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It appears that after last night’s elimination of Jason Castro, all is just how it should be in Idol Land. Thank goodness Teflon®-coated Syesha will live to sing another day (I guess).  Well, when I say “all is well”, I mean - except for the fact that Michael Johns won’t be performing in the Top 3 while sporting a tight black t-shirt and leather pants… I do regret that I won’t be treated to an Aussie “gun show” come next week.  Other than that, things are fine and dandy.  And will continue to be so long as D-Cook continues to ride the wave.

I have to admit, after the season-long blubber-fest courtesy of nanny Brooke White, and then the tearful breakdown from Syesha this week - it was very refreshing to see a contestant head home that didn’t go all weepy and whiney on us.  Jason took it as well as any burner worth his salt (or “oregano”) should.  And even though his lost-lyric perfomance of Mr. Tambourine Man reminded me of this:

…he will live on in my heart as the guy whose most difficult challenge in life has been dealing with being dead brain… or is it brain dead?  Whatever.  We all have struggles.

Good luck to my personal favorite American Idol contestant named after a dictator, Jason Castro - as he heads off into the sunset to learn about Cuba, and have some food!

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2008 at 4:02 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

Well, there are only four Idol hopefuls left, and let’s be honest - by now it is more than obvious that our final two should (and probably will be) Little David vs. Big David.  I don’t know how many of you even pay attention, but I haven’t posted an Idol-related blog in about three weeks.  The reason being - the joy has been sucked out of the show for me this year.  Maybe it’s because I am in the middle of big changes in my personal and work life (good ones!), but the show just isn’t holding my attention like it did in seasons past.  I blame the producers for constantly trying to fix what isn’t broken, terrible theme weeks and overhyping the poor contestants to no end.

My initial horse in the race, Michael Johns, went home way too early, so I am probably just a wee bit bitter.  That aside, I just don’t see a lot of luster and star quality flowing forth from the remaining four contestants - save for my new object of affection - a.k.a. Big David.  If he doesn’t win this thing, then I will eat that newly purchased set of Tupperware awaiting delivery to my mother this Sunday.  He has the most potential for commercial success, he’s kinda sexy in spite of that big ol’ skull, and he seems to be the one that tries the hardest, and usually succeeds in his Idol experiements… thereby offering up the biggest reward for the audience.  His first song choice (in theory) should have been really good lfor him ast night (it wasn’t), and the second, while a great choice for him (Baba O’Riley RULES, thank you) might have been amazing had he not been required to cut the song down to a minute and a half.  As far as the “unworthy” go:

Jason Castro - Come on, the guy isn’t even trying.  He’s yawning on stage, and picking “Bob” songs (Dylan and Marley) to show off his vocal “skillz”?  Seriously.  Dude is not edgy enough to carry the name of a dictator… just go home and blaze up, already.

Syesha Mercado - Meh.  I never expected this girl to make the top 10, but apparently America loves shrieky, oversung R & B classics.  Girlfriend is made of Teflon®, but that won’t be enough to get her to the final two.  She definitely gets my vote for Best Dressed, but would Simon give a banger about that?

and lastly…

David Archleta, The Boy Wonder - This is where the hate comments and mail come in *see Jovi duck*.  For me, The Boy Wonder is sort of a younger Clay Aiken with higher testosterone levels.  Meaning - I don’t imagine that he will have much success anywhere other than the AC charts.  By the way, AC ain’t just the initials on David Cook’s guitar - it also means Adult Contemporary for those of us who aren’t Billboard chart geeks, right TC?    However, I am willing to concede that for the first time in weeks David finally came on and belted out a really memorable vocal last night - his version of “Stand By Me” was goosebump inducing for me (the runs in the chorus were like buttah), and he stood out amongst the grand pile of crap and mediocrity of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Week.  And, that includes my man David Cook - I luff him, but he is gonna have to BRING IT if he wants or expects to be the first rocker to take the pop idol title.

So, in a nutshell, that is where I am at.  Tonight, I really think anyone could go home, as wonky as this season has been thus far.  However, my money is riding on Jason Castro - I doubt The Powers That Be want him there anymore, and his fan base was likely too inebriated to vote.

What about you guys - is anyone here still watching the show, or have you all moved on to summer vacation without me?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 7:16 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

Children of the 80’s, I think you will all agree with me that no televison star from that era is more worthy of a career resurgence than our favorite housekeeper/boarding school mother figure - Charlotte Rae.  And, she is back with a vengeance, i.e., a promoted movie role:

‘Mrs. Garrett’ teaches Adam Sandler character facts of life

Spoiler alert!!!

Mrs. G as a cougar?  I haven’t even had dinner yet, but it already feels like dessert has been served… and then, came back up in my mouth a little bit.  Good on you, Mr. Sandler!

Now if only someone with comedic influence in Hollywood would offer up a comeback vehicle for Ms. Rae’s Facts of Life co-star, Blair Warner’s dear cousin Geri… she wasn’t too shabby on HBO’s Deadwood.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm and is filed under Television, Movies.

Well, I guess this would explain why Angela Kinsey’s character (Angela Martin) has been hiding behind a desk since The Office returned to the airwaves post-strike:

The Office’s Angela Kinsey Has a Baby Girl

Many congrats and best wishes to the happy couple!  In honor of the blessed event, you know I cannot resist posting an Office-related clip - actually, it is a song and a montage - but a great tribute, starring none other than new momma Angela in some of her funniest moments. 

This entry was posted on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 7:35 pm and is filed under Videos, Television.

Before I start my review, would like to publicly thank Teri Hatcher for:

a. Not singing again.

b. Not making out with Ryan in front of a photographic device.

c. For no longer making those annoying commercials with Howie Long.

Thank you, Teri.

Now, on with my emotional analysis of Mariah Carey night.  It actually wasn’t as bad as I had expected it to be - of course I hadn’t set the bar high in my mind, either.  Guess Mariah is a better songwriter than I had given her credit for, and she didn’t disappoint by proving that she lives up to the diva stereotype she has been pegged with for years.  I mean, she actually brought her dog to meet with the Idols.  Which begs the question: who would have thought that a dog could even live within earshot of her five octave vocal range?  Poor JJ must be deaf.

Quickie question - was Mariah sucking on some sort of voice enhancing cough drop, or does she always talk like that?  Curiouser and curiouser…

Anyway… the performances!

DAVID A. - Did my eyes deceive, or was our little teen dream sporting leather pants?  How edgy of him.  The Efron-esque coiffure was at maximum height, and that was about the only thing I can remember about this performance.  David is a vocal phenom, and I have conceded that he will likely win the crown this year - but for me, all of his performances are blending together in my mind - he is killing me softly with his songs.  All ballads, these days.  With He-Cook gaining steam of late, this would have been the week for Little Archie to really step it up and stand out, but I don’t think he did.  He seemed to lack confidence in his range, and although I think he was capable of hitting the upper and lower end of his register without effort, his voice became shallow, as if he was trying to stretch or fake it.  It was hard to tell whether he hit the intended mark, and I think that could hurt him, as this wasn’t really a fanbase rallying performance.

CARLY - While I still would not say she is dressing like a star, at least she was sensible enough to play down the tats, and play up the tatas.  If she sticks around another week, hopfully her hair will get the full McPhee treatment for next week’s performance, because so far, it just seems like she isn’t really trying.  I was excited about this song choice for Carly, but was a little disappointed that she didn’t cut loose on this song.  The arrangement seemed like it held her back too long, and then it was chorus overkill.  Carly’s perfect pop rock voice has wowed me from the get-go, but I am disappointed that she doesn’t seem comfortable raising the bar… maybe it’s because she is too accustomed to singing in one.

SYESHA - Bold choice of song, and the sparkly makeup and hair and shiny dress were very tasteful and lovely.  She could teach Carly a thing or two about on stage style.  However, while Carly seems under-confident, I think Syesha sees herself as a bigger talent than she actually is.  Pretty good pitch, but she doesn’t have the strength in her voice to support the runs - one towards the end reminded me of an engine that won’t turn over on a cold winter morning.  And, I kind of have to agree with Simon that choosing a lesser known song is not in her best interest right now in many ways - but in fairness, she would obviously not be able to avoid comparisons on a more familiar Mariah song.  In the words of Chet Donnelly:  “You’re stewed, buttwad!”

BROOKE - I think Brooke looked her best last night.  I never imagined the resident sunshine girl in a sequined black frock, but she looked fabu in it.  It kind of de-prissed her, which was a welcome vibe for me for her.  While “Hero” is by far one of my least favorite Mariah songs, I will credit Brooke for delievering a sincere interpretation, and she did okay given the fact that she is pretty much the anti-Mariah.  She might have got away with it, too - if it weren’t for those pesky words that got away from her at the end the song.  She seemed to be having a mini-stroke with all the quivering and rushed breathing (maybe it was the arrangement?), and I think she is now perched on the bubble.  Simon summed it up well in his fast food analogy… comparisons kill and indifference maims. 

KRISTY - Did she and Syesha share a dress last night?  No matter, she looked lovely - but the smoove hair ’stentions made me wonder if she was trying too hard to look “Mariah-ish”.  A few weeks ago, this would have been pretty darn good - typcial Kristy Lee pitch problems and all.  This week - not so much.  I suspect KLC will again have her “Kristy’s Seat” note in hand come results time tonight.

*I found the Ramiele Malubay sighting amusing, if only for the fact that Ryan proved how incapable he is of dressing himself.*

SKULLY - D-Cook hit the stage looking much healthier this week, and I was glad to see it.  As for the performance, well… in a word, brilliant.  I hereby take back all my snotty remarks from the beginning of the season; because Skully, you complete me, and have earned my undying love and devotion.  For the first time since Bo Bice was on the show, one contestant got ALL my votes of the night prior to the finale.  David knows who he is, but more important than that, he has an unmatched gift (at least on this show) for conveying that to the audience.  Now that Dave is showing his tender soul, I’m so lovin’ it.

JASON - I was admittedly a little concerned to see the Bedreaded Dictator perched atop that stool sans gee-tar - but all in all, I think he delivered the goods we have come to expect.  Very solid vocal, but certainly not a performance that will stand out for me - the fact that he followed Skully doesn’t help there.  I kind of got what Randy said about the “weird, beach luau” - but since when is a luau a bad thing?  Pass the poi, and try not to smoke my lei, mister Castro!  A screensaver with moonlit ocean waves and glowing tiki torches would have set the mood pefrectly, and Simon’s man-boobs could certainly benefit from the support and separation of a nice coconut bra.  The hairy coconut skin would even blend well with his nature sweater…

Disclaimer:  The paragraph above was read at your own risk - I cannot be held responsible for any mental trauma that occurs as a result of that imagery.

So, after last week’s shock and awww, I can’t even begin to predict how it will go down on tonight’s Results show.  American Idol voters have obviously become tone deaf, obsessed with image over talent, or too dang lazy to vote for the good performers - so I’ve pretty much stopped pretending to care.

If it were my call to make, the bottom three would be Brooke (for being a one-trick pony), Kristy Lee (for riding imaginary ponies while she sings and for just not being that good, Will Hunting) and Syesha (for acting like she would rather be anywhere but onstage when she isn’t singing).  Carly could find herself in the B3, but I am guessing that she picked up a few of Michael Johns’ votes this week.

Going home - it will definitely be a chick.  The optimist in me thinks it will probably a chick named Syesha.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 3:03 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

It is Tuesday, so I thought it was time for me to end my period of mourning brought about by the early departure of Michael Johns, also known as my Sweet Saucy Aussie.  American Idol voters - you know I love you, but I think you have gone and lost yo’ dang mind.  Now that I have said my peace, let’s look ahead to tonight’s show/potential train wreck.

Word on the street has it that Mariah Carey is this week’s Idol mentor.  Given the abundance of criticism towards Syesha Mercado and her Whitney-wannabe-ish performances, is it really such a good idea for the Idols to be forced to perform Mariah Frakkin’ Carey songs?  I am not exactly a fan of ”Mimi” - most of her stuff in the last ten years has consisted of collaborations with the likes of “artists” I just don’t get (O.D.B., anyone?)  However, I am willing to admit that she does have an incredible talent, even if it is diminished by her lack of clothing and a pretentious personality. 

I think I am familiar enough with Mariah’s music to know that the girls probably don’t stand a chance of impressing the judges tonight.  Season after season, we hear pretty harsh criticism towards any attempt to perform songs originally done (or done well) by vocal heavyweights like Mariah, Celine and Whitney - so this particular theme strikes me as hypocritical.  But, Ms. Carey has a CD out this week, and I am sure her record company has promotional dollars to spend - so, we lucky Idol fans get Mariah week on American Idol.  Forgive me if I don’t jump out of my Mimi-approved daisy dukes and stiletto pumps. 

While I know the remaining seven contestants have already selected their tunes for Mariah week well in advance of this posting, I thought I would go ahead and post what I would like to hear them sing, in a perfect Idol world…. which it isn’t, obviously.  My dearly departed Michael Johns won’t be around to sing the socks off of “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak”, so boo I say. 

As for the chosen seven, I would love to hear it go down like this tonight:

BROOKE - We gotta face facts… if Brooke attempts to shake what her mamma gave her, she’s dead meat.  So, I would suggest that she take a ballad and Norah Jones-ify it.  Maybe “Vision of Love” or “I Still Believe” - though, pretty much any Mariah song is out of her wheelhouse, so I gotta wish her luck.

CARLY - Carly needs to get that trademark Irish scowl off of her perfectly pancaked puss, and pronto.  Her voice is probably the best qualified to sing poppish hits like “Fantasy” or “Dreamlover”, which would be fun to watch her attempt.  But, the rock chick in Carly is a little like a weed that won’t let the pop voice thrive, so I would bet my euros that she once again goes for the dramatic, angsty ballad, hoping that America will forgive her if she sings loud enough.

DAVID ARCHIE - “Anytime You Need a Friend” or “I’ll Be There” - just ’cause… you know he will.

DAVID COOK - For me, Skully has proven that he can sing just about anything (have you heard him during the group numbers?)…  Last week was a rough one vocally, so I would like to see him belt out a big, soaring melody with a little grunge around the edges - maybe “One Sweet Day” or “Without You”.

CASTRO - As long as Jason remains charming and comically aloof, he will be in like flynn for another week.  “We Belong Together” has a mellow, cool groove that might be interesting - but I would delight at the sound of a breathy male vocal on a gorgeous melody like “Love Takes Time”.

KRISTY LEE - “Always Be My Baby” or “Against All Odds” seem like obvious choices, because I doubt she has ever heard any other Mariah songs.  And, she already did a Journey song this season.

SYESHA - “Through the Rain” would be a good choice for me for her - the vocal is kind of whispery, and the quieter her voice, the less annoying she is to me.  Except when she is holding signs up to the camera.  Ugh, Broadway is calling.  Be gone already, SyNOsha.

Speaking of - does anyone have the odds on the likelihood of Syesha breaking out the ol’ whistle register again?  Mercy.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.

Well, it’s that time again on American Idol where we self-appointed talent critics get to put our snarky hats on the rack and connect with our generous and emotional sides… yes, I have one.  Don’t let our resident Finders Keepers addict Leigh tell you any different. 

I am actually really excited for the shows this week.  I thought last year’s Idol Gives Back show was well done, and I actually found it much more entertaining than the much-hyped finale.  This season’s should be just as good, as the stars scheduled to appear (and I am fairly certain they did, as the show was taped Sunday night) include: Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Robin Williams, Eli and Peyton Manning, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, Reese Witherspoon — and, my personal American Idols — Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart.  Unfotunately for me, Fergie is performing with them, and apparently does some gymnastic-ish moves during the performance?  Guess if you can’t sing like Ann Wilson, it takes a little creative performing to get you noticed.  Might be worth trying, especially if your name is Kristy Lee Cook… just sayin’.

Anyway, to get us back on track and in the charitable frame of mind, here is a clip of my favorite performance from the IGB shindig last year - Josh Groban singing “You Raise Me Up” with the African Children’s Choir:

 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm and is filed under Videos, Television, American Idol.

Is your dream to hang out at the Bada Bing?  Do you wish that Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha were your BFF’s?  Would you love to have Johnny Drama make you breakfast every morning? 

Then, this deal is for you, because you are probably an HBO junkie like me.  Today, from noon until 4PM Eastern Time, save 20% on anything you purchase from the HBO.com store.  Plus, free shipping on DVD’s.  No code necessary, the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

VISIT THE HBO.COM STORE NOW

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 11:44 am and is filed under Deals, Television.

Okay… promise not to laugh?

I am a thirtysomething year old woman that is actually fighting the temptation to watch a new reality show on *gulp*… MTV.  Don’t get me wrong - I wanted my MTV more than I wanted a boyfriend back in my rebellious teenage years.  But let’s face it, the M in MTV no longer signifies music (videos)… actually, I am of of the belief that it now stands for “Morally Bankrupt”, but that would be two words, wouldn’t it?

So, just what is the new show luring me to back my former favorite cable hangout?  The show is called Rock The Cradle, and the premise of the show is a musical competition between children of famous rock stars (I use that term lightly, you’ll see why when you read the list below).  As contrived as it sounds, the American Idol fanatic in me is finding it difficult to resist.  I guess part of me also worries that I might tune into The Hills by accident. 

The cast of competitors includes quite a sampling of has-been rock star spawn:

A’Keiba Burrell, the daughter of MC Hammer - so you know you can’t touch this.

Landon Brown, son of Bobby Brown - yes, that Bobby Brown.  I guess Whitney wasn’t his first babymama.

Lara Johnston, daughter of  Tom Johnston - who?  Oooh, he is apparently a Doobie Brother.

Chloe Lattanzi, daughter of Olivia Newton-John - I only wish that John Travolta’s son was involved.  Danny and Sandy, Part 2!

Crosby Loggins, son of Kenny Loggins - I wonder if this kid knows how underrated his papa is.  Play the theme from Caddyshack II (Nobody’s Fool), and try not to dance.  I dare ya.

Jesse Money, daughter of Eddie Money - can’t beat a last name like Money!

Jesse Blaze Snider, son of Dee Snider - actually, maybe this guy has the better stage name in “Blaze”.

Albert J. Brown IV, son of  Al B. Sure! - he definitely didn’t inherit his pop’s star quality moniker; sounds more like the same of a lawyer or accountant.

Lucy Walsh, daughter of Joe Walsh - who might have inherited some songwriting talent, giving her an edge.

So, if any of you have caught the show and found it entertaining - or not - please leave a comment, and let me know what you thought of the show.  I may just TiVo it this weekend in spite of the verbal flogging I am sure to incur from Mr. Jovi.  If any of you wanna ‘take the dive’ with me, first run episodes air on Thursdays at 10PM ET/PT - though, it is certain to be on auto-repeat throughout the weekend.  I think that is the way they do at MTV these days, innit?

This entry was posted on Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 4:59 pm and is filed under Music, Television.

Wow, today seems to be a sad Idol news day. I just read this:

Claudette Yamin, mother of singer Elliott, dies at 65

The story reports that Elliott Yamin’s sweet, adorable, supportive little momma passed away on Monday, presumably from complications from hip surgery. God rest her soul, and our condolances to Elliott and his family. Claudette Yamin was one of the most likeable Idol contestant family members that I can remember, and it’s a shame to hear she is no longer with us. 

A reason to take heart - at least our favorite Cook seems to be okay after last night’s hospital visit. And, we get to look forward to another week of the inferior Cook… and her “seat”.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 at 11:01 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.