StoneRose Valley My Thoughts, Expressions, and Passions

Once again, it’s that time of year. The Finale of finales’ has arrived.

We have Rod Stewart, Black-Eyed Peas, Cyndi Lauper, Lional Richie, Keith Urban, Queen Latifah, Carlos Santana, Jason Mraz, and David Cook, all gracing the stage tonight (reportedly).

Right now, we have the top thirteen performing Pink’s “So What”; great to see some old faces-Alexis Grace, for example! That was interesting; hearing the last words uttered by these thirteen contestants “I want to start a fight!”, while all decked out in white….yeah, this is american idol.

David Cook is performing “Permament” in honor of his brother, Adam, who passed away a few weeks ago. All the proceeds from the I-tunes sales of this song will go to charity.
It is wonderful to see David on this stage again…this man, is, IMO, hands-down the BEST american idol winner ever. He is the embodiment of everything that an A-I is supposed to be. He was obviously very touched by this song. That was another thing I loved about DC, the emotion he showed during his performances.

Now we get a tribute…Norman Gentle, anyone?
And I was right, Nick Mitchel, aka, Norman Gentle wins the male contestant tribute. And he takes the stage, singing for us one more time…wasn’t that something.

Queen Latifah is singing “Cue the Rain” with Lil Rounds…this is the kind of music Lil should be singing. But I’m tired of it already; can we move on now?

The top thirteen (minus Adam and Kris) are performing “I’m Yours” now with Jason Mraz; love Alexis Grace, as usual. She and Anoop each got their little solo’s.

Now we watch Kris’ journey through A-I…was so proud of him as I watched this.
We get to hear Kris perform with Keith Urban, “Kiss A Girl”.  These guys sound great together! Great choice putting Kris with Keith. Thoroughly enjoyed this performance.

The girls are performing now. Not liking Megan Joy or her outfit. Allison looks nice; Jasmine is darling! And Allison introduces Fergie…not one of my favorite singers out there. Now that number is over; Allison introduces Black-Eyed Peas. A-I blacks out a bit of the number…and when they brought it back, I changed the channel.

Back to the “Golden Idol”; tribute to those with the “best attitude”. Katrina; Tiffany Shedd; another girl in there; are the contenders….but the winner is Katrina. Yeah. Wasn’t a fan of her, either. So, once again, the channel changed.

Allison Iraheta takes the stage with Cyndi Lauper, singing “Time After Time”. Great performance by Allison. There’s something about this night; maybe because it’s no longer a competition, but more a time to have fun. Just much more relaxed.

Ryan talks with both Kris and Adam’s parents.

Back to the stage is Danny Gokey, singing “Hello”. Awesome song-one of my fav’s ever since DC did it last year. Danny’s performance is no David, but still quite enjoyable. Good song for him. Now Danny introduces Lional Richie for their duet; they’re doing a medley of Richie’s songs. Loved this! Also, this was the sort of music Danny said he wanted to do. I would definitely buy his album.

Now we get a glimpse of Adam’s journey….What in the world is he wearing?! That was a boring song….Now he’s singing with Kiss. All I can say is…did we just get transported to the circus?! These people are seriously disturbing. But Adam fits right in. I can’t say anything more about this. The scream in the middle didn’t even sound like it fit in the song, but it was like they said, “oh, we have to put an Adam signature scream in”, and so did. Just weird.

Guitar legend Carlos Santana is performing “Black Magic Woman”….we hear an awesome solo by Matt. Now we get the top thirteen for “Smooth”. Adam heads the group up; Jorge follows with some creepy moves; and then some awesome solo’s by Kris and Danny. Great number! Absolutely loved it!

Ryan promises the results soon. Final Ford Music Video…nice one; featuring clips from all the video’s this season…the song is “I Will Remember You”. David Cook shows up to hand over the keys for the guys new Ford Fusions….man, I need to get on this show.

Steve Martin, Megan Joy, and Michael Sarver are all on-stage singing “Pretty Flowers”…Steve with a banjo. What is this? Hilarious…my fam called it the “Clampett’s”. lol  Enjoyed Micheal…but he and Megan didn’t sound good together…I think that was Megan. Steve slips in a joke; when asked who he hope’s is the winner after tonight, Steve replied “I know it’s kind of a long shot, but I hope I do!”.

The guys from the top thirteen are back singing a pretty cool (and a bit funny) version of “Do You Think I’m Sexy”. Adam introduces Rod Stewart  after the guys are finished. Stewart is singing his “Maggie May”.

Last Golden Idol of the evening we are told…”Outstanding Female”….nominees are Chelsea, Irene, Dana, and Tatiana Del Torro. Tatiana is going to win this one….I was right. Of course, there’s a lot of drama here; Ryan says he’s out of time and has to cut to the commercial…Tatiana forces her way on stage, grabs the trophy and bursts into song…some escorts try to get her off-stage, but we cut to the commercial before anything else….this was so totally staged.

One of the best numbers tonight, Kris and Adam sing “We Are The Champions” together. Queen joins onstage with the guitar. The top thirteen join the chorus. Must be nearing the very end. Love watching the comraderie between the two guys as they share the stage here at the end. These guys sounded great together.

Soon, we will hear the results. My guess is that Kris wins….but it really could be either of them.

Simon said that either one could win and deserve it. 100 million votes…wow.
And the winner is….KRIS ALLEN!!!!! So totally deserved…and he still remains humble.
The judges make me so embarrassed…they really had a look as if to say “this is SO wrong”. I think Kris has shown amazing artistry this season; consistently growing each week, more so than any other contestant.
He sings once more “No Boundaries”…I like him singing this; and despite what others say, calling it a ‘corny’ song-I like it. Afterwards, before the station cuts, we see Kris locked into a hug with his wife. This man is amazing, I’ll say it again.

And so ends another season of american idol. I have to admit, I’m relieved that I don’t have to keep up with this show twice a week anymore. It will be nice to have my Tuesday and Wednesday evenings back.

“American Idol Hall of Fame”

Kelly Clarkson
Reuben Studdard
Fantasia Barrino
Carrie Underwood
Taylor Hicks
Jordan Sparks
David Cook
Kris Allen

“These names will go down in musical history as some of the best. Congratulations to each of you. And welcome to Kris Allen. Sometimes, slow and steady still wins the race.”

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Music

Yes, the long-awaited night has finally arrived. We have Adam Lambert and Kris Allen here at the end.

Again, each guy gets to perform three songs; their favorite of the season, Simon Fullers’ pick, and the coronation song written by Kara DioGuardi, “No Boundaries”.
Carrie Underwood is also scheduled to perform tonight; her hit-Idol-boot-off song, “Home Sweet Home”.

I already posted spoilers; check them out.

Adam Lambert is back with “Mad World”. Good choice…creepy entry with all the fog and green glow…Steller vocal-his best to date, IMO.

Randy said, “this is it. We’re down to the wire. You’re showing your sensitive side. That performance…I’m giving you an A+!”
Kara told Adam, “I’m so happy you chose that.  You rocked it again tonight”.
Paula said she was “unbelievably proud. This is your moment. Brilliant job”.
Simon called it all “a little bit over-theatrical, maybe it was the coat. Reminded me of Phantom of the Opera”.

Kris Allen is performing, once more, his incredible hit, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. I absolutely love this song! I’ve said it before, this guy is so moving. I love the ambiance of his voice; the incredible way he has of touching your very soul with his music.
I love this ending! This has got to be among my all-time favorite A-I moments.

Randy loves that he can “tell exactly what kind of artist you are. One of your best ever on this stage!”
Kara said she had “to agree with Randy. If Kris doesn’t move you, there’s gotta be something wrong with you! Kris, you have a way of moving and touching everyone who hears you”.
Paula thinks Kris leaves his “trademark on everything [he does]“.
Simon reminded everyone that “this is a competition. I wasn’t sure when your name was announced. I absolutely take all that back after that performance”.

Simon gave Round One to Kris.

Adam Lambert starts Round Two with Sam Cooke and Patti LaBelle’s “A Change is Gonna Come”. I could envision this being performed at Vegas….maybe a couple years back. Good, but rather old-fashioned in my taste.

Randy called that song “an amazing R&B classic. You showed the real reason you’re here; you can sing your face off; unbelievable!”
Kara declared this Adam’s “best performance and interpretation from the beginning. [That's your strong point], using both sides of yourself”.
Paula was ecstatic; “best I’ve ever heard you sing! Ever, ever, ever! You looked like a superstar up there”.
Simon told Adam “you are 100% back in the game; congratulations”.

Kris Allen is singing Simon Fullers’ choice, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. Great song for Kris. Allows him to show off his individual artistry and phrasing that is so unique to him. Also his instrumental talent-playing his guitar. He accompanied himself on the piano with “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

Randy was excited, “we’ve got ourselves a real live dual competition; I love it! A little lite for this room and competition though”. Come on, Randy! Kris had no say in choosing this song!
Kara told Kris, “you have not wavered. You’re the kind of artist who makes people look, feel, and change!”
Paula declared Kris had “made Marvin Gaye proud!”
Simon said it was somewhat “like three friends in their bedroom, strumming along to Marvin Gaye. Too laid back for a night like this”.

Simon gave Round Two, hands down, to Adam.

Adam Lambert is first up to sing Kara’s new song, “No Boundaries”. I really like the song. Not a great fit for Adam’s voice, though. Well, the verse wasn’t…I was going to say the chorus was a better fit; but there were some off notes there. This really doesn’t sound right. I know that I don’t usually like Adam, so you’ll say ‘no surprise’, but I really don’t like this at all.

Randy said, “Dude, you can sing the phone book….that was not my favorite, just alright. It was a little pitchy”.
Kara told Adam, “I’m moved and proud. Thank you for giving me that moment here at the end”.
Paula was, as usual with Adam, tearing up. “Can’t express what you’ve brought to this show here in season 8. I’ll be a fan forever”.
Simon, choosing to ignore the pitchiness, IMO, said “I’m not going to judge that song, I’m going to judge you. You are one of the best contestants found so far. Congratulations”. What, Simon! You who never fail to mention pitchiness or when an artist is off-key…no mention of it here?!

Have to give Kudos to Randy for speaking the truth. It WAS pitchy. Quite dissapointing; obviously pitching for Adam here…is it just because Simon doesn’t want to lose face after he, once again, declared the winner (Adam) before-hand?

Kris Allen also gets his turn to perform “No Boundaries”. I like the beginning of this one much better. Was a note in there that sounded a bit off to me…nothing like Adam’s though. Did he forget his line? Excepting that, this is really, really good. My sis-in-law liked the musical arrangement of Adam’s song, but agreed with me that Kris was much better.

Randy told Kris “you should be very proud of what you’ve done in this competition. You’re an amazing competitor. I think that song fit your voice better than Adam”.
Kara thought “that song was a bit high”, but wants Kris to be judged on his overall performances throughout the season. “You are an incredible artist”, she commented on how he’s grown better and better from week to week”.
Paula said he did an “amazing job. This has been one of the best show-down’s”.
Simon again, thought that Kris’ “highlight was your first. Watching you tonight has been incredible. You have thoroughly deserved to be standing on this stage tonight”.

Honestly, it almost seemed like they’re were giving Kris the “good job, but you’re going home” speech. I totally call the last round Kris’. Was pimping still going on tonight?
IMO, Kris was the best tonight…we’ll just have to see if the majority of voters agree with me or not.

As the show closes, we get to hear Carrie sing….with the TV cutting out before she’s done. Oh, well. Was great to see Carrie again.

Numbers to call are: 1-866-IDOLS followed by

For Adam Lambert: 01, 03, 05,

Kris Allen: 02, 04, 06

Of course, it being the last voting night of the season, I have to add a poll. What do you think?

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Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Links, Music

Here we are; the last chance to perform for the title. Who will win? I think it’s gonna be extremely close (no-duh!).

Some spoilers I gleaned from MJsBigBlog today…..
Performing first, Adam Lambert is said to be singing “Mad World” as his personal choice; while Kris Allen chose “Ain’t No Sunshine”. All I can say is ‘way to go, boys!’ They each chose their best songs of the season…question is, can they top them, or will it be just another re-run?

Both guys will be performing a song chosen by Simon Fuller….and the new coronation song, “No Boundaries” written by judge Kara DioGuardi, and co-written by Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allen. This will be cool.

Carrie Underwood is set to take the stage as well, with her hit “Home Sweet Home”.

Tomorrow night, we will see all of the top thirteen group return, singing (reportedly) Santana’s “Smooth”, and Pink’s “So What”.

Also reported for tomorrow night is Cyndi Lauper (possible duet with Allison), Queen Latifah, Black-Eyed Peas, Lional Richie (possible duet with Danny), Keith Urban (possibly the duet for Kris), Carlos Santana (to perform on his hit with the top thirteen), Jason Mraz, and David Cook (performing “Permanent” in honor of his brother, Adam-all proceeds from I-Tunes sales to go to charity).

That’s all I have for now…come back when the show starts, as I will be blogging live! See you then!

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Music

Kris Allen, during Grand Ole Opry week, blew everyone away; by far the best of the night! Well, IMO. This young man has brought his game up each week. He sang “To Make You Feel My Love”, putting his own twist on the song and making it completely his own. I loved seeing him take a huge chance by choosing to quietly sit onstage and sing instead of jumping around with some crowd-pleaser song. I mean, come on; this was country week! No-one would have blamed him. This guy is a gutsy performer, and a progressing artist. I fall in love with this artist more each and every time I hear him.
This video doesn’t have the clearest picture, but all you really need are the vocals anyway.

Matt Giraud is another artist that just gets better each time he performs. To be honest, I really disliked him when the competition began…no more. He’s proven that he is deserving of recognition and in this to win. And his hands on those ivory keys! He not only is a talented singer, but an extraordinary pianist as well. And Matt shows he can be gutsy too by taking Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” and turning it into his own.

I have to say that I really enjoyed Alexis Grace’s “Jolene”. I loved hearing that softer side to her. This is a young mom; she seemed like such a sweet girl in her audition. All the “dirty”, well, it had it’s places, but I would have liked to see more of this side of her. I thought she did a wonderful job; loved hearing her use her head voice in addition to the chest voice she usually uses. So, no; I don’t believe she should have gone yet at all.
Here’s the studio version, I couldn’t find another that had the complete song.

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Music, Video's

The results show is here. We will be hearing Brady Paisley, and I duet from Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood before the show is over.

Who will be leaving tonight? After yesterday’s performances, there is no telling. The favorites came out towards the bottom, and some of the tail catchers showed up with what they really can do.

The top eleven is giving out a rousing rendition of…I’m not sure. Maybe TROUBLE; that or a medley. But it sure is good and rousing. Genius putting Scott on the piano. Probably makes him a whole lot more comfortable and allows the other guys to get out some choreography on the floor.

“Here It Goes Again” was the song for the Ford Music Video. IMO, it wasn’t nearly as good as last weeks.

Enjoyed seeing the clips from the going away party for Jorge and Jasmine. And LOVED Jorge’s comment; “Don’t get too comfortable, ’cause we’re not the only ones who will be eliminated!” And all this with a twinkle in his eye! Loved it!

Ryan was pretty hilarious tonight; with all the flu talk.

But to the results.

Danny is up first; and will be heading on to the tour.
Lil is next; her song was Independence Day…was probably not her best performance in retrospect. But she is safe.
Anoop is also safe after his very good performance last night.
Allison and Michael are standing now. Allison was called “dope” by Randy….Michael was criticized a little more. Ryan asks Paula who she thinks should be in the bottom…to which Paula is rather flustered. Ryan, from her ramblings, brought out the comment that Paula would be surprised to see anyone in the bottom three! Hilarious! Paula is so sweet, but sometimes….well, she makes for some comic relief also. Of course, Ryan egged that on some too.
We are told that Allison is in the bottom three. But with a cruel twist, after making Michael think that he is safe, he also is told to head for the three stools on-stage and join Allison.

At this point, we get to hear Brad Paisley perform his single, “Then”. I really like Brad’s voice. I told my youngest sister earlier today that he was performing tonight; usually, she’s not a fan of A-I, but she said she was definitely going to watch it tonight with me just to see him. Strange, but Paisley looks a lot like a friend of mine. They both are singers, both in the country genre, but they have very different voices. But now I’m just rambling. Paisley just finished and I really liked it. My sister loved it. And my ‘baby’ brother walked in with this comment; “Oh, is that the one they’re kicking off tonight?” To which my sisters and I burst out in laughter, “Of course, they’re kicking Brad Paisley off American Idol!” Gave the four of us some kicks. lol.

Now we are continuing with the results.
Scott is up. He is safe. We’ll be seeing Scott on the tour.
Megan is up…and I wonder, with panic, why she’s already standing up?! She’s safe; I really don’t believe this.
Matt is standing…and is safe.
That leaves us with Kris and Adam. What?! Kris is safe, and Adam–?!
Oh, no. I forgot Alexis. Now we have Alexis and Adam. Randy thinks Alexis will be in the bottom three. And he is right.
Adam is safe, leaving Alexis to join Michael and Allison on the stage.

One is sent back to safety…and that is Allison.
We now have to suffer through another commercial break. After the break, we’ll probably hear from Randy and Carrie…and then we will finally learn if it will be Alexis or Michael leaving. Personally, I think it’ll be Michael. As you may have already noted, only one of my original bottom three guesses are actually in the bottom three. I didn’t expect to see Alexis here at all. If she is the bottom pick this week, I hope the judges exercise their save, ’cause Alexis is really so talented and has so much potential; it would be just so wrong for her to leave.

Back to the show. Indeed, we do get to hear Carrie and Randy’s duet. My sisters and I are wondering what in the world happened to her hair?
For the first time ever together live, here is Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis performing “I Told You So”.
This song is so sweet! I love it.

Back to the bottom two. Simon shares, at Ryan’s prompting, that they would consider saving one of the two. I think that would be Alexis. We’ll see, though.

OMW–Alexis is the last. Michael is safe. Simon said she was the one who they were thinking of saving. We get to hear her one more time. I don’t think her vocals are as good as they were last night, but she is showing a whole lot more fight.

The verdict is: a good performance, but not good enough. I am still in shock. She is going to go so far. Honestly, she was the one with, by far, the most marketability. I believe someone will offer this girl a record deal; if they don’t, they’re fools.

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Music

We’re going country this week with Randy Travis. Rumored guest appearances for tomorrow evening are Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley! That’ll be nice.

Keep checking back here, as I will be adding to this post; writing live time as the night unfolds.

As usual, I will also be opening a poll immediately following the show-so be sure to share your own opinions!

Randy Travis called this season’s group the strongest he has seen yet on American Idol. Very true.

Michael Sarver is opening this night with “Ain’t Going Down Till the Sun Comes Up”. I thought he would do very well in country night…but it proved to be just a “fun” song, and didn’t end up really showcasing his voice; in my opinion.

Randy ; to be honest, I didn’t catch what he said.
Kara loved the personality Michael showed; but was sad that “we didn’t get to hear the big notes”. She did find it “impressive that you got all those words in!”
Paula said it was a great song; “allowed us to see you having fun and let us have fun consequently. I love the harmonica player!”
Simon thought it should have been good, given that this genre is the one that Michael would seem to do quite well in. “But,” Simon said, “I couldn’t understand a word”. He called it a “bit clumsy. Point is, this is about you coming over as a star. Instead, you came over as a likeable guy…at a kareoke night. On a scale of 1-10 I’d give you a 1.2″.

Allison Iraheta seems to be the one contestant that I always miss the song title of their performance. But I think she’s proving to be quite good in her selection.

Kara said Allison could sing the alphabet and sing it well. “You made that song your own. You keep getting better; really solid”.
Paula called it “another rock solid performance”. Commenting on the “power of your voice and rock edge. Amazing artist!”
Simon thought it “good”, but “a little tuneless in parts”. But said it was rock solid, only verging on precocious a little bit.
Randy “thought it was doped!” What exactly is that suppose to mean?

Kris Allen is singing “To Make You Feel My Love”. I thought this was really nice; this is a solid performance, and he did an amazing job of truly making it his own.

Paula was pleasantly surprised; and loved his “honest, pure, and vulnerable performance”. Commenting on how this song reminded her of “how nice your vocals are. But, make sure your lower vocals are on pitch”.
Simon called it terrific. “Really, really good. A great, great, great choice of song. You were completely in control; didn’t go over the top. This is the first time I genuinely think you have a shot in this competition”. Some good words here.
Randy said Kris “went out on a limb. Tender moments from my dog Kris. I loved it!”
Kara thought it “was beautiful. I didn’t even realize this was country”.

Lil Rounds is singing Martina McBrides “Independence Day”. This was amazing! My favorite performance of hers to date. Of course, I like the song anyway.

Randy thought it a very interesting, ambitious song choice. “The front part was struggling, but chorus got better. Didn’t feel comfortable on you. Just keeping it real”.
Kara said “part of being an artist is to do what you feel. You’re a great singer. There were other songs you could have chosen. But props for standing your ground on this one”.
Paula thought that tonight, “Everything’s spot on for you. But you should have only done one verse and headed on to the chorus ’cause that’s where you shone”.
Simon said that “kinda’ came over as a girl forced to sing at a wedding; it felt and looked uncomfortable. Just wasn’t you”.

Adam Lambert chose “Ring of Fire”. Randy Travis said this version of the song “threw me for a loop”. Hmmm. Props to Adam to staying true to himself. There are some wonderful moments in this…but to be honest, this performance is creeping me out completely. My mum called it “Phantom of the Opera meets Johnny Cash”. I’m sure the judges love it though.

Kara said it was definitely “Adam does country music”. Saying she’d “never seen that rendition” coming,; and calling it “all a little strange. I got the drama…” but she was almost speechless, “strange. I kinda liked it”.
Paula said he was “really someone who stands out; who is true to who you are as an artist. Choice of song was great. Loved the version”. She called him a “quick study and natural talent. We’ll keep  expecting more and more from you”.
Simon’s comment: “what the h-ll was that? There must be a lot of people throwing their TV’s out the window at this point. Was absolute, indulgent, rubbish!”
Randy: “nine-inch nails doing country! Current, young, fresh!”

Scott MacIntyre is singing “Wild Angels”; what a choice! There were some pitch problems in the verse. But the chorus is really quite nice. The back-up singers and the band really were doing some awful stuff. There were good and bad moments in there; but that last note was superb!

Paula said “to me, it was another impressive, lovely performance. You work harder than most people on that stage”. But she thought that the “piano may be turning into a bit of a crutch”; to which Scott replied “we can move it closer!”. Paula said she just wanted to see him “mix it up a bit”.
Simon thought Scott should sit behind that piano as much as he wants. “Both performances last week and this were very similar. I like you a lot; but you’re picking songs that go over my head and I forget them after-wards”.
Randy is “looking for those hot, crazy, unbelievable vocals from you. Looking for the standout vocals”.
Kara summed up the judges comments, saying “we want you to up your game. But you always bring class and poise to that stage”.

Alexis Grace chose a song from Dolly Parton; “Jolene”. I remember Brooke White sang this song last season. But I think Alexis will do a far better job. I’ve got goosebumps listening to her. I love her transitioning from her high register to her low one…it’s hard to make those smooth, but she did an awesome job.

Randy was not sure Alexis “hit the notes quite well. Good song choice but not a great performance”.
Kara thought she lost her edge a bit. Personally, I really liked seeing this part of her.
Paula disagreed, saying it was “more effective than the others think”. Paula loved how Alexis “took an artistic approach. Enjoyed the vulnerable soft side of you”.
Simon said it “was okay. A little sound alike; just not a lot of originality. I think this is going to be one of those performances we’ll forget about later tonight”

Danny Gokey is singing the so popular Carrie Underwood hit, “Jesus Take the Wheel”. In the early part of this song, I really want to see some more personality. The verse was a little bland. Had some great notes in there. The chorus is pretty good. But overall, this wasn’t a great, solid performance by Danny; not like what I know he is capable. Still, it was good. I do like seeing him stay true to who he is. It would be easy to think “That song is way to popular” and not do it. But the message is such a good one. Props for braving it out, Danny.

Kara said “when you hit your stride it’s like none other. The front half was not spectacular”. But she said he “came out of your shell and went soaring straight up”.
Paula disagreed “in some sense. I love it when an artist tells a story. I think Carrie would not only be proud of that, but I think she’d buy the single”.
Simon doesn’t think Carrie would rush out to buy it, but he does “agree with Paula; you can’t start that song head on”. Simon did, on the other hand, have a problem with Danny’s outfit. “What you’re wearing is like you’re going on some polar expedition!”
Randy agreed with Kara. “You got to support the verses; they were a little pitchy in the middle”.

Anoop Desai is singing “Always On My Mind”. I agreed with Randy Travis–”heck, that was good, man!” I don’t think I have anything else to add.

Paula announced that “Anoop is back; he’s back everybody”. She loved how that song “allowed you to have your own interpretation. It fit you like a glove; when you’re allowed to have that space you have such tender, honest, amazing, sweet vocals”.
Simon said Anoop managed, in one week, “to go from zero to hero”. He thought it a great choice of song, and called it “one of my favorite performances tonight. Take it back from last week; you definitely deserve to be in this show. Glad to have you back.”
Randy: “let me just say; this is the reason we wanted you back in this season. I like the arrangement; that was dope!”
Kara called the song a classic one, “almost untouchable”, but thought Anoop did a fantastic job.

Megan Joy Corkrey picked “Walking After Midnight”. I think this was a good choice…given her quirky and very different voice. Not my cup of tea; so I’m afraid I can’t offer much commentary on this one.

Randy was impressed; saying it was the “perfect choice for you”.
Kara agreed; “perfrect song; perfect look”. Kara also shared with us that Megan has the flu. Given that consideration, she did quite good.
Paula commented that Megan had already been to the hospital and back; calling her very professional.
Simon thinks Megan should have flu every week; “Quite good”.

Matt Giraud is the last performer tonight. I’m curious to see how he does in country week. Matt chose “So Small” by Carrie Underwood. I think this was also a good choice, one that Matt can lend his bluesy vibe to. Matt, like Scott did, is playing piano with his performance. Crutch? I don’t think so; the piano is a part of Matt and his artistry. Have you watched those hands of his?! Incredible as they run over the keys; and even in the midst of all that, his vocals still stay strong. This is one talented guy.

Kara said there is “nothing small about you. You’re a true artist; amazing. I just love you”.
Paula applauds the “autheniticity that you bring and your honesty is unparrelled. You are piercing peoples hearts”.
Simon doesn’t think Matt’s had enough credit for his vocals. “Tonight you out-sang Danny. You remind me of Michael Buble”.
Randy called it the “performance of the night. You got it going on!”

Personally, I would place Scott, Adam, and Megan in the bottom three tomorrow night. However, I believe the bottom three will be Scott, Megan, and probably Micheal Sarver.

As always, would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Expressions, Music

So, a fourth judge is to join our infamous trio on American Idol next spring? Well, I think it’s about time. Hopefully, she’ll add a breathe of fresh air to our current judges critiques.

I confess I didn’t know much about her, except that she had indeed worked with Celine Dion (arguably THE most talented female recording artist to date), Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Clarkson, and new favorites, the Jonas Brothers; among others.

A few little facts about Kara that I dug up, if you’re interested.

Kara co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, a “resource business for record companies and other music entities seeking compositions, productions, artists, and related music services”.

She works with Phoenix House, a non-profit substance abuse service organization.

Kara has had over 264 songs released on major labels worldwide, quite a feat, if you ask me. Her songs have been featured on several major motion pictures, film soundtracks, and television shows, to name a few.

She has worked with the following American Idol contestants: Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson (as already mentioned), Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood (already mentioned), Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks; and she is also working currently with both David Archuleta and David Cook.

Are you excited? Personally, I’m looking forward extremely to next years A-I; Kara will prove an irreplaceable asset, I’m sure of it.

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Thanks to MasterClassLady for the Entertainment News Updates.

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