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May 2009
Did AT&T sway the ‘American Idol’ voting?
Just when we thought this season of American Idol was all wrapped up - a voting controversy is beginning to brew around one of the show’s sponsors.
The New York Times is reporting that AT&T, a corporate sponsor of ‘American Idol’, may have provided an unfair advantage to voters attending viewing parties organized by Kris Allen supporters.
The story doesn’t indicate how many people were in attendance at each of the parties, but does suggest that AT&T may have shown attendees how to submit 10 votes at the push of a button on phones provided by local businesses. To date, there’s nothing to indicate that the Adam Lampert parties were afforded the same “training.”
The controversy bring to the fore the concern many have about the whole voting process and the lack of of transparency provided by the show’s producers… yes, it’s only a show - but wouldn’t it be great to think, the real winner was crowned?
Should these extra votes be tossed? Did these votes sway the outcome… Thoughts anyone?
TweetBachelorette Season 5 in full swing.
Former contestant on the Bachelor, Jillian Harris is this season’s Bachelorette. She’s got twenty guys vying for her heart and she’s loving every second of attention. Watching the sweet Canadian, you really want to believe that she’ll get her happy ending. David, the trucking contractor from Dayton landed the coveted first-impression rose last week after fumbling through his introduction and then wowing Jillian with his honesty and sweetness.
For the lucky guys invited on the first group date of the episode, what started as a relaxed pool party ended in a high-speed scavenger hunt. One member of the winning duo was then chosen to have a private dinner with Jill. After beating the three other teams, Jill chose to have dinner with country-singer Wes over Brad. And thus Wes gets arrogant and annoys everyone else while a jilted Brad gets angry and petty.
Next, adorable Jake gets picked to go on a one-on-one date with Jill. And while we want to root for the guy with local roots, Jake’s goofy, sappy camera confessions make even the most unromantic of viewers believe that he is Jill’s soulmate. He’s sweet. He’s genuine. And even without a secluded dance floor and being serenaded by Martina McBride he would have easily swept Jill off her feet.
The sweetness was almost too corny when Jill said she was looking for her best friend and Jake told the camera, “Oh boy, I’m going to fall for this girl.”. Jill didn’t hesitate to give the rose to Jake and couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.
Next was another group date with the fellas casually shootin’ hoops until Jillian brings “her friends” to introduce some competition into it. Of course, in true larger-than-life, reality TV fashion, her friends are the Harlem Globetrotters. Simon admits to being a terrible basketball player but he does it in his thick British accent so we don’t hold it against him.
While the guys get slaughtered, watching them fumble next to the pros is entertaining. Before wrapping things up on the court, the Globetrotters voted on who they’d pick for Jill. David from Dayton strikes again! But he realizes that an endorsement from the Globetrotters isn’t a rose or a key to Jill’s heart, so the win does little for his confidence.
The date ends by the pool with a group shot. Our David gets furious when Juan fakes the shot and then snags alone time with Jill. It’s not clear if he’s angry because Juan is sleazy, phony, and manipulative while Jill is oblivious or because Juan is some of his strongest competition. All we know is that he wants to tie Juan to a tree and beat him up for breaking the “man code”.
Going home this week are Brian (that’s what you get for getting naked at awkward times), Simon (and his British accent), Mathue (who Jill stopped before he left just to remind him how sweet he was and tell him that he was going to make someone very happy someday, which I’m sure made him feel so much better), and Julien (who never really made an impression).
Honestly, I think we’re all surprised that Tanner P. and his foot fetish weren’t given the boot. Maybe next week.
TweetAmerican Idol: Who saw this one coming?
American Idol finally comes to a close. Well, after about 2 hours of pre-game festivities, that is. Kind of reminds you of the Super Bowl but without the great commercials.
Will it be Adam Lambert or Kris Allen? Our polls said you wanted Kris to win but thought Adam would.
The opening gives us introductions of the judges with clips of their humorous (and oft-times annoying) phrasing through the season. A little embarrassment for the judges makes all of us smile.
Next up, the top 13 do a group sing. Good to see everyone back on the stage. I think I had forgotten about a couple of them. I hate group sings.
The first of the duets features Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah. This reminds me of why I think Lil could make something happen still, if she does the right music.
Jason Mraz joins the Idols for “I’m Yours” and leaves me thinking how hard it is to do his music live.
We get back to the final two for a second with a montage that looks back at Kris’ journey to the last two, and then he sings with Keith Urban. I really liked Kris on this one, and it’s why I think he can be a pop success.
Next up, a little Fergie and then the Black Eyed Peas, who know how to put on a good show. Who else noticed the Peas were censored?
I wasn’t even going to mention Bikini Girl getting some air time, and getting more air in her, ahem, lungs, but Kara DioGuardi made the whole skit an absolute riot. Let’s cut Kara some slack for the winner’s song after she put herself out there in the finale.
I absolutely love Allison Iraheta and Cindy Lauper’s duet of “Time After Time” and would buy it on iTunes. Allison will be heard from in the future.
Oh, a look at what could have been. Danny Gokey does a nice version of a Lionel Ritchie classic, then gets to sing a couple numbers with Lionel himself. Danny should be able to make a go of it as an artist.
Hey, less than an hour left before the results. Wake the kids and call the neighbors.
Idol recaps Adam’s journey to the finale, and then he takes the stage with Kiss, the ultimate old-school rockers, the ones who made it big when I was in fourth grade. You do the math, but that makes it old-school rock.
Group sing with Santana. Have I mentioned lately how I hate group sings? Santana, though, is always cool.
Blah, blah, blah. Rod Stewart. Blah, blah, blah. (I just did that to make my wife mad at me.)
Tatiana gets her cameo, and we all are reminded of that pain and suffering we went through earlier this season.
Seriously, can we just get on with the results now?
Adam and Kris do “We Are the Champions” with an assist from Queen. Nice number on a crowded stage, but it points out the imbalance between power-singer Adam and Kris, who is on the softer side of things.
Simon Cowell says Kris and Adam were both brilliant last night and thinks both will do well. They don’t let him predict who will win, which I think is odd.
With little fanfare at the actual moment of truth, we finally get to the reason we are here.
The winner is: Kris Allen.
Are you shocked? Kris was, and he was almost apologetic.
Did he deserve it? Share.
TweetDancing with the Stars - Who Won Season 8? Spoilers ahead. 2009
Lady Ga Ga opened tonight’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ finale with her hit - ‘Just Dance’ - appropriate don’t you think! Without a doubt, this season has been one of the best ever in terms of talent. The only question that remains for most of us… is who won?
Will it be Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas? The couple appears to be reaching their peak at just the right moment.
Or will Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke be awarded the top prize for the consistent and dramatic performances.
Perhaps Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolan will mend her broken heart and win the whole thing.
Of course, like any season finale, we have to relive the season that was. While some of this is fun… I say let’s get on with the show… I don’t need to be reminded of the six or so reasons that I was ready to turn off this year’s series… thank goodness for the DVR! The Jeffrey Ross act was worthy of a fast forward… I hope you all could join me with skipping past that dribble.
Let’s get back to the dancing soon please! Finally!
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - For their final number, they dance the Cha, Cha, Cha. Shawn and Mark made their final performance count - will the judges agree? Judge’s score - 30.
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani - the couple’s final dance, the samba. It looks like Melissa and Tony have brought their A game to tonight’s competition - and the judges agree. Judge’s score - 30.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - Will the Gilles and Cheryl’s final dance, the Argentine Tango, be as flawless as the other two teams? Yes - without a doubt. If they could have received an 11, I’m sure they would have… it was amazing! Judge’s score - 30.
It all comes down to how America voted… this season, just two or three points separate the dancing duos form the Mirror Ball. The first couple eliminated in tonight’s finale is Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani. This is a close race to the finale with less than 1 percent separating the two remaining dancing teams. The final dancing pair eliminated are Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke.
So, the Season 8 Dancing with the Stars winner is Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas.
Looks like the readers of this blog predicted this one! Did America and the Judges choose the right dancing duo?
TweetAmerican Idol: Is Adam king, or will Kris dethrone?
The coronation of Adam Lambert as king of American Idol is only hours away … or is it?
Kris Allen and the Idol voters might have something to say about that.
The rules for tonight’s finale: Adam and underdog Kris pick their own favorite song from this season, then sing one chosen by Idol creator Simon Fuller, and close by singing the winner’s single co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.
Kris won the coin toss and decided to go last. Good move.
Round One:
Adam picks “Mad World,” which most people would agree is one of his best performances and the one in which he cemented his status as the front-runner.
My take: Good choice because it doesn’t have him screaming and screeching, and he connects better with the masses on something like this. I don’t think this was as good as the first time he did it, but it was very solid.
The judges’ take: Randy gives Adam an A+. Kara exclaims, “You rocked it again tonight.” Paula says it was a great song for Adam, and “I thought you did a brilliant job.” Simon thinks it was good but “a little bit over-theatrical.”
Kris chooses “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which answers one office debate we had today about which would be his best pick. Some argued for his version of “Heartless.”
My take: This was the song that I first thought Kris might be in the competition for the long haul, but I think this version won’t “wow” anyone. For example, my 16-year-old daughter wasn’t impressed enough to stop her biology homework, and she was working on worm anatomy.
The judges’ take: Randy says, “I think that was one of your best performances ever on the stage.” Kara says, “You have a way of creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience.” Paula adds, “You put your mark on all of your songs.” Simon admits that he wasn’t sure after last week’s performance that Kris was right choice for the finals. “I absolutely take all that back now after that performance,” he says.
Round One goes to Kris, according to Simon.
Round Two:
Fuller has Adam sing “Change is Gonna Come.”
My take: Adam takes a pretty basic arrangement, which I like, then he belts out his famous high notes that excite the crowd, if not me. I just wouldn’t buy it, but I understand why the vocals and the performance are loved by others.
The judges’ take: Randy said, “You showed that the real reason you are here is … you can sing your face off.” Kara calls it the best interpretation of a song yet, and Paula thinks “that was the best I’ve ever heard you sing.” Simon, “You are 100 percent back in the game. Congratulations.”
Fuller picks “What’s Going On” for Kris.
My take: I expected this to be a good fit for Kris when Ryan announced this was his song, but the reality was far less satisfying than the image I had in my head. It was fine, but it just wasn’t great.
The judges’ take: Randy, “It was a little light for me.” Kara says Kris has been true to himself since Day One. Paula says, “You tore that song up and made Marvin Gaye proud.” Simon, “I thought it was too laid-back for a night like this. Sorry.”
Round Two goes to Adam, Simon declares.
Round Three:
Both singers get “No Boundaries,” a new song intended to be the first single for the winner of American Idol.
Adam goes first.
My take: Regular readers know how I hate this part of the competition because the songs rarely fit the people. Adam puts his spin on this one as much as he can, but this just is not what his supporters will want to hear from him. I think he was generally fine, but the song was not.
The judges’ take: Randy, “I’ll say it again: You can sing anything … but it was just alright for me.” Kara gets a bit self-serving and thanks Adam on behalf of songwriters. “I’m moved, and I’m proud,” she said. Paula says, “I am in awe. I will be a fan forever.” Simon says, “Over the entire season, you have been one of the best, most original contestants we’ve ever had.”
Kris is up next with his version of “No Boundaries.”
My take: Kris manages a version that you could imagine on the radio, but I swear he blew a line early on. Anyone else notice? This song gets Kris out of his comfort zone, and that really isn’t a good place for him to be.
The judges’ take: Randy wasn’t wild about it, but says “That song fits your voice even better than Adam’s.” Kara says the song was too high for Kris, and she tells people to judge him by his body of work. “You have been an incredible person to watch week to week.” Paula declares the finale as one of the best ever but never really said what she thought of the performance; Simon agreed that Kris should not be judged on this song, either. “You have thoroughly, thoroughly deserved to be standing on this stage tonight.”
I don’t recall hearing who Simon thought won Round Three, but I would imagine he thought Adam.
I don’t think this night changed anyone’s mind. If you were for Adam before tonight, you still are. If you backed Kris, you saw nothing to make you change your mind.
And, if that is the case, Adam is the king after all. The crowning should come Wednesday night. Or will it?
Vote in our polls and offer your take.
TweetDancing with the Stars - Who won Finale - Part one
In just a few minutes, the Dancing with the Stars Season 8 will conclude. Each of tonight’s star dancing duos are competing for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. This season’s race to the finish is too close to call - so it’s anyone’s guess who will win.
Gilles Marini, Olympian Shawn Johnson, and reality TV star, Melissa Rycroft are helping to create some drama for us rabid reality TV show fans. So who will win?
As of 8:50 p.m., with more than 650 readers voting, Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas are in the lead! Is our poll a predictor of this year’s winner?
We’ll find out in a few minutes.
TweetIdol’s finale tonight! Are you team Adam or team Kris?
American Idol predictions abound this morning around the office and the excitement is palatable. Who is going to win? At this point my guess is it’s anybody’s game.
It may completely depend on song choice. It could boil down to order of songs. Or order of performers. Who goes first, who goes last? Are the judges choosing a favorite song from the season for each performer tonight? And, do hey have the power to sway the vote based on whether they choose wisely or not?
I had been riding on the fence, not really caring who won tonight because I like both Kris and Adam. I didn’t start a Kris fan but slowly, as he developed, I became a fan. However, I’ve liked Adam since his audition and in Hollywood. Every week he has solidified why I think he is an incredible performer.
I have heard people say “send him back to the stage.” Heck, I’ve even said it at one point but here’s the bottom line. He wants a career. A solo career. Can you blame him? He’s been working for this his entire life so why should he be sentenced to a life in musical theatre just because he excels there?
They will both be okay. They will both get contracts. But bottom line, without seeing tonight’s performances, which I doubt will change my mind, I am a member of Team Adam.
By the way, I wanted to share something with you that a good friend sent to me. Adam as a blonde! I understand he is a natural strawberry blonde and was so all through high school. Personally, I prefer the dark haired Adam. It adds to his mystique.
One last chance before tonight’s performances. Are you Team Adam or Team Kris? Do you think there is anything they could do this evening to change your mind?
TweetWho will win “Dancing with the Stars’ ” Mirror Ball Trophy?
After last week’s amazing semi-finale performances, it all comes down to tonight’s finale. This season started off very slowly, in fact, there were times I was ready to give up on the series, but the group of stars and dancers in the finale have made the wait worth while.
The first dance of the night is the Paso Doble - I can’t remember if this is how they always do the final, but the groups are dancing individually and side by side. While this helps us see the difference between the dancers, this has to add a layer of difficulty to the overall competition.
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - Nice overall performance. Clean and to the point. It would be great to see her dance in a few more years. Dance one score - 28.
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani - Dramatic performance, but will the few misteps be too much for the fans. Dance one score - 29.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - What can you say… that was nearly perfect - Dramatic and powerful performance filled with grace. Dance one score - 30.
After the first round of scores - this is going to be a close race to the finish.
Second - Freestyle - This is the dance where the dancer get to do whatever they want to do - no rules.
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - What’s up with their costumes? It looks like they’re wearing garbage bags and robber masks. Okay they lost he costumes.. that helped. The crowd loved it! This is going to be a difficult choice for the judges and America - Even Len loved it this week! Dance two score - 30.
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani It was hard to know if their number was dance - a cheer leading routine - a martial arts exhibition - or exactly what that was. Dance two score - 27.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - My only question about this number… is where is the bucket of water? The homage to “Flash Dance” showed off more of Cherly’s talents than Gilles - so one has to wonder if this was a good choice. Dance two score - 28.
The scores are close. So who will win this season’s mirror ball trophy - Could Shawn and Mark pull out an upset?
TweetAmerican Idol’s Danny is gone but who will get his votes next week?
I didn’t catch the whole Night at the Museum skit with Ben Stiller and cast but it occurs to me that now begins the time when the stars seem to falling all over themselves to find a way on the show. Even if it is just in the audience! I usually miss the audience shots because I’m typing so let me know who you saw in the audience!
Hey, did you hear Ryan say 88 million votes came in last week? And only a million votes separate the top two.
Alicia Keys comes to Idol tonight to talk about the Idol Gives back program and introduce a young Rwandan singer who wants to raise money by cutting an album for children in his country with AIDS. You can download Noah’s song on iTunes with proceeds going to Idol Gives Back.
Three very different men… three very different homecomings.
Ryan calls Danny Gokey to the center of the stage to talk about his trip home to Milwaukee. How weird would it be to travel to an audition with your best friend, wait among thousands of other wanna be singers for a shot at being an American Idol only to return a relatively short time later to women and girls screaming and crying and clawing for an autograph. The most touching part of Danny’s trip home was while he and Jamar were sitting in the convertible surrounded by adoring fans and Danny wipes the tears from his eyes as he says “this is unbelievable.” That certainly had to be a very surreal moment. Probably a bittersweet one remembering the support of his wife who passed away just 10 months ago.
It’s Kris Allen’s turn at center stage as we see his homecoming to Conway, Arkansas. Sounds like one of the first places he hits is one of his favorite restaurants where he is given the gift of cheese dip for life. As a fan of cheese dip myself, that would make me smile. The sea of people in Conway rivaled what any big city could have produced for one of their favorite sons. But my favorite moment was when he arrived at his parents’ house and gets an embrace from his father so full of love and pride…well, I could not hold back the tears. And can you imagine what his new bride thinks about all this? She married a great guy who loved music and just a blink later she is riding in a parade with screaming fans all around. Overwhelming probably doesn’t even come close.
Jordan Sparks performs her new single Battlefield accompanied on the piano by co-writer Ryan Tedder from One Republic. Once again, the growth in two years for this season 6 winner is amazing. She hasn’t had the overwhelming success of Daughtry or Underwood but she’s had her share of hits and great artists to partner with and it looks to me that she is not going to slow down anytime soon. And did she look incredible or what? Our little Jordan is all grown up.
It’s Adam Lambert’s turn to talk about his trip to San Diego. As he arrives at the TV station, the TV personality is jumping around by the limo like a silly little girl, and continues to do so during the interview, and in front of the green screen, and outside the studio… Adam then returns to the theatre where as a child he started this amazing journey. Out of all three of the finalist, you can tell that Adam has been preparing and working for this his entire life. He’s a natural star. He IS an American Idol. In fact, he doesn’t seem shaken by any of it until a topless girl tries to find her way across the stage to him.
Katy Perry pops out for her performance with an Adam Lambert embroidered across the back of her cape. Wonder who she supports? She sings, she performs, blah, blah, let’s get to it!!!!
Here we go…its 9:56 p.m. and we have waited 56 minutes for this. The first person competing in next week’s finale is Kris! Alright, okay. A bit surprising. Now it could get interesting…is it Danny or Adam who will join him? It’s………Adam Lambert.
The judges look shocked. I think it has been assumed for weeks that the finale would be Adam and Danny. That is where much of the internet chatter has been. Kara clearly is surprised and while Danny performs Paula doesn’t even try to hold back her tears.
As I listen to Danny sing his last song, my personal hope for him is that he chooses to produce an amazing contemporary Christian album. Knowing his background in Christian music and hearing him now, I can only imagine how many more lives he could touch with his beautiful, inspirational, and heaven sent voice. Again, this is just my personal hope but I’m certain no matter what road he takes, this will not be the last we see of Danny Gokey.
Next week. Wow. Think about it. Only a million votes, out of 88 million, separated Kris and Adam this week. What will happen to Danny’s voting bloc? That alone could influence the outcome. Will Danny fans throw their votes behind the under-dog Kris? Switch to Adam? Or will they stay away from the phones completely?
That alone, Idol fans, could determine the next American Idol!
TweetDancing With The Stars: Cowboy gets the boot
Cowboys rarely are mentioned in the same sentence as Cinderella, but we can make an exception here.
Ty Murray’s surprise run through ‘Dancing with the Stars’ came to an end Tuesday night, ending the rodeo star’s Cinderella story.
He and professional partner Chelsie Hightower scored the lowest and were eliminated.
The final is set then with these three pairings: Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani; Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke; and Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas.
It seems like many regular fans agree that it was Ty’s time to go, despite liking him.
Your thoughts?
TweetFinal 3 too close to call on American Idol?
It’s the top 3! Looks like we will be seeing the footage from their trip home tomorrow night. It will probably be much better than trying to fit it all in tonight’s show.
We are kicking the night off with a song that Paula has chosen for Danny. It is Dance by Terrance Trent Darby.
My take: I am unfamiliar with the song but it did have a bouncy Danny quality to it and I see why Paula chose it for him. I don’t think there was anything special or extraordinary about the song or the performance though.
Judges take: Randy thought he had a lot of energy and it was dope for him. Kara thought it was a good song choice, wasn’t crazy about the dancing and did not think she would remember it tomorrow. Paula, of course, thought he did a fantastic job. Simon thought the dancing was a bit desperate; vocally it was very, very good. He thought Terrance Trent Darby was a good choice but he would have liked to hear him to a different song.
Kara and Randy chose Apologize by One Republic for Kris to sing. I love this song but I’m afraid it’s too big, too recent for anyone to pull off.
My take: So far I’m pleasantly surprised. Wasn’t sure how he would do with the falsetto but it was wasn’t too bad. I love that he played the piano on this one. I think it might have been what sold it for me. Was it spectacular? Not so sure.
Judges take: Randy thought it was really nice and it showed what he could be in the music business. Kara thinks it was a competent job, but she wanted him to take more chances and do more with the song. Paula is proud of him but she thought he had a loud bum note. Simon thought it was a competent version of the song, but not as good as the original and he thought Kara was a cop out for choosing a song for Kris and then blame him for performing it as written. Some argument and banter ensues with Paula acting like an idiot by putting her hands over Simon’s eyes for some reason.
Simon chooses One by U2 because it is one of his favorite songs and he spoke with Bono on Saturday who said it would be their pleasure for Adam to sing their song.
My take: I loved the beginning. Just brilliant. Didn’t love when he broke into the “screaming” phase which is vintage Adam and I usually don’t mind. I still think he is head and shoulders above Kris and Danny.
Judges take: Randy didn’t love him going off the melody that much but it is a great song and he is a really, really great singer. Kara said he just proved that he could change up a song and do it his way and it was “unbelievable.” Paula said it was one brilliant song, one superb performance and one American Idol that she is staring at right now. Simon said it may sound biased but he thought it was brilliant song and a brilliant, brilliant performance and if he is not in the top 2 it will be the biggest upset in the history of American Idol.
We hear an update about Idol Gives Back and it is very heart warming.
Now it’s time for Danny’s choice. He is singing You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker.
My take: This song really suits Danny’s vocal range. The emotional aspect of the song will bode well for him as well. A little too many riffs for me in the middle but otherwise a gorgeous version of the song.
Judges take: Randy said mad vocals, mad vocals, mad vocal. Kara exclaimed stunning. Paula said it left them breathless and he nailed a beautiful performance. Simon wouldn’t have done the same arrangement but since it is a singing competition he would call that a vocal master class.
Kris Allen is singing Heartless by Kanye West. Wow. Not something I would have ever thought he may choose.
My take: I’m a bit mesmerized. I don’t start typing until the performance is over which is actually quite rare for me. I like this song choice. I think it was different and brave. Actually, I really liked it.
Judges take: Randy thinks Kris’ version was better than the original. Kara says perfect, the tone, the pitch, the phrasing, perfect. Paula thinks this keeps him relevant and bravo. Simon had literally written him out of the competition after the first song but that has all changed after that performance.
Adam chooses Aerosmith’s Cryin.
My take: I think if Adam was all about getting votes, he would have chosen something slower. Instead he obviously did something that he loved in a genre he loves. He did it brilliantly but I have to wonder if his goal was really to get the votes tonight.
Judges take: Randy said Adam should be a rock star and he’s one of the best performers who have been on that stage. Kara says “See ya at the finals.” Paula says that we will be seeing him for many years to come. Simon says it is very easy to “assume” Adam will be in the finals, but that everyone needs to vote for him because of his singing ability.
Okay folks. I want the final two to be Adam and Kris but I think it will be Adam and Danny.
Now’s the time to make your final two predictions and we will see who is right on track. Maybe the results will surprise us all and it will be Kris and Danny?
TweetAmerican Idol: Did Simon just crown Adam king?
Simon Cowell told Oprah Winfrey that he thinks Adam Lambert will win “American Idol” this season. If you really think that is a shock, you haven’t been watching this season.
The judges practically awarded Adam the title weeks ago, and to many people, the final two weeks of the season can’t end soon enough. I’m still watching, though.
Tonight’s show sends the all-boys final three of Kris Allen, Adam and Danny Gokey back to their hometowns, where folks celebrate their success and wish them luck. This has made for good TV in past seasons.
The show also features one song pick by the judges and one by the contestant. Wonder how that will go? Does Kara DioGuardi get shut out of the selections? I have read that Simon picked Adam’s song, Paula Abdul had Danny’s and Randy Jackson selected Kris’.
Ironically, it was the much-maligned Paula who said near the beginning of the top 12 that Adam and Danny would be in the finals. Will she be right?
Regular readers here know I am not as gaga over Adam as the judges and many of you. He is a good singer and better performer, but I don’t see myself buying a CD full of his screaming and screeching. He’s often too over-the-top for me.
Kris Allen has come a long way. I didn’t think he would make the final four. He probably gets the votes of the young fans and of the Cougars.
Danny never really got any better than when he started, and his performance last week was memorable for something bad — now known simply as “The Scream.” Danny made it even worse when forgot the words to “Billie Jean” during his homecoming.
I think Danny will be done this week unless he has great performances.
Your thoughts?
TweetDancing with the Stars - It doesn’t get much better than this! Semi-finals Season 8
Tonight’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ semi-final is exactly how a semi-final should be staged - great performances coupled with elements of surprise
It’s hard to imagine as the Semi-finals of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ roll around, Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower are just one performance away from dancing in this season’s finale - will it happen? Anything is possible - we just have to look to last week’s shocking elimination of Lil’ Kim for an example. While she may not have walked away with the title, she was a better dancer they one of the couples in tonight’s show.
On with the show.
Ballroom Round
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani -
The first dance of the night just a little shy of amazing but was it enough - The crowd agreed - the judges on the other hand had a mixed review. Score for dance one - 28.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - Dancing the Waltz
What a difference the song selection has on a performance. Gilles and Cheryl are clearly at the top of the dancing game. Even Len agreed with a sitting down standing ovation. . Score for dance one - 30.
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - Dancing the Argentine Tango
Despite Shawn’s age, this dance was amazing - The power and precession the pair delivered while dancing the Tango is clearly their best performance of the season. The judges clearly agreed - Score for dance one - 30.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower - Dancing the Viennese Waltz
Many a missed step for Ty and Chelsie may prove to be too much, but the crowd seemed to like the performance. Do the judges agree? “It was like chasing flies…” I think that sums it up. Score for dance one - 25.
Latin Round
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani - Dancing the Cha, Cha, Cha
I wish the producers had picked a different song for the pair - they didn’t seem to fully connect to the music- but still a great performance. If she doesn’t win the Mirror Ball Trophy at least she has a mirrored skirt. Score for dance two - 27. Total for the night - 55 out of 60.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - Dancing the Salsa
You can say one thing about Gilles - he knows how to dance and being paired with Cheryl can’t hurt - Amazing. Even Len was impressed - he needs a paddle with an eleven. Score for dance two - 30. Total for the night - 60 out of 60.
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - Dancing the Jive
A fun performance coupled with perfect music for them - at the end they even grabbed the “10” paddles to score their own dance. Score for dance two - 26. Total for the night - 56 out of 60.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower
You have to give the guy credit for all his hard work, without a doubt, of all of the stars still left in the competition, Ty gave it his all - but this really should be his last dance. Score for dance two - 23. Total for the night - 48 out of 60.
After tonight’s performances, the bar is set pretty high for next week’s finale… If we go on scores alone - it looks like it’s Ty’s night to go - but many of us have been thinking he’s been leaving for weeks… so who will go this week?
TweetShe’s out & a diverse trio of men are left on American Idol
Results show tonight. The conversations were spirited at work today about who would be going home this week. I heard predictions for everyone but Adam and very few Allisons, which is rare these days. Our Idol poll shows most people looking for Kris to leave. DialIdol.com has Allison leaving. I guess we will see soon enough. Honestly, I hope its Danny, but it could be anyone at this point.
Does anyone else wish they would have stuck to the promised ½ hour results show? My guess is that they couldn’t land a decent sitcom to take the other ½ hour but come on already. We just want to know who is staying, say a tearful goodbye to who is going, and be told what next week’s theme is. Am I alone here?
Super sweet news. Believe it or not, I heard today from Brian Mansfield from USA Today’s Idol Chatter today and he passed on something that some of our own bloggers said earlier today. I guess for a couple years or so, most of the wrap-up clips indeed come from the dress rehearsal because it can be too tough to get it all together from the live show. Thanks for clearing that up Brian and thanks for hello!
Ryan talks to the top four as usual but let’s get to that scream! I have to give Danny props because he owned up to the laughable awfulness of that scream. In fact, besides laughing with his family all night, he reported that his own aunt muted the TV during his performance! Then he shared that he heard people were making ringtones of it already and he wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the movies soon. Good job Danny…way to save face.
Paula performs I’m Just Here for the Music. This is the first time she’s performed on the Idol stage. I don’t think she was singing live but I must say, I wasn’t appalled. The dance moves were a little less spectacular than they used to be, but I don’t know many 46-year-olds that could still do the splits and move like that. Do you?
Okay. I’m a No Doubt fan but they don’t have a new album to promote, just a tour, so they do Just a Girl and Gwen Stefani wasn’t at her best. I started surfing the net to be honest and I actually enjoyed Paula’s performance more.
Let me say. I love Chris Daughtry. I love his music. I HATE the crooked side burns. I thought they were gone for good, but they are back. Noooooo, Chris. But you’re awesome anyway. So he debuts the first single No Surprise off the new album due out this summer. This is signature Daughtry, so I’m expecting good things from his next album.
It’s after the break and we find out quickly that Adam is safe. No big surprise. Since it is down to Allison and Danny, I’m guessing Allison will be going home. AND Ryan says Danny…you are safe.
Allison handles herself with maturity and grace, which is no surprise. And as usual, the final performance is the most relaxed and probably one of my favorites of hers all season. As Ryan says, it won’t be long before we are hearing her on the radio.
And then, my DVR switches channels because the show has gone long and by the time I get it back to FOX it’s the news. Beside the fact that next week they all get to go home, did they say what they are doing with the songs? Usually each judge gets to pick. Four judges now, three contestants.
As usual, I can’t wait until next week!!!
TweetDancing with the Stars - Season 8 Shocker - week 9 results show
Tonight’s post (May 5) will be short and sweet. After all, it’s Cinco de Mayo!
Jamie Cullum performs - don’t think I’d buy a ticket to see him.
Dance Center with Kenny Many and Jerry Rice - hated that! I really wish they would let go of these lame comedy bits!
Stars of Dance - loved that. Don’t think it was the best thing dance routine ever, but still fun. On a side note… what’s with all the random, inexplicable crowd roars - I have to wonder what they are seeing we aren’t.
Previous season rejects dancing with the pro wannabes - liked that!
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani get to stay - loved that!
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas get to stay - okay with that.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke will be dancing another week - that makes sense.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower - get to stay for another week… really?
So that means Lil’ Kim and Derek hough have danced their last dance… say what… America so got this one wrong - Ty and Lil’ Kim need to have a dance off at high-noon to settle this score. There’s little chance that Ty and Chelsie would win… is there?
TweetDanny’s recap clip not LIVE American Idol performance?
I’ll say up front, if what follows is indeed true, I’m really angry about it.
After I was done doing our blog a bit ago, I was checking out a couple of my other favorites and came across something interesting. Brian Mansfield, who does the Idol Chat for USA Today, mentioned something rather nonchalantly in his recap of tonight’s show.
“BTW, for the wrap-up, they show Danny’s rehearsal scream, which was much more controlled.”
I have a very hard time believing they would do this. It seems quite dishonest to me, so I made my husband suffer through a good 15 minutes or so of rewinding and reviewing the end of the live performance and the recap. Live performance…recap.
I think Brian is right. I think they substituted the more controlled rehearsal scream in the recap.
Did anyone else notice this? Does it bother you if they did?
TweetCan screams & dreams make or break them on American Idol?
Happy Cinco de Mayo and happy rock week on American Idol. I could be really wrong here but I think Danny may have the toughest time this week. Possibly Kris?
Despite some mishaps on the set, rock week will go on with the final four then a couple duets. This is another first this season. Neat idea…I think.
Even though Slash announces he never saw himself being an American Idol mentor, he saw a couple stand outs this season. So he took them to renowned Roxy on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip to get a feel for being a real rocker, band and all.
Adam sings Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love. Slash says that Adam has pipes! It’s obvious that Slash can appreciate Adams edgy rock vibe but still gives him some solid advice to avoid too much improvising the upper register.
My take: This is vintage Adam. Perfect for his voice and it is obvious he is enjoying it. BUT, I think there is a lot of America who will not like this “scary” Adam as my sister puts it.
Judges take: The judges all feel extremely passionate about how well Adam did on this classic Zeppelin. Randy says “Nobody’s going to think about Broadway … You are a rock star!” Kara says he is a rock god! Paula thinks he is a “whole lotta perfect!” Simon says the problem is that nobody can top that now!
Allison does Janis Joplin’s Cry Baby at Slash’s recommendation rather than Somebody to Love.
My take: Rarely have I ever heard anyone do Joplin justice so I was a little surprised she would try this, but if anyone could do it, Allison can. I thought she was pretty strong but it did sound an awful lot like the original. Which I guess is actually a compliment if you look at it that way. And I LOVE her hair. Nice of Adam to share his stylist.
Judges take: Randy wasn’t crazy about the song choice. Kara likes Allison but wishes she tried something of Janis Joplin like Piece of My Heart. Paula doesn’t say much as usual but it was something about her being fearless and thinks she could play Janis Joplin. Simon talks about the tremendous growth in Allison since the beginning of the season. Regarding the song, Simon thought she should have gone with Queen. Allison starts to talk back a little and gets defensive but as they are going to break Simon tells her that he likes that she’s arguing for herself.
First of two duets tonight is Kris and Danny doing Styx’s Renegade.
My take: Right off the bat I love the harmony between Danny and Chris is the beginning and then… it kind of falls apart for me. Super pitchy. Kris looks like a natural in the genre but Danny, although he is trying, just can’t quite cut it. Ends with the awesome harmony again.
Judges take: They agree that the harmonies were great and the individual performances just okay. Simon thinks Danny was a little better. I don’t know. I think Kris was more comfortable on stage than Danny, but Danny did have a couple wicked vocals.
Kris does the Beatles Come Together. Slash said that if Kris can manage to pick up the live-performance piece a bit, it’ll help.
My take: When he was talking with Slash, I started looking forward to Kris doing the Beatles and thought it was probably a great choice for him. But as much as I love Kris, it was pretty vanilla compared to his past performances. It’s too bad because every performance means so much here at the end.
The judges take: None of them were real fond of it. Randy loved that he played the guitar and Kara and Paula made it clear they are fans, but Simon summed it up with “It was rather like eating ice for lunch, which is it will leave you with nothing to remember afterwards.” In other words, he didn’t like it.
Danny doing Aerosmith’s Dream On? Slash tells him right off the bat that the key to the whole song is in the final scream.
My take: I was surprised when I heard Danny was trying this and I gotta say, rightfully so. Let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room…Adam. Come on, Danny should not have taken something like this on. Not with Adam in the competition. Actually, not ever. Not for Danny. It was risky, brave and somewhat arrogant, which I thought was obvious at the end when he questions the judges critiques.
Judges take: Randy says it was alright for him, but he appreciates the effort on the scream. Kara thinks Aerosmith was an okay idea but he should have gone with something like Cryin. Paula agrees probably not the right song but she is still a Danny fan. Simon says “the last note was like watching a horror movie. But he still thinks it was going to be safe.”
American Idol cannot claim to be unsavvy, but how smart was it to both open and close the show with Adam?
Adam and Allison do Foghat’s Slow Ride for their duet.
My take: Of course, another Adam victory and I thought he outshined Allison in the beginning, as good as she is, but I think as her nerves eased a bit, she held her own.
Judges take: The judges have a hard time calming the crowd. Randy quickly recommends the two of them need to record a duet together. Kara says, “Rock on.” Paula likes ‘em, too. Big surprise. Simon says they win the battle of the duets, and he thinks Adam may have given Allison a chance of staying in the competition.
So folks, who is going after tonight? Could Adam have put off enough Grandmother’s and non-rockers to ease his phone calls tonight? Did Danny’s lack of control on the final scream take him down? Kris wasn’t his usual unique self tonight and Allison may have been helped by Adam in the end.
I think Kris or Allison goes tomorrow night but I think it should be Danny. Your thoughts?
TweetAmerican Idol: Should Adam try to lose?
Some questions before American Idol’s final four contestants take to the stage:
Would Adam Lambert be better off as Idol’s winner or as a shocking loser?
I say Adam would rather lose than win. He’s already assured of a recording contract, and if he loses, he would have more control over his career. He wouldn’t have to do the contractually obligated first CD that Idol winners have to do. (C’mon, you remember those horrible songs the winners have to sing.)
He would benefit from the publicity that losing would bring. Think about all the bloggers and entertainment shows abuzz with news that King Adam had been dethroned before his coronation.
Is Danny Gokey the next Taylor Hicks?
I just don’t think Danny Gokey will be a popular music act. That said, I actually like him more than some of you who follow this blog faithfully.
Danny just doesn’t seem destined for mainstream success.
Who gets Matt Giraud’s votes this week?
Some of you believe that when one Idol contestant loses, those who supported that person most often, as a group, throw their support to someone else. So, Matt’s fans: who are you more likely to support now?
I would bet it is Kris Allen, in this case, with maybe some love for Danny or Allison Iraheta. I don’t see it being Adam, for sure. Does that mean Adam might be in the bottom two again this week?
Who is likely to benefit from this week’s theme?
Allison and Adam are the obvious beneficiaries of the rock theme this week. I think Kris could be OK with it, but Danny is the one who could suffer the most.
The guests on the results show Wednesday include the group Daughtry, whose frontman Chris Daughtry is musically the most successful Idol loser thus far.
So, what do you think? Should Adam lose and is Danny a Taylor Hicks in the making?
Tweet‘Dancing with the Stars’ - A sizzling night of dancing. Latest Update
Dancing two dances, the remaining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ pulled out all the stops to give us an amazing night of dancing.
First Round - The Ballroom.
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - For their first dance the couple danced the quick step and the judges loved it with Carrie Ann calling it her best dance of the season. - Score Dance One - 27.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower - The Argentine Tango is perfect for Ty - a serious and dramatic dance where Ty gets to show off what he’s got and even though he always looks a little bit nervous - the couple did a great job. The judges agreed although they pointed out a few of the flaws that are likely to keep the pair out of the top two or three - Score Dance One - 25.
Lil’ Kim & Derek Hough - After a few weeks in the middle of pack, the couple brought a passionate waltz to the ballroom floor. The pair missed a few of the moves here and there… although Lil’ Kim’s strength in this competition comes from shaking her booty. Score Dance One - 25.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - I don’t know who picks this couple’s music, but it is almost always perfectly matched to their skill - and understated, yet dramatic performance. Bruno and Carrie Ann thought this performance was the tops and would take the couple into the final. Score Dance One - 29.
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani - Return after Melissa’s Injury, the pair danced the Viennese Waltz. The crowd gave her a standing ovation, for the beautiful performance but it was clear that Melissa was holding back a little or lost a little of her energy while recovering. Score Dance One - 27.
Second Round - The Latin Dance. Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas - Dancing the Paso Doble - It seemed as though at any moment Shawn would get running start and do a double back flip or something - but the drama was amazing. Dance Two Score - 29.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower - The couple’s rumba was filled with flaws and somehow, the crowd kept on dancing… although the moment with jewel at the end of the dance made up for most of the errors. Dance Two Score - 21.
Lil’ Kim & Derek Hough - To heat up the dance floor, the couple chose the Salsa… can you say Charro anyone? While not her best dance - she was shaking. Dance Two Score - 27.
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke - So, if you give Gilles any dance filled with a little passion, he’s likely to carry it out with amazing skill… it never hurts to have Cheryl Burke as your dance partner. I can’t wait to hear what the judges have to say. I knew Len wouldn’t like the rolling around on the floor. Dance Two Score - 27.
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani - The couple ended tonight’s show with a sizzling samba including a potential wardrobe malfunction. Carrie Ann told the couple to take the week off as she thought the couple’s dance was flawless. Dance Two Score - 30.
Based only on the scores, it looks like Ty should be going home, but as we know it rarely works like that. So, you do you think should go?
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