American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 3

Tonight we were down to three. And each one sang three songs - one picked by the judges, one picked by the performer and one picked by the shows producers. Each song was scaled down to a minute and a half - which makes it hard to get into the song in my opinion. Here is my review:

Round One
David Cook sang Simon's choice: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - interesting song pick especially since Simon always chastises the performers for picking out old music that isn't contemporary enough. But it was interesting to see David sing something completely out of his genre. And he did a totally awesome job.

Randy chose If I Ain't Got You for Sayesha. She did good. But there is something about her voice that starts sounding a bit screechy after a while. She is talented though. Just not enough.

Paula chose And So It Goes for David A. He did a phenomenal job and it showed off his talent greatly. Paula chose a great song for him.

Round One Winner: David Cook followed closely by David A.

Round Two

David Cook chose Dare You to Move. I didn't care for it too much and I even thought he hit a flat note in the beginning of it.

David A. chose With You. His vocals were good but it didn't seem like his type of song at all. Even so, he did a good job with it.

Sayesha chose Fever. Dumb choice. She did a good job but what exactly is she selling? Her voice or....ahem....something else?

Round Two Winner: David A. followed closely by David Cook.

Round Three

The producers chose I Don't Want to Miss a Thing for David Cook. It was okay - I didn't care for the song - but he did great with it.

Hit Me Up was chosen for Sayesha. The judges didn't like it - but I thought it was her best performance of the evening. And the song fit her.

David A. sang Longer. I really liked it. This is where Simon started complaining about it being an older song - whatever - his own choice for David Cook was an older song too. I thought David sang it extremely well.

Round Three Winner
David A. followed closely by David Cook.

So according to my review I think Sayesha will be voted off tonight.

Check out more reviews over at BooMama's.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 5

Oh dear. Where are my priorities? I totally forgot to blog about American Idol last night! Thanks Becky for the reminder! My life has just been a little left of crazy right now - at least that's what I'll blame it on.

Okay, let's see. It was Neil Diamond night. I love me some Neil Diamond. My husband and I went to one of his concerts once. After I got acclimated to the height and stopped my nose from bleeding(we were in the very top row of the arena),I loved it! He is quite a performer. I wonder if these kids know how great it is they are getting the opportunities they are getting to work with such talented people. My kids asked us "Who's Neil Diamond?"
I know.
It's just so sad.

This week the performers sang two songs each. It seemed to have a very hectic pace. I can't remember what order they sang in so I'll just work down my list.

David A. sang Coming to America and Sweet Caroline. I thought he did okay. Not great really. I was surprised at the raves he got from the judges on his last song - Coming to America. I thought it was kind of simple.

David C. sang two songs I've never heard before and I don't remember the names right now - sorry. He sounded good - probably the best of the evening. I truly think he is going to win this contest. I won't be buying his CD's - he's just not my style - but he is talented.

Jason sang Forever in Blue Jeans and September Morn. Two really great songs. But he didn't do anything special or memorable with them. I think he will definitely be in the bottom three.

Sayesha - My goodness this girl has really exploded the last couple of weeks. I thought she was phenomenal. She sang Hello Again and Thank the Lord for the Nightime. She knocked both of them out of the park. Good job Sayesha - and I loved the hair. I've also noticed that she sings the best when she is barefoot. Interesting.

Brooke sang I Am I Said and I'm a Believer - two popular Neil Diamond songs. I thought she did much better on the second one I Am I Said. I love her at the piano. The first song - not so much.

Okay, that makes five. Five performers. Three judges. One of the judges is incredibly ditsy. Can you guess which one? Here's a hint - her name starts with a P and ends with an aula. She embarrassed herself totally last night by critiquing a performance that hadn't even happened yet. Oh dear.

Bottom three - Jason, Brooke, Sayesha (not because she should be. If it were people that should be I think Paula should be there!).

Going home - Jason.

See what others are saying over at Boomama's.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Final 6

Lord Andrew Lloyd Weber Night!!!!! I was SOOOOOOO excited!!! Lord Andrew is phenomenal and what an honor for these 6 performers to learn from such a talented and gifted artist. His music is unrivaled in my opinion. So what a fun night to grab a bowl of popcorn and curl up in the recliner and listen to music that has stories in it. I just love music with stories in it.

Seyesha opened the night singing One Rock and Roll Too Many. Wow! Seyesha you found your place! What a fun song for you. She had awesome facial expression, body expression, and vocal expression. She is a Broadway girl - no doubt about it.

Jason Castro sang Memory - but it wasn't very memorable. I said it last week - I think Jason has shown us all he has.

Brooke sang You Must Love Me - well, yes I guess we must Brooke. But I didn't love your performance so much tonight. I felt so bad for her for forgetting the words at the beginning - it threw her for the rest of the night. But like Jason - I think you have plateaued.

David A sang Think of Me. I was really waiting for David because I knew this music would be perfect for him. He did a fun original arrangement and it was lighthearted but yet, soulful. I loved it.

Carly sang Superstar. I kept losing her voice in the chorus. Randy liked her arrangement but I wasn't too impressed.

David C knocked it out of the park with Music of the Night. I closed my eyes and the phantom appeared. This young man is extremely talented. And I have to say that even though I don't always enjoy his style of music, I cannot and will not deny his talent. I think he is the one to beat.

I predict the bottom three will be:
Jason, Brooke, and Carly

I think Brooke will go home.

Check out Boomama for more reviews.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 7

Tonight was Mariah Carey night. One question.
How is it that God would give one person the talent to use her voice over 5 octaves and another person no ability to even achieve one octave? Just wondering.

The group was really good tonight. All of them. We started off the eveing with

David A. singing When You Believe. He sang through lots of scales and did a tremendous job. He always seems so nervous before and after he sings but while he is singing he is confident and definitely in his element. He has amazing talent.

Carly sang Without You. I really liked it but Carly did seem like she was just being a little too careful with herself tonight. I thought she could have opened up just a little more.

Sayesha sang Vanishing. I never thought Sayesha would make it quite this far but I'm glad she has because I think she has really come into her own these last couple of weeks. She wins the award for most improved.

Brooke sang Hero. She seemed shaky and like she tried too hard. I think she will be in the bottom three.

Kristy Lee sang Forever. She looked beautiful and she sang beautiful. This was my favorite performance of hers. I totally disagreed with Randy and Simon - what were they thinking?

David Cook sang Always Be My Baby. Absolutely stunning performance. Best performance of the evening for sure. I think he might win this whole thing.

Jason C sang I Don't Want to Cry. I love Jason. I want to adopt him. But sadly, I think we have heard the best of him. He never changes his style or approach to his music. It was good but his performances just are not moving up - they are staying the same.

I predict that Jason, Carly, and Brooke will be in the bottom three.

I think Carly may be the one to go home this week.

And Paula was having a good night tonight. Thank goodness.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 8

This week was Inspiration Week - the singers were asked to pick an inspiring song. That sounded kind of fun - but really, I have to say (in my best Randy impersonation) "Check it out dawg - check it out. This was really jusy okay for me. Just okay."

I kind of think that most of these kids are now on the same level - they are all good - or they wouldn't be where they are. But I have to say - nobody really stood out in the crowd.

Here's my review:

Michael Johns - “Dream On” - It was okay. I didn't love it. I think he has a great voice - and maybe going first made it less memorable - but I think he could have picked a better song.

Syesha Mercado - “I Believe” - I liked it. That's all.

Jason Castro - “Over the Rainbow” - I love this particular version of this song and I was really enjoying it until.....my daughter Michelle called to tell me how excited she was about it and then added "I want this song to be in my funeral". Um. That threw me a bit - I didn't enjoy the rest of it so much. I told her I don't intend to be at her funeral. She said she knew that - her best friend would be in charge. Does anyone else find that whole conversation a little weird?

Kristy Leigh Cook - “Anyway” -I have not been a big fan of Kristy's - but I love Martina McBride - and I have to say Kristy knocked this one out of the park. Good job Kristy!

David Cook - “Innocent” - I didn't care for his white coat. Reminded me of Ringo Starr. And I also didn't care for his song. He is talented - but I would never by his cd.

Carly Smithson - “The Show Must Go On” - Carly has run out of songs to sing. At least the ones she sings really well.

David Archuleta - “Angels” - This sweet child is sooooooo talented. He did an amazing job.

Brooke White - “You’ve Got A Friend” - I didn't like it so much. It didn't sound special at all. And I love Brooke - I would love for her to win. But this didn't do it for her.

I predict the bottom three to be:
Carly
Michael
Seyesha

I predict Seyesha will leave.

And would someone please dress Paula. She needs some fashion advice. I'm just saying.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Final 9

Tonight was Dolly Parton night - and who doesn't love Dolly! I think she is just the cutest thing. Except I noticed her face is looking a bit like Priscilla Presley's does these days. A few too many appointments with the Boto*x doctor I'm thinking. I wish these gorgeous women would just age the way they are meant to - there is just something very beautiful to me about aging gracefully. Ah, but let's get back to the youngsters - the stars of the evening.

Brooke White sang Jolene. I thought this was a good song choice for her - she lends herself to country very well. She had her guitar and seemed right at home. She did great.

David Cook sang Sparrow. The best thing was his new hair style - finally! He looked great! I think the contest is his to lose - he did a fantastic job arranging the song to fit his style and succeeding.

Ramiele sang Do I Ever Cross Your Mind. Ummmm....no, Ramiele, actually you don't. You seemed rather lifeless tonight. She knows she is going down soon - it's in her attitude.

Jason sang Traveling Through. I loved it. It seems Jason always does his best when he sings songs that reflect spiritual matters. I'm wondering if this boy knows Jesus. Dolly seemed to like him too.

Carly sang Here You Come Again. She has an incredible voice and whether she wins this show or not - she had made a career for herself. But tonight I thought she seemed to drag on this song.

David sang Smoky Mountain Memories. I could listen to this guy sing all night. He is just good. He did an incredible job tonight.

Kristy Lee sang Coat of Many Colors. Like Ramiele, she just didn't have any spark to her performance. I want to like this girl but there is something in her attitude that rubs me wrong.

Sayesha made a VERY bold choice and sang I Will Always Love You. It bothers me that the judges don't like the contestants to sing songs that have been mastered by professionals. No body thinks they will do better, but I applaud their courage to try. And Sayesha did a good job on a very difficult song choice. I thought she should have gotten more credit from the judges.

Michael sang It's All Wrong But It's Alright in a very blue-sy style. It was good, and a nice change from his previous performances. But something just didn't fit. I think he was just a bit out of his element tonight.

Have you noticed we are all on a first name basis now?

I predict the bottom three will be:
Ramiele
Kristy
Jason

I predict the one to leave will be:
Ramiele

But don't lost sleep Ramiele over my predictions - I haven't gotten one right yet so you are probably safe.

And it just didn't seem right without Chickezie tonight. I wonder what song he would have picked?

Check out some more reviews over at Boomama's!

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 10

Tonight the singers had to choose a song from the year they were born. This sounded like fun at first. But I have to say, as the night progressed, it got a teensy bit boring for me. Most of this group is starting to sound like they are stuck in a rut.

Ramiele - sang Alone. She has a really big voice and uses lots of emotion when she sings. She apparently wasn't feeling well - but I couldn't tell by her performance. She did a good job - but the song wasn't familiar to me and the whole thing was not memorable.

Jason C - sang Fragile. And it was. I love Jason and I wouldn't even mind him winning the whole thing. But he has got to try something more daring and less safe. I'm afraid if he doesn't venture out of his comfort zone - he will be venturing into a danger zone.

Seyesha sang If I Were Your Woman. She was very classy. Beautiful performance.

Chikizie sang If Only For One Night. This performance made me think of a night club. And I have never been to a night club so I'm not sure why it made me think of one. This guy has talent - but I think he is still trying to figure out what he does best.

Brooke White sang Every Breath You Take. She is just so sweet. She started out wrong on the piano and she quickly started over. That takes a tremendous amount of self-control to do. She impressed me. I think she shines.

Michael Johns sang We Are The Champions and he did a good job. I think he is a great singer and he may be just the one to stay under the radar and come out on top in the end.

Carly sang Turn Around. I thought she did okay. But like Amanda from before, she seems stuck in a rock-y sounding genre that just might come back to get her.

David A. sang Your'e The Voice. Simon said he sounded like a singer in a theme park production. I must admit, it did have a Disney sound to it. But this young man has such talent. Any my heart just melted with the video of him dancing with his little sister.

Kristy Lee picked God Bless the USA. I was totally surprised at the positive reaction from the judges. I was quite sure they would tear her song choice to pieces. But they loved it. I thought she did okay although she hit some flat notes along the way. She had a great ending. Simon thought it was good enough to pull her through another week.

David Cook sang Billie Jean. I have to say, that although I'm not a fan of his, he did a brilliant job. He changed the song so much it was nearly unrecognizable, yet it worked really well. He seems to be a natural. I think he had the best performance of the evening.

This week I predict the bottom three to be:
Ramiele
Jason C (although it pains me to say it)
Carly (I was shocked last week when she was in the bottom 3, but I won't be this week.)

I predict the one to leave will be:
Ramiele

And I should just say that so far I have not guessed it right a single time. I have been pretty much correct in the bottom three picks but I have always guessed Kristy would be the one to go. Oh, one more thing. I really hated Paula's gloves.

And as soon as BooMama gets her bloggy troubles cleared up you can go there and check out some other American Idol opinions.

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 11

Another week of Beatle's songs. I think that was stretching it. Just a bit. But oh well. Here is my overview of the evening.


Amanda Overmeyer - Back in the USSR - Oh Amanda, honey. You just have to do something different. Stop with the Janis impersonation. But you know what? It was pretty apparent in her comments, she is not changing anything. She is looking for her opportunity to "sell tickets". I don't think she plans on winning this competition - she is just using it to her advantage. No a bad game plan if you are that set on what you want to do.

Kristy Lee Cook - You've Got to Hide Your Love Away - She did better than last week. But she sounded like she was singing way too low for her voice. I don't know - I don't think she can hang on another week. But - love the hair!

David A. - Long and Winding Road - Okay, for weeks now this kid has been reminding me of somebody. It's just been nagging at me. And I figured it out. Actually my sister-in-law figured it out for me. David A. looks just like my nephew Grayson! Check it out!



Isn't that weird! And they are not too far apart in age either LOL. All Grayson has to do is spike his hair a little bit and he can be David A. for Halloween this year!
David did a great job on his song by the way. Loved it.

Michael Johns - A Day in the Life Simon said it best when he said it was "complicated". It didn't work well IMO.

Brooke White - Here Comes the Sun What a silly little song. I used the word awkward before Simon did - poor girl just didn't know what to do with herself. But really, there was no where for her to go but down after last week.

David Cook - Daytripper Just don't care for this guy's music. It reminds me of Amanda - the same every week. And somebody please - help his hair!

Carly Smithson - BlackbirdBeautiful. This girl has an amazing range. I loved her rich, sultry, deep notes. Simon and Paula acted really weird about this song - I don't know what was going on with them. I thought she did great.

David Castro - Michelle Simon said it best when he said "Your face sold that." He is such a cutie. David - not Simon. He didn't do the best job - but it was okay.

Sayesha - Yesterday Finally! Sayesha did a great job on this song and really showed off her vocal skills. I was getting a little worried for her. But this should keep her on another week anyway.

Chikezie - “I’ve Just Seen A Face” The judges didn't like it - but I did. I thought it was great - and his mama loved it too! I just love his mama!

Ramiele Malubay - “I Should’ve Known Better - Big voice in a little body. I thought Ramiele did good tonight. Not great. But good. Her pants bothered me. They were all bunched up around her thighs. Then I realized - she has such short little legs, her pants were too long and maybe she didn't have time to hem them - LOL.

I predict the Bottom 3 will be:

Amanda
Kristy
Ramiele

I predict Kristy will leave.

And I hope, hope, hope, hope we are done with the Beatles music. Let's get on with it!

American Idol - A Soon to be Grandma's Guide to the Top 12

Well, okay then. Due to the dryness of my brain in regards to finding material to blog about, I am about to enter a realm that is completely out of my comfort zone. But first I have to make a confession. I love American Idol. I was going to say that I watch American Idol with my teenage daughter - you know, being interested in what she is interested in and that kind of thing. But the honest truth is, I love watching talented young people grow and stretch and become better than they were before. I find it fascinating. It is an amazing process. To see these people work so hard to refine their God given gift is encouraging and humbling all at the same time. The brutal, yet constructively honest critiques they face each week would be enough to make me hide my face never to be seen again. But not these folks. They listen to it, think about it, and most often use it to their advantage. I really admire them. Well, most of them.

Now, I realize I am hovering dangerously close to the half century mark and my musical taste and knowledge may be out of touch in regards to the younger set. So my evaluations are for those of us who, well, let's just say we have had more years to listen to music and develop some taste expertise. Kind of a fun twist - don't you think? So here we go - my evaluations of last nights top 12.

It was Beatles night. Let's just say I'm not a big fan of the Beatles. Never was. But never mind that. At least I was able to recognize the songs.

Syesha Mercado - sang 'Got to Get You Into My Life'. This little gal is sweet and has an infectious smile. I don't know if it's just me but I always think she starts a bit off key. I thought so with this song too. She got going with it in the middle - but I don't think she is going to get far if she doesn't step it up a notch.

Chikezie - sang "She's A Woman'. My goodness. This guy is fun. And he has one name. Aren't you practically guaranteed to be a star if you only have one name? I love Chikezie and even more I love his mother. Do you watch her in the audience? This lady is awesome. She can sing and dance and she has RHYTHM with a capital R. She loves her boy. I vote for Chikezie because he has a good mom. He did an awesome job too - he was just pure fun to watch.

Ramiele Malubay - sang 'In My Life'. This girl has the most beautiful lips and I love her lip gloss. She has a lovely voice - but her song just didn't imprint itself into my brain. She needs to expand into something a bit more exciting.

Jason Castro - 'If I Fell'. What a cutie pie. Now it must be said that I am no fan of dredlocks. But this boy, this boy just makes me want to adopt him. I think he just has the sweetest soul. He looks kind and he is not stuck on himself. He is not comfortable with all the attention and that alone makes me love him. And his voice just melts my heart. I would love to see him in the final two. He is the real deal.

Carly Smithson - 'Come Together'. No doubt about it. This girl can sing. She did a great job with her song and wowed the judges and the audience. She has a lovely Irish accent. I like her but she is a bit to "rock-y" for my taste.

David Cook ' 'Eleanor Rigby'. I don't really get his music. But I'm sure it's an age thing. I just don't connect with him or any of the songs he has sung. And I get distracted my his hair. I'm sorry. He just isn't my choice.

Brooke White - 'Let It Be'. This sweet girl is awesome and pure music. I love her voice and her attitude. She is so sweet she can probably cause cavities. She doesn't have to depend on anything but her voice. I think she and Jason Castro are much alike and she is the other one I would like to see in the final two.

David Hernandez -'I Saw Her Standing There'. Hmmm. I find myself trying to remember his performance. I guess that's all I need to say.

Amanda Overmyer 'You Can't Do That'. My problem with Amanda is that all her songs sound exactly the same. I think it's her very distinct voice. She is a very interesting person and she seems to be strong in who she is. But I think one song is enough - then I have heard them all. Sorry Amanda.

Michael John - 'Across the Universe' Not too much impression with Michael. I don't think he is going to go very much further in the contest.

Kristi Lee Cook- 'Eight Days a Week'. Oh. My. Goodness. That was just agonizing to listen too. She tried to put a country spin on this song and it was a mess. I just felt so bad for her. Poor Kristi - that was just a very bad choice. But you have really pretty hair Kristi - really pretty.

David Archuleta - 'We Can Work It Out'. What a sweetie pie. I felt so bad for him when he forgot some words although he covered it up well. He told everyone he was not comfortable with his song choice and then he proved to us he wasn't. But this boy will go far.

Predictions:

I think Kristi Lee Cook is going to be the one to go home this week. There is just nothing that is going to rescue her from that really sad performance.

Favorites: Brooke and Jason.

Head over to BooMama's and read up on some more reviews.