Wow! The guys completely surprised me tonight. I really don't care what the judges say because tonight the guys proved that they are the stronger of the two groups, and I think ultimately a guy has a great chance of winning the whole thing this year. Their song selections were better, their voices were stronger, and five out of eight of them played guitar of some sort. Unfortunately a favorite may go home, while someone who should have gone home a long time ago probably will this week.
The show kicked off with Lee Dewyze putting his own spin on the Owl City song "Fireflies"; I actually liked Lee's version better than the original. Randy liked how he made it his own. Kara, like myself, thought it was better than the original. Simon thought Lee was better than the version of the song that he did. Score: 4.6 (out of 5)
Alex Lambert took on Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble"; Randy criticized him and thought it was too fast. Ellen said Alex, unlike most people, consistently gets better, and she loves his vulnerability. Kara thinks the only thing in the way of Alex winning is him and his struggles with confidence. Simon emphasized that once again he needs to learn how to be comfortable. Score: 4.5
Tim Urban sang the famous Jeff Buckley version of "Hallelujah", and for me, it was one of the best performances of the night. Randy said he walked in some big shoes (those of the contestants who performed it before him) and he did a pretty good job. Ellen hugged him and said it was fantastic; she felt bad about being so hard on him in the weeks past. Kara loved the honesty of his interpretation. Simon said terrific, by far his best performance thus far. Score: 5
Andrew Garcia's interpretation of Christina Aguilera's "Genie in a Bottle" left me a little disappointed. Randy said it was pitchy and there wasn't enough range in the song. Ellen liked the end, and commented about how much the viewers love him. Kara said he peaked early and now he has been chasing that performance ever since. Simon agreed with Kara and feels like Andrew is going backwards. I think he chose the wrong Christina song, he should have gone with "Beautiful" or "All I Want is You (Come on Over)". Score: 3.5
I enjoyed the sincerity of Casey James singing "You'll Think of Me" by Keith Urban. Randy felt it was too safe a choice for him, which I disagree with because he sounded good. Ellen thought it was great and positively commented on his comfort level. Kara said she liked it better than last week and said he was singing from his heart; she said what was missing was that spark that he has. Simon praised the sincerity of his performance ans said he sounded great. Score: 4.9
As the youngest contestant left in the competition, Aaron Kelly showed that age doesn't mean you are better. His performance of "I'm Already There" by Lonestar showcased his emotion when singing. Randy thought he sounded good but told him to work on the lower register of his voice. Ellen liked the song but thought the song was too big for him. Kara thought the song was irrelevant for him, saying it is about a man calling his kids. Simon called Kara out and said her statement was complete and utter rubbish, and that she is taking it too literally. He said it was a good vocal, the type of song he should be singing, and he could tell that Aaron was really trying. He also commented that the judges tell the contestants one thing one week, and something different the next and it is driving the contestants crazy unnecessarily. Score: 4.9
Todrick Hall's over the top version of "Somebody to Love" by Queen sounded so pitchy to me; I really think his voice cracked within the first few seconds of the performance. For some reason though, all the judges loved it saying that it was good singing. Simon said he proved that he is a Broadway singer, and that what he did may have saved him. Score: 3
Michael Lynche closed the show with "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell which is honestly one of the most difficult songs to sing by a very stylized artist. Randy said, "Really?"; it was dope and hot. Ellen said it was beautiful. A crying Kara said the song was absolutely relevant for him and that it showed his respect for women by the way he sang it. Simon said it was an incredibly difficult song to sing and he nailed it, best performance of the live shows so far. Score: 5
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
American Idol Season 9: The Top 8 Ladies
Last night was exactly what Simon Cowell said, possibly the most important night in the careers of these eight young women. That being said, I was unimpressed with the majority of the performances; here are my predictions for who will make it into the Top 12, and you may be surprised.
Crystal Bowersox and Didi Benami gave the best performances of the night. Crystal sang a soulful rendition of "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman that left all the judges singing her praises. Randy said loved that, loved you, loved the song, and loved your honesty. Ellen called it her fave performance of the night. Simon said the competition is hers to lose, and she is the one to beat.
Didi Benami has been mediocre every week of the semi-finals, but last night, she really rose to the occasion, and sang a beautiful cover of "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac. Didi was torn apart last week by the judges and instead of allowing their criticism to conquer her, she took it as constructive and performed the best I have ever seen her perform. Kara even said the performance was her favorite of this season so far. Randy said that there wasn't a "wow" moment in the performance, but Simon disagreed with Randy saying that the whole performance was the "wow", and called it brilliant.
Lacey Brown, for the first time, proved to the judges and the viewers why she is here with her performance of "The Story" by Brandi Carlisle. Randy, Ellen, and Kara agreed that she is back on the right path. Simon said that is was her personal best so far, and that it what she sang could be on the radio right now. Lacey sang something that was not only contemporary and relevant, but that fits her voice and style perfectly.
Lilly Scott's performance of "I Fall to Pieces", the classic by Patsy Cline slightly confused me. Randy called it hot, but I thought the performance was weird and outdated. Kara saw it as her making Patsy Cline contemporary but I really disagree, the whole sound and vibe was strange, but Lilly will most likely make it into the Top 12 based on her originality.
Siobhan Magnus has too many "wow" moments so far to not be a part of the Top 12. Her take on "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals left Ellen captivated, but Simon under impressed. Kara liked the risk she took in starting the song in acapella; in general Siobhan's risks have paid off thus far because the viewers reward that.
I think Katie Stevens has done just enough to scrape by and make it into the Top 12. She's done everything that the judges have asked, Simon gave her a ten out of ten for trying. Randy thought that her version of "Breakaway" paled in comparison to the original by the original American Idol. Ellen thought it was the right song but lacked personality and believability.
I think Katelyn Epperly and Paige Miles are headed home. Paige's performance of "Smile" garnered my worst of the night vote. Ellen said she found it sad and heavy rather than uplifting, and I agree. Simon said the song choice was horrible and the arrangement was terrible. He said she had so much potential, and yet this could be the end of the road for her.
Katelyn Epperly really did not impress me last night with the exception of her hairdo. Simon summed it up best, it was a simple song on possibly the biggest night of her career, so it appeared like she wasn't trying as much as everyone else. If Katelyn doesn't go home, look for Katie to receive her walking papers.
Crystal Bowersox and Didi Benami gave the best performances of the night. Crystal sang a soulful rendition of "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman that left all the judges singing her praises. Randy said loved that, loved you, loved the song, and loved your honesty. Ellen called it her fave performance of the night. Simon said the competition is hers to lose, and she is the one to beat.
Didi Benami has been mediocre every week of the semi-finals, but last night, she really rose to the occasion, and sang a beautiful cover of "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac. Didi was torn apart last week by the judges and instead of allowing their criticism to conquer her, she took it as constructive and performed the best I have ever seen her perform. Kara even said the performance was her favorite of this season so far. Randy said that there wasn't a "wow" moment in the performance, but Simon disagreed with Randy saying that the whole performance was the "wow", and called it brilliant.
Lacey Brown, for the first time, proved to the judges and the viewers why she is here with her performance of "The Story" by Brandi Carlisle. Randy, Ellen, and Kara agreed that she is back on the right path. Simon said that is was her personal best so far, and that it what she sang could be on the radio right now. Lacey sang something that was not only contemporary and relevant, but that fits her voice and style perfectly.
Lilly Scott's performance of "I Fall to Pieces", the classic by Patsy Cline slightly confused me. Randy called it hot, but I thought the performance was weird and outdated. Kara saw it as her making Patsy Cline contemporary but I really disagree, the whole sound and vibe was strange, but Lilly will most likely make it into the Top 12 based on her originality.
Siobhan Magnus has too many "wow" moments so far to not be a part of the Top 12. Her take on "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals left Ellen captivated, but Simon under impressed. Kara liked the risk she took in starting the song in acapella; in general Siobhan's risks have paid off thus far because the viewers reward that.
I think Katie Stevens has done just enough to scrape by and make it into the Top 12. She's done everything that the judges have asked, Simon gave her a ten out of ten for trying. Randy thought that her version of "Breakaway" paled in comparison to the original by the original American Idol. Ellen thought it was the right song but lacked personality and believability.
I think Katelyn Epperly and Paige Miles are headed home. Paige's performance of "Smile" garnered my worst of the night vote. Ellen said she found it sad and heavy rather than uplifting, and I agree. Simon said the song choice was horrible and the arrangement was terrible. He said she had so much potential, and yet this could be the end of the road for her.
Katelyn Epperly really did not impress me last night with the exception of her hairdo. Simon summed it up best, it was a simple song on possibly the biggest night of her career, so it appeared like she wasn't trying as much as everyone else. If Katelyn doesn't go home, look for Katie to receive her walking papers.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
American Idol Season 9: The Top 10 Ladies
I know that this post is late, but I have been without Internet since last Wednesday. After watching the results show, one elimination was obvious, and the other was a surprise at best for the ladies. I will post their results following my show summary; as for the guys John Park and Jermaine Sellers were eliminated, no surprise there.
The best for the ladies in week 2 was the first and the last, Crystal Bowersox (who almost had to bow out of the competition) and Siobhan Magnus. Crystal sang a gospel song called "Clear Water As Long As I Can See the Light". Kara said that she completely recovered from last week's "just ok" performance, and that she is Americana rock. Simon believes that Crystal has been underestimated and much like Kelly Clarkson they have a real artist on their hands. I am happy that Crystal is a part of this competition; she is so different, and I love that about her.
Siobhan sang "Think", the soul classic by Aretha Franklin, and Randy called her performance dope and fearless. Kara said she has no idea how Siobhan hit the high note in her song. Simon called her interesting and talented. This young woman is a dark horse in this competition and I think she is going to continue her consistency.
Haeley Vaughn gave by far the most dreadful performance of the night. I was actually looking forward to hearing her sing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. Randy said it was so pitchy and she had no connection to the song; Ellen agreed. Simon called it a complete and utter mess. I think the vocal was totally forced which is why it is no surprise that she was sent packing this week.
Lacey Brown tackled "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer and Kara agreed that she stepped it up from last week but must continue to do so if she wants to stay in the competition. Simon said that she is acting like she is in a singing competition rather than showing the judges and the public who she is as an artist.
Katie Stevens also improved from last week but continued to struggle with the youth factor; she is acting older than she is. Ellen and Kara agreed that she should have chosen a hipper song than "Put Your Records On". Simon said that once again she failed to tell the public who she is.
Didi Benami was the other woman I thought would be eliminated this week (besides Haeley). Her take on "Lean On Me" was all over the place; Simon went as far as to say, she was screeching.
Michelle Delamor took a chance and left her comfort zone singing "Arms Wide Open" by rock group Creed. Kara called it her face Michelle performance ever because she did something different and believed in it. Simon agreed with Kara and appreciated the risk she took.
Randy called Lilly Scott's performance of "A Change is Gonna Come" his favorite of the night; Simon liked it but said that Crystal was better.
I have to agree with the judges and say that Katelyn Epperly's performance of "The Scientist" by Coldplay was so slow that I thought I was going to fall asleep. Simon thought it was a million times better than last week.
Paige Miles sang "Walk Away" originally sang by Kelly Clarkson and co-written by Kara. Kara said it was meant to be angrier, but overall she liked it. Simon did not like the song choice and Randy was not crazy about it either.
The two ladies sent home were Haeley and Michelle; I disagree with Michelle being sent home I think she is better than that, and I don't think she had the chance to show America her true talent.
The best for the ladies in week 2 was the first and the last, Crystal Bowersox (who almost had to bow out of the competition) and Siobhan Magnus. Crystal sang a gospel song called "Clear Water As Long As I Can See the Light". Kara said that she completely recovered from last week's "just ok" performance, and that she is Americana rock. Simon believes that Crystal has been underestimated and much like Kelly Clarkson they have a real artist on their hands. I am happy that Crystal is a part of this competition; she is so different, and I love that about her.
Siobhan sang "Think", the soul classic by Aretha Franklin, and Randy called her performance dope and fearless. Kara said she has no idea how Siobhan hit the high note in her song. Simon called her interesting and talented. This young woman is a dark horse in this competition and I think she is going to continue her consistency.
Haeley Vaughn gave by far the most dreadful performance of the night. I was actually looking forward to hearing her sing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. Randy said it was so pitchy and she had no connection to the song; Ellen agreed. Simon called it a complete and utter mess. I think the vocal was totally forced which is why it is no surprise that she was sent packing this week.
Lacey Brown tackled "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer and Kara agreed that she stepped it up from last week but must continue to do so if she wants to stay in the competition. Simon said that she is acting like she is in a singing competition rather than showing the judges and the public who she is as an artist.
Katie Stevens also improved from last week but continued to struggle with the youth factor; she is acting older than she is. Ellen and Kara agreed that she should have chosen a hipper song than "Put Your Records On". Simon said that once again she failed to tell the public who she is.
Didi Benami was the other woman I thought would be eliminated this week (besides Haeley). Her take on "Lean On Me" was all over the place; Simon went as far as to say, she was screeching.
Michelle Delamor took a chance and left her comfort zone singing "Arms Wide Open" by rock group Creed. Kara called it her face Michelle performance ever because she did something different and believed in it. Simon agreed with Kara and appreciated the risk she took.
Randy called Lilly Scott's performance of "A Change is Gonna Come" his favorite of the night; Simon liked it but said that Crystal was better.
I have to agree with the judges and say that Katelyn Epperly's performance of "The Scientist" by Coldplay was so slow that I thought I was going to fall asleep. Simon thought it was a million times better than last week.
Paige Miles sang "Walk Away" originally sang by Kelly Clarkson and co-written by Kara. Kara said it was meant to be angrier, but overall she liked it. Simon did not like the song choice and Randy was not crazy about it either.
The two ladies sent home were Haeley and Michelle; I disagree with Michelle being sent home I think she is better than that, and I don't think she had the chance to show America her true talent.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
American Idol Season 9: The Top Ten Guys
So for some of the gentlemen, tonight was a great improvement, and for others it will be the end of the road. On a night when the ladies were supposed to perform, some men proved that they should not be counted out of this competition yet.
01 Michael Lynche performed "This Is A Man's World" by James Brown-- Randy thought it was crazy good. Kara said, I didn't get it, til now and you can potentially be a great artist. Simon said, you went from being a pussycat to a lion in a week; it was the perfect song for him, it didn't sound dated, and it was the best he has heard from him thus far. Amen to that; I thought big Mike sounded better than he ever has, and he needs to keep this up.
Score: 4.9 (out of 5)
02 John Park performed "Gravity" by John Mayer-- Randy said there was nothing special about it, nothing he added to it to make it better. Kara said it lacked connection and she didn't totally believe it. Simon said it is what he calls a "so what" performance; there was nothing special about it. I like John but I have to agree with the judges; this is a great John Mayer song and he needed to feel it more than he did. He took about ten steps back tonight.
Score: 3.1
03 Casey James performed "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin Degraw-- Randy loved his guitar playing as well as the changes he made to the song; he appreciates his musician/ singer/ songwriter vibe. Kara thought he took two steps back, and Simon agreed with Kara. I liked it very much, I like Casey very much, and unlike Kara, I don't need him to return my calls.
Score: 4.7
04 Alex Lambert performed "Everybody Knows" by John Legend-- Like Randy, I loved Alex's new found confidence. Ellen said it was so much better and called him the most unique person there. Kara said everyone is routing for him and he has something that every aspiring singer wants, a great recording voice. Simon said you should only be nervous if you are useless, and you're not cause you have a good voice. I personally cannot help but rout for Alex, he seems like a kind soul with a great voice; I hope to see him in the weeks to come.
Score: 4.9
05 Todrick Hall performed "What's Love Got to Do With It" by Tina Turner-- I really did not like this, at all. Randy said sing without changing the arrangement of the song. Ellen said move on stage because it's better, but the song choice wasn't good. Simon said move but don't sing because it just isn't working.
Score: 3
06 Jermaine Sellers performed "What's Goin' On" by Marvin Gaye-- Randy said it was much better than last week but he still needs to pull it back and make it even more simple. Kara said you don't need to show us every trick in the book every week; pick one, and make it mean something. I agree, it should be a trick that makes sense depending on the song. Simon said you watered down the song. I agree, it was watered down to the point that we couldn't appreciate the song for the reason we usually do. "What's Goin' On" is arguably one of the best pop/ R&B songs ever recorded, and it was ruined in my opinion with that performance.
Score: 3
07 Andrew Garcia performed "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison-- It was pitchy all over the place; Randy said it, and I could not agree more unfortunately. Ellen joked that she likes him so much that she wants to tattoo his name on her neck, but she also agreed the song was wrong for him. Simon simply called it, the wrong song and disappointing.
Score: 3 (unfortunately)
08 Aaron Kelly performed "My Girl" by the Temptations-- Randy liked it. Ellen liked him and his voice, but not the song. Kara said she likes him and thinks it was better than last week. Simon likes Aaron but thinks the performance was old fashioned. So in more simple terms, the judges like Aaron. I do too and I happen to think this performance was a bit underestimated.
Score: 4.8
09 Tim Urban performed "Come On Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson-- Randy said very karaoke, nothing special about it. Ellen said he should be on "Glee" but didn't like the performance. Kara liked the song choice but thought he needed to make it his own more (she does want him back next week). Simon disagreed with all the other judges, and so did I. He said Tim made a marked improvement, it was not karaoke, he listened to the critiques, didn't whine, and got on with it. He was relevant, and Simon was impressed with his attitude and work ethic.
Score: 5
10 Lee DeWyze performed "Lips of An Angel" by Hinder-- Despite pitch problems here and there, Randy still liked it. Kara called it a big improvement over last week, and she can even hear him on the radio right now; I can too. Vocally, Simon said, he is head and shoulders above the other guys in the competition, and that he may be the one to beat.
Score: 5
01 Michael Lynche performed "This Is A Man's World" by James Brown-- Randy thought it was crazy good. Kara said, I didn't get it, til now and you can potentially be a great artist. Simon said, you went from being a pussycat to a lion in a week; it was the perfect song for him, it didn't sound dated, and it was the best he has heard from him thus far. Amen to that; I thought big Mike sounded better than he ever has, and he needs to keep this up.
Score: 4.9 (out of 5)
02 John Park performed "Gravity" by John Mayer-- Randy said there was nothing special about it, nothing he added to it to make it better. Kara said it lacked connection and she didn't totally believe it. Simon said it is what he calls a "so what" performance; there was nothing special about it. I like John but I have to agree with the judges; this is a great John Mayer song and he needed to feel it more than he did. He took about ten steps back tonight.
Score: 3.1
03 Casey James performed "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin Degraw-- Randy loved his guitar playing as well as the changes he made to the song; he appreciates his musician/ singer/ songwriter vibe. Kara thought he took two steps back, and Simon agreed with Kara. I liked it very much, I like Casey very much, and unlike Kara, I don't need him to return my calls.
Score: 4.7
04 Alex Lambert performed "Everybody Knows" by John Legend-- Like Randy, I loved Alex's new found confidence. Ellen said it was so much better and called him the most unique person there. Kara said everyone is routing for him and he has something that every aspiring singer wants, a great recording voice. Simon said you should only be nervous if you are useless, and you're not cause you have a good voice. I personally cannot help but rout for Alex, he seems like a kind soul with a great voice; I hope to see him in the weeks to come.
Score: 4.9
05 Todrick Hall performed "What's Love Got to Do With It" by Tina Turner-- I really did not like this, at all. Randy said sing without changing the arrangement of the song. Ellen said move on stage because it's better, but the song choice wasn't good. Simon said move but don't sing because it just isn't working.
Score: 3
06 Jermaine Sellers performed "What's Goin' On" by Marvin Gaye-- Randy said it was much better than last week but he still needs to pull it back and make it even more simple. Kara said you don't need to show us every trick in the book every week; pick one, and make it mean something. I agree, it should be a trick that makes sense depending on the song. Simon said you watered down the song. I agree, it was watered down to the point that we couldn't appreciate the song for the reason we usually do. "What's Goin' On" is arguably one of the best pop/ R&B songs ever recorded, and it was ruined in my opinion with that performance.
Score: 3
07 Andrew Garcia performed "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison-- It was pitchy all over the place; Randy said it, and I could not agree more unfortunately. Ellen joked that she likes him so much that she wants to tattoo his name on her neck, but she also agreed the song was wrong for him. Simon simply called it, the wrong song and disappointing.
Score: 3 (unfortunately)
08 Aaron Kelly performed "My Girl" by the Temptations-- Randy liked it. Ellen liked him and his voice, but not the song. Kara said she likes him and thinks it was better than last week. Simon likes Aaron but thinks the performance was old fashioned. So in more simple terms, the judges like Aaron. I do too and I happen to think this performance was a bit underestimated.
Score: 4.8
09 Tim Urban performed "Come On Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson-- Randy said very karaoke, nothing special about it. Ellen said he should be on "Glee" but didn't like the performance. Kara liked the song choice but thought he needed to make it his own more (she does want him back next week). Simon disagreed with all the other judges, and so did I. He said Tim made a marked improvement, it was not karaoke, he listened to the critiques, didn't whine, and got on with it. He was relevant, and Simon was impressed with his attitude and work ethic.
Score: 5
10 Lee DeWyze performed "Lips of An Angel" by Hinder-- Despite pitch problems here and there, Randy still liked it. Kara called it a big improvement over last week, and she can even hear him on the radio right now; I can too. Vocally, Simon said, he is head and shoulders above the other guys in the competition, and that he may be the one to beat.
Score: 5
Sunday, February 28, 2010
2010 Vancouver Olympics: Day 15
I guess in a sport as risky as short track you can win as easily as you can lose; on Friday night Apolo Ohno demonstrated just that. Trying to defend his gold in the 500m, the fourth place (in a four man race) Ohno tried to make a move to the front, when he was disqualified. What for you ask? Apparently Apolo caused a crash that made Canadian skater Francois Louis Tremblay fall; Apolo says he only put his hand on Tremblay's hip to protect himself and he did not push him and he did not deserve to be disqualified. He suggested that the head Canadian referee may have had something to do with it. Charles Hamelin of Canada won the gold and not only in the 500m but later in the night in the 5000m relay. Apolo did end up winning a bronze medal in the 5000m relay along with Olympic rookies J.R. Celski, Jordan Malone, and Travis Jayner.
Men's 500m
1. Gold-- Charles Hamelin, Canada, 40.981
2. Silver-- Sung Si Bak, South Korea, 41.340
3. Bronze-- Francois Louis Tremblay, Canada, 46.366
Men's 5000m Relay
1. Gold-- Canada, Charles Hamelin/ Francois Hamelin/ Olivier Jean/ Francois Loius Tremblay, 6:44.244
2. Silver-- South Korea, Kwak Yoon Gy/ Lee Ho Suk/ Lee Jung Su/ Sung Si Bak, 6:44.446
3. Bronze-- U.S.A., J.R. Celski, Travis Jayner, Jordan Malone, Apolo Ohno, 6:44.498
Katherine Reutter's role model growing up was Bonnie Blair; one piece of advice she gave her was to remember that the girls she is competing against at the Games are the same ones she competes against all the time. Reutter must have listened because she won silver in the 1000m, the only medal by a U.S. woman in speedskating or short track for these games. She only lost to the best in the world Meng Wang of China. who already won three golds at these games and has clearly established herself as a powerhouse.
Ladies' 1000m
1. Gold-- Meng Wang, China, 1:29.213
2. Silver-- Katherine Reutter, U.S.A., 1:29.324
3. Bronze-- Park Seung Hi, South Korea, 1:30.165
Men's 500m
1. Gold-- Charles Hamelin, Canada, 40.981
2. Silver-- Sung Si Bak, South Korea, 41.340
3. Bronze-- Francois Louis Tremblay, Canada, 46.366
Men's 5000m Relay
1. Gold-- Canada, Charles Hamelin/ Francois Hamelin/ Olivier Jean/ Francois Loius Tremblay, 6:44.244
2. Silver-- South Korea, Kwak Yoon Gy/ Lee Ho Suk/ Lee Jung Su/ Sung Si Bak, 6:44.446
3. Bronze-- U.S.A., J.R. Celski, Travis Jayner, Jordan Malone, Apolo Ohno, 6:44.498
Katherine Reutter's role model growing up was Bonnie Blair; one piece of advice she gave her was to remember that the girls she is competing against at the Games are the same ones she competes against all the time. Reutter must have listened because she won silver in the 1000m, the only medal by a U.S. woman in speedskating or short track for these games. She only lost to the best in the world Meng Wang of China. who already won three golds at these games and has clearly established herself as a powerhouse.
Ladies' 1000m
1. Gold-- Meng Wang, China, 1:29.213
2. Silver-- Katherine Reutter, U.S.A., 1:29.324
3. Bronze-- Park Seung Hi, South Korea, 1:30.165
Friday, February 26, 2010
Hail to the "Queen" Yu Na
She was so good that she should have been in a class all by herself, Kim Yu Na of South Korea won gold in ladies' figure skating last night. She shattered the previous high score, and beat silver medalist and rival, Japan's Mao Asada, by 23 points. She set new world records in the short program, free skate, and overall score; "I thought, is this score something that's really possible? ... This is the best performance I have ever done." Queen Yu Na, as she is known to her fans, says she hopes to defend her win at the world championships next month in Torino. She is already thinking about Sochi in 2014, and hopes that South Korea will be able to host the Games in 2018. At only 19 years of age, Kim dazzled the audience with a sophisticated performance that was as close to perfection as one can get. The commentators said that Kim has all the elements that the judges look for with the new scoring system.
Mao Asada became the first woman to land two triple axels in a free skate, quite the achievement for the woman who was not eligible to skate at the last Olympics and was the 2008 world champion.
Joannie Rochetee of Canada displayed courage that most people don't have, even if they try. Just a week after losing her mom to a heart attack, Rochette skated the free program of her life, and not only captured our hearts but the bronze medal. Her dad sat in the stands and cried when her program was over. Rochette says that watching Kim and Asada inspired her to compete and focus on the things she needed to focus on.
Ladies' Figure Skating
1. Gold-- Kim Yu Na, South Korea, 228.56
2. Silver-- Mao Asada, Japan, 205.50
3. Bronze-- Joannie Rochette, Canada, 202.64
Mao Asada became the first woman to land two triple axels in a free skate, quite the achievement for the woman who was not eligible to skate at the last Olympics and was the 2008 world champion.
Joannie Rochetee of Canada displayed courage that most people don't have, even if they try. Just a week after losing her mom to a heart attack, Rochette skated the free program of her life, and not only captured our hearts but the bronze medal. Her dad sat in the stands and cried when her program was over. Rochette says that watching Kim and Asada inspired her to compete and focus on the things she needed to focus on.
Ladies' Figure Skating
1. Gold-- Kim Yu Na, South Korea, 228.56
2. Silver-- Mao Asada, Japan, 205.50
3. Bronze-- Joannie Rochette, Canada, 202.64
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2010 Vancouver Olympics: Days 13 and 14
Day 13
Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic won her second gold medal of these games, this time in the 5000m event. Sablikova, dubbed the skating "queen" of these games said if she would have had to skate just 100m more, she would not have made it. Just four years ago, Cindy Glassen was Canada's golden girl winning five medals in Torino; this time around she has not won one medal. Clara Hughes, at the age of 37, and in her last Olympic games won bronze for Canada; she felt it was a great way to close out her career. Stephanie Beckert of Germany took silver.
5000m
1. Gold-- Martina Sablikova, Czech Republic, 6:50:91
2. Silver-- Stephanie Beckert, Germany, 6:51:39
3. Bronze-- Clara Hughes, Canada, 6:55:73
In the 3000m short track relay, South Korea began their gold medal celebration a bit prematurely; judges ruled that they impeded during an exchange push with just laps remaining. South Korea was disqualified. China took the gold, Canada the silver, and U.S.A. the bronze.
3000m Relay
1. Gold-- China
2. Silver-- Canada
3. Bronze-- U.S.A.
Day 14
The surprise in it all is that no American women made it on to the podium in the Ladies' Giant Slalom. It was an event that Julia Mancuso was expected to fare well in, after all, she was the defending champion. Even more surprising was who won, 20 year old Viktoria Rosenburg from Germany who competed for the first time in senior level after winning this event at the junior championships last year. "It's the highest thing I ever could achieve, crazy," she said following her run. Tina Maze of Slovenia won another silver, her other silver coming in the Super G, and Elisabeth Goergl of Austria matched her bronze from downhill with a bronze in this event as well.
Ladies' Giant Slalom
1. Gold-- Viktoria Rosenburg, Germany, 2:27:11
2. Silver-- Tina Maze, Slovenia, 2:27:15
3. Bronze-- Elisabeth Goergl, Austria, 2:27:25
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