I called it last night- but I'm not happy to see him go. We love you Jacob Lusk. You are an incredible singer and you should have won this contest. But America thinks otherwise. Hope to hear your recordings soon! Onward to the last 4 contestants. James should win it, but if Jacob left tonight, there's no accounting for taste. We'll see.
Did America get it right? No!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Songs from Then and Now -Sheryl Crow Mentor-5/4/11
Once again, this was an entertaining night. High quality performances, more than any other season. I think having top producers coach week after week really helps everyone grow. The absence of Simon's nasty remarks and this year's judges' encouragement probably gives them more confidence.
I thought everyone had at least one outstanding performance tonight. It was interesting to see Sheryl Crow mentoring, although I don't know if she really gave any helpful advice. She is one of my favorite songwriters.
Speaking of songwriters, I am performing an evening of my original songs in an intimate setting next week, Sat. May 14th at 8:00 PM at the Cliffside Concert Series @ Simply Create , 238 Main St., New Paltz, NY. If you are in the area, please come out and support live music. But I digress......
Back to tonight's show:
I thought the judges overlooked some pitch problems in various performances. I felt disappointed in some of their advice: like when they told Haley to sing familiar songs. Most artists record songs that have never been heard. And another thing! I wish the music business didn't have to pigeon-hole musicians to have to perform in just one style, and allow them to be more creative, playing it less safe. Don't get me started....
I don't know who should go home. Everyone is just so talented. If I had to predict, I'd say it would be Jacob who will be voted off; not because of a lack of talent, but because he hasn't figured out exactly what to sing to reflect his true persona. If I had my choice of who should go, it would be Scotty. We all know he can sing country really well, and he is the least exciting of the ones who are left. James and Jacob are still my favorite vocalists. Haley surprised me tonight with 2 strong performances. Who do you think should be voted off?
James Durbin
Closer to the Edge
James was flat a lot tonight on this song. The judges didn't seem to notice. Maybe he couldn't hear himself, and maybe they couldn't hear him either. If you ask me, he paid too much attention to schmoozing the crowd, and not enough on singing.
Livin' Without You
Heartfelt, honestly sung. Very touching.
Jacob Lusk
No End
A little too pop for him. What an amazing range this man has. He sings higher than I can, and I'm a soprano. But it didn't feel right on him.
Love Hurts
He sang the ^*#! out of that. Incredible, what a singer! Unbelievable. A little out of control, but always amazing!
Lauren Alaina
Flat on the Floor
She did a good job singing that song. Tonight she seemed like she believed in herself. But I don't think that song was really age appropriate for her, too life weary for such a young woman.
Unchained Melody
Why are they editing all the songs tonight? What a song butchery! It's offensive to me as a songwriter. Wasn't the greatest performance, but it was okay.
Scotty McReery
Gone
Impressive for country Scotty. He really got the crowd going. that was the most lively I've ever seen him. But he was pushing his voice, and I hope that he doesn't do that often, or he could hurt that mellow voice forever.
You Were Always on My Mind
He did it straight country, nothing different, predictable, a little boring to me, but he did it well.
Haley Reinhart
You and I
Haley sang this well, soulful, rockin'! I thought she did a great job. What were the judges talking about, that they have to know the song. Why? Is America that dumb that they can't tell if she sings a song well they don't know??
House of the Rising Sun
She did a great job on that song too. She made it her own. Nice a capella at the beginning.
I thought everyone had at least one outstanding performance tonight. It was interesting to see Sheryl Crow mentoring, although I don't know if she really gave any helpful advice. She is one of my favorite songwriters.
Speaking of songwriters, I am performing an evening of my original songs in an intimate setting next week, Sat. May 14th at 8:00 PM at the Cliffside Concert Series @ Simply Create , 238 Main St., New Paltz, NY. If you are in the area, please come out and support live music. But I digress......
Back to tonight's show:
I thought the judges overlooked some pitch problems in various performances. I felt disappointed in some of their advice: like when they told Haley to sing familiar songs. Most artists record songs that have never been heard. And another thing! I wish the music business didn't have to pigeon-hole musicians to have to perform in just one style, and allow them to be more creative, playing it less safe. Don't get me started....
I don't know who should go home. Everyone is just so talented. If I had to predict, I'd say it would be Jacob who will be voted off; not because of a lack of talent, but because he hasn't figured out exactly what to sing to reflect his true persona. If I had my choice of who should go, it would be Scotty. We all know he can sing country really well, and he is the least exciting of the ones who are left. James and Jacob are still my favorite vocalists. Haley surprised me tonight with 2 strong performances. Who do you think should be voted off?
James Durbin
Closer to the Edge
James was flat a lot tonight on this song. The judges didn't seem to notice. Maybe he couldn't hear himself, and maybe they couldn't hear him either. If you ask me, he paid too much attention to schmoozing the crowd, and not enough on singing.
Livin' Without You
Heartfelt, honestly sung. Very touching.
Jacob Lusk
No End
A little too pop for him. What an amazing range this man has. He sings higher than I can, and I'm a soprano. But it didn't feel right on him.
Love Hurts
He sang the ^*#! out of that. Incredible, what a singer! Unbelievable. A little out of control, but always amazing!
Lauren Alaina
Flat on the Floor
She did a good job singing that song. Tonight she seemed like she believed in herself. But I don't think that song was really age appropriate for her, too life weary for such a young woman.
Unchained Melody
Why are they editing all the songs tonight? What a song butchery! It's offensive to me as a songwriter. Wasn't the greatest performance, but it was okay.
Scotty McReery
Gone
Impressive for country Scotty. He really got the crowd going. that was the most lively I've ever seen him. But he was pushing his voice, and I hope that he doesn't do that often, or he could hurt that mellow voice forever.
You Were Always on My Mind
He did it straight country, nothing different, predictable, a little boring to me, but he did it well.
Haley Reinhart
You and I
Haley sang this well, soulful, rockin'! I thought she did a great job. What were the judges talking about, that they have to know the song. Why? Is America that dumb that they can't tell if she sings a song well they don't know??
House of the Rising Sun
She did a great job on that song too. She made it her own. Nice a capella at the beginning.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Results show 4/28/11
Casey's going home. I'll miss him, he's always fun to watch. Although I love Casey's great musicianship, quirkiness and creativity, I think he was probably the weakest vocalist last night, so I guess it was a sensible outcome for him to be voted off the show. Only five contestants left; we're getting close now. Who is going to win? James? Did America get it right tonight?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Carole King Week
Carole King week; I couldn't be happier. Carole King was my first singer/songwriter inspiration. When I was 10 years old, after playing classical piano for 4 years, I heard her for the first time; she rocked my world. I realized that I could play something on the piano other than classical music, and sing at the same time. So I know her songs; it's a sign of a great song, when it will work in any style: country, pop, rock, blues. And that's what everyone did, made them their own. My favorite performance of the night: Casey Abrams. Who do I think should go home? I'm not sure anymore, everyone is so good. This is getting really tough now. James and Scotty are the most consistent week after week. Lauren sounded great. Jacob had a good night. Haley? Who do you think will be voted off?
Jacob Lusk-Oh No, Not My Baby
That's the Jacob we know and love, fun, wild, creative, going for it. Great energy, even though he was a bit sharp here and there. Loved the riffs at the end. Fun!
Lauren Alaina-Where You Lead
She did a good job with that song. The producers and judges are encouraging her to push herself through her fears (good) and push her voice (bad). Babyface was telling her this. Isn't he a singer? She's only 16, spare her voice, please before it's too late.
Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams-I Feel the Earth Move
Okay, I'm not sure how I felt about that duet. I liked Casey's harmonies, but it didn't' thrill me. I'm not crazy about Haley's voice. It sounds so weary.
Scotty McReery-You've Got A Friend
He did a good country job, once again. I thought he was going to wreck it, but he did alright. He went a bit out of his comfort zone and made it interesting.
James Durbin-Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
I liked the a capella beginning. That takes a lot of courage. the rest of the song was a bit boring for me, the drum beat was dated, too much like the Shirelles' version in the 60's, but the beginning was worth it all. His singing seemed a little pitchy to me tonight.
Lauren Alaina and Scotty McReery-Up on the Roof
Scotty's worked hard on his harmonies. He couldn't sing harmony during Hollywood week. That was a nice duet, I liked the country take on that song. It worked.
Casey Abrams-Hi De Ho
Casey's always a lot of fun...so original, unique and creative. You know you're in for something different every week from him. Great performer, that Casey.
Haley Reinhart-Beautiful
That was an interesting rendition of the song. She did a good job.
Jacob Lusk and James Durbin-I'm Into Something Good
Outta control, kind of loose. That was a fun sing off at the end. Weird song choice, not my favorite performance.
Jacob Lusk-Oh No, Not My Baby
That's the Jacob we know and love, fun, wild, creative, going for it. Great energy, even though he was a bit sharp here and there. Loved the riffs at the end. Fun!
Lauren Alaina-Where You Lead
She did a good job with that song. The producers and judges are encouraging her to push herself through her fears (good) and push her voice (bad). Babyface was telling her this. Isn't he a singer? She's only 16, spare her voice, please before it's too late.
Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams-I Feel the Earth Move
Okay, I'm not sure how I felt about that duet. I liked Casey's harmonies, but it didn't' thrill me. I'm not crazy about Haley's voice. It sounds so weary.
Scotty McReery-You've Got A Friend
He did a good country job, once again. I thought he was going to wreck it, but he did alright. He went a bit out of his comfort zone and made it interesting.
James Durbin-Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
I liked the a capella beginning. That takes a lot of courage. the rest of the song was a bit boring for me, the drum beat was dated, too much like the Shirelles' version in the 60's, but the beginning was worth it all. His singing seemed a little pitchy to me tonight.
Lauren Alaina and Scotty McReery-Up on the Roof
Scotty's worked hard on his harmonies. He couldn't sing harmony during Hollywood week. That was a nice duet, I liked the country take on that song. It worked.
Casey Abrams-Hi De Ho
Casey's always a lot of fun...so original, unique and creative. You know you're in for something different every week from him. Great performer, that Casey.
Haley Reinhart-Beautiful
That was an interesting rendition of the song. She did a good job.
Jacob Lusk and James Durbin-I'm Into Something Good
Outta control, kind of loose. That was a fun sing off at the end. Weird song choice, not my favorite performance.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Results Show 4/21/11
Stefano is going home tonight. He's such a likable guy; talented, cute, with a great attitude to boot. I would think that being in a near fatal car accident puts things into perspective.
Tonight, he sang his farewell song "Lately" with more passion and abandon than ever on AI. I guess the pressure was off, so he could relax and enjoy the moment. I will miss watching him but I predict that he will have a very successful career and we will be hearing from him again soon.
I'm glad Jacob didn't get sent home. Did America get it right? Maybe. Anyone could have been sent home tonight; the performances were all top notch last night. I think Haley should go next, but I don't think that's going to happen. We'll see. Do you think America got it right?
Tonight, he sang his farewell song "Lately" with more passion and abandon than ever on AI. I guess the pressure was off, so he could relax and enjoy the moment. I will miss watching him but I predict that he will have a very successful career and we will be hearing from him again soon.
I'm glad Jacob didn't get sent home. Did America get it right? Maybe. Anyone could have been sent home tonight; the performances were all top notch last night. I think Haley should go next, but I don't think that's going to happen. We'll see. Do you think America got it right?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Songs from this Decade 4/20/11
This was another great episode of American Idol. I believe it's been the most entertaining idol season since I've been watching for the last 4 seasons. Everyone is so talented, unique in their style and knows who they are. I guess they've been studying the show now for 10 years: AI university if you will, and they really have it down.
I enjoyed James' performance the most tonight. Scotty was my least favorite of the night, but now that Paul is gone, I think Haley should be the next one to leave. It's getting more difficult to decide now. Who do you think should go home?
Here's my take on the evening's performances:
Scotty McReery-Swingin'
Loved when he sang that octave lower in the last verse. What a range,the deep bass voice, wow! He did a good country job as usual. Nothing different, but he's good at what he does, especially for his young age!
James Durbin-Uprising
Go James! That was such a dramatic and rockin' performance; what a vocal range-superhuman! James always keeps me interested, involved, riveted. You never know what he's going to do next. I think he studied at the Adam Lambert school of Idol and got an A+. Best performance of the night.
Haley Reinhart-We Could Have Had It All
As I've said this before; her voice sounds so fatigued when she speaks. I wish she'd get voted off the show, so she can go home and have vocal rest. I fear she's headed for permanent damage. I agree with the judges: the song was a good choice for her, a good direction for her career. She sang it well.
Jacob Lusk-Dance With My Father
What happened there with his ear monitors; no music, just drums? That kind of problem can really throw someone off, but he kept going, which shows he is a pro.
This reminds me of a time a while back in my singing career when I was onstage as an opening act in front of 2000+ people in a large theater. I wasn't given a sound check beforehand due to an emergency with the headliner needing to rehearse a new bass player last minute on stage. So, with no sound check, I had to start my first song while the sound man adjusted the volume of my keyboard in the stage monitors. I was onstage solo, and for about 5 seconds in the middle of that song, no sound came out of the stage monitors, so I heard nothing from the keyboard at all. I just had to watch my fingers play and go by feel and hope I was playing the right notes while I continued singing as if nothing were wrong. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Guess I'm pretty strong by now. But I digress........
The end of Jacob's song really pulled me in, but the rest of it was a little too contained. I could relate to his dilemma and what the judges were referring to. As a singer/songwriter myself, it has been challenging at times when I've sung a song close to my heart. How to get through the song, and feel the truth of the song without breaking down is the challenge.
One more thing about the judges feedback tonight: Jacob was told so often at the beginning of the competition to hold back and not over sing at the beginning of songs, and now, they are telling him the opposite; let it rip from the beginning. Confusing double messages, judges. What should Jacob do?
Casey Abrams-Harder to Breathe
He plays guitar too? This guy is so talented! Charming ending when he kissed Jennifer, very funny. I love him; he's so original. He's always taking chances and knows who he is. I have an enormous amount of respect for him.
Stefano Langone-I Just Can't Stop
He did a great job, more confident, lively and and he connected with the audience. Great singing as usual.
Lauren Alaina-Born to Fly
She tore that song up. Great job! She could win this competition. Just be gentle with your voice Lauren.
I enjoyed James' performance the most tonight. Scotty was my least favorite of the night, but now that Paul is gone, I think Haley should be the next one to leave. It's getting more difficult to decide now. Who do you think should go home?
Here's my take on the evening's performances:
Scotty McReery-Swingin'
Loved when he sang that octave lower in the last verse. What a range,the deep bass voice, wow! He did a good country job as usual. Nothing different, but he's good at what he does, especially for his young age!
James Durbin-Uprising
Go James! That was such a dramatic and rockin' performance; what a vocal range-superhuman! James always keeps me interested, involved, riveted. You never know what he's going to do next. I think he studied at the Adam Lambert school of Idol and got an A+. Best performance of the night.
Haley Reinhart-We Could Have Had It All
As I've said this before; her voice sounds so fatigued when she speaks. I wish she'd get voted off the show, so she can go home and have vocal rest. I fear she's headed for permanent damage. I agree with the judges: the song was a good choice for her, a good direction for her career. She sang it well.
Jacob Lusk-Dance With My Father
What happened there with his ear monitors; no music, just drums? That kind of problem can really throw someone off, but he kept going, which shows he is a pro.
This reminds me of a time a while back in my singing career when I was onstage as an opening act in front of 2000+ people in a large theater. I wasn't given a sound check beforehand due to an emergency with the headliner needing to rehearse a new bass player last minute on stage. So, with no sound check, I had to start my first song while the sound man adjusted the volume of my keyboard in the stage monitors. I was onstage solo, and for about 5 seconds in the middle of that song, no sound came out of the stage monitors, so I heard nothing from the keyboard at all. I just had to watch my fingers play and go by feel and hope I was playing the right notes while I continued singing as if nothing were wrong. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Guess I'm pretty strong by now. But I digress........
The end of Jacob's song really pulled me in, but the rest of it was a little too contained. I could relate to his dilemma and what the judges were referring to. As a singer/songwriter myself, it has been challenging at times when I've sung a song close to my heart. How to get through the song, and feel the truth of the song without breaking down is the challenge.
One more thing about the judges feedback tonight: Jacob was told so often at the beginning of the competition to hold back and not over sing at the beginning of songs, and now, they are telling him the opposite; let it rip from the beginning. Confusing double messages, judges. What should Jacob do?
Casey Abrams-Harder to Breathe
He plays guitar too? This guy is so talented! Charming ending when he kissed Jennifer, very funny. I love him; he's so original. He's always taking chances and knows who he is. I have an enormous amount of respect for him.
Stefano Langone-I Just Can't Stop
He did a great job, more confident, lively and and he connected with the audience. Great singing as usual.
Lauren Alaina-Born to Fly
She tore that song up. Great job! She could win this competition. Just be gentle with your voice Lauren.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Movie Week Results 4/14/11
Yayyyyyyy! Paul is finally voted off. I have to say, he was a real sport with the news, very professional in the way he left. He sang, and smiled all the way through, no tears, just grateful for the ride. I can tell he's been a pro for a long time and intends to continue singing for his living. It made me respect him more. The judges didn't seem too surprised by him being voted off as opposed to their shocked reaction to Pia's departure. Well, now I feel the contest is fair again. Did America get it right? Yesssssss. Who will be next?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
