Finale Results

Lee Dewyze won, as I predicted. Not a surprise, but a big disappointment. Crystal Bowersox is a better singer and performer, has more personality, more soul, but this is a popularity contest, and for some reason, Lee is more popular. So there you have it. I hope Crystal and Michael Lynch do well in their careers; those are the ones I look forward to hearing. C'est la vie.
Thanks to a fun season of AI, to the Poughkeepsie Journal, to Bob Miller at Morning Mix 97.7 FM, and farewell to Simon. And thanks to all my readers for your comments and insights.
I'll be performing this summer in and around the Hudson Valley area, so keep up on my facebook page or my website! Hope to see you at a show near you!

The Finale

I hope that Crystal wins because her performances tonight far surpassed Lee's. He did his best, which was acceptable, but nothing more. She rocked the house! If Lee wins, it's all about the way he looks, not his talent. Well, vote for Crystal!

Lee Dewyze-The Boxer
I still didn't like that rendition very much, it left me cold.
Crystal Bowersox-Me and Bobby McGee
I loved that version, better than Janis herself! Passionate!
Lee Dewyze-Everybody Hurts
What a weird song choice. Started out off key. The choir was so over the top and didn't add to his performance at all, he drowned in it all. Yet the judges are pushing for him. Why????
Crystal Bowersox-Blcak Velvet
What passion! She did a great job! She gave it her all.
Lee Dewyze-Beautiful Day
Big arrangement, swallowed him up. Why so many musicians when he is on? Why did they choose that song for his hit?
Crystal Bowersox-Up To The Mountain
Great performance! So soulful and she built it up! Crystal is the winner in my book!

What do you think?

Results Show for the Week before the Finale

Casey is going home. I'm glad about that, because he is the least talented of the 3 last singers standing. I'll miss the eye candy, and his guitar playing, but it was time. And then there were 2. I hope Crystal wins, she is definitely the best of the 2.
Did America get it right? Yes!!!!
What do you think?

Countdown to Finals Week

A disillusioning night tonight. It feels like the judges have already chosen a winner and are leading the audience with their biased opinions. Crystal was the best performer tonight, yet they all seemed wowed by Lee. I don't get it. I miss Big Mike! Casey should be going home tomorrow, eye candy or not. Crystal should win. Here's my take on the performances.

Casey James-Alright With Me
Good song for him. It suited him but it was nothing spectacular.
Crystal Bowersox-Come to My Window
Great rendition! I loved it. Exciting performance: passionate, honest, alive! She sings with such ease.
Lee Dewyze-Simple Man
Good song choice for him. He did okay. I didn't really connect with him on that one. Why are the judges pushing for him? He's not the best one!
Casey James-Daughters
Nice song, but why did they choose it? It was a sleepy song with a sleepier arrangement. Mixed messages from the judges who chose it. I liked his solo.
Crystal Bowersox-Maybe I'm Amazed
Wow, what a great performance! Loved it! That was the best performance of the night!
Lee Dewyze-Hallelujah
That arrangement was so overdone and schmaltzy. I didn't think he did an especially exciting job, but the arrangement was just so big, all the strings, back-up choir, the orchestra, that it made it seem he was doing something exceptional. Simon was so smug about it. It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Who do you think should go home?

Results Show for Songs of the Cinema Week

Michael Lynche is going home tonight. I am so disappointed with the results, but not surprised. Adam Lambert was the best singer last year and he didn't win. David Archuletta was the best singer 2 years ago and he didn't win. Melinda Dolittle was the best singer before that and she didn't win. I was rooting for Big Mike because he was the best singer this year, and I naively forgot what this show is about. He could sing any style, with flawless vocal technique, charisma and depth, while staying true to himself. I guess this show is a popularity contest whose goal is to choose the cutest guy and is controlled by teenage girls. Dumb idea to have the public vote if you want talent, but the public is who will buy the recordings, so why not have them decide? Brilliant business plan. But not great for real artists. It's sad to watch this show as a performer, vocal coach and fan of Big Mike. People don't appreciate super talent, and I've known that all along. Mike and Crystal were the 2 best vocalists and performers. If he had come in second, I would have been okay with that. I think I've invested too much of myself watching AI; I feel personally involved. I guess that's the nature of reality TV. It's bad enough that I started getting used to Simon's cruel abuse of these poor artists getting up in front of the whole country and bearing their souls only to have him insult and make fun of them. But to see Mike voted off before Casey or Lee, well, I just don't know if I can continue watching the show for the next 2 weeks knowing that Casey or Lee might win.
On the bright side, Michael Lynche has had a lot of exposure due to this show; so I hope he is presented with great opportunities and a bright, successful future.
Well, not much more to say. I'll go lick my wounds now.
Did America get it right?

Jamie Foxx as Mentor-Movie Songs

So Jamie Foxx was the mentor tonight. He coached the contestants well. As a talented musician and performer himself, he knows what he's talking about.
The song choices were a little strange this evening, kind of mellow songs for the most part. My favorite performances were the two duets and Big Mike's solo. Crystal was great too. Casey was pretty blase, although he tried his best. And Lee was a bit boring for me. Who deserves to leave? Casey. Mike is still my favorite; that voice: silky and smooth.

Lee Dewyze-Kiss from a Rose
Oh,oh. Lee is having vocal problems. He's been pushing his voice and is losing control now from the strain. His rendition sounded exactly like the original Seal song, except he seemed unsure on the bridge and had a hard time staying on key.
Michael Jackson-Will You Be There
Great performance. He moved me with his passion and his beautiful voice. I agree with Simon; he put 100% into it. I don't get it. Were the other judges listening to someone else?
Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox duet-Falling Slowly
Passionate singing. Nice job! I enjoyed that very much. Much better than the original.
Casey James-Mrs. Robinson
Weird song choice. Didn't do much for me. Still a lot of tension in his voice. Not much depth to his presentation.
Crystal Bowersox-I'm Alright
That was a cool version of the song. Fun. Good performance!
Michael Lynche and Casey James duet-Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman
Beautiful guitar playing, their voices blended well. Nice rendition. The power of 2 is always better than 1.
Who do you think should go home?

Results Show for Sinatra Week with Harry Connick Jr.

Yeah! I am so happy with the results tonight!
My favorite, Big Mike is safe for another week. Aaron is going home. I think this was a good choice. He's a good singer, and I'll bet he will be very successful in the country genre. He's got a good career ahead of him, no doubt.
Casey stays another week. I predicted he would go, but I'm always happy to look at him for a little longer, handsome guy that he is, (even though he is the weakest singer at this point.)
Next week, Jamie Foxx is mentoring. that should be interesting. He's a talented guy.
Did America get it right? I think so.

Frank Sinatra Night-Harry Connick Jr. Mentors

Tonight's songs were a challenge for the contestants, except for Big Mike, who seems to have experience performing all styles of music. Harry Connick Jr. was an effective mentor; he gave sound advice helping the performers connect more to the lyrics; his humor made him less intimidating to the singers so they could relax and take in his ideas. Funny guy, he charmed me.

Who do I think will get the least votes tonight? Casey James. Boo hoo, he looked good tonight. Best performance, who else? Big Mike. Lee and Crystal were strong too.

Aaron Kelly-Fly Me to the Moon
He sang that well! He was a little stiff and timid, not believable, but his voice sounded great.
Casey James-Blue Skies
He was out of his element, and looked uncomfortable. He sure got a bad review from the judges! Poor guy! Looks great in a suit, cleans up well!
Crystal Bowersox-Summer Wind
She's also out of her element, but she did a good job with it. I detected some nerves, but who wouldn't be nervous singing with Harry Connick Jr. for the first time on TV? I didn't like the arrangement, it covered up her vocals at times. Shame on you Harry!
Michael Lynche-The Way You Look Tonight
Great job! He knows how to sing any style. Very comfortable in his skin, and charming. Such a joy to watch and listen to.
Lee Dewyze-That's Life
He did a good job! He was totally into it, confident and committed. His best performance yet. The arrangement was a bit busy, overpowering the vocals again.

Listen to me talk more about tonight's show tomorrow morning on Morning Mix 97.7 FM with Bob Miller at 7:30 AM.

Who do you think will get sent home?

Results Show for Shania Twain Night

Great to read your comments from yesterday's show. I'm with you, Chi-Chi, and luckily, Mike is still in the ring. Yay!
So Siobahn got the boot tonight. That was surprising, because I thought she was more well-liked than the others. I think she is one of the 3 best singers/performers left, including: Mike and Crystal. Lee and Casey have some issues with their voices and are more self-conscious performers; and of course Aaron is still so young, but he is a very good singer for his age.
It's tough at this point to send anyone home, since they all have their strengths. I would have sent Aaron, Lee or Casey home tonight.
Siobahn has been a very interesting and entertaining finalist and I've enjoyed being surprised every week by her quirky fashion choices, song selections, and unique singing approach. I'm sure she will have a strong vocal career if she so chooses.
Did America get it right?

Shania Twain songs

Shania Twain is one of my favorite songwriters, and it was interesting watching her coach the singers. She had some good advice to give them. I liked Michael Lynche's performance the most this evening. So what else is new? Who's going to be leaving tomorrow? My guess is Casey James, even though he is eye candy. He's the weakest of the singers at this point. Although he is a very good musician, this is a singing contest.Who do you think should go?

Lee Dewyze-Still the One
This is my favorite Shania song. It was a good song choice for Lee, but I couldn't bear listening to him tearing his voice up. I don't think his voice is going to last very long if he keeps pushing it like that. I know the judges liked the way he sang it, the say current, I say straining. I know as a singer and teacher, that he's really doing some damage.
Michael Lynche-It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing
Beautiful, made it his own. What a great rendition. Loved it! I was moved as I always am when he sings.
Casey James-Don't Tell Me To Go
He took a big chance by not playing a lot of guitar, more vocals, but he was closing his eyes for most of the song, and I felt his fear in being vulnerable. I didn't think this was a great performance, but the judges sure did. He did take a chance though. Gotta hand it to him for that. There is so much tension in his vocal technique. He needs some vocal coaching with a really good teacher.
Crystal Bowersox-No One Needs To Know Right Now
Different style for her. Lighter, more cheerful. She seemed a little self-conscious and shaky. I agree with the judges, not her best performance.
Aaron Kelley- You've Got a Way
He sang that with conviction! He's definitely a country artist. Good job!
Siobahn Magnus-Any Man of Mine
That was a really strange performance. I wasn't crazy about it. It was very low key for the song and then so screechy rock at the end. I wasn't crazy about the performance. The judges loved it though. Oh well.

Idol Gives Back-Results Show

Well, it was a very informative and touching show tonight. I hope they raised a lot of money for the charities that were shown.
And Tim Urban is going home tonight! Long time overdue. I'm sure he will go far in his career. He is the ultimate teenybopper idol. Good luck to you, Tim.

Did America get it right? Yes, I think so.

Inspiration week-Alicia Keys Mentor

Tonight Alicia Keys was the mentor. She had some good advice to give, but it really didn't seem to help the performers. This evening's show wasn't inspiring, even though it was inspirational song night. My favorite performance was Crystal's. Everyone else was a let down. Who will get sent home tomorrow? Either Aaron or Tim. Hopefully Tim.
My take on the singers this week:

Casey James-Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow
Good song choice, he was more animated this week. I thought he did a good job. Eye candy!
Lee Dewyze-The Boxer
Inspirational? I think not. He really didn't pull me in with that song. I didn't like the way he changed the form of the song. But the judges loved it. He sang it well, and seems more confident as the weeks go by.
Tim Urban-Better Days
Good song choice for him, but he seemed pitchy and shaky.
Aaron Kelly-I Believe I Can Fly
Good singing, but it seemed like it was too technically difficult a song for him.
Siobahn Magnus-There Can be Miracles
This was a good song for her, a sleepy arrangement, but I liked the way she did it, very unusual. She's got so much control over her vocal, and no screeching tonight.
Michael Lynche-Hero
First time he's been a little pitchy since he's been on the show. This wasn't my favorite song choice of his or performance, but I'm still a fan.
Crystal Bowersox-People Get Ready
Best performance of the night. The high notes were a little too high for her. She got quite emotional at the end. Doesn't compare to Eva Cassidy's version of the same song though.

Tune in tomorrow morning @ 7:30 AM on Bob Miller's show on 97.7 FM Morning Mix as we talk more about tonight's show.

Who do you think will leave tomorrow?
Vote on who you think will win this season with Poughkeepsie Journal's Sean McCann at:

http://seantm.blogspot.com

Results Show for Elvis Week

Well, I was right at least for one of my predictions as to who would be voted off. Sorry to see Andrew Garcia leave. I like his voice, his talent, but he just couldn't seem to find a song that showed what he was capable of. As for Katie, she needs more life experience, but she has a strong voice and I'm sure will have much success. Why is Tim Urban still on????
My 2 favorites are still in: Big Mike and Crystal. Hope they are on till the end of the show.
Did America get it right?

Elvis Week-Adam Lambert Mentor

The theme tonight was Elvis songs. Adam Lambert was an effective mentor. He got right to the heart of what each performer needed and was honest and direct and very helpful. There were some outstanding performances resulting from his guidance. My favorites were: Big Mike, Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox. They are sending home 2 people tomorrow night. My prediction would be: Andrew Garcia and Aaron Kelly. Though I wish it would be Tim Urban, I know it won't be.
Here are the details of my observations:

Crystal Bowersox-Saved
That was great, she was a lot more expressive, wild and free tonight. Great arrangement.

Andrew Garcia-Houndog
Strange rendition, where is his style in all this? He didn't take Adam's advice really. Not a good song choice, very limited melody; he's really a jazzy r&b singer and this song couldn't lend itself to that style well. His performance dragged on from the first note. I think Andrew is in danger of being sent home.

Tim Urban-Can't Help Falling In Love
Pitchy, his nerves got the best of him. Nice guitar playing, simple arrangement. Did no one else hear his shakiness but me?

Lee Dewyze-Little Less Conversation
More animated than usual, went for it with his singing, made it current. Adam gave really good advice tonight and he followed it well. Best he's done.

Aaron Kelly-Blue Suede Shoes
That song really didn't fit his style. I wanted him to change the arrangement into country. It's a sexy song, and he puts out a very young vibe; he wasn't believable with this. But as usual, his vocals were very good. Kinda karaoke.

Siobahn Magnus-Suspicious Minds
Interesting arrangement, I liked it. Great vocals.

Michael Lynche-In The Ghetto
Beautiful singing, such a simple arrangement. Loved it. I am soothed by his voice, the second he opens his mouth. Great storytelling from his heart! He moves me.

Katie Stevens-Baby What Do You Want Me to Do
Her vocals were great, her pitch problems have been resolved, but, I didn't feel her emotions were sincere. She was too pleasant. She seemed like she was acting the emotion of frustration, not coming from her center. Adam's advice was good, but she could have taken it further.

Casey James-Laudy Miss Claudy
Good performance, but nothing to write home about.


Who were your favorites? So who do you think will be sent home?

Results Show for Top 9

What???? Big Mike got the lowest number of votes??????? What planet are we on?????? He's the best singer and performer on that show! If the judges hadn't used their save on him, I would have turned the show off for good. What is wrong with America?

And what was Rhianna doing tonight? Poor woman, I know she has talent; why doesn't the record label let her sing a song that has a melody so she can use her voice for something pleasant? Michael sounded 1000 times better than she did.

Okay, I've spoken my mind. Looking forward to Adam Lambert as mentor next week. Did America get it right? I think not. What do you think?

Beatles Week

I love the Beatles, so this was a grand night for me; no goofy mentors, just good songs and some really interesting performances. My favorite performance of the night was Big Mike as usual. He's just in a league of his own. I sound like a broken record, I know. I liked Casey James' performance as well. Much improved. Crystal was good as usual, she makes it all look so easy. Katie improved greatly the last two weeks, so who do I think will be voted off? Hard to tell; I think Tim Urban should go,(I've been saying that for weeks) but he seems to have quite a fan base. Aaron Kelly's performance tonight wasn't great, but he's so much better than Tim Urban. I fear Aaron might get the hook tomorrow. That would be a shame, he's a good singer. Well we'll see. My take on the evening's performances:

Aaron Kelly-The Long and Winding Road
Nice singing, but it was a bit boring.

Katie Stevens-Let It Be
Well sung, good pitch for a second week in a row. She had a different air about her tonight, more confident.

Andrew Garcia-Can't Buy Me Love
Cool arrangement,fun, a little Las Vegas at times, but it was okay.

Michael Lynche-Eleanor Rigby
Unbelievable, great vocals, I was mesmerized from the moment he opened his mouth. Great arrangement, so cool! Love him!!!!!!!!!

Crystal Bowersox-Come Together
Soulful, great performance, great rendition. She's so solid! Bonnie Raitt feel.

Tim Urban-All My Lovin'
He should be in the remake of a Monkees movie. Very teeny bopperish, fun, he's just a natural 60's guy. Good song choice for him.

Casey James-Jealous Guy
Nice guitar playing, arrangement, passionate, courageous, vulnerable, impressive. I really felt him tonight. Great performance. Why does my room to get so warm every time Casey performs? Or is it just me?

Siobahn Magnus-Across the Universe
That was a very subdued performance, beautiful control, but, a little perplexing. Don't know what to make of it.

Lee Dewyze-Hey Jude
That was a strange choice with the bagpipe. To me, he seemed more confident, but he could have been singing on a street corner, nothing that special. But he has a very contemporary voice.


Who do you think will be voted off?

I'm In the Carrbbean this week, Be Back Next Week

Hi,
I'm vacationing this week and will be back next week to comment on Idol. It's all being recorded, so I'll get to see this week's show.
Adios!

Results show for the top 10

Well, Paige Miles is going home tonight; no surprise there. She really can sing, although I think she pushed her voice too hard and she needs to rest it before she damages it for good. I wish her luck in her career. I thought she sang the song well tonight, better than last night. Why does that always happen? The pressure is over, so they can just sing. Shouldn't that be the idea anyway? Performing is great, such a rush, but it is a high pressure job. I know that first hand. Well, goodbye to Paige. And of course Tim Urban and Katie Stevens are still in the contest. Go figure. Looking forward to next week with Usher as mentor?!?!
Did America get it right?

Top Billboard 100

Tonight Miley Cyrus was the Mentor. I don't know if I would want a 17 year old giving me advice even if she had been performing since she was 2. (Which I think she has been). But, she wasn't bogus with her comments, sometimes they were helpful points.
I wasn't blown away tonight by the show, it was a sleeper. But as usual, my favorites were Big Mike and Crystal Bowersox. Other performers that I thought ranked better than average were Aaron, Siobahn and Casey. Who do I think will be voted off the show? Paige Miles or Andrew Garcia. I don't think Tim Urban will ever get sent home, he's too cute for the young girls to let go of, so I won't even mention him.


Lee Dewyze-The Letter
He definitely was doing the Joe Cocker version, but cleaner. This was the best performance of his so far, but it sounded dated. He doesn't thrill me.
Paige Miles-Against All Odds
She had a shaky start, it had some good moments, but there was a lot of pitch problems. It sounds like her laryngitis hasn't totally disappeared, or maybe she has some chronic vocal hoarseness; Paige better see a doctor soon.
Tim Urban-Crazy Little Thing Called Love
It didn't do anything for me. But he was more energetic than he was other weeks. He sang the song very straight, nothing different. But he definitely should be in High School Musical 5.
Aaron Kelly-I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
Tonsillitis-laryngitis, what a way to have to sing! I couldn't tell he was sick except for the one high note in the bridge. He does have a strong country style. Good song for him. Nice performance.
Crystal Bowersox-Me and Bobby McGee
Great Janis Joplin rendition without ripping up her voice. She is just a natural. I enjoy watching her. She's kind of Zen.
Michael Lynche-When a Man Loves a Woman
I love his voice, his personality; he could sing the phone book and I'd be happy. He has style, charisma and a flawless voice. It's like eating chocolate moose, smooth, rich and delicious.
Andrew Garcia-Heard it Through the Grapevine
It was nothing different or special. Poor guy, he's talented, but hasn't figured out what to sing to make him stand out. I feel for him.
Katie Stevens-Big Girls Don't Cry
That was more contemporary and less pitchy than the last few performances. This was a good song choice for her. It showed a different side of her, and it was more enjoyable.She really needs some help with her pitch. Send her to me, I could help her.
Casey James-Power of Love
It was the same version basically as Huey Lewis did, but he did it well. I love to watch Casey, so pleasing to the eyes but he didn't do anything very special. I wished he would have taken a guitar solo and ripped it up, or moved around the floor more and just let loose. He's just a low key guy.
Didi Benami-You're No Good
Pitchy from start to finish, she seemed like she was unsure of who she was in this performance.
Siobahn Magnus-Superstitious
If she keeps screaming like that, I think she is going to rupture her vocal cords. That's not what her voice was meant to do, and although it's cool that she can scream like that, if that becomes her trademark (like Adam Lambert's) she might wreck her voice for good. Siobhan is a very free and creative performer. Tonight's song wasn't my favorite, but it was fun.

Who do you think will get sent home? Did you like tonight's show?
Listen in on tomorrow's Morning Mix at 97.7Fm with Bob Miller. I'll be on the show giving my point of view on the performances tonight.

Results show for Top 12 week

So, Lacey Brown is going home. For me, it was a good choice. It was either Lacey, or Tim Urban. She is quirky, but not totally stable as a vocalist; kind of shaky with her pitch. She does have a Melanie-like, commercial quality to her voice, so I'm sure she will be signed to some record label soon. Good luck to her.

Glad Big Mike, Crystal Bowersox and Siobahn Magnus are still in. They are my favorites right now. Maybe Andrew Garcia will get his mojo back.

Did America get it right? I think so. What about you?

Tune in on the Morning Mix 97.7 tomorrow morning with Bob Miller where I'll be talking about tonight's show.
And I'll be performing at the Muddy Cup tomorrow night in New Paltz, NY at 8:00 PM as part of the Naked Songwriters Series.

Top 12-Songs of the Rolling Stones

I was pleasantly surprised by tonight's show. After last week's eliminations, I didn't think there would be much going on tonight. But there were a couple of outstanding performances, with Big Mike and Siobahn Magnus. This season might end up being more entertaining than I thought. If I had to guess who is going home, it might be Andrew Garcia, but it should really be Katie Stevens or Tim Urban. Here is my take on the singers:

Michael Lynche-Miss You
I liked his version of the song; it was original, arranged just right to fit his musical style, and he had great energy and vocals. It was a powerful start for the evening, but I fear everything will be a let down after that performance.
Didi Benami-Playing with Fire
I liked her rendition of the song. It was unique and interesting. She was a little shaky with the lyrics, but she got through it fine.
Casey James-It's All Over Now
I thought it was a strong, solid performance, and he can really play blues guitar well. He's still a little reserved, but I enjoyed this song. He made it his own. And his looks don't hurt either.
Lacey Brown-Ruby Tuesday
That was an interesting version. Her voice is very unique, but sometimes a little shaky. She needs a little more confidence and should remember not to push her voice, because that's when it gets shaky.
Andrew Garcia-Gimme Shelter
His pitch was flat for much of the song. I wasn't that crazy about this performance. I like when he plays guitar and is more jazzy. He's a talented guy. Hope he sticks around.
Katie Stevens-Wild Horses
I liked this song for her. She does sing sharp a lot, which makes me cringe, but her voice quality is rich and beautiful, especially for a 16 year old.
Tim Urban-Under My Thumb
I thought it was a creative version of the song, but I didn't think Reggae was a strong style for Tim.
Siobahn Magnus-Painted Black
Wow! Outrageous and so original! That was a very unique and riveting performance. She is such a compelling performer and quite a strong singer!
Lee Dewyze-Beast of Burden
That was a very contemporary version of the song. Interesting, but low energy. He still seems like he holds back a bit.
Paige Miles-Honky Tonk
I liked the Gospel feel for her. She did a good job. And she had laryngitis? Jeez!
Aaron Kelly-Angie
He's a true country singer. It was a good song choice for him. Nice voice, nice performance. Is he really 16? He's definitely an old soul.
Crystal Bowersox-You Can't Always Get What You Want
She makes it look so easy, she's such a natural. Janice Joplin definitely is being channeled through her. She's got a lot of soul. She needs to watch out though, because she looks so relaxed that, at times she looks like she isn't even trying. But I know she is.

Who was your favorite performer tonight and who do you think should get sent home?

3/11/10 Results

Things are getting worse and worse on Idol, and we are just starting in on the 12 finalists! I can't believe Todrick Hall, Lilly Scott, and Kaitlyn Epperly got voted off! I'm okay with Alex Lambert leaving, but how can Tim Urban and Katie Stevens still be in the contest?
Todrick was one of the best performers last night. And Lilly has been consistently good. At least she said on the show that she knows she will continue to be successful with or without Idol. And she couldn't believe who got voted off either! Well, it's just downright depressing; I mean how am I going to keep watching for the next 12 weeks? I guess we will have to count on Big Mike and Crystal Bowersox to keep us entertained. She looked miserable tonight, even when Ryan told her she was safe.
Today, when I asked some of my young students if they were watching Idol, they said no, that it was boring this year, because no one really special was on. These are kids under 9. Out of the mouths of babes!
Well, maybe we will be pleasantly surprised by the finalists. Meanwhile, I'll miss Todrick after last night's show, that's for sure.

Did America get it right? I don't think so. What do you think?

Top16-the Men

Okay, I have my favorite for the season. It's Big Mike! I thought it from the first moment I heard him sing. He makes everyone else look so ordinary in the competition. But my favorites don't usually win. Maybe it will be different this year. Todrick Hall also really blew me away tonight. I will be on 97.7 FM morning mix tomorrow morning at 7:35 with Bob Miller to talk more about Idol. Tune in!
And here is my take on the performances this evening:

Lee Dewyze-Firefly

Upbeat, good song to start the night out. Pitch problems as usual. Why do the judges like this guy so much?

Alex Lambert-Trouble

Such an unusual voice, good song choice for him. I actually liked his performance tonight.He's improving.

Tim Urban-Hallelujah

He was better than before, and although tonight he did do better, I don’t think he is up to par with the rest of the performers. But he is really cute, (looks like he should be on the Partridge Family) and I think very appealing to the demographic that votes on the show.

Andrew Garcia-Genie in a Bottle

I like this guy so much, yet he sounded a little shaky again tonight. I like his attitude, his talent, yet they keep tearing him down and reminding him about how well he did when he sang the Paula Abdul song. Give the guy a break! No wonder he feels shaky.

Casey James-This Letter

He’s handsome, relaxed, sincere, sounds good. I thought it was a good song choice for him. Just like looking at him, what can I say?

Aaron Kelly-I’m Already There

Needs work on his lower range, kind of shaky, but his upper range was good. This song seemed too old and too big for his voice. He does take chances and he is really brave for 16!

Todrick Hall-Somebody to Love

Wow! Cool version! Great singing, great song choice. Loved it. Love him.

Michael Lynche-This Woman’s Work

He’s my favorite! He’s the guy! What a voice, what passion. He’s got it all! The contest is over for me. Just give him the prize.

What do you think?

Top 16-Women

In the past few seasons of American Idol, there were always 1 or 2 performers a year that were outstanding; Melissa Doolittle, Adam Lambert, David Archuletta, Danny Gokey. Even though they didn't win, they made watching the show a pleasure. But this year, I have to say, none of the women stand out like that for me. But out of the women's performances tonight, I liked Crystal Bowersox's best. She was the most passionate and confident. Simon kept saying this was the most important week of all, so maybe that spooked the women. They sure are under a lot of pressure! I hope the ladies get more solid as the weeks go on. Meantime, here is my take on tonight's performances.

Katie Stevens-Break Away
She seemed a little shaky, pitchy, but she really has a nice voice for such a young age. The song didn't go anywhere for me.
Siobhan Magnus-House of the Rising Sun
Interesting rendition, she always surprises us. I liked it, but it didn't blow me away. Nice voice.
Lacey Brown-I Was Made For You
Quirky, interesting voice. And she's got such beautiful eyes. The song suited her. Good performance.
Katelyn Epperly-I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet
Nice voice, but it didn't feel that special of a performance.
Didi Benami-Rhianon
I liked the way she did this song. Her voice is very unique. Nice guitar playing.
Paige Myles-Smile
Her voice and pitch were shaky tonight. I really like her, so I was disappointed by her performance.
Crystal Bowersox-Give Me One Reason
Refreshing, best performance tonight, although her rendition was not that much different from the original done by Tracy Chapman, but she sure put a lot of energy and soul into it.
Lilly Scott-I Fall to Pieces
Weird, she sounded a bit shaky, I didn't really like the performance very much, and she was one of my favorites in the competition.

Who was your favorite tonight?

3/4/10 Results

Results show:
I agree with John Park going home, but his repeat performance tonight was much more passionate than last night's performance; what a shame.
Jermaine Sellers can really sing, so it's sad that he is going home. Why not send Tim Urban home? He's not nearly as good a singer.
I agree with Michelle Delamor and Hayley Vaughn being voted out, but why do they make them sing after they lose; so cruel. Has anyone out there ever tried singing while they were crying? Impossible!
Well, my favorites are all still in, so on to next week!

Did America get it right? I think so based on this week's performances. What do you think?

Season 9; Top 20-The Women

My 4 favorite women in this year's competition who have a good mix of talent and personality are:
Paige Miles, Crystal Bowersox, Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott.
The judges are always contradicting themselves: pick a song and make it your own; you changed the melody too much, just sing the song the way it was written; What are they saying??????
I don't know what I would do if I were up there, guess I'd take it with a grain of salt and be myself.
My take on tonight's performers:

Crystal Bowersox-As Long as I See the Light
She's got a lot of soul, strong singer, nice song choice. She's really good. And she was in the hospital yesterday, pretty impressive!
Haeley Vaughn-the Climb
She's got a good voice, she's charming, and cute but she has some vocal control issues. I didn't feel her connecting with the song. She's only 16, how hard can we be on her?
Lacey Brown-Kiss Me
She has an unusual sweet voice and up personality and would be a good pop star, but she doesn't blow me away. This was a good song to showcase her personality and an original song like this would be really good for her as an artist.
Katie Stevens-Put Your Records On
Beautiful voice, and only 17, wow! She's got such a rich, husky voice. I like the song she sang. She's good!
Didi Benami-Lean On Me
Good voice, not a great song choice for her. She has a unique style but tonight she showed a different style, which probably confused us about who she really is.
Michelle Delamor-Arms Wide Open
Good voice, but the song didn't go anywhere for me.
Lilly Scott-A Change is Going to Come
Good song choice, she pushed her voice a little too much, so she got a little pitchy sometimes, but I liked her style on the song. She's very original and she knows who she is. One of my favorites in the competition.
Katelyn Epperly-The Scientist
That was a great performance. Beautiful voice. Good song choice. I enjoyed her performance very much.
Paige Miles-Walk Away
Great voice, wow, I liked her performance a lot, loved the song for her. Another favorite contestant of mine in the competition.
Siobhan Magnus-Think
Bad choice of song, but she sure hit that one note as well as Aretha! What a surprise.

Season 9; Top 20-The Men

Hey, great to be back again this year! Looking forward to watching this season. Why are there so many contestants? Weren't there just 12 finalists last year? There were 24 last week! 2 hours a night? Way too long to sit still. 1 hour a night is plenty, but 2? Oh well, I watched all of it and my favorite tonight was Big Mike. I just love this guy.

Here's my take on tonight's show from this singer/vocal coach's point of view:
Big Mike Lynche-Man's World
Great way to start out the night, what a strong voice and a great performer. I love this guy- he's one of my favorites! His beautiful soul just shines through.
John Park-Gravity
Nice voice, cute guy, but boring, I don't feel any electricity from him.
Casey James-I Don't Want to Be
Good guitarist, nice voice ! He's a little reserved, didn't let loose enough for me, but I love to look at this guy, mmmmmmm, what can I say?
Alex Lambert-Everybody Knows
Nice voice, unusual, he's very marketable. I like him. Needs to believe in himself and get used to performing as quick as he can.
Todrick Hall-What's Love Got to Do With It
I know he can be great, but I haven't seen him be great yet. I know he can sing, dance, and I hope he really lets loose soon! Another one of my favorites.
Jermaine Sellers-What's Going On
Good singer, but I didn't feel his soul through it all.
Andrew Garcia-You Give Me Something
He's my other favorite, but I didn't like this performance. Pitchy, disappointing. I like when he plays the guitar.
Aaron Kelly-My Girl
Too much riffing, not a good song choice, too old fashioned, but I think he can sing really well. Good for a 16 year old.
Tim Urban-Come On Get Higher
Good song for him. I enjoyed this performance. Nice voice, so much better than last week. I enjoyed it.
Lee Dewyze-Lips of an Angel
I'm not crazy about is guy, but the judges seem to really dig him. Pitch problems, pushes too hard. Go figure.

Who is your favorite guy so far?