tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34228488180665292352024-03-20T01:15:22.773-07:00Telling It Like It is...Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-87181565482524503012013-01-24T17:04:00.003-08:002013-01-24T17:04:53.500-08:00"Baton Rouge" auditionFor the record, all those shots they are showing of "Baton Rouge" are of New Orleans. It's the New Orleans area. Not sure if they actually filmed these auditions there or if they are using footage from 2 years ago. Either way, it's just like them. Funny how they go out of their way to keep saying "Louisiana" and not either city.<br />
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So over this season. Not only do they still have their same old tricks and ridiculousness, (editing, bogus audition process, blah blah)-- but they've added in the Diva Drama.<br />
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Post your comments and questions and I'll respond but otherwise I'm just going to go back to playing Slotomania Slot Machines on Facebook :)<br />
<br />Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-42809872243839724922013-01-16T17:28:00.003-08:002013-01-16T17:28:44.702-08:00I'm BAAAACK!Well, for auditions anyway. With Nikki and Mariah this is bound to be a trainwreck.<br />
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Here are my thoughts starting at the top of the show:<br />
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Romulicious? WTF does that mean Nikki?<br />
And Mariah is pissed that she could not have her own hat. Sorry Mariah-- you wear evening gowns to take your kids to the Zoo-- are you really complaining about someone else being over dressed? Hilarious.<br />
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<b>Singer #1 </b>- Despite the Italian guy singing Queen breaking up the cat fight, he's ridiculous and full of himself. He also seems like he showed up to the wrong place for Jersey Shore auditions. Pass.<br />
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He has a point though about Mariah's song being the best contemporary one. Would have been great for her to just LEAVE IT AT THAT and not chime in about how wonderful she is. Then NM calls her a bitch, now they are cat-fighting. Again. Going to be a LONG night. It's only like 7:05.<br />
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Keith Urban's hot Australian accent can't save us from this mess.<br />
I swear, I watch this show to hear people SING (and occasionally, yes, not so well)-- but we haven't seen a single singer !<br />
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American Bitch-ol?<br />
There's fake British accents, makeup assistants, misquoted song lyrics, inquisitions about movie quotes, and just... this is crazy.<br />
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<b>Singer #2</b> - Some Super Mariah Fan steps up (she's obviously not sane, one strike against her). But she's gorgeous and underdressed to the point of being "cool". It is funny how Mariah pretends to remember her. She sings the song EXACTLY how Mimi would have, and Mimi nods in agreement with a little bit of "I'm responsible for that". 7/10<br />
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<b>Singers 3, 4, 5</b> are a pretty boy, a Snooky look alike, and someone so boring I can't remember him. But all have falsetto and all are through!<br />
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<b>Singer 6: ASIAN BIEBER! </b> YES!!! ASIAN BIEBER!!!!!!!! I am so exited by this!!!!<br />
If he's so inspired by Biebs YouTube story, he should make a YouTube video. Duh.<br />
15. Poor kid. He's only 15 and already growing earphones out of his neck. I'd definitely rather still be a lonely girl after that. Keith Urban is priceless. He needs to work on his dance moves-- at least William Hung had good moves. But I do love his Superman that looks like he's an angry horse. Obviously not through. 5/10 for entertainment factor. Nikki also hits on him. She gives him a really cool speech too about being himself. Makes me like her even more!<br />
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*** Behind the scenes note: FAKE SEACREST was used in this scene-- notice you never ever see Ryan, only hearing someone ask questions from off camera?<br />
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Ugh. Going to eat dinner or something, take a break. This is boring!<br />
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<br />Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-12227888885963589952011-08-29T21:50:00.000-07:002011-08-29T21:50:32.900-07:00Golden Tickets! Congratulations to all of you who have completed auditions so far this season!<br />
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I have been receiving e-mails left and right from those of you who are getting golden tickets! Here's an excerpt from someone today who got a golden ticket in Houston:<br />
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<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>okay, so I've been reading your blog</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> I actually got a golden ticket today in Houston</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> You said "stars" are special, if there is a star it means something</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> I also got a number "2" on the top</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> When I walked into the winner's circle room, the first table looked at my ticket and said "you're a 2, you're going to get a surprise"</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> I asked, "what?"</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> and got</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> "trust us it's a good thing"</i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i> </i></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So, my question for all of you.... what kind of marks have you gotten on your Golden Tickets? Y, N, K's? or 1s and 2s? or both? Start submitting pictures of your tickets (I will black out your name and contestant number) to truedat504@gmail.com or make comments on this post about what you got. Hopefully we will figure it out! </div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-10299438674570495942011-08-10T23:10:00.000-07:002011-08-10T23:10:07.574-07:00Audition tipsI've been getting a lot of e-mails from you guys asking for audition tips... and they are the same questions over and over (I don't mind)... so here are a few answers to them, and I will try to update this when I can with more Q & A.<br />
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1. Should I sleep over / camp-out in line?<br />
NO. There is no advantage to doing this. Worst case scenario, you'll end up sick, or hoarse, and tired and unable to perform. Best case scenario, you'll make the "front of line" shot (10 seconds of airtime) and will get to sit inside 20-30 minutes earlier than other people. What's better, 20-30 minutes of A/C or 6-8 hours of A/C by sleeping at home/hotel the night before? I got there at 6:30 on ticket day and 4:30 on audition day and it was more than sufficient.<br />
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2. Any other tips for camping out in line?<br />
YES! Bring things to entertain you (duh)... but things that are easy to move. I brought cards and board games and it was awful because I kept having to pick up and scoot when the line was moving. Try things like iPads and headphones and guitars. <br />
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3. Any other tips?<br />
YES! They did not allow in outside food or drink (because the arena sells it to you) but it's all overpriced and crap and not foods for singers (ie, they sell nachos with cheese and carbonated beverages, and not tea and bananas). So, I snuck in food inside a shoe box (because most contestants bring an extra pair of non-comfy shoes for the audition, right?) I put a few bottles of water, a banana, some apple sauce, and some nuts inside the shoe box and covered it up with the tissue paper that comes inside the shoe box. When they searched my bag, they didn't see it. Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-80515174889191769342011-06-14T23:14:00.000-07:002011-06-14T23:14:38.951-07:00I'm still here...You've probably all noticed that I stopped posting regularly, and I apologize for that. Life got in the way (I had that other TV show to do, nope, I still can't mention which one for another 120 days or more)... and I started my own company. Frankly though, I was just really bored with American Idol once we got to the Top 12 or so. I started blogging about the contestants, but 2-3 shows a week X a couple of hours a show really starts wearing on you after awhile. It was a full-time job, and honestly American Idol doesn't mean that much to me (it shouldn't mean that much to anyone, minus contestants). It's really sad how they've turned something that should be 8 or 9 1-hour episodes into about 120 hours of television watching, when 45% of it is commercials, advertisements, music videos, guest appearances, etc. I just got sick of it.<br />
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With that said, I am still around and I'm loving that people are still reading this blog and writing to me. I get several e-mails a day... keep them coming! I love hearing about all of you and your children and your spouses and your auditioning experiences. If there is anything you want to know, just ask-- and as auditions start approaching again this summer, eventually I'll share some of your experiences with others as well. So for now, just send in the questions, prepare for your auditions (make sure you REALLY want to do this), and be the best you can be. And for goodness sake, when you go to the audition make sure you note which letter they put by your contestant number (and tell me if I'm right-- I'm sure I am!)<br />
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Until then, good luck! I'll post here again when I have something else to say!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-3584243245045538712011-03-09T21:59:00.000-08:002011-03-09T21:59:48.250-08:00Top 13 Performances Part 1We're in and the crowd is doing the wave. If someone was in this audience you HAVE to tell me how many times / how long you had to practice that to get it right!<br />
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Seacrest is once again wearing the same black suit with the same black skinny tie. Is he like Regis? Did he start his own trademarked menswear line or something? Boring!<br />
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The judges all look surprisingly normal and like themselves. They're also very well coordinated in black and white. Randy has the typical "I never got to be a letterman in high-school so I'm wearing that 50s letter sweater now", J-Lo has a precious black and white polka dot dress on, and Steven Tyler has a white button down with a black blazer and jeans. He looks very rockstar.<br />
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We hear mention of J.Lo's single for the 1,000th time and it's time to meet the top 13.<br />
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The theme is "Pick a song by your own personal idol" and the mentor is Jimmy Iveen from Interscope and his producers. I'm pretty sure this is the guy who was pretty rude to most during Beatles / Vegas week. I don't know why he's famous.<br />
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The performances:<br />
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<b>Lauren Alaina</b> - <i>Any Man of Mine, Shania Twain</i><br />
She started off a little shaky and appeared nervous and the arrangement was very karaoke-- but she pulled it together quickly and impressed as always with her personality, confidence, and control. A few notes were shaky and on the sharp side, but very very few considering the style she was singing. Pros: She has the confidence of a pro and acted as if she was already famous, giving her first concert with winks and waves and smiles and "Thank yous" at the end. Cons are the same! The stylist DEFINITELY got to her, because she's not that tacky little girl with a gift card to the Juniors department anymore-- she looked gorgeous and age-appropriate in a pale turquoise chiffon blouse with metallic accents and flutter sleeves and black stretch pants.<br />
<b>My Scores- Vocals - 8 Outfit - 8.5 Confidence - 10 </b><br />
Randy Jackson- You sang it well but your voice is so big we really want something that lets you shine<br />
Jennifer Lopez- You always sound so amazing and you don't have to try-- but now we need high-gear. You're super comfortable but now it's time, the competition starts today.<br />
Steven Tyler- Loves that song but wishes it was just a little more kick-ass<br />
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<b>Casey Abrams</b> - <i>Get by with a little help from my friends, Joe Cocker</i><br />
I don't usually point out things from the reel, but Casey Abrams flat out called Joe Cocker unattractive (just like him) and I thought that was hilarious. Bonus points for that. It's at this point that I realize each contestant has their own separate backup singers? Lauren Alaina had two twin-blonde looking girls and Casey has a whole choir with him. He sings it very solidly, even makes it a little different from the original, and I definitely felt something. There was a whole lot of screaming and howling, but he pulled it off. He's wearing his typical church casual-shirt pant outfit (all in black with white undershirt)... and you wouldn't give him a second look if you saw him on the street. But I guess that's part of his charm? Overall it was a great performance, but it's not going to be something we'll remember next season or even 4 weeks from now.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 9 Outfit - 7 Confidence - 10 </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- (Idol remix lame quote again) - Always excited to see what you're going to do. Unbelievable & exciting, hit all the notes, always. Listening to you is fun. Loved it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- We go by what we feel and you are somebody important. Blew me away.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- You are a rainbow of talent, man. You never cease to amaze. You are a plethora of passion.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Ashthon Jones </b>- <i>When You Tell Me That You Love Me, Diana Ross <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">(Ashton? Ashthon?) </span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This could have been really good but I was pretty unimpressed. She made it modern sounding, which was good, but most of that came from the arrangement and backup singers, and not her own voice. The strong parts were strong, and I didn't notice anything with the high-note that she kept complaining about in the tape, but what I did notice were that all of the "breathy" notes sounded horrible. I don't know if she was too close to the mic, or the mic was malfunctioning, or if she was just flat in them, but it was really really bad. I'm curious to know if it sounded that way on set. Oh, and her dress would have been nice, but it was a single piece of silver satin. NOT GOOD to wear a single piece of satin when you are a full-figured girl! There goes my Tyra Banks comparison! A shame, all around.</span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></div><i><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 6.5 Outfit - 6.5 Confidence - 7 </b></div></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></div><i><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- Little bit of a safe move but you paid attention to the notes and pulled yourself in when you got sharp or flat. I liked it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- You're elegant up there and are a professional- there were moments where it was getting away from you and you kept your composure. You're awesome.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- There's a lot more in there that you're showing us and you're going to. I have confidence.</div></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Were those backhanded compliments? Or insults? I'm not sure! The judges are making little sense.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Paul McDonald</b>- <i>Ryan Adams (with an R, love it) - Come Pick Me Up</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I liked the Rod Stewart does Ryan Adams thing, he was very personable and talked to the crowd as always. Quirky as usual wearing a red and black "Michael Jackson" jacket but looking like a bad cowboy otherwise, and doing his usual "I dance in circles" moves. I like this guy (I don't dislike him), but I don't think he deserves the credit he gets. He has a great quality to his voice. That's all. He has little else. I don't think he'll make the top 3-4 but he'll be around for awhile. There were a couple of moments where the song literally felt like it was getting away from him. I think he focuses more on mood/stage presence than on singing. He rides on his tonal quality and there's so much more he could do- like different arrangements that could rival Blake Lewis'. He always leaves me thinking he's a slacker. But very likeable!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 7 Outfit - 8 Confidence - 9</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- (More music plugs), I get it, I hope America gets it, I'm a huge fan.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- You're so unique and you moved the crowd, but I hope America gets it. You're great.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- I love it so much it doesn't matter who's song you do your voice is so unique. Pitchy, and nail it next time, but I love your voice.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">On Seacrest impersonating Paul's dancing: It needed to be done, but you were NOT very good at it. You look even more ridiculous than he does, if that's possible!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Pia Toscano</b> - <i>Celine Dion, All By Myself</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Personality very lacking in interview, and picks Celine Dion which is an instant confirmation that she has no personality. Her voice is beautiful though-- very very recordable. Her runs are super impressive in her quieter voice. She has a lot of power but is obviously super nervous and shaky. It's also exactly the same version as Celine's. She's the kind of girl if you saw in a karaoke bar you'd stop dead in your tracks but it'd also be a karaoke bar. A few missed notes but a good performance. The crowd loves it, but it's just a Miss America performance for me. She is extremely beautiful, and looks stunning in a gold sequined one-shoulder mini-dress (with some sort of chiffon veil/tail coming out of the back that I could have done without), but she looks amazing. Between the lacking personality and the exactly the way we're used to hearing them performances though, I don't think that will carry her to the winner's circle this year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 8 Outfit - 9 Confidence - 8</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- Big 3 are Mariah, Whitney, Celine-- we always say don't tackle those if you can't do them, but you can hit these notes dead on. Very hot, dope, cool performance. (Hot & cool? Come on, Randy!)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- We love you, you topped last week. There it is. Really really beautiful.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- You polished that apple. Happy International Woman's Day, you just slammed it. (what the hell did he just say?)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>James Durbin</b> - <i>Paul McCartney, Maybe I'm Amazed</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">People who pick Beatles/McCartney songs on Idol annoy me, I don't know-- they just do. It's like they ride on the popularity of the song. Not that I don't love the songs, I'm just saying. But the producers seem genuinely impressed with him and try to make it different (not fair! Isn't that CHEATING? He would be crying if it were someone else doing that... yes, I'm being sarcastic in a throwback to Hollywood week). His "FREAK" sweatshirt also annoys me, and yes, I'm talking about the tape again. Back to the performance: He's wearing a white shirt, red vest, jeans, and lots and lots of jewelry. His hair is slicked back and it suddenly occurs to me that he reminds me of the villain dad in Kindergarten Cop. Maybe that's part of the reason I don't like him. He does kind of a screaming version of the song, but I have to say-- the tone of his voice is amazing. The fact that he can get so high in pure tone, is amazing. Maybe I'm amazed, finally, by James Durbin. The performance was incredible and people will talk about it for sure. I still don't like him very much as a person, and I think he's way too cocky, but it was a great song choice, well done, done differently than the original, made modern/rock, and there wasn't a missed note in the entire song. Don't ever say I don't give credit where credit is due!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 9.5 Outfit - 8.5 Confidence - 10 </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- You're one of my favorites, you can do anything, James Durbin is dangerous, America!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- (I LOVE her laugh!!!!!) You have such a quality, a melodic quality that is rare to rockers where you can actually sing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- You have taken everything you've ever felt and kicked it into the middle of next week! (is he on drugs?) so good! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">* He asked for more applause a few times after he was done so negative .5 points for that!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Haley Reinhart </b>- <i>Blue, LeAnn Rimes</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Her hair and dress (dark navy, very revealing in the bust) were amazing. That's sadly all that was amazing. Her performance was EXACTLY like LeAnn's, and even her hand motions reminded me of an 8 year old singing it at a country fair. It was great, but nothing different. At all. Her tone made it slightly cool but again, karaoke. She better work harder if she wants to stay around. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My Scores- Vocals - 7 Outfit - 9 Confidence - 8</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Randy Jackson- Good parts: you can do a lot of different types of music Bad: It was boring and sleepy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jennifer Lopez- You do things with your voice that are so diverse. Good job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Steven Tyler- If you listen closely you can hear America roaring (???) such a great job, so so fine</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">* She kept talking over Randy so -1 for that. Over and over and over again. Annoying!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Stay Tuned for part 2!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">xoxo,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Maria</div><br />
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</div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-69537801478572711892011-03-04T00:30:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:32:40.223-08:00Top 13So, I picked 10 or 11 of the Top 13... not too bad, right?<br />
Sad about Brett & Julie, I thought they had so much more in them-- especially for Brett, because he didn't have a bad performance the other night. It's too bad. Not too thrilled about Scotty McCreery or Jacob Lusk, either, but I think we got a really good melting pot going on.<br />
<br />
4 of my 5 Top 5 picks are still alive also, so I think I'm pretty accurate there, as well. I was just really off about Brett. <br />
<br />
Your Top 13:<br />
<br />
<ul style="font-family: georgia, arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Scotty McCreery</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Jacob Lusk</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Casey Abrams</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Paul McDonald</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">James Durbin</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pia Toscano</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Lauren Alaina</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Karen Rodriguez</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thia Megia</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Haley Reinhart</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ashthon Jones</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stefano Langone</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Naima Adedapo</li>
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</span></span></div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-79152435960233595692011-03-03T10:15:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:31:50.453-08:00Top 12 PredictionsLet's look at the Top 24 (and a recap of the scores I gave them):<br />
<br />
Females:<br />
Pia Toscano: 27.5<br />
Lauren Alaina: 27<br />
Naima Adedapo: 26<br />
Haley Reinhart: 25<br />
Thia Megia: 25<br />
Lauren Turner: 24<br />
Rachel Zevida: 24<br />
Julie Zorrilla: 24<br />
Ashton Jones: 23<br />
Kendra Chantelle: 22<br />
Karen Rodriguez: 17<br />
Tatynisa Wilson: 13<br />
<br />
Males:<br />
Brett Loewenstern - 28<br />
Casey Abrams - 26<br />
Stefano Langone - 25<br />
Jovany Barreto - 24<br />
Paul McDonald - 23<br />
Jacob Lusk - 23<br />
Tim Halperin - 23<br />
Robbie Rosen - 22.5<br />
Clint Gamboa - 19<br />
James Durbin - 19<br />
Jordan Dorsey - 15<br />
<br />
The Top 12, will I think be:<br />
<br />
Girls:<br />
Pia Toscano<br />
Lauren Alaina<br />
Naima Adedapo<br />
Julie Zorrilla<br />
Karen Rodriguez<br />
I'm torn for 6th between Ashton Jones and Haley Reinhart. I prefer Ashton but think Haley will take it.<br />
I don't believe Karen Rodriguez deserves to be there but I think she will.<br />
I think Julie might be at risk but I'm hoping America gives her another shot.<br />
<br />
Guys:<br />
Casey Abrams<br />
Brett Loewenstern<br />
Stefano Langone (likely will take the Jovany vote)<br />
Paul McDonald or Jacob Lusk<br />
James Durbin I do not think deserves to be there, but I think he will sadly end up there<br />
Torn for 6th between Robbie Rosen, Tim Halperin, and Clint Gamboa. I can't stand Clint Gamboa but I think he might have a better shot at making it than the other two. I'd pick Robbie Rosen of the three.<br />
<br />
I think this is a pretty good guess at the Top 12, I'm usually way more accurate towards the end (which one or two will be sent home as opposed to massive cuts), because you never know with a huge vote/cut like this which votes will be taken away by which other contestants. But, It's a pretty good guess.<br />
<br />
If I had MY choice, the Top 12 would be: Brett, Casey, Stefano, Tim, Robbie, Paul, Pia, Lauren A., Naima, Lauren T., Ashton, and Julie, but we can't all get exactly what we want all the time.<br />
<br />
Curious to see what wins out-- my personal choices or what I think is going to happen.<br />
<br />
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!<br />
<br />
Oh, and just for a bonus... here's my projected Top 5 (at this moment): Casey, Brett, Pia, Lauren, Naima<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-76553854236867698412011-03-02T23:53:00.000-08:002011-03-02T23:53:05.943-08:00Top 12 Ladies - Cocktail Dress anyone??Okay, it's time for the 12 Ladies...<br />
<br />
(My girl at TopIdolBlog wrote that this week was like hell week for AI bloggers, and boy was she right! 2 hours down, 4 more to go.. countless hours writing and discussing. Come on, Top 10!)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Judges Outfits</u>:</b> (excuse my outfit talk-- I'm a fashion blogger as well<b>- </b>at least I'm warning you in advance so you can avoid it). J Lo is wearing a ravishing silver dress, with silver or white thigh-high boots. Not sure if I love the combination. She always knows how to take a really really expensive look and make it look like it's on a hooker in the Bronx. But I digress. Randy Jackson has a typical Argyle sweater and funky glasses on and Steven Tyler has his usual "is he homeless or is he a rockstar?" vibe. Seacrest has his usual Jeffrey Winger suit vibe going. <br />
<br />
If last night was the night for Steven Tyler to curse, tonight is the night for Randy Jackson to talk with inexplicable pauses between his sentences. Is he pausing for em-phas-is? Is he out of breath? I'm not really sure. I just know when he talks with dramatic pauses it reminds me of when Lil C on SYTYCD tries to use big words.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Top 12 Ladies Overview: </u> </b> All day long I've been chatting on Twitter with peeps about how the only girls we can remember are Lauren Alaina and Julie Zorrilla (can't wait to see what she's wearing), so I can't wait to see the 10 we forgot about already. Tatynisa Wilson, Naima Adedapo, Kendra Chauntelle, Rachel Zevida, Karen Rodgriguez, Lauren Turner, Ashton Jones, Julie Zorilla, Hailey Reinhart, Thia Megia, Lauren Alaina, Pia Toscano. Wow. Okay, the guys were so easily broken down. This is a little more difficult. Since the beauty of American Idol is America's opinions (the average every day person) and not the experienced record exec or blogger, I'm going to forget researching these guys again, and just give you what I know about them off the top of my head. That's likely what you remember too, right? (And hopefully you remember it from reading my blog!)<br />
<br />
<b><u>So, what I remember about them just from memory:</u></b><br />
Tatynisa Wilson - consistently messing up lyrics, only one or two shining moments, otherwise blah<br />
Naima Adedapo - stadium cleaner by day, Rasta superstar by night. Very unique & has a real shot. Not my cup of tea, but I'm sure she's someone's spoon of caviar. Or Red Stripe?<br />
Kendra Chauntelle - pretty and sweet, soulful voice but utterly forgettable<br />
Rachel Zevida - something about strict Jewish parents & a strict grandmother, has auditioned a bunch, really nerdy and used to dress strange.. that's all I remember<br />
Karen Rodriguez - auditioned on Myspace, JLO really likes her & they keep making her sing J Lo songs<br />
Lauren Turner - auditioned in New Orleans and never a standout to me but always surprises me somehow.. won't be the winner but don't count her out yet<br />
Ashton Jones - the girl I call Tyra Banks, (she looks like her!) pretty with a superstar personality, and a pretty good singer but not by any means the best<br />
Julie Zorrilla - fashion queen, went to Idyllwild Arts Academy & prom with Casey, one of more talented and memorable females, beautiful and plays great piano... one to watch<br />
Hailey Reinhart - bubbly blonde girl, never really impressed me, don't remember that much else<br />
Thia Megia - a 15 year old, unique vocals but seems to fold under pressure<br />
Lauren Alaina - also 15, kind of the opposite, seems strong as a horse but kind of cookie cutter<br />
Pia Toscano - really stood out in Hollywood group round, one of the older ones, don't remember much more about her-- she's also beautiful and Hispanic, which seems to be a trend here<br />
<br />
I hate to say this, but with the boys I remembered douchebags, sweethearts, hotties, etc... the girls are different. They are all beautiful. They are all stylish (minus 1 or 2), they are all equally as memorable as the other ones. I do not believe in stereotypes but I will admit to you that I kind of refer to them as the bubbly blondes, the soul sisters, the Latinas, and the babies. You can figure out quite easily which contestant falls in what category. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Pre-singing cut opinon</u></b><u>: </u> Based on the above, it's tough, but if I had to pick 3 or 4 to definitely go, it would be Tatynisa, Kendra, Rachel, and Hailey. Let's see if I'm right.<br />
<br />
<b>Ta-tynisa Wilson</b> - <i>Only Girl in the World</i> - a Rihanna song, really? It starts out really rough. She also looks like Pebbles from the Flintsones went to Prom in the 80s. Zebra strapless mini-dress with tulle flying out underneath and big white pearls around her neck. Complete with ankle socks with her stripper heels. Not a fan. After the backup singers came in and she got into the chorus, she got a little more comfortable, but it had really awful notes all the way through. And I didn't want to look at her because her left breast was really close to falling out. Awful awful awful awful.<br />
<b>My scores: Singing: 5 Outfit: 3 Stage Presence: 5 </b><br />
ST: song sang to you and you sang it beautifully, JL: she really brought it home. RJ: thought it was just okay. That's my boy, Randy! You and I usually don't agree but you are right on here. It paled in comparison and didn't bring anything different, and pitch issues. He also says she looks hot which makes me realize I'm dead on about her awful outfit.<br />
<br />
<b>Naima Adedapo</b> - Seacrest loves her Big Bird dress, I have to say it's not my thing but it is great on her. I will not critique any of her fashions from here on out because she's just too original in that way- it's like trying to rate types of human food when you're a vampire. I love that she does her own thing. But I digress. She sings <i>Summertime</i> which is a pretty big Idol risk. The jazzy arrangement makes me really really nervous. But, she opens up and NAILS IT. I've never been a fan of hers, she's not my thing, but this was pleasantly surprising. She owned the stage, was comfortable, made jokes, even moved to the judges and around the stage. She did jazzy, she did scat, she even did some Reggae in the middle of it, and it all fit perfectly with the song. It was different. My only critiques of her in this moment would be that a) I have no idea what kind of record she would make and if it would sell to the AI crowd, and b) she seems a little over indulgent at some spots, but goodness... it was a ray of sunshine (pun intended).<br />
<b>My Scores: Vocals: 9 Outfit: 8 Stage Presence: 9</b><br />
Judges: JL (ooh they are rotating judges now) - like an exotic flower in a rose garden (YEAH), RJ - it was a little loungy and not as good as Fantasia's (agreed) but he liked her stage presence (agreed), ST - like early Ella Fitzgerald, new old-timey, what America needs, unbelievable.<br />
<br />
<b>Kendra Chantelle</b> - <i>Impossible? Christina Aguilera? </i> Wow, I realized she had a soulful voice before, but, damn, I'm telling you, it was like Jennifer Hudson's voice came out of Rachel Zoe's body. You know what I'm saying? I actually had to stop from typing to watch it, really watch it, because I was mesmerized. Her clothes were a little on the hooker/rocker side, which doesn't really mesh with the singing vibe-- it was a leather black/white bustier type thing with some chains, and black leather pants, but it wasn't that tacky or slutty per se, just not something I'd ever wear in public unless I planned on performing or dancing on a bar. Performance wise she didn't move much but she really engaged, and looked gorgeous. It got a little cheesy toward the middle-end, but her end notes were amazing and pretty memorable.<br />
<b>My Scores: Vocals: 9 Outfit: 6 Stage Presence: 7</b><br />
Judges: RJ - loved the vibrato, reminds him of Lauryn Hill, a little spotty notes, but liked it. ST - always looks forward to her and she did it again, Style hot (which confirms what I said about HER outfit), JL - she belongs here, but there is more in her.<br />
<br />
<b>Rachel Zevita</b> - <i>Fiona Apple's Criminal - </i> Whoa, has any girl EVER stripped clothing on AI? I have so much to process here! One, her ridiculous tie dye hippy one day / gothic corpse bride the next headpieces have completely disappeared. Two, her hair is beautiful and straight- a first. Three, she is in a gorgeous cocktail dress and heels. She looks stunning. Four, she is singing Fiona Apple as if she were in a lounge and she just TOOK OFF CLOTHING. What on EARTH is going on here? The theatricality is really getting to me, throwing the mic stand down, the Fosse broadway moves, and apparently it gets to her as well, because she actually almost drops an entire line of the lyrics. Watch it back if you don't believe me, it was clear as day. The pros: she looks gorgeous and made one of my favorite songs new again. The cons: There are other shows for Broadway singers, go find one. She looks like a grown up now, but still sings like a child. She was nasal and flat in some moments, but overall it was a strong performance. Audience loved it, and she succeeded in that people will talk about it tomorrow.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 7 Outfit: 9 Stage Presence: 8 + 1 for daring to change a song , -1 for turning AI into a cabaret show</b><br />
Judges: ST - too Broadway (yes!), that could be her niche, JL - how do you want America to see you? as a Broadway performer or as a recording artist? amazing range but wishes she would have seen more RJ - wasn't great, wasn't good, didn't work, didn't even know who that was or recognize the song.<br />
*Final thoughts, she's clearly a drama queen but does a great job of not losing it and crying on stage.<br />
<br />
<b>Karen Rodriguez</b> - <i>Hero, Mariah Carey</i>, risky decision to sing Mariah, especially on the first night, sheesh. Whoh, and she's singing it in Spanish now. Seriously? Haven't we had enough J Lo and Selena moments? I admire her differences but this is not Latin American Idol. I'm SURE she grabbed a great portion of the Latin American vote, maybe even stole a bunch from Julie Zorrilla. I wish her notes were amazing, but it's really just a karaoke version (note for note) to Mariah's. Just partly in Spanish. Her dress is a teal blue pageant gown that makes me feel like I'm watching Miss America. or Miss Universe, in this case, I guess.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 5 Outfit: 6 Stage Presence: 6 </b><br />
Judges: JL - loves it, shocker, but she understood it all! Loves the bilingual and that she showed her flavor (or does she mean JL's flavor), RJ - liked that she made it her own (did she?), liked the Spanish better, ST - definitely one of a kind, thinks she should sing it with Jacob Lusk<br />
Clearly I'm the only one who did not like this, but I just thought it wasn't that great at all.<br />
<br />
<b>Lauren Turner </b>- <i>??</i> I never realized how much she sounds like Christina Aguilera until now. Once again she completely surprised me. She's not as pretty as some of the other girls, but she definitely looked the part and showed up. The song was some type of 50s or 60s song maybe, and she sang it really well. I have nothing to compare it to, but I was entertained throughout and she impressed me at more than a few places in it. It would have been nicer had she picked a more well known song so people could identify a little better with it and remember it, but it was a pretty solid performance. Dress was a little sparkly silver & black cocktail number with black tights and shoes. Perfect for this type of thing, it was very well suited for her as well.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 8 Outfit: 8 Stage Presence: 8 (solid as a rock)</b><br />
Judges: RJ - That's how you do it, loved the power, Amy Winehouse meets Florence & Machine, loves the bluesy soul, very nice, (**someone in the crowd at this moment yells WHO DAT and that makes me squeal with happiness, being from Louisiana myself. Awesome***) ST - spectacular, Lauren Turner meets Lauren Turner, finished the story. JL - Thought it was great but she could have really given it more, don't hold back, get in the camera's face<br />
<br />
<b>Ashton Jones</b> - (her tape reminds me time and time again how she dresses like Tyra Banks ALWAYS, I hope this is no exception tonight!). Ooh, I'm right, she looks just like Tyra again! <i>?? Not a song I recognize? </i> The outfit is a cute little denim bustier and black stretch pants. Not the greatest but she definitely looks like a star or a model. The song is an R&B song and it's pretty strong with some power but there are a lot of flat moments. A surprising amount of flat moments. And that's saying something because I don't even know the song. Crowd loved it (they appear to love everything).<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 6 Outfit: 7 Stage Presence: 9 </b><br />
Judges: ST - you go places with your smooth vocals, JL - you have all the makings of a diva... Body, hair, moves, confidence (- that's what I've been saying!) RJ - stage presence, great, not a good song (exactly! Why am I agreeing with ALL of the judges tonight? So weird). Ashton does a great impression of J Lo so she gets an <b>extra +1</b> for that!<br />
<br />
<b>Julie Zorrilla</b> - <i>Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway </i>- Always risky to take on Kelly. I'm quite surprised because Julie's strength to date has appeared to be in her quiet piano playing endeavors. Mixed feelings on this one, and I wanted so badly for her to continue to be my favorite. Let's start with the outfit. She's gorgeous, she's glamourous, she's freshly tanned, and she's wearing an absolutely beautiful light pink or cream strapless tulle cocktail dress with matching shoes. Style icon. This girl was born to be famous, and it's hard for me to imagine a Colombian refugee from looking at her Sex and the City ensembles. Now for the singing- it was really rough. I appreciate that she changed up the song and made it her own, and she made some great choices, but there were some pitch problems especially in the higher registers. It almost sounded like she was either out of range or recovering from illness. Had I just seen her somewhere singing I would have never said "you should go on American Idol'- I would have said something like "you should be on TV or in movies". Take that how you will.<br />
(Gossip: if you notice NONE of the Idol girls stood up for her, they'd be standing for everyone... snub!)<br />
<b>Scores: Singing: 6 Outfit: 10 Stage Presence: 8</b><br />
Judges: JL - liked it, not the best thing from her, not from the heart, RJ - loves the song, but she didn't bring anything different, not nearly as good as Kelly Clarkson's, didn't show herself in the best light, ST - wrong song for her, should be up a couple of keys (up?)<br />
<br />
<b>Haley Reinhart</b> - like a Niki Taylor with a Bronx accent - <i>Alicia Keys' Fallin' - </i> Wow. Starts strong, ends strong, nails it in the middle. Perfect song for her-- she has a very soulful voice but there's a little rasp there that makes it just a tad different. The only thing I don't like about her is that she's so over indulgent sometimes and she does the strangest mouth movements and just odd things (Steven Tyler-esque, really) but I guess it works for her. It's just going to annoy me. She's also got the strangest nasally/accent/something. I also thought she was ready to bust out of her black strapless cocktail dress (with a gold glitter stripe down the side) and black pumps.<br />
Overall, very memorable, awesome vocals, and I think she succeeded in standing out. Stage presence was great but at some point I thought maybe she was going to dry hump the mic stand.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 9 Outfit: 8 Stage Presence: 9 -1 for being over-indulgent</b><br />
RJ - great song but does nothing for her, karaoke-ish, misses the Janis kind of husky songs, ST - just the right about of style and sexy (he must have anticipated the mic-hump as well), JL - a lot of growl, and playing with notes, and very Haley, but maybe a little too... something.<br />
<br />
<b>Thia Megia</b> - <i>??</i> - some loungy soulful song that talks about not fitting in and where do I belong. Probably really appropriate lyrics for a 15 year old, but the style or old-timey ness of it did not suit her at all. She also did an a capella opening that made me a little nervous because it went a little too long, in the dark... it took a little too long for the music to kick in and it just made me uncomfortable. It was like that moment in Coyote Ugly when Violet has to turn off the lights to get the nerve to start singing. I don't know. She also sounds a freaking LOT like Michael Jackson. (a good thing). Her dress is absolutely gorgeous, probably the best one of the night. I'd buy it now if I were presented with that option and will research that tonight-- tan on top, rhinestones at the middle, and pinkish peachish frills or feathers on the bottom. Unfortunately, that was the most exciting part about the entire performance for me. Thia's maturity surprises me but it makes me sad as well. It fell flat for me, both literally and figuratively. Gosh, close your eyes, though, and you'd swear it was MJ.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals - 8 Outfit - 10 Stage Presence - 7 </b><br />
ST - very good pitch, so beautiful JL - perfect quiet moment, very still, captivating, really special RJ - Her tone reminds him of Michael Jackson as well (WOW, me and Randy are having a moment tonight!)<br />
* Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Thia- but she's the youngest contestant and chose the OLDEST sounding song. I'm just a little sad about that.<br />
<br />
<b>Lauren Alaina</b> (which by the way is not her real name, they cut her last name, not sure why) - <i>Turn on the Radio? - </i> Not familiar with the song, it was country rock, but it was very well suited for her. This was another one I had to stop writing to look up at watch it. Absolutely mesmerizing. The vocal control, stage presence, and personality that this (now) 16 year old has, is just amazing. She reminds me of Kelly Clarkson. She will be famous someday, heck, she's already famous. I love that she's the only girl to wear jeans and boots and a t-shirt and jacket. She didn't look sloppy though-- it would be like if Carrie Underwood chose to wear a casual outfit to a concert. She has odd taste, borderline tacky sometimes, but it suits her. It reminds me of a young Gretchen Wilson, maybe. And her tone, is perfect. It's one of those voices where it would record perfectly, but she knows when to amp it up for live performances. She plays to her strengths and weaknesses so expertly and does it all so naturally you would swear she wasn't thinking about it at all. I'm a big big fan, and I think she'll go very far. <br />
<b>Scores: Vocals - 9 Outfit - 7 Stage Presence - 9 Props for being original, +1</b><br />
Judges: JL - so beautiful, doesn't even have to try (yeah! what I said!), effortless (yeah!), natural, so so great to see and watch, Amazing. RJ - A natural gift, you can sing anything, I don't even believe you know how good you are, She reminds him of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood (WHAT, didn't I SAY THAT? crazy!) ST - her voice goes from here to there, she is amazing<br />
At the end Lauren points out that Seacrest's new name is Peaches, Peaches Seacrest, which makes me love her even more. <b>+1 for that!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Pia Toscano</b> - <i>I'll Stand By You, The Pretenders, </i> I love this song. Great recording voice. Wow, and she changes it up right away. It sounds like Carrie Underwood's version, only maybe even better. It's got a little country feel to it. It actually has the power and runs of Kelly Clarkson, with Carrie Underwood's tone. And maybe a little Celine Dion in there too. I'm a big fan. She's country, she's rock and roll, she's Italian or Latina also, right? She doesn't let that entirely define who she is. She's also gorgeous and looks a lot like the girl from New Orleans with the baby who got cut (her name escapes me right now but she looked a lot like Natalie Portman, and Pia looks like her. Her dress is a beautiful black beaded number, kind of flapper, but modern. Cocktail dress like all of the other girls, but it doesn't leave me feeling like I'm at a pageant or a prom. She looks gorgeous. The song is beautiful, she does some great things with it, I don't detect one bad note, it's slightly different (although she could have changed it up a little more), and the end is powerhouse. Very well done. I see why she's last now. Definitely one to watch.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 10 Outfit: 9 Stage Presence: 8.5</b><br />
Judges: Standing ovations from all 3 (and the crowd, and the contestants), RJ - First standing O, she just put herself in the top, that's how you do it, ST - WTF, it was unbelievable, over the top, Congrats, JL - knew she was a standout but feels a little tricked b/c she saved it for when it counts, was out of this world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Final Scores:</u></b><br />
Pia Toscano: 27.5<br />
Lauren Alaina: 27<br />
Naima Adedapo: 26<br />
Haley Reinhart: 25<br />
Thia Megia: 25<br />
Lauren Turner: 24<br />
Rachel Zevida: 24<br />
Julie Zorrilla: 24<br />
Ashton Jones: 23<br />
Kendra Chantelle: 22<br />
Karen Rodriguez: 17<br />
Tatynisa Wilson: 13<br />
<br />
Who I think should be cut -- see my bottom 5 above and replace Julie Zorrilla with Haley Reinhart.<br />
Who I think WILL be cut -- definitely Tatynisa Wilson, maybe even Rachel Zevida and Kendra Chantelle. <br />
<br />
I'll post soon on who I think the Top 10 will be and the wild cards, also. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-11619906537594399202011-03-02T11:39:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:39:58.480-08:00The joys of being a classical / opera singer I really enjoy reading the comments from all of you readers over the last few months, and I love the e-mails I'm getting... keep them coming! <a href="mailto:truedat504@gmail.com">truedat504@gmail.com</a> or @truedat504 on Twitter.<br />
<br />
One of the most common things I hear is how fellow singers think my "Phantom" comments to Ken Warwick were hilarious. I consider myself a funny person, normally, and am well versed on opera jokes, but that one just came so naturally to me I didn't realize it would have that much of a response.<br />
<br />
To anyone who "got" those comments: You have clearly gone through the turmoil of explaining singing classically to "lay" people. It's pretty difficult, and it almost always goes exactly the same way.<br />
<br />
Behold, this You Tube video- I watched it several months ago when it first came out and laughed my little bootie off. If you thought my phantom comments were funny, you'll die watching this. Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib2prWo49Sc">What happens when a classical singer tries to explain what they do to an non-singer... </a><br />
<br />
xoxo, <br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-83095713814808750132011-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:002011-03-02T10:30:29.048-08:00Jordan Dorsey, Set Up?So according to some live audience members who were at the taping of Idol that aired last night, there were some Jordan Dorsey comments that were cut out of what was aired.<br />
<br />
Idol at this point usually IS Live, but this particular one was taped, we all assumed, because of Steven Tyler's potty-mouth. That may still be the reason why, or have something to do with it, but also-- apparently there was an issue with Jordan Dorsey's ridiculous choice of an Usher song- it wasn't his choice.<br />
<br />
When asked by Seacrest why he chose to sing it, he gave a full account of how it was not his choice, which of course was edited into what we saw last night-- <br />
<br />
Read more about it here, from Lyndsey Parker, Idol blogger extraordinaire, who was there in person: <a href="http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/422387/american-idol-semifinals-pt-1-twelve-awesome-men/">Reality Rocks - 12 Awesome Men</a><br />
<br />
If this is true (and it indeed appears to be), not only am I right about Idol Producers having FAR more power over who makes the Top 10+ than everyone thinks, but Jordan Dorsey is going to be next to be forcibly cut. I'm not that upset, because I couldn't stand him, but I wonder who our next victim will be...Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-15579420733108255972011-03-01T23:20:00.000-08:002011-03-01T23:24:08.680-08:00Top 12 Guys --- someone should make a calendar! We'll call it Randy's Dog-Tag Dawgs! <b>Ready for the Top 12 Guys?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
The guys this year seem SO much better, more interesting, cuter & more talented than the girls, so I'm really surprised they are going first, but here goes:<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Judges: </u></b> Randy talks a bit about how he's the anchor and this is the "re-mix!! what what!" ... I don't know when he's going to learn that he either has to be rich or talk ghetto and not both. It doesn't work for him. Steven Tyler is given a Idol sign by Ryan Seacrest to hold over his mouth when he curses, good luck with that-- in the process Seacrest curses explaining how it works saying "don't worry, they'll just bleep it out." And he did NOT use the sign. Lesson? Seacrest = Hypocrite. Jennifer Lopez, I don't get... she has looked absolutely radiant and oh so classy at all of the auditions, wearing expensive Prada shoes, Burberry trenches, Audrey Hepburn-esque buns... tonight is the first real TV night, with a live audience, and she is dressed like a hooker. Fake black leather skin-tight halter dress, with a sky high ponytail. She even calls herself out on her rhinestone earrings.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Top 12 Overview: </u> </b> There's the 2 douchebags, Clint & Jordan, The 2 hotties Jovany & Stefano-- wait a minute, didn't Stefano get booted last week?? (that's what I get for not watching all of the 2nd episode) The 2 crazy screamers - James & Jacob, The 2 babies/sweethearts - Robbie & Brett the "normals" - Tim & Scotty, and the 2 crazy-talenteds, Paul & Casey. I didn't plan to group them in 2s, but it just ended up working that way. And let me say, I've been calling all of these people out from the very beginning for EXACTLY the reasons I just referred to above-- so it's nice to know that Idol is listening to me for a change ;) The judges got this exactly right.<br />
<br />
Based on this -- my<b> "before-singing cut opinion" </b>(I need to start blogging live from now on because now you don't know if I cheated, but I swear I didn't)... and not singing at all... I would say the two to go are going to be the "normals" - <b>Scotty & Tim.</b> They're both nice, probably both good, but they've got nothing. No niche. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Forgettable. The only way Tim Halperin is staying is if someone confuses him for Jim Halpert. My personal opinion.<br />
<br />
Any song they wish? Great. Isn't anyone going to explain why super-hot Stefano is back? No? Oh well, at least I still get to look at him.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Performances:</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Clint Jun Gamboa </b>- Douchebag #1 is up first and of course he's singing Stevie Wonder. Hasn't he sang <i>Superstitious</i> before? Or at least some Stevie Wonder? Homework for tonight! I will look into that. The psychadelic lights suck but I know that's not his fault. His cockiness is though. Cocky does not equal stage presence. And his red shoes make me want to kick him back to the teen club to hang out with Chris Brown. His vocals are solid but there's crazy vibrato on almost everything. He sounds like Black Male Shakira.<br />
<b>My scores (out of 10): Vocals: 7 Outfit: 7 Stage Presence: 5</b><br />
Judges: ST- good beginning and good end JL - jitters are out but it was good RJ - brilliant<br />
<br />
<b>Jovany Barreto</b> - Hottie #1 is second, singing <i>I'll Be</i>. Seriously??? Come on dude, we hear that all the time. You're new facial hair also reminds me of Sanjaya. Great little suit going on though, and he seems nervous but in a modest, endearing way (learn from him, Doucheboa!). It was very karaoke, and he moved around like Desi Arnaz singing in a 1960's I Love Lucy episode, but despite all of that, he was very believable and precious (We could TELL JLo was feeling it!). The crowd roar confirms my thoughts, I guarantee he's through.<br />
<b>My scores: Vocals: 7 Outfit: 8 Stage Presence: 9</b><br />
Judges: ST - "holy shipyard!" Beautiful. JL - "I'm happy right now! You did it!" RJ - Hater - Karaoke<br />
(RJ seems already to say opposite of whatever the other 2 say. He also is making himself the mean one. But I have to agree with him about the karaoke part.)<br />
<br />
<b>Jordan Dorsey</b> - Douchebag #2 is third, it's a Louisiana rush for once (which I am happy about), but I still can't stand him. He's singing Usher, which confirms my DB thoughts. It's entirely too low for him, he copies Usher's dance moves almost EXACTLY, and combined with the too-low key, it makes him end up sounding constipated. He actually ups the key halfway through because I guess he realized that. Judging by the backup singers who stayed in a lower key, it wasn't planned. He is ENTIRELY too full of himself for this performance. He won't be gone but I can only wish. Anyone who doubted me from the beginning saying that he was a douchebag need only watch this to prove I'm right. He ends with an OPEN CROTCH KNEEL, for Christ sake. Oh, the outfit? I don't remember, he took half of it off... (he took off his jacket and threw it across the stage), but I remember it just being something Chris Brown would wear. And a purple shirt. With dog tags.<br />
<b>My scores: Vocals: 4 Outfit: 7 Stage Presence: 4</b><br />
Judges: ST - not his favorite, over the top, JL - "not who you really are", RJ - pitchy (first time of the year!), not good, nothing different<br />
<br />
<br />
Pitchy count: 1 <br />
ST curse words: 4<br />
Seacrest curse words: 2<br />
<br />
<b>Tim Halperin</b> - Normal #1 , <i>Come on Over</i> - good tone, engaging, genuine, great falsetto. Kind of boring, but not bad. Jeans, blazer, open dress shirt with a black tee underneath (and more dog tags). He has some great stuff at the end of his performance. Really solid. No one will remember it tomorrow but the best one so far.<br />
<b>My scores: Vocals: 8 Outfit: 8 Stage Presence: 8 (solid as a rock!) but completely forgettable</b><br />
Judges: ST - song did him no favors, JL - have been better before RJ - same (wow!), karaoke speech<br />
*Tim did kind of sound like a douche in the exit interview, so I have to down his SP score by 1 pt.<br />
<br />
<b>Brett Loewenstern</b> - Baby #1, <i>Come on Baby Light My Fire -</i> I winced at first with the song selection, it makes me feel oogie when babies sing grown up sexual songs, but he was very mature. He started it off in a lower register, and it was soulful, and modern all at the same time. He gave it a feist-y (like the female artist) kind of feel and I can't think of another male singer off the top of my head who can do that. Then, he jumps to a crazy rock and roll high vibe a la Siobhan Magnus and totally pulled it off. Like on SNL, I have to say that "this has EVERYTHING" - great falsetto, made it his own, amazing soft and loud notes, and fantastic tone. Oh, and his style- he kept it simple the way all teenage boys should, but if I saw him on the street I'd still think he was a rockstar. Blue shirt, jeans, vest, and hot blue sneakers. Oh and lots of bracelets and necklaces, including, you guessed it-- dog tags (did the AI men go in for matching dog-tags together? Cute public interest story. I will find out for you, folks!). So happy I had the chance to hang out all day with this kid in New Orleans. He is going to go FAR. Oh, on stage presence-- he started off slow and looked at the cameras, and then moved around, and even did some crazy Taylor Hicks like dancing. But it never looked awkward or put on or douchebaggy. It just looked like HIM. And the hair looked AMAZING!<br />
<b>My Scores: Vocals: 9 Outfit: 9 Stage Presence: 10 - this is the one to YouTube tomorrow</b><br />
Judges: ST - you brought it home, on fire JL - "More hair tossing than me and Beyonce! You need a fan and a video!" liked it, he is who he is, RJ - 14 hair shakes, pitch problems, fun & bold<br />
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<b>James Durbin</b> - Screamer #1 <i>Another Thing Coming</i> (please hold your "he's autistic with Tourettes" hate-mail, I'm well aware of that. He CHOOSES to pretend to be a rockstar and scream), No idea on the song but I feel like I'm at a Metallica concert-- he screams "Come On" and flashes rockstar fingers and does a few Adam Lambert screams. He's wearing basically exactly what Tim Halperin did, only with a scarf between his legs like a tail and about 5 bandanas in various places. Lots of bracelets and necklaces too, I can't tell if there are dog-tags but can't rule them out. He ends in a rockstar jump (dude, that ONLY works if there's a band on stage with you), and a scream that would challenge Adam Lambert & Siobhan Magnus' love-child, if one existed. Oh, speaking of Lambert-- this dude is exactly like him, without the Glam. Does that make him a Lame-bert? Maybe. Unlike some of the others who are pretending to be someone they are not, this dude is full-on delusional about who he should be.<br />
<b>My Scores: Vocals: 6 Outfit: 7 Stage Presence: 6</b><br />
Judges: ST - "BLEEP crazy good" (no sign, shocker), loves the Judas Priest (oh on the song!) JL - insane, crazy good, love who you are, RJ - "This is right here how you do it?" - at least HE asks about the tail. Oh my god, it's actually a *TAIL*. Not a scarf at all but a Zebra TAIL. RJ calls him "nice and tasty" - I guess he likes Zebra.<br />
<br />
<b>Robbie Rosen</b> - Baby Sweetheart #2 - <i>Sara McLachlan Angel?? </i>Really?? Crazy tempo... I can't tell whether he's behind or the band is ahead and I change my mind on this quite a few times which tells me it's REALLY messed up. And this arrangement really sucks. He seems to notice that halfway through. He is gutsy as hell, though for picking it. A few pitch problems but he does some really cool things with it that I would not have expected. He could totally sell this as his own record with some work. It even went all Marvin Gaye for a minute. He looks nervous as hell, doing the one hand on the mic one hand to the sky then switching thing... he doesn't move around much but he's a baby so it's alright. and he's wearing his typical Vinnie jacket with a t-shirt and jeans, but with DOGTAGS! I'm SO looking this up later! Appropriate attire for a kid, but not that memorable. Very very him though.<br />
<b>My scores: Vocals: 7 Outfit: 7 Stage Presence: 7 +1 for picking a ballsy song</b><br />
ST - a beautiful thing, can sing a ballad like nobody's business JL - tells a story, very special RJ - Not great, chest-into-head not good, pitchy. Robbie tells Randy back and that's another + .5 for balls.<br />
<br />
Pitchy count - 2<br />
<br />
<b>Scotty McCreery</b> - Normal #2 - <i>?? I do not know country nor can I understand a word he's saying - </i>No hat! No dogtags! Just a cross. He's sitting on a stool, breaking all boundaries. And a leather jacket! Okay, this is vast improving and he's actually giving us a lot of personality from the stool. He looks totally comfortable. And despite looking like the Mad TV cartoon guy, he's almost a little sexy. He croons the last note and the ladies go crazy. It wasn't a great performance, vocals were solid and nothing different, but he's safe for sure.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 7 Outfit: 9 (although I'm sure the boys are p'd about no dog tags!) Stage Presence: 9 </b><br />
Judges: ST- great song, who you are, so beautiful, JL - he belongs here RJ - awesome, nice job<br />
<br />
Goodness... still 4 left? So much for sleep!<br />
<br />
<b>Stefano Langone</b> - Hottie #2 - now will someone PLEASE tell me why he's back? I'm not complaining, I just am curious. I guess not. He's singing <i>Bruno Mars... Amazing</i>. Uh oh. It starts off shaky although he doesn't seem phased at all, and he's PRECIOUS. He opts for a cross instead of dog tags too. And he's so beautiful. AND he has a leather jacket. Take that, Scotty! He hits some crazy high falsetto, including some that is a little TOO high, but overall it's a solid performance, and did I mention he's gorgeous? I couldn't look away from his face but I'm pretty sure he was wearing a red t-shirt and a leather jacket. I have no idea if he was wearing pants. Is he single? Stefano, CALL ME. <br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 7 (keeping it real), Outfit: 8, Stage Presence: 9 +1 for being HOT. </b> This kid could not even open his mouth and I'd vote for him!<br />
Judges: ST - gave it up again tonight, he too was staring at his face, JL - consistent & loving it, natural and good, he moves, he's a beast (I feel like she wants a private room), RJ - rocking, like at a concert - he also agrees with me on the sharp note.<br />
<br />
Note: Seacrest asks Stefano if he's seeing anyone and for once I have to say, I like Seacrest's pesky little questions! Stefano says it's for "all the ladies" bringing a huge squeal and of course, he's now safe.<br />
<br />
I realize at this point also that Casey Abrams is going to be last, which must mean it's amazing. The 10th spot person is NEVER bad. Same as in auditions. <br />
<br />
<b>Paul McDonald</b> - Crazy-Talented #1 (finally. It says a lot though that they are at the end of the show). <i>Maggie</i> - shocker, didn't I say last time that he sounds like Rod Stewart? He does some crazy dancing and moving around on the stage. He is dressed like a Beatle but it works for him. All black suit, black shoes, black shirt buttoned to his neck. No necklaces at all. Okay now he's making me dizzy, but he sounds great and looks super comfortable. He also calls out something about "hello to TV land" which makes me instantly really like him. He's literally walking in circles. Did we drug test before the show? The song is pitch perfect with great tone but sounds EXACTLY like the original. Just dizzier.<br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 8 Outfit: 5 Stage Presence: 8 +1 for being quirky (the TV land comment) </b><br />
Judges: ST - good jacket, good voice & 2 step, real character in your voice, JL - unique with a good smile, RJ - unique & different from anything we've ever had, quirky<br />
*right now I'd say that Paul will make it far, but not all the way. I'd give him Top 5 at best. Let's see if he can change that and do something different than Rod Stewart next time!<br />
<br />
<b>Jacob Lusk</b> - crazy screamer #2 (his intro makes me think he's even crazier than I already think he is), <i>the House into a Home song by Luther Vandross - </i>Nice suit, beautiful pink and yellow and purple plaid tie and pocket square. And diamond earrings. I would really think he was a former player turned NFL announcer if I didn't know any better. From the neck up he looks like Usher. (earrings & expressions). I was really really bored with this until he did a scale halfway through. Then I went back to being bored. Until the end-- the end was some crazy screaming! But way better than James Durbin managed to do. His stage presence is off, he just stands there and looks possessed in the face. The singing is boring until spots here and there ( just like in auditions), and the man dresses fly. No dog tags or jewelry of any kind though (except the diamond earrings). I'm confused whether he is old school or new school between the song choice/style and the big diamond earrings. <br />
<b>Scores: Vocals: 9 Outfit: 9 Stage Presence: 5 </b><br />
Judges: ST - Divine Intervention brought him here, unbelievable, Jacob makes him cry, JL - He's the new Luther Vandross, RJ - Luther would be proud, and you have a little something else<br />
*I'm apparently the only one who doesn't like this dude. I just think I've seen it before. Plus it's not really my style of music- it's kind of old-fashioned. I don't see him going to the finale at all. I'd say Top 7 at best.<br />
<br />
<b>Casey Abrams</b> - Crazy Talented #2 (FINALLY) - after such a long wait, this better be good. <i>I put a spell on you - </i> He starts off strong and gets even stronger. His grunting freaks me out. But he's making it different and it's interesting. I can't look away. He makes crazy Zach Galifanakis faces but it's entertaining as hell. He's dressed like a crazy sailor salesman and growls a LOT - even does an Adam Lambert growl or too but it's SO worth it. And his stage presence is great. He's OWNING it. He looks like the kid who never ever ever dresses up who begrudingly put on his dad's dress shirt and jacket with the one pair of nice slacks he has, and it so totally does not suit him that it was a bad move, but that's his only false step. Although he did take fashion queen Julie Zorrilla to prom, so maybe I'm wrong on that! The note at the end was pure magic. Impressive was how he interacted with the judges, cameras, AND crowd.<br />
<b>My scores: Vocals: 10 Outfit: 6 Stage Presence: 10</b><br />
** standing Ovation performance<br />
Judges: ST - unreal, can't believe it, JL - Sexy, we ate it, RJ - transformed into the spirit of the song, so unique, love it, more more more. (He started screaming "yes yes yes" and it was scary)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Final Counts:</u></b><br />
ST curse words: 4<br />
Seacrest curse words: 2<br />
"Pitchy" count: 2<br />
<br />
<b><u>Final Scores: (out of 30).. </u></b><br />
Brett Loewenstern - 28<br />
Casey Abrams - 26<br />
Stefano Langone - 25<br />
Jovany Barreto - 24<br />
Paul McDonald - 23<br />
Jacob Lusk - 23<br />
Tim Halperin - 23<br />
Robbie Rosen - 22.5<br />
Clint Gamboa - 19<br />
James Durbin - 19<br />
Jordan Dorsey - 15<br />
<br />
<b>After singing cut-opinion:</b> James Durbin & Jordan Dorsey will be in danger. Maybe even Tim Halperin and Jacob Lusk as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Performances to You-Tube later:</b> Brett Loewenstern & Casey Abrams<br />
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</b>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-55311788853716215632011-02-25T13:22:00.000-08:002011-02-25T13:24:21.536-08:00Final Post on Erin Kelly (okay, maybe not)So, Vegas/Beatles/Cut Audition recaps will be up soon.... I did watch both episodes (all four hours) and there wasn't enough interesting to talk about to hardly fill up a single blog. So don't hold your breath-- it's not like fascinating information is coming your way, but I do have some thoughts.<br />
<br />
As you now know, Erin Kelly was eliminated. Which means they FINALLY showed her face and allowed her to speak an entire sentence (crying) on the camera. This is the biggest conspiracy on American Idol to date. I will point out a couple of things:<br />
1) From Day 1 Audition, through Hollywood, Hollywood Week, Solo Round, Beatles Round, and cuts, the girl said ONE SENTENCE on camera.<br />
2) She was shown singing a total of ONE time, a duet during Beatles Round, of which one-two lines of her song was shown.<br />
3) She was purposely not shown singing ever before that, and even was cut out of her group song in Hollywood (the only person that was cut out)<br />
4) Her on screen time was so minute that they never once have shown the "name screen" when she's been on camera. You know the one... the "Jovany Barretto, 21 Shipbuilder" or whatever that they put on every one.<br />
<br />
Now, I cannot think of a SINGLE Top 40 contestant this year who has gotten less screen time than her. I cannot think of ANY Top 40 contestant in previous years time who has gotten less screen time.<br />
<br />
I don't understand how someone can be good enough to make Top 40 (because let's face it, you have to be amazing to get that far), and not be good enough to show! Certainly there had to have been SOME good moment she had to get that far. Why don't they want us to see it? Ask yourself that question. Why was she kept from us? Have they done this to us in the past?<br />
So two questions for you: 1) Can you think of someone I'm overlooking who was treated the same way?<br />
2) Anyone in Bradenton, FL or NYC that knows Erin personally (I do and am trying to get her but it's difficult) that can find me some footage of her SINGING? Let's find it and get it up here!<br />
<br />
<br />
That's it for now...<br />
xoxo,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-6626630484378112142011-02-17T21:55:00.000-08:002011-02-17T21:55:59.595-08:00SimilaritiesHas anyone ever noticed (before I pointed it out), just how much the following future-idols represent these past-teen idols?<br />
<br />
Robbie Rosen resembles "Boner Stabone" from that show Growing Pains, played by the late Andrew Koenig (rest in peace).... here are some pictures... (the clothing is what REALLY does it!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA8Of4r-0MbJuUwfK5tytLaR2Vj7IUZDuxVl8Jako-dt9h6c3lLmNp1WgnFOWYHQrODemmi9hY9_m4z9w1X0kCcRto-_agleoLeDLaQgIlQDTDRem8hql7vNN-apm9VqsXwMmLSYdXeM/s1600/robbierosen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA8Of4r-0MbJuUwfK5tytLaR2Vj7IUZDuxVl8Jako-dt9h6c3lLmNp1WgnFOWYHQrODemmi9hY9_m4z9w1X0kCcRto-_agleoLeDLaQgIlQDTDRem8hql7vNN-apm9VqsXwMmLSYdXeM/s320/robbierosen2.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PL3BVIBuvFX3J4O8LD8J6KgdlKUXLx_jRed75xUreoo_5oK4wM5w2nqnkEleEgwwO4wTtJbFs7iPNHeiHgMBUeP9Jg_nulbJWozf6lY7LWd8VIaNUTksVPLQwWT9RHR6S-VwDRsCHNs/s1600/boner+stabone+rip+andrew+koenig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PL3BVIBuvFX3J4O8LD8J6KgdlKUXLx_jRed75xUreoo_5oK4wM5w2nqnkEleEgwwO4wTtJbFs7iPNHeiHgMBUeP9Jg_nulbJWozf6lY7LWd8VIaNUTksVPLQwWT9RHR6S-VwDRsCHNs/s1600/boner+stabone+rip+andrew+koenig.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Here's another set of photos. I totally recommend Robbie if there's ever a Growing Pains #2:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYfSxQ6sHybTLQrkjYqFVUPx93Kve0fJKB80oTeYmF8c7Tkf2_jRaPu_CZwTGE38fDVerX4LLsEJ_ErVObbijMlb0EGet02WGt467SiV84n2DSFgHD5ydQXBLGuwZIsPs2nMiYNO9ITE/s1600/robbierosen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYfSxQ6sHybTLQrkjYqFVUPx93Kve0fJKB80oTeYmF8c7Tkf2_jRaPu_CZwTGE38fDVerX4LLsEJ_ErVObbijMlb0EGet02WGt467SiV84n2DSFgHD5ydQXBLGuwZIsPs2nMiYNO9ITE/s320/robbierosen1.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyi2NzM-l5vYuJpWDPg2s6lsAW19e9_MRHj4Jw0_G58bJLqRS6RYeXeJcwAe40TajkoiPDNNOk3ewBX4AVCK0-qCIULWeMmL8cGamNwsLjWoGucA8AIgKJGjmrz3-QNThMrgDVfDblUA/s1600/andrewkoenig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyi2NzM-l5vYuJpWDPg2s6lsAW19e9_MRHj4Jw0_G58bJLqRS6RYeXeJcwAe40TajkoiPDNNOk3ewBX4AVCK0-qCIULWeMmL8cGamNwsLjWoGucA8AIgKJGjmrz3-QNThMrgDVfDblUA/s320/andrewkoenig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYfSxQ6sHybTLQrkjYqFVUPx93Kve0fJKB80oTeYmF8c7Tkf2_jRaPu_CZwTGE38fDVerX4LLsEJ_ErVObbijMlb0EGet02WGt467SiV84n2DSFgHD5ydQXBLGuwZIsPs2nMiYNO9ITE/s1600/robbierosen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>And, has anyone ever noticed how much boy beauty Stefano Langone looks like Mike Vitar, the actor who played Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez in the movie The Sand Lot?? Behold:<br />
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Uncanny, isn't it??Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-30103490575445608302011-02-17T20:44:00.000-08:002011-02-17T21:15:09.522-08:00Hollywood Week Show #3 - Final performances and cutsA list of everyone who performed tonight, singer, song, a few notes, and a score from 1 (bad) - 10 (good):<br />
<br />
<b>Haley Reinhart</b> - <u>God Bless the Child</u>, bluesy power, good, not memorable <b> 8</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Ashton Jones</b> - <u>That song from Dreamgirls</u>, I really like her- she reminds me of Tyra Banks, R&B <b>8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Thia Megia</b> - <u>What a Wonderful World</u>, jazzy rendition, great tone, boring, but good for 15 yr old <b> 7.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Adrian Michael</b> - <u>Wonderful World</u>, stopped or stopped the band about 5 times, what we<br />
actually heard wasn't that great at all, very poor performance skills <b> 2</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Caleb Johnson </b>- <u>Living for The City </u>(Stevie Wonder), great tone, couldn't get it together with the band either, but it really seemed like he tried and when he did sing it was okay <b> 5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Frances Cootnz</b> - <u>Hey Soul Sister</u>, stopped a few times, couldn't get with the band, sang in the<br />
wrong key, okay, SEVERAL wrong keys, was flat and in the wrong key... oy. <b> 1</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Clint Jun Gamboa </b>(aka Douchebag) - <u>Georgia on My Mind</u>, unfortunately he killed it. Normally the performance would have earned a 9.5 but he loses points for being a douche. <b>9</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Kendra Chantelle</b> - <u>Georgia on My Mind</u>, pretty girl, good performance, but not memorable at all <b> 8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Sophia Shorai </b>- Georgia on My Mind, beautiful stage presence, adorable blonde pixie thing, pretty<br />
interesting tone & personality and original performance but not the very best by far <b> 9.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Chris Medina </b> - <u>My Prerogative</u>, this is the first time where his story didn't do the talking for him-<br />
to his credit, he took a risk, played guitar, and it was actually a pretty original arrangement. The vocal could have been better (it was slightly pitchy), and if it would have worked it would have been an Andrew Garcia "Straight up" moment- but it was still pretty solid. <b>8.5</b> <br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Carson Higgins</b> - aka crazy blonde dude, <u>My Prerogative</u>, very karaoke-y rendition, no style elements<br />
that were any different from original in singing, but dude himself has style/presence <b>8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Julie Zorrilla</b> - <u>Love Song</u>, played keyboard, probably would have thought it was Sara Bareilles<br />
herself had I closed my eyes- that's good, but not a great thing. Very un-original.<br />
Still very good, and she's still absolutely the best dressed female. <b>8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Caleb Hawley</b> - <u>Sir Duke</u> (how many Stevie songs are on this list) - great guitar player, great soul <b> 9.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Colton Dixon</b> - <u>What About Now</u> (Daughtry), played keyboard, great tone to voice, very into it <b> 9</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Brett Loewenstern</b> - What was this song? I have no idea! But it was AMAZING. He played<br />
guitar (something I saw him do in NOLA so I was ready for it) but I had no idea<br />
he could sound like Rod Stewart! So different from his Queen performances! <b>9.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Robbie Rosen</b> - <u>Gravity </u>(a bunch of Sara songs too, tonight), on keyboard. Good for him to pick a girl song and take a chance. I haven't noticed much about him this entire time except that he's precious and reminds me of Kirk Cameron's friend Boner on the old TV show Growing Pains. Hair, clothing, face, everything. It's uncanny. But- he NAILED this, made it different, was vocally amazing, piano playing was great, and he's only 16! One of the two standout performances of the NIGHT. Watch him. <b>10</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Casey Abrams</b> - <u>Georgia on my Mind</u>, took a risk by playing the Upright Bass, but nailed it. Good playing, it was different, he still is confident without being cocky (like Clint or Jordan)<br />
he has stage-presence, and he is hilarious in interviews. Still a front-runner <b>10</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Chelsea Oaks</b> - <u>Because of You</u>, pitchy, bad key, but visibly upset. But isn't she a professional? And doesn't she bring all of this upon herself by getting too chummy with the<br />
competition and by getting competitive with the ex-chums? This may have hurt her. <b>7</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Lauren Alaina</b> - <u>Don't Wanna Miss a Thing</u>, odd fashion sense, but great stage presence, I'm sick of<br />
her doing the same old thing- she may get eaten up at some point, but she's still amazing for 15 <b>9</b> <b> </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Jacob Lusk</b> - <u>God Bless the Child</u>, not very likable and not a real standout for me (or anyone) this<br />
entire time, but I have to say, he left EVERYTHING on the stage (and broke down right after). I don't think he'll make it to the end of this competition, but definitely a defining moment in a good guy's life. <b> </b><br />
<b> 9.75</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>John Wayne Schulz </b>- <u>Landslide</u>, w/ guitar - good song choice, believable performance but not great- the greatest part of the entire performance was when J-Lo added some harmony to it.<br />
She was actually more memorable than he was. JLo - 8.5, as for John Wayne, <b>7.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Ashley Sullivan</b> - aka, "Emotional Timebomb" - <u>Everything</u> by Buble. She is SO annoying. Please have a nervous breakdown and go home. I mean that in the nicest way possible. Sings to her boyfriend, loses the words to her "favorite song" more than once, freaks out. Lame, lame, lame. And the parts she sang were okay, but it's not worth the drama. <b>3</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Stefano Langone</b> - <u>Sir Duke</u>, this dude is GORGEOUS. He's like a grown up version of the kid from<br />
The Sandlot. Not an original version of the song, but good. He's so cute I don't care. <b>8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Jovany Barreto</b> - <u>no idea on the song</u>, something by Ricky Martin? -yay for my Chippendale from <br />
Avondale! He wins best dressed male and gets points for doing it a capella. <b> 8.5</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Jacee Badeaux</b> - <u>Time of My Life</u> - not the most original, not the best vocal, but damnit, we love<br />
this kid. He could sing his own lyrics and we'd still love him (oh yeah, that happened) <b>9</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Scotty McCreery</b> - <u>I Hope You Dance</u> - aka, the only country song available. Sorry kid, you can't sing that same old song for the 9th time. "One song pony!" He forgot the words so so, so, badly. I hope you don't cut, because it's not looking good for you! <b> 4</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Tatynisa Wilson</b> -<u> I Hope You Dance</u> - not only did she forget the words WORSE than Scotty did <br />
(which I didn't think was possible), but she was whining like Rihanna on top of it. <b>3</b><br />
<br />
<b>Total singers left in Hollywood before this: 100,</b> well, 99 after the sickness of blondie Jacqueline --<br />
<b>Total singers featured in this episode: 27.</b>.. and no Erin Kelly, of course.<br />
<b>Total # of singers featured in this episode who are in the supposed Top 40: </b> 18<br />
<br />
<b>Standout Performanes: </b>Robbie Rosen (1st), Casey Abrams (2nd), and Jacob Lusk (3rd)...bring it, girls!<br />
<b>Best Dressed Male:</b> Jovany Barreto<br />
<b>Best Dressed Female:</b> Julie Zorrilla (I need to do a fashion feature on her)<br />
<br />
<b>Singers to keep your eye on:</b><br />
Ashton Jones, Clint Gamboa, Sophia Shorai, Chris Medina, Carson Higgins, Julie Zorrilla, Caleb Hawley, Colton Dixon, Brett Loewenstern, Robbie Rosen, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone, Jovany Barreto, Jacee Badeaux, and I'm adding Erin Kelly which makes 17. I bet I'm pretty close to the top 15-20.<br />
<br />
<b>A few other parting notes: </b> (spoiler alert) The 4 rooms, seriously? ALL of the good people were in Room 1. Did anyone really think they were going home when Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, do-no-wrong Chris Medina, Robbie Rosen, screamer James Durbin, cute-kid Jacee Badeaux, and Brett Loewenstern were in there? I don't think so. Room 4 had a few of the standouts, people like Thia Megia, Jovanny Baretto, and Julie Zorilla, but not that many. And Rooms 2 and 3 had absolutely no one I recognized. Easiest elimination to predict, ever. I almost didn't watch the end. Mix it up a little, next time, please? <br />
<br />
<b>Next week: </b> (spoiler alert) By the tape, we gather that it's going to be Beatles songs, they'll have 24 hours to learn the songs, and, by the looks of things-- not only can they play instruments, but the songs will be sang as DUETS or SMALL GROUPS. WHAT?!<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-84694642267473532392011-02-17T12:22:00.000-08:002011-02-17T12:22:26.034-08:00More on the Erin (Eryn) Kelly thingSorry to be harping on this so much, I guess it's because I actually MET Eryn and heard her sing and know what she's capable of. Not only does she have a great voice and (spoiler alert) is already in the top 40, but she is kind of a diva and has a lot of soul/attitude-- so I can't imagine her not having some kind of Hollywood conflict. Vote for the Worst has been waiting for some Erin footage as well, here : <a href="http://www.votefortheworst.com/forum/topic/666779/eryn-kelly">http://www.votefortheworst.com/forum/topic/666779/eryn-kelly</a><br />
<br />
<b>Secondly, I just re-looked at the list of the supposed Top 40 (spoiler alert-- do not read it if you don't want to know). </b><a href="http://www.joesplaceblog.com/american-idol-10-contestant-listings/"><b>http://www.joesplaceblog.com/american-idol-10-contestant-listings/</b></a><b> I went over the list twice, and Erin is the ONLY one who I have not seen featured on ANY AI episodes at all.</b> She is also the ONLY one who has *no* singing footage available, either on an AI episode on or Myspace / personal website / Facebook / YouTube. I don't understand how someone who raised funds by having people in her community in Bradenton, FL donate money for her to get to Idol auditions has NO video footage anywhere on the internet. (Her "Road to American Idol" video doesn't count- they have one for every contestant and she doesn't sing in it).<br />
<br />
PS - <b>Remember how I swore the colors of the backgrounds were changing from city to city? They were! </b>New Orleans was pinkish red, LA pinkish purple, New York purple, Nashville bluish purple, San Francisco purple, Milwaukee blue, Austin bluish green. Significance of this? No idea, but it's clear as day in the Top 40 pics and makes for a very pretty photo montage (I'm sure we'll have this in a future episode). Maybe it makes it easier for them to find contestants when going through hours and hours of tape--- (and more importantly, editing hours and hours of tape!) <br />
<br />
If someone finds footage or audio of her singing, please send it to me, so we can get it up! Thanks!Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-52593298415438191932011-02-16T21:46:00.000-08:002011-02-16T21:59:25.675-08:00Hollywood Week Group Round<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Before we begin, two promises:</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">1) This post will be significantly shorter than my posts usually are (you should be relieved). I hope so anyway-- it will be not a play by play (like I usually do) but just the pieces that I really think are important.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">and 2) I have already seen this episode & heard about this episode and I do have some important things to say... so, read on, and hopefully, enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">We start out the episode with a lot of montages--- clips from contestants flipping out in past years that we've seen 100 times, clips of contestants flipping out from this show that we have yet to see but will see again 100 times--- is it all really necessary? I can't wait until we see an AI episode that doesn't have any filler whatsoever.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">168 contestants are getting ready to do the hardest round ever, and we're guaranteed some attitude and some tears. They have to pick their groups and do the standard "pick a song from the list and make a routine to perform for the judges on zero sleep"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Future AI contestants, a tip:</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">When you get to Hollywood, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt this round is the ONE thing you WILL have to do. You have known some of your fellow contestants for months at this point. For the love of all that is holy, would you please have in mind who you want BEFORE they tell you who to pick? Secondly, can you do us all a favor and learn the words to the songs in the Pop Chart Top 20? (Or, at the very least, a song from Glee!) The chances of a song being from there- 99.5%. The chances of it being the random crap you brought with you on your guitar - 0.3% (the other 0.2% belongs to the fact that Steven Tyler is insane and it might be some sort of Aerosmith song). But, I digress. You're all morons if you don't prepare.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">OH CRAP! Ken Warwick, you are one saucy little Producer!</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">He throws them a curve -- they have to have a mixture of Day 1 and Day 2s... NOW I get why this was such a big deal at auditions... remember I said I didn't know how they selected Day 1 and Day 2? I still don't, but at least now I know why it was important.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">A crazy slipped in</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Let me get this straight, Tiffany Rios (aka Stars on her Boobs from auditions) insults everyone, tells all the other contestants how much better she is, and then prances around bitching at all of them for not accepting her into their group? Wow. She's also wearing clothes that don't fit, and a gray bra under a lace, razorback, top. Classy. When did I accidentally flip to Jersey Shore? She's also not a great singer. But, she's from Jersey, and ends up preying on the country boy Scotty McCreery, to no avail. She convinces Jessica Yance to leave her well established group of sweethearts to go be crazy with her.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Jessica's either the nicest person in the world or as nutty as Star Boobs. Or, really wants to go home but doesn't want to "quit" -- her too nice reaction to being cut leads me to believe that last one. She does seem REALLY nice though. I love how she says "remember what I told you" when Snooky starts having diarrhea of the mouth-- I guess she KNEW it was going to happen. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Is it time to gauge my eyes out yet? Can't I just go watch Skins instead? At least then the babies are screwing instead of fighting and dissing each other.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">Thoughts on "characters" :</span></span></u></b><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span><br />
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<b><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b></b></span></span></span></b></div><b><b><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">There's no "we" in Jordan Dorsey</span></span></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Newsflash, buddy, you are not either Usher or Sean Puffy Combs, so stop auditioning fellow contestants. I know you are from New Orleans and I should love you but you are a cocky SOB. Let me get this straight-- you "audition" people for your group-- reject several of them, work the others to the bone, bail on them for another group at the last minute, and then TRASH TALK them? I am embarrased that you come from my home state of Louisiana. Seriously, I am. We are NOT LIKE THAT, I promise. And you're a piano teacher? We're letting you teach our youth how to be scumbags? I cannot discuss enough how much I dislike this guy. Oh, and by the way, watch him when he bows, he keeps his head up and smiling the entire time (and doesn't actually bow) it's a sign of lack of humility, in my opinion - I always notice when people do that.</span></span></div></b></b></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Clint "Jun" Gamboa</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">You look like a thin William Hung. Ever since I saw you DJ'ing in your audition tape, I knew you were either a really bad singer or a douchebag. Or both. The singing thing unfortunately I think you've got, but you are definitely a douchebag, and you completely and totally prove this as you convince your other team members (even a girl who is practically in tears she feels so bad) to ditch little 15 year old "Like, I'm like, a stickler, for people like, holding their notes" - Douche, next time you "fire" someone-- try to not sound like a 13 year old girl, yes? You should have been cut just for showing your true colors. You CAN really sing though.</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"> Jacee Badeaux</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">This kid is a 15 year old boy which makes him a 12 or 13 year old emotionally and maturity wise, or you would think so. But here, he's just been ditched by the douchy-ist of douches, in the worst way possible, at 2am, and he refuses to say anything bad about the guy! What a class act! He may not "look" like an Idol, but gosh, he sure does act like one! His parents very clearly demonstrate where he learned to be a man, because his momma smiles at him and says "just have fun-- if it doesn't work out, it wasn't meant to be." Amazing how the contestants have latched on to him-- they cheered him and booed Clint Douchboa. (Can you imagine how difficult it's going to be for him to get America's vote later on?) But back to Jacee, kids got mad rhyming improv skills!</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Brett Lowenstern</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I got to know Brett really well at the New Orleans audition, and I really really like him. He's flamboyant at times and a little too excited in that way that just makes you want to offer him a valium, but he really is so so sweet, as is his family. Him reaching out to Jaycee was amazing-- and being nice to people pays off! He found a Day 2 person and his group was left intact. Pay attention, kids! Be kind!</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Ashley Sullivan</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">This girl cries a lot-- the cameras have been catching her cry and scream since Day 1 so of course they know she's going to crack. I bet you dollars to donuts they have a camera set aside JUST for her. As the episode progresses she's falling apart. Well, no shit, she's got a camera up her ass! Although she totally looks like Anne Hathaway when she's tired and stressed, she should audition to be her body double somewhere. Ashley decides to quit, camera follows her outside and is so in her face she actually asks the man to give her 5 minutes. When the camera leaves her alone so goes back inside and is all giggles again. It's a miracle!</span></span><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">Thoughts on Groups:</span></span></u></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Brothers from Another Mother</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - funny guys, practiced in the bathroom, let's hope that no one feels the need to use the facilities!</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The Miners</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - a group of 15 and 16 year olds who are young & carefree, good for them! I can't wait to see the Mommas catfight! At least they have someone to bring them refreshments.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">(FYI </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">James Durbin</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> is pissed that the stage mom's are "giving them help" -- hello? Have you HEARD the moms sing? On top of that, you have an advantage on them because you are a grown up. Or at least, you're supposed to be! Also, only Steven Tyler has permission to scream randomly. K, thanks.)</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Three's Company</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - is composed of the couple who used to be together but "aren't anymore" and the older blonde chick who danced through the woods with her pre-pubescent boyfriend. Baby boy got cut so now it's just the 3 of them. I'm really getting sick of the couple fighting though-- watching him run his fingers through her hair makes me feel just as awkward as I used to when my ex still insisted on running his fingers through my hair. And all he does is bitch and whine and complain. I see why she dumped him. I'm getting ready to dump him. And by the way-- if you want to be a happy camper at all times, DON'T JOIN YOUR EX-GIRLFRIEND'S SMALL GROUP. Duh! I am so sick of this story and the way she manipulates him. And they way he lets her! She's beautiful and talented but I get the feeling she is a B. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Not going to cover the performances or who got cut / who didn't... at this stage of the game, it's not that important. Watch the episode if you are interested! I'm only discussing my take and behind the scenes stuff at this point.</span></span><br />
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<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Spanglish</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - one of the members overslept and no one went to wake him up. I almost think he did it on purpose so he could get 5 more hours of sleep than everyone else. Someone does this every year- why haven't Idol producers caught on to it yet? I thought they ran a tighter ship than this. I was really sad that </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Jorge Gabriel</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> got cut-- if you read the earlier blogs you'll remember that he sat next to me all throughout rounds 2 and 3-- and he was really sweet, one of the nicest people to me. He had a propensity to get really nervous though and I guess that's what happened here-- he was obviously shaken. But he's a kid. </span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Jovany Barreto</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> is precious, and is a shipbuilder at Avondale, a local shipyard. He took off his shirt in his audition leading me and my friends to make the joke "Avondale by day, Chippendale by night" - I still think that's hilarious and laugh to myself everytime I see him. He's appearing all over our local news lately so I have a very good feeling he makes it to the Top 40.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The Somebody To Love teens - LOVED IT. Amazing harmonies, amazing vocals. A different spin on the song, and that </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Deandre Blackensick</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> kid is SICK. Who cares if their parents planned it for them? They delivered it. And they had the talent! I will watch this 10 times more before I've had enough! *IF you watch ONE performance, make it this one*</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Thoughts on Judges:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
Offer warnings/advice before hand -- Lame. I miss Simon threatening them. Randy notices this and forces them to clap for him. Oh, and Steven Tyler announcing who was cut incorrectly -- wow. Just wow. Maybe I don't miss Simon that much after all. Oh, and after 3 times it was obvious that "forward" meant "through" and "back" meant "home"... can you mix it up a little? At this rate, we already know that Room 1 is going through, Room 2 is going home, and Room 3 is going through. BORING.</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Thoughts on Individual Singers:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Pia Toscano</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - r</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">eally pretty. I see now why her group mates let her sing 75% of the song. Can't believe the two others gave up that much power, I guess because they're both babies.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lauren Turner</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - great show! Wasn't expecting that! Kind of sloppy and overdone towards the end, but impressive!</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Girl with white tank top who I don't know what her name is</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> because she gave all of her singing parts to Steven Tyler -- It's bad enough you're in the group with the best girl ever, Lauren Alaina, now you're giving away your 2 lines to Steven Tyler. Smooth move, exlax!</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Paris Tassin </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">- I'm really sad about her, she's pure New Orleans yat, absolutely gorgeous (Natlie Portman look a like), and not through-- but I'm sure she has some type of career in front of her. It was just the total wrong song choice for her.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Emily Ann Reed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">- you WILL see this girl again. I'd buy her record tomorrow. Trust me. I'll bet any of you. She already has a website here: </span></span><a href="http://emilyannereed.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">http://emilyannereed.com/</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Ashton Jones </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">- don't typically like her style of singing, but I love her for some reason. She's like Tyra Banks but nice and as a singer- I predict this one will go far in the competition!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Scotty McCreery </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">- you didn't stick up for the overweight kid? You are the worst cowboy ever. At least you manned up and admitted it, so some cred for that.</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Stephen Clawson</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - a dirty dirty cheater. Ha. And he kinda resembles Jesse James so that's hilarious.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Julie Zorrilla</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - Best dressed contestant, over and over again.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Casey Abrams</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - best star personality</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Erin Kelley</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> - FOR THE LOVE OF GOD - why won't they show this girl SING!?!?! They didn't show her in New Orleans and I was SHOCKED because she was the girl I told y'all about-- she STOPPED everyone at the New Orleans audition dead in her tracks when she sang... and they haven't shown her once. And they purposely edited her out of the group week song! It's obvious! What was her 8 seconds needed for so badly? More Steven Tyler screaming? They edited out her critique as well?! What gives... I'm telling you, this girl is AWESOME. She's like a white Lauryn Hill. Like an older JoJo. Like... Erin Kelly. I don't know WTF they are planning with her-- unleashing her on us at the last minute in Top 40 week? Or maybe they know they don't want her as a contestant so they don't want us getting attached to her? I swear, I will find a clip of her and post it. This has to be some type of conspiracy. Watch it again and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you!</span></span></div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"><br />
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</span> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"> </span></u></div><div><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">Thoughts on Production Tricks:</span></b></u></div><div>We already mentioned most of them... but, when Steven Tyler was asked to go up and sit while the Southern girls sang to him, did anyone else notice that the chair was there far in advance? Could the producers have known about this? Gasp! Love how "surprised" Randy acts...</div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div>That's it! Until next time! (Btw, sorry for the the all underlines-- the button is stuck and won't fix.. I'll try to edit /fix it after I save/publish) Bear with me!<br />
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Update: underline button still stuck for stuff already posted. Anyone else on blogspot having this issue?</div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div><u>xoxo,</u></div><div><u>Maria</u></div><div><u><br />
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</u></div></div></div></div></div></div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-52286869068390909762011-02-16T10:32:00.000-08:002011-02-16T10:32:15.276-08:00Bonus AudioFor those of you who have actually subscribed or are still reading, a little treat for you:<br />
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(And by the way I know I'm late on the recaps, but I just really can't make myself watch the rest of it right now. Soon, I promise. This bonus post is also because I feel guilty that I haven't posted).<br />
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By popular demand, here are YouTube videos of the two songs I sang for the American Idol judges. You will not see me in these to protect my identity (still), so please respect that. Also, in the interest of fairness, these recordings were not dubbed, auto-tuned, practiced, or edited in any way. They have no music background. It's EXACTLY the way I sounded when I auditioned for the producers, had I auditioned for the judges, and sang a capella right then and there. I didn't make any changes to the way I sang the songs. I just wanted you to hear how it was THAT day. I'd love your feedback both good and bad, but if it's bad please don't be unnecessarily harsh, I'm really good at getting the point.<br />
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So, I can't wait to hear... do I sound like a nun?<br />
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Barracuda by Heart <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNQEvvwIc84">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNQEvvwIc84</a><br />
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Come Away with Me by Norah Jones <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYUMOX-hEw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYUMOX-hEw</a><br />
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Love,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-49411306699799738282011-02-11T13:46:00.001-08:002011-02-11T13:46:14.877-08:00Tweet TweetFind me on Twitter at @truedat504 !Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-18965992499601990202011-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:002011-02-11T10:16:34.298-08:00Blue Screen of DeathNow that auditions are over (San Fran recap & rest of LA recap coming soon)... I want to get your opinion on my 2011 American Idol Theory: <strong>The Blue Screen of Death.</strong><br />
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Let's recap the theory for those of you who haven't been paying close enough attention:<br />
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If a contestant gets "featured" (interviewed, shown dancing, talking, whatever) before their performance in front of the judges, you can tell whether they are "good" or "bad" (or a Y/K/N), by whether they are featured in front of the American Idol blue backdrop, which I affectionately refer to as the "Blue Screen of Death". <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeafW82QtiixSMk94e84THzyKOlF7sABuLK8wy8CKFLWMGnxD581iXddcicq0pEhnV8ZW3TvgZU2PBtG3YdaQSvWkHAhf_uUjpbI6XgySKfFjDiZBUWAYhmdUaYqZktUQi8xAUWud37tw/s1600/bluescreenofdeath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeafW82QtiixSMk94e84THzyKOlF7sABuLK8wy8CKFLWMGnxD581iXddcicq0pEhnV8ZW3TvgZU2PBtG3YdaQSvWkHAhf_uUjpbI6XgySKfFjDiZBUWAYhmdUaYqZktUQi8xAUWud37tw/s1600/bluescreenofdeath.png" /></a></div><br />
Contestants who are NOT featured in front of the Blue Screen of Death are not always good (if they are really terrible they may end up taking a walking tour of the premises with Seacrest, like the Cinncinati Radio DJ wannabe did), but Contestants who ARE featured in front of the Blue Screen of Death before the performance are ALWAYS "bad".<br />
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So, does my theory hold water? To my knowledge, it does, but I welcome your feedback! Go back and remember your "best" and "worst" auditions and re-watch the footage and see if you can find evidence to disprove this theory. I bet you can't, but I'm open for discussion. We'll post the examples here.<br />
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We will have to remember this theory in 2012 -- not sure what good it can do for us other than telling us when would be a good time to "fast-forward", but for a show that's 2+ hours most of the time, that's worth it's weight in gold!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
MariaMaria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-25772098656694274432011-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:002011-02-09T10:38:39.685-08:00Stay Tuned..You asked for more, there WILL be more.<br />
<br />
I'll be blogging from now on as each episode airs. There will also be pieces about my theories on Idol, like the newest one "Blue Screen of Death".... but there is so much more to come! Please make sure to "subscribe" so you don't miss out!<br />
xoxo,<br />
Maria<br />
<br />
PS - I took down the audio of me singing because the site just started getting too many hits again, but maybe I'll make them a subscribers only feature in the very near future!Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-55440213360394955092011-02-03T22:02:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:10:09.146-08:00Audition Recap - Los Angeles / Online Contestants We start off showing 3 of my favorites to date: Bret Lowenstern, 15 year old girl, and scat dude, which is a welcome from the black & white text flashing across the screen apologizing for someone.<br />
<br />
The new intro does it's magic (gag) and we find out that we're in Hollywood. We hear some Lady Gaga and see the crowds, they explain the online auditions. The judges arrive in 3 separate stretch limos (what, no skull & crossbones horse carriage this time)? and we notice that JLo almost pulls a Britney coming out of the limo because her shorts are riding up, Randy is wearing some god-awful gold metallic shoes (that J Lo cracks up at when she sees them), and ST has a skull shirt (?) and rocker jacket on. Steven seriously looks like a Tim Burton claymation creation. But it works for him. It makes me raise my eyebrows less when he is caught using drugs not once, but twice on camera (getting out of the car). I'm not sure where we are, but surprise, the judges are in a long room with a wall of windows behind them.<br />
<br />
Our first contestant is <b>Victoria Garrett</b> and swears that God brought her to these auditions. She sings, no screams, some Gospel music. Randy says she sounds like an animal, Steven "baas" and JLo lets her down easy. I think ST is wearing an Aerosmith t-shirt?! Is he really? I wish I had the balls enough to wear a t-shirt promoting myself. Victoria struggles to pull her contestant sticker off (told y'all it was hard!) and badmouths JLo. So much for being Christian!<br />
<br />
The second contestant of the day has a big crush on Jennifer Lopez and looks 12. We find out his name is <b>Tim Halperin </b>and he's actually 23. He is singing "She will be Loved" by Maroon 5 and Jennifer seems to be *really* feeling it, if you know what I mean. It's okay-- it sounds exactly like an acoustic version of the original. He confesses he grew up with her and watched her when she was little, she asks how old he is, he asks how old she is (shut up!)- Tim gets a yes from Steven, a no from Randy, Jennifer calls Randy an asshole and lets Tim through based on tone,<br />
<br />
We're back and we're notified that it's 11am. What happened to 10am? Are we on Los Angeles time? Seacrest brilliantly points out that some contestants are good and some bad (stay out of it, Seacrest)<br />
<br />
<b>Justin Carter</b> is a 27 year old who Jennifer says lacks &%*# (balls?) - we then see Randy & Jennifer arguing about it, continuously getting bleeped while ST just sits there looking innocent. I guess today Cowell is in Randy's body and ST is in JLo's? What is going on in here? It's going to be a wild day according to Randy.<br />
<br />
Next up is two buddies who are auditioning, <b>Isaac Rodriguez </b>(who looks like Napoleon from SYTYCD) and <b>Daniel Gomez</b> (who looks like Adam Lambert and Justin Bieber's lovechild). I get the feeling from their interview that they are more than buddies, but that's for you to decide. Apparently Issac dropped out of school recently and didn't tell his parents yet. I almost feel sorry for his mom as she goes on about her college son. (That's not all he hasn't told his parents) Daniel is first singing "I'll be" and it is worse than a trainwreck. Not even close to sounding like what it's supposed to sound like. The judges say it's not for him. Issac is next and is just as bad but in a more upbeat way. He adds dance moves to his rendition of "Build me up, Buttercup." Neither of these boys is bad enough that they deserve to be featured as bad, I'm sure if they weren't friends they wouldn't have even been shown. They're both precious though, particularly Issac. Props also to Idol Producers, who listed Issac's occupation as "college student?" -- love the subtle little things they like to throw in there. JLo says he has a nice small and ST says he set the song on fire. Randy continues being the Simon replacement.<br />
Both boys say their goodbyes in front of the Blue Screen of Death and we see a montage of how happy they are regardless.<br />
<br />
We're back and we see some crazy dancers, a packed auditorium shot, the 3 judges arriving in separate limos (such a waste of gas and money!) and JLo in a doo-rag? Gasp! It is a very posh doo-rag, I must say, but very unexpected from her. Apparently today is for the online auditioners-- I have a feeling it's going to be the best of the best and worst of the worst... maybe finally some excitement! (Can't believe the onliners got half of a one-hour show),<br />
<br />
First up is <b>Karen Rodriguez</b>, who is great and wearing an adorable little cropped biker jacket, striped shirt, black leggings, okay, nevermind, that's for another blog, but she's really good. Apparently she sang for JLo once on TRL a long time ago. Jennifer does not seem to remember this at ALL.<br />
She's through, and talking about becoming the first Latina American Idol. It looks very possible at this point and we have some Selena playing in the background.<br />
<br />
Uh oh, the next one has brought her own microphone, and as they show <b>Tynisha Roches</b> doing a split in front of the Blue Screen of Death (the aerial shot lets me indeed confirm that it's a screen), I know that this can't be any kind of good. This girl has a very unique look and let me just say that all of her features are separately perfect but do not go together. She also keeps growling like a cheetah at the camera, and says "artistsssses" She's dressed very well though despite all of these shortcomings and I can't wait to see what she's got. She does have manners, as she knocks on the audition doors and then walks in and says she doesn't need the mic because her voice is big enough, but then holds the mic the entire time. A few more growls and before I even hear her sing I know this girl has locked herself into a place at the Idol finale. And the song? A Frank Sinatra medley. It just keeps getting better and better! She's 25, from New Jersey (figures, no offense to my Jersey friends), and occupation is listed as "Entertainer". Oh Idol producers, I am carefully watching your name plates tonight! She changes the lyrics to "judges", forgets words, clearly has an "s" lisp, and what's really scary is I have to admit that some of the notes are actually strong and beautiful but the rest of it has to be a joke. Wow. JLo cleverly notices that when Tynisha said she already had 3 albums the latter part of that sentence was "waiting to be composed..." Randy continues to be a douche, and walks out as she runs after him, now changing her song to "And I am telling you" from Dreamgirls (I have no idea the actual name of that song or where it came from but you ALL know what song I'm talking about.... because you're gonna love me!) J Lo and ST erupt into laughter, they come back around into the room again (it's literally like a cartoon where the two characters are chasing each other in circles around a rock and we can see who's in the lead but they can't) and the entire production staff is not even trying to hide their laughter anymore. Randy tries to pull the microphone out of Tynisha's clutches but she is not having it. This has Idol finale written all over it, but I don't even care if it's staged anymore, it's just too darn amusing. Finally some excitement. Randy enlists ST's help and she starts singing again, finally Security escorts her out. We did significant damage to our song #s though, ST has no chance of catching up, even though he did sing one after she left. Let's look at the numbers:<br />
<br />
ST songs: 1 Contestant songs: 9<br />
Way to go Tynisha, who also manages to call Randy the Pillsbury Doughboy before she finally leaves.<br />
If there's NOTHING else you watch about this entire episode, make sure you watch Tynisha Roches. 25-30 minute marks.<br />
<br />
Back from break (oh goodness, is it only 30 minutes through?) and we have a bellydancer (<b>Heidi Khzam</b>) along with ST singing and Randy Jackson drumming. The boys love her (shocker) and she finally sings. And she can sing, too? It's not enough that she's thin, beautiful, and a bellydancer too? Her voice isn't great but of course the boys think she's "the best they've ever sing"<br />
<br />
Okay y'all, I just saw the next contestant walk in and literally could not type I was so overcome. I have so much to say, it looks like we need a part 2 to this audition post! <b>To be continued... </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Our counts so far: </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">ST songs: 1</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Contestant songs: 9</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"># of Contestants: 5</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"># of ST curse words:</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"># of JL curse (bleeped) words: 3</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"># of Randy bleeped words: 1</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"># of ST isms:</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Stay tuned!!!</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div></b>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-22672925268346878702011-02-02T19:14:00.001-08:002011-02-02T19:34:48.855-08:00Auditions continue - Austin Recap<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Idol starts out with an apology for Steven Tyler's rude behavior and then displays a clip of him telling a contestant to "read my lips" to find out what rhymes with duck! As cheesy as that all is, I love that they are finally capitalizing on how bizarre ST has been acting... he is literally cracking me up!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">We are in Austin, which of course queues up the Austin/Texas/big/country clips they always use. Then, the ever present reminder that it's 10:00, ST riding in on a horse drawn carriage sans a Princess, and some new-to-Idol camera tricks (think "Ray of Light" music video) to show all of the crowds, lines, etc. The judges are back in their standard wall-of-glass-behind-us-with-a-pretty-body-of-water room. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Seacrest is late, and is shown talking to his Dad on the phone like a real person. Marc Antony is also there to spend time with JLo (giving ST his first opportunity to sing), and creatively, the "family aspect" is used to segue to our first contestant.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Already, it's # of Steven Tyler songs: 1 # of contestant songs: 0, and we're off!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Corey Lemoine </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">has an older sister that he didn't meet until he was 14 and they lived 15 minutes away from each other. How is that possible? Especially in a small town where people ride horses? They are best friends and have cute little accents. She is his #1 fan. They act slightly more like boyfriend/girlfriend than brother and sister and that wigs me out a little bit, but I remind myself that they are from a small Southern town. Sister, Brooks, is brought in to judge, and declares she is always honest with Corey. He throws down Bonnie Raitt, and his voice is good, but a little whiny and overdone. He pops it up way too much. Picture the Backstreet Boys and Justin Bieber teaming up to sing George Strait. Overall a solid performance, not as "amazing" as the "sister" thinks. She declares he gives her "chill-bumps". He's through, but not before he points out his "J-Lo booty"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">ST: 1 Contestants: 1 (tied)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Next is <b>Hollie Cavanagh</b>, who is British, and precious. She's like a little blonde pixie. She sings Etta James. It's very strange... not the normal melody, which normally would be nice (to mix it up), but it was more strange than creative. Her accent (and different phrasing) makes it obvious she was not born here but that's actually what I liked best about her. She seemed really sweet and started crying when it seemed like all three judges weren't going to vote positively. JLo decides to give Hollie another chance with a different song. It’s Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and it’s going great until she breaks down mid-song, regains composure, starts again in a different key. Over all it’s a just better than average performance. She has a great voice but problems staying in key— nevertheless, it’s much better than the last performance, and all three judges say yes (including Randy who changes his vote). Hollie leaves, and the judges high-five, also ST sings a little song.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">ST: 2 Contestants: 3 (Way to go Hollie on the two-fer!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">We see five or six rejected contestants in what I like to call a “montage of tears” – but just like in the Nashville auditions they don’t even show why the people were rejected. Once again, lame. This is a singing show, not a crying show. If I wanted to see people cry I’d turn on America’s Next Top Model or something on Lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">The judges say they’re waiting for the next American Idol to walk through the door, which obviously means we’ll get the opposite, and in walks <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rodolfo Ochoa</b> – who looks like a character on “American Dragon: Jake Long” (yes, sadly, I do admit to watching the Disney Channel) and sings “Circle of Life” from the Lion King. (ooh, a double dose of Disney!) Poorly. They tell him he’s terrible and it’s a no. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;">It’s ruled that Rodolfo is sweet and sweet gets you nowhere (at least someone is saying it out loud finally!) so let’s start seeing some rugged. Apparently, it’s now time for “Rugged Texas Cowboy montage.” We are presented with a cowboy who “lets it all out there,” a beat-boxing cowboy, and a super-high-voice cowboy. Only one of them sings (letting it all out cowboy) and we are told that unfortunately none of the cowboys can sing. Briefly we are shown another 5 or 6 cowboys and a clip of “all out there” cowboy letting us know that he is straight, if there was any confusion, and now it’s onto a contestant named…</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">John Wayne</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"> (they even show his birth certificate), but Wayne isn’t his last name, (it’s <b>Schulz</b>), so that’s increasingly less impressive. Only good thing about this entire deal is that Seacrest admitted he was a wussy boy and John Wayne’s dad agreed with him. (His second best move in life, next to naming his son John Wayne). John Wayne is a real cowboy with a heart of gold. His mom has breast cancer and her wish was for him to tryout for American Idol (she’s alive and well and sitting right next to him) so we get another I’m-such-a-good-person-for-helping-an-ailing-relative video clip. (I’m so sick of these! Show me someone who admits to beating baby seals, it’d be way more interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a HUGE volunteer for the American Cancer Society, but you wouldn’t want to watch me sit around and talk about that for a few minutes, would you?) John Wayne sings some boring country song and it’s pretty ordinary. I’m so bored by the singing that I actually look at him for the first time since trying to avert my eyes from the video clips and realize he’s actually pretty handsome. All of the judges really like him and say they think he’ll do well (I think I disagree, we’ll see if I’m right in a few weeks), but he’s through and they bring in the parents to meet the judges.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Steven Tyler didn’t sing at all in this audition and I realize two things at once, 1) it’s because John Wayne sang country, and 2) AI is doing auditions in a LOT of “country-type” cities… I wonder if that’s on purpose / what they’re looking for? No mistake that Carrie Underwood is one of the top grossing Idols. That’s interesting research for another day. Back to Seacrest who’s whining about his finger (scraped on a belt buckle), which proves John Wayne’s Dad’s point about him being a wuss.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">It’s now ST: 2 Contestants: 5 for the song-count. Not great but better than Nashville already!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">That was the end of Day 1? Really? We saw 4 contestants! 10 if you count the ones that didn’t even sing. In a half-hour. Seriously, Idol, if I wanted to watch why Austin is so awesome I would have tuned into the Travel Channel. Sigh…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Back after the break and it’s now Day 2. Why do the judges always come in 3 separate limos on Day 2? Don’t they stay in the same hotel? That’s always been a curious thing to me…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">J Lo is wearing a white cowl neck top with a sequin black pant and bright red lips with a super high sleek bun. Not sure that there’s anyone else in the world that could pull that off but her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Our first contestant of the day is also pretty as a picture, but we quickly find out she’s secretly (well, not so secretly) unabashedly in love with Seacrest. She claims he’s “the sexiest man alive.” And we see the first interesting montage, of her eyeing him all day to the tune of Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” She’s very quickly crossing the borderline into psycho stalker (think Wedding Crashers), which is a shame because she’s really pretty and reminds me of an earlier, more innocent looking Katherine McPhee. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Courtney Penry</b> does a chicken impression and ST joins in. (He may have misunderstood “do a chicken.”) Priceless. She’s a little pitchy but makes up for it with her gorgeousness and star-quality but JLo agrees with me and she’s through with 2/3 judges ‘ vote (Randy was the no). Seacrest was waiting for her in the room between the curtains (romantic) and helped her prank her family into thinking she didn’t get a golden ticket- aww, is true love beginning to form?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Next a winner's montage: </span>Shauntel Campos, Alex Carr, & Caleb Johnson</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"> are all through without so much as a sideways bitch-stare from JLo or an inappropriate comment from ST, and we are on a roll.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Another montage of successful contestants, and we see a whole bunch more people going to Hollywood, at least 6 or 7 more people. We also have our first STism (Steven Tyler ism) as he remarks to a blonde contestant, “where is your pitchfork you little devil?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Happy Judges, happy contestants, everyone is happy—Seacrest is saying it’s a love fest (a shame Courtney Penry is not still around, eh?) and we get the feeling something is being set up… here it is:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Boyfriend and Girlfriend <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jacqueline Dunford</b> & <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nick Fink</b> are practically making out in the contestant holding area. She’s gorgeous and early twenties, he’s cute for the teenager he is. That right there is interesting enough, but then we have a “romantic love” montage complete with them running around in the field outside and spinning around until they fall down laughing. Here’s a tip, folks, if Seacrest takes you out into a field, it’s either because he’s a) going to kill you or b) going to make fun of you. Don’t do it! Pretend he’s a vampire or a Jehovah’s Witness or something (whichever is scarier to you) and run away. There’s no blue screen of death but I’m pretty sure they don’t have one big enough for these two, self proclaimed “American Idol’s first power couple” weirdos. I can’t wait for this. Jacqueline is first with Duffy’s Mercy. It is surprisingly excellent. Nick is next and I realize now he’s a lot cuter than I thought he was at first (He just looks so young, especially compared to her) but it was pretty impressive as well. Both are original and independent artists (despite how co-dependent they seem around each other) – both are through. I’m all of a sudden insanely jealous because I would really like to get to go to American Idol Hollywood auditions with my hot boyfriend. Or maybe I would just like a hot boyfriend. But I digress, they are through, and through to an entire wedding chapel’s worth of people waiting in the lobby. I’m also suddenly relieved that there was no blue screen of death- my theory still holds true! (Although there may be THREE reasons for Seacrest leading you out into a field now!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Back to Austin after the break and apparently it’s only 11:45. Crap, is this a two hour episode after all? It must be because we have another backstory. Here’s a Paula Deen sounding (but vivacious blonde who’s incredibly well dressed) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Janelle Arthur</b> who sings great but we miss most of it to watch Seacrest interview her Anderson Cooper looking Dad. ST asks her to sing something more upbeat and that’s 15 times more impressive than the slow tune she started out with. She’s great and through with flying colors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">YES! The next contestant is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7 ft Armadilo</b> who announces “Hi! I’m an Armadillo!” Love this person! But Randy gets bitchy again which brings us into a Snoop Dogg montage of his quips throughout the day. A few interesting things here: 1) we see all of the contestants besides armadillo who showed up in costume, one in particular is wearing a Viking-Angel-SheRa concoction and singing “Popular” from Wicked (at least I wasn’t that stupid in my audition), 2) There’s a girl here in a white dress with a raspy voice that I SWEAR we have seen somewhere before – another thing to research, and 3) as one girl sings that she’s “dying inside” Randy says “me too” and as she continues to sing “but nobody knows it but me” he adds “are you sure about that?” Ha. Has Simon Cowell taken over Randy Jackson’s body? Mad props to Armadillo though, who HAS to be a brilliant comedy genius, for walking out of the room begrudgingly carrying the costume over one shoulder and lamenting “I guess I’ll have to be an armadillo for the rest of my life” - I love this girl!! The interview was priceless too (in front of the Blue Screen of Death, but I get no points for after-audition screen sightings).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">We’re back and close to the end, which means only one thing, there is an absolutely amazing audition coming very soon. But first, it’s a bunch of people crying and cursing and even punching the camera- but they look like they’ve been walking to their cars for forever (one is in the woods, almost), so who can blame them?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">While outside we see tambourine players and street performers, some performing blues (you have to go watch this if you can, at about 54 minutes in… a precious little ditty about how they have the “didn’t get through blues”). One of the street performers is… (wait for it)… our last contestant of the day! Didn’t see that one coming, did you? Of course you did.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">He’s a Seth Rogen look alike street performer who has a melodica with him. He says “it gets him attention” and they are playing this crazy whistling music behind it so I’m wondering if I’ll see a blue screen of death soon. I notice at this moment that the background is turquoise- has it been changing in each audition city? It was fuschia in New Orleans, I am positive of that. He’s singing “I don’t need no Doctor” by Ray Charles and he starts with a little scat. And wow, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Casey Abrams </b>is amazing. You would swear he was the love child of Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Mayer if you didn’t know any better. The judges give him an “all-together yes” which they’ve now been doing for the last contestant in the past few cities—I wonder if the last contestant is a producer choice that they have to let through. Again, another thing to research. What is your opinion on this?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Casey plays some of his instrument for the judges, and amazingly Randy Jackson sings this time, although Steven Tyler is on hand with a little crazy dance. That wraps it up for Austin, but first, our final counts: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of contestant songs: I lost count… 15?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of ST curse words: 1/2 (for rhymes with…)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of ST songs: sadly, only 3<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of Randy Jackson songs: 1<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of JLo cute outfits: 1<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of ST outrageous little dances: 1<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"># of ST hitting on girls: 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-22555090053609914662011-01-31T23:41:00.001-08:002011-01-31T23:41:37.625-08:00Nashville Auditions Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nashville Auditions recap -</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We start our auditions with <b>Darius Thomas </b>"let's see the highest note you can hit" -- I'm not sure that asking a high school student to sing a high note and then laughing at him when he does is really THAT funny. And, seriously, was the montage imploding buildings really necessary?</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One positive thing about this, it brings our count to Steven Tyler songs: 0, contestant songs: 0 - the first time the contestants have taken an early lead!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Then it's a quick recap of Nashville, you know, the usual "this city is famous for music" blah blah, of course we mention Carrie Underwood, blah blah-- I'm beginning to think there are Word documents on some Idol writer's laptop somewhere of pre-written intros that they just use depending on what city they're in. Thank goodness tonight's show is only an hour long.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Pretty cool that the auditions are at the Grand Ole Opry- does that mean contestants get to say they once sang there? Almost makes up for the lack of glass and water behind the judges that I'm so used to.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Christine McCaffrey</b> is next interviewed and they're playing the "dum de-dum-dum dum" music in the background... you regulars know what I mean here. Every sign points to her being "bad". Crappy music, 5 minute interview with Seacrest, but there's no Blue Screen of Death... (read my previous audition post for recap on that theory). Oh wait, there it is! Theory still intact! She seems sweet as can be, a dental assistant who likes saving puppies and chasing rainbows, or something like that. Another behind the scenes insider moment-- I'm almost positive they are asking her leading questions here, "Why are you a superstar?" "Why are you going to make the world a better place?" Because I don't think ANYONE talks like that. Or do they? Maybe this girl really is nuts because she starts singing as soon as she walks in the door, including something that sounds like whale tracking sonar and is making my dog go INSANE. She sings "I Hope You Dance" and I'm thankful for another country song b/c ST is still silent. Randy is being exceptionally rude and she leaves, but not before they interrogate her about whether Steven Tyler said yes or no.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Chelsee Oaks & Rob Bolan</b> come in next and they are exes who have been singing together since the day they met. They're here even knowing they may accidentally run into each other at auditions, but, no big deal for them because they confess that they even lived together after they broke up. Rob says that they aren't friends when asked, right in front of his ex-girlfriend, which leads me to believe that this is all for show (they are both professional singers knowing full well what this would do for their career if they got some screen time)-- there was no NEED to tell judges that they were exes because their last names are different, so because they volunteered that information, I'm pretty sure they are using it to their advantage here. I feel like I'm watching a dating show at some point, or Judge Mathis... would somebody please sing something? Finally the music comes and their duet is AMAZING-- I'm not sure picking a hopeless love song was a great choice given their situation, but their harmony and blend is absolutely ridiculous (in the best way). They both have great voices separate and together and judges make a good point about them being able to hold up well emotionally (probably because that part was staged), but I'm okay with it because they are talented. Of course "I need you now" is the exit music they play here, clever song choice of AI. One of the most interesting things about this was when she came out of the room she went to the big crowd of people, he went alone to Seacrest. Cameraman #2 picks up on new-boyfriend looks pissed. Ha. Maybe it's not fake after all.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm really liking this Nashville place and all this country music, because, it's an Idol first-- we're now at:</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Steven Tyler songs: 0 Contestant songs: 4 (I'm counting the duet because you never know when ST will make a mad comeback!)</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We're back, and it's 10:00am. Why is it always so important to announce that it's 10:00am?</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We now have a girl with a bow on her butt, a girl who can do freaky things with her tongue (and our first ST flirting of the day, including him making some weird animal noises), and a biker/cow-herder/tattoo-<wbr></wbr>artist/cowboy? <b>Allen Lewis. </b> This guy is cool because he reminds me of Willie Nelson 80 years ago and before the drugs. Seacrest makes some joke about him being a pop singer. Ha. Stay out of it, Seacrest. He makes a STism about Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream. He refuses to stop singing but isn't that bad. Not great, but not bad. Lots of power and enthusiasm, my friends would love him at our weekly rock and roll karaoke night. Allen is not through and he gives us this heart-wrenching speech about living your dreams, and everyone gets turned down, etc. It's half motivational and half bizarre. Maybe he's Willie Nelson after the drugs. On his way out we see him high-five another contestant who's waiting in the area between the curtains. I wrote about this in "The Truth About American Idol auditions" blog (if you haven't read it you should)- so it's nice to get a visual of it here for you guys. If you want to go back to that point it's at the 17 minute mark of this episode. As they walk out you see the big heavy black curtain (that I also blogged about)... Nashville is providing some awesome exhibits for me here (one of the few good things about this episode so far, other than that it's only an hour).</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>ST songs: 0 (he's got to be sick or something) Contestant songs: 5</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our next contestant is gorgeous, young, sweet, Miss Teen USA 2009, and looks great in a bikini. Of course she's good.... talented people have everything. We'll probably hear that she's rich next, too. Or works at the White House. Or something. Oh and her name is Stormi. You've got to be kidding me. I want a cool name with an i on the end! <b>Stormi Henley</b> sings "Father can you hear me?" and it's not bad, as expected. Not awesome, but she's beautiful, so I'm sure she's through with flying colors. ST makes some kind of comment about her voice being "squeaky and tight" and asks her if she's "ridden it harder" or "let it loose" and I suddenly get the feeling we're not talking about her voice anymore! EW, ST. Can you be less obvious? ST likes her (duh), JLo turns her down (good for you), and I'm sure Randy will let her through. He says it's just okay and she decides to play a game of peek-a-boo with him. I'm not kidding. What an interesting way to get through... I think it's an Idol first.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>ST songs: 0 (he's got to be sick or something) Contestant songs: 6</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Back from break and we're informed of their second favorite time, 4:00pm. So we've only seen 5 interesting contestants in the last 5 hours? I guess that's on track with the television show though, we're about 22 minutes in and have we really seen anybody that interesting yet?</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We get a montage of 3 failed contestants, and you don't even see why they failed which is super un-interesting. They even show one girl crying but didn't show not even one second of her audition. LAME. There's some guy dressed like Cruella De Vil meets Darth Vader, and they don't comment on that either. Why show people for a tenth of a second and not elaborate? They must be trying to set us up for some special outtakes episode or online-only "see what you missed from tonight's episode here" thing. Wouldn't surprise me. Tricky Idol producers!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Next we have a girl who lives on a farm, <b>Adrienne Beasley</b>. Her parents look nothing like her, they're playing cute country music (not that dum dee dum dum stuff), so you know she's going to be good. Let me go get my kleenex to prepare for this sob story. This is pretty interesting though because not only is she African-American (parents are white) but they're also country and very very old. That's pretty cool, I guess. And she sings country but has a very soulful voice. That makes her very interesting and combined with the backstory, she's Idol gold. And seems like a genuinely good person. I like this girl. Judges like her too and she's of course through. She makes the standard call to a parent who's not there, and he's so cute... the old country dude wants to know who's paying her way. He also says that "he's tickled" which makes me let out an "aww" out loud.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div><b>ST songs: 0 (LOVING this country thing! Or maybe a producer gave him a talking to after last time. Maybe my blog did it. Who knows.) Contestant songs: 7</b></div></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It's Day 2 and we see more about Nashville and more about auditions. All of the judges are in standard black and white again (not even any good outfits today? Come on!)</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our first contestant of the day is a girl who talks about how she grew up singing and has all of these titles, including "Junior Regional Soloist" or something like that. She doesn't sound crazy and I actually think she's going to be amazing. But, uh oh.... she's in front of the "Blue Screen of Death" -- will my theory pan out? Blue Screen of Death = bad. Let's find out. She still sounds pretty competent when talking about people's reactions to her voice, a little cocky, but nothing we haven't seen before from a good contestant (Paris Bennett anyone?) so I'm beginning to wonder if I'm perhaps wrong. <b>Kameela Merricks</b> busts out an absolutely awful version of Chaka Khan, and I realize that my theory does indeed hold water. Randy continues on his rude streak, JLo is being kind of snotty today too, I've noticed, and ST is really nice and out of character. And still no singing!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ST songs: 0 (he's got to be sick or something) Contestant songs: 8</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here comes the hour 2 set of rejections: a guy dressed like a <b>Blue Man</b> who's name is displayed as ? (mention note to self, if you don't want your name publicized when you audition this is the way to go!) singing A Moment Like This, foreign beauty <b>Polina Kozhikova</b>singing "I will survive", <b>Patrick Counts</b> singing an undeterminable country song (I don't really listen to country though, in his defense), still no singing from ST but he puts his hands on his throat-- maybe he's got a sore throat. Aww, poor Patrick breaks down crying outside and they play some old sad song from some movie where a cowboy must have just lost his horse. Now the crying montages: lots of people crying, walking to their cars, some shooting the bird, but once again-- some of these people are on the street or in the PARKING LOT so who knows how long the cameras have been following them for? (Again, read my earlier blog if you haven't already). </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>ST songs: 0, Contestant songs: 11 (I'm now bored with this game... thanks for ruining the fun whoever put a lid on Steven Tyler! Guess they're getting ready for the live shows, he hasn't cursed once this whole episode either) We finally had a judge who wasn't boring and now this. Great. Just great.</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Are we seriously only 36 minutes through this episode? I'm about to start crying!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Jackie Wilson</b> has the jitters (and is wearing the most casual outfit I have ever seen from ANY auditioner, with the exception of my beloved "Brick" from New Orleans auditions), but she can sing and has a great voice. Randy joins in with drumming. Still no musical action from ST. Can't wait until the next audition to see if he's back to "normal." The judges clap after Jackie's audition and it's well deserved. Three happy judges and she's through. Please get a shorter top and longer skirt next time Jackie. I say it because I really like you. Oh, and by the way, as for the old woman and old man waiting for her outside -- she made out with the old man when she came out, guess that wasn't her dad- we hope!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We're back and the first thing we see is a girl in an evening gown. She's a self-described recording artist and the way she's posing, I already know where this is going. But no blue screen of death? So sad. Maybe her dress being the exact same color wasn't good for the Blue Screen of Death. Or maybe my theory isn't correct. So far though, I have yet to see a good contestant appear before the Blue Screen of Death. And that radio kid from last time didn't go before the screen-- I guess if you're really exceptionally strange, they let you walk around and explore the land with Seacrest. She goes into see the judges and I love that she only has one cd for the three of them. Hilarious. <b>Latoya "Younique" Moore</b> singing crazily and flails her cd to boot while she performs. I don't feel sorry for this one because she gave herself a nickname. A mis-spelled nickname to boot. Randy tells her she's annoying (look who's talking!) and they make a big deal of her number falling off (I don't know how that happened, I had the worst time getting mine off afterwards). She walks out of the room still singing.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Now for some good guys: <b>Paul McDonald</b> does a great Rod Stewart, <b>Jimmie Allen</b> is precious, and full-of-energy with a golden voice,<b>Danny Pate</b> is good (even though he's a ST suckup).... oh, but he got ST (and Randy) to join in singing! Wow! +5 for that! Jennifer Lopez gives him a "cheerleader yes" and he calls her Selena. +10! All three of these boys are through and Danny Pate might be one of my new favorites.. based purely on personality.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ST songs: 1 Contestant songs: 16</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Matt Dillard</b> comes next and they are playing "Falling Slowly", which loosely translates into: there's no way this kid will be cut. Ever. Video montage of hundreds of foster children confirms that. Great story though, genuinely nice guy. Looks like a John Deere poster boy, but sings... Josh Groban? Ha! He's not great but has a good tone and isn't bad. He looks nervous in his cowboy hat and overalls, but he's got a golden guitar pick hanging around his neck so that gives him some instant credibility. He says he can "pretty up". The boys say yes (JLo says no) and he's through.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We're almost done and they show us the auditorium filled with people with camera/phones swaying them in the dark. They did this in New Orleans too, and it's a cool effect, but they've shown it on every audition. Boring. We're about to see the "best contestant ever" according to the last 55 minutes and all of the previews/commercials. Honestly I wish they would just let us decide that for ourselves- they KNOW we are going to stay tuned to see who is in the coveted "last spot of the day" -- it kind of ruins the Susan Boyle type surprises when they... well, that's not true, the video montage would have given it away. We see <b>Lauren Alaina</b> who is a cute little Kellie Pickler type. She's also 15, so she of course must be jaw-droppingly incredible because she's a 15 year old in the last spot. She's got a cousin who has a brain tumor that she looks up to - we see a lot of "this is how good I am because I had a fundraiser for my cousin" kind of stuff... I hate when they do this- rather than let it come out throughout the course of the show they almost make me dislike a person I would have otherwise loved with forcing how great they are down my throat. But overall, I really like this one, she seems like a nice kid. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">She walks in and ST is singing her name in Hey Jude for no reason. Awesome way to up my counts at the last minute, ST! Lauren is dressed like a Lisa Frank factory just blew up but she's cute despite all of that. Doesn't really look 15 at all, but I guess it's true. Lauren is as good as promised and she's one to watch. Has a big star personality too. Kid brings her family in and does a duet with Steven Tyler (I think she may have sung his song way better than he did, in fact!) Glad these auditions ended on a high note (pun intended!).</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Final counts:</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b># of ST songs: 3</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b># of contestant songs: 19</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b># of ST flirting attempts: 3</b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b># of ST isms: 0 </b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Please comment if you have something to add, and stay tuned for the next blog. It will be after the next set of auditions, if not before! </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Until then,</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Maria Saint</div>Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422848818066529235.post-66671023084379149422011-01-28T10:32:00.000-08:002011-01-28T10:32:28.549-08:00Show Recap 1/26/11 - Milwaukee Auditions I've been encouraged to start blogging auditions by some of my readers (If you haven't checked out the recaps at <a href="http://www.topidolblog.com/">http://www.topidolblog.com/</a> you absolutely should get over there ASAP). So, even if the "truth about american Idol" posts come down, those should stay up. Here's the first one, enjoy!<br />
<strong>1/26/11 - American Idol Recap by Maria Saint</strong><br />
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Show begins and apparently it's 8:45 in Milwaukee on 10/2/2010... I don't believe that for one minute. One, we already know that the judges weren't actually there on 10/2, and more importantly, I don't think Steven Tyler has ever been up that early in his entire rockstar life, but I digress. They are singing an Aerosmith song. Imagine that. ST is as rocked out as usual, and Randy is wearing some crazy sweatshirt that seems to be telling us goodbye while smiling at us. Is that a preview of what he's about to do to contestants in this city?<br />
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The new intro starts and EVERY time I see it I think I've accidentally changed the channel to Entertainment Tonight. What is up with it anyway? We see the typical crowd shots, the famous local celebrity (Danny Gokey), and a really good view of the wristband line. I love J-Lo's outfit too, even though I don't quite understand what it is. As the judges wait to go in, we get our first Steven Tylerism & ST curse word in the same sentence! Impressive. It was something about slapping babies on the backside, although he didn't say it as nicely and he was very Billy Ray Cyrus for a second.<br />
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Auditions today are at the Milwaukee Art Museum. I'm not surprised at all by the location-- I think there is an AI rule that the judges need to be in front of a big wall of glass in front of a large body of water. Is this so they have somewhere to jump if it gets too crazy in there? ST sings (or shouts) a little, and here's the count so far:<br />
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<strong>Number of times Steven Tyler has sung: 2 Number of times contestants have sung: 0</strong><br />
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There are more people from outside of Wisconsin that actually came from there, but that seems to be the deal with all of the audition sites so far.<br />
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<strong>Scotty McCreery</strong> is the first contestant of the day and he's a cute kid. Reminds me of the boy Ben that used to be on that Bravo Model show (<a href="http://www.bravotv.com/make-me-a-supermodel/bio/ben-dichiara">http://www.bravotv.com/make-me-a-supermodel/bio/ben-dichiara</a>) combined with the MAD comic book character. He's described as the All-American boy, and his baseball coach speaks, which tells us he's of course going to be good, He's a sweet kid, sings country, and has sang his whole life. As he sings Bye Baby Bunting, someone screams some AWFUL scream in the background-- did anyone else hear that? Scotty sings country and for once Steven Tyler is silent. Fantastic! Bring on the country singers. His voice is surprisingly low and he made J.Lo smile. ST asks for something more modern, he sings more country and allows Randy to talk about something he produced.<br />
Uh oh, time for STism #2 and ST curse word #2.... something about having sex with ducks. Interesting note here is that the camera men cannot keep their laughter in so they are forced to pan out and show you how many people are in that room. Scotty tells us he hears cursing in high school a lot, they let him through, and we move on.<br />
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It's 10 am and apparently auditions are off to a strong start although we have only seen 1 person. Another shot of the crowd and the city news, radio, and cameras. Here comes <strong>Joe Repka</strong>, high fiving everyone. I already know they are setting him up because they've taken him outside to have a private chat with Seacrest. Something about he wants to be in radio. Those are good aspirations, and he seems like a nice enough kid. Seacrest makes him say a radio call about 100 times, and he seems to be taking it in good stride. They show a clip about how he says "I seem to be doing that a lot" -- but I'm not convinced it was in regards to talking like a radio announcer. And here's a note to you, kids: If Seacrest spends more than 5 minutes with you before it's your turn to go in, it cannot be good. Remember that. They then show Joe dancing in a room with a blue AI logo.<br />
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I have a<strong> new theory</strong>, dear readers, allow me to test it out on you tonight. For the past few episodes, I've been noticing that lots of one camera interviews are being done, without Seacrest present, of contestants that are about to go in the room. Two differences here-- one, some people's videos are long and continuous and unedited, while other people's looked chopped together. I have noticed that the long and continuous, open-ended talking videos are of "good" contestants, and the choppy videos are of "bad contestants." I have also noticed that the "bad" contestants generally appear to be in front of a blue screen with AI on it, while good contestants tend to be in a white room, or in another location all-together (but usually the white room). I am not sure if this blue screen is a private room somewhere in the audition site, or a background edited in later, but for now I will call it the <strong><u>"Blue Screen of Death".</u></strong> My hypothesis is that any time you see a contestant in front of this blue screen, they will be portrayed badly. Let's see if this pans out. Back to Joe Repka. He doesn't do well, shocker, but he does diss Seacrest by saying he doesn't listen to his radio program. He sings some Billy Joel and ST of course joins in. The count is now:<br />
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<strong># of ST songs: 3 # of contestant songs: 1 </strong><br />
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Joe fires back with a "I can't help falling in love", upping the contestant count, but ST joins in as well!<br />
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<strong>ST songs: 4 Contestant Songs: 2</strong><br />
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Joe exits, is very good-natured, and gives another call out. Good for him. I hope he gets a radio job.<br />
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Next up is the cheesiest segue of all time about radio, and then radio in cars, and then 15 year old <strong>Emma Henry</strong>. She reminds me of a really young Lindsey Lohan. We see some long tape about how she just learned how to drive (was it a slow news day? I don't remember how "driving" is something no other contestant has done before). She's got a great raspy tone to her voice and is different, sings a Cyndi Lauper song that's perfect for her. I like her, the judges think she will get eaten up in Hollywood. I'm just happy ST doesn't know any Cyndi Lauper. They let her through. Nothing else significant here except that she cried her eyes out, kind of proving the point about her getting eaten up.<br />
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<strong>ST songs: 4 Contestant songs: 3</strong><br />
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Back inside we have 4 contestants all pieced together which is usually an indication that they are all going to be awful, and they are. I'm really surprised by the amount of guys singing Gaga, and even more surprised that they all seem to have the same hand movements and dancing. Not sure if they are moves from a Gaga video, or if this frantic dancing/clapping is encouraged by producers. Ironic that all guys singing Gaga feel the need to dance, although maybe not. They are all terrible and none of them get through. There's really nothing funny or interesting here, except:<br />
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<strong>ST songs: 4 Contestant songs: 7 (making a mad comeback!)</strong><br />
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One contestant asks for a sip of Randy's coke. Randy tells him to go get some Coke Zero outside.<br />
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<strong>Naima Adedapo</strong> is a janitorial worker at Summerfest, is very Rasta looking (colorful jewelry, red/yellow/green, dreads) with 2 beautiful girls. She's original and with a great voice. The judges love her. I think she's really talented, but isn't really anything I've seen before. Definitely talented enough where she doesn't need to be a janitor. Randy loves her colors and all of the judges love her. She sings Donnie Hathaway (another one ST doesn't know). <br />
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Back from break and I get a closer look at Jennifer's outfit, although I still can't figure out what it is. I love the pink and silver combination, am just unsure about whether it's a frilly vest, or who knows. But I don't have the time to deliberate that right now. The cameras are zooming around the audition space, and we see people doing limbo with a giant toothbrush (?!?!) and then someone doing gymnastics down a hallway accidentally landing on someone's face/chest. Who gave the guy on the floor that camera to hold? Someone wanted the shot and then asked a poor contestant to lie there and get it for him? And you know they had done that a few times before they actually rolled tape. I feel sorry for the guys but neither of them seem hurt so we move on.<br />
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A bad Jenny on the Block, the owner of the giant toothbrush, (a 54 year old dentist-- I hope he got his business out there), and now a Barmitzvah singer, Jerome Bell. Who's got a really big voice. Almost too big. It was very very loud and abrasive to me, but nice tone and great sound. Just overly amplified to me. I guess those Barmitzvah kids are usually really loud. ST does his crazy rabbit-face dance, JLo describes him as "loud, soft, sweet, powerful..." I thought those words were contradictory, but I guess everyone's entitled to a Paula-ism now and then. Jerome is through and everyone is happy. <br />
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<strong>This brings the total to ST 4 C 11... it almost seems like the show is finally about other people singing!</strong><br />
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The next few minutes were about Seacrest trying to explain Bieber fever, I wasn't even listening. Then we see a precious little 5 year old singing. I dont' really care because it brings the total up to <br />
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<strong>ST 4 C 12</strong><br />
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Apparently Bieber fever was to explain 15 year olds and we get our next contestant, <strong>Theia Megia</strong>. Song is Chasing Pavements by Adele and her voice is extremely mature for a 30 year old, much less a 15 year old... and strange, but in a good way. The judges seem as confused by it as me and they love it as well. Steven makes a comment about how he loves the heat "down there" and I'm really hoping he's thinking about the correct diaphragm. He then finds an excuse to sing something that doesn't even make sense, so we have <br />
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<strong>ST 5 C 12</strong><br />
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Theia is through with all 3 judges saying yes and all of the other 15 year olds get through as well. This is positive, this means they aren't purposely trying to humiliate 15 year olds. They only let the good 15 year olds through to the last round. Producers earn 1 heart point, and they pan to the obligatory boat sailing on the lake behind the glass behind the judges.<br />
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Next up is <strong>Nathaniel Jones</strong>, a civil war re-enactor. They are playing ridiculous music so I automatically know where this is going. They show him running and screaming which I'm also pretty sure re-enactors don't do, and oh, here's Secreast with him for 5 minutes. Great. The positive part of this is Nathaniel screaming "Don't try me, man!!!!" at Seacrest. Ha. Oh, and the quote of the evening: "Hippies believe in sex!" Nathaniel sings the Lion Sleeps Tonight and I really don't see THAT big of a problem with it, I have to admit. It's super high in key, but all the pitches seem correct and it actually sounds to me exactly like the recording, but I think he killed it with the sex talk and war outfit. Plus, NOBODY talks to Ryan Seacrest that way! Nathaniel "becomes another casualty of the day"--- oh Seacrest, you are so witty!<br />
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<strong>Mason Wilkinson</strong> comes in and needs to turn around and compose himself, probably because his feet aren't in the right place on the Idol emblem (either side of the o). He turns around, gets it right, and starts singing a song I've never heard of. On the bright side, ST hasn't heard it either. Randy laughs. Awkward silence. Judges vote no. <br />
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<strong>ST 5 C 13</strong><br />
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Then we have <strong>Molly De-Wolf Swenson</strong>... graduated from Harvard and has a random White House internship. Nice to know people can "randomly" get jobs at the White House. She gives an interview and no blue screen so we seem to be good (although they do take her picture in front of it). She's also giving long ended sentences so she should be good. Ha, turns out Randy punched her in the face-- hilarious. We also see the back of his ridiculous jacket-- it's telling us to study about organic. Will have to look that up later. She corrects Randy and slips in that she graduated from Harvard and works at the White House so she's obviously proud, maybe a little too proud but she can sing. She's got good range, and it was a decently interesting arrangement. Not one I've heard before. We hear a bunch of contestants screaming during this, not sure if they heard her singing or not. (It seems that they have monitors outside this year, but not confirmed). They let out screams though about a full minute after she ended though so not sure what that is all about. Judges vote, and she's through. I'm left asking the question I have been asking a lot lately-- why are some people super talented at EVERYTHING and others have what seems like zero gifts? Harvard, White House, pretty, good voice. So unfair. But I digress again and Day 1 is over. <br />
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<strong>Day 1 Homework:</strong> Find out what Study About Organic means... The only thing I can find is about a company called Adios (which makes sense given the front of his jacket) and their studies on organic food products... there isn't too much about it except on a food gossip sites, all written this week, none mention Randy Jackson. He's a big proponent of eating health food though so I guess it makes sense. Here's one of the few links I found if you're interested. <a href="http://gossipblower.com/2011/01/26/a-healthier-much-more-confident-you-with-adios-and-adios-max/">http://gossipblower.com/2011/01/26/a-healthier-much-more-confident-you-with-adios-and-adios-max/</a><br />
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A ton of commercials more and it now seems like 4 hours from when I started watching this show (and probably feels like 6 hours since you started reading this blog!) Why is the New Orleans episode (the only one I really cared about) 1 hour, and the rest seem like they take infinity and beyond. ST looks ridiculous as always, JL as chic, and Randy's just a dawg. We show the arena again like it's the next day even though we know it's really 10am the day before. One kid sings the Lion King intro though so I guess it's worth it. Wow, under JLo's chic coat she's got the cutest little top with a Treble Clef on it. With Randy's initial sweater on I'd feel like I were in the 50s if it weren't for ST's crazy 70s ensemble. <br />
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First up is <strong>Hailey Reinhart</strong>. She's super talented but I see why she didn't make it last time. She's putting EVERYTHING she's got in there... so many loops and trills and ups and downs that I feel like I do when I puke on rollercoasters, but it was impressive. She's through and she's excited. She runs back to show all of the other contestants. Just in case they didn't see it her Dad lifts her up. <br />
ST curses AND sings, bringing our count up to <br />
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<strong>ST 6 C 13</strong><br />
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Next is someone named <strong>Tiwan Strong</strong>. He seems kind of crazy, but no blue screen of death, so I'm having good thoughts. He is great. Kind of just like everyone else who sings 50s and 60s music (Twisting the Night Away is his song) but it's positive. I also like his entirely white ensemble. ST likes him, Randy likes him, JLo said he did a really good job. He's through and his family is super excited-- a bunch of screaming women! They practically maul him and it's actually a really cute scene. One of the ladies gets a Charlie Horse, the other starts doing some crazy dancing and kicking. Seacrest is left holding the charlie horse lady which is hysterical as he tiries to figure out what to do and then gives her a leg massage. I wish I had a picture of that scene of them both bent over to photoshop. Seacrest gives her some lame advise about drinking plenty of water and we move on.<br />
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<strong>ST 6 C 14</strong><br />
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Next, <strong>Steve Beghun</strong> (pronounced "big goon"), a CPA. I guess he's playing hooky so they make a big deal out of it and he seems super boring and says he has no friends. He has the white screen behind him though so it looks good (my theory is holding up so far). He seems like a dork as he can't open the door and makes a bad joke about his name. His voice SHOCKS me. It's half country, half pop with a really sweet tone. He's through and has like 6 people with him... I thought he didn't have any friends? They are all wearing primary colors! He goes back into the tent also to show the contestants his golden ticket. I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing.<br />
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<strong>ST 6 C 15</strong><br />
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Next up is <strong>Vernika Patterson</strong> singing Loving You and she's been challenged to see if she can make it a 4 for 4 streak for contestants, so there's already a pretty good idea of where this is going. It starts not bad but then she stops. She re-starts, changes keys, changes again halfway through, and yet again in the lalalas until she gets to the right one but still can't hit the high note. I don't know GREAT singers that can sing this song, I don't know why anyone would pick it for an audition. They tell her no and she appears to give instant attitude, but we don't know what happens so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. I hear another massive scream from the other contestants and I finally figure out that it's the reaction to the other contestants with the yellow tickets running back into the staging area. Vernika picks up her things to leave, her mom or whoever wants her to stay to give the exit interview, she tries to escape the other way and there's a cameraperson waiting for her on the other side of the glass door. Ha! American Idol 1 Vernika 0. Oh, and speaking of counts, it's now:<br />
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<strong>ST 6 C 16</strong>... (i was really getting worried for awhile when ST had half as many singing moments as contestants)<br />
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Montage of people crying and screaming, many of them are followed all the way to the parking lot and saying get away from me, get the camera away, some hit the camera but all 3 of those people were outside so who knows how long they had been followed at that point. Sigh. <br />
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Back inside, we have a Barack Obama impersonator, but he really seems like a Kenan Thompson impersonator. Name is<strong> Albert Rogers III</strong>. Then comes something about fudge and Eleanor Rigby making for the 3rd ST ism of the day. Randy was rude, he thought it was terrible and a joke. All 3 judges say no, and he's gone. They show him against the Blue Screen of Death and he gives a nice little speech.<br />
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<strong>Scott Dangerfield</strong> is next and ST accuses him of wearing lipstick, to which he says he was kissing one of the girls outside. "Fell in love in the Idol line" is discussed as a possible song... he's a cutie, oh and crap, now ST is singing again. Scott sings and his voice is amazing... this kid gets laid a LOT, I bet. If he doesn't, he will. He sort of reminds me of Clay Aiken but with way more game. Even his posture seems "I am sexy and awesome." Ha. He explodes into the tent and a loud scream erupts. We're now to<br />
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<strong>ST 7 C 17</strong><br />
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Next we meet a girl who is obsessed with Green Bay Packers, yet she is wearing a shirt with American Flags on it-- nothing about her screams Green bay actually, except for the accent. I guarantee you they urged her to run around and do the wave, high fives, lead the cheers, etc. The crowd went with it too so they didn't think it was that weird at the time. But she's billed as the most annoying girl ever. <strong>Megan Frazier.</strong> She's beautiful and I love her energy.. her notes are on and she actually has a pretty good opera voice. I am really wondering if she's been put up to this. I bet she has. I'd bet money on it. Opear is playing in the background as she walks out, I wonder if it's her singing or not. And who can blame her fandom, after all, her team IS going to the Superbowl!<br />
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<strong>ST 7 C 18</strong><br />
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Time for our first rock and roll chick, <strong>Alyson Jados</strong>. so far she cries and freaks out a lot. ST is mesmorized by her. He immediately says she looks like she could be one of his ____. Thankfully he didn't finish the sentence. He starts talking in a smoky voice.. "tell me about yourself." -- his next question is "what are you into" and covers it up with "...to sing?" then she confesses she's an Aerosmith groupie. Great. I hope someone rented Alyson Jados a hotel room for tonight. I also hope she's okay with listening to ST sing every 5 minutes. She's great though. I don't know how ST didn't sing along or drum to this one! Finally ST picks up singing with her, they vote and here's another observation about this season, the judges vote in different order each time and sometimes vote no on purpose to give whoever likes the contestant the most the deciding "yes" vote.<br />
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<strong>ST 8 C 18</strong><br />
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Back from the break and they sit us through repeats of all of the people that have been through before. Didn't we just see this an hour ago?<br />
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Finally up is <strong>Chris Medina </strong>who has a story that can top even Danny Gokey's. His financee Juliana was in a terriblle car accident just 2 months before their supposed-to-be wedding. Beautiful girl. Now she's brain damaged and has been that way for over a year and a half and he has been her primary caregiver since then. He sings Break Even which is a great choice. He's good but not great but his story and soul come through in every note. After his touching performance they bring Juliana in and even I'm shocked by how bad her condition seems. There is a big party with judges and family. Note for auditioners #3, if you'er ever an Idol contestant and you're saved for last- that's also a great sign :) <br />
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<strong>Homework #2:</strong> research this story further. I found a website where Chris is trying to raise $8000.00 for an experimental procedure that is not covered by insurance -- as of last night he surassed that mark with a bunch of $25 paypal donations, probably from Idol viewers... if you'd like to visit the site, here it is: <a href="http://www.laurusfoundation.org/help-juliana-ramos.php">http://www.laurusfoundation.org/help-juliana-ramos.php</a> -- Last night, this site was at $9250, now it's over $22,000! Wow for the power of television.<br />
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That's it folks. Sorry it's so long. These shows need to be shorter!<br />
<strong>Here's our final count:</strong><br />
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<strong>Steven Tyler Isms: 3<br />
Steven Tyler Obscenities: 2<br />
Steven Tyler Songs: 8 (almost 1/3 of the total # of songs of the day!)<br />
Contestant Songs: 18<br />
# of Contestants Steven Tyler Hit On: surprsingly, 1<br />
J-Lo Cute Outfits: 2<br />
Randy Self-Promotion: 1<br />
Contestants in 2 hours: 18. About 1 every 7 minutes.</strong><br />
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Also remember, Seacrest interview before: bad, blue screen of death: bad, white screen: good, camera-man interview before at your house: good, football/baseball coach interview: good, last auditioner of the day: good. <br />
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xoxo,<br />
Maria Saint Maria Sainthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02856016869543518448noreply@blogger.com1