"American Idol" 2013 New Season
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(Randy) This is what's crazy to me, I love Jessie J and you made me forget that's a Jessie J song...this to me is the best of the night, a ten out of ten out of ten." Her grandmother came up on stage, hugged Angie, and cried. "She's so proud," Ryan Seacrest beamed. Jimmy Iovine stated, "I got her (Angie) neck and neck with Amber right now." Amber and Kree next delivered a spirited, throbbing, rousing "Rumor Has It" by Adele, the first duet of the evening. Kree more than held her own with Amber, to my ears, and vice versa-- they each sang it fantastically. A stunning rendition. Keith found Amber "riveting" and showing a "new command" of the stage, but wished they'd each "cut loose" more. (He must really love Janis Joplin's singing, LOL.) Nicki too implied she'd found Amber somewhat more impressive than Kree, on that one. Angie and Candace dueted on "Stay" by Rihanna, a deeply emotional song which gleaned another standing ovation for their version. Randy exalted "Unbelievable! That's the way you do a duet. You redeemed yourself on that ,Candace...Angie you made it even stronger, I didn't know you had those little twists and turns." Mariah hailed the pair equally. " I didn't know how you did that with all the smoke swirling around you," and praised their "versatility." Round Two featured "One Hit Wonders," a theme chosen by voters. Amber surprised with "McArthur's Park" first done by Richard Harris way way way back and which later hit again with a disco turn by Donna Summer. It was histrionic, an overly dramatic ditty, which I enjoyed all the more for not expecting Amber to try that. I liked at least parts of hers, a lot, and was entertained. She seems to have quite a sense of humor. Keith Urban hollered "Good Lord Amber what's going on, it's like summer the sun has come out...an incredible performance!" Nicki deadpanned, "You're like a blooming flower Amber, blooming for the world to see...out of the four girls in the competition, you're the one I'd want to get to know...so, good job." Randy was beside himself--"You hit those crystal clear high notes...I think you're ready and current and so now, I'd sign you right now." Mariah Carey: "Those vocals are stellar...also your low notes tonight were rich, smooth and beautiful," and she gushed over her to the max, calling her "so confident." Jimmy Iovine rained on the parade with "I got to disagree, I didn't buy that song (no matter who sang it), it's corny." (Boos from the audience.) Later he complained the lyrics (by the great Jimmy Webb, who is usually quite eloquent) made no sense, so how could a singer interpret them and understand the song? Candace perplexed me by choosing "Emotion" by the Bee Gees, I'd thought they were pretty far from just one hit wonders and thought they had several hits. The judges were shown grooving and practically swooning, but still didn't rise from their chairs afterwards, which I found odd. Nicki thought "that's a classic song but I was still grooving to it...it didn't feel like it was 50 years ago." Randy rapsodized, "Yes Candace Yes Yes Yes! The vocal was crazy, another great performance from you!" Mariah called her "stellar" and a "super duper super star quality girl." Keith commented, "I was grooving...your voice is beautiful...that was crazy nice, but next week pick a song that's gonna stand out, Baby." Jimmy Iovine thought that "Candace did better than Amber this particular song." At one point Randy and Nicki took the stage to hug Jimmy.( Randy had hollered out "None of us (judges) ever agree with Jimmy!" previously, which was a stupid thing to say. They often have.) Jimmy remarked, "Nicki has a crush on me," which I thought was cute. He used to go with Stevie Nicks, by the way. Must have enjoyed a hot old time, those two! Hot stuff. Kree Harrison treated us to a very sultry, pleasing , sensitive and sensual version of Procol Harum's " A Whiter Shade of Pale," her caramel smooth elegant voice gliding along which prompted Randy to tell her, "Singing will never be your problem, you can flat out sing...you sang your face off, that was brilliant! I loved it." Mariah: "You're a true artist...feel good about what you did." But Keith Urban thought "that's a middle ground song...next week think about the song that's really gonna let you come out." NIcki strangely called Kree her "wife" and said she "loved that song" but doesn't think "it will keep you out of the bottom two tomorow...if you leave then I still know in my heart you can put out a multi-platinum album of any genre and it will win." Keith and Mariah then protested they don't think Kree will have to leave tonight (but someone has to). Amber closed the show with the old, old chestnut standard of Golden Hollywood yesteryear, "Cry Me a River," but it's a classic and everlasting crowd pleaser, I guess. I liked hers, but didn't love it. Mariah professed surprise that Amber "has been holding out on us a little bit" by hitting some unexpected notes with that one, she thought. Keith hailed it as "Mystical and celestially powerful." Wow. Nicki stated, "You came out tonight to snatch some wigs off some heads...tonight was your night." (I didn't witness any cat fights among the four!) Randy shouted "That was the best of the night," and Ryan Seacrest smiled, "Angie's on a hot streak." TONIGHT (THURSDAY) "Results (Elimination) Night." I've a feeling it's gonna be a pity party weep fest, because none of these divas in training really deserve to go.--SUSY
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Thursday Night--April 25 Nobody got eliminated because the judges hadn't used their "save" option yet, or something like that. Amber and Candace were in the bottom two (still got millions of votes, though) while Kree and Angie turned out to be in the top two. Which could change (I hope). I'd like to see Kree, Candace and Amber in the top three with the baby-faced humble Candace winning. Kree is charmingly humble and modest too, though. And Amber, to an extent. Angie tries so hard though it's a pity if she's not up there too, in a way. All these chicks have proven to be likable and talented. Stefano sang, and did much better vocals and charm-wise than a past Idol winner, Lee DeWyse, who also sang last night and whose voice to me sounds like a very faded much weaker Tom Waites--Lee's voice is so unexceptional that hordes of performers were on stage during his number to try to distract from that--perhaps that was the reason. I don't like to diss him so much. Actually he showed more gumption and a bit more personality and spirit this time around on the Idol stage. His song was folksy and somewhat pleasing. But Crystal Bowersox, with her funky soulful gutsy bluesy set of pipes, and so artistic and post-Bohemian hippie, should have won!! I also loved Siobhan's voice that year, and she was also quite artistic, unique and unconventional, like Crystal, and Siobhan usually selected original, unexpected and delightful song choices. I loved Crystal's take on McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." I read online that Kree Harrison is an orphan--both her parents have passed away and with Kree deprived of them at such a young age one's heart really goes out to her.
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I read on the Net some peeps suspect American Idol producers deliberatly chose male singers this time who weren't as good as the girl singers, because they wanted a female to win this year. I don't think it's rigged like that, though. The guy singers could sing fairly well (and hey that Lazaro Arbos had something) and also I recall a Nicole Richie look alike who could sing well the judges raved over saying she was "the whole package" who didn't get voted through to the top ten. If it were rigged she would have made it. Perhaps she gets to go on tour with the Idols this summer? They said something about they were going to pull a special something so one of the discarded could do that, unless I heard wrong.
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American Idol "Now and Then" Wednesday May 1 Harry Connick Jr. Guest Mentor Angie Miller of Beverly, Mass. opened with "Diamonds in the Sky" by Rihanna, sounded like wailing at times, a bit shrill sometimes or pitchy but I liked the song choice and her being at the piano again. The judges got on her some for "not getting lost" in the song enough and being too aware of the audience or something. Amber Holcomb from "East Texas" did well and sounded pretty good on a rather lively recent song from Pink (Round One was all 2013 songs) Nicki, who disconcertingly seems to get flirty with the contestants sometimes drawled in her loud deadpan "Well hello Buttercup, well, I like your jeans...on your video footage, you seem so free...spirited...relatable, still had that smile that comes from within...didn't feel this performance was connected all the way...went in and out..." Randy jumped in, "At this point the fun kind of goes away and everybody's thinking about the end...you gotta have fun, just let it go and have fun...that was not steller." Mariah consoled, "The second performance tonight will be beyond steller, and then some" (Mariah is psychic?). Keith Urban pointed out Pink "has such a big voice" and complicated songs, can be hard to sing hers. "What I love is the clarity and the bell of your voice, and I'm hearing that consistently." A Bruno Mars number from Candace Glover of South Carolina, "Why I Was Your Man," was made much of and hailed, and deserved it. Harry Connick Jr. had hailed in rehearsal, "She (Candace) did it, she will be successful if she does it like that (on the show)." I thought it was real good, seemed effortless and she hit all the right notes. "Randy commented that "I know the emotions are running high" and suddenly shouted, "I've always said if you can sing, you can sing anything, congratulations that was amazing!" Mariah added smoothly, "Yes, I must agree...Candace has the musicality to take almost any song and change it to suit her." Keith smiled "that's a winning performance right there Baby" (he's an Aussie so he can call everyone "Baby" with no worries) and Nicki gave a "belated standing O" rising from her chair (also to show off her outfit). "Today you gave me every single thing I was talking about last week," she praised. "Made it feel like it was written for you...you're a singer's singer." Very high praise (but she didn't seem to be high, LOL). Candace's garb also looked smashing, purple with black leather and some sparkles without being flashy or gaudy. Wow, Harry Connick Jr. really liked Kree Harrison and wants to work with her, and said (I can understand that) he prefers her version of a recent Carrie Underwood hit "I Will See You Again" to Carrie's. And Kree delivered Wednesday night like she did in rehearsals, for Harry. Mariah was moved to state, "I felt you...you delivered that soul I know you have within you...I enjoy you so much, because of how authentic you are." Aussie Urban had to be a bit of a naysayer with saying he hadn't "felt quite connected to that moment, it's a power ballad," and said he "keep waiting for it to be bigger," but added, "Your voice is faultless." Nicki loved it--"You say it with your eyes" and Randy opined, "I'm really now focused on the voice, you got an amazing voice, and I loved that vocal." Kree beamed.
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Round Two Wednesday was the "Then" portion of the "Now and Then" theme, offering "standards" which are Harry's thing. Angie Miller opened with "Someone To Watch Over Me. "A "perfect song you don't have to do much to it," Harry had said in rehearsals. Angie sang it nicely, to my ears. And Keith Urban agreed, "You sang it so beautifully, the timber in your voice, the clarity, the presence...it was beautiful." Nicki called Angie a "Disney Princess" (didn't mean Angie's "plastic," one hopes). "You have a very Broadway type of voice... and "every time you do the higher notes," she thought, "it's like your face, your body, transforms." Randy called her "arrangement in the middle confusing" but hailed, "You sailed through the difficult parts." Mariah noted, "You're very comforable with a theatrical performance" and said she doesn't think "every moment has to be at the top," and Nicki hollered "Clean your ears out!" Thankfully a diva cat fight did not ensue. (Laughs) It isn't the Jerry Springer show. Some might wish it were. (LOL). Amber from Shepherd, Texas treated us to the divine "My Funny Valentine," such a sweet, touching love song. She sang her heart out, and won a standing O from the judges. Nicki gushed "you're looking like a beautiful budding red rose" all in red, and "eaverything was beautiful" from the song to the performance to the outfit. "You're a super star, you have fans everywhere!--you have a lifetime to make incredible moments in music. " Randy was also very positive: "I think you made a lot of people believers tonight, I know it's a hard song to sing...that ending was unbelievable, that was steller." Mariah digs how Amber sings that song, "that spirit is there bigger and better than ever before." Keith thought "the audience went crazy when you hit that run, and we went crazy." But Harry said "sing the melody," he doesn't fancy "a lot of runs" and doesn't think "standards need that." Harry called Candace's vocals on the sophisticated classic "You've Changed" --"Smokin' " and indeed Candace sang it dynamite, both in rehearsals and on stage, reminding one of Billie Holliday and the like. And still while being Candace! It was perfect, I thought. And garnered a standing ovation, and deserved it. Randy was overwhelmed and trotted out his old standby "Yo Candace is in it to win it tonight! Great, amazing voice, it's about feeling what you sing" and Mariah Carey asserted, "Candace, I'm going to download that ASAP!" She went so far as to praise that "Your voice is spectacular...the subtleties were just incredible." Urban not to be outdone chimed in, "Your power and your control were just beautiful...great performance, baby," he marveled. Kree Harrison sang the fabulous "Stormy Weather" starting out beautifully and kept that high standard up throughout. Harry Connick Jr. had lavishly praised her voice and rendition in rehearsals, and she lived up to that. I believe Candace and Kree should land in the Top Two. Mariah: "Yeah so I was interested by the choice--first, you look gorgeous and elegant..".though the song was overly familar, she hinted,and she wished Kree had done "God Bless the Child" (ooooh I'd love to hear Kree sing that, too) but the classy and charming Mariah still loved her vocal, "clear as a bell, and beautiful." Keith Urban stated, "I would have chosen a different song" and entreated Kree "don't ever lose the special things" about her because "her instincts are beautiful." Nicki stated flat out that she "didn't like the song choice." Randy got into a thing about how "Knowing you, you probably would have chosen the Etta (James) version instead of the Lena (Horne) version" but "you still did a good job." Harry got upset because he didn't think some of the judges appreciate the standards enough and intimated that "Stormy Weather" for example is awesome along with the other greats from that composer. And he told the truth and nothin' but.--SUSY
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THURSDAY May 2 "Results" show Amber was ousted, and cried. I would have preferred Angie to go, maybe, even though Angie can tinkle the ivories and write songs. I think both Angie and Amber are both still a little erratic and pitchy at times needing their voices to be "fixed" in the recording studio and with extensive singing lessons. Candace and Kree are more naturally effortless songbirds and need less work, unless I"m mistaken. Not being there in person, the listener probably can't hear the entirety of their singing presentations as well. One feels mortified about Lee DeWyze's weak, raspy vocals winning out over Crystal Bowersox's earthy, funky tones (a bit like a more toned-down subtle Janis Joplin's), but at least that's more proof the American Idol show isn't "rigged." If Candace or Kree don't win, that's more proof. Crystal Bowersox was very individual and artsy, even unique, and appealing in appearance also while Lee DeWyze looks rather cookie cutter and bland by comparison and has not become a big star. And sadly it appears that Philip Phillips hasn't either--or David Cook or David Archeletta, not yet, anyway. The two Davids did appear on a double bill in the Philipines a year or so ago. You don't even hear all that much about Adam Lambert--it's not like he's all over the media, though his profile seems somewhat higher than the others. The cute humble guy Chris Allen from Arkansas who bested Lambert doesn't presently loom large in pop culture, it appears, though it's not a good thing to be over exposed, either. I did like his singing, and his original songs. David Cook has made a bigger splash than I thought, Thursday's show revealed. I hope Philip Phillips does too. As noted, Harry Connick Jr. (who showed off his own lovely singing on American Idol) at one point grew perturbed with Keith, Randy and Nicki for not completely fawning over the wondrous melodies and sophisticated witty lyrics of standards like "Stormy Weather" and "Someone to Watch Over Me," et.al., and indeed, Nicki Minaji-like so-called "songs" sound like peaturkey as we say in the South compared to magnificent Golden Age classics sung by Lena Horne, Etta James, Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, even Andy Williams, et.al. Angie Miller is touted by the judges (or seems to be) as displaying a certain degree of star charisma and sex appeal, but to reiterate I think sometimes has somewhat erratic vocals, ditto Amber. I do think that each could become music stars of some magnitude. Kree can look beautiful and is always sweet-looking and acting, while Candace sports a winning combo of baby face and sultry, sexy, a bit exotic allure to her visage. Kree looked fantastic in her lovely sort of fancy long gown in her last number Wednesday, backed by lush impressive instrumentals. She deserves a deluxe presentation. Both she and Candace can always "sing their faces off" as Randy would say. Amber, I feel, is a good sport 'cause they had her dolled-up (if that's the right term) like a "Pretty Woman" ho in panty-length hot pants with a sweater tied around one night, a disconcerting get-up but mercifully minus over the top of the knee suede platform boots--an outfit offensive from a feminist perspective, maybe even from a post-feminist one-- but Amber gamely went along with it --though seeming a little nervous and self-conscious as she briskly paraded across the stage. One time Angie was sewn into a fancy, frilly black or midnight blue skin-tight lacy cat suit which looked straight out of a French bordello (but a high class Paris establishment Catherine Deneuve might have worked in, in her famous movie "Belle du Jour."). --Susy
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Forgot to report that Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino (both from North Carolina
) each performed on a recent show, and they sang well and were entertaining. Clay Aiken is doing all sorts of good in the world 
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American Idol Wednesday May 8 Judges, Producers and Iovine's Choice (for three songs each by the top three) "Perfect" was a rather appealing Pink song chosen for Kree Harrison by music producer Jimmy Iovine to open the show. That said, she could have been given one that shows off her attributes more fully. She still sounded real good, as usual. Kree's voice is smooth "like buttah" and she can also throw down with the bluesy country rock funk and fire (ditto the more jazzy Candace but Kree can be jazzy too--she can be just about everything, ditto "ear candy" Candace). Kree is dignified and elegant minus tons of the showbiz fake smiles phoney-silly thing, but she can be looser and more carefree too. Ditto Ear Candy Candace. Kree praised the "Perfect" song's "good message." Keith Urban maintained, "That song choice proves for me you're a country girl...I think that's important and very very apparent tonight." Nicki: "Warm, sweet, pleasant to the ear" (Kree's vocals)"....didn't seem as nervous...next time, wear flat cowboy boots and just come out and rock it" (easier to perform in). Randy quibbled, "I didn't love that song so much for you...you sounded good...but not a whole lot of pizazz to it...have fun and sing your heart out--that was just a little flat to me." Mariah Carey intoned in her rich warm pleasing speaking voice, "An interesting song choice from Jimmy...I felt you were connected...I felt you could have gone further with that," and suggested Kree was saving some juice for later that night. Not squandering it all on just one number, or something like that. Kree added "I've always been a big fan of Pink, so I loved singing that," though she would not have picked it herself, she intimated. For Candace, Jimmy selected a U2 power tearjerker "One," a beautiful, meaningful emotional ditty--I especially like to hear chick singers so I favored Candace's soulful, deeply felt yet in places fiery rockin' version even over Bono's original, perhaps. I've always loved that song. Nicki hailed, "Candy girl--I do have to give a shout out to my secret husband Jimy Iovine for choosing that song for you...you are a Diva...you did that justice--I felt like I was at your show." Randy: "Yo I feel like the third time will be the charm for you" and added that "the emotion was so on point...we all got lifted up here." He was referring to the fact Candace had tried out for the Idol show twice before and this is her third go round when she was finally accepted to compete. Mariah gushed warmly, "Candace dahling Candace...we felt it, we really felt it...please always believe it and you'll realize your dreams!" Keith Urban gave kudos for the "power" in her voice. "Yes it got sharp in a few spots but that's 'cause your adrenalin was pumping" and he too praised Iovine's song selection of "One." Jimmy picked "Sorry is the Hardest Word" for Angie Miller, who didn't play piano on that not having time to learn it on piano, she said.Another very beautiful pop classic. I almost liked her singing it even more (I especially like to hear female songbirds) than Elton's though she sounded sharp and like she was wailing at times. Randy opined that he "actually really liked it." Mariah thought "one of the best I've seen you do...really enjoyed it...it was really good." Keith extolled the song's "exquisite melody...(would have been) happy if you'd held back even more...you've got range for days...can break people's hearts...your voice is spectacular, Angie" (I need to get a state of the art sound system for t.v., don't have one. Then could more completely trust my ears). Nicki admonished, "This was a stelller vocal, but it didn't hit me emotionally like I wanted it to," but went on to compliment her singing in general. Jimmy Iovine stated, "I have to give Round One to Angie." --Susy (To Be Continued)
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ROUND TWO Wednesday, May 8 The judges' picks plus "the famous hometown visits" (Ryan Seacrest). Candace was feted in her charming, scenic semi-tropical "Low country" hometown of St. Helena's Island near Beaufort, S.C. , touted as "Gullah Country" by some turban-wearing natives. She drove a red motor scooter, visited the travel agency where she works (is the owner/manager Australian? Seemed to have that accent?), saw family and her old high school, held a concert and headlined a tribute-laden parade. When she "rode up in the Limo" to see her "six munchkin siblings" and parents "it did something to me," her mother smiled. "This is the best day of my life!" said Candace, "and the first concert of my life." "This girl is on fire," a banner blazed, and wow, S.C. governor Nikki Haley proclaimed "Candace Glover Day"--she can smell a big new South Carolina star brewing and is lovin' it. On "Idol" last night, Candace sang the heckfire out of a rousing, moving "Next To Me" and also looked smashing. Keith was practically head bangin' to it, and they all were grooving. Mariah: "Yes Candace Yes! Watching that footage brought me to tears. You just sang your heart out, A plus, amazing...(you were) rejuvinated by being there (home) and seeing so much love for you...I see very, very good things happening for you in your future" (Mariah being psychic again). Keith uttered, awe-struck, "You were telling us about your man...so perfect...melodically riffing...you're getting more and more confident." Nicki: "That video was so emotional it was hard for me to watch--you have come out swinging in this competition and I am so proud of you," and nearly broke down in tears. Randy added, "We all know what the struggle is like to get out of somewhere, and get somethin' happening...you can come from absolutely nowhere and make it (on "Idol")." (Her homeplace of the beautiful island didn't look like "nowhere" to me, though.) Not to be outdone, Nicki spoke up again, calling Candace a good role model for all women regarding confidence in one's appearance. "You own the stage." Candace wiped away tears of joy at all the encomia. Angie Miller was shown juking around Beverly, Mass., a suburb of Boston, at a coffee shop to see her squealing girlfriends, on a local Fox telly station to report on local weather and be celebrated, at Centerville kindergarten she'd attended and home to see her family and her black cat Fluffy. She too got a parade, and performed on a local outdoor stage with her guitar playing brother--Angie really belted it out while playing portable electric keyboards like Linda McCartney did in "Wings." The big adoring crowd was enthralled and uber-stoked. The judges' song pick for Angie last night was another Pink pick called "Try"--she really does try hard, giving her all--Randy was knocked out. Very upbeat and rousing rendition. Keith yelled, "No piano! A bold move, no piano twice tonight" while Nicki observed, "You looked so comfortable doing an uptempo song." Mariah: "Very festive, you performed like never before...a rock feeling..." somebody in the room was talking a lot and kept me from hearing most of the comments. Kree Harrison of Woodville, Texas in Jasper County enjoyed star treatment at a big dinner (she looked cool turning over that shellfish thingie at the night time outdoors dinner and ho down) and various enthusiasm-filled engagements made at her Lone Star State appearances. Her sister and her sister's hubby or boyfriend looked stylin' and Kree was warmly embraced by family, fans and friends. Showed her modest childhood home and she told how she lost her mom at age 9 and then her daddy too, when she was only 12--like a "Trip to Bountiful" moment, poignant and moving. Kree also visited her old high school and a big rodeo ("I can't come to Texas without going to a rodeo") where she rode a mechanical bull. Kree's hometown concert featured the Texas Yellow Rose in a sexy outfit of black leather jacket and tight jeans and she sang a heartbreaking song for her parents, "I Will See You Again." Kree really does have a lovely clear pristine singing style and voice. More tears resulted from her splendid version of Rascal Flatts' "Hear Comes Goodbye" on the Idol stage last night. That's an exceptional, great country song, very emotional and moving. Kree looked gorgeous, sang that to the hilt with great depth and intensity. The audience kept screaming its approval afterwards, for a gratifyingly long time. "Kreedom!" Nicki exclaimed over the crowd, "You can't deny the power of a true emotional trigger...when you went home, the love was palpable--nobody realizes how much strength you have to have to be this young and have no parents...you sang it like a pro, one of your best--you felt every word." Randy agreed, "We love you...you just sang your heart out, this is one of the best Top Threes in 'Idol' ever...that was unbelievably beautiful...brilliant!" Mariah beamed, "I absolutely agree, that was brilliant." She was overcame with emotion at Kree's "purity" and "realness" when she sings. "The perfect song for you, you had me from beginning to end.. thank you" from a similarly overwhelmed Keith Urban who appeared to brush away a tear. Jimmy Iovine too was all choked up, about to cry and understandably so. "I have to give that round to Kree," he announced. I would, too.--Susy
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ROUND THREE Producers' Song Choice Wednesday night Angie Miller was given "Maybe," a stunning song from a new singer songwriter from England, Emile Sande. It started out wonderfully, with Angie at the piano, and she more or less kept that up throughout. The teen Idol didn't sound shrill or wail, or not nearly as much anyway, in certain highly dramatic parts. Randy was prompted to remark, "Tonight you became a complete performer, I loved that." Mariah added grandly, "I do agree with Randy here...you sustained it" and it isn't an "easy song to sing," she thinks. "The emotion was there. You did an amazing job." Keith joked, "Next week sing us all under the piano!" Nicki drawled, "You've come full circle now...you're feeling it...emotionally connecting every time." Angie said "I gave it my all tonight," and Ryan Seacrest enthused, "You left it all on the stage." The Band Perry's morbid "Better Dig Two" was (some said) unfairly inflicted on Kree, who was a trooper and still "sang it and brang it" I felt--did it perfectly with a plethora of funk, flair, spunk and fire. And exhibited "the wild side of Kree, that rocker side of you," beamed Mariah, who nonetheless quibbled that "I love to feel the pain, when you sing from your soul...I like the sorrow more than the anger." Keith Urban didn't fancy that song for her that much and Nicki intoned, "I didn't like that song for you Baby, not your comfort zone...but I am buying your album!" Randy encouraged, "You're a superstar...that song is too ordinary for you" and thought her voice is much "bigger" than the dark, gothic number from the Band Perry, who can be sort of creepy. Some online bitterly regretted that song pick and fear it could hurt Kree's chances. Ryan next promised to "close the show with an emotional moment from Candace" which proved to be the old chestnut "Somewhere" from "West Side Story." Truly a compelling all time classic though which Candace fulfilled and brought to steller fruition. She sang it "big" with strength and power, but some wags on the Net thought she should have toned it down some due to what they termed the tender tune's quiet sensitivity. The judges, though, gave it the only standing ovation of the night, unless I'm mistaken. And the audience was about to have a cow. "Oh my goodness what was that, how do you do that?" Aussie Urban exclaimed. "If you don't want to vote for Candice, you probably don't have a pulse!" Nicki simply stated with knowing import: "Four words: see you next week." Randy yelled out "Oh my God! Incredible--so proud of you--that was a singing lesson" and Mariah Carey screamed "A plus! Amazing!" Jimmy concurred, saying "Candace, you won the night with that song." Ryan added, "Candace won Round Three." So each songbird won a round--it's a tuffy, but I lean toward Candace and Kree in the Top Two. If either of them leave tonight I must accept it--Angie seems popular, has never been in the bottom or lowest vote getters, as far as I know.--Susy
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Thursday Night Results Show May 9 KREE HARRISON and CANDICE GLOVER are the Top Two Finalists, will sing it out on a highly anticipated night next Wednesday. They ought to be America's most popular beloved entertainers right now--they're each such a breath of fresh air, such revelations. You could tell from their triumphant visits home they could probably be actresses, too, both adorable to watch doing all those things. Ms. Texas Yellow Rose "Like Butter" Kree and Ms. Electrifying Songbird of the South Candace. Those are the adjectives that spring to mind--Kree can sing "like butter" and also rock 'em out with funkiness and fire, while Candace can sing electrifying to the max. And also be quite sensitive and soulful too. The two adorable baby-faced songbirds--wish they each would win in a mind blowing tie. I love to hear chick songbirds who can really sing.
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Jessica Sanchez, number two from last season was present, has a new album and was seen on "Glee" after Thursday's Idol show. Lauren Alaina performed, number two finalist when Scotty McCreery won, and she was very enjoyable, sings well and looked glam and yet "downhome." Bob Dylan's one-time crush Alicia Keyes (he recorded a song he wrote about her) did her new song "Tears Always Win", was at the piano and all snazzy fired up and jazzed up as usual, her singing passionate well-controlled wail, the good kind of wailing--almost reminded of a female Michael Jackson, she may have been inspired by his style on that song. Mariah Carey debuted the vid to her new song "Beautiful" sung with Miguel, they looked hot together and sounded hot together, Mariah was never inhibited and cavorted about scantily clad (she doesn't mind that either) and was very sexy on a motorcycle and in a barn, and her voice was steller, no shocker there. Adam Lambert was showcased, he's got a new album and tour and is doing very well. I liked him a lot. I remembered really digging a lot of Adam's and also Kris Allen's songs and their singing and performance styles that particular season, in 2009.
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American Idol Wednesday May 15 Finally the Top Two Kree Harrison and Candace Glover in their friendly singing showdown before an audience of "7,000 American Idol fanatics" Ryan Seacrest announced, he wore a special outfit, a nice tuxedo in honor of the occasion. That was a nice special touch. The AI show's creator Simon Fuller chose the song for each top finalist in Round One, with Kree given "Angel" by Sarah McLaughlin. She sounded elegant and smooth, pretty and sweet, tender and was feeling it. I admired her rendition as much as the original whom I've listened to until my ears nearly fell off, in years past (Sarah McLaughlin). Candace Glover was assigned "Chasing Pavements" by Adele, her voice very powerful on a sort of stronger song choice which therefore made somewhat more of an impression than Kree's opener. Mariah gushed in the judges' commentary after Round One, "Wow, that was beyond--from my heart I'm so proud to have been part of this, this talent is magnificent...mind boggling...these two at the top, I'm blown away." Randy quibbled a bit, "I wouldn't have chosen those two songs...gotta give the edge of round one to Candace" and lauded her "interesting choices" some in a "lower register." Mariah asserted that "Kree made it very delicate, very subtle, very beautiful." Pop star Carly Rae Jepson from Canada did a cute song "Take a Picture", it was catchy and some Idol fans wrote some of the lyrics. Maybe I'll call Candace "Ear Candy" and Kree "Yellow Rose"...nope...too corny and old fashion I reckon, that "Yellow Rose of Texas" ditty is from Gene Autry's and Roy Rogers day, or before, as old as the hills and the designation "Ear Candy" might remind some of "ear wax," LOL. Round Two consisted of the two original "Coronation" songs written for the finalists as the winner's triumphant first single. Kree's was "When the Last Tear Falls," she sang that awesome and looked gorgeous (both she and Candace were glammed up in gowns and jewelry and extra war paint put on perfectly this night for all their numbers). It's a pretty, touching, moving tune and her deeply felt performance gleaned a standing ovation from at least two of the judges. Kree, please don't "go Hollywood" and get a trout pout, dyed blonde hair (your wonderful black tresses rule) and don't shrink too much--ditto Candace. Candace's potential first single was "I Am Beautiful" sung powerfully and movingly, as usual. Nicki said of Kree, "I love her composure and how understated she is" and noted she "reached down in the guts, it was from the gut." Keith Urban pointed out, "It's not country versus soul, it's soul versus soul...these two songs are tailor-made for both of these girls" (Ryan Seacrest: this song is a little more pop than she's (Candace) used to, but fits her like a glover," he got punny). Keith thought Kree won round two while Nicki Minaj decreed that Candace won it. For Round three, the singers themselves chose their own favorite song of the season. Kree did "Up To the Mountain" gorgeously, almost reminded me of a "female Elvis" as I recalled his Gospel efforts--hot dawg, standing O from all the judges. She's going to sing this in Las Vegas or something (?). No--she sang that at the Las Vegas session. Keith hailed Kree's "spirituality and soulfulness." Nicki assured her, "I'm so glad you did that one, Kreedom...so rich...all three showcased your beautiful voice and your beautiful soul." Randy enthused, "Your best performance of the night! I loved that." Mariah smiled, "I agree with Randy, and you look beautiful, Lady in Red. You gave us power here...it's gonna be very very difficult for America to decide tonight." Candace did an awesome "I Who Have Nothing" carrying quite a torch and got an ovation from all the judges too. Keith was overwhelmed: "Oh My Gosh it's just crazy, you're such a powerhouse singer...that song like a planet exploding to life...your mama was crying and almost made me cry." Nicki beamed, "I loved that performance--what comes across from you is 'super star' who commands the stage..." Randy: "Yo this is one of the greatest singing competitions, Ryan...that girl can flat out sing...that's a winning performance Baby you got it all!" Mariah extolled Candace's "undeniable talent that just surpasses" and said "what you have is an innate ability to take any song and turn it into the vehicle for you." Randy declared "Dude it's so close, you girls slayed it tonight." Whomever wins I'll be thrilled for 'em knowing they'll both become music stars, anyway. One minute I lean towards wanting Kree to win 2013 American Idol, the next minute I desire for Candace to prevail, LOL. It fluctuates. Typical. Tonight (Thursday May 16) the American Idol winner of Season 2013 will finally be revealed in a two hour grand finale packed with excitement, the top 12 and guest stars and variety and almost all types of music, it's gonna be great.--SUSY
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Grand Finale Season 12 American Idol I missed the opening
Came in with Janelle singing with the Band Perry, a lively rockin' number thankfullly missing morbidity in the lyrics. Next "the top five guys" began "Let's Hang On" leading to a medly of Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons hits, and Frankie Valle himself, looking cute and sounding good, took the stage to sing with the guys. Mariah Carey did a medly of a few of her hits such as "Hero" and her new one "Beautiful" attired in a gorgeous ornate white fishtailed gown. I wondered if she was lipsynching at first. I guess not. Randy Jackson played a big white guitar over to the side behind her. Amber Holcolmb came out and launched into a spritely spirited "Next to Me" and Emile Sande surprised when she appeared to sing it with Angie Candace and Kree's hometown "musical mentors" were introduced and each given Ford Fiestas. The American Idol people always put on a great show with these things and Thursday was no exception. "Psy" of South Korea, I think, did his hit "Global." Not my thing but the audience got into it. Keith Urban played a wonderful sounding guitar on his new song, then Jennifer Hudson sang "Inseparable" with Candace Glover and also wowed the crowd. Candace sounded better than Hudson, which bodes well for Candace's career! Angie Miller and Adam Lambert sang a very moving, fantastic "Titanium" the best I've ever heard Angie sing. Next Angie's "personal idol" Jessie J minus her beautiful long black hair with bangs and sporting a blonde buzz cut performed together on "Take Me Down Like I'm a Domino" or maybe it's just called "Domino," sounded like a Katy Perry song. Angie was invited to the U.K. to sing her new single "You Set Me Free" with Jessie J, and was in raptures. So Angie's putting out singles already? A funny skit on "judging the judges" followed. Kree Harrison, Keith Urban and Randy did a fantastic "Where the Blacktop Ends," I think that's an Urban song. Zippy and not draggy. Moved right along nicely. Kree has really blossomed on stage, girl can throw down performing--I especially like her exquisite hand flourishes, and when she extends her arms as if about to take off into the ethers. "Tonight is the end of an era," Ryan Seacrest announced, Randy Jackson an original judge who has been on "Idol" for all its twelve years is leaving the show. Showed a bunch of cute "dawgs" yapping, and a funny video montage of Randy shots. Randy said he's learned a lot from "Idol" contestants and thinks he's "Imparted some of my vast wisdom to them, too." Jimmy Iovine wasn't on tonight, and I missed him. Philip Phillips didn't appear. Spectacular--Aretha Franklin (on satellite) sang with the "top five girls" on "Natural Woman," "Never Loved a Man like I Love You," "Respect" and "Think" and really brought down the house. Super! Jennifer Lopez and Pit Bull were announced and did her new disco dance ditty. Baldheaded Pit bull didn't play a big part, was seen only a few seconds, he knew better than to try to hog the stage with that diva. Can't be done. Candace and Kree sang together, and sounded fabulous together. They should record an album of duets! Among other endeavors. And soon, while the iron is blazing hot-- Then after the big build up, to much fanfare Candace was declared the American Idol for Season 12. But they're both winners. Oh no, "Idol" is over for this year--what am I going to do now? (LOL) -
ops: Perhaps that was really Season 12 and the upcoming will be the 13th. Might have got that wrong ops: Keith Urban will return as a judge. I guess that's okay. I did enjoy his efforts, fairly often. He could be extra annoying when I disagreed with him, though. Also read J-Lo might possibly return. She could be okay, even delightful at times, but I'd prefer they get an all-new cast of judges save for Urban, for the novelty factor. Something new. I miss seeing Candace Glover a lot (funny when I opined she sang "Satisfaction" more excitingly than Jagger, but hers electrified me more) and Kree Harrison, but at least they're not being over-exposed. I'd like to see and hear them more often though, and hope they become big stars -
Why on Earth would anyone want to watch American Idol when they could be listening to music?
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It's even worse, Bill...lately I've gotten a little bit hooked on "America's Got Talent." Just a little bit. (laughs)
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About "Idol" it's a bit of a thrill to discover new music talent...somebody who can really sing...and has "star quality" star dust sprinkled over 'em that makes them stand out from the crowd. All that kind of thing. Harry Connick Jr. will be a judge this next season along with the returning Keith Urban and J-Lo. Only three? Might be more fun to have four. I'd thought Connick only or mainly appreciates just classic standards and jazzy type songs--so was surprised he'll be a judge. He'd better adjust his ears and sensibilities to embrace rock, country, hip hop, etc. He must like more styles of music than I'd thought he does.
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SusyLuvsPaul:
About "Idol" it's a bit of a thrill to discover new music talent...somebody who can really sing...and has "star quality" star dust sprinkled over 'em that makes them stand out from the crowd. All that kind of thing. Harry Connick Jr. will be a judge this next season along with the returning Keith Urban and J-Lo. Only three? Might be more fun to have four. I'd thought Connick only or mainly appreciates just classic standards and jazzy type songs--so was surprised he'll be a judge. He'd better adjust his ears and sensibilities to embrace rock, country, hip hop, etc. He must like more styles of music than I'd thought he does.
You obviously do not know Harry Connick, Jr very well....I think he is an excellent choice.
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I'll get to know him a lot better Jenny 'cause the Idol show always sucks me in each year, into its would be star making vortex even when I didn't want it to--I might finally give the X Factor a try for the first time, its premiere is tonight (?) ...but no, that's right I gotta see America's Got Talent tonight and see who makes it to the finals. I love to hear a girl singer called Cami on there who makes unexpected cover songs entirely her own, sings them in surprising unique ways with a special different sounding voice and manner. Howie Mandel came right out and told Cami he's in love with her and looked quite serious as he said it. He's a judge along with often hilarious Howard Stern, baby voice talkin' Heidi Klum, the down to earth refreshing Mel B. I admire a trio of men singer contestants called "Forte," love their sound and another good singer on there is Taylor Brandon or Brayden. They feature a pretty good country singer, Billy Rose (might have got his name wrong). But I'd love a tie tween Cami and Forte to win. They'll repeat last night's talent show at 8 p.m. EST and follow with the results show at 9 p.m. I know, I've got an exciting life (LOL)
