber was hot? Lol…anyways, he looked 80% better last night, keep up the slight make over’s each week and by the end he will look 100% better. I actually enjoyed his performance. Without his wild body all over the stage as usual, and the growls and weird facial expressions…..I noticed this guy can sing. He is safe, way safe.

. Jacob – DOUBLE BARF! BARF! I hate him. There I said it. I hate him. I do not like him Sam I Am! His performances are just too dramatic. And the faces he was making last night seemed like a rabid animal and I thought at any moment last night he was going to eat his mic with that wide open mouth at all times. You’re not having a dental exam on stage Jacob, we don’t need to see your esophagus. But what really annoys me about him is that I just don’t hear it! His tone of voice says so muffled and off key to me. It’s actually irritating to listen too. I can’t wait for him to go but fear I have some more weeks of torture. OK. Every time I hear his name announced I prepare myself to be grossed out. Why does his mouth go crooked when he sings? Why does he be sure to show all teeth, top and bottom while closing his eyes? And when he sang that last note (that seemed to last forever as I made a grossed out face) did he keep his mouth wide open, and he didn’t move?!?! It was so weird!!! Gross gross gross! Go bask to the gospel and sing there. Please.

Haley – I love her. Yes I realize I’ve always like underdogs but that’s not why I like her. I really honestly like her voice. It’s something I would listen to if she ever puts anything out. And I know I like her voice honestly because I find her very annoying. But regardless, I want her to move on. I could do without the arm wave thing she did last night…it was like watching her do a backstroke with one arm out of water. But I think she’s safe and I’m keeping my fingers she’ll stay safe because I like her. I love her too! Her look, her stage presence, her dirty voice. I love her entire package. She has such a unique sound and she uses it. I never realized how tiny she was until she was standing next to Ryan wearing heels, and still at least 4 inches shorter than him. I know she will stick around for a while, but I would like to see her win. Something fresh.

My bottom 3: Naima, Stefano and Thia…my picks for going home tonight are Naima & Thia! Agreed sister!

American Idol's Idols

I promise not to turn this blog into a recap for all things American Idol. But truth be told, I get a lot of feedback when I post my reviews. And I'm a feedback junkie, so they will continue on for now. Plus I'd like to let anyone know who reads and participates in the Apple Vacations Idol Pool, I'm a previous winner and very close finalist on more than one occasion....so I like to think I know what I'm talking about.

So how did they do last night??? Here's my recap: (Dayna's reviews in italic)

Casey Abrams – The Caveman…wowsers! Loved his performance, loved his outfit but hate the thing growing on his face. I think he made an over done Joe Cocker song refreshing. Good job Caveman! – I COMPLETELY agree with you 100% He is somewhat of an eyesore but if I ignore his hairy face and head, he is an amazing performer, he adds style and his own flavor to every song he sings, I am definitely a fan of the Caveman!

Ashton Jones – Wild Afro in the Silver Dress…boring! Girl you weren’t even voted into the top 10. And I have no clue why you were picked to be a wildcard but do you really think it wise to sing a Diana Ross song that not many people are familiar with? You needed to rock the house last night and you didn’t…goodbye, you are likely going home tonight. – She is one of my picks to be voted off this week! Until you described her hair I had no idea who she was by name…and by now, if you make an impression on me, I will remember. She was boring, good bye Ashton.

James Durbin – The Rocker who sang Beatles – I rolled my eyes when I heard is song choice and I have to take it back. For the first time, I see why he moved on and I can say that I really liked his rendition last night. Only bad remarks, George Michael called and wants his earring back. – LOL! I was thinking the same thing, Where the F*** do you even buy a dangly cross earring?! But he is awesome, this guy can sing, that’s for sure! I am confident he will be sticking around for a while….

Lauren Alaina – I’m so over her! She is really good. I mean really good. But last night was so boring. And I’m a little sick of her nice act. And it’s probably not an act but it annoys me. Yes, your cute, your sweet and you can sing but it’s just that…good singing. She has too much of a “america’s sweetheart” and leans too much in country for me. I think she’ll be successful but not something I want to buy. – I missed the full performances of the first 5, so I think I missed her. I did watch the recap of all performances and from the 20 seconds or so, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO SHE IS?!?! SO that tells me……boring!

Scotty McCreery- The country boy…good ol’ country boy. Who knew that I be liking a country boy as much as I do? Thankfully he’s been able to sing and pick country songs. What will really be interesting is if he can make a non-country song sound good. He’s safe and likely go very far. - I agree, I was not a fan at all during Vegas week. I was actually hoping he wouldn’t make it. But I take that back. He can sing country and he can sing country well. He is charming on the stage and has a cute baby face. I hope he stays for a while, but I have a feeling he wont do so well when they do something like “rock n roll” week. But I am anxious to watch him.

Paul McDonald – The Bradly Cooper look-a-like that once wore a rose jacket – I still love him. But last night was not my favorite performance. First, he sounded as if he was whispering, it was awkward and not in his usual good way. Then like Ashton, I think his song choice was too unknown. I’m sure it’s a good band and I’m sure that it’s the kind of music he wants to make but can’t you find something that is known and make it your own? I hope he stays safe cause I know he has a lot more to show us. - I love him! I didn’t see his full performance, but from what I did see/hear, I do agree that it was a little awkward. I didn’t know the song, he didn’t sound amazing…but I’m not worried. His good looks and creepishly white smile will get him through to next week.

Haley Reinhart – I like her but I want to love her. She has a tone to her voice that I would pick up an album for but she just hasn’t brought it home yet. And girl, you better fast cause you’ll be out here soon if you don’t. – I love the ton of her voice and I think she is a pretty girl, but I wasn’t 100% pleased with her performance. I think she over did the yodeling and twang. But when she was singing in between I loved it!

Karen Rodriguez – I love Selena too but that outfit was never meant to leave the 90s. Can you even say you helped designed it? And your vocals were off. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good. Your safe for now. You can thank Selena fan enthusiasts for saving your rear this week. – OMG! Her outfit, her jewelry…then she thanks Selena and J-Lo for inspiring it!! LOL Jennifer was probably like “oh no she didn’t just thank me for that hideous thing..” But She is my number one choice to go home. I thought she did the song NO justice…and the way she looks when she sings….gross! Her facial expressions made me LOL!

Pia Toscano – I agree with the judges that she is one of the few that have pulled off singing one of the “great 3” female artists but I’m just not a fan of her. I think I need more personality from her. Her performances feel very pageantry for me. I hope she can connect with the audience cause she definitely has the looks and the voice. – She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful voice but I feel she was trained to sing like this. She never does anything out of the box….like you said, very pageantry. But I can see her continuing on, and I think the judges will eventually get bored and tell her to do something wild instead of playing it safe.

As for Jacob Lush, Thia Megia, Naima Adedapo and Stefano Leangone…you’ll be safe….unfortunately. - Agreed! I actually liked Naima’s performance, she did something totally unique and I like that. Thia….BORING! Stefano, he is good but plays it safe too. Jacob…..good bye, you wont be missed by me if you get sent home. I am NOT a fan of gospel inspired R. Kelly songs.

My pick to go home is Ashton. Dayna's pick is Karen. Who is right or are we both wrong? What are you thoughts on last nights idol...

American Idol - The Boys Perform

Here's my recap of last nights American Idol. I also added a few colorful comments from my friends/family; Dayna, Therese and Jill…just thought they were too spot on to ignore. Their comments are in bold.

Country Kid - I was actually impressed with the country kid. I thought he sounded great. He had a good stage presence and the performance was just believable. I know he will be a country singer one day even if he isn’t the winner on Idol.

The kid with the ugly ass glasses…I don’t like him! Yes he sounded good. But he’s awkward. I didn’t like his little dance back and forth. I really hate the glasses and I HATED his song choice. So karaoke! Omg, can’t stand him!! And his glasses remind me of when little babies need those glasses that strap around their heads, LOL.

The Usher kid…COME ON! REALLY!!! Awful, awful, awful…you are going home, goodbye! Yeah, and his excuse “well this really isn’t me”??? Then why did YOU choose it??? Loser.

The Shipyard Kid with Abs…what a safe and boring song for him. (I’ll be) He was the first of many that I thought sounded too soft-sung. I think he really should have performed a Latin song. It’s where his passion is and would have made him shine even if the English speaking audience didn't understand the lyrics. For me it's like watching Rocky Balboa, I'm waiting for him to ask where Adrian is.

The Red Head Hippie – Man, I laughed. He is so awkward. Just for entertainment sakes I want him to stick around. I would have thought a Doors song would have been perfect for him but it wasn’t. He definitely exceeds in a more bluesy song. Plus did you not notice how weird he sounded when he sang words that ended in "er"?

“The Rocker” who sang Judas Priest – I hate him! I think he’s a likeable guy. But I hate him. To me his singing is “shriek, shriek, SHRIEK!!!!” I really can’t see America moving him on. He makes Adam Lambert look like an opera singer.

Robbie the kid with the nose – I’ve never been a fan. And he’s acclamaimed by the judges that he’s one of the best. Well honey, the song “Arms of an Angel” was god awful. Let me pretend to be Randy “it was pitchy man.” I wouldn’t miss him, but I think his smile and his young age will keep him around. I don’t like him. Not sure why, I think because he can sing really well, but for me he is so boring on stage. Could have been the depressing song that reminds me of Sarah McLaughlin on that animal abuse commercial…

Stefano the kid in a bad accident with bug eyes and nice smile – It was ok. I don’t think he was awful but I also completely forgot about him until I looked up who sang again last night. His version of “Just the way you are” well was just the way Bruno Mars sang it. But yet, he didn’t get the usual “you didn’t add anything to do.” Playing favorites much judges? And I found it weird/awkward when he sang, like he had no neck.

Paul McDonald aka Rod Stewart – I LOVED him. I don’t like Rod Stewart but his voice was spot on. It was actually a little alarming because I don’t think his voice matches his face. I loved his weird struts along the stage and I can already imagine him in front of a band. I think he’s a dark horse in this competition. His smile gives me goose bumps. I liked his awkward stage presence, the way he strutted all over.

Jacob the black teddy bear lacking the Ruben appeal – I don’t know about this guy. Whatever he sang at Vegas week was amazing. I thought “that deserved an ovation.” But now I’m already sick of him. Yes, he can sing. But will he be singing anything I want to hear, probably not. On top of that I’m overly distracted by is overuse of eye rolls and lash batting. Honey you aren’t performing for the Baton Club, put away the unnecessary drama performance please. Seriously! I am SO over him. He over-sings every song, and I just can’t stand that. Just sing and sing well, you don’t need to do 29,308,129,038 runs per song.

Casey the Caveman – I wouldn’t call him a dark horse. You can tell he’s in it to win it and is already a judge favorite and with all the air time he receives, he is an audience favorite. What the kid needs now is some “sex” appeal. Perhaps a big cut and shave would be too much at once but I’d like to see this ugly swan bloom. I think it would do him good. I think he is trying to have some sex appeal singing these swanky bluesy songs, but it just doesn’t work with that face. It is like Will Ferrel trying to be sexy, come on!

Tim Halperin – Goodbye! Not only do I not remember your performance last night, I can’t even come up with something to describe who you were last night. I thought he was okay, better then some but still forgettable.

What did you think of last nights American Idol?

American Idol - And the Winner is...

…LEE DEWYZE!!! But unfortunately, I’m not 100% sure. Last week I single handily predicted Lee to be the winner. He had no competition last week. He would easily have been called the champion BUT Crystal seriously pulled out the big guns and Lee went down in burning flames last night. So why do I still think he’ll win? First, I’m loyal to the core. I believe most people are loyal to the things they love. Lots of people love Lee and I’m thinking they still love him after his major smack down last night. Secondly, Lee is more lovable. He’s nervous, he seems overwhelmed and amazed at what is happening in his life and he’s really making the process of making something out of nothing relatable to the everyday person like myself.

It’s not that I don’t like Crystal. She became my favorite after Didi got the boot. But I didn’t see any growth, I didn’t see anything new from her and I just grew bored. As that happened, Lee started to come out of the dark corner he was hidden in and I was suddenly on the Lee Dewyze bandwagon. (I’m still a Didi fan. She got it dirty on the show.) I will give it to Crystal, last night she was amazing and I think she has great things ahead of her. She did exactly what she needed to do to be in the top spot and it could go either way really but she just lacks something to me and what she lacks, Lee has.

So I’m sticking with my original pick. Lee for the win!

What was your favorite moment this year on Idol? Mine was the Lee and Crystal duet. I hope we get a repeat performance on tonight’s results show.

Idol’s Lame Duck

Casey, Casey, Casey…last night couldn’t have been easy for you. You were up against two VERY strong competitors and you didn’t pack any punch. I almost feel it’s a waste of time to even review your performances last night but here I go anyways…though I think Casey has skills with a guitar and has a pleasant singing voice, his performances are dull and snooze-worthy. Casey’s first song choice, which I can’t even remember the name of, proves it’s forgettable. He needed a song that the audience knows and can connect with and in return will bring him higher votes. As he sang John Mayer’s “Daughters” it was refreshing to see him do something so out of his comfort zone but that didn’t overrule the fact that his vocals were lazy and he just couldn’t dazzle me last night or ever really.

Crystal’s performances were solid as always. Her better performance was her second song, “Maybe I’m Amazed”, which happens to be one of my favorite songs. I agree with the judges that this song was different for her and I like her showcasing some new range in her vocal ability and I thought that might be hard to top but then…

…Lee takes the stage. First he performs “Simple Man” and it fits him perfectly; he sounds amazing and he’s connecting with the audience. He just rules! But it’s his rendition of “Hallelujah” that knocks my socks off. I loved how he started off just him and the guitar…then the orchestra slowly joins in and by the time the backstage opens up and the choir begins to sing, I have chills. Amazing! Not only did I think it would be hard to top Crystal’s performance but he did more than that. He was better than Crystal and he was just as good if not better than Jason Castro who was the last contestant that did an awesome job on “Hallelujah.”

This week felt like an all out brawl between Crystal and Lee. Sorry Casey but you are obviously the lame duck. In my humble opinion, I think Lee knocked Crystal out for the count but my dear husband would argue with me till he’s blue in the face that Crystal was last nights champ. (What the heck are you smoking? Or do we need to get your ears checked?) Well honey, I love to be right and I’m willing to bet that next week Lee is the winner of this season’s American Idol. I’m not even conflicted like I’ve been in past seasons. So name your price dear husband and I’ll take that bet.

Let’s hope and pray these two can bring this much heat for next weeks finale.