Tuesday, May 31, 2011

1+1=2

I haven't been able to stop thinking about Beyonce's performance of her single 1+1 last week at the American Idol finale among other things. Wow, Scotty, one of my top picks from the very beginning winning the whole thing was certainly an exciting moment for me, as was his performance with Tim McGraw. I loved Carrie Underwood performing with Lauren Alaina; Carrie, once in Lauren's spot is now Lauren's idol. I loved Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony performing together; Aguanile should somehow be a hit right here in the United States. I have little to no idea what the song means but it sounds so good, and if that songs makes Jennifer move like that, imagine what it could do for the rest of us.

After what I learned tonight about Beyonce's new song, you could say it was a night of 1+1=2, because there were many wonderful duets. Apparently B's new track is produced by The Dream who I love not only as a producer but as an artist. His voice is so smooth and I would like to make the argument that these two should record this single as a duet because their voices together will no doubt sound amazing. Listen to both versions here: 1+1 and let me know what you think. Incidentally, Beyonce's new album 4 will be in stores later this month; it's one of the only albums on my list this summer. (I confess that last week I bought Brad Paisley's This Is Country Music, I love it, and more about it in an upcoming post).

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

American Idol Season 10: The Top 3 Who Will Make it to the Finals?

Following the stunning departure of James Durbin last week I didn't have the energy to blog. Somehow as James said, I had a feeling it was him even though I didn't want it to be. Scotty has led arguably from start to finish. Lauren Alaina is everyone's little sister. Haley, well, she peaked at the right time.

So here we are, down to three:

Contestant's Choice Round 1:

01 Scotty sang Amazed by Lonestar-- Beyonce loved Scotty calling him an innocent, sweet, cutie pie.
Notable Judge's Comment: Steven said you keep getting better and better Scotty, you really took that song up a notch.

Scotty really impressed me with his vocal range in that song.
My score: 10

02 Lauren sang Wild One by Faith Hill-- Beyonce called Lauren incredible.
Notable Judge's Comment: Jennifer said you attacked it, it was very good.

I didn't love that the song was not particularly recognizable; however I loved Lauren's energy and emotion in the song. At this stage of the game, song choice plays a part.
My score: 9

03 Haley sang What Is and What Should Never Be by Led Zepplin-- Beyonce called Haley fearless and full of conviction.
Notable Judge's Comment: n.b. Haley fell on stage during this performance in front of the judge's table. Steven said, did you fall for me? It's not about how many times you fall, it's about how you get up. That was superb.

I must confess I loved Haley's fight in this song, and singing Led Zepplin is no easy feat. Would I say she was better than Scotty this round? No. I think she was different.
My Score: 10

This round goes to: (tie) Scotty and Haley

Jimmy's Choice Round 2:

01 Scotty sang Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square--
Notable Judge's Comment: Randy said Jimmy picked a good song for you. It was a good chorus, right in your range, and you were approaching Garth Brooks territory.

I feel like Scotty improves and grows with each performance and Steven mentioned his delivery of the chorus in this song. It was amazing. I loved how he sang the chorus, he was feeling this song and perfectly in the zone.
My Score: 10

02 Lauren sang If I Die Young by The Band Perry--
Notable Judge's Comment: All the judges basically talked about the same things, Lauren's beautiful tone and the honesty that she gave with her performance.

Lauren's emotions were so close to the surface in this performance. I think she related to the song and connected to it in a way that was so special.
My Score: 9.75

03 Haley sang Rhianon by Fleetwood Mac
Notable Judge's Comment: Jennifer said I liked it but I thought you would take it a bit further than you did.

I like Haley and I liked this performance but a part of me resents that she waited this long to peak when Scotty has being gradually growing all season.
My Score: 9

This round goes to: Scotty

Judge's Choice Round 3:

01 Scotty sang She Believes in Me by Kenny Rogers--
Notable Judge's Comment: Jennifer said you really know how to hit a big chorus, good job baby, we're so proud of you.

I don't think this was the best song for Scotty, not sure what the judges were thinking here, but he is a definite pro and he made it work.
My Score: 9.9

02 Lauren sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack--
Notable Judge's Comment: Jennifer said you gave me goosies and that's how I know it's real.

Lauren's voice was amazing in this performance; I wish she always sang like this.
My Score: 10

03 Haley sang You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette--
Notable Judge's Comment: Randy said Haley you are in it to win it.

I must admit I did love this performance and I thought it was the most real of Haley's performances tonight, although not better than her first performance tonight.
My Score: 9.9

This round goes to: Lauren

Monday, May 16, 2011

Favorite Things

I haven't written about some of my favorite things in a while, and I decided that since I had a running list of new "favorite things" in my mind it was time to empty the mental list and begin building a new one.

Friday Night Lights (television series)-- I could not resist any longer, I had to run out this past weekend and buy The Fifth and Final season of Friday Night Lights. My addiction has grown and now that the show is over I have no idea what I will do this fall when there are no spoilers online. I long to hear about all my favorite people from Dillon, Texas. Coach Taylor gets me every week, one of my favorite lines from television remains, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose". In fact, I highly recommend buying all five seasons on DVD and reliving the series forever. Everything about Friday Night Lights was special, the characters, the script, the feel of Texas which bled through the screen to my soul. I felt every hit on the football field, every broken heart, and every tear shed by a character on Friday Night Light's was shed by me and then some. If that doesn't get you, I don't know what will. Oh, I know, maybe this clip will--- http://www.hulu.com/watch/149489/friday-night-lights-join-the-fight
or maybe this one--- http://www.nbc.com/friday-night-lights/video/out-of-my-house/1225837/ and don't forget this--- http://www.nbc.com/friday-night-lights/video/making-amends/1231378?auto=true

Cover Girl NatureLuxe Foundation-- I have been searching for many years now for a light liquid foundation and I found my foundation dream when I tried Cover Girl NatureLuxe Foundation. At a reasonable price of under $10, this foundation is awesome because it is light and you don't have to use a lot to accomplish a finished look. It's available at all major drug stores, and with Taylor Swift as the spokesperson and face of NatureLuxe, why wouldn't you want to give it a try?
http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/face-makeup/foundation-makeup/natureluxe-foundation I use alabaster!

Style Rush Black Heart Earrings-- Style Rush, according to a good friend of mine who is the founder and CEO says, it is, "Your one stop shop for fabulous fashion finds at unbeatable prices". And wow is she ever right! I especially am enjoying the black heart earrings this season, and at only $10 don't just buy yourself a pair but buy one for your best friend as well. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150158351640741&set=a.10150103870310741.279427.249340055740&type=1&theater Order right on the Style Rush Facebook page and she will send you all the info. http://www.facebook.com/pages/StyleRush/249340055740 This two year old company is heaven sent and my go-to for accessories and cute tops that I cannot find anywhere else unless I am willing to drop a small fortune. I recommend: everything!

One Life to Live (soap series)-- I know, I know. It's canceled and everyone is saying nothing can save it, but I will continue to have hope right up until the very last day (presumably sometime in January of 2012) because One Life to Live promotes a message of hope and what better way to honor it than to feel the same way. The message throughout is that we have "one life to live" and that love is indeed the answer. This probably means nothing to those who have never watched the show, but I urge you to turn on your TV if you are ever home in the middle of the day with nothing to do. I guarantee you, the show will draw you in with it's eccentric cast of characters. I have been watching it since I was a child, and I can honestly say January 2012 will be a sad one if the lights go out for good in the fictional town of Llanview, Pennsylvania. http://abc.go.com/shows/one-life-to-live

The Incredible (only at Victoria's Secret)-- The most comfortable bra, bar none, that I have ever worn in my life. Yes, it is pricey. Yes, do wait for a coupon. Yes, do sign up to receive mailings if you haven't already. It's incredible, it will make you feel incredible, and I cannot tell you enough, run out, try one on at VS and be amazed! http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/incredible-by-victorias-secret

Ralph Lauren Lawton Sheets-- I was an old Fieldcrest Charisma fan. I refuse to part with those sheets, no matter how old they get. I have tried so many different sheets over the years and unfortunately I have been disappointed almost every time. A good friend recommended Ralph Lauren's Lawton Sheets to me and I could not be happier. They wrinkle much less than other sheets on the market today, they are cool and light and crisp, and the price is right if you want a better than good quality sheet. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2781014

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

American Idol Season 10: The Top 5 Take Us from Now to Then

Sheryl Crowe dropped by to coach the Idols this week. The mission: song from today and songs from back then (well, the 60s).

Today

01 James Durbin sang Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars--
Most Memorable Comment(s): Randy saying you are in it to win it.
I have to be honest. I love 30 Seconds to Mars; they are an awesome contemporary rock group and they're putting rock back on the map. I did not like James singing that song. I usually understand what he is saying but I could not quite make out the words. It was a little bit disappointing to me.
Score: 9

02 Jacob Lusk sang No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Jennifer said you need to find who you are and go for it. Randy said I don't think that's the right direction for you. Most of it was sung sharp. I don't see you as Chris Brown or Jordin Sparks; I see you as more of Luther Vandross. Steven said don't try to do other people; go out there, and find the perfect song for you.
I completely agree with Randy. Jacob chose the wrong song, and I understand him wanting to do contemporary but this wasn't right for him.
Score: 9

03 Lauren Alaina sang Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Randy liked her song choice. Steven said I think you're it. Jennifer said continue rising to the top like that.
I like Lauren, but again the song choice was lacking for me. I think a ballad Carrie Underwood song would have been a better choice. We have seen Lauren sing lots of uptempo songs across the course of the season, and I would liked to see something different. This to me did not show versatility.
Score: 9

04 Scotty McCreery sang Gone by Montgomery Gentry--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Steven said you've been a Puritan but I saw you dance with the devil tonight. Jennifer said I loved it, I was so excited to see you having so much fun on that stage. Randy said I felt like we were sitting at the Scotty concert; I didn't know you could rock out like that.
I personally cannot wait to be at a Scotty McCreery concert and I think I want front row tickets. This kid can sing and perform; he is the whole package and almost a shoe in for the finale.
Score: 10

05 Haley Reinhart sang You and I (previously unreleased) by Lady Gaga--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Jennifer said I'm not sure this was such a good idea. I think you should have chosen something that everyone knows now. Randy said I don't know that that song did you any favors. Steven said it's always beautiful when you can sing a song you don't know and make it work.
There were some parts of this where Haley showed brilliance and there were other parts that weren't so good. I tend to agree with Jen and Randy on this.
Score: 9


The 60s

01 James Durbin sang Without You by Harry Nilsson--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Randy said this is the mark of a true performer and it was emotionally perfect. Steven said when a song and your emotions meet, that's crazy beautiful. Jennifer said you aren't just a rocker, you have the heart and soul to back it up. You're a true artist and you're amazing.
I could tell that this song and its message meant something to James. I think what Jennifer said was perfectly put.
Score: 10

02 Jacob Lusk sang Love Hurts by Nazareth--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Steven said I am a sucker for passion and the delivery was beautiful. Jennifer said you brought it to a beautiful place at the end even after your small bobble in the middle. Randy said you redeemed yourself after the first performance.
I think this was leaps and bounds better than his first performance. Although the song is a rock song, Jacob put a gospel spin on it, and the end was amazing.
Score: 9.9

03 Lauren Alaina sang Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Jennifer said it was beautiful and there was nothing to judge and Steven echoed the sentiment. Randy said you sing like a bird.
Wow, her performance of that song took my breath away. She really impressed me singing that song.
Score: 10

04 Scotty McCreery sang You Were Always on My Mind by Elvis Presley--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Jennifer called him a well rounded artist, so beautiful, so comfortable in your own skin, a true performer. Randy said I told you before, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I love it dude. Steven called it a beautiful rendition of the song.
I don't know what else to say other than what I have said before. I think Scotty is awesome and I actually like what Sheryl Crowe said, she wants him to move to Nashville and somehow she wants to be involved in his career.
Score: 10

05 Haley Reinhart sang The House of the Rising Song by The Animals--
Most Memorable Comment(s):
Randy called it the performance of the night. Jeniffer said that song has never been sung like that before; great job. Steven echoed the sentiments.
I too, as someone who did not care for Haley much in the beginning, felt like that was an absolutely amazing performance. She took a risk coming out and singing acapella like that and it paid off.
Score: 10


I favor Jennifer's sentiment at the end, I would not want to be the sole decider of who gets voted off tomorrow night.