American Idol Season 8 - Week 2

Uh-oh. It's "Grand Ole Opry" (i.e. Country) week...and this scares me. I don't profess to know a lot about country music - I know modern country somewhat because of my wife, and let's face it, I live in Carroll County MD! But still, it's not one of my favorite genres of music. And I just have a bad feeling about this week.

We do get to see country legend Randy Travis - I always think that when he sings, he doesn't open his mouth. And he also appears to have shellacked hair. But nonetheless, the man has had a butt load of hits, so he's a good guy to have on there, as good as anyone else for this themed week.

Michael Sarver is up first - the Texas oil rigger decides to take on Garth Brooks "Ain't Going Down Til The Sun Comes Up", which as Michael points out, has a LOT of lyrics that are sung in rapid fire. I know this song, and unless Michael comes out really swinging, I predict this will be somewhat flat. Michael to me is more of a ballad singer, and I can't picture him pulling this off.

First thing I notice is not whether Michael is forgetting words or not, it's that darn harmonica player who is getting almost as much screen time as the Texas native. Michael looks like he's running out of breath about halfway though the song. He doesn't really look comfortable out there, and I can't understand half of what he's singing (maybe that's the point...can't remember the lyrics, just make them up!) Anyway, as much as Michael tries, I don't think he succeeds on this. Randy said it was a cool song choice, but didn't think it was anything special from a vocal standpoint. Kara missed the big notes, but was impressed he could remember the words. Michael decides to get the crowd on his side by saying, "Country music is about having FUN!" I couldn't tell by his performance. Sorry! Paula liked it and thinks he should stick with country. Simon said it SHOULD have been good, but couldn't understand what he was singing (me too!). He said it was clumsy and didn't appear to be a star. Michael then responds, "If we were all perfect, we wouldn't need this show"....Simon then gives him a 1.5 out of 10..."At least it's not a Zero!" Michael says. This guy needs his own talk show! What a talker...

Alison Iraheta is up next singing another country song I don't know. The package before she sings is noticeable for Randy Travis actually uttering the words, "You've got some GREAT pipes". I felt dirty just typing that. Anyway, Allison is just ok. I mean, it's not horrible, and the more I listen to it, it's actually not that bad. She's got her moments, and her voice is pretty good. Her hair still really annoys me, and those bottom braces...but that's just me being obnoxious about her looks. I'm sorry Alison! Kara uses the old "You could sing the alphabet" cliché. Ugh. At this point, I have no idea how I'm going to make it through the entire episode with Paula's hideous cleavage. Ugh, part two. Simon agrees with me - it was good, but not great. Randy thinks it's "dope". Dawg.

(as a side note, I went back and watched her performance again, and actually liked it a lot more because at least she had ENERGY..some of these performances this week were so BORING...so good job Alison!!)

Next up is Mr. Personality - Kris Allen. I'm surprised he somehow didn't work in a Michael Jackson song. He sings "To Make You Feel My Love", which I believe is a Billy Joel song? Or maybe it was Garth Brooks, who covered it? Again, I don't know country very well. Anyway, he sits there during the whole song, and tries an awful falsetto at the end. It's so boring I may fall asleep typing this. Vocally he's got talent, no doubt, but as I said, it's kinda boring. Paula liked it, Simon thought it was "terrific" (really???), and says "he has a shot at doing really well in this competition"...Randy loves it too...he calls him a "Tender Dawg". Kara loved it too. I must be watching something else, because I didn't care for it much. According to Kris, "Good comments are always good". Very deep. Simon just called him a "Tender puppy".

After some commercials, we get Lil Rounds, my second favorite in this competition. I love Lil - she looks TOTALLY different this week, and I think she looks great! Lil informs us she's not really a country fan, and is nervous about taking on one of these songs. She says she's going to hold back this week so she can honor the music. She's going to sing Martina McBride's "Independence Day" - and after some tips from Randy Travis, she gives it a go. Second reference from Travis on "Big Pipes"... :^) She seems a little hesitant on the first part of the song, but when the chorus kicks in, she really opens it up. I have to agree with Mr. Travis - she does have big pipes (and I don't mean it like that!). She finishes the song with a big note, and I liked it. Not mind blowing, but she did a respectable job. Randy didn't like the beginning, but thought it was just ok towards the chorus. It was just "kinda alright". That's Randy-speak for "I didn't care for it...". I have a feeling that the judges are not going to go easy on her. Kara also didn't like the beginning, but doesn't fault her for picking that song. Paula thought she was great all around - and suggested she shouldn't have sang two verses up front, but rather just go right into the chorus after one verse! WHAT?!?!? Anyway, Simon has problems calling her "Lil" - short for Little, according to the Brit. He uses the tired "Wedding Singer" reference. Screw the judges! I still like Lil. And I can't stand Simon calling her "Little"...whatever!

If I see one more commercial for the Osbournes, I'm going to scream. So after that, we come back to Adam Lambert and Randy Travis in the package. Adam decides to do a Middle Eastern sounding version of "Ring of Fire". Travis didn't care for Adam's nail polish either. This isn't going to be good...is it? Well, no. It's AWFUL. So bad, I want to kick Adam off on principal alone this week. And he's one of my top 3! Wow. Words can't describe how bad this gets. I understand what he's trying to do - I just can't stand it. Sam Harris would even be embarrassed at this. His wailing at the end is ear piercing. Not my cup of tea at all. The crowd loves it, though. Judges summary: Kara - a little too strange for her (but she liked the drama); Paula - she said Adam is being true to himself, and thinks it was a great song choice (she even compares it to Led Zeppelin's Kashmir!!); Simon - finally some sanity - he asks, "What the hell was that!?!" He says there are people throwing out their TVs, and it's "indulgent rubbish". Yeah Simon!! Randy - further covering the judges asses, compares it to Nine Inch Nails! And calls it current. I want some of what he's smoking!

More commercials...blah blah blah.

Next up - Scott McIntyre. Scott always sounds like he's singing through his nose. He sings a Martina McBride song, and I think he's better than he was last week. But that might be because he followed Adam! I guess my problem with Scott is everything sounds the same to me. Halfway through the song, Scott picks up the tempo and also attempts a falsetto that isn't great. But overall, much better than last week. I'll give him that. Paula tells him that he needs to give up the piano at some point, and Scott says he can move the piano closer to her if she'd like. Simon calls her stupid for saying that - he has no problem with Scott sitting behind the piano. They go on and on...he agrees with me - it is starting to sound very samey. Randy is looking for those "hot, crazy" vocals, but wait - he's NEVER had those, so what is Randy talking about?? Kara wants him to up his game. Scott will be safe this week - his fans will save him.

You know, if they would just cut these darn commercials, AI could be 1 hour! Anyway, back from the break we see our next singer is that cutie, Alexis Grace. She's going to sing "Jolene" by Dolly Parton. Randy Travis said she's perfect. I think he thinks she's cute like I do. But I do have a question: Why do some singers feel the need to slowly walk down the steps? The dramatic entrance? Anyway, I remember this song from a previous season for the fact that the name "Jolene" is mentioned about 58 times. Not that I was counting. I don't particularly like the song, but I still like Alexis. She's got a good voice, but I was kinda bored with it. Randy doesn't like her performance, nor does Kara. I agree with Kara - she should have picked "Before He Cheats". I would have liked to hear that! Paula gives her props for her artistic approach - and liked seeing her soft side. Simon said it was "ok". He calls it forgettable. I think Alexis is better than this song, and I may have to vote for her, especially when she utters the words, "Maybe I would have put a little more dirty in there..." And as if she's reading my mind, she then PROMISES, "If I'm back here next week, they'll be some dirty..." I think I love this girl. :^)

Hey, let's go to a commercial...

Ok, were back with my favorite, my home boy, Danny Gokey, who takes on Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel", and when he starts, I'm worried. Very worried. He sounds like he's talking the opening verse instead of singing it. But I know what's coming...I'm just waiting for it...and then he hits the chorus. And instantly - it's like another singer drops in. Danny redeems the first part of the song, and goes a little nuts with the runs (he still looks kinda dorky with his moves, but who cares...). He really finishes up well. I'm still impressed. Danny's still got it, and he still looks like Robert Downey Jr. Kara agrees with me - she didn't care for the front part, but he blew it up from the chorus on. She gushes over him from the second half on. Paula disagrees - she likes the boring intro. Paula's chest is just freakin' me out. Make it stop. Please. Paula also says that Carrie Underwood would buy that record (Really? Wouldn’t she rather just listen to her own version?) Simon doesn't like what Danny is wearing, but liked the vocals. Dawg agrees with Kara - he wants more of the second part of the song, and less of the wimpy verses.

OMG - ANOTHER FREAKIN' COMMERCIAL!

Back with Anoop Desai....who decides to cover "Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson (although maybe he was going for the Elvis version? The Pet Shop Boys?). So Randy Travis says this will be the best anyone has heard of Anoop. It's got to be better than last week, right? Well, to start, I could swear I see lighters in the audience. I actually liked Anoop’s understated performance of this song. It didn't blow me away, but he's got a very, very nice voice. I think the judges will hate it...Paula proves me wrong, though. WAY wrong. She really liked it. He "touched her heart" (just watch those breasts, Anoop!). Simon said he went from "Zero to Hero" (I always think of Vanilla Ice when I hear that, but I digress...). Simon practically gushes over Noop Dawg, as does Randy. They all loved it - included Kara. Good job Anoop. When asked if he is surprised by their feedback, he says "No, I expect myself to do the best!" Good answer!!

After a commercial, Megan Joy comes in and meets Randy. She has changed her last name to "Joy" from "Corkrey" (she got divorced, right?) She is taking on "Walking after Midnight". That's such a well known song so this is risky. Right away, you can tell the unique voice of Megan is going to take this in a different direction. After the song is over, I don't know if I liked it or not. She definitely is different, and gets points for that. That darn shimmy she does is so annoying, but I tried not to pay attention to that. Randy liked it, as did Kara. She gives her props for coming out to sing while she has the Flu. Paula tells us Megan was in the hospital and tells her to keep being sick. Great advice Paula...Simon said she should have the flu every week too. Simon doesn't like what she's wearing (which I think at one point appears to be see through...but I can't be sure, and I'm not staring at the screen to try to figure that out...well, I kinda did, but nonetheless, it was inconclusive) Megan looks good, but I still think Alexis is cuter. Not that it matters...

Before they go to a commercial, we see Matt Giraud waving like a little girl. What's up with that? Please don't do that. Anyway, Matt is going to sing a Carrie Underwood song I don't know called "So Small". Randy Travis said it's a way different version than Carrie's and he is impressed. Let me tell you this - as much as I liked Danny's second half of his song, I REALLY like Matt's performance. I remember him during his auditions, and was very impressed. This is the Matt that I remember. I really think he ended the show on a high note, and proved you don't have to have a showy performance (are you listening Adam?!?!) to be effective. I think his performance last week was really good too (Human Nature), and give him props this week. The judges practically give him this week's crown - although Paula can't pronounce "Authenticity". I'm just happy I don't have to see her chest anymore. Oh, and Paula also thanks Carrie Underwood for letting them use that song. Right....whatever Paula. Simon compares him to Michael Bublé, as does Randy (he says he's between JT and Bublé).

So overall, not a week I particularly cared for, but I knew that going in because it's country week. I'm hoping for an 80's week next week, perhaps? Or gangsta rap? Either way, I look forward to tomorrow's show to see who gets booted. Tune in next week for another review of American Idol!

American Idol Season 8 - Week 1

Another season of Fox's juggernaut "American Idol" kicked off last night, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I could have sworn, based on the overall performances during the top 36 that this would have been one of the worst seasons ever. Yet, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The show started out cheesy enough with a super zoom onto Ryan "I am everywhere" Seacrest, leading into his normal pontification on how wonderful Idol is, how important the show is, blah blah blah. Whatever. We've got thirteen singers so let's get to it Ryan! Of course, it doesn't end there. The announcer for Fox who does all those horrible reality show voiceovers announces the judges - Randy, Cara, Paula and Simon. You know, Paula gets scarier and scarier every season. She needs to leave soon - she is unwatchable and unintelligible.

ANYWAY, onto the performances. Here are my thoughts...

Lil Rounds starts the show off with a bang. For a woman who has an adult film star name, she can really sing. She's one of my top 3 singers that I picked before tonight's show. And she didn't disappoint, belting out "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. I should have pointed out that tonight's show featured songs by the King of Pop, or the King Plastic Surgery, or the King of Blowing All Your Money, or the King of Sleeping with Young Boys. But I digress.

The judges all like Lil, thus validating my pre-season praise of her! You go Lil!!

Next up - Scott McIntyre. Scott has Leo Sayer's hair, and is visually impaired. I have nothing personal against Scott - in fact, I do find him inspirational, and he is definitely better when sitting behind the piano. Having said all that, Scott is not one of my favorites from a vocal perspective, and Simon agrees with me. He hated the obscure song he sang, and also causes Simon to use the first "I don't think you did yourself any favors tonight" comment of this season. I think Scott will make it through to round 2 because he's got his fans, but I don't think he is a better singer than many that didn't even make it to the top 36. Sorry Scott fans!

After the commercial break, we come back to my favorite singer this season - Danny Gokey. It's fitting that he is the first one to take a song from MJ's greatest album, "Thriller". He starts out really boring with "PYT", but then it kicks in and Danny shows why he is favorite to win it all. No, he can't dance and sing at the same time, but who cares. So he looks like Robert Downey Jr. Some have complained that he has cheapened the memory of his late wife by even bringing that up (which is BS - that's the Idol producers fault, not his...). None of that matters - Danny is a really entertaining singer, and while he does have moments of Michael McDonald in him (I still laugh thinking of the 40 Year Old Virgin), I think he's going to go very far in this competition. Paula likes him so much she says he's going to the finals. OMG - I agree with Paula! Yikes...

Michael Sarver is up next - he puts in a good performance, singing "You Are Not Alone". I actually quite like his version. It's not mind blowing, but it definitely shows off his vocal skills. Oh, and he's an Oil Rigger. Best quip of the night is when Simon says, "I just wish we knew what you did for a living", obviously mocking the fact that the producers keep harping on him being an Oil Rigger. To which Michael responds with, "Hopefully this!" Simon appreciated his effort tonight. All the judges actually like Michael. Good job.

Jasmine Murray takes the stage after the commercial break, and does a good performance of "I'll Be There", but it's a bit on the safe side. She definitely can sing, but it didn't really stand out to me. I like Jasmine, and hope she makes it through to another round. The fact that she's only 16 makes her vocals even more impressive. Randy said she wasn't that bad! What a compliment!! Simon called her robotic, and asks her to act her age. I don't know what that means.

After ANOTHER commercial break (c'mon Fox!), Kris Allen comes out with his guitar to do a version of "Remember the Time". Kris is ok - he's ok, but completely forgettable to me. Of course, the women in the audience go nuts over him. So he'll probably be safe for this week. He wasn't horrible - there were much worse performances tonight - but I don't think I'll remember this performance. Other than his Dave Matthews odd foot movements while playing the guitar. Kris kind of looks like he could be Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh's son! Kara loves him, especially because he's such a nice guy and helped out the other contestants. Simon tries to undress Paula during her rambling. Bizarre. According to Paula, "No one knows Michael's catalog quite like you..." Ok. She also calls him sexy, which causes the women in the audience to go crazy again. Give it a rest people!

Next up is Allison Iraheta, and we learn during her package that she sings regularly in a local department type store. Fascinating stuff. Allison has a good, strong voice. Her hair is really bad, but that's a minor quip. I think she'll actually go far this season, and I may be underestimating her. And like Jasmine, she's only 16. Oh, and she sang "Give in to me", another MJ song I'm not really familiar with. Must have been on one of his later albums? The judges all love her, and rightfully so. Very good job, Allison.

Another commercial break, but before we go to that, we see Anoop Desai doing a MJ Thriller dance. That's a bad omen, and it rings true when he comes back after the break to sing "Beat It". I actually agreed with Paula again when she said there are certain songs you don't touch. I would consider "Beat It" to be one of those. Even if he did something like "Billie Jean", I could see it. But Anoop, while not as horrible as the judges make him out to be, nonetheless comes off as a bit of a cheese ball. I really hope he comes back next week, because he CAN sing. He just didn't give a great performance tonight.

Another commercial break (no, that's not a typo - they took forever telling Anoop how bad he was tonight), and we come back to Jorge Nunez, who sings "Never Can Say Goodbye". I didn't think it was nearly as bad as the judges. He has a strong voice, and while his accent can be jarring at spots, I thought he wasn't too bad. I do agree that he would have been better suited singing something like "She's out Of My Life". And something tells me Jorge MAY just end up in the bottom three. I don't think he deserves to be there, but it's just a gut feeling I have.

Gee, we haven't had a commercial break in a while, so let's have another one. Megan Corkrey is up next, and I have to say, she really looks good this evening. So does her mom. Did I just say that? Seriously, my problem with Megan is her goofy dance moves and her arm long tattoo. She has a very unique voice, which I don't think was effectively used in singing "Rockin' Robin". It's a goofy song, and while she doesn't embarrass herself, I find it hard to take her seriously listening to her. Did I mention that she looked really good? That darn tattoo...ugh. She keeps the goofy dance to a minimum, and I thought in the end it was just ok. She is enthusiastic, and she should get points for that. Oh, and she looked good. And MAJOR props to her for her "Ravens Caw" at the end of the song! I had no idea she was a huge Ravens fan!! LOL. As Randy said, "That's So Megan"...Paula wanted to hear more of the Quirky and Unique tone of her voice. And Simon said, "What a stupid song choice!” Cut her some slack, dude!

After a brief shot of Gordon Ramsey in the audience (I expected a Hell's Kitchen plug, but he had no microphone), we go to Adam Lambert, who tackles "Black or White". I picked Adam for my top 3, but you all may know I don't like his "Sam Harris" tendencies. But the more I listened back to Adam's performance, I was very impressed. He still tends to go off the tracks more often than not, but he definitely put his own spin on the song. You can tell he's been in some stage productions before, as he clearly has some of the best stage presence of those contestants this season. Paula now says that Adam will be in the Final. "Never in the history of American Idol...have we ever seen someone so comfortable, so seasoned..." Adam starts to cry. After 20 more minutes of Paula gushing...Simon says, "But did you like him?" Oy vey! Simon says it was in a totally different league than anything else so far tonight. I think listening to the judges and rewatching it, I liked it even more than I originally did. He does need to go a little easy on the makeup, though!

After the break, Matt Giraud - the singer in a dueling piano bar - does a very nice version of "Human Nature". It's restrained where it needs to be, and Matt proves that he may very well be here for a while. Just stay away from Coldplay! He's got the falsetto working, and puts on his best JT impression as always. I think it was a little pitchy at times, but 90% of the time, he was dead on. Good job Matt! The judges like you too. Paula has her shortest comments of the night - probably because the producers said they only had 10 minutes left in the show!

Finally, after ANOTHER commercial, we get to hear Alexis Grace. Alexis is absolutely adorable. She's also a very good singer. I love the hair, the look, and the voice. My only problem was she picked "Dirty Diana", which is not a favorite MJ song. I think the song is kind of repetitive, but it doesn't really matter. Alexis smokes it - and while I'm constantly thinking to myself, who does she look like - a young Rosanna Arquette? - I really dig her. Another singer I may have underestimated. I really hope she doesn't get the boot anytime soon...I like her, and so do some of the judges. One criticism comes from Paula, who warns her not to over sing. Kara says Alexis is a naughty girl, and she likes it! Simon said she was over the top, and it wasn't as good as Alexis probably thinks it is. Whatever Simon - you're wrong! Of course, am I being blinded by the fact that I think she's cute? I don't know, and I don't care!

Ryan wraps up the show by saying that they will have a surprise twist tomorrow. I think it's just a ploy to get people to watch, but we'll find out soon enough. Anyway, I've written way too much, and I doubt anyone is still reading this. Check back next week for my next installment!