My Favorite American Idol Performances of All Time – #15 – #11

15. Ruben Studdard – Sweet Home Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l5oHDYISBc
Ok never was a huge Ruben fan either…he was quite entertaining and loveable and cuddly looking and stuff, but you gotta give credit to someone with huge state pride. I love that he wore the 205 jerseys and I love that he got a chance to sing this song. It wasn’t he best performance but it was def the most enjoyable to watch and probably one his favorite to perform.

14. Kimberley Locke – New York State of Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQToDJAAtSw
Now you would think that a Billy Joel night would have been a home run, but instead it was just awful. Except when Kim Locke came out and NAILED this song. She took the Piano man’s song and made it fabulous.

13. Nikko Smith – Georgia on my Mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dYAY2Jvdns
So this might be the WTF song on here – because I’m sure a lot of you don’t remember this performance or maybe you don’t even remember Nikko at all. He was fairly decent thru the first two weeks of the show, and knowing he could be in trouble he pulled out the money song, Georgia on my Mind. It was pretty decent but MAN when he hit that finale note my heart stopped. I became a fan of Nikko from that moment on. Unfortunately he was voted out that week …but then he was brought back when Mario Vasquez dropped out. I haven’t heard what he’s doing lately but I will always remember him singing this song.

12. Katherine McPhee – Somewhere over the Rainbow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o79415DcXYM
Ok so I wasn’t a huge Katherine fan during her time on AI, because she was very inconsistent, but I will not deny that she had a few good performances. I loved her audition, and there were a few other high points, but her cover of Eva Cassidy’s Somewhere over the Rainbow was classy and well done. She’s no Eva but she sounded amazing.

11. Jordin Sparks – I who have nothing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BISjFV69AdE
OK so we all agree that Jordin has a great voice for a 17 year old, but this song really proved it. If you listened to this song without knowing who it was you would have no idea how old she was. She sings with such maturity beyond her years. I love that she didn’t belt the whole song — she showed control and emotion in this song and it was her best song of her time on AI.

Um OMG Prison Break News

Ok so this is just breaking on TV Guide, and luckily I was home on my lunch break so I could bring it to you guys — but DR. SARAH TANCREDI is ALIVE. That’s right folks, Sarah Wayne Callies, is coming back!! Ausiello has all the scoop RIGHT HERE

Kinda off topic

Ok, I make it a rule to never discuss politics.  I hate it, and I hate arguing with people on it.  So no screaming comments on this post, please!  I swear I will delete them – I am not here to debate you or try to sway your vote one way or another!  That said:

Meghan McCain is writing a blog about her experience on the campaign trail – its so cute!!  She’s a pretty atypical “first daughter” type – she loves shoes, makeup, fashion and off-beat music and doesnt really discuss politics or campaign issues.  I spent pretty much all morning (dont tell my boss!) reading her blog. (Love the part where she says that Chelsea Clinton had cute shoes on!)  Again, she pretty much keeps politics out of the blog – no “vote for dad” posts.  It’s more like she is on this amazing trip with her dad, who she loves, who happens to be John McCain, who happens to be running for President. 

So basically, my point here is no matter the politics, this is a pretty good read!  She seems like a nice girl who would be fun to hang out with – and I loved reading her makeup tips!  And I have to give props to other bloggers out there – even if they don’t write about The Hills – and especially when they write about personal experiences, like having someone tell her she needs plastic surgery (she made it up there with Tyra for me when it comes to defending the way ANY woman looks!) or how close she is to her mom.  All in all, pretty damn cute blog!

Take a look!

Update:  There was a national story on her blog today, which is how I found out about it.  From what I can tell, the publicity crashed her site!  Try back again later!

American Idol – Who is going home?

Well total shocker on the bottom three this week….going home is….

Spencer the Douche-Bag

Ok, Kristin and I love The Hills!  But we DO hate Spencer.  A lot.  And after reading this, you will probably agree.  I have never seen someone who is so stupid, so full of himself and so full of shit!

And then there is this gem:  Spencer’s Advice Column.  It’s actually pretty funny, wait until he talks about Benihana!

And to cap it all off: The Hills Drinking Game (Kristin and I love these!)

DWTS – The First Elimination

Jason and Edyta were chosen for the encore dance – their Mambo was SOOO GOOD!

Steve and Anna are safe – “Wow!”  Haha he is so happy, I heart him!  Backstage, the guys are all so cute and nice to Steve - Mario gave Steve a tie?

Those Jonas Brothers are pretty good!  First song was “Take on Me,” originally by A-Ha.  Anna and Jonathan dancing is cute!

American Idol – Songs from your Birthyear

So excited for this theme. *I also have heard from my mom that my guy David Cook totally KILLS it. So I am super excited!!* Um why is Paula wearing long black gloves?

Ramiele Malubay – 1987’s “Alone” by Heart
[Ok let me begin with saying that she is SO stupid for singing this song, no one will ever sing this better then Carrie, and it should be like retired from AI history]
The beginning is a bit wobbly. Did she change keys? Yeah she is totally singing it lower. Annnd she sounds like she is screaming. Who told her this would be a good song choice for her? Oh wow is she screaming. She tried to like change it up at the end but it just sounded awkward. I did not like the arrangement of it either, they picked weird parts of the song to put together. Randy thought it was too big for her and the wrong song choice. Paula is glad America heard her big voice, and she gives her credit. Apparently she is sick — no excuse lady. Simon didn’t think it was as bad as Randy said…HUH? He thinks she was shrieking but she will probably get thru. Ramiele sounds fine to me… no excuse!!

Jason Castro – 1987’s “Fragile” by Sting
[Aww it's his birthday today!! Happy Birthday Jason! His video was so cute]
Good to see him playing the guitar again. I don’t know this song. He sounds really good tho. This doesn’t sound like a very complicated song, but he sounds good. Is he singing in Spanish? What is with this kid singing songs in different languages? It was an OK song, nothing special or memorable but he sang it well. He needs more exciting songs. Apparently it is one of Randy’s favorite songs and he thought it was nice and pleasant. Paula thinks he is staying true to who he is but he is playing it safe. Simon thinks he has had two bad weeks and that it is time to take it more seriously. He said he potentially could win this but not if he keeps doing songs like that. Good Point Simon! hahah was he giving a peace sign or saying vote for him he is number 2

Syesha Mercado – 1987’s “If I Were Your Woman” by Stephanie Mills
[They put all three people born in 1987 in a row]
Well she sounds really good so far. Wow I am really impressed with Syesha. And we all know that I do NOT like her normally. She hasn’t screamed once, she isn’t wearing a scarf, and she is really killling this song. Her upper register sounds nice too. Very controlled song, I think it was her best performance to date. Nice job Syesha. Randy thought it was a good moment for her — best he’s ever heard her sing. Paula said this is going to be the moment where she became the dark horse. Simon said it was def. the best so far, he didn’t like the end. I still don’t really like her that much, but this was quite a great song for her.

Chikezie – 1985’s “If Only For One Night” by Luther Vandross
Oh he already messed up that first pass. Umm…this is a weird song to sing. It’s just kinda blah… I dunno? He has had some weird pitchy problems and I could NEVER imagine hearing this song on the radio. His big note was pretty good — but that was it. Meh it was ok. Randy thought it was old and he didn’t love it. Paula thought he did a great job. Simon thought he sang it well but the performance was cheesy. I agree Simon!

Brooke White – 1983’s “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Oh wow she kinda messed up in the beginning. But she recovered nicely. I like this acoustic sounding version of the song — its quite pretty. Very nicely done. I think she needs to sing Sheryl Crow’s Are you Strong enough to be my man one day. Randy liked the first part but he didn’t love the middle he wanted her to just stay like the beginning (I agree). Paula enjoyed this performance. Simon agrees with Randy and that she should have stayed at the piano without the band.

Michael Johns – 1978’s “We Are the Champions” by Queen
Nice we start with We Will Rock You and he sounds awesome! Now into We are the Champions — awesome. This guy sounds good with Queen. Ohh a little ahead of the band there. This is his rock star moment for sure. He sounds good, he looks good, and the audience loves him. Good choice of song and great performance. Finally!!! Wow the audience is going crazy. Randy said FINALLY hahah best performance since he’s been on the show. Paula said this was his moment and she is proud of him. Simon said it’s the first time he saw star potential in this performance. And that it is the only memorable performance tonight so far. Good Job Michael!!

Carly Smithson – 1983’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
[LOVE this song, but it is kinda low in the beginning should be interesting aww she is named after Carly Simon]
She can really sing these 80 power band chick songs. This isn’t as good as her Heart song a few weeks back but she sounds really good. Ick she def cracked on the end not there but still good. Hopefully it’ll be enough to keep her out of that bottom three this week. Randy didn’t like it that much. Paula thinks she can sing anything. Simon thought something didn’t quite work. I agree she seems a bit nervous or scared *maybe bc she was in the bottom three last week*

David Archuleta – 1990’s “You’re the Voice” by David Foster
[he might miss his prom...who knows]
What is this song? Oh it’s a Christian song isn’t it? What an awkward song… He is a good singer but I like him less every week. He should have sang like “Why should I worry” by Billy Joel..I wonder when that came out. What a weird ass song. Randy thought it was a strange song choice, but if you can sing sing whatever. Paula said he can sing the phone book. Simon didn’t like the performance at all he thought it was theme parkish. He doesn’t think he picked the song himself. HA.

Kristy Lee Cook – 1984’s “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood
[oh god]
She looks awful. I wonder how many times she sang this song in pageants and at the county fair. Wow super awkward key transition. I bet the band was like are you serious when they found out she was singing this song. I mean yeah I guess she sounded good but what a wacko. Randy thought it was a good song choice. Paula said pitchy but her voice is stronger. Simon thought it was her best performance by a mile. Yeah but it was LAME.

David Cook – 1983’s “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
[Yeah pimp spot!! Awww my mom called to tell me that David Cook and I had the same highchair and she's right we totally did..wasn't I a cute baby? hahahah]

Wow this sounds totally different then the original. His hair kinda looks better too I dunno. This is great. WOW that note totally sold it. LOVE IT.. LOVE HIM!! Randy thought he was original and bold and he could win the whole lot. Paula is blown away and she can’t sit down. Simon thought it was brave and it was amazing. YEAHH!!!

EDIT: I forgot to pick who was going home. I think the bottom three will be Chikeze, Ramiele, and Kristy Lee Cook and I don’t care which goes home haha

One more thing on Priscilla Presley

One of the comments I received on a post below has an interesting story about one of the DWTS faves – Priscilla Presley.  She doesnt do much press, so it is no wonder that this story hasnt been told.  Click here to read about one of her philanthropic efforts with animals.

My Favorite American Idol Performances of All Time – #16-20

Here are numbers 20 – 16:

20. Ace Young – Father Figure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbojJ9-5Os
Holy Jesus you need to click on that youtube video just to see this kids eyes. And I promise you they are just as gorgeous in person as well. Granted this was probably his only good performance on the whole show but whatever he rocked this song. I think it’s just because he looked so dreamy. Hahah.

19. Paris Bennett – Fever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORH04NjKoVY
Paris’s audition is another one of my favorites, when she sang Billie Holiday, not the Dixie Chicks. BUT she totally got back to her roots in this song and she nailed it!!

17. Bo Bice – In a Dream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmeS3v_w4Kk
Ok so everyone gave him props for singing acapella. Yeah it was cool yadda yadda, but his vocals were the part that shone thru here. He wasn’t my favorite on this season at all but he sang this song wonderfully.

16. Elliot Yamin – Somebody to Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCXJ_H51NHU
Ok I LOVE Elliot. He is one if not my top favorite on the show ever. Here is this kid who had NO time on TV at all and he went on to get friggin third place on the show. He is the only person who made this countdown twice. Again the judges didn’t love this version of the song, but I sure did. I love Queen and I think he sang this song quite well.

15. Melinda Doolittle – I’m a Woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JUBSaWnms4
Oh Melinda. She was consistent every single week. Although I also loved her performances of My Funny Valentine, and Have a Nice Day, this is the one that I remember. It’s such a huge fun power belt song and something I would never have imagined her singing but she did it with confidence and it looks like she is having so much fun.

My Apologies to Priscilla Presley

Ok, I have to formally appologize to Priscilla Presley for the her-face-doesnt-move-wtf comments.  According to TMZ, Priscilla was the victim of a super shady plastic surgeon who completely fugged up her face:

Who wants to DANCE WITH MARIO?!?!

So, one of our faves from DWTS is holding a contest!!  Who out there wants to win a dance with Mario?!?

More info after the jump! 

Dancing with the Stars – Performances from Last Night

As promised, here are my fav. performances from last night! After the jump:

The Hills – Do you Surf?

AHHHHH so we have been waiting for this for SO long!! In tonight’s episode we see LC and Whitney on their way to Paris for the Crillion Ball. The girls need to decide if they should get their dresses first or pick up the models shoes — they pick up their dresses (duh). Why is Whitney’s dress not cute? LC totes got the better dress. (LB: Um, hi, ladies, you went to Paris to work. Maybe you should follow the schedule and go get the shoes for the deb!! That was a REALLY bonehead idea!) The girls go to a photo shoot and we see LC get the phone call saying Brody has a girlfriend (hahah which is even funnier seeing the recap from last time just before this, it literally was two days since he kissed her goodbye). Meanwhile Heidi and her mom talk about her and Spencer…who cares? Then She-Pratt comes in looking all sorts of fug and has a heart to heart with Spencer. This is when my roommate and I decide that Spencer and Heidi would have really ugly babies. Spencer decides to go see Heidi in Colorado. Smart man. (LB: I disagree, this is the first time in her life – on The Hills – where Heidi is being smart. Dude, if she is not taking your phone calls, do not go there! I LOVE the step-dad’s reaction, I bet they had to refilm that, because his original response had to have been “What the hell are you doing here you douche-bag?!?”) (HEY LB  I was being sarcastic…haha)

DWTS – Switching it up

Everyone switches this week – those who did Latin will do ballroom and vice versa. This week is also the elimination! Samantha Harris is very very tan tonight. She also can’t say “dreaded double elimination.” It’s not good when Monica Seles looks stiff walking down the stairs. Mario is already dancing, cute! Julianne looks like she knows she is going on tour very shortly, cause Adam is going home! Priscilla still can’t move her face; she attempted expression, but failed. Kristi Y looks HOT!

My Favorite American Idol Performances of All Time

Ok so if you read this blog at all you clearly know that I (Kristin) am a huge AI fan. With that being said – I have seen quite a few different lists with the best performances in American Idol history and I am always so confused about some of their choices. So I decided to make my own list. To say that this has been a work in progress is an understatement — but it is slowly coming together (with the help of wikipedia and their lists of every performance). So to begin with here are some Honorable mentions. The top 20 will be coming over the next week. Enjoy!!

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

 

Eva Avila (Winner of Canadian Idol) – How Come you don’t call me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx8-sYdEJoA
So if Eva was on American Idol this performance would have been in my top 5 of all time. I think it’s absolutely brilliant. There is nothing more to say – go watch the video and then go buy her album. I want her to popular in the US bc she has an AMAZING voice. She’s like Katharine McPhee only a 100 times better.

Blake Lewis – When I get you Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3Mje_OM2JY
I had never heard this song, but like the judges immediately fell in love with it. I downloaded the Robin Thicke version and I realized — although RT’s version is great, the under 2 minute version by Blake was far superior. I don’t know what it is about the song, but he just killed it in my opinion. Loved when he sang this song. Love it.

Frenchie Davis’s audition – I’m Telling You…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mBPytJEFgo
The only reason this isn’t in my countdown is because..well she wasn’t really a finalist and everyone else was aaannd it was an audition and not a live performance. Not without saying tho I think the rules have changed since she auditioned and if she had waited she might have been in the finals and a true competitor for the crown. Now although in recent times I am telling you is waay oversung (both by people literally oversinging it and by too many people singing it) Frenchie NAILED singing this song — far better then Lakeisha last year. She was fantastic and it was a shame she didn’t get to compete.

Katharine McPhee’s audition – God Bless the Child
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J7bktXYOYM
OK so I wasn’t a huge Kat fan during the show, but DAMN her audition was amazing. I think that she lost a lot of her sparkle after this audition, she never really lived up to this (well there were a few good songs, but this was her best). Why didn’t she make an album more like this? Instead of the whinny “I’m soooo over you” meh. But one of the best auditions on the show.

David Cook – Hello
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkyO67ZU61U
OK soo again the reason this isn’t in the top performances list is just because, well I dunno I don’t think I can count this season yet. But this was FANTASTIC. He’s like Blake Lewis changing up the song and stuff. If you regularly read the blog then you that I am a huge David Cook fan. I love his high belt range and that’s about all I have to say.

David Archuleta – Imagine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUffD7IFAXQ
Ok so again see above for reasoning. I think that this guy can sing, he is kinda boring BUT — he nailed this song. Nothing more to say.

Taylor Hicks – Trouble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah6d4I9fH4o
My mother is a HUGE Taylor Hicks fan — I on the other hand, not so much :) hahaha. BUT this was the first time that I heard Ray Lamontagne’s Trouble and it’s such a beautiful song, and Taylor really did it justice. It was totally different then the other spastic performances that we we’re used to seeing from Taylor and it was nice to see a different side of him. The judges didn’t love it but I don’t always agree with them haha. I still don’t know how this guy won the 5th season (it totes should have been Elliot & Chris in the finals).

Chris Richardson – Geek in the Pink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqEfz7hkhJ8
Aww Chris is so cute! Haha I LOVE that he sang this song. When the music first kicked it I totally squealed “JASON MRAZ YEAAHH” Such a great song choice and he totally sounded great. This made me really start to look at him with potential. Great job. But I hated what he wore hhah.

 

Lost Madness!

So the Washington Post decided to do this online bracket (ala March Madness) of Lost characters.  It’s pretty funny.  But it’s almost over and it is down to the last two top characters:  Sayid vs. Desmond.  Maybe, like me you are saying, “WTF?  Obviously Sayid!!!!”  Well, Desmond is winning at this point!!! I KNOW, WTF???  So go here and vote for Sayid!!! (or, if you must, vote for Desmond, but I seriously doubt your judgement!)

Go Fug and Gossip Girl

Ok, I almost peed my pants reading this post on Go Fug Yourself. Seriously, I clamped my lips shut, and held my nose so that my boss wouldnt hear my hysterical giggles and wonder what the hell I am doing because tradeshow planning is just not that funny. PLEASE read (and appreciate how cute Blair Waldorf is without a headband!)

Lost – I’ll say he’s a guy who gets what he wants

Well we begin seeing that previously on Lost there was this guy named Michael who killed Ana Lucia and Libby. Then Michael and Walt sail away to never never land.

We start with Claire and Aaron. Actually it looks like a group session hahah with Ben. Hey and Miles. Looks like Locke called everyone together to figure out the next move. He wants Miles to share with the rest of the group on why they (boat people) are (t)here, and he lets them know that they are there for Ben. Apparently thier orders are to kill everyone else once they get Ben. WOAH Ben tells them that the spy is Michael. I TOLD YA BITCHES.

Another great wordpress blog

Ok, this is going to be cheesy to some, and believe me, some of it is a bit cheesy to me, but i can’t help but LOVE this blog, also found on WordPress:  http://ihasahotdog.com/.  Once you get over the “puppy speak” it is soooo funny!  I mean look:

see more loldogs are funny dog pictures!

see more loldogs are funny dog pictures!

see more loldogs are funny dog pictures!

 Hehe so cute!

DWTS, info on Mario

Yay, got a full length picture! Here is Mario and Karina’s full length publicity photo:

Hot, Hot, HOT!

For more on Mario, check out his MySpace page or click here for his newest song/video, “Crying Out For Me.”

In the mean time a bit more info: