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February 2009
Survivor: Tocantins Update - Let the Drama Begin
With the Dayton native out… who’s next?
The preview for the show suggests tonight’s the night for a powerful alliance to form. I’m hopeful it’s the night for a powerful coach exit. In terms of the most annoying, it has to be a toss-up between Coach and Sandy, but since the series doesn’t work that way, we’ll just have to see what’s up.
Leading up to the the immunity challenge, the Tibira tribe is struggling to find their place in the pecking order. For the Jalapao tribe, it’s all about casting their net and the fishing and enjoying their catch.
Tonight’s reward challenge - blind folded tribe members are guided through a maze - each searching for a bucket to fill with water and corn… and carry to and fro a collection base where a flag will fly when the the right amount of corn and water is collected. Jalapao wins.
Brendan and Taj head back to exile island for a second week and are working together to find the immunity idol. Brendan and Taj are planning their secret 4-way alliance.
Meanwhile in the Tibira tribe, Coach is working to create an alliance, but will it work? The Jalapao tribe relishes their win… dry and rested - including Sandy.
Immunity Challenge... Roll Your Crate - the first tribe to stack the four foot square crates in the right order, wins immunity. The tension builds as the tribes race to the finish. This is going to be a photo finish! - Jalapao wins again.
Tibira will be sending another tribe member home. Was Jerry the reason for the loss? Doubt it, but I’m guessing he’s going home - but there’s the Coach factor.
As we wait for tribal council to start, Brendan ventures off and locates the hidden immunity idol.
So who’s likey to go - if it were up to me, I’d be sending Coach home. Jeff calls coach out for his excessive ego as one of the reasons the tribe isn’t doing so well. At this point, it would be so cool if he got blindsided at this point - not likely.
The votes are cast - the third person voted off Survivor: Tocantins is Jerry.
While I’d suggest the previews got it wrong about “powerful alliances” being formed, we did get a glimpse into the possibilities for future alliances.
How’s this season shaping up for you?
TweetAmerican Idol fans got it right this week!
I’ve been looking forward to this show all day. I’m pretty sure that Adam and Allison will get through but it’s the third one that has me stumped. I cannot imagine the crazy entertainer with a good voice Nick Mitchell could win the public vote or perhaps Megan Corkrey the quirky girl?
I have to say after the group number of Ne-Yo’s Closer, a song I love by the way, it was painfully obvious that as much as I enjoy his craziness, Nick has to go. He just looked so out of place with these kids, he kept forgetting the words and I can’t even talk about the “dancing.”
Usually the first spot during the results show is a kiss of death and here comes Allison. Oh no! Ryan brings three people down, Allison Iraheta who sang Alone from Heart, Jesse Langseth sang Kim Carnes’ Bette Davis Eyes, and Matt Breitzke sang Tonic’s If You Could Only See. Randy thinks of the three, Allison should make it through because she sang her heart out last night and….Allison Iraheta it is!! Sweet! As she sings the song again I’m looking forward to see how she handles the weeks to come. She is incredible for any age but she is just 16-years-old!
Next comes Megan Joy Corkrey who sang Put Your Records On by Corrine Baily Rae and Kris Allen sang Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror. Wow, now Ryan calls over Matt Giraud who sang Viva La Vida by Coldplay and Jeanine Vailes sang This Love by Maroon 5. Of these four, one goes into the top 12. Paula is torn between Matt, Kris and Paula. Jeanine is going home…Matt is going home…Ryan asks Kara who stays and who goes and she “rambles on” says Simon but Ryan stops her and announces that Kris Allen is going through. I am a bit surprised but maybe it was the charming and cuteness factor? He’s even surprised and asks Ryan if he’s sure. As he performs the song again tonight, I’m glad he made it through. He is adorable, has a really good voice, and his eyes just twinkle when he sings.
Brook White returns from last season to sing her new single Hold Up My Heart, a song she co-wrote. I am always so amazed how seasoned the former Top 12 look when they come back as veterans. So what did ya’ll think? I was a little disappointed. I was a Brooke White fan and was hoping it would be…more. Maybe it needs to grow on me?
Back to Season 8 and Ryan calls to the stage Mishavonna Henson who sang Drops of Jupiter by Train, Kai Kalama sang What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, and Jasmine Murray sang Love Song by Sara Bareilles … Ryan does not go to the judges and just announces that these three go home. No surprise there. All that’s left is Nick Mitchell aka Normund Gentle who sang You’re Gonna Love Me and Adam Lambert who sang the Rolling Stone’s Satisfaction. I cannot even fathom the possibility that Nick makes it over Adam but the fact that they put them up against each other tells me that the producers think it will make us nervous. Well, they are right. Back to the show and as Ryan walks through what the judges said, both guys look really nervous. Okay, so I can breath again because Adam Lambert is going through. I enjoyed his performance last night but I like it even more tonight because he brings it back a little. Still entertaining but not as over the top. He is amazing.
Ryan announces that the wild card is next week. Simon says they are going to bring back some folks that deserve a second chance, maybe because of poor song choice and probably even a couple from tonight. Then they show us the 12 for next week so, although I’m not sure, I’m wondering if we are going to have three nights next week. The last 12, then the wild card the next day and then results show?
Oh wow! I cannot wait. So far, I love the top six, well, perhaps five of them anyway.
TweetRocky start, better middle, hot ending on American Idol Round 2
Welcome to Round 2 of the American Idol “semi-finals.” Thank you to Ben McLaughlin for filling in last week for Round 1. I loved the way he formatted his comments so forgive me for mimicking him.
After Round 1 there seems to be a lot of unhappy fans. As Craig Schrolucke pointed out in Sunday’s blog, most people feel that Michael Sarver never should have made it through and those I’ve talked with feel the same. We’ll see how things go this week, but there are going to be a lot of unhappy fans if Anoop doesn’t make it in as one of the judge’s picks in a couple weeks!
So let’s the start the night off with…
Jasmine Murray 16 years old from Starkville, MS sings Love Song by Sara Bareilles
My take: Not the best song for her. I’ll bet she was trying to pick something young. It was an octave too low in the verses and I thought she sounded flat through most of the song.
The judges’ take: “It was pitchy throughout” says Randy and the other judges agree. Song choice was wrong and Simon was disappointed because he likes her. She may just be a little too young.
Matt Giraud 23 years old from Kalamazoo, MI sings Viva La Vida by Coldplay
My take: Wow. I loved him in Hollywood but he was pitchy tonight too. I think we need to put this Coldplay favorite in the category of “you are stupid to attempt this song.” This is really not his genre.
The judges take: They all think that he should stay away from this type of song; he needs to stick with his soulful roots like in Hollywood. They all really like him and are pulling for him but tonight’s performance just wasn’t there.
Jeanine Vailes 28 years old from Washington, DC sings This Love by Maroon 5
My take: What is wrong with these people tonight? Is it the sound system, the acoustics in this theater? They all sang with a band in Hollywood but so far I can hardly stand this tonight.
The judges take: When Paula starts out “Great legs.” You know there is something not so good to follow. In fact, she didn’t even follow that comment with anything and just handed it over to Simon who said, “It was painful at times, it was an effort, it was a struggle, completely the wrong song for you.”
Nick Mitchell 27 years old of Brookfield, CT sings from Dreamgirls And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going as Normund Gentle
My take: I love this guy. Despite all the best judgment in the world and as a fan of the really good singers on the show, I enjoy every minute he is on stage. Could he record? Naw. Could he fill a stadium? Maybe once. But I don’t care. I’m just going to like him as long as he is on the show.
The judges take: Simon prays he does not go through but the other judges feel that he is the most entertaining person they have ever had on the show. Fun and memorable, not the best singer, but there is a stage for him somewhere.
Allison Iraheta, 16 years old from Los Angeles, CA sings Alone from Heart
My take: Finally! Even though she got a little over enthusiastic at the chorus but she was the first one of the night that was even a little on key. She tried to make it her own and her smokey voice was perfectly suited for Heart. Based on what came before…she’s a shoe in to make it to the Top 12.
The judges take: “You blew it out of the box!” says Randy. Kara says “You don’t even know how good you are.” Paula thinks she can sing the telephone book and that she is the best they’ve seen tonight. “You’re the best tonight by a clear mile,” says Simon. He is very, very impressed with her.
Kris Allen, 23 years old from Conway, AR sings Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror
My take: It starts off rocky but gets better as he gains confidence. The best guy so far tonight but it didn’t blow me away. I kind of miss his guitar but he is kind of cute dancing around the stage.
The judges take: Kara starts off by slamming him about his song choice. Interestingly enough, this is followed by good reviews from the rest of the judges. Not the best guy in the competition but he did what they asked, tried to stand out, and Paula, Randy and Simon are proud of him.
Megan Joy Corkrey, 22 years old from Sandy, UT Put Your Records On by Corrine Baily Rae
My take: Megan is quirky that’s for sure, but also quite adorable. I think her vocals seemed a bit quiet, maybe she wasn’t close enough to the microphone but I really enjoyed her.
The judges take: Paula started with “You’re interesting, you’re relevant, you’re hip, you’re cool…” “You’re a funny little thing aren’t you?” says Simon. Randy and Kara keep the gushing going. All judges agree that even though her vocals weren’t her best tonight, they all think she is great.
Matt Breitzke, 27 years old from Bixby, OK sings Tonic If You Could Only See
My take: So I’m typing away and don’t look up right away and when I do, I’m once again struck by this voice coming out of this bald welder guy. I like his voice, I appreciate his emotion, but I can’t shake the feeling that there is just something a little missing tonight.
The judges take: It was okay. The judges like him as a person and want him to succeed but they feel this performance was flat.
Jesse Langseth, 25 years old from Minneapolis, MN sings Kim Carnes’ Bette Davis Eyes
My take: First of all, I love this song so she’s going to have to be pretty good to impress me. I like the tone of her voice and she did better than I expected. With that said, it missed something sultry and could have been really memorable. Maybe it was the blue off-the-shoulder sweater. It just didn’t match the feel of the song. I don’t know.
The judges take: They think she is cool and has a good voice but the song choice wasn’t necessarily the best. They would like to see something that would show more of her range. Simon thinks she is forgettable.
Kai Kalama, 26 years old from San Clemente, CA is singing What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
My take: Not the worst of the evening by any means, he’s got a nice voice but it didn’t have punch. It didn’t leave me wanting more at all. His performance also seemed a little too put on for him, more like acting than a real connection with the lyrics.
The judges take: Song a little old fashion, performance quite corny, nothing original or memorable. “The song was so safe” says Randy, “Not what I’m lookin’ for.”
Mishavonna Henson, 18 years old of Irvine, CA sang Drops of Jupiter by Train
My take: She wasn’t my favorite going into the Top 36 but I thought she did a pretty good job.
The judges take: They want her to loosen up a bit and they all think she is a technically good singer but the song made her seem too old. Randy thinks she is a little too put together and wanted to see the younger crazier side.
Adam Lambert, 26 years old from Los Angeles, CA sings the Rolling Stone’s Satisfaction
My take: Right off the bat I can see the theater background in this kid. I’ll bet Simon doesn’t like him but I sure do. Whew, even though he’s over the top there is definitely an undeniable sexiness about him that will appeal to many, many a female American Idol voter.
The judges take: Paula doesn’t even have words to express that how much she isn’t even watching an American Idol competition but an Adam Lambert concert. Simon finds this one very difficult. “Parts that were excruciatingly bad, but parts that were brilliant.” A love it or hate it performances. Randy loved it! He thinks’ he is “Steven Tyler meets Fallout Boy meets Robert Pattinson from Twilight meets My Chemical Romance.” Kara thinks that he has mad vocal ability has amazing range.
So that’s Round 2. It started off pretty rocky but it was all worth it for a couple of them. Anybody want to guess as to who is going on?
TweetAmerican Idol Update: Wrong contestants sent home
Did America send home the wrong Idol Wannabes home?
Well… according to a study, that’s right a full scientific study published by HCD Research, a group of 1,522 American Idol viewers were surveyed and would have sent Michael Sarver home rather than Anoop Desai.
The study asked respondents to rank their three top favorites. They were:
- 1. Danny Gokey - 50%
- 2. Alexis Grace - 40%
- 3. Anoop Desai - 35%
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- Benjamin “Coach” Wade (37) - Hometown: Bolivar, Mo. - Occupation: Soccer Coach
- Brendan Synnott (30) - Hometown: New York, N.Y. - Occupation: Entrepreneur
- Candace Smith (31) - Hometown: Dayton, Ohio - Occupation: Attorney
- Carolina Eastwood (26) - Hometown: West Hollywood, Calif. - Occupation: Bartender
- Debra “Debbie” Beebee (46) - Hometown: Auburn, Ala. - Occupation: Middle School Principal
- Erinn Lobdell (26) - Hometown: Waukesha, Wis. - Occupation: Hairstylist
- Jerry Sims (49) - Hometown: Rock Hill, SC - Occupation: Sgt. - U.S. Arm
- Joe Dowdle (26) - Hometown: Austin, Texas - Occupation: Real Estate Sales
- James “JT” Thomas Jr. (24) - Hometown: Samson, Ala. - Occupation: Cattle Ranche
- Sandy Burgin (53) - Hometown: Louisville, Ky. - Occupation: Bus Driver
- Sierra Reed (23) - Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. - Occupation: Model
- Spencer Duhm (19) - Hometown: Lakeland, Fla. - Occupation: Student
- Stephen Fishbach (29) - Hometown: New York, N.Y. - Occupation: Corporate Consultant
- Sydney Wheeler (24) - Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. - Occupation: Model
- Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George (37) - Hometown: Nashville, Tenn. - Occupation: Former Pop Star
- Tyson Apostol (29) - Hometown: Lindon, Utah - Occupation: Professional Cyclist
Tweet
Contestant Booted from “American Idol” - Update
Included in the top 36 American Idol contestants is Joanna Pacitti - but you’ll never get to vote for her on this season’s show.
Controversy has been swirling around this starlet wannabe for weeks and it appears Fox and American Idol has eliminated Pacitti. In a press release Fox said “It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition.” The statement didn’t elaborate as to why Pacitti was being booted.
Competing in her place will be Felicia Barton, who must have been elated despite being eliminated on Wednesday’s show. She appeared in the Louisville auditions singing “Put Your Records On.”
Perhaps the Idol producers have some scruples after all…
TweetAmerican Idol’s top 36 shockers…
54 Contestants left and by the end of the show tonight, we will know who the 36 finalists are. Each contestant will have to make their way through the garden and down a long hallway to a beautiful and intimidating judge’s chamber. I like this room much better than the cold hall they used to do this in. Good choice. I wonder if it helps that it looks great in HDTV?
In the holding room they wait…
The first to head to “the room” is Anoop Desai. He feels the longer Hollywood week continued, the more confident he became. But there are those darn nerves…Yeah! He’s the first to be in the 36.
Von Smith tells Ryan he is more prepared for a no than a yes…but this is why he’s alive, to sing. Von speaks directly to Simon about his comment about Von being a self-indulgent child. Congratulations, he’s made it despite following his parent’s advice and going over the top with his first Hollywood performance.
Cody Sheldon is the first to have to face the sing off! He chooses Love Remains the Same and then steps out of the room. Meanwhile Alex Wagner-Trugman is asked to the room and sings Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me while his friend Cody sits around the corner and listens. To me Alex has the better voice, Cody the better pop star “look.” They dismiss Alex while they discuss the two. They ask them back in to announce that it’s the end of the line for Cody and Alex gets to go on. Wow. Once again a cruel twist for these poor exhausted kids. Alex feels it’s too hard to be happy winning against his friend. I can’t imagine. When they tell the rest of the contestants, most of them don’t know whether to clap or cry. Most do both.
Adam Lambert is told by Simon that they all liked him in Hollywood. He goes on to make it sound like it could be bad news but Kara has a huge grin on her face the whole time. Simon says, “It’s not good news….it’s great news!” Kara gave that one away!
Taylor Vaifanua was an early judge favorite but during Hollywood she struggled. She forgot the lyrics in the group song but did much better during her last performance. Simon manages to keep a smile from his face and twirls his pen while Randy tells her she is going on.
Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkerey, Mishavonna Henson, Stevie Wright all make it to Season 8.
Joanna Pacitti forgot her words in just about every song in Hollywood. With a little prodding, Joanna says she just feels like maybe it’s time. Kara asks her since she has had record deals and other opportunities, when is it going to be time? Simon says “when someone gives her a break.” And it looks like they are going to give her a break and onward and upward for Joanna.
T.K. Hash, is a no. As is Chris Chatman and Reggi Beasley.
Kendall Beard didn’t have such a great Hollywood week. Kinda boring says Paula. Blah, blah, blah, but you’re going on to the top 36!
Christen MacNamera and Jenn Korbee are next. Jenn auditions with her husband and they stick together through group week when they send Jen’s husband home. Jenn sings first while Christen waits. Christen hasn’t had the easiest time with the sticky situations this Hollywood week. So they tell her to sing again and she sings I’ll Always Love You. As the girls wait, Simon argues with Paula and Kara loudly inside about whether to keep the “attractive” one or the other one. So Simon, is this singing competition or America’s Top Model? Simon says “Christen, you’ve made it through. But I completely disagree with this decision. It’s the wrong way around.” The two girls leave the room stunned and silent.
Alexis Grace is a singer and a young mother who will be on Season 8 of American Idol.
Scott Macintyre walks in guided by a woman that I wonder if is his mother. It’s unanimous that he is going on and yes…this is his mother with him.
Lil Rounds is a mother of three and from the clip looks like she lives in poverty as well. She hopes that this will give her the opportunity to get ahead. Kara cannot keep a smile off her face when she is trying to be serious but Lil is going on. Simon says that she is just a good old fashioned singer. But that’s usually a bad thing from Simon but in this case, I don’t think so. He seems to be a real fan of hers.
Felicia Barton did not make it and neither did Ashley Hollister or Devon Baldwin.
Frankie Jordan and Jesse Langseth are both called up. Time for another sing-off. Jessie feels totally confident that she is going to make it today. Well, well. Frankie goes first to “sing for her survival.” When she’s through Simon says this has definitely made it easier for us and sends her away. Jesse sings something that I don’t even recognize. It doesn’t take long for them to call them back in and announce that Jesse goes on. I honestly thought it would be the other way! Simon told Frankie that she wouldn’t have won anyway and that there were eight girls better than her. They warned Jesse that as of that minute she wouldn’t win either but at least she gets another change in the top 36.
Shera Lawrence is going home as is Derik Lavers. They both really struggle saying goodbye to good friends they have made in the last couple days.
16-year-old Allison Iraheta is always nervous but this time it’s worth it because she is going on! This girl can sing at 16, I can’t imagine how good she will be in a couple years or so.
Danny Gokey and Jamar have taken this journey together ever since Danny lost his wife a year ago. First up is Danny who thinks he did well under the pressure and after the clip they show…I agree! Simon says it’s about relevant and different and Danny thinks he is. He makes it of course, what an amazing voice.
Now comes Jamar. Simon has a pleasant smile as he walks in so I’m thinking he is through but we have to wait through a commercial. It figures. Kara comments on how he took some risks in Hollywood and she smiles again. I think she’s going to say he’s going on when she says he’s not. WOW! This I have a hard time believing, as does everyone in the room, especially Danny. Jamar handles it with a ton of class. Great guy, but I still cannot believe he didn’t make it.
Ricky Braddy, Matt Giraud, Ju’not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, and Brent Keith all make it through.
Stephen Fowler tells the judges that he felt he did an excellent job until the last day of Hollywood. He explains that something like that has never happened to him before. Simon drags it out a bit but eventually tells him that he’s through.
Nick Mitchell used his character Norman Gentle most of the week. Paula tells him that he’s probably taken more talk time than any other. He tells them in his dream he could perform as Norman then as Nick. Paula says he’s made it and Simon says something that I can’t quite make out before he gives Nick a manly hug. I’m glad. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out with Nick…or Norman…or Nick…
Jackie Tohn tells Randy she thinks she did well in Hollywood. She’s more nervous than she thought she would be…when they tell her she’s in she goes crazy and gets emotional.
Tatiana Del Toro drives us all crazy, which means they will probably put her through for the entertainment value. She can sing, which kind of ticks me off. She’s wearing Paula’s jewelry and launches into a story about wanting the ring but it was sold out (she sells her jewelry on QVC). Paula gets up and brings her the ring from her finger. Simon teases Paula about promoting her jewelry on the show…drag it out…Randy says she’s made it. Screaming and crying and screaming and crying. I can’t believe it. Although Simon said that it was not unanimous.
Jackie Midkiff sings against Nathaniel Marshall. Jackie goes first with When a Man Loves a Woman. I don’t remember hearing him sing before. I really like this kid. Kara doesn’t understand why he’s singing for his life because he’s so good and Simon and Randy disagree. In comes Nathaniel and they do a little montage about how he has living with different relatives because his mother has a drug problem. He comes in, dressed horrifically, and sings I’m Already There. These two have become really good friends and genuinely are struggling with this. They each want it but they want their friend to have it as well. Randy says Welcome to Season 8 to Nathaniel. I can’t quite see that one. I think Jackie was better.
Jeanine Vailes makes it through as does Kai Kalama, Anne Marie Boskovich, and Kris Allen.
Now we are down to the Battle of the Working Dads. Matt Breitzke is a welder and Michael Sarver is a roughneck on an oil rig. Randy wasn’t super crazy about Matt from day one. Matt sings and Simon rolls his eyes. It’s Michael’s turn and he sings. Oh, this guy is one of my favorites. I like Matt but I want Michael. Simon likes them both but doesn’t know if either could win the competition and Paula actually agrees. They call them in and end up giving them both a chance and they are in the top 36. I’m so glad. I’m wondering about the math here but I’m so happy these two got through.
Oh wow. I love this show. David Cook sings This is the Time behind a montage of clips of the top 36 and I get goose bumps all over. This season is going to be great!!!!
Anyone willing to predict the Top 12 yet?
TweetMore Hollywood victims on American Idol
We start by peaking into a room with many nervous young people waiting to hear their fate.
Rewind…
72 singers will take the stage to sing. One last chance.
I’m so excited this week so see some really good performances and hopefully the next American Idol will be among them! These 72 young people have gone through some rough times getting this far and I don’t think it’s going to get any easier from this point either…
Everyone draws numbers to determine the order of appearance and Adam Lambert drew the lucky, or depending on your perspective, unlucky number one. He sings Believe by Cher, but in a ballad rather than disco style. I like this kid but it seems a little strained at times.
Matt Giraud, the dueling piano player, sang Georgia On My Mind while playing the keyboard. Wow. This kid is awesome and soulful and okay, did I saw Wow?
Jamar Rogers sings while best friend Danny watches from the wings. He sings Hey There Delilah. I don’t know that I liked this song choice for Jamar but I like his stage presence and his voice.
Danny Gokey sings I Hope You Dance. With Danny, I’m not sure if “sing” is the right word. Angelic expression of a melodic kind? Goosebumps, oh goose bumps…
Anoop Desai sings Bobby Brown’s My Prerogative, and then Jouge Nunuz sings I Just Can’t Stop. Flying through these auditions…
Scott Macintyre in front of his piano, sings and he was good but, and my sister is going to hate me, I don’t think he was as awesome as I expected.
Wow, three good girls in a row, so fast it’s tough to keep up with names and songs but they were all good. Kristin McNamara, after the drama of the group night, has hung in there and she sounds pretty good.
Mishavonna Henson was cut at Hollywood in a different season but she’s back. I don’t remember hearing her before and I can guess why. Not so great…at least compared with some of the others we’ve seen tonight.
Now, they start to sort everyone into four rooms.
In room two…
This is amusing. Tatiana Del Toro gets a little montage about her song count and how she is always singing beyond the end of the song and being annoying, yada, yada, yada.
Alexis Grace, Kenny Hoffpauer, Jasmine Murray all get about 5 seconds so we can’t get a good feel for how they really did. JoAnna Pacitti’s nerves got the better of her as she forgot all her lyrics. Casey Carlson also struggles with lyrics. I wonder if these folks have sung these songs before this week. Maybe they are really just that nervous. I would be I am sure.
Stephen Fowler goes down with the other lyric forgetters and asks for a second chance which they give him and he forgets again. So sad because he has such as wonderful tone to his voice. I’m thinking this room is the one going home. But wait, they pull Tatiana out of the room? What does this mean? You can see the questions lingering on the faces of the others in the room as well.
Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle, takes the stage dressed as Norman the comedian. He sings Georgia On My Mind in a relatively non-comedic way until the end where he adds a little flavor. He really is good if you can look past the silliness. I hope he goes forward but then what will he do? Continue it straight or funny?
Now it’s time to split up everyone else. Two more rooms full of nervous singers.
Room 4
Nick Mitchell is in this room and people are wondering whether this can possibly be a good thing or not.
Flash back to Anne Marie Boskovish who worries about singing I Hope You Dance because so many others have, but for the most part I think she sounded pretty good.
Ju’not Joyner sings Hey There Delilah. He’s the one whose adorable little son put him over the top with the judges in New York. But he sounds pretty good on his own tonight.
Enter Tatiana. Room four folks are really concerned. Is this a good thing or a bad?
Room 3
Two Louisville favorites Kaylan Loyd and Lenesha Young. Kaylan started her song and Simon stopped her before the end.
Back in room 2, Kai Kalama had a terrible performance but just because his voice has definitely been strained. Also Michael Sarver is a tiny pitchy but I really like him. Oh no, he’s in a room with others I think are probably going home.
Room 2’s decision time…Paula is being too gloomy to really be saying no…and Kara announces they got through to the next round.
In the next room people overhear the celebration and begin to wonder if they too have made it or not. India Morrison looks back and had a great group performance but kind of did poorly from the clip they showed in her last solo.
In come the judges again…it’s really hard making these decisions…blah, blah, blah… Oops, it’s the end of the road for this group.
Okay, what the heck is Paula wearing around her neck? Has anyone told her she’s a middle aged-white woman?
Room 1 has been waiting the longest to hear and finally, its decision time. This room has some really good people in it and I cannot imagine sending these folks home. And yes…they are also in it for a bit longer.
The last room has Tatiana, the _ (let’s name her-any suggestions?), is in the room so I hope they are going home but I don’t think there are enough people left if they send these kids home. The judges start their over dramatic ramblings of this is so hard and we have to raise the bar every year and Tatiana starts wailing and crying. Paula tells her she is making it harder than it needs to be and finally one of the others asks if this is a “no”…then Paula admits it’s a yes. They have made it through one more round. I don’t think I can take much more of this Tatiana woman.
Tomorrow night they have to face the judges one last time. Looks like they have added a twist too…they ask someone to sing for their survival. I don’t know under what circumstances they will ask this of these poor kids, but I guess we will see!!
TweetExhaustion & drama rule American Idol’s group night
It’s 9:00 p.m. at the end of the first elimination day and the contestants are told to form groups. Most do this with little effort but there are a few outcasts that finally have to push into a group. By 11:15 p.m. most people have chosen their song and started thinking about dance moves and harmonies.
Tatiana del Toro is one of those having to push into a group. The other three look a bit reluctant but they say okay. It doesn’t take long for Tatiana to start bossing everyone around and the fur starts to fly. She throws a little temper tantrum and claims the others are trying to sabotage her. She tells her sad tale to another group in an effort to slip into another team. One of the three says yes right away but alas, the other two are reluctant and send her away.
At 1:00 a.m. some of the groups feel confident enough to go to bed while others figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and keep rehearsing. Then the drama continues…so is Tatiana with this group or that? Well, she decides again on the original group but that quickly gets ugly because they cannot agree on the choreography.
Now dubbed Team Diva, Rose Flack has somehow ended up with Katrina Darrell (aka bikini girl), Lauren Barnes and Jasmine Murray. It doesn’t take long before the Divas lose Katrina as she decides to go to bed. She is just so tired and “conveniently” leaves the door open to her room so we can all hear her sobbing because she is so exhausted. Come morning, team Diva goes to find Katrina and she’s hiding under the covers in her room and decides she is sick, can’t perform and has to go home.
Meanwhile, back at the auditions, some teams argue a bit more and yet others start to gel. Miraculously, Tatiana’s team seems to have pulled things together. But is it an illusion?
Oh no…bikini girl is baaaaaaack! I cannot believe after all her shenanigans Katrina has the balls to show up and think these girls will understand her inconsiderate behavior. Poor Rose, she hates this group and thinks from the beginning it is going to be a train wreck. Let’s just hope she can shine through whatever happens.
To start the next morning Simon quickly announces “If you forget the words, you’re out.” Nice Simon. Let’s add some pressure why don’t we? As Ryan later says, Simon’s appetite for criticism has risen to new heights today.
So let’s begin with White Chocolate; forgive me for not getting their names folks but they go flyin’ by so fast. This group was awesome and all got through. Nice way to start.
Next group so awful I didn’t bother getting all their names and I don’t think any of them got through either. Now Action Squad; Alex, Ryan, Marie and Emily sing. They were better than the last group but not so good. Only two get through and not the ones that I thought after the last round.
Danny Gokey, Jamar Rogers, Taylor Vaifanua and another girl are awesome and they all get through. Yeah!
Jeremy Michael Sarver Adam Lambert, Matt Brietzke and Jesse Langseth all were given kudos for being incredible singers as they show them in a montage of Some Kind of Wonderful but I think they are in different groups. Thank goodness they all get through as well.
Finally it’s time for the Divas. Katrina prances across the stage, Rose forgets her words and the only one who ends up going through is Jasmine Murray (who is one of my favorites by the way). I really liked Rose but she needed to step up and sing despite the drama and she couldn’t do it.
Some of the most promising singers lose it to group day. And my David Osmond gets kicked along with some others I couldn’t’ quite catch.
Now it’s time for the final two groups. Tatiana’s group doesn’t sound so good from the little portion they play but they all make it through. Tatiana instantly starts to cry and later in the hall she weeps and whines and loves Jesus and loves everyone, including the sound stage guy holding the microphone. Her laugh and fakeness are enough to drive me nuts…I really cannot stand this girl.
Resorting to prayer, the last trio of drama calls themselves “Compromise” and sings Mercy by Duffy. It sounded more like three solos than a group. Simon says he believes that when they were each singing back up they were actually trying to sabotage the others. When Nathaniel and Kristen get through, Nancy won’t let anyone hug or console her, walks by other two and the judges saying something that was beeped. Behind the stage, she cries and can’t believe she let someone else get the best of her. To me, she seemed the most difficult of the three; although I must say Nathaniel was pretty annoying too.
I don’t know about you but I don’t have a good sense of who all got through and who didn’t. Seventy-five people made it through group day and next week they have one more chance to impress and make it into the top 36. Hopefully we will get to see more of the people we haven’t see much of so far. I can’t wait.
Hey, did anyone see if our guy from Hamilton even got on TV this week? We haven’t seen enough of him for me to even know what he looks like yet.
Is it next Tuesday yet?
TweetSinging for survival on American Idol
Five days to survive Hollywood. “A test of courage, of stamina and strength” says Ryan Seacrest. Singers numbering 147 purposely put themselves on one of the world’s most famous stages, the legendary Kodak Theatre for five days of stress and craziness. Well…some of them will last five days anyway.
Right off the bat the judges explain that the contestants have only one shot today. They will sing a cappella and either it’s a yes or you’re gone. The day before in the first ever Idol boot camp the stylists and glam squad offer some guidance. But it was the vocal coaches gave the most direct advice. Surprise mentor Barry Manilow gives them some words of wisdom as well. He explains that success is when preparation meets opportunity, so be prepared.
The contestants take the stage in groups of eight to perform acapella and they are either in or out. Two of the first eight were from Kansas City; Lil Rounds is up first with I Will Always Love You and Dennis Brigham. She was awesome but a bit pitchy and he was iffy at best. Lil survived and Dennis didn’t. Already after the first cut we have Dennis angry and spouting off at the judges about how America wasn’t going to like he got cut.
Nerves have gotten the better of many of these young hopefuls. Nathaniel Marshall sings an obscure song by a Christian singer Ray Boltz and surprise, surprise, they question his song choice. He explains why it is so meaningful to him and then bursts into tears. Then comes Jasmine Murray who Kara says has “raw, natural talent.” Next is Rose Flack, one of the most memorable Utah auditions. She doesn’t have such a great rehearsal at boot camp. She is tremendously emotional because she wants to do this for her parents (both deceased). Don’t worry for now Rose because your whole group makes it through.
Steven Fowler started the next group with a very difficult song and he nails it. Jorge Nuñez follows him with another great performance. Von Smith has potential but has gone way over the top with facial expressions and we know how Simon hates that. In fact Simon says, and I quote, it was “indulgent nonsense, horrible song, horrible performance, really annoying, something a child would do when they are learning to sing when they are ten.” All three of these guys make it through and Von is very humbled with Simon’s criticism.
At boot camp they focused on how important song choice is and many people go home because they picked the wrong song. Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle, the comedian extraordinaire decides to trash the costume and go as himself. Then, he pops on stage…yep, as Norman. He does his silly gig, but ends the song with a taste of the serious Nick. What’s so interesting about this guy is that he can sing. They give him one more chance and let him through along with early favorites Scott McEntire and Nickie Jordan.
Jackie Tohn and her raspy voice gets positive comments from the judges. Then they cut to front row, see ya tomorrow and back row thank you. They show many departures and hugs. Now we see friends Jamar Rogers and Danny Gokey. Jamar starts and he is smooth and great. Danny is up and sings A Kiss from A Rose by Seal…goosebump alert…wow! They are both through thank goodness. Different but great, both of them.
Two family guys, Jeremy Michael Sarver and Jesus Valenzuela are up next. Randy says Jeremy Michael is “even better than when we first saw you.” Jesus isn’t bad — but one gets put in the front row, one in the back, so their fates will differ. Jeremy stays, Jesus goes home — but oh look - Katrina Darrell, the Bikini girl, is back and sings Faith Hill Breathe. She can sing but it’s too mechanic; no depth to her singing. Simon and Randy provoke the girls with really good things to say and Paula and Kara think it is better than her first audition but the song didn’t end as good as it started. Of course she moves on, probably just for the drama. Boo, hiss…
The two dads Jeremy Michael Sarver and Jesus Valenzuela are up next and right off the bat Jeremy gets a “very, very nice” from Randy. Jesus seems a bit iffy to me in the short clip they showed of him so it doesn’t surprise me when Jeremy steps back and Jesus steps forward. The back row goes on to return the next day and Jesus just wants to catch the first plane home.
David Osmond and Erika Wesley are a part of the last group. A little blip of David, then Emily Wynne-Hughes makes a huge mistake and changes her song at the last minute to something she hadn’t even rehearsed. Bad choice but she is full of talent and still makes it through. She will have to do better in the group performance though.
Erika Wesley gets cut with this group and was clearly upset. She comes back to the stage calmly tries to convince the judges they made a mistake and to reconsider. A little spat breaks out between Paula and Simon and I can’t quite figure out why but it doesn’t really matter, Erika is out.
Only 43 of the 147 go home which means the dream is still alive for 104 remaining contestants. But just wait for tomorrow. From the clips we see that once again, forgetting the words will be the kiss of death and people who hope for a solo singing career have problems when having to play well with others.
I can’t wait!!!
Tweet
Michael Saver came in on the list at number 6… So, were the American Idol Results wrong?
Thoughts anyone?
Full study… www.mediacurves.com
TweetSurvivor: Tocantins Update - Coach losses his day job
Ben Wade, also known as “Coach” on this season’s series of Survivor Tecantins may survive the heat of the desert but after the survivor gig, he’ll be joining millions of Americans in the unemployment lines.
Benjamin Wade, 37 - Photo CBS.comThe Springfield, Missouri News Leader is reporting that the Women’s soccer coach for Southwest Baptist University, Ben Wade was fired after the school learned “Coach” had left to do the Survivor series. Evidentially “He said he was going to be gone for a week. And the week went beyond that, which went beyond that, which went beyond that,” said Brent Good, SBU’s Athletic Director.
Time will tell as to how ‘Coach” will fair on this season’s show… but why let a little thing like getting through this season slow him down, he’s busy setting goals to host his own show and to star in the all-star version of Survivor.
I’m just waiting for him to be voted off this season’s show.
You can read the whole story at:
http://www.news-leader.com/article/2009902180483
TweetSurvivor: Tocantins Update: Did Tibira Tribe vote off the right Survivor?
As tonight’s show gets underway, it’s pretty clear the producers have picked up on how annoying Sandy can be. Perhaps she’ll be voted off again if her tribe is given the chance, or maybe the producers just want to annoy everyone and divert our attention from away from who is likely to be voted off… someone like.. Dayton native and former Miss Ohio Candace Smith?
Oh gross… the bug eating begins. I’ll admit it, I can’t imagine eating bugs, but I guess if I’m hungry enough, I’d be right there in the piles of bugs.
Sierra attempts to pal up with Brendan to look for the immunity idol… Debbie thought the two were digging a fire-pit.
During last week’s show, we barely saw Candace, this week it’s the Candace and Coach show.
As we wait for the challenge to begin, team Jalapao discovers that Taj is Eddie George’s wife… the sports fans druel, the geeks say who is Eddie George.
Tonight’s immunity challenge - a game of water basketball. Along with the immunity idol the winning team wins a set of much needed fishing gear.
A major thunderstorm won’t stop the game of water basketball. Candace comes out of the gate showing her competitive side - a fighter. She also manages to score a basket in the game.
After about 10 minutes of wrestling basketball, Jalapao wins, sending Brenden to exile island.
Tibira readies for tribal council as Coach challenges his team to get rid of the cancer (Candace). Will Candace’s tough demeanor put her at risk? It looks like that’s exactly what is about to go down - and Candace doesn’t see it coming or does she?
Jeff reads the votes and second person voted off Survior; Tocantins is Candace? Once again, Dayton’s hopes are dashed. In the post interview, Candace is “really pissed-off” after getting voted off - would you expect anything else? So, did the Tibira tribe make the right choice?
TweetAmerican Idol latest update: What happens to Tatiana?
Some of us have our doubts about how this new format for determining the top 12 contestants will work out. Time to find out if the first phase confirms our suspicions or makes it all better.
Three people from this group of 12 will advance. Three more will advance next week and another three after that. Exactly how they get the final three after that isn’t clear to me yet.
Ryan Seacrest says 24 million votes were cast, 10 million more than last year at this time.
Before we get to any results, however, we get the dreaded group sing. They tackle “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
I am cringing at this point and thinking that I could get 30 minutes of my life back if they would just get on with it in these results shows.
Ryan recaps the highlights — and lowlights — of the previous night’s singing, then starts to call out contestants to learn their fate.
Casey Carlson is the first one up, and she admits she picked the wrong song. The voters and I agree, and she is the first to find out she isn’t in the top 12.
Stephen Fowler is next. He sang “Rock with You” and was panned by the judges. He also is not in the top 12, and it’s not a surprise to me. So far, America got it right.
Alexis Grace comes up after that, and I think we might have our first one go through to the next round. I am right, and she is in.
In a change from the what I remember of the past, they have the one advancing sing instead of the losers, and I think that’s a good idea. Alexis does her song “Never Loved a Man.”
Ricky Braddy and Jackie Tohn are brought up together. I am thinking they will be sent packing together, and I am right. I think Simon takes some delight in Jackie’s departure because she tried to take him on during the show.
Anoop Desai and Michael Sarver come up together, and they are the two I thought had a chance to make it through as wildcards. When they come up together, I know only one at best will advance. Which one? It’s Michael, and while I am not surprised, I am not sure it was the right pick.
Anoop was 20,000 votes short of Michael, who gets to sing “I Don’t Wanna Be.”
After a plug for the new American Idol experience at Walt Disney World, they bring back Carly Smithson and Michael Johns from last year. They sing “The Letter” and again I am reminded that an hour-long show is just too long.
Back to the results, finally. Ann Marie Boskovich is up next, joined by local guy Brent Keith and then Stevie Wright. Randy Jackson thinks they are all out, and he is right.
That leaves Danny Gokey and Tatiana Del Toro battling for the final spot. OK, so this should be a slam dunk for Danny, right? Ryan asks Paula who should make it, and in typical Paula fashion, she beats around the bush and avoids answering the question. Finally, she says Danny should advance. America agrees, and so do I. For a second, I feel a bit of remorse for Tatiana.
Danny sings his song, Tatiana cries throughout and I remember suddenly why I don’t really care if Tatiana is gone.
So, did America get all three top 12 finalists right?
TweetLatest American Idol update: Who is going home first?
We finally get through all the preliminaries and reach the point where America gets to vote for the favorites on Idol. All I can say is: about time.
Kelle and Craig handed me the keys to the blog for the night. (Mom, Dad: I promise I will be careful.)
Idol changed the way we get to our 12 finalists. For each of the next three weeks, a mixed group of 12 contestants performs. The top male singer and top female singer each advance, as does the third-highest vote-getter each week. That gets us to nine finalists, and the remaining three will come from a wildcard show.
Here’s my rundown of the 12 contestants:
Jackie Tohn draws the first slot and sings Elvis Presley’s “Little Less Conversation” to show off her rock skills.
My take: I thought her singing was off, and her outfit was way off. I think it’s one and done for Jackie.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Paula thought the vocals were a bit off but praised Jackie as an entertainer. Simon sided with me, saying, “I don’t think you did yourself any favors tonight.”
Ricky Braddy is up next and belts out a Leon Russell tune that he nails. He even has his own early fan club, The Braddy Bunch, even if it is just his parents.
My take: It’s not what you think you are going to hear when you listen to him in the pre-song interview, but it’s a pleasant surprise.
The judges’ take: Amazing and unbelievable are comments from Randy, Kara and Paula. Simon agreed to a point on the vocals but said Braddy lacked star quality.
Alexis Grace tackles Aretha Franklin’s “Never Loved a Man.”
My take: She surprised me with the depth of the vocals. An excellent performance.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Paula loved what’s come out of Alexis, “and what’s inside of you is so large,” Paula said. Simon agreed and compared her to Kelly Clarkson at this point eight years ago. High praise indeed.
We get a chance to root for a fellow Ohioan when Brent Keith of Blanchester takes the stage. He sings “Hicktown” for what he called a “good, rocking country song.”
My take: It was a so-so performance that simply isn’t going to cut it. I was hoping for more from the guy with ties to our region.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Paula thought Keith played it safe but was true to his country roots with the song. Simon said, “It’s not safe, it’s forgettable.”
Next up is Stevie Wright, one of the youngest competitors in the show’s history. She picks “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift.
My take: It started out rough for me, and suddenly I am reminded why I think Swift is a good performer live but not a good singer live. Stevie just had too many problems to make it to another round.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Paula wanted Stevie to pick a younger song, but they thought this one still wasn’t the right one. Simon, in his usual, charming way, summed it up: “There is zero chance of you making it through to the next round.”
The Noop Dog, Anoop Desai, chooses “Angel of Mine” by Monica.
My take: I thought the vocals were fine for the most part, but the song choice wasn’t the best for him. I had hoped for more.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Simon all say Anoop has massive likeability and pull for him to make it through, despite not loving this performance. Paula was more positive than the other three.
Casey Carlson tries The Police and “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.”
My take: Casey will need some magic to advance. It was a bad song choice, bad vocals and bad stage presence, but good that it finally ended.
The judges’ take: It was unanimous that the song choice was all wrong, and they didn’t think the vocals were much better. Kara agreed that the dancing was “so overdone.”
Michael Sarver, the oil rig worker and family man we grew to love in earlier weeks, picks “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw.
My take: I wanted him to be better because I really liked him, but the vocals were average and the performance so-so.
The judges’ take: Randy, Kara and Simon thought Michael picked the wrong song and had trouble, but they rooted for him to keep going because he is so likeable. Paula disagreed with the rest, saying, “I thought you did a realy good job.”
Ann Marie Boskovich attempts to tame “Natural Woman.”
My take: A big song that makes me wonder if she can handle it. Uh, no, not really. She just didn’t get it done.
The judges’ take: Ann Marie is just not good enough for that song, Randy, Kara and Simon agree. Paula thought it was actually better than her earlier performances.
Another Ohioan, Stephen Fowler of Cleveland, is up next. He’s the one who forgot the words during Hollywood Week. He picks Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”
My take: I thought he was generally OK, but I don’t think it will stand out enough to get him through to the next round.
The judges’ take: Let’s just say I went easy on Stephen. Not much nice coming from the judges. Kara said, “I got more from you at the piano when you forgot the lyrics.”
Tatiana Del Toro, the most talked about contestant this season, is up next with “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston.
My take: I’m hoping this will be as bad as I think it will be so this painful part of the show will be over. Oops! Tatiana doesn’t tank as much as I would have hoped.
The judges’ take: The consensus was Tatiana had some moments where she showed she could sing. Said Simon, “Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad at all.”
Danny Gokey, the widower and the guy we all pulled for through Hollywood Week, gets the coveted final slot of the night. He aims high with “Hero” by Mariah Carey.
My take: He’s vulnerable and genuine, but I still wish he hadn’t chosen this song. He pulls it off. I think he’s likely to get one of the three slots to move on, which is just fine by me.
The judges’ take: Rave reviews from three of the four. Randy shouted, “The redeemer of the night right there.” Simon really liked it but wasn’t ready to declare Danny the winner yet. “You are a very, very good singer,” Simon said.
I think the top woman is Alexis Grace, the top man is Danny Gokey. My wildcard would be Anoop Desai or Michael Sarver, both based more on past performances than on this show’s efforts.
So, who do you think will be the top vote-getter for the men, the woman? Who gets the wild card slot?
TweetWho is the first to go on Survivor: Tocantins Update
Survivor: Tocantins - Did Dayton native Candace Smith make it through for another week?
This season’s show is set in an area of 100,000 square miles in Brazil. The area features brutal temperatures of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and, according to the show’s host, is one of the most isolated places on earth.
So true to form, within five minutes of the show starting 2 team members are voted off… They are Sandy and Sierra - although in Survivor style - Jeff lets everyone know that he just said two members wouldn’t be participating in this challenge and the two take a helicopter t to the camp sight.
The two tribes to start the season are Jalapao and Tibira.
The first challenge of the their 39 days together is to building stairway and solve a puzzle. The Dayton native found herself on the winning tribe. Tribe Jalapao will be voting off a tribemate - so who will it be? will Sandy be voted off - again?
Nope - the tribe quickly realized the 50 something woman is an asset and that Carolina had to go.
First voted off this season’s show is… Carolina! - I agree!
Thoughts about tonight’s show? Share ‘em here!
This season’s cast:
