2012 "American Idol" Boasts Good Singers
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Liverpool native Hollie Cavanagh (moved to Texas when she was eight) was voted off Thursday, just as I feared (she still got millions of votes though, with "70 million" votes cast according to Seacrest). She departed with such grace, and class, singing "The Climb" quite purely and graciously. Loads of peeps long for the little lass to record and put out an album. Maybe she'll appear on "Ellen" next week. Before that downer, J-Lo got up on stage and lip synced her new song (you can't really sing when you're dancing and prancing like that) surrounded by half-naked male dancers (she was half-naked, too) singing about (what else?) gettin' it on. J-Lo and her dancer boyfriend Casper shared a few special seconds at the ditty's end, and when it was over he sneaked up behind her and plucked a piece of confetti from her capacious long locks. She whipped her head around to behold his departing tight tush and uttered sweetly, "He's so cute!" (My mother asked, though, "Can't she do better than that?" adding she thought J-Lo would want "a rich one." Also wondered what had happened to Casper's hair (he doesn't have any). Steven Tyler brightened things up by sporting another flashy blouse, it was golden and sparkled gorgeously. Odd, but The New York Times called Tyler "a genuis"--I saw that startling blurb on the cover of his fast-paced, candid, exciting autobiography I happened across in the biography shelves of the Florence, S.C. library. He oughta really be preening like a peacock in his golden glad rags even more than usual, over that blurb! Is the Areosmith screamer really a "genuis"? If The New York Times says so, maybe he is! (You think?) Sorry but I can't imagine The Times saying that about J-Lo or Randy.--Susy
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Just saw "American Idol" with the Top Three, Joshua, Jessica and Philip singing three songs each--as it stands now, would like for Joshua and Philip to be the Top Two finalists, perhaps. What did you think? Jessica sounded like she was wailing too much on a song or two and has done that before. Also she's just 16 and has so much time to grow and mature in her stage presence and vocals, to gain a sense of herself and not be mainly a mimic. More later.
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Idols sang songs the judges chose for them in the first round. Joshua Ledet belted out "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James. By all accounts (at least the judges, right afterward and audience) he did it well, I just heard it from the other room but could tell his take was sufficiently soulful and then some. Randy acclaimed him (or was it Etta James he praised?) "a classic stylist" while J-Lo touted Josh a "throwback" to the R & B greats. Jessica Sanchez wowed me with Mariah Carey's "My All," could tell it was challenging and she nailed it, even sounded exquisite in parts. Randy encouraged, "this was one of your best" and J-Lo with "oooh that's a hard song..but you did it and did it in your own way, in a beautiful way." Steven Tyler thought that "The way you sing, you make people hang on to your every note." Tyler picked "Beggin'" an old Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons number because he wanted to see Philip Phillips "use melody more." Philip brought his customary ebullience and avidity to the song, throwing himself into the music prompting J-Lo to praise, "You catch a groove that's all yours," and from Tyler "you could be a new age Springsteen" while Randy assured, "We were just at the Phil Phillips concert right then!--you have a good time--in the zone--you don't care what's going on around you, you are who you are, and we love you." Round Two was "contestants' choice" and Jessica sang " IDon't Want to Miss A Thing" an Areosmith hit. I wasn't overwhelmed, for some reason. But Tyler thought she "took a great song and made it greater." Joshua Ledet chose "Imagine" by John Lennon, because "I heard it on the radio and it connected with me" for its "strong message." As could be predicted, Josh's version was fairly spectacular and emotional. Tyler was moved: "Another 'thank God' moment for you, man" and Jennifer Lopez concurred, "It was a pull-back performance, which is harder for you...you're willing to dig deep into the music...makes you very, very special...a different kind of strength." Randy agreed, "You dig deep--every time you sing, people feel what you do--brilliant, dude, brilliant!" Philip picked "Disease" by Matchbox Twenty, sounded real good, I thought. But from J-Lo: "I love Matchbox Twenty but didn't feel it was the 'wow' performance we wanted from you...it was good though, of course it was good" and Steven Tyler: "I felt like that too. It was good, but I didn't love it." Randy said, "I didn't like it either, and here' s why, it was such a subdued moment from you now--it was just okay." Phillip took the criticism with the undaunted infectious wide smile which is a big part of his popularity. A carefree casual quality which shows a kind of dignity in not taking the whole thing too seriously. Not losing his cool.--Susy (to be continued)
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I liked jessica singing Dont want to miss a thing, an Aerosmith tune infront of Steve Tyler and being complimented by for doing so. I was hoping he would get up and join her. love doris
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Mentor Jimmy Iovine, a long-time music producer, selected a song for each Top 3 finalist in round three. First up was Joshua with a Mary J. Blige tune, "No More Drama" which got pretty overwrought and histrionic and soulful, as usual with a Ledet performance. Very rousing and effective. Randy touted him as a "natural performer" who "laid everything on this stage that there is to lay." J-Lo: "That magic happens with you takin' us to church--we think it's gonna get gospel and then it gets gospel--out of this world!" Steven: "Over the top!" They didn't give him a standing ovation for this, though. Jessica sang "Ill Be There" from The Jackson Five which was praised effusively by Tyler and Lopez, but not by Randy. I tended to agree with Randy, sounded like she was wailing at some points, but other parts sounded charming. Philip Phillips did a "white soul" sounding wonderful "We Got Tonight" by Bob Segar which showed again Philip can throw down with the slow ones, though I find him best at all-out ravin' rockers and fast pop songs (still fondly remember his joyous exciting "Fat-Bottomed Girls."). This was almost as good as his "Volcano" by Damien Rice that I so enjoyed, and snaired the only standing ovation of the night, in fact. Randy told Philip that "was the perfect song at the perfect time, and your best on the show ever--you had a giant moment. ..you showed you can sing the melody" and from J-Lo, "Twenty million girls out there wish you were singing it to them--that was really, really sweet, like a lullaby--beautiful." Tyler chipped in, "You just showed you got all that passion wrapped up in you and you just nailed it."
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Big shocker the next evening on "Results Night"--Joshua Ledet, "pimped" heavily by the judges all season as their golden boy, was voted off (though with "90 million votes" cast, claimed Seacrest, he still doubtless got a mighty number of 'em himself)! The judges didn't even comment. Jessica looked stunned, almost a bit frightened or overwhelmed, proving she wasn't overly confident and arrogant as some have surmised. Joshua looked quite surprised but recovered quickly and smoothly to pull off "It's a Man's World" again, splendidly like the first time. He drew his mother up on stage with him. She appeared queenly, dignified and serene. She looked beautiful in a real, authentic genuine way, not a Hollywood glitzy glammed up way. Josh said later he didn't start to cry a bit until the judges embraced him, J-Lo especially squeezed the daylights out of him. So we're going to have a Phillip and Jessica singin' showdown, don't have to wait 'til Wednesday as it's moved up to Tuesday, tomorrow night, with the grand finale of "Idol" on Wednesday night. Many online wags have pointed out Jessica can "out sing" Philip with a superior voice. Yet their styles are so different, and Philip is nothing if not wildly popular with his happy go lucky smiling through everything stance. And his looks and manner appear to please females of all ages and persuasions. He seems to exude effortless "star quality" and charisma. Jessica is more quietly charming, and sweetly appealing in her own way. Popularity might trump singing chops. But Philip has shown considerable talent as well on several occasions, he just needs to bring it on more consistently.--SUSY
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On Top Two Finalists Night Jessica Sanchez kicked things off with "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston, which Simon Fuller picked for her. Powerhouse vocals for the most part. Disappointed that Fuller chose "Stand By Me," a relatively boring over-familiar lackluster ditty for Phil Phillips. No contest really as to who won Round One. Judges all agreed Jessica did. I wondered if Fuller was trying to sabotage Phil Phil. Round Two, Jessica chose the beautiful song "The Prayer" an exquisite ballad which mostly sounded very beautiful. It did get too shrill and almost wailing towards the end, as did her first number.( She doesn't always sound great.) Phillip did an exciting, dynamic, sexy "Movin' Out" by Billy Joel. Disappointed me again though as I'd hoped he'd reprise his gorgeous rendition of Damien Rice's "Volcano." An online blogger there in person wrote the L.A. Nokia Theater audience was much more roused and enthusiastic by this than by "The Prayer." J-Lo said Phillip won this round, while Randy pronounced it "a dead heat tie" and Steven Tyler mysteriously said nothing. Jessica's closing "first single" song was, sadly, a dud, and bombed. It made little impression and seemed a badly written, mediocre song. Phillip's "first single" entitled "Home" was fantastic and got the judges to their feet for the evening's only standing ovation! He proved again he can get across sensitive, deep, introspective slow tunes as well as all-out throw down and rock out with the fast ones. He's tops in performance while Sanchez triumphs vocally. I hope they each succeed in the music industry no matter who wins tonight. Also hope Joshua, Colton, Hollie, Erica and Elise do.--Susy
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Phillip Phillips won "American Idol" with runner up Jessica Sanchez said to have pulled almost as many votes (if that's true, read it somewhere). A whopping 132 million reportedly voted, if not more. Shame that doesn't translate into album sales for the idols. The runner up isn't paid as much and is not guaranteed a recording contract this year. But Sanchez was so extravagantly praised by bigwigs she will doubtless get one too. (Also Joshua Ledet and possibly a few others.) The grand finale show was enjoyable in parts, though not as entertaining and "grand" as some others I've seen. Highlights were Phillip performing with John Fogarty of Creedance Clearwater Revival, Chaka Khan sang in a sparkly catsuit, Rianna sang, Neil Diamond made an appearance for people who like him. Robin Gibb was remembered in song by the male idol contenders. They sounded better on that than on their Neil Diamond medly. Areosmith and Jennifer Lopez weren't denied their moments in the sun, with J-Lo sporting startling baggy pants, they were shiny and sparkled but you don't expect to see her in such. Disconcerting. Fantasia pranced out in long hair extensions and a skintight cat suit and growled like a wild cat on "Take Me to The Pilot" (old Elton John song) with Joshua Ledet. They sounded just alike. Amazing, well, Joshua WAS called "Mantasia" by some and now I know why Phillip broke down a little crying on his big finale number "Home," which was touching to see. He took off his guitar, and went offstage to embrace his family. His little girl nieces were starry-eyed and awed by the spectacle. Now he needs to trot out a cd of his original music soon as possible, because "American Idol" fans' memories are short. Would love to see him play the lead in a Nicholas Sparks movie. Big stampede to the movie theaters! Steven Speilberg might have already been on the horn to Phillip. The handsome young Southerner is so sensitive he might prove to have acting talent. Of course, his music would remain paramount to him. He's said he's "passionate" about his own music and has "my own stories to tell." Some online admirers have pointed out he resembles Paul Newman. Adorable boy, and right now many can't get enough of him, hope that lasts and it will if he can score a hit or two right off the bat-- some maintain his first single "Home" will reach the top
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Saw Jessica Sanchez last night on a PBS broadcast of the memorial day concert. I say she may have a very bright future. To have accomplished this much and only be 16.
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Tommy Mottola who helped Mariah Carey become a big star is supposedly going to help Sanchez make her first album. I still get a kind of rush watching Phil Phillip's "American Idol" audition tape. Steven Tyler (psychic?) reportedly said "I have a funny feeling about this one" after they gave Phillip a golden ticket to Hollywood to try out for the show there. The judges had obviously been informed the kid "has something" before he appeared before them in Savannah that first time, you can tell by their greetings and reactions. Obviously they don't audition all those thousands of over-eager aspirants themselves I still harbor interest in the show because I have a niece who sings really well who plans to audition for "Idol" when she's a bit older, she's only 12 years old
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SusyLuvsPaul:
Tommy Mottola who helped Mariah Carey become a big star is supposedly going to help Sanchez make her first album. I still get a kind of rush watching Phil Phillip's "American Idol" audition tape. Steven Tyler (psychic?) reportedly said "I have a funny feeling about this one" after they gave Phillip a golden ticket to Hollywood to try out for the show there. The judges had obviously been informed the kid "has something" before he appeared before them in Savannah that first time, you can tell by their greetings and reactions. Obviously they don't audition all those thousands of over-eager aspirants themselves I still harbor interest in the show because I have a niece who sings really well who plans to audition for "Idol" when she's a bit older, she's only 12 years old
Funny thing is I have never seen a whole episode of American Idol. My mom is addicted to the show however. With the right backing I can see Jessica Sanchez (or as she will probably be known by some media coined term J-San......) being a success within the next few years.
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The new "Idol" judges this season: Mariah Carey, Tim Urban I mean Keith Urban and Nicki whatsher name (Randy Jackson gets to chime in his two cents again)! It's cool Urban's the only white bread panel member. Looked funny to see him sandwiched in between "dueling divas" Mariah and Nicki. As some pointed out, Mariah just towers over Nicki music-wise and in her exalted position in the music biz. I still predict some air head sentiments and statements from her on occasion which might prove amusing. And Keith Urban--what does he know??!! Ditto Nicki. Jeeze they will really add a lot to the show, won't they : Although actually Keith U. seems a pleasant likeable sort. Can't really imagine him ripping into a music star aspirant. He will probably spout out Ellen Degeneris-type criticism letting the kids down easy. Nicki might blow her top now and then like Mount Vesuvious and even leap on Mariah jerking at her long fake locks--it's reported that already almost happened.
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If there was ever an easy reason not to watch the show .... it would be the two women judges .... I know I am not their target audience .... I actually gave the last set of judges a few times watching - I would more likely watch judges who are "no names." It is not really the judges that I would tune in to see ..... but the idea that they are going to be on camera many minutes .... I do not even have a curiosity with this group. (The guy judge ... I don't have a good or bad thought about him .... just a neutral shrug .... ) Oh well .... their choice.
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Heard Colton Dixon talk and sing on "K Love" a Christian rock station the other day. He was eliminated fairly early on Season 12 "Idol" but his Christian rock song I heard was beautiful, also his singing, even made me want to get Colton's cd. Now the question is what the sam hill has happened to the little blonde gal from Liddypool who sang pretty doggone good and to the guy from Louisiana who was almost hailed as the second coming of Sam Cooke, James Brown, cats like that