I will expand upon this later, but here's a little list of who I think could be in trouble tonight: Beatrice Miller, Lyric 145, Arin Ray, Paige Thomas, and Cece Frey.
After many days of contemplating the results of this past weeks X Factor, I still wasn't able to make sense of it.
Well, one out of two ain't bad, Lyric 145 unfortunately did go home. They were undeveloped, they needed more time to establish who they were as artists. Jennel Garcia was a major surprise to me because she had real talent, raw talent. I truly believe that someone with her kind of voice and style is needed in music today. She fills a void left by Joan Jett, Pet Benatar, Heart, and Chrissie Hynde. Following the eliminations, both artists complained of being pushed in the wrong direction by their mentors and the producers of the show as far as strong choice. It was rather obvious. The songs and the performances themselves did not fit the artists. Jennel's song, Proud Mary, along with the dress didn't suit her, the song was far too mature for her. Lyric 145's song choice of E.T. by Katy Perry and We Will Rock You by Queen didn't fit, it was too rock and Britney is right, they're a hip hop group who should have been singing a hip hop track.
Overall, L.A. Reid has done a wonderful job of developing his artists and choosing songs which really fit their voices, personalities, and it makes them true to who they are. Vino Alan is a legit rock/ soul singer; it's a unique combination but it is who he is through and through. Let's Stay Together by Al Green was a wonderful choice for him. Demi Lovato was totally hating on him when she said that the performance was boring. I think in fact that she could be taking lessons in one respect or another from every other judge/ mentor on the panel. Demi had arguably the strongest team (Willie Jones, Jennel Garcia, Cece Frey, and Paige Thomas) and she has wrecked each artist one by one, none of her contestants are going to make it to the final, almost guaranteed. One of the four will be lucky if they make it past the halfway point in this Top 13. Tate Stevens, L.A.'s other artist is so good and so strong that he could literally leave this competition right now and go make a country record. This past week he sang From This Moment On by Shania Twain, it sounded like the song belonged to him and it was unbelievably heartfelt.
Britney Spears has done a surprisingly good job of making her artists vulnerable and helping them to relate to the public. She did a beautiful job with Carly Rose this week with My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion, reason being, it didn't sound cheesy. I am still waiting for a breakthrough performance by Arin Ray and hopefully it will happen this coming week because if it doesn't he could be in grave danger of being voted off. Unlike what Demi said, this kid does have soul and he has grown and matured enormously in the past year. Beatrice Miller is mature for her age, but if Britney doesn't start picking better songs for her she could be in danger as well. Diamond White had a beautiful voice, so much so, that I don't quite understand why she was so low in the overall ratings. The public needs to pick up the phone for this young lady, any 15 year old who can make a believer out of me by convincingly singing a Whitney Houston song has talent.
Simon may have the female version of One Direction on his hands with the group Fifth Harmony (formerly 1432, formerly The Lylas). He seems to be headed in the right direction and vocally they seem to stretch and grow each week. Emblem3 is like a better version of Hanson and LFO. I love their energy, how on point they are vocally. I truly believe that in a couple of years they could be performing on music award stages and touring the country if managed correctly and given the right set of songs. After all, so much hinges on that today. People like Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, Usher, and Carrie Underwood aren't discovered every day. As artists, they dig deep not only singing from their heart and soul but writing from there as well. Emblem3 seems to possess that quality.
Showing posts with label Lyric 145. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lyric 145. Show all posts
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The X Factor Season 2: Cat Fight! Demi and Simon's Claws Come Out
Overall, this week's live show was an improvement over last weeks and this time America will decide who is eliminated. I think it was a great move to bring Diamond White back after last week's shocking elimination. I had a feeling they were going to do that. I thought that the tacky moment of the night was Demi Lovato criticizing everything Simon said as constructive criticism. Demi, Simon took a chance and gave you a job, yes, you're a great singer, but show some gratefulness and at least listen since you're the newcomer.
Arin Ray performed American Boy by Estelle-- He did take the judges advice; however, I just felt it lacked overall and maybe it wasn't the right song for him. Simon thinks he is turning into a pop star though and I do agree with that.
Paige Thomas performed Take My Breath Away by Berlin-- I'm with LA on this one, I liked it, but I wasn't blown away. Simon urged Demi not to turn this into a karaoke competition. This is where the bickering began. Demi kept trying to justify the theatrics of the performance.
Vino Alan performed When A Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge-- This was one of my favorite performances of the night. Britney loved how stripped down the performance was, so did I! Demi said, you're an incredible vocalist, but I don't know if you're a pop star. Simon told Vino that he went from zero to hero in a week, and he then criticized Demi's comments. LA actually admitted taking Simon's comments from last week to help Vino, and he did; this was a great performance.
Emblem3 performed a mash up of My Girl by The Temptations and California Girls by Katy Perry-- Another Demi criticism that makes no sense. She felt that Simon plugged One Direction (who he discovered) by having their track of That's What Makes You Beautiful playing in the background. This is the most ridiculous accusation ever, it's just a popular song right now, and a good one at that. LA felt that they were perfect. Simon said that they actually only had one day to rehearse this song, and they didn't once complain.
Beatrice Miller performed Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- I like Beatrice, although, there's a part of me that feels this song was a little too grown up for her. She does seem to be an old soul. Britney actually commented that she thinks Beatrice has the best personality of anyone in the competition. Demi said that she likes how she connects to every song that she sings.
Jennel Garcia performed I Love Rock N' Roll by Joan Jett-- LA and Simon both felt that there was no originality. Britney thought it was a hot performance. Simon made a comment that does make a lot of sense to me, he said he doesn't like what Demi had done with her look, she looks almost unrecognizable. I feel like Demi is trying to make Jennel look like her. Even Demi from week to week doesn't look like herself. The changes in her look seem to be so drastic and it's a little bit distracting.
Tate Stevens performed Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi-- Britney called Tate a true cowboy and said he nailed the performance. Demi feels that Tate has what it takes to be a star. Simon felt that on that night of performances, Tate finally arrived. I think this Southern gentleman is going to be around for a while.
Lyric145 performed Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins-- LA said it wasn't his cup of tea personally, but it was really good. This is one of those performances that I am torn about because it was a good idea in theory, but for some reason, I didn't love it. Britney found it both intriguing and entertaining. I don't think Lyric145 should go home but they may be in trouble this week.
Diamond White performed I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- LA said she brought it, Demi thought it was phenomenal, and Simon called it great vocal, great song, great performance. Britney felt that she channeled Whitney. It was a beautiful performance, and I am still just so happy that Diamond had the chance to come back, hopefully she won't be going anywhere for a while.
Cece Frey performed Eye of the Tiger by Survivor-- I thought this was the weakest vocal of the night and probably the worst performance. LA said he was not blown away by this. Simon thought the song choice was horrible, and said Cece was going in a direction that she shouldn't be going in. I think Cece should go home, this wasn't good by any means, but Demi won't take any of the blame for it.
Carly Rose Sonenclar performed It Will Rain by Bruno Mars-- LA called it heartfelt, honest, and he loved it. Demi said that she would watch this over and over again. Simon said that Britney did a good job with her and said this was a massive improvement over last week, and said we were watching a star in the making. Carly definitely gave the most powerful performance of the night.
Jason Brock performed I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly-- There is no question that Jason has a great voice, but for some reason, I did not believe him singing this song. Britney and Demi both felt it sounded and looked too much like a Vegas lounge act. Simon said he didn't believe it.
Fifth Harmony (formerly 1432) performed A Thousand Years by Christina Perri-- This was awesome, I think Simon is definitely onto something with this group of young women. LA said he was actually impressed. Britney said they shined the whole way, and Demi said that what separates them from other girl groups is that they are all strong vocalists. Simon said he was excited about their potential and said how proud of them he was.
My predictions for the bottom 3: Cece Frey, Jason Brock, and either Lyric145 or Beatrice Miller
Arin Ray performed American Boy by Estelle-- He did take the judges advice; however, I just felt it lacked overall and maybe it wasn't the right song for him. Simon thinks he is turning into a pop star though and I do agree with that.
Paige Thomas performed Take My Breath Away by Berlin-- I'm with LA on this one, I liked it, but I wasn't blown away. Simon urged Demi not to turn this into a karaoke competition. This is where the bickering began. Demi kept trying to justify the theatrics of the performance.
Vino Alan performed When A Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge-- This was one of my favorite performances of the night. Britney loved how stripped down the performance was, so did I! Demi said, you're an incredible vocalist, but I don't know if you're a pop star. Simon told Vino that he went from zero to hero in a week, and he then criticized Demi's comments. LA actually admitted taking Simon's comments from last week to help Vino, and he did; this was a great performance.
Emblem3 performed a mash up of My Girl by The Temptations and California Girls by Katy Perry-- Another Demi criticism that makes no sense. She felt that Simon plugged One Direction (who he discovered) by having their track of That's What Makes You Beautiful playing in the background. This is the most ridiculous accusation ever, it's just a popular song right now, and a good one at that. LA felt that they were perfect. Simon said that they actually only had one day to rehearse this song, and they didn't once complain.
Beatrice Miller performed Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- I like Beatrice, although, there's a part of me that feels this song was a little too grown up for her. She does seem to be an old soul. Britney actually commented that she thinks Beatrice has the best personality of anyone in the competition. Demi said that she likes how she connects to every song that she sings.
Jennel Garcia performed I Love Rock N' Roll by Joan Jett-- LA and Simon both felt that there was no originality. Britney thought it was a hot performance. Simon made a comment that does make a lot of sense to me, he said he doesn't like what Demi had done with her look, she looks almost unrecognizable. I feel like Demi is trying to make Jennel look like her. Even Demi from week to week doesn't look like herself. The changes in her look seem to be so drastic and it's a little bit distracting.
Tate Stevens performed Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi-- Britney called Tate a true cowboy and said he nailed the performance. Demi feels that Tate has what it takes to be a star. Simon felt that on that night of performances, Tate finally arrived. I think this Southern gentleman is going to be around for a while.
Lyric145 performed Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins-- LA said it wasn't his cup of tea personally, but it was really good. This is one of those performances that I am torn about because it was a good idea in theory, but for some reason, I didn't love it. Britney found it both intriguing and entertaining. I don't think Lyric145 should go home but they may be in trouble this week.
Diamond White performed I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- LA said she brought it, Demi thought it was phenomenal, and Simon called it great vocal, great song, great performance. Britney felt that she channeled Whitney. It was a beautiful performance, and I am still just so happy that Diamond had the chance to come back, hopefully she won't be going anywhere for a while.
Cece Frey performed Eye of the Tiger by Survivor-- I thought this was the weakest vocal of the night and probably the worst performance. LA said he was not blown away by this. Simon thought the song choice was horrible, and said Cece was going in a direction that she shouldn't be going in. I think Cece should go home, this wasn't good by any means, but Demi won't take any of the blame for it.
Carly Rose Sonenclar performed It Will Rain by Bruno Mars-- LA called it heartfelt, honest, and he loved it. Demi said that she would watch this over and over again. Simon said that Britney did a good job with her and said this was a massive improvement over last week, and said we were watching a star in the making. Carly definitely gave the most powerful performance of the night.
Jason Brock performed I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly-- There is no question that Jason has a great voice, but for some reason, I did not believe him singing this song. Britney and Demi both felt it sounded and looked too much like a Vegas lounge act. Simon said he didn't believe it.
Fifth Harmony (formerly 1432) performed A Thousand Years by Christina Perri-- This was awesome, I think Simon is definitely onto something with this group of young women. LA said he was actually impressed. Britney said they shined the whole way, and Demi said that what separates them from other girl groups is that they are all strong vocalists. Simon said he was excited about their potential and said how proud of them he was.
My predictions for the bottom 3: Cece Frey, Jason Brock, and either Lyric145 or Beatrice Miller
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The X Factor Season 2: First Live Show of the Season-- Spectacle! Good? Or Bad?
I am going to have lots to write about The X Factor last night, but my first order of business before I get to all of that is to initially let you know who I think is going home tonight. I believe the way that it works is that one act from each category is going home. Here are my predictions:
Demi's Team: Paige Thomas
Britney's Team: Beatrice Miller
LA's Team: Vino Alan
Simon's Team: 1432
The weakest teams overall are Demi's and LA's; Simon and Britney's Teams seemed more prepared and polished.
Demi's Team:
Paige Thomas performed What is Love-- The whole thing was over the top, the performance was spectacle rather than skilled. Her voice was not that strong, and the song choice wasn't right as LA suggested as well. There was way too much going on onstage between her outfit, the surroundings, the choreography, etc. Britney thinks that Paige is a star and Simon thought it was outrageous, though, I couldn't tell whether or not that was good or bad.
My favorite performer from Demi's Team last night was by far, Jennel Garcia who sang Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue-- She literally morphed into a rock star in front of us. LA felt her performance was a 10. Simon called her performance amazing, but commented that Demi tried to make Jennel look like her.
Cece Frey sang Because the Night by Patti Smith-- Overall, Demi's Team came out weak and this further cemented that theory. Cece's vocals were not as good as they usually are, everything sounded watered down. Simon excused her weak vocals while LA and Britney pointed them out to her.
The final contestant from Demi's Team was Willie Jones who sang Here For the Party by Gretchen Wilson-- Willie was the second strongest contestant from Demi's Team in my opinion. LA found it entertaining but wanted more, and Britney thinks he's a star. Simon found the whole thing silly from the choreography to the outfits to the inappropriate dancers.
Britney's Team:
Arin Ray, Brit's strongest artist this week, sang Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes-- Even Arin struggled, but it's amazing how much he has matured in a year. I did not like the loud and distracting sound effects in the background, but he made the most of it and got through the performance. LA liked the song but didn't think his vocals were up to par. Demi found it stiff and felt he should have danced better, Simon argued that the focus is his voice first, and then the singing. Simon was impressed overall, and said that he did have the swagger. Brit loved it.
Diamond White sang Hey Soul Sister by Train-- I'll admit, I found the song choice awkward initially. But like LA said, it felt like her song by the end. Demi wanted to see Diamond have more fun, she felt that she was too reserved. Simon felt that she improved massively since they last saw her and that Britney did a really good job with her.
Beatrice Miller sang I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- This performance, like her hair, was a hot mess. I love Beatrice, and technically, I don't think she should go home, she does deserve another chance, but it was a weak vocal. LA loved and believed in her. Demi was impressed with the feelling behind her eyes. Simon thought that the style was right.
Carly Rose Sonenclair's performance of Good Feeling by Flo Rider was all wrong for her-- She seemed totally uncomfortable up there. Simon didn't think she connected to the song; it was quite obvious. LA and Demi both felt she looked uncomfortable onstage. The reason I think she will be saved is because she has a better voice than Beatrice.
LA's Team:
The strongest contestant on LA's Team is David Correy, by a mile; he sang My Love is Your Love by Whitney Houston-- Britney said she was surprised, felt his performance a lot, and called it amazing. Simon found it manic and thought that the song didn't give him any direction as an artist. LA thought his voice sounded great and he was proud of him. I hope David stays in this competition because I believe he'll benefit from the mentoring and grow.
Vino Alan sang Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback-- This was the wrong song for Vino, it sat too low in his voice. Brit felt his effort but was bored. Demi thought the beginning was shaky, but she could feel his passion. Simon said the song and the arrangement was horrible and that LA failed him. I agree with Simon in saying that Vino is more of a soul singer.
Tate Stevens sang Tough by Craig Morgan-- Tate is just a classic and I am honestly surprised that he hasn't been discovered before this. Brit said she is wowed every time. Demi said, we need you here, you're a star. Simon said I know exactly what kind of artist you want to be, the song wasn't my favorite, but you're a keeper.
Jason Brock sang Dance Again by Jennifer Lopez and this was not the right choice-- I feel LA completely failed Jason because this was the wrong song. Simon said the whole thing was horrendous; LA suggested that Simon was hating. I love Jason, I think his voice is tremendous, and he should have the chance to show what he can really do.
Simon's Team:
Sister C sang Hell on Heels by the Pistol Annies-- Britney felt that they delivered and I agree. I was not a fan of these girls going into this, but hearing them now, they have loads of potential. Demi said that this niche is missing in the industry, but the performance was really stiff. Simon said it was a fantastic performance, the vocals were on the money, and it sounded fantastic. I agree with Simon, these girls are good.
Lyric 145 sang Boom Shake the Room by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-- LA thinks that they are an amazing group. Brit was genuinely entertained, and Demi thought they were amazing (lots of use of the word amazing throughout this show). Simon said it has to be commercial to work, which they are, and he thought they were sensational. I love this group myself, their sound is different.
1432 (remember these gals have only been together three weeks) sang We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together-- LA found it very karaoke, didn't like the name change, and felt that Simon failed them. I really think that was a little too severe of a criticism, Simon did put them together after all. Brit was pleasantly surprised. Demi felt that they need more practice together.
Emblem3 sang One Day by Matisyahu, and it was just in a different class than the other performances-- LA said it was unbelievable and told Simon that he actually got it right this time. Demi said that she can't look them in the eye when they sing because then she would be flirting. She said that they're so talented (agreed, but hopefully they don't wreck anymore hotel rooms!). Simon told everyone that they're seeing a future superstar.
So here's what actually happened--
Willie Jones went home from Demi's Team; that was a shocker to me. David Correy, another fan favorite went home from LA's Team. Britney sent Diamond White home; truthfully, no one from that category should have been eliminated. Finally, Simon sent Sister C packing after a sing off with 1432 (soon to be another name, this time, chosen by the public).
Demi's Team: Paige Thomas
Britney's Team: Beatrice Miller
LA's Team: Vino Alan
Simon's Team: 1432
The weakest teams overall are Demi's and LA's; Simon and Britney's Teams seemed more prepared and polished.
Demi's Team:
Paige Thomas performed What is Love-- The whole thing was over the top, the performance was spectacle rather than skilled. Her voice was not that strong, and the song choice wasn't right as LA suggested as well. There was way too much going on onstage between her outfit, the surroundings, the choreography, etc. Britney thinks that Paige is a star and Simon thought it was outrageous, though, I couldn't tell whether or not that was good or bad.
My favorite performer from Demi's Team last night was by far, Jennel Garcia who sang Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue-- She literally morphed into a rock star in front of us. LA felt her performance was a 10. Simon called her performance amazing, but commented that Demi tried to make Jennel look like her.
Cece Frey sang Because the Night by Patti Smith-- Overall, Demi's Team came out weak and this further cemented that theory. Cece's vocals were not as good as they usually are, everything sounded watered down. Simon excused her weak vocals while LA and Britney pointed them out to her.
The final contestant from Demi's Team was Willie Jones who sang Here For the Party by Gretchen Wilson-- Willie was the second strongest contestant from Demi's Team in my opinion. LA found it entertaining but wanted more, and Britney thinks he's a star. Simon found the whole thing silly from the choreography to the outfits to the inappropriate dancers.
Britney's Team:
Arin Ray, Brit's strongest artist this week, sang Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes-- Even Arin struggled, but it's amazing how much he has matured in a year. I did not like the loud and distracting sound effects in the background, but he made the most of it and got through the performance. LA liked the song but didn't think his vocals were up to par. Demi found it stiff and felt he should have danced better, Simon argued that the focus is his voice first, and then the singing. Simon was impressed overall, and said that he did have the swagger. Brit loved it.
Diamond White sang Hey Soul Sister by Train-- I'll admit, I found the song choice awkward initially. But like LA said, it felt like her song by the end. Demi wanted to see Diamond have more fun, she felt that she was too reserved. Simon felt that she improved massively since they last saw her and that Britney did a really good job with her.
Beatrice Miller sang I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- This performance, like her hair, was a hot mess. I love Beatrice, and technically, I don't think she should go home, she does deserve another chance, but it was a weak vocal. LA loved and believed in her. Demi was impressed with the feelling behind her eyes. Simon thought that the style was right.
Carly Rose Sonenclair's performance of Good Feeling by Flo Rider was all wrong for her-- She seemed totally uncomfortable up there. Simon didn't think she connected to the song; it was quite obvious. LA and Demi both felt she looked uncomfortable onstage. The reason I think she will be saved is because she has a better voice than Beatrice.
LA's Team:
The strongest contestant on LA's Team is David Correy, by a mile; he sang My Love is Your Love by Whitney Houston-- Britney said she was surprised, felt his performance a lot, and called it amazing. Simon found it manic and thought that the song didn't give him any direction as an artist. LA thought his voice sounded great and he was proud of him. I hope David stays in this competition because I believe he'll benefit from the mentoring and grow.
Vino Alan sang Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback-- This was the wrong song for Vino, it sat too low in his voice. Brit felt his effort but was bored. Demi thought the beginning was shaky, but she could feel his passion. Simon said the song and the arrangement was horrible and that LA failed him. I agree with Simon in saying that Vino is more of a soul singer.
Tate Stevens sang Tough by Craig Morgan-- Tate is just a classic and I am honestly surprised that he hasn't been discovered before this. Brit said she is wowed every time. Demi said, we need you here, you're a star. Simon said I know exactly what kind of artist you want to be, the song wasn't my favorite, but you're a keeper.
Jason Brock sang Dance Again by Jennifer Lopez and this was not the right choice-- I feel LA completely failed Jason because this was the wrong song. Simon said the whole thing was horrendous; LA suggested that Simon was hating. I love Jason, I think his voice is tremendous, and he should have the chance to show what he can really do.
Simon's Team:
Sister C sang Hell on Heels by the Pistol Annies-- Britney felt that they delivered and I agree. I was not a fan of these girls going into this, but hearing them now, they have loads of potential. Demi said that this niche is missing in the industry, but the performance was really stiff. Simon said it was a fantastic performance, the vocals were on the money, and it sounded fantastic. I agree with Simon, these girls are good.
Lyric 145 sang Boom Shake the Room by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-- LA thinks that they are an amazing group. Brit was genuinely entertained, and Demi thought they were amazing (lots of use of the word amazing throughout this show). Simon said it has to be commercial to work, which they are, and he thought they were sensational. I love this group myself, their sound is different.
1432 (remember these gals have only been together three weeks) sang We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together-- LA found it very karaoke, didn't like the name change, and felt that Simon failed them. I really think that was a little too severe of a criticism, Simon did put them together after all. Brit was pleasantly surprised. Demi felt that they need more practice together.
Emblem3 sang One Day by Matisyahu, and it was just in a different class than the other performances-- LA said it was unbelievable and told Simon that he actually got it right this time. Demi said that she can't look them in the eye when they sing because then she would be flirting. She said that they're so talented (agreed, but hopefully they don't wreck anymore hotel rooms!). Simon told everyone that they're seeing a future superstar.
So here's what actually happened--
Willie Jones went home from Demi's Team; that was a shocker to me. David Correy, another fan favorite went home from LA's Team. Britney sent Diamond White home; truthfully, no one from that category should have been eliminated. Finally, Simon sent Sister C packing after a sing off with 1432 (soon to be another name, this time, chosen by the public).
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