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American Idol Top 9

March 28, 2012 by Amy Leave a Comment

Colton – I really wanted to like that as it was his favorite worship song but I found it sleepy in the beginning and a bit sloppy. I couldn’t understand a word. I did see that he believed it I just couldn’t enjoy it. Gosh, I hate that. The judges don’t agree. Am I missing it??

Skylar – Besides being on the manic side a little, I enjoyed this. Felt like it was right up her alley and she sounded like a pro.

Colton, Elise, Phillip – Loved Colton with the first song. Not sure they nailed the group. The second with Elise was better. The third with Phillip was my favorite for the group.

Heejun – Ok that’s the Heejun we all fell in love with. Beautiful. I want to play that on repeat. Yes!!!

Hollie – That was no Carrie but it wasn’t horrible. “I’m not going to mess with Jesus or Carrie.” lol Smart, Steven.

Deandre – Wow, that really should have gone well but it only hurt my ears. Clearly the judges disagree again.

Jessica – I don’t know if that was my favorite song ever but gorgeous vocals. She’s amazing.

Deandre, Joshua and Heejun – Heejun was amazing on that first part. The rest was eh.

Phillip – I have no idea what that song was but I’m still on the Phillip train.

Joshua – Wow, Joshua. That is some sanging. So amazing.

Hollie, Skylar, Jessica – Yikes. Madonna on those girls is pretty sketchy.

Elise – Well, clearly, rock is where Elise is supposed to be.

Favorites – How do you pick?? I think for me, tonight goes to Phillip, Joshua and Heejun

In trouble – Deandre

American Idol Top 10

March 21, 2012 by Amy 4 Comments

Deandre: I did not enjoy this in the least. I felt like I was laying poolside and the band was playing down at the end of the pool instead of my bed. So much cheese and I just don’t think it showed his voice at all.

Erika: Holy wow. Her hair is different. I think this is a great song choice for her. Really showed off her range. I think she pulled off the right attitude.

Joshua: I just love his voice and conviction so much. Perfect song choice for him. And how do people not know that song? Wow.

Skylar: While I feel like she picked the right song I’m not quite sure I liked the arrangement. I think she needed to stick a little closer to Garth Brooks’ version than she did. I’m surprised she said that’s who she was copying after.

Elise: I think it was an awesome song on her. I feel like that was just her style. Just not sure it will connect with voters since it’s so unknown.

Phillip: I love Phillip. I say it every week but I seriously cannot quit smiling when he’s on stage. I love that he’s so consistent. I was worried before the season he might not be but he’s really proving he’s got it for the long haul.

Hollie: I felt like she was pushing it too hard and the bad notes were distracting. Just not her best.

Heejun: Well, I feel like we’re on borrowed time with Heejun. That was super fun but maybe not a winning performance.

Jessica: She really did sing that beautifully. Not my favorite song ever but she really proved once again how big that voice is.

Colton: Loved this. Just perfect for him.

Favorites: Colton, Phillip, Elise, Jessica

In trouble: Heejun, Deandre

American Idol Top 12

March 14, 2012 by Amy 2 Comments

Phillip – I seriously cannot help but smile when this guy is on stage. He picked the perfect song and it was just so natural and fun to watch. Well done!

Jessica – Last week was definitely better. This one didn’t quite show as much control and I think there was a little screeching/yelling going on. And yes, those pants are amazing.

Heejun – Oh, Heejun. That is one of my favorite love songs ever and I really, really want to like it but it’s so pitchy. The ending got better but overall, just not the night for you.

Elise – I was surprised how much I lived this song for her. That raspy part of her voice I love really shined through. Good to see her positive tonight!

Deandre – At first I looked at Scott and said He’s not singing that right. But by the end I thought he had a handle on it better and really, I still believe he has a beautiful voice. He just looked like someone was beating that song out of him for most of it.

Shannon – Oh boy. Breathing was not the issue with this. She should have worked on the notes first. Ouch. Some of those hurt. How did the judges not hear that?

Colton – Daughtry! Great advice to sing something people know. I had no idea what this song was but I kind of felt like I may be listening to an original Colton song. (ah! I typed that before JLo said that!) I really liked it.

Erika – Hated parts of that arrangement but otherwise that’s the most I’ve ever liked Erika.

Jermaine – Aw I actually liked his song.

Skylar – She sounded alright I guess but I didn’t like that arrangement much. I spent more time trying to remember what it ought to sound like than enjoying it.

Joshua – Yes, sir! That is the Joshua I fell in love with. That was amazing!

Hollie – No doubt she is amazing.

Favorites: Joshua stole the night for me

In trouble: Deandre or Heejun 🙁

American Idol Top 13

March 7, 2012 by Amy 2 Comments

Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder. I just wonder if they’re setting these contestants up to fail. The one person they always say not to sing and then they make every single girl sing it. Hmph. Tonight was pretty rough for me in the first half but the second delivered a few gems. I also have to admit it was very sad for me to hear the phrase, “I didn’t grow up listening to Whitney.” Sad, folks! OK, so let’s get to it.

Joshua – I love Joshua and he sang it alright but I just felt like the song choice was poor. It came across like a cheesy show opener.

Elise – This definitely wasn’t her gig but I still appreciated the full rich parts of her voice.

Jermaine – This was by far my favorite performance from Jermaine so far in the competition. But I’m not sure how much that’s saying since he has yet to wow me.

Erika – I just don’t see what the judges see. I think she sings everything right and all but I just don’t enjoy her staying in that low register for so much of the song.

Colton – That was rough for me. I can’t stand how he slurs his words. I barely understood half of what he said. The end got a lot better though and I love when he belts those notes.

Shannon – Yikes! Where was our beauty pageant moment? This should have been a slam dunk for her and that key change was just horrendous. I feel bad because I think she probably CAN do the song.

Deandre –I didn’t care for this much at all. It’s interesting Stephen mentioned Nyema because I wasn’t much of a fan of hers either.

Skylar – I was nearly clapping when Mary said to dial it down. Exactly what a mentor needed to tell her and it sure did pay off. I really, really enjoyed that. She can slay a note but it’s nice to see her build to that instead of feeling like you get a beat-down the entire song.

Heejun – Have I mentioned this post how much I love Heejun. “I love you more than Jimmy.” He’s a RIOT. This probably wasn’t my favorite song of his. It was pretty enough it just didn’t blow me away.

Hollie – Hollie totally stole the show at this point. That was right up her alley and I found myself singing along and actually feeling like I was listening to a Whitney song.

Jeremy – Jeremy hasn’t wowed me to date but I felt like that was beautiful. His tone really shined through for me tonight.

Jessica – Ya’ll I just cried through her entire song. That was so perfect and so Whitney. A little of me mourned Whitney’s death for the first time and at the same time celebrated that Jessica just pulled that off. Wow. I honestly don’t know that I’ve ever cried watching this show. Simply breathtaking.

Phillip – Phillip just makes me smile. I love to watch him sing and play and he’s just got this cool vibe and looks so cute doing it. I really don’t even know if the judges know how to judge him just because he’s so unique.

Favorites: Jessica, Hollie, Skylar, Phillip

In trouble: Deandre

American Idol Top 12 Girls

February 29, 2012 by Amy 2 Comments

Chelsea – First off, that was really the first I’ve seen her personal side and she seems really down to earth and sweet. As for the song, Carrie Underwood makes singing look effortless but that didn’t feel effortless. She seems like a good enough singer but maybe she ran out of umph.

Erika – She really has a beautiful big voice but the performance was lackluster. That was definitely not Cher quality.

Jennifer – Wow these girls are really picking top notch folks to be compared to. Sadly, this doesn’t compare in the least. Adele drips emotion when she sings and this felt like a karaoke number 🙁

Ps what is with the judges? I still miss Simon!

Brielle – What was she trying to do with that song? I don’t know. Whatever it was didn’t work for me.

Hallie – She kind of lost it towards the end but she was the first one who actually put on a decent performance. It wasn’t perfect but it was the best so far for me.

Skylar – Why does it look like she is wearing party streamers? Hm, I’m not sure what to think about that performance. She sounded good and obviously feels comfortable on stage. Just a little manic I think. I did appreciate the Reba quality to it though.

Baylie – She is so pretty but I think nerves got ahold of her or something. Parts of that were painful. Wow, judges, thank you for actually agreeing.

Tonight is not going well for me. I feel like I’m being super negative. I hope this gets better.

Hollie – Ok I’ve decided there’s something wrong with the sound. She was having a really hard time staying with the music, especially in the beginning. She has a beautiful voice though. Really hope she goes through.

Haley – ew. That was awful. She was yelling and uncontrolled and…just no.

Shannon – Now that was a great vocal. Great passion. Great performance. The only negative I would say is it felt a little pageant-y with the dress and song message. But seriously good. I had chills for like 30 seconds straight.

Jessica – The beginning was sketchy but she was amazing towards the end. I think that was the best vocal of the night so far.

Elise – Ok that still wasn’t Adele but it was gorgeous and like expected, she was comfortable on stage. Definitely one of the best of the night.

Favorites of the night: Elise, Jessica and Shannon

In trouble: Baylie and Haley

So if this doesn’t get better I’m not sure I’ll be blogging this whole season. Tonight was painful for me.

Who was your favorite?

American Idol Top 13 Guys

February 28, 2012 by Amy 1 Comment

I went for coffee with Dani and totally forgot Idol was on tonight. Definitely not back in the habit of watching something live every week yet. But, don’t get me wrong, the time with Dani was way better and I’m glad I went. In any case, here are some quick thoughts!

Reed – Reed is too full of himself. His gyrations are weird and so are his facial expressions. His voice is beautiful and his take on the song was unique. I don’t know, I just can’t handle his performance.

Adam – I felt like this was a bad song choice and came across cheesy. Which is a shame because I love his story and want him to do well.

Deandre – *sigh* I love his falsetto but it did not come across well on stage. I couldn’t understand half of what he was singing.

Colton – Colton is a smart man. Singing a song from Twilight? He knows his audience. And really? Did we know Colton could perform like that? What a pro! I’m impressed. He’s no Paramore but Colton is definitely on the right track to be the American Idol.

Jeremy – Totally bored. Sorry, Jeremy, you seem really sweet.

Aaron – Felt like he was off pitch. Just not a good sound.

Chase – Felt like that was a bad song or he just didn’t have the umph to sing it.

Creighton – I’ll be honest, Creighton scares me a little. But tonight I felt like his performance was reserved yet unique and beautiful.

Phil – Phil!!! Yay! He totally pulled it off. Great song choice. He sounded awesome. Did you see Jennifer giggling after his performance? That was basically my reaction. LOVED IT.

Eben – That song is way too big for Eben. Felt a little like I was at a high school talent show. I mean, technically Eben I think is good, it’s just not enough power…or years behind him.

Heejun - Aw, I loved his clips with his family and friends. So funny! But sadly, this song was not good for him. His performance was underwhelming too. Sad face.

Joshua – Chills! I got chills from that performance! He is awesome!!

Jermaine – Sadly I think they should not have given him a call back. I’m just not a fan of his voice.

Favorites tonight: Joshua, Phil, Colton

In trouble: Deandre, Jermaine, Reed

What’d you think??

American Idol Top 24 Review

February 24, 2012 by Amy 4 Comments

Alrighty, folks, I can’t help it. I’m going to be blogging American Idol this season. Have you heard the Top 24? I honestly think this is the most talented group we’ve seen yet. It’s pretty unbelievable.

I thought I’d pick a Top 10 from the 24. It’s not 100% voice on these votes. As you know, people vote for personality too so I’m doing the same.

The Guys

Phil Phillips – Here’s my thing with Phil. Every time he goes up to sing, you’re not entirely sure he’s going to pull the thing off. He’s inconsistent. But. You can tell he’s made to sing. I love how the music just explodes from him. And he’s as cute as he can be. Confident yet humble. He really is a contender if he can pull off his best every week.

Joshua Ledet- Joshua is not my normal pick but every time he sings, I’m enthralled. I’m sure it’s the gospel vibe I’m connecting with but really? Have you ever heard someone sing a Hallelujah that pretty?

Heejun Han – I think I have a little crush on Heejun. He. is. hilarious. Between his crush on Jennifer Lopez and his hatred of the cowboy, I’m just not sure I could take anymore. What I love most is he has no clue how good he is. Wait, wait. I love, love that he works with special needs kids. Oh my word, he might not be an American Idol but I think I want to be his friend.

Deandre – His falsetto is to die for and if he can just pick the right songs every time, he’s golden.

Creighton – Creighton loves himself a little too much or maybe he overcompensates because he doesn’t but I can’t deny his performance ability and voice. He’s got the gig down already.

The Girls

Shannon Magrane – She’s got the look and wowed me with her final audition song.

Baylie Brown – She’s like cookie cutter American Idol. I mean, seriously, if you had an American Idol machine, I think she’s what would pop out.

Elise Testone – Elise is another professional. She’s not afraid of the stage and knows how to work it. I think she’ll do really well in on the big stage. She’s just not American Idol cookie cutter material. Not really sure the voters will take to her.

Jessica Sanchez – Her voice as a lot of power and I may as well say it since we’ll hear it all season…and she’s only 16!

Jen Hirsh – Jen is amazing. I’m just afraid her personality doesn’t have the IT factor. I’m not saying she’s not super sweet. I’m just not sure it will take her all the way.

Honorable mentions go to Brielle and Hollie. Brielle has way too much attitude and Hollie I’m not sure has enough.

OK, anything can happen on that Idol stage but those are the ones I’m keeping my eye on. Which do you like?

A TV Update

February 23, 2012 by Amy 17 Comments

Back in the fall, I blogged about what I was watching. My TV watching completely changed this season. I’m a 100% DVR watcher now. Actually. I’m 100% Hulu watcher even though it is also recorded on my DVR too (other than Big Bang Theory which is DVD). It’s just easier to watch it on my computer while I’m working on my laptop. I would love to cancel our DirecTV and Netflix but alas, the family would not be happy.

OK so here is what I actually ended up watching. And before you read this, there are spoilers so don’t read if you’re not up to date!

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Revenge – This is another one I’d watch and say I was done but kept coming back. I just couldn’t handle not knowing what happened to Daniel in that first episode. And ya’ll! I was SO HAPPY that it wasn’t Daniel!! So happy! And so happy it WAS Tyler. AND so happy that Amanda figured out that Emily was getting it because of something she had done (I did interpret that right, right?).

Parenthood – This week’s episode totally paid off for the rest of an otherwise lackluster season. I think I cried at nearly every storyline. So. not. fair. that they’re not getting their baby. Not fair. I’m hoping she changes her mind. I think Amber should just go for Bill already and her aunt freaked out too much. I can’t decide whether I want Jasmine and Crosby together or not. I was finally getting used to the idea of them with their significant others but I do like the idea of their family being together again. I’m going to totally blank on names but I’m missing the little brothers. Also, I heard Jason Ritter’s new show got a green light and I’m PSYCHED. I love him!

Downton Abbey – Holy cow. That was the besttt season finale ever. I could watch the proposal like a zillion times over. They seriously need to patch things up with Bates’ storyline. We cannot have him in prison for the rest of our lives. Cannot! My favorite line of the entire series was delivered in that episode and to no one’s surprise came from Dowager Countess “Do you promise?” If you don’t know what scene I’m talking about, you need to rewatch that final episode immediately.

Once Upon a Time – I’ve given up on this show no less than 4 times this season. However, something keeps me coming back. My favorite episode was Snow White and Prince Charming’s episode and I hate, hate how they have Charming cheating on his wife but at the same time, I really, really want Snow and him back together. It was fantastic when Rumpelstiltskin admitted who he was. Can’t wait until this unravels.

Modern Family – I think this season has been kind of weak to be honest. Funny at times but not as good as it once was.

Big Bang Theory – OK, so we’re only on season 2 but I LOVE THIS SHOW. Sheldon is like a mix of me and Scott and we both find him to be HILARIOUS for different reasons. I will not be surprised at all if Scott starts doing acoustic tests next time we visit the theater.

Which of these do you watch? What’d you think of the season? Come on, let’s talk TV!