Jenkat Games or Jencat Games, call us whatever makes you feel good!

Oof, where do I begin?  I don’t think that my pal Kool and his gang would have found last night’s ladies night feeling right.  It verged on suckdom for me - especially when compared to Tuesday night’s performances from the guys.

The show started out with a bang, but soon dropped like a two-ton, heavy thing.  From the top:

Carly “Pub Girl” Smithson - Carly works in an Irish bar and owns a tattoo shop, but loves to clean and cook - now Paula, here is a girl for you with many “colors” in her rainbow.  Taking a tip from the Michael Johns’ school of song selection, Carly chose a song she loves and always wanted to sing on AI - thankfully, it was a good one.  She had the best vocal of the night by far, and she looked great.  I think she wore those boots last week, but they made much more of a statement with this week’s outfit.  Overall great performance, but she needs to stop dancing like Michael Johns, because when wearing low cut tops the girlie parts tend to start jigglin’ and it can be quite distracting.

Syesha “DeWayne is My Manservant” Mercado - Watching an adult woman smile almost sadisticly while mimicking the sound of  a very unhappy infant is just the creepiest thing this side of Neverland Ranch, thankyouverymuch.  I much prefer the Britney impressions from Kady Malloy.  Syesha, well - I am liking her less and less.  She lost her pitch on all the low notes, and I am of the belief that unless she’s shouting it, she ain’t hittin’ it.  The peformance was trying to be sultry and sweet, but was more nightclub-ish karaoke and forgettable.  And enough with the hula hoop earrings people!

Brooke “Beauty School Dropout” White - A ridiculously safe choice of song, but it suited her and will definitely keep her in the running for the top 10.  Her vocal didn’t showcase a high degree of difficulty, but it played to her strengths and the guitar definitely kept her shiny happy dance moves in check.  Her top and boots were tres chic, and it is good to see that ol’ Simey can still bring out the sass in such a syrupy sweet girl.

Ramiele “Don’t Call Me Lullaby” Malubay - The judges weren’t too impressed by “Rami” last night, and while I agree that she is definitely capable of better, she wasn’t awful - the arrangement of the song was, however.  The flow of the chorus was totally off, and just didn’t make me feel like dancin’.  The outfit was all wrong for this type of song, as well.  She shoulda glammed it up a bit.  If she doesn’t do something to step up her stage presence, she could go the way of Season 5’s early eliminated P.Y.T. (Petite Young Thing) - Lisa Tucker.  Besides, I think these super skinny jeans she keeps wearing put her at serious risk of Camelus Toeitis.

Kristy Lee “The Decontaminated” Cook - I guess taking 5 different antibiotics makes your performance more RObotic - at least that is how Kristy justified last week’s flu-induced freakshow.  Kristy does have a voice with a lot of potential, if she could pull herself away from the LAME song choices.  It was good to see that she shunned the Shania stage moves and facial expressions, and found herself a pseudo-rock stance instead.  Girlfriend’s performance was most improved of the week (except for maybe Carly), and she has already earned more rock cred in one show than Robbie has all season.

Amanda “Brace Yourselves!” Overmyer - Oh Ryan, thanks for the warning.  We had no idea what was coming our way, we should have taken heed of your warning.  This was a performance for the American Idol history books, for sho.  Cruella Joplin was apparently in the mood for a melody, but melody apparently wanted no part of Amanda.  She busted some high energy moves, but how will my bleeding ears ever recover enough to enjoy “Carry On Wayward Son” while playing Guitar Hero III ever again?  Assuming she goes home this week, hopefully she will leave some of her hair volumizing product with fellow rocker David Cook.

Alaina “Foodie Phobe” Whitaker - Predictable, pitchy and pageanty.  And that is all I have to say about that.

Alexandrea “Random” Lushington - I know I am an old fart, but I didn’t get Alex’s look last night - especially when you pair it with a moody, mellow Chicago song.  It seemed very random, almost as if “the package” was wrapped up in (or maybe something changed) the very last minute.  Speaking of random - am I the only one that thinks she sounds like she skips around in different keys within a song?  It’s so trippy how she do.  I would like to see her back for another week - not so much based on her talent, but that I kinda like her.  Most of the girls could learn a lesson in humility from her.

Kady ”It’s Kay-tee!” Malloy - Better start praying for Opera theme week (if you see another week), young Kady - for your hopes for pop stardom of a Britney magnitude in are dwindling fast.  Mr. Jovi claimed that this performance put his feet to sleep - if only it had put my ears to sleep, as well.  The girl has talent up the wazoo (and probably other places, as well), but she has no idea where or how to showcase it.  She seems really immature, and I suspect this is her roadblock right now.

Asia’h “The H Whisperer” Epperson - Uh, the hair extensions really weren’t working for me for her.  She kept stroking them as she sang, and I kept waiting for her to start sucking on it or chewing it like the girls with really long hair back in elementary school.  *SHUDDER*  She stood out before with her shorter, spunkier hairstyle, so I hope she reconsiders the new ‘do.  I don’t think her vocal was bad, in spite of the incredible disappearing note early in the song.  That being said, she just isn’t a Whitney, Celine or Mariah type of singer, and should stay far away from any song these chicks ever sang or thought about sangin’.  Some risks just aren’t worth splittin’ seams on your dress while trying to hit a note.

My predictions on who will go home tonight - while typically not very accurate - are mathematically calculated by a very respected consensus of scientists, so don’t be hatin’:

Baby Come Back:  David Archuleta, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, David Hernandez, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and Ramiele Malubay

We’ve Only Just Begun: Danny Noriega, Chikezie, David Cook, Kristy Lee Cook, Alaina Whitaker, Alexandrea Lushington and Asia’h Epperson

Don’t Give Up On Us, Baby: Luke Menard, Robbie Carrico, Jason Yeager, Syesha Mercado, Amanda Overmyer and Kady Malloy

Dust In The Wind: Robbie Carrico, Jason Yeager, Amanda Overmyer and Kady Malloy

See you in the emergency room!

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 7:46 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

Wow - this whole affirmative action thing isn’t working out so well for Idol this year, is it?  Comparing the boys versus the girls, it became pretty apparent to me this week that the ratio of the genders would be completely different after this week if the 12 boys and 12 girls rule of the competition was abolished.  Dear FOX, ‘fair and balanced’ is nice in theory, but it doesn’t always accomplish the goal of entertainment.

Randy advised the boys that they needed to “Bring it hard tonight!”  Naughty double entendres aside, the boys did bring it.  The ones that didn’t know who they are.  *Cough*Robbie*Cough!

From the top:

Michael “A Bit if a Joke? No, JOCK” Johns - To an American, calling yourself “a bit of a jock” in an Australian accent sounds like you are being self-depreciating, which I find charming.  When I saw him cavorting about the tennis court, I “got” what he really said, and the charm dimmed.  Shorter tennis shorts might have helped - just sayin’.  I liked that Mikey stepped outside the typical Idol song choice box and sang a Fleetwood Mac joint.  He admitted that his choice was totally self-serving - and while not his most memorable vocal, I thought he sang the crap outta the chorus - in spite of the song being imprinted in my mind as a very collective vocal type of song.  On the down side, he needs some new stage moves that don’t remind me of a Billy Graham tent revival, and the awkward pause mid performance sounded like he forgot the lyrics.  (Maybe he did?)  He wasn’t the only one that took the risk of singing “band” songs, rather than singer songs - but he came out smellin’ better than his counterparts. 

Jason “Sellin’ the Schmaltz” Castro - If Jason is selling “schmaltzy”, then I am buyin’.  I find this guy so appealing - it is fun to watch his transformation from pre-performance banter with Ryan to the moment he begins to sing.  The nerves disappear before your eyes, and he has such a laid-back, calming presence on stage.  The judges were complaining that he used the guitar TWICE in a row - quite the controversy (how dare he!) - but I think the guitar is the way he is making his mark on the show, and I love him with it.  As a child of the 70’s, I was delighted to hear someone pick a song from the first man that hung on my wall (again, this sounds more criminal than it was), Andy Gibb.  Don’t knock my Andy’s songs, Simon - dont you know who is is?  The baby brother of Barry F-in’ Gibb!

Luke “The Dawson” Menard - I’ll give OrBlando points for being better than last week, but I don’t know that I can say that I enjoyed his helium-filled, nasally take on “Killer Queen”.  I was left wondering if perhaps Joanne Borgella donated her helium tank to him upon her exit last week.  I shouldn’t be so rough on the guy, but this Luke is no “cool hand”, seeming to be out of his a cappella element - like he has no biz-niz being in the Freddie Mercury wheelhouse, man.  Oh Luke, you wild, beautiful thing. You crazy handful of nothin’.

Robbie “The Rocker Postiche” Carrico - Wow… there is just so much about this guy that reeks of pretense, I don’t know where to start.  Now Robbie fans, don’t take me down - this all comes from the perspective of a real rock fan, who used to eat, sleep and breathe Def Leppard and AC/DC records back in my pre-teen, teen, young adult (you get my drift) days.  Looking at me now, you would never believe I was that kid, and some might discredit my “rock loyalty” because I also enjoy a lot of pop music and even the occasional spin of Michael Buble.  However, the thing that I feel makes me “real” as a rock devotee is that when someone doesn’t buy it from me, I really don’t care.  I never defend it.  Robbie, on the other hand, takes SO much offense when his rock roots come into question, that I have to believe this is all some ill-conceived plan to be the next Bo Bice or Daughtry, going horribly awry.  The evidence is in the performances - if you watch him closely, every move he makes while performing is right out of the Backstreet Boy playbook - from the upward tilt of the microphone, to the back and forth head groove, to the lift and stomp motion of his feet.  Plus, most real rock performers would consider it to be in poor “rock dude form” to use finger numbers when describing their 103 degree carnal fever.

Danny “Ish” Noriega - I have seen this love/hate thing going on with Danny in the Idol community… me, I am on Team Love when it comes to my little Diva.  The kid really has potential, but just hasn’t come close to picking that magical song yet.  I really dug Danny’s look this week - his checkered cardigan reminded me of my man Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick, (back in his younger, skinnier days).  While “Superstar” might be a good song choice on paper, the performance came off a little bland due to the sloooow arrangement of the song, and I feel it zapped the hipness and sparkle out of his performance.  If he can find a song that connects with his free spirit and amazing vocal range, it could make the competition very interesting.

David “Mitch Gaylord” Hernandez - I read a blog the other day that was discussing dark horse contestants in American Idol history, and who might be this year’s dark horse.  My pick would be David.  His performance seemed much less stiff this week (perhaps he is relaxing by spending his down time on the balance beam) - though he still needs to watch his eye movements (physically impossible, I know - I meant in the mirror, people), because they tend to get really big and verge on appearing deranged.  He chooses unexpected songs that I don’t necessarily like, but the way he sings them makes me like them, if that makes sense.  Simon is raising his hands and proclaiming his fandom for David H., and so am I.

Jason “I Need A Jäger” Yeager - Jason’s stock dropped for me dramatically this week when rumors surfaced of him fathering his follicularly forlorn child with a 14 year old girl when he was 18.  Shiny Iceman teeth just aren’t enough anymore, dude.  Your (former) girl Jovi is officially creeped out.  Thank goodness the performance stank, no reason he should stick around any longer.  Besides, since when does it makes sense to sing a free-spirited Doobie Brothers tune with your shirt tucked in?  That’s just darn goofy, if you ask me.  He should have considered adding a white jacket, white shoes, and sang a Bee Gees tune.

Chikezie “Without the Eze, if You Pleasie” - Chikezie’s fashion choices defy all logic, if you ask me.  Last week he sported a yam-colored ensemble which bordered on the “leisure suit” category made popular in the 70’s, and this week he opted for the 80’s trend - jeans and layered polo shirts, and what I thought looked like a calculator watch sewn into a terrycloth wristband.  He looked decidedly less ridiculous, but homeboy is just off when it comes to dressing decade appropriate.  Is he just trying to appear to be ahead of his time?  Fashion faux pas aside, he sang great, and the song choice fit him perfectly.  He needs to start holding his tongue with Simon, though - the wardrobe jokes, while funny, will only serve as disrespect when said over and over by a contestant.  That is why it is good to be a blogger - we can rip on Simon’s nature sweater and grayscale color preferences until the end if time!

David “Wordy Nerdlinger” Cook - I didn’t think that David Cook could appear to be any more of a moody coffeehouse dweller, but then he embraced his inner “geek for vocabulary” in his Idol interview.  It is all very clear now.  I was happy to see that David is toning down the easter egg hair - now let’s do something about the shape of it, shall we?  Also, was the bandana hanging from the back pocket mistakenly left there by Robbie Carrico, or does David Cook just want to change some oil and wipe some dipsticks?  I should back off, because in honesty, David’s vocal was actually really good this week - plus he plugged in his guitar, which is pretty much always a plus in my book.  Now if he will stop winking at the camera as if he is looking in the mirror… and somebody please give him the memo that if you are gonna slam Simon, it had better be funny, or he will take you down faster than you can say ’self-destructive’. 

David “The Chosen One” Archuleta - There’s a sweet co-inkydink in the fact that David had the opportunity to sing in front of the Season 1 Idols (including Kelly Clarkson) in a hotel lobby when he was just 11 years young.  With this week’s performance, we have found what I believe will be the male version of Kelly.  While I am no fan of the sociopolitical message of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, I can’t deny the chills-inducing effect the song’s gorgeous melody has over me when performed well - and David, to put it simply… nailed it.  The arrangement was smart (leaving out the lyric that disses religion - a good way to avoid the potential p-off of middle America), and the vocal was full of emotion, and patient to perfection.  A performance America won’t soon forget, and I can’t wait to see what he does next week.  Let’s hope that the Idol producers keep Paula and her twisted ambitions of a headless David dangling from her rear view mirror FAR AWAY from America’s newest star. 

Up next - the girls. As Simon would say in his most sarcastic of moments… Whoopie.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 5:33 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

To me, Cate West just sounds like a cool name.  Welcome to the brand new hidden object game available at Jenkat Games, courtesy from our friends at Gamenauts.  Cate West: The Vanishing Files is the new favorite on the block and once you give it a try, you’ll see why. 

With over 75 levels of fun and multiple endings (now that is something that I can really appreciate - Kudos to the developer on giving us something great), make sure you find some time this week to download and play Cate West.

Cate West: The Vanishing Files Game Download
http://www.jenkatgames.com/download/Cate-West-The-Vanishing-Files/

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 9:40 pm and is filed under Games.

After the cancelation of two shows in Virginia and Georgia, there are rumors that Diamond David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen are once again butting heads.  “They” say that Dave has become increasingly frustrated by Ed’s guitar playing, if you can believe that.  Apparently Eddie has been forgetting where he is while playing, leading to him playing a different part of the song while the rest of the band is playing the correct part.

It doesn’t help either that ”they” are saying that Ed might be drinking again and health problems including hearing loss could be affecting one of the great guitarists of all-time.

My Top 5 Guitarists of All-Time:

1) Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
2) The Edge (U2)
3) Brian May (Queen)
4) Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
5) Angus Young (AC/DC) and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) (tie) 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 9:29 pm and is filed under Music.

What would be the greatest game ever?  How about Pac-man meets Tetris meets The Sims.  Wow, that would be pretty good.  How about the second greatest game ever?  Yep, combining the two hottest genre types of games in the online games space right now:  Hidden Object and Time Management. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Go-Go Gourmet, one of the first games that combines both of these wonderful genres.  The game features seven different restaurants you can run, plus about two dozen recipes that you can create.  If you have some time today, make sure you download Go-Go Gourmet - It’s a great game.

Go-Go Gourmet Game Download
http://www.jenkatgames.com/download/Go-Go-Gourmet/

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 9:17 pm and is filed under Games.

As Mr. Jovi and I watched last week’s American Idol results show, my better half submitted for my consideration what just might be the most relevant Idol question EVER:

Why is it that the eliminated Idols are always given a second opportunity to sing their song of shame after being eliminated? 

He suggested that the top 2 vote-getters should be the ones that are brought back out to sing.  I am not convinced that this would be the right formula, but he has a point.  This is how they do on Idol wannabe shows like Rock Star (INXS and Supernova) on CBS, and to date that hasn’t worked out so well for those shows from a ratings standpoint.  I don’t know what the magic answer is, but I can tell you that if I could hear a decent (or at least interesting) performance at the end of the results show, it would make that 60 minute walk to the Idol chopping block much more bearable.

Some other questions and musings from the eliminations (inquiring minds want to know!):

- Just how high would Paula Abdul’s ‘comeback’ actually rank if she had to sing live and “shake what Mama Abdul gave her” in front of  the self-appointed critics in the American Idol audience?  Maybe Randy Jackson should consider Robbie Carrico’s super ex-girlfriend Britney for his next career revival project.

- What was Simon chewing at the beginning of the show?  The unabashedly cantankerous Mr. Cowell was back and in the hizzouse fo’ shizz, baby!  Maybe he is back on his preferred Idol diet of razor blades and the much-pimped Idol beverage of choice - Coca Cola!  His snark definitely appears to have returned to its optimum fighting weight.

- Does Simon really drink Coca Cola, or is it actually the tears of Ramiele Malubay?

- Did the 60’s medley make anyone else long for some of that Brady Bunch edge?  The outfits were kinda hot for the most part - except for maybe Alaina’s.  She resembled Brady sibling Jan… and we all know that Jan was never the hot one.

- Where can I get myself a Simon’s-head-on-a-stick mask?

- Does anyone else think that Amanda Overmyer is considering divorcing herself from the competition on the grounds of cruel and unusual punishment - for being forced to participate in the cheesy medley plus choreography of shame?  She seemed to be mentally absent, as if trying to envision herself in a more soothing happy place - like the dentist’s chair.

- Was American Idol fan Quentin Tarantino consulted on the boys’ couture ensembles for the show?  Them dudes looked straight outta Reservoir Dogs. 

- Was Garrett Haley’s skimpy ’stache trimmed to appear identical to how it looked two nights prior?  If that look was intentional, Lord help us all.  Good on Garrett for being concerned about remembering his words - too bad no one will remember that he remembered them.

- Did Amy Davis‘ microphone look like a “pleasure device” to anyone else as she sang?  Her obvious nervous twitching of her hand made the mic appear to be um, pulsating.  Lucky for her this was overshadowed by an even MORE out of tune performance than the previous night, reminding me of the Cameron Diaz karaoke scene in “My Best Friend’s Wedding”.  Oy.

- Has an investigation been launched in regards to the apparent detachment of Joanne Borgella’s helium tank?  Her farewell performance was MUCH (a hundred trazillion percent, in fact) better than her performance the previous night.

- Did I actually see the reflection of a tear on David Cook’s face while the ousted Colton Berry performed the now bona fide sayonara song, “Suspicious Minds”?  Maybe he was sad because he is growing concerned that it will not be as easy to be crowned “The New Daughtry” as the Idol producers led him to believe it would be.

and lastly:

- Just what theme will the Powers That Be dazzle us with this week?  The National Anthems of Former Communist States… maybe Bah-Chicka-Wah-Wah - Songs from Adult Movie Soundtracks… or perhaps Novelty Disco Hits as Peformed By Radio Disc Jockeys?

Can’t wait!

This entry was posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 5:25 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

Hey Idol-izers!

I didn’t get time to write up my recap of this week’s Result’s show this afternoon, so I hope you will check this space over the weekend to read my Idol (or is it Idle?) babble.

Until then, here is a video of my favorite Season 7 rejected contestant - James Lewis.  The Idol fan community is all abuzz about how all the women my age want to adopt David Archuleta.  I adore David, but if I had my ‘druthers, I would take James home to be my honey bun, sugar plum, pumbie-umbie-umpkin.  What great times we would share, discussing politics and Paul Robeson after dinner… then I would tuck him into bed, and hum Pearl Jam songs as he fell asleep.

Speaking of sleep, I think I need some.  Here’s a giggle for ya. 

 

This entry was posted on Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at 11:48 pm and is filed under Videos, Television, American Idol.

Hmm ain’t no universe I ever heard of.  They speak English in Hmm?

Ah, good times last night - GOOD TIMES.  I was very entertained by the dizzy banter from the judges - particularly from Simon, and his tales of “washing up liquid” and his own private Idaho… his universe, which goes by the name “Hmm?”  And Pauler’s cavewoman hairdo was almost more comical than my splitting sides could bear!  Comedic brilliance!

Unfortunately, the girls’ performances were not as entertaining as the segments in between.  Blame it on the flu, I guess - but my theory is that the Top 24 contestants really aren’t as good as they have been hyped to be.  I can’t believe that The ‘Crest would lie to me like this, especially after all we have been through.

Okay, on with the summary - Jovi style - of Top 12 Ladies Night:

KRISTY LEE COOK - Kristy seems to be in good with the stylists, because she looked as fetching as a girl with the flu can look - other than the poor choice of top that lacked a discreet placement for her mic pack.  This critical error made KLC appear to have a third boob on her back.  Her hair and makeup were very nice, though.  As far as performance goes… anyone that knows me knows that I am a consumer of all things Mutt Lange - therefore, I have seen a performance or two from his country superstar wife, Shania Twain.  Head on over to YouTube and search for any concert performances by Shania, and it becomes pretty apparent where Kristy has been training for the Idol competition.  It’s uncanny - it’s like she’s a Stepford Shania.  Her song choice was so not right for her, and the vocals were lackluster.  She will certainly stick around based on her looks alone, but she’d better improve when it comes to choosing her songs, if she hopes to make it into the Top 12.  She just seems to have no idea who she is.

JOANNE BORGELLA - Hey, did you know that Joanne is plus-sized?  And a model?  Tell me something new about this girl, she is putting me to sleep!  Until she starts to sing, that is… then the shrillness of her voices perks me right up - not so much in the manner of a strong espresso… more like an Encyclopedia Brittanica smashing me in the face while taking an ice cold shower and chewing on tin foil.  The judges commented on her nerves - I didn’t get that.  She seemed very confident to me.  She was obviously the lesser of the two evils when paired with Cardin McKinney, but I can’t believe this is who we get while my homegirl Angela Martin was cut in Hollywood week.  Any contestant that shares the same name as any character on The Office should be a shoo-in, if you ask me.

ALAINA WHITAKER - While I can admit that that Alaina is very pretty, bubbly, and a decent singer, I honestly couldn’t care less about her.  I don’t think I have been this indifferent about any Idol contestant since Sarah Mather in Season 4.  The only thing I find memorable about her is the obvious Carrie Underwood resemblance.  The arrangement of her chosen song dragged for me, and her vocal runs just sounded plain awkward.  Top that off with birthday vote begging, and you’ve lost me.

AMANDA OVERMYER - Amanda has sworn off Janis!  Grande bonus points for that, babe.  While I don’t think Amanda is an over-the-top talented or remotely current rock singer, her attitude and stage presence is really fun to have in the Idol mix.  Plus, I can’t wait to see what happens when the stylists really take over and makeover that Halloween hair.  I am seeing some Amy Winehouse tendencies in her coif, which is never a good thing.  Her song choice was safe (at least it wasn’t Janis!), and I could not understand half of what she was singing (”Baby peas don’t go”?)…  However, she was pitch perfect, and I giggled at how she magnified Seacrest’s lack of coolness.  Fine family biker bar fun!

AMY DAVIS - Oh, Amy.  It’s so over.  That was the most uncomfortable moment I have seen on reality television in a while - and I have taken in episodes of “The Moment of Truth”, so that’s sayin’ something.  I don’t know what “scooping” up to a note means, but kids - I don’t recommend it.  Amy didn’t hit more than 10 notes in that performance, and I think she knew it.  As the song ended and the camera (unfortunately for her) zoomed in on her face, there was the most uncomfortable upper lip twitch as she held her last tuneless note.  I sensed great drama, crying and excuses around the corner, but I gotta hand it to her… she kept it together as the judges gave her the soft landing reality check about how much she stank on ice.

BROOKE WHITE - Brooke is like the twentysomething Hannah Montana just back from Lilith Fair, isn’t she?  She looks good, and her voice has potential to do be memorable… but her super-pure, shiny, happy personality just comes off as goofy and plain, and keeps her from crossing that memorable line.  It’s as if she marinates her entire body in yellow washing up liquid nightly before bed.  Lemony fresh!  And, at all costs, she should not dance while “getting her song slaying on”.  Girlfriend needs to start performing in front of a mirror, or get her keyboard back pronto, jack.

ALEXANDREA LUSHINGTON - I didn’t know what to expect from Alexandrea, as she’s has had very little exposure up to this point.  She was a much better performer than I expected, but I think she lost some of her focus on the vocals by going with so much ac-tion! in her performance.  The execution failed in some ways, but overall it was a plucky first showing - though I am not ready to join the Randy and Paula Extreme Praise Club and call her RELEVANT just yet.  I do hope to see more of the Denise Huxtable-meets-Debbie Gibson-meets-80’sdrag queen fashion ensembles, though. 

KADY MALLOY - While Kady didn’t exactly shine last night, I think she has the most bankable voice of the three Carrie Lites.  Her song choice stood out from the others - it was probably the least dated as far as melody goes.  I loved that she wore a dress - she was one of the few girls that actually didn’t look older than she is.  It is odd that once she begins to sing, the “lights just go out”.  There is no sparkle in her eyes, no visible passion being expressed as she performs, which doesn’t add up considering she consideres herself someone that is “obsessed” with music.  She seems like the type of girl who spends so much time stepping into the personalities of others, that she has not yet found one of her own.  Do they sell personality upgrades on Melrose?

ASIA’H EPPERSON - I am really bewildered that someone who reminds me so much of Rosie Perez can be so darned likeable.  Well, she was until she stepped all over my No Janis protests.  I had to dock points for that.  Lucky for her, she didn’t sound like Janis, and did a pretty decent job of making the song her own.  She’s fun, shows great spirit without attitude or overinflated sense of self.  She truly seems to be in the moment of the experience, so I say good for her, even if she isn’t my favorite singer.  She should watch her enunciation, though.  She tends to add h’s where they don’t belong, forcing them out with too much (h)air - or completely leaves them out like she did last night… “Take another little piece of my art, now baby…”

RAMIELE MALUBAY - Watch this horse, folks.  She is focused, and appears to be on a mission, much like her perky cohort Asia’h.  Her song choice was bo-ring, but her voice is really pleasant, and much more controlled and polished than most of the girls.  If she hooks up with a great song soon, Ramiele just might be the one to beat.  And if she finds herself in another pair of kickin’ shoes, Ryan just might steal them.

SYESHA MERCADO - I wanted to reach out to Syesha and tighten that scarf coiled around her skinny neck as she perched herself on the red couch, on her knees, talking to the camera rather than Ryan.  That was a wee bit highfalutin’ and screamed pretentiousness to me.  Then she came out and performed quite well, and picked the best song of the entire awful 60’s bunch.  “Tobacco Road” isn’t easy to pull off without sounding like a goober - but she did it.  Good on Syesha for trying hard… but for cripes sakes, she should quit trying SO hard.  Her personality reminds me of an unruly child in need of Ritalin.  Did anyone notice the camera shot of “Syesha’s friend” in the audience?  I was like “What”?!  Maybe we will get a glimpse of Colton’s mailman next week!

CARLY SMITHSON - So our much-favored tattoo shop owner without any love from her imploded label was given the end of show sweet spot to perform.  It’s so weird how these totally random decisions turn out.  I guess when you are a human Paula-ism - the “lucky coin in pocket” - good things just come your way.  Carly is a knockout girl, but unfortunately she dressed like anyone I might see hanging at the local pub on Friday night.  I expected her style on stage to be a little more interesting, so that was a bit of a letdown.  As soon as she started singing that crappy old song choice, I figured that she must be one of the sickies.  Her vocals were not as effortless as they have been in prior performances.  She did well considering, and worked out the big notes where she had to. 

Tonight is the 15th minute of fame is ticking away for 4 of the MOST TALENTED TOP 24 IN IDOL HISTORY!!, and here is how I predict it will go down tonight…

Bottom 3 girls:
Joanne
Amy
Kady

Bottom 3 guys:
Chikezie
Luke
Garrett

Say sayonara to…
Amy, Chikezie, Joanne and Garrett

Do you agree, or have I just jumped aboard the Simey Express to CrazyTown?

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 7:06 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

The brand new online version of Finders Keepers is now online at Jenkat Games.  This new version gives you a chance to try out another part of the download version of Finders Keepers.    Play the Bahamas levels features crazy sharks, devilish pirates and much more in Deadman’s Cay.  The other good news about this version if that we’ve increased the screen size, so you now have a bigger screen to play on.

So you love the North Pole version of the online game?  It’s still available in the download version.

Finders Keepers - The Bahamas Online Game
http://www.jenkatgames.com/online/Finders-Keepers/

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 5:36 pm and is filed under Jenkat, Games.

Tonight it’s the girls turn to wow us with the oh-so-current vocal stylings of the 1960’s.  I am just giddy with anticipation, as yet again I will get to digest a big ol’ helping of Janis Joplin karaoke.  Amanda Overmyer’s safety is in the bag this week - but of course I would never suggest or imply that the Idol producers had this in mind whilst considering this week’s theme.  The 60’s are a natural fit for 24 singers born post 1979.  If they can’t contemporize Three Dog Night, baby - then they just ain’t right for this competition, yo. 

*Sarcasm filter off*  Grr. 

Here is what I think the girls should sing, if we lived in a perfect world that was free from the Nigel Lythgoe brand of Idol Totalitarianism: 

Joanne Borgella - Joanne has the potential to have a very pretty falsetto, so she could do well with some Bee Gees, or even a little Jackson 5.

Kristy Lee Cook - Kristy will probably veer towards the safe side of the road at all times - and will stick to singing your typical Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Dixie Chick predictable country fare - if she ever decides to stop singing “Amazing Grace”.  How I would love to be surprised by young Kristy - maybe a little “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper?

Amy Davis - The only thing I can imagine this chick singing is “Don’tcha” by The Pussycat Dolls, accompanied by a pole dance.

Asia’h Epperson - She sounds like a girl that could sing anything - melodic rock, even.  So for fun, let’s stick with artists she can relate to… those named after a geographical location.  Europe.  Boston.  Kansas.  And of course - Asia!

Alexandrea Lushington - What I have seen of her so far suggests a militant vibe - probably the army green jacket.  I suggest “Toy Soldiers” by Martika or “Fighter” by Christina Auguilera.

Kady Malloy - I say Kady should separate herself from the predictable blond and country pack early.  Maybe some Heart or Pat Benatar.  She should go no further up the country meter than Jewel or Sheryl Crow, if she wants to stand out.  Pop music is the answer.

Ramiele Malubay - She reminds me of Tia Carrere, but vocally I think she is worthy of a song more soulful than “Ballroom Blitz”.  I predict she will be the first to try on a Kelly Clarkson song, when and if the Idol Theme Week Gestapo allows it.

Syesha Mercado - I dunno.  “Shout” by Tears For Fears.  That is what she does when she sings, ya’ll.  Or “Mediate” by INXS, as she apparently likes to communicate with signs.

Amanda Overmyer - I would love to hear Amanda sing anything by Pink, or maybe some Baba O’Riley by The Who.  But I beg and I plead… No.  More.  Janis.

Carly Smithson - I think Carly’s voice is perfect for an ABBA joint, yo.  And I still think “Whiskey In the Jar” would rock the hizzouse.

Alaina Whitaker - Meh, don’t really care.  Maybe she will change my mind tonight.  But I bet I could hold my breath until she-who-does-not-want-to-be-compared-to-Carrie-Underwood sings “Jesus Take the Wheel”, and survive.

Brooke White - I am not sure what Brooke’s niche will be - I am having a tough time putting a label on her.  (I really hate that.)  So, my song suggestions will be diverse - anything by Chantal Kreviazuk, Howard Jones or Dido.

On with the show - I hope we get a few surprises tonight - surprises are my favorite!   

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 at 8:35 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.