WoW Another Judge on Idol?

It’s true according to Simon Fuller and Fox who just released this press release:

“GRAMMY-NOMINATED SONGWRITER KARA DIOGUARDI JOINS PAULA ABDUL, SIMON COWELL AND RANDY JACKSON AS JUDGE ON “AMERICAN IDOL”

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. She will sit alongside Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges’ table and use her background as an award-winning songwriter and producer to praise or critique the wannabe hopefuls throughout the competition. The eighth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January, 2009, on FOX.

“We are turning the heat up on ‘Idol’ this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

“We had originally intended for AMERICAN IDOL to have four judges,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”

Mike Darnell, President, Alternative Programming of FOX, added “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on AMERICAN IDOL. With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

One of the industry’s most sought after songwriters and producers, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. Her songs have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink. Scores of major recording artists including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey and Marc Anthony have also released DioGuardi’s songs.

Over the last four years, she has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. From her catalog of several hundred songs, over 264 have been released on major labels worldwide; and over 165 have appeared on multi-platinum selling albums. DioGuardi co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.”

The Futon Critic

Some of her noteable songs include:

Enrique Iglesias – Escape
Hilary Duff - Come Clean,Fly
Kelly Clarkson – Gone, Where is your Heart, Walk Away, You Found Me, and I Hate Myself for Loving you
Ashlee Simpson - Pieces of Me, Shadow, La La, Boyfriend, LOVE,
Gwen Stefani – Rich Girl
Pussycat Dolls - Beep
Christina Augleria - Ain’t No Other Man

You can read them all HERE

What do you guys think!?

Holy Hairspray…

There has been a lot of BWAY talk on this blog lately.  But guess what I’m allowed to blog about whatever I want! ha.  So Lots of BWAY news to update you on…

First if you didn’t already hear Diana DeGarmo is going to be in Godspell! So exciting, loved her on the show, and I’m sure she will be great — I believe she is the first AI contestant to open a new show on bway.  Scratch that didn’t Constantine open Jaques…alive and living in Paris whatever?  Someone help!

HOLY HAIRSPRAY they are making a sequel.  Ahhhh we’ll see about that.

Annnnd in sad news, MTV is remaking the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Could be amazing, could be horrific…lets just hope for the best eh?

I saw Mamma Mia tonight…I think its the first time people actually laughed AT a performance in a movie (aka Peirce Brosnan, what were you thinking.)  Choreography was AWFUL.  But I LOVED Amanda Seyfried, Julie Waters, and Colin Firth..he is just the best thing ever.  It was pretty fun to watch if you come in with low expectations, you might be surprised. :)

Michael Johns sings Total Eclipse of the Heart with the Dan Band = AWESOME

David Cook Thanks You – American Idol

American Idol

Soo I am home, and I just wanted to say YEAHHHH DAVID COOK!!!!

Also, South Pacific was amazing on BWAY and true story Stephen Sondheim was there.

Off to the wedding!!!

Lack of Updates

To say I’ve been busy lately is an understatement, and although it’s not a good excuse — it is mine.  Here are my brief thoughts on the last three note worthy tv episodes I’ve watched.

The Office – Season Finale
I have only seen Amy Ryan in Gone Baby Gone and I initially did not recognize her as the new HR person, but I thought she was excellent.  Who else LOVED her interaction with Kevin? I thought that storyline was amazing.  Sad…hahah for Kevin, but amazing. “I love pie”.  I felt AWFUL for Michael, and Dwight, AND JIM– I was like really? All three of them? Clearly Dwight got his revenge in the end, and that was sweet sweet justice.  You know who else got her justice? Phyllis!! AMAZING.  She was great in this episode.  I’m really glad they are letting the smaller characters get some air time (ala Meredith in the beginning of the season, and Stanley a few back).  Loved the whole episode and I found myself cracking up throughout the entire episode.

Lost
Ok I was BAWLING my eyes out in the first five minutes, when the Oceanic 6 all walked out of the plane.  NICE.  LOVED the Sawyer/Jack interaction.  LOVED Sun totally ripping her father a new one.  So excited for the season finale, and I’m so glad it’s not this week, but next — because I will be away!!

Gossip Girl
well…its was fairly good I suppose.  Totally loved Blair getting even with Georgina.  The whole Serena/Dan thing was a bit Marissa/Ryan for me.  And at a wedding? Come on Josh Schwartz…if they end next season with a death, I will highly doubt your creativity skills.  Chuck really had my roommate and I wrapped around his little finger.  We used to HATE him, and we ended up LOVING him.  Even at the end.. Sigh.  Good episode.  Last weeks was better tho.

Again, no American Idol recaps this week — because I’ll be at both show!!! Soo Go David Cook and I hope you guys all enjoy watching!!!!

American Idol – Final Two!!!

Well we have our final two, sorry if you are keen to not see spoilers, but the final two are!!

David Cook & David Archuleta!! HOORAH.  FINALLY.  We all thought it would be them in the finale anyways.  This is gonna be the closest final since Clay & Ruben!!

Next week I won’t be live blogging the shows because….I will be at both of them! How exciting.  THEN I fly home right after the show on Wednesday night for a wedding, so who knows when I will get to blog about the finale, but alas I think you know how I feel about it anyways.

Congrats to the Davids!!

American Idol – Top Three!!

Ok so each person sings three songs, they begin with Judge’s Choice, then their own pick, then Producer’s choice.

David Archuleta-“And So It Goes”
Well I think Billy Joel will be great for him! This sounds like a gospel song or something, I love that he is starting this out acapella. He sounds fantastic. I love love Billy Joel, and I’ve never heard this song before. It’s quite pretty and kinda predictable for DA, I think I would have liked to hear him something out of his comfort zone. Very Very Nice performance by David. Randy thought he was in the zone. Paula thought it was pure and beautiful. Simon thought it was very good, not surprising, bit predictable.

Syesha Mercado-“If I Ain’t Got You”
What a LAME song choice for her, why not have her sing “How come you don’t call me” instead? I hate that dress she looks old. I’m glas she brought the low notes up an octave so she could really sing them. She did not hit the “I DON’T” note. Wow that was quick — and boring. The end was boring too. Not impressed at all. Randy thought it was amazing. Paula thought she looked pretty. Simon thought she sang it well, Simon wished Randy picked another song.

David Cook-“First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
I really want him to sing Champagne Supernova. Or what about Free Fallin by Tom Petty! Wow this is reallly high for him. It’s kinda awkward. Well once we got past that first part, he is starting to rock it out. Wow, the end was fantastic. It was just a little too short for me, it was a lot of build up to the end. Loved the end, Hated the beginning. Simon is reallllly clapping. Randy loved the high note at the end, but he wished he would have picked something more rockerish. Paula said forget them, it’s about YOU and now he is the second favorite person who sings it. Simon thought it was one of his best performances this season. Round one goes to Cook and Cowell. Awww David Cooks mom is so cute! He said Happy Belated Mothers day BTW hhaha he is so cute.

David Archuleta-“With You.”
OMG wow what a song. OH MY GOD this is an awful song for him.  Him singing Boo, Mama, and Cutie he sounds so weird.  I think he messed up the words too.  I feel like he didn’t pick this song himself hahah.  He looks so so awkard up there trying to dance.  That was pretty much the weirdest thing ever.  AWW GAVIN DEGRAW! Randy thought it was the wrong song.  He didn’t believe it.  Paula thought he did a great job.  Simon applauds him that he did something different, but it was like a chihuahua trying to be a tiger. 

Syesha Mercado-“Fever.”
What a lame, over done song for her to pick — hey thats two in a row.  Another sparkley dress for her.  Wow I already hate it.  The chair is just too cabaretish for me.  She doesn’t sound like she is singing this in full voice.  Paris Bennett was like 900 times better at this song.  She is NOT singing this to her full potential.  Maybe she is trying to not overdo it before the last song.  How boring.  Randy thought it was interesting but great performance.  Paula looks lovely again and she’s surprised she sang this song, and it doesn’t show who she is an artist.  Simon thinks she will probably regret that choice tomorrow and he also thinks it was cabaretish.

David Cook-“Dare You To Move.”
Wow I haven’t heard this song in awhile, but I love it.  I hope he belts the hell out of the chorus.  David seems surprised that people in the audience know the song — uhh hello it was on the radio for like ever.    I have a feeling this song will be on iTunes top downloads now.  Oh he changes the chorus a bit.  I can’t decide how I feel about it, his phrasing is a little weird, but he still sounds good.  I love this song so I don’t care.  Randy loves the song, but it was a little pitchy.  Paula thought it was too short and she wanted more.  Simon didn’t think it was an OK song choice.

David Archuleta-“Longer.”
Wow what a boring predictable song for him to sing.  They should have had him sing God Bless America.  Or like I said last week, the Rainbow Connection haha.  Randy thought it was interesting, and wow he can sing the phonebook (I should count how many times he has said that).  Paula thought it was lovely.  Simon thought he sang the song well, but the song was horrible. 

Syesha Mercado-“Hit Me Up.”
Oh this is different, good song! She looks good! Oh she didn’t need to go up and run like a crazy woman on this song.  We know you can sing lady, so just sing the song.  Didn’t like the end, but that was easily the most enjoyable performance she had for the whole night.  Randy thought it was OK for him. Paula thought she did the song well.  Simon thought it was better then the second song.

David Cook-“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”
What a lame song.  I mean ok its not lame its actually a really pretty song, but I think its a lame choice.  My favorite performances of Davids are him singing uptempo songs, sooo he should have done that.  Or they should have choose that.  I like the new orchestral arrangement, its a little faster.   Oh i’m glad he is singing the bridge.  Wow he is owning this song.  Paula is standing.  Randy thought it was OK.  Paula said “see ya in the finales”,  Simon said “David Cook wins the night” YEAHHH!!!  Everyone is standing.  NICE!!

American Idol – Songs from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

So I think this is a great choice of songs for them, so I’m really excited.

David Cook – “Hungry Like The Wolf.”
Um weird song selection? He is in the kiss of death spot…He looks good.  I think he needs to loose the facial hair or something tho.  The dut duts in this song make it sound weird for him.  He hasn’t really changed anything about this right? It sounds kinda the same…Kinda boring, didn’t really show his vocals. Sad.  Randy thought it was solid but an OK song.  Paula thinks he has a big appetite?  Simon thought it was good but it was a bit copy-cat.

Syesha Mercado – “Proud Mary.”
Her extension look cute but I hate that dress.  I really can’t believe she is still in this competition. Oh jeeeze she is “dancing”.  Oh and here comes the Syesha we know, over singing.  Wow I think that was awful.  Im sure the judges will love it, but she just does NOTHING for me.  Boring, over singing, trying to hard.  LAME.  Randy thought she was in the zone.  Paula said she looks like a star.  Simon agrees with me and thought it was a bad impersonation of Tina.

Jason Castro sang “I Shot The Sheriff.”
Really? He is singing this song? He should have sang like “One Love”or something else jeeze.  Maybe he wants to be voted out? HAHAh well he looks way more comfortable on stage.  He is rocking out man its funny.  This is so weird.  I think Bob Marley is great for him but not really this song…Randy thought it was karaoke.  Paula thought he performed to the audience, and I agree.  Paula said that he in genuine, good choice.  Simon thought it was utterly atrocious.  hahah Simon said he doesn’t know what he is thinking and Jason goes “I was thinking Bob Marley — YEAH!” hahahahah that was great.

David Archuleta sang “Stand By Me.”
Wow another predictable song choice from David Archuleta.  Maybe he will sing the Rainbow connection next week. I like that its a bit faster.  Hate that he is already taking liberties with the song.  This is one of those songs you just DO NOT change.  Don’t add runs where they shouldn’t be.  OH NO HE DID NOT.  He just put in a a lyric from Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls. THAT IS LAME ARCHY!!! But he sounded good, I’ll give him that.  But he is LAME!!!!! The girlies LOVE IT.  Randy thinks hes trying to win the whole thing.  He thought it was hot.  Paula talks about how OMG he is 17!!! He’s like Jordin Sparks!! Simon is still on about Jason “You could have whistled and sounded better then the last song” Yikes.  He thought it was the best performance so far.

David Cook sang “Baba something by The Who”
He should sing an Oasis song.  Can’t you imagine him rocking out to Wonderwall!?  Ohh this is a good song for him. He sounds great.  Dude he is a rockstar.  Wow NICE!! I hope they have this on iTunes.   That was fing awesome.  Not much else to say about that.  Randy thinks thats more like the guy he loves.  Paula wants MORE and she is humbled to see his soul?  Simon said welcome back.  Everyone vote for him, we do not want another Chris Daughtry on our hands OK!!

Syesha Mercado sang “A Change Is Going To Come.”
Ohhhh I love this song, and I LOVE Gavin DeGraws version.  David Cook should have sang this.  EEWW I hate her dress.  I don’t know how I feel about a girl singing this — I think it sounds kinda weird.  Maybe I’m just used to the acoustic version of GD.  I do not get that white line across her boobs….it doesn’t make sense to me. Oh her big note is like good and then bad and then good again ew.  I’m sorry ok I know Im not a big Syesha fan in general, but I will admit when she has a good week.  I don’t think this was a good week for her.  Randy didn’t love the arrangement — I agree.  Randy thought it was disconnected, I agree!! Paula wants to hug her and that you are a superstar.  Syesha is crying oh get over yourself.  Simon  doesn’t say anything but that he agrees with Paula.  LAME.  Simon says that Randy got it wrong.  Syesha is a Brooke mess.  She said that the song came out during the civil rights moment oh Lord almighty.  Votes please is what she meant to say.

Jason Castro sang “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
He decided to go with the Bobs tonight hahaha.  Aww he is playing it acoustic with just his guitar.  He sounds great!  Oh until he totally forgets the words.  This is the first season where everyone really forgot the words a LOT.  I liked it, I think he sounded good. Randy thought he wasn’t in the zone.  Paula said it is was it is.  Simon said I would pack your suitcase.  That was kinda rough.  Besides foregetting the words, I thought it was pretty good!!!

David Archuleta sang “Love Me Tender.”
HE DIDN”T KNOW THIS SONG TOO WELL??? REALLY?? God just put him in a Disney movie.  OPEN YOUR EYES!!! I feel like he tries to and then he forgets.  He has like little slits for eyes.  He is singing this song — sounds good.  I would never ever buy his album lol.  He sounded good tho.  Randy thought it was another great song for him, he was tender and caressed each word.  Paula thought it was one of her favorite performances.  Simon thought he crushed the competition.

Meh — Syesha or Jason to go home.

American Idol – Neil Diamond week

Well I think this will be a weird week, because I don’t really know these songs at all.

Jason Castro “Forever In Blue Jeans” and “September Morn”
FIBJ:  Good to see him with a guitar again.  Is this like a country song?  He sounds much better and more confident in the second verse.  What a lame song to sing.  It sounds like hes saying A River in Blue Jeans..Lame.

SM:He sounds good.  I really don’t think he thought he would get this far on the show at all.  Ew but the end of it got away from him a little bit.

Randy thought it was OK.  Paula thinks he took the same liberty with both songs.  Simon thought he struggled and it was forgetable.  Agreed.

David Cook – “I’m Alive” and “All I Really Need Is You.”
IA: I am really glad hes got the guitar back.  He is rocking out a song that talks about a baby being born.  Umm there wasn’t much to that song was there?  He sang it pretty well I guess.

AIRNIY:  Ohh acoustic guitar! He needs to shave.  Wow I really like this.  I don’t know the song at all but it sounds like its supposed to be on the end of some big movie credits.  I think that he needs to stop closing his eyes and squinting his face when he belts.  I like the end of it a lot.  I will be probably only downloading that song from the whole show.  Nice!!

Randy thought he rocked the house and it was blazing.  Paula is proud and said she thinks she is already looking at the American Idol.  Simon thought it was brilliant.

Brooke White – “I’m A Believer” and “I Am I Said.”
IAB: Wow what a super weird song for her to sing.  And yet I am not surprised.  She looks awful in that outfit.  You can’t even tell shes playing the guitar — so why even have it there?  Paula is dancing.  Well she tried to rock.  At least she remembered the words!

IAIS: Well this is a much better song for her.  She sounds very good.  Nice.

Randy said it was vulnerable and she did a nice job.  Paula thought she connected with the audience and it worked.  Simon reiterated that he hated the first song but this is the Brooke we like.  It wasn’t incredible but it was a million times better then the first song!

David Archuleta sang “Sweet Caroline” and “America.”
SC: Love this song!  I feel like someone over 21 should have sang it with a beer tho.  Wow this is like a Broadway version of SC.  Or like one I would see in a Disney movie.  SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD.  Really is no one gonna sing that?  He just ran all over that song.  How many times could he add another extra oh or ah.  He sang well, he looks good too.

A: *surprising he is singing the only two ND songs I know*  Oh my we have a waving flag in the background.  Ohh he totally squealed on that one note.  Is this the Kristy Lee curse?  Well I guess it wasn’t a curse for her.  They shouldn’t be able to sing patriotic songs lol.  He sounded good, end was good.  Cheesy as always.

Randy thought he was in the zone.  Paula thought it was perfect for him to sing.  Simon thought it was a smart choice in song.
Syesha Mercado sang “Hello Again” and “Thank The Lord For The Night Time.”
HA: Oh my god the hands in front of her face are obnoxious.  She is in good voice tonight, she sounds really nice.  Not forced at all.

TTLFTNT: Oh I think she was a little sharp in the beginning.  She’s having a lot of fun and taking a note from ALW and using the stage to her advantage.  Yeah she sounds good.  Its a good week for Syesha for sure.  Doesn’t mean she won’t go home tho lol

Randy thought it was in the zone.  Paula said too much to type but she loves her.  Simon thought it was officially the strangest show we’ve ever done.  Simon thinks it shows shes a good actress but she may be in trouble. 

Neil Diamond is totally lame he gave nothing compared to Mariah, Dolly, or Andrew!

Meh to this show.

American Idol – Who is going home?

Soo Elliot Yamin performed tonight and he was fantastic!!!  He made me cry with his amazing voice and his gratitude for everyone’s support after the passing of his mother.  It was the first time he’s performed without her there.  Click for who went home

American Idol – Mariah Carey Songs

Wow should be an exciting week. Sad for Michael Johns.

David Archuleta sang “When You Believe”
Oh wow, I should have guessed he would sing this song. Disney here he comes! OMG HE IS WEARING LEATHER PANTS. I believe that this is the verse that Whitney sang and not Mariah. ha. Is this whole show going to be about to runs and high notes? I think so. Do we think he is going to release a Christian album when he wins? Or at least want to? I wanted to hear the Mormon boy sing the Jewish refrain. Oh well. I thought it was quite good, nothing exceptional or outstanding. I didn’t like the falestto. But it was pretty good for him. Randy said it was “da bomb”. Paula said he made Mariah proud. Simon said he knew he was going to pick that song, and that it was very good. Simon I guess produced that song and it was number 1 in the UK.

Carly Smithson sang “Without You”
Carly Smithson found sleeves!! I think that this will be a great song for her. The beginning is a little weak for her, but she is picking it up. She’s hitting the notes she just sounds a little weary on them. Nice job. So again her song was alll about the runs at the end of the song. Randy liked that she challenged her self, but he thinks the low was a little off. Paula liked that she showed vocal restratint. Simon said that he really wanted her to sing this song, and he doesn’t think that she pulled it off. They all think that she needs to believe in herself more. I agree!

Syesha Mercado sang “Vanishing”
No idea what song this is. What album is it from? She looks beautiful tonight. I think it might hurt her to sing a song that no one knows, esp on a Mariah Carey night. This is a weird song. She sounds ok, until she screamed the whole end of the song. The last minute of the song was her singing “oh”. I mean yeah it was good but just not really memorable to me. Randy thought it was a bold song choice, but it was a good job. Paula thought it was smart and magical for her. Simon thinks it was technically very good but that he wouldn’t have chosen a song people don’t know at this point in the competition. Thank You Simon.

Brooke White sang “Hero”
Ut oh I am nervous for whoever sang this song. She sounds off key. Ok she is back. Wow nice high note there Brooke. I love the bridge she sounds great. This is quite a daunting song to sing with just her playing the piano. The end was a bit weird, but I was overall really impressed with the bridge. Good Job Brooke!! Randy liked it all but he didn’t like the bridge WHAT? But he thought it was pretty good. Paula thinks she is authentic. She thought it was brave and that she sounded very good. Simon thought something was missing? And that her voice isn’t strong enough to sing that song.

Kristy Lee Cook sang “Forever”
Oh I like this song. Mariah likes how KLC sings it more then her. UH WHAT? How is she still in this competition? She does look very pretty tonight. Hmm. I am not annoyed or pissed off at her yet. Hmm. Well you know I don’t like her, but I think this is the best she has ever sounded. By far. Good job. I still want you to go home. Randy didn’t think it was amazing, but she is stepping it up. Paula was blown away. Simon said that it didn’t give him chills, but that she managed and was whiney.

David Cook sang “Always Be My Baby”
Ahhhh well it sounds a bit too low for him to begin with.  Wow.  I didn’t really like the beginning at all but the end was frigging fabulous.  He best stay this week and rock out Jesus Christ Superstar next week for BWAY week.  Randy thinks he is ready to make an album.  Wow Randy stood up.  Paula thinks it can be in a movie soundtrack.  You’re it.  Simon thought it was a breathe of fresh air.  Aww he is crying and they show his brother in the front row sitting next to Teri Hatcher.

Jason Castro sang “I Don’t Wanna Cry”
I don’t know this song.  Hmm…this sounds a bit akward to me.  Yeah that didn’t do anything for me.  Randy thought it was weird.  Paula thought it was amazing.  Simon thought it wasn’t the best vocal of the night but it was a cool version of the song.  He also said that the guys won the night. 

In other AI news…tear. hahaha

American Idol Results – SHOCKER

OMG. So I never watch the results show bc I live on the west coast, and I will enevitably find out who is voted out so why wait? Well when I saw who was voted out tonight….this sucks…

American Idol Gives Back

First and Foremost: 1-877-IDOL-AID

You can also go to Americanidol.com or myspace.com/idolgivesback (They’ve raised $36,000 as of 9pm PST)

Ok so we begin with — the Idols and the stars of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE singing and dancing to Please don’t stop the music. I TOLD YOU the beginning was going to be amazing. When they first came out my friend KTP and I were FREAKING out all the way at the top level of the Kodak theatre. (We got Baja Fresh across the street before the show and Hok was there and we we’re like aww I wonder if hes gonna go watch the show — NOPE he was IN THE SHOW). I didn’t even realize the idols were singing till halfway thru because I was like OH there’s this person there that. AWESOME. I wish Ivan was there!!!

Sidenote: Before the show started we saw a ton of people going up to someone in the audience below for autographs, turns out that was Ryan Cabrera.

American Idol Inspirational Songs – Idol Gives Back Week.

Michael Johns “Dream On”
Interesting song choice. WHO IS HIS STYLIST!?!?! He looked so hot at Idol Gives back and now he’s got another friggin scarf thing on. It sounds a bit off — I don’t know how I feel about someone singing this song on the show. He voice just doesn’t sound 100 percent to me. I’m glad he went for the big high notes at the end. I think it was a valiant effort but the fact that he sang this huge rock song and he wore a scarf….doesn’t sit well with me. Randy thought it was pitchy. Paula disagrees. Simon thought it was good but he thought it was an interpretation of a rocker.

Syesha Mercado “I Believe”
What an idiot. First of all don’t sing Fantasia ever. Especially this song ugh this is an awful song written for the AI finale not for you to redo on the show three years later. Could this be her kiss of death song? Wow the backup singers are outshining her. She is screaming again. I feel like Diana DeGarmo sang this better then she is now. Oh My God. The high note was just awful. Sorry only Mariah can do that ok. Even when Kelly did it in her season and it was awful. Syesha BAD song idea. Wow she is all sorts of talking back to Randy. Randy didn’t like it. Paula thought it was a shining night for her. Simon thought she sang it well but it lacked emotion.

Jason Castro “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
Ok he HAS to do the Israel I can’t spell his last name version of this song. And he is! haah he calls him brother Iz nice. Aww cute little ukeleye. Smart Smart song choice from him. I’m sure he didn’t have to practice this very much lol. I like that he is changing the end of this a bit. I have a feeling this song will do great on iTunes, the original and his version. Fabulous. He is making his way back up to my favorites again! As I said before I would totally buy his album. Randy thought it was blazing. Paula thought it was perfect. Simon thought it was fantastic.

SIDE NOTE — AHHHH Commercial for House and they are playing Medicine Man by The Hush Sound!!!! My band!!

Kristy Lee Cook “Anyway”
Oh jesus she’s singing Martina. And she’s wearing a sparkly shirt again. Its sounds a bit flat to me. I just think she is an awful performer. She is so unengaging. Martina is amazing and oh jesus. Well she kinda hit the big note until she started to riff. BORING. Go home Kristy Lee Cook!! Randy thought it was pitchy but good. Paula thought it was her best by far. Simon thought she was very good. ICK.

Ahhh So You Think You Can Dance commercials!!!!

David Cook “Innocent”
Beginning is a bit weird, but when he gets back into his register it sounds better.  He looks awesome, I love that jacket.  He sounds great but I don’t think the song does him justice.  This sounds like a song that would be on an album but would not be a single.  I think its a weaker performance solely because it’s not as great of a song.  Randy thought it wasn’t his strongest week.  Paula thinks he is the whole package.  Simon didn’t like the performance he thought it was pompous.  David looks so sad.  Aww he wrote give back on his hand.

Carly Smithson “The Show Must Go On”
Wow her hair and makeup look hot.  But she is wearing no sleeves again.  I think this is another one where she sounds pretty good but its a weird song choice.  I really do NOT get why she is singing this song..its so weird and her riffing sound way strained tonight.  This has slowly turned into one of her worst performances in my opinion. Sad.  Let’s hope we don’t have a shock elimination.  Randy thought it was ok.  Paula didn’t feel the connection.  Simon thinks she looks good but it was unusual.

David Archuleta “Angels”
Oh gosh of course he would sing this song.  He looks like older this week.  he is playing the piano too great.  I like how he is singing it in a different direction then both Robbie Williams and Jessica Simpson.  Wow the end was quite good.  I wish he hadn’t sang thru the whole slow low boring beginning because the end was great.  Randy thought it was his hottest all season.  Paula said fantastic.  Simon thinks best song choice so far, he agrees about the beginning with me.

Brooke White “You’ve Got A Friend”
I didn’t know this was a Carole King song — def only knew the James Taylor version.  Aww she sang it with her friends in a talent show.  I love all her song picks what a great song.  I felt myself singing along haha.  I don’t like her hair.  That was sweet, I think that her studio version of the song will be quite nice and I look forward to hearing it.  Randy thought it was Ok.  Paula loves her.  Simon thought it was a pleasant walk in the park.

Songs I will be downloading:
Michael (I think I just want to hear what it sounds like), Jason, David (just because lol),  David A., and Brooke
wow thats a lot lol

Bottom Three:
Syesha, Kristy Lee Cook annd…… ??  MAYBE Carly, Michael (just bc he was first), or Brooke? Ahh I dunno

Don’t forget to watch tomorrow night at 7:30 for Idol Gives back, and I will be doing commentary with bonus fun points that I noticed while at the live taping this past Sunday!!

American Idol Studio Recordings

Just want to see what you guys think about this…

Have any of you SC readers downloaded the AI Studio Recordings?  If so, what do you think about them? I have to say I’ve downloaded a few and I’m totally impressed.  Let me know what you think and which ones you’ve downloaded!

2008 Idol Gives Back

Well I just got back from American Idol’s 2008 Idol Gives Back and it was FANTASTIC. I was reallly impressed. I won’t ruin anything for you guys all watching on Wednesday, but I will def. be blogging about it as I watch with everyone else on Wednesday. I will say one thing tho — make sure you watch from the very beginning because I think my FAVORITE moment from the entire night is the first song because there are about 20 people in addition to the idols that had me freaking out and SOO excited!!!

http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/

American Idol – Who is going home?

Click for the results of tonights show

American Idol – David Cook in the hospital!

AHHH So I just saw this news but apparently it was all over TMZ last night. Apparently David Cook was sent to the hospital last night for high blood pressure or something. He is doing fine now but I’m sure it was pretty scary!

Read People for More!

American Idol – Dolly Parton Week

Ok well I don’t think I know a lot of Dolly Parton songs so this should be really interesting for me. Unfortunately my internet is still out at home, so I am writing this out from my notes so it won’t be nearly as lengthy as my reviews usually are.

 Stupid April Fools Joke.

 Brooke White
Aww yeah she is playing the guitar.  This is a nice little folky song and I think it suits her very well.  There is something awkward about the performance but I can’t nail it down.  She looks soo pretty! I love the violin player.  I thought it was pretty good — not her best, but she shouldn’t be in trouble.  Simon didn’t like it (Simon ends up not liking ANYTHING all night…what a sour puss) 

David Cook
NEW HAIR!! YEEAHH.  How long have I been asking for that? He looks great!  He talks about the different arrangements that he’s used since he’s been on the show.  Good.  But tonight it is his own arrangement, even better!  This song is a lot higher then his normal range, and he sounds great.  Nice control.  Great job!!  Simon says if you can sing a song about sparrows good, well congrats.  Nice.  Love him! 

Ramiele Maluby
Wow does this sound like karaoke.  She can’t hit those low notes at all.  This is boring.  No one will buy her album — she needs to go home.  That’s all.  Stop pouting! 

Jason Castro
I’m glad he’s doing an up-tempo song.  My mom calls him her “Jack Johnson” see now unlike Ramiele, even if this guy doesn’t win — people will buy his album.  Including me.  I thought it was good, cute – nothing special but good.

Carly Smithson
On the contrary I’m glad she slowed it down this week.  Her voice sounds so pure.  She looks soo much better to, from her makeup to her outfit.  Wow her belting sounds just effortless.  Nice.  I don’t know what Simon is talking about unless he is making a reference to the hideousness of the Red Rose shirt from a few weeks back, she looks hot tonight!

David Archuleta
Oh Jesus he is singing a Christian song.  I think he needs to sing about sex.  He sounds ten times better then last week but the Golden Child still irks me. 

Kristy Lee Cook
What is with the earrings? They look like a giant turquoise button, with a peace sign underneath, and then feathers dangling from it.  End not was ok – but GO HOME. 

Syesha Mercado
Nice way to start the song; show the world your mic pack!  The beginning is nice, but when she goes all Whitney she is flat and pales in comparison.  She will be in trouble this week.  PS her hair looks awful but I love her eye makeup.

Michael Johns
*HAHA David Archuleta should have sang this song!!* He sounds Great and wonderful, but WHAT is with the Purple Ascot??? COME ON STYLISTS!!!!  UCK it distracted me the whole time.  He did sound great and it was HOT but uck that ascot has to go.

Bottom Three? It BETTER be – Ramiele, Kristy, and Syesha.  But we could find a shocker in Jason or Carly down there too.  Gosh I hope not!!