Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Voice Season 4: And Now We're Down to 6

So who was surprised about this week's two departures from The Voice? Tuesday night, Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons, two front runners were eliminated from Team Adam leaving him with his only artist, petite powerhouse Amber Carrington. I honestly have to tell everyone right now that I was not surprised with the elimination of Judith or Sarah. Over the past couple of weeks, I have become disinterested in Judith's performances, almost to the point of boredom. Sarah's song choice this week, whether it was Adam's choice  or hers was the wrong. Gotye's Somebody that I Used to Know just lacked not only the energy that I am used to hearing from her, but she didn't connect emotionally like she usually does.

The only team that remains intact is Team Blake with Holly Tucker, Danielle Bradbery, and The Swon Brothers. If I had to choose my favorite of those three, I think The Swon Brothers win on creativity, authenticity, and talent. My top four is Michelle Chamuel, Sasha Allen, Amber Carrington, and The Swon Brothers.

By far the most breathtaking performance this week was Amber's rendition of Skyfall by Adele. Her voice was haunting, angelic, and strong. The performance quality was so much higher in comparison to several other artists.

Michelle once again gave it everything she had, this week the song was Grenade by Bruno Mars which was right in her wheelhouse.

Sasha took a big risk singing Without You by Usher, and this time, the risk paid off.

The Swon Brothers could go to Nashville and record an album right now; they're that ready. Their harmonies in Seven Bridges Road were unbelievable.  

Next week the top six will perform and we will be left with our four finalists by this time next week. I cannot wait to see if things turn out as I predicted.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Reality Round-Up: American Idol, The Voice, and Dancing With The Stars-- Is it the Year of the Girl?

We all know what happened this year on American Idol. I know that they talked about a girl winning since one hadn't one since Season 6 when Jordin Sparks took that honor. I must admit that I had no doubts along the way and I wondered whether or not a girl would really win. Having an all female top five though? I never would have thought. Janelle Arthur, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Kree Harrison, and Candice Miller not only proved that they could sing but they made history at the same time. Newly crowned winner Candice will release an album before the summer is over. Kree will visit the Grand Ole Opry in a couple of weeks and take the stage with Idol judge Keith Urban and good friend Kellie Pickler (who just won Dancing with the Stars and is also an Idol alum). Kree says she is hoping to put out an album that she writes and hopes to recruit friend and country newcomer Kacey Musgraves for that effort. Angie has a record deal in the works and says she'll fight to make the album her way. If her song "You Set Me Free" is any judgement of how her album will turn out, I will be waiting to buy it.

Outcome: A woman won! Candice Glover took the crown but one could argue that each woman in the top five was a winner.

On The Voice I was shocked when two more guys were sent home leaving the top eight with seven women and one male act, The Swon Brothers. I hate to say it, but the probability of The Swon Brothers winning and securing a victory for the guys is slim to none. Josiah Hawley of Team Usher and Kris Thomas of Team Shakira were sent home after rather weak performances. The top seven leaves Adam and Blake's Teams intact and Shakira and Usher with only one remaining artist each respectively.

Team Adam is Sara Simmons, Judith Hill, and Amber Carrington
Team Blake is Danielle Bradbery, Holly Tucker, and The Swon Brothers
Team Shakira is Sasha Allen
and Team Usher is Michelle Chamuel

I love the two left on Team Shakira and Team Usher. Sasha Allen is so emotional and she brings everything to every performance, especially that amazing vocal; she does no wrong for me. Michelle Chamuel digs deep on every performance, I have no idea how she does it, but she grows every week, and she's someone I am excited to see on the stage. I think The Swon Brothers are actually my favorite on Team Blake because their performances are so authentic and I feel like there's no one like them in country right now. They make me feel like I'm at a country hoedown. And I love Amber Carrington on Team Adam. she continues to surprise me with her gutsy and confident performances.

Dancing with the Stars had no surprising outcome to me; the first time I saw Kellie Pickler dance, I knew I was looking at the Champion. She took every criticism and she tapped into the emotional part of dancing which is what makes it so great. She wasn't just great at the start of the season, but she grew throughout. I couldn't be happier because she deserved it as did Derek. He did a great job partnering Kellie and being there for her.

16 year old Zendaya! What can I say? She shocked me; I did not expect someone her age to bring the poise and maturity that she brought to the ballroom. Val should be so proud of her because she executed his amazing choreography exactly how it needed to be executed. I loved what Val said on the finale about the fact that Zendaya inspired him and taught him to believe in himself and his dreams again. I think that's a tribute to Zendaya, and in my book, she too is a champion. I was a fan of Kellie before and I always have been every since American Idol, but I didn't know who Zendaya was. I can now say, I will forever be a Zendaya fan.

Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnof took third place and rightfully so. Jacoby's exciting and energetic dancing style became a favorite in the ballroom. How he could go down into a split and right back up again, I will never know. I think what helped Jacoby was Karina's personality, she's such an open and warm dancer. He's going to have a such an awesome touchdown dance this season. I cannot wait to see it.

It's happening by the way, I am going over all the dances this season and picking my favorite ones for the top three and maybe some other honorable mentions. This season was amazing and anyone in the top three could have been a champion.

And just because it has been proven to be the year of the Woman on reality TV--

I bring you two hot songs that shout Women Power!



Zendaya danced to this song for her hip hop number and was amazing.

Katy Perry, where are you? We need you back. I know you wanted a break, but we need more songs like this, and Amber Carrington, will you please sing this on The Voice?




Monday, May 20, 2013

The Voice Season 4: Live Rounds, Vedo and Garrett Gardner Sent Home

In a way, I knew it would be them. Much like American Idol this year, women dominate this season of The Voice. The fact of this matter is that Vedo and Garrett are not bad singers by any means; there are just so many strong singers in this competition. For me, The Voice has been producing a stronger top 12 than American Idol. Vedo needed to be more current and singing Rock With You by Michael Jackson didn't make that happen for him. I love Michael Jackson songs because of their timelessness but Vedo's vocals weren't as on point as they needed to be. Shakira also made a strange song choice for Garrett picking I Want it That Way by the Backstreet Boys. I think what she wanted to happen was for him to put a rock spin on it but people didn't get it.

The artists who impressed me the most last week were The Swon Brothers singing Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes by George Jones and Michelle Chamuel singing Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn. These performances were both exciting and vocally on point. The Swon Brothers clearly have something special; they could go out and make a record right now. Michelle digs deep on every single performance, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Final Thoughts on American Idol Season 12

I had a feeling that last week Angie Miller was going home on American Idol. She was a strong contestant throughout filled with promise, talent, and ability, and perhaps that's why she had to go. There is, after all, this unspoken idea that sometimes the artists that don't win the show actually end up having more success. I could see Angie going on to have not just a good career, but a great career. I think her success will also translate to songwriting.

The last four was most predictable this year on American Idol; they were also four of the best final four we've ever had. Amber Holcomb who is poised to become a current Whitney Houston, Angie Miller the pride of Beverly, MA who has an intensity that was unmatched in the competition. Candice Glover is just a powerhouse and once again proved that with her reprise of I Who Have Nothing. She took the monotonous Chasing Pavements and made it more interesting. In a sense, Candice reinvented the song. Lastly, there's Kree Harrison who taps into an emotional place when she sings where few people ever get to go. I was reminded of that emotion in her reprise of Up to the Mountain. I should have expected it, but I was in tears by the end of the song, yet at the same time, I was smiling. Kree kept her poise and composure and beautifully displayed her vocals in the song All Cried Out which would be her first single should she win Idol.

One thing is for sure, both will go on to big things, and I will not speak of any weak moments throughout the competition because there are so few. Neither one of these women ever made a misstep in all of this. That is so unheard of, and I think it speaks of their talent and determination. I can almost sit here typing this and guarantee that both of them will get a record deal. Angie Miller has already spoken of a record deal in the works for her.

So who will win? My heart has been with Kree throughout the show. She stood out early for me, yet there was Candice, always in the background at the beginning and then as the show went on, she moved to the front of the pack. My mind says Candice will take this. It could be either one, and they both turned in strong performances last night. Only time will tell. What will be more surprising than the winner will be who judges the show next season. The only person who will definitely be back is Ryan Seacrest.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Dancing with the Stars Season 16: The Semifinals-- Super Hot

Kellie and Derek danced Argentine Tango-- Len said there was pride in the technique and joy in the performance, it was fantastic. He said he loved it. Bruno called it pure perfection, superb my darling. Carrie Ann said it's absurd that you can attain that kind of perfection in that short amount of time. Kellie amazes me every time, she is tireless.
Scores: 10, 10, 10= 30 out of 30
and Flamenco-- For me, with that performance, she is almost unbeatable, I have never seen someone dance the Flamenco on this show and that was incredible. Len said she just booked her spot in the final. Bruno said there were a couple of moments where she tightened up. Carrie Ann said she did tighten up and asked her why. Kellie said she felt that maybe it's because her dress was really heavy.
Scores: 9, 10, 9= 28 out of 30

Ingo and Kym danced a Samba-- Bruno said he loves Ingo's determination and sees that he put the work in. Carrie Ann said that Ingo is into it but then he slips up, he has the biggest fight to get into a final. Len said he did a good job with a dance that is difficult. I also see how much Ingo tries, and I think people appreciate that when they vote for him.
Scores: 8, 8, 8= 24 out of 30
and Charleston-- I absolutely loved it, he brought such a positive upbeat energy to the dance. Carrie Ann said he captured the roaring 20's. Len said the semifinals are the best time to do your best dance. Bruno said it was fun.
Scores: 9, 9, 9= 27 out of 20

Aly and Mark danced a Rumba-- Carrie Ann felt that Aly drew them in with every moment. Len said it had romance, but it wasn't raunchy, and it was understated. Len said she has grown throughout the competition. Bruno said there was a great balance between romance and sensuality. I didn't love this as much as the judges did.
Scores: 10, 10, 10=30 out of 30
and Afro Jazz-- The dance definitely held my interest, and I do feel like they were in sync. Carrie Ann said a lot of people don't know how hard that dance actually is, and it was fantastic. Len said that they captured the feeling of the dance; he wanted there to be more of a connection between them. Bruno said she has exceeded all expectations. He said if she doesn't make it to the final, he is going to judge in speedos.
Scores: 10, 9, 10= 29 out of 30

Jacoby and Karina danced an Argentine Tango-- I loved their dance and I thought it had a great intensity and energy to it. Len said it had mood and intensity. Bruno felt that the sexual tension was unbearable, and it was Jacoby's best performance ever. Carrie Ann gets a kiss from Jacoby, twirls her hair around and that's it.
Scores: 10, 10, 10=30 out of 30
and Lindy Hop-- This dance was so fun and free, and Jacoby seemed to have the perfect personality for the lindy hop. Len said it was full on and fabulous. Carrie Ann called Jacoby the number one entertainer of Season 16. Bruno said he nailed it.
Scores: 10, 9, 10= 29 out of 30

Zendaya and Val danced a Quickstep-- I was not digging this performance, there was something about it that was off, and almost so fast that it was like they were running instead of doing steps. Bruno thought it was too quick and didn't get what they were trying to do. Carrie Ann felt like they were dragging each other through it at times.
Scores: 9, 8, 8= 25 out of 30
and Hip Hop-- Zendaya looks like she was born to dance hip hop, and Val kept up with her. Bruno said it was so hip it gave him chills, and called it Zendaya forever. Carrie Ann said she is Zendaya's biggest fan, and she said Val didn't do too bad either. Len loved their attitude, and like the playfulness of the dance.
Scores: 10, 10, 10= 30 out of 30


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Voice Season 4: Live Rounds-- Team Shakira and Team Blake Take the Stage

Team Shakira: Garrett Garnder sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Coach Shakira said she was very proud of him, and feel that he is such a real artist. She said Garrett has worked so hard and had so much determination. I like Garrett, but for some reason, I felt like this song was a little to ambitious for him. He slid into a lot of the notes instead of hitting them head on, whether or not that was intentional, I am unsure.

Team Blake: Holly Tucker sang How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes-- Holly is a front runner in this competition to me. She make such great choices for herself vocally, and it always ends up highlighting these wonderful parts of her voice. Usher felt that she had great attack on the song. Shakira loved her falsetto at the end. Adam said Holly looked beautiful, and sounded great.

Team Shakira: Kris Thomas sang When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- I didn't love the arrangement at the end, but I ultimately love Kris' vibe and overall the performance was good. Adam felt Kris was nervous, but felt he clearly had a great voice. Usher pointed out the great control Kris has in his voice. Shakira said not only does Kris have great talent and a great voice, but he is also a great person.

Team Blake: The Swon Brothers sang Fishin' in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-- I wasn't too familiar with the song, but I think they made it sound like their own. It had a very professional sound and feel, probably because they're so in sync. Shakira like that she can't sit back and enjoy them. Adam said he didn't know the song, but fantastic job. Blake thought it was so great, tight harmonies, etc.

Team Shakira: Karina Iglesias sang Let's Stay Together by Al Green-- I didn't like the way that this performance/ arrangement started out in super slow mode. Karina does have the vocals but I question whether or not that performance had everything. Adam regretted giving Karina up. Shakira loved her sassy-ness and lungs and felt that she gave her everything she needed.

Team Blake: Justin Rivers sang Meet in the Middle by Diamond Rio-- I thought Justin's voice was absolutely rocking tonight, his vocals were on point and the only thing I didn't like was the song. Usher thought it was cool. Shakira used the word vibe for probably the third time tonight. Adam thought that he owned the performance, said Justin is a huge surprise, and that he is a fan.

Team Blake: Danielle Bradbery sang Maybe it was Memphis by Pam Tillis-- I actually felt that this song fit Danielle like a glove, and her vocals are natural and seamless. Usher said that she looked so comfortable on the stage. Shakira said I just have one thing to say like Blake Shelton always says, "holy crap". Adam said she is one of the ones to beat in this competition, it's terrifying cause you're only 16. Blake said she took the song and made it important again.

Team Shakira: Sasha Allen sang Oh Darlin' by The Beatles-- Sasha is amazing, she is my personal favorite, and I think she grows every week. Adam said you can still win this thing, it doesn't matter what team you're on. Blake said, Adam gave her up, and everyone who just saw that fell in love with you. Usher said, you gave her up? Usher said he is happy she's here and likes her outfit. Shakira said we signed up for this, you have one of the best voices I have heard in my life.

Who will definitely go through on Team Blake? Holly Tucker and The Swon Brothers.... I think Blake will choose I have no idea Justin Rivers or Danielle Bradbery to go forward.

Who will definitely go through on Team Shakira? Sasha Allen and Garrett Gardner.... I think Shakira will choose Kris Thomas to go forward and Karina Iglesias will go home.

The Voice Season 4: The Live Rounds are Finally Here!

Team Adam: Amber Carrington sang Stay by Rihanna-- Amber definitely has a big voice, and she set the bar high being the first performer out. Because this song is so simple, it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly worked for her. Adam believes Amber is still the biggest surprise of this competition. He felt that she did an incredible job.

Team Usher: Josiah Hawley sang Starlight by Muse-- He sounded terrible in rehearsals, literally sounded like he was screaming the whole time, and his tone was totally off. How is this a stripped down performance by the way? Shakira felt it was his best performance and thought it was honest. Adam said it is a really tough song, but really great; he also mentioned that he grew a lot. Blake felt like the performance was haunting. Usher thinks Josiah is a rock star. Rock on guys, I'm not convinced quite yet.

Team Adam: Sarah Simmons sang Angel by Sara McLachlan-- Now that was haunting. That performance and her vocals literally took my breath away. Blake said that was so amazing, beautiful, and angelic. Usher said she Sarah that he knew came out and it was incredible. Shakira called her performance spectacular, and she didn't disappoint, she delivered. Adam said he has never heard this room so quiet, and he believes it's because they were enamored with her. He thinks she is one of the most incredible singers to listen to that he has ever heard in his life.

Team Usher: Cathia sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- I need to say that I didn't think it was as bad as some of the judges thought it was. I like the way that she changed the song up to suit her vocal style and her abilities. I think Cathia understood that she wasn't going to come out there and sing Whitney like Whitney. Shakira didn't think it was the right song for her, perhaps too lofty a song. Blake thought that it was pretty good. Usher felt that she could have knocked that song out of the park, and that the performance may not have been as good as it could have been.

Team Adam: Caroline Glaser sang The A Team by Ed Sheeran-- I liked this performance, a little boring, but good. Blake thought that this was a good move for her because he could picture her doing this back in the coffee shop. Usher thought it was a soothing performance, she was relaxed and showed great control. Adam loves her unique sound and feels she should be proud of what she did.

Team Usher: Vedo sang Against All Odds by Phil Collins-- I'm unsure of why Usher chose this song for him. I would have chosen a more contemporary R&B song, perhaps something like Neyo. I felt like Vedo did the best he could do with what he was given. Shakira felt the audience liked it. Adam said one thing I didn't like about you, you're not on my team. Usher was pleased with his performance and feels he's on track for success.

Team Usher: Michelle Chamuel sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Shakira thought the performance was so authentic. Adam and Usher both thought that she had a breakout moment. Blake used Michelle as an example to his team of what his team members need to do. Michelle may not have the best voice, but she does have such an amazing effect on people when she sings. She gets right to your heart, because she believes so fully in what it is that she's singing about.

Team Adam: Judith Hill sang Feelin' Good by Nine Simone-- Blake called Judith a diva. Usher still wonders why he didn't fight harder for Judith. Adam said there's not much I can say cause everyone loves you. Adam also talked about how effectively Judith is able to convey her personality with her voice. I probably liked this performance best of any Judith performance so far. Some of her performances have been a bit too affected for my liking. I wasn't totally loving her hair style tonight (I usually don't comment on that, but I just felt it was distracting to me).

Who will definitely go through on Team Adam? Sarah and Judith.... I think Adam will choose Amber to go forward and Caroline will be sent home.

Who will definitely go through on Team Usher? Michelle and Vedo.....I think Usher will choose Cathia to go forward and Josiah will go home.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Dancing with the Stars Season 16: Week 8

This week the first dance is a new dance and the second is a trio dance.....

Zendaya and Val dance the Foxtrot-- Watching Zendaya is so fun; she looks like a natural. Len said you get stronger as the competition goes on. Len also loved the choreography. Bruno thought it was light and breezy with musicality. Carrie Ann felt that the hold was so artistic and elongated. 
Scores: 9, 10, 9= 28 out of 30

Sean and Peta danced the Tango-- Sean was trying, but he definitely seemed to run out of gas by the end of the routine. Bruno said you started well and then lost your footwork. Carrie Ann said this dance wasn't sustained. Len said it had punch and attack, but you lost the fluidity and quality of movement. 
Scores: 7, 7, 7= 21 out of 30

Jacoby and Karina danced the Viennese Waltz-- I thought that dance was so passionate and expressive. Jacoby's strength was so beautifully controlled. Carrie Ann found it stunning and smooth, his posture was great and he had elegance and grace. Len said he loved it, great footwork. Bruno said it's a tough dance and he made it look effortless. 
Scores: 9, 9, 9=27 out of 30

Ingo and Kym danced the Foxtrot-- This wasn't the best, but it was a personal best for Ingo. It had a really nice flow to it. Len said it had a great ease of movement, a little softer in the arms, and a little sharper in the footwork. Bruno said it was a great job. Carrie Ann likes his casual quality when he dances. 
Scores: 8, 8, 8= 24 out of 30

Kellie and Derek danced the Viennese Waltz-- Wow, she is floating and gliding across the dance floor, this is really beautiful. I definitely felt her heart in that dance. Bruno called her the queen of the Viennese Waltz and said it was a thing of beauty. Carrie Ann said Kellie has something incredible. Len said it had as ease of movement and it was sophisticated. 
Scores: 9, 9, 10= 28 out of 30

Aly and Mark danced the Argentine Tango-- I loved this dance; I feel like she really stepped up and challenged every other competitor. Spicy and sharp. Carrie Ann said your transformation is amazing. Carrie Ann felt it was weird when she came out of some of the lifts, not sure what she was talking about. Len said smooth, seductive, terrific. Bruno said you have sultry temptress down to a t. 
Scores: 9, 10, 10

Trio Dances-- 

Zendaya and Van danced a Salsa with Gleb 
Scores: 10, 10, 10= 30 out of 30

Sean and Peta danced a Jazz routine with Sharna
Scores: 7, 7, 7= 21 out of 30

Jacoby and Karina danced a Paso Doble with Cheryl
Scores: 8, 9, 8= 25 out of 30

Ingo and Kym danced a Jive with Lindsay
Scores: 8, 8, 8= 24 out of 30

Kellie and Derek danced a Paso Doble with Tristan
Scores: 10, 7, 10= 27 out of 30

Aly and Mark danced a Jive with Henry
Scores: 9, 9, 9= 27 out of 30

Zendaya And Val – 58/60
Aly And Mark- 56/60
Kellie And Derek- 55/60
Jacoby And Karina- 52/60
Ingo And Kym- 48/60
Sean And Peta- 42/60

Not tough to say that Sean and Ingo will probably be the two in jeopardy this week. 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

My Favorite Things: May 2013 Edition

Some things I've decided I'm crazy about.....

**Caldrea, fragrance No. 17, Sea Salt Neroli-- The fragrance anatomy of this amazing scent:
The essential oils are: lemon, neroli, cardamom, juniper. The top notes are verbena, juniper, cardamom, and watery. The middle notes are rose, lily, and mineral. The base notes are cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk.

Here's what all that means--
  1. The top note is the first thing you smell inviting you to stay for more.
  2. The middle note is the heart of the fragrance, often floral.
  3. The base note is the foundation of a scent, usually something woody, spicy or resinous.
(from Caldrea's website)



**General Hospital celebrated 50 gloriously dramatic years on the air last month, and the anniversary is just beginning. Executive Producer, Frank Valentini and Head Writer Ron Carlivati promise lots of surprises throughout the whole year. The show already welcomed back several beloved cast members, some permanently, Genie Francis, Kin Shriner, Sean Kanan, Tyler Christopher, Lynn Herring, and Finola Hughes, and some, more temporary, like Vanessa Marcil, Ingo Rademacher, Jacklyn Zeman, Rick Springfield, Jack Wagner, the beloved Rachel Ames, and even Stuart Damon and Natalia Livingston (Alan and Emily Quartermaine) who came back in the form of ghosts. 

The anniversary also came with some controversy. Last year, when One Life to Live left the airwaves after ABC cancelled it, three cast members joined the show as their OLTL characters, Michael Easton as Det. John McBaine, Roger Howarth as Todd Manning, and Kristen Alderson as Starr Manning. They all became romantic interests for GH characters Samantha McCall Morgan, Carly Jax, and Michael Corinthos respectively, and then all of a sudden, just before the actual anniversary was about to take place, they all skipped town. The rumor is that they will be back before the end of May as different characters. I for one am devastated; I cherish those characters, they have history and the new characters don't. 

Hits: Tyler Christopher's Nikolas Cassadine back to fight for his long time friend turned love Elizabeth Webber played so gracefully by Rebecca Herbst. The problem is, she feels an obligation to Lucky (last played by Jonathan Jackson) and she is currently dating A.J. Quartermaine. 

The love story between Sabrina and Patrick has been absolutely heartfelt and genuine. There is also some truth that Patrick's supposedly dead, but not dead wife Robin may be back. 

Maxie, played by Kirsten Storms is supposed to be having her best friend Lulu and her husband Dante's baby, but she lost that baby. She is really carrying her and Spinelli's baby, but he's with Ellie now who currently knows about it but isn't telling him. Did you follow that?

Misses: The recast for Lulu who was heroically played by the gorgeous and talented Julie Marie Berman. The new girl looks like a deer in the headlights every time she's on screen. 

Johnny Zacchara, played by Brandon Barash, leaving the show. 

The fact that Olivia Falconeri has absolutely no story line whatsoever, what a waste of a beautiful face, and a feisty woman.

The on again off again love story between Sonny and Kate, or is it Connie now?  

Remember to Watch General Hospital at 2pm Eastern time on ABC or catch it on www.abc.com 




**Who knew that Sketchers could be so comfortable! Not me. I bought the GoWalks in the black on black and I want the gray called Interval or the denim called Heritage as well. These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. I feel like you could dress them up  or down with almost any outfit. Not only do they come in women's styles but there are men's styles too. Love. 

**I didn't know if it would happen again in my lifetime, but I have been proven wrong before. The Red Sox are once again becoming the little team that could. Each player is coming into every game with so much heart. This roster does have some depth, but there's a lot of eager young players as well..... takes me back to when we won the World Series for the first time in years in 2004. 

**The weather in the northeast has been crazy lately, and as a result, you never know when you will need a scarf to take away the chill. I love the scarfs at Target, they're fun, affordable, and they feel so soft. This one below is $19.99 and is the Target brand Mossimo. 




Until next time....... please feel free to let me know about your favorites things, and maybe I will write about them in an upcoming feature. 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

American Idol Season 12: The Top 4 One More Time

Last night was one full of odd and difficult song choices as the top four got a reprieve, a re-do, or whatever you wish to call it. Funny that the two who were in the bottom last week, Amber and Candice, received the most positive feedback from the judges last night. Kree and Angie, last week's darlings, dealt with harsh criticism from the judges. For me, Candice was the best last night, both of her performances were well orchestrated and clearly displayed the strength in her voice. I will say that her song choice of When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars was a little bit strange initially, but she made it work. Her vocals were so strong that I think we forgot all about the details. Her second song choice, You've Changed , had a beautiful jazz style and amazing vocal inflections.

I don't quite understand how Amber came in second with the judges comments. I did not like her performance of Just Give Me A Reason by Pink and Nate Ruess. I will admit that her performance of My Funny Valentine continues to be one of the best of the entire season. In this version, she made some great changes to the song that really showcased the strengths in her voice.

I didn't think Angie's performance of Diamonds by Rihanna was as bad as everyone thought it was. The mood of the song actually fit in quite well with who Angie is. Her second performance, Gershin's Someone To Watch Over Me was easy and melodic. Based on the fact that Angie was in the top two last week, I was pretty sure that she wasn't going anywhere, and I was right.

Kree once again was given the toughest time by the judges, something that up until a couple weeks ago, she wasn't used to. Kree is actually very lucky that she wasn't voted off the show all together. She was the weakest performer on Wednesday night. She sang See You Again by Carrie Underwood, I like this song, but I didn't think it was well known enough for her to sing for a current song. Her rendition of Stormy Weather started out strong but got muddy real quick. It went way off the melody and a classic song suddenly became complicated.

I am excited to see what happens next week when we all get to go home with Angie, Candice, and Kree. I also have no doubt in my mind that Amber Holcomb is headed for stardom.