I don't have a lot of time to write today, so I will give brief comments on the performances from last night and make the all important prediction on who will win season nine of American Idol. For me and a lot of America, I felt Crystal performed the best. She picked the better of the two contestants' choice songs in "Me and Bobby McGee," which she absolutely nailed the first time out and did another masterful job with again. I guess I'm not all that thrilled when the contestants have to perform a song they've already done earlier in the season because you're not getting that same "moment" you first did, no matter how great the performance was. Nonetheless, Crystal's choice was much more energetic, fun, and it was right in her wheelhouse. Don't get me wrong, I love "The Boxer," but I felt Lee could've picked something a bit more upbeat for such an important night. He's had good performances recently and the momentum going his way, I'm sure he could've reprized something from then with a little more flair.
As for the producer's choice songs, I actually liked Lee's song better than Crystal's. Lee was pitchy in spots - I think he was quite nervous for being in such a huge venue. And I was a bit worried for him when the song started because the judges were harping on him for his first song choice and "Everybody Hurts" started out similar (even though he didn't pick this one). However, the tempo picked up and he used his rock growl to really make it great to listen to. As for Crystal and "Black Velvet," I'm just not a fan of that song. She did pretty decent with it and made a few changes to make it her own. But she struggled hitting the high notes and sounded strained at times. I think the moving around on the stage threw her off a bit. However, it wasn't her worst performance.
And last but not least, the winner's song which in the past was an original composition about magic rainbows or moving mountains, etc, etc. I actually miss the trainwreck that were those kinds of songs. Anyways, Crystal picked the far superior cover song. Does it sound good on today's contemporary radio? Probably not. But she was really in the moment with that song. I thought she was about to get emotional towards the end but remained strong. She was absolutely superb and last night was definitely for her. As for Lee, I felt the song was too big for him. It just didn't seem to fit his style and the music tended to drown him out. At least when he records songs in the studio, he sounds great no matter what the song. And if he wins, I think he'll sound great with this song.
MY PREDICTION: Now, who should win this season of American Idol? Crystal Bowersox should. She's been the most consistent performer on this competition since day one. And she performed the best last night. She's got a unique style and performs in a way that you don't really see in today's contemporary world. However, I don't feel she connects with America enough, particularly with the younger generation. So, with that being said ... who will win this season of American Idol? Lee Dewyze. He's improved week after week since the beginning and has gained incredible momentum to grasp the title. He still goes off pitch from time to time, but I think he will continue to become more and more comfortable singing in front of large audiences - the summer tour will do him well. And Lee is a genuinely nice guy who seems humbled by the whole American Idol experience. That, and he's got a huge fan base who I'm sure voted like crazy last night. Even though I would've like to seen a woman win this year in this heavily touted "the season of the women," and we're getting another guitar playing male for a winner, I think Lee is going to make a fine American Idol and he fits more into today's contemporary mold.
So that's it, American Idol is officially over for the season! Simon Cowell leaves after tonight and who knows who'll be judging next year. There's a rumor that the whole panel might be overhauled. I am hoping to write a recap of the finale in a few days after everything has sunk in, so be sure to check for that. Enjoy tonight's two-hour finale if you can!
Showing posts with label top 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label top 2. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
American Idol 8 - Top 2
Well everybody, it all comes down to this. It's what Idol junkies have been waiting for all season - the pairing of the final two contestants, an even bigger stage, and an atmosphere that's almost as big as an event like the Oscars. You include that with occasional movie stars, a raucous crowd, and stellar performances from the contestants, and it's typically a night to remember. Last night was no exception, except maybe for the coronation song at the end that both contestants had to sing. Honestly, I think it sucked a lot of positive energy away from the people that were watching who've been commenting that last night's show was only mediocre. Now a better song could've produced the best performance finale night yet. Ah well, there's always hope for next year. Let's get started recapping last night's performances from the top two:Adam Lambert - "Mad World" : What incredible stage effects to start the show - dry ice creating moving fog across the stage and then Adam rising up through the stage floor. At least that is how it appeared to me. Truly good stuff and appropriate for a finale. What more is there to say about this performance? Adam sings it just as good as the first time around with the added effects and a larger studio audience. It's just like being at a concert - or a Broadway show for that matter. Adam powers his way through this song with such ease. Honestly, I never tire of hearing this rendition of a Tears for Fears classic. I believe that the contestants couldn't pick a new song for the final round and instead had to perform a song from any week during the top 13. To me, Adam picked the most logical choice. This one really solidified Adam's standing as a front-runner.
Kris Allen - "Ain't No Sunshine" : I think a lot of people were thinking Kris would come out and perform "Heartless" or "Falling Slowly" (in fact, many rumors were pointing in that direction earlier yesterday). But "Ain't No Sunshine" was another song Kris excelled on, so it's not really a big surprise for me that he picked this song. To me, he created a moment just as easily with this song earlier in the competition like he did with the other two. In addition, it's also that much better when he's performing the song on a piano as opposed to a keyboard like he did the first time around. The more I listen to this performance, the more I believe that this truly could be the best Kris has sounded all season. He soars to great heights with this song as his vocals are superb and his artistry is magical. Then you add in his performance skills and musicality and it's truly fitting of a finale performance.
Adam Lambert - "A Change is Gonna Come" : Next up we have song picks from the creator of American Idol, Simon Fuller. And this is really a bold pick considering the message the song emotes. However, it really fits Adam well. He puts so much emotion and vocal intensity into this performance. He starts off with restrained vocals and leaves out the rock wail. Then he gradually builds into his higher range and there we have Adam's rock wail. It's like he's building a story - the way that he's able to sing. It's like we get a taste for just about everything Adam is able to do vocally in this song. At this stage of the game, would be expect anything less for Adam to do his rock wailing? I mean, if he didn't perform in such a way, it would be a let down to many of his fans. So this song really fit Adam well, even though it wasn't technically a rock song. Truly a masterful performance from Adam as his vocals are out of this world.
Kris Allen - "What's Going On?" : When I first heard this performed from Kris last night, I wasn't that impressed. The performance left me feeling kind of empty as I was hoping for more. But the big reason why I probably felt that way last night because I was being distracted at that moment, so I was able to enjoy it like I could've. However, I was able to listen back to his performance and I think Kris' interpretation of the song is amazing. He certainly made it his own and it fits his style perfectly. So what that it didn't have a lot of power and huge notes - that's not Kris' style anyways. He was able to strum on the guitar and the song fit his vocal style like a glove. I loved the part where he stopped the instrument accompaniment during the lyrics "this war is not the answer." He's also standing up for his beliefs! I thought it was a wonderful performance from Kris but at this stage, I wouldn't expect anything less.
Adam Lambert - "No Boundaries" : Ick, what a terrible song these poor contestants are forced to perform tonight. Why do these coronation songs have to suck so badly? And you would think with Kara helping to write the song, it would sound better. But I think it's one of the worst the show has ever had! Kara is supposed to be such a great songwriter, after all. Anywho, Adam made the most of this song. Much of the song was in Adam's falsetto range, particularly once the tempo picked up. I just didn't like Adam's voice with this song as it just didn't suit him that well. I noticed a few pitchy notes, especially in the beginning. And I couldn't quite tell if Adam had the mic up to his face too closely in the beginning where he would bump into it or it was a beat in the song. All in all, it wasn't the greatest performance from Adam, but I blame the song.
Kris Allen - "No Boundaries" : So Kris gets his chance to shine on this retched song next. Again just like Adam, Kris made the most of this song. I thought it might have suited Kris a bit better than Adam, however, the key of the song was definitely much too high for his voice. You could tell he was struggling with the higher notes in the song. All in all, I actually liked Kris' rendition of the song just a bit more than Adam's. Still, there were a few botched lyrics from Kris. I couldn't tell if he brought the mic too far away from his mouth earlier in the song so that we couldn't hear him or if he forgot a word. Personally I thought it was a mic issue more than anything. I am not going to criticize Kris for botching lyrics because from the sounds of it, the contestants didn't get a lot of time to practice the song. Anyways, it's a terrible song. Why would they want to spend a lot of time on it?
Oh brother. This is probably going to be the most difficult performance rankings yet this season. And I thought last week was tough. Anyways, here is how I thought the final two contestants did:
ROUND #1:
Kris Allen - best (THE WINNER! - 5/20/09)
Adam Lambert
ROUND #2:
Adam Lambert - best
Kris Allen (THE WINNER! - 5/20/09)
ROUND #3:
Kris Allen - best (THE WINNER! - 5/20/09)
Adam Lambert
MY PICK TO WIN AMERICAN IDOL: Kris Allen
Yes, you read that correctly. I am picking Kris Allen to win American Idol season eight. I think the fan support for Kris has been growing and growing as the season has progressed. You also consider the fact that Danny Gokey had a tremendous fan following. Some of his votes will be going to Kris more than Adam. For awhile, it was Adam and Danny duking it out for fan support. So you think Danny's fans were going over to support Adam once Danny got voted out? I certainly don't think so. Plus, I believe the backlash has been growing in regards to Adam being gay as more people learn about it from the press (even though he's never confirmed it publicly yet) and that doesn't go over quite as well with conservative America. Those are reasons why I believe Kris will become this season's American Idol by just a slim margin. I really do believe the vote tally will be close, much closer than last season's finale. But Kris will take the crown by just a hair.
So there you have it, folks. The final performance recap of the season from me. I thank those of you who've been coming to the blog to read my thoughts on the show all season long. I know you're out there! I plan on doing a few more American Idol blogs for this season before officially wrapping it up until next year. In the meantime, be sure and enjoy tonight's finale. From what I understand, a lot of awesome singers are expected to perform. It should be a fun show.
KRIS ALLEN IS THE WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL 2009!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
American Idol 7 - Top 2: "David vs. David"
It's time for a full recap of last night's episode and it's the final one for this season! I am a little sad that it's just about over, but at least my Tuesday and Wednesday night's will be a whole lot less busy now. I'll say this about season seven, despite all of the controversy, the declining ratings, the producers' tricks and some of the blunders (ahem - Paula), this has probably been the most enjoyable season of American Idol yet. The talent probably wasn't as good as originally spoken about prior to the top 24, but it was pretty darn close. And in my view, especially since I never saw the Clay vs. Ruben final in season two, this is the best finale I have ever witnessed. I have a feeling the results are going to be extremely close! You and I probably know who should be the American Idol winner after last night's results, but never say never. So how did everything go down during last night's performances? Well, let me tell you...
Round One - Songs chosen by music executive Clive Davis:
David Cook - singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2: Glad to see the contestants are able to wear the ear pieces again. For those that may not know, the producers nixed the ear pieces about a month ago simply because "they didn't look good." They seem to help the singers and awful lot, though. Cook is starting off quite well with this song selection. This song really utilizes Cook's upper registry quite well, so no low notes to struggle with. He's really starting to rock out and have fun on stage and is really getting the crowd into it. They are even on their feet and Cookie is really looking like a true star with this performance. He has really embraced this song and what it means. He really did a great job with it and it proves to be an excellent song selection for him. To me, this is the best he's sounded in a few weeks.
David Archuleta - singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John: Previous American Idol contestants have tackled this song included Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and a few others. Some Archie fans have been a bit concerned about this song choice and whether or not David would be able to pull it off. This is David Archuleta now, he can sing anything. He starts off by sitting on the steps of the stage and looking very poised. He appears to be in the moment and very focused. He gradually gets up and slowly walks onto the stage itself; no struggles at all. It's a good song choice for Archie in that it's a song with a great message (he loves those kinds of songs) and it's not a completely dull and sappy ballad. His vocals during this performance are superior and he really appears to be in his element. He did magnificent with this song and the judges are giving him high praise. The audience can't stop cheering for the guy and Archuleta is in near-tears. He is so overwhelmed by the moment. A truly flawless performance.
Round Two - Songs selected from the American Idol Song Writing Contest:
David Cook - singing "Dream Big": I am so glad to see the contestants being able to change up the arrangement of these songs to suit their style. Even though David Cook can sing ballads, he usually ends up doing much better when he's rocking out to songs. To me, this song does not do Cookie very much justice. I guess I'd have to know if this song was meant to be sung this way, but starting out I'm having a hard time hearing the lyrics. It just does not seem like that great of a coronation song for me. I did not enjoy this performance nearly as much as Cook's first song. He's definitely rocking out to it and playing the guitar and he's simply making the most of it. It was the best he could do with it and it appeared to be arranged to suit his style. I thought it was good, but nothing outstanding. I totally agreed with Simon in that it did not seem like a truly "winning moment" kind of song.
David Archuleta - singing "In This Moment": Now you have to believe that before going into this second round of songs, this would probably suit Archie more than Cookie. Most of these songs are going to be ballads more than uptempo, rock songs, so Archuleta should do good with his song. And right off the bat, he sounds flawless again! It's a perfect choice for him as it's a ballad and it allows him to show off his vocals. The tempo even picks up a notch which makes it that much better. He is totally on fire and doing absolutely great with this song. He picked the absolutely perfect time to peak and he is actually making me love this song; it sounds so good. His vocals are absolutely on-spot and to me, it looks like I am watching this year's American Idol. Definitely the perfect song choice and to me, this is the right "winning moment" song. Picked the better choice over Cook, that's for sure.
Round Three - Contestants' Song Choice:
David Cook - singing "The World I Know" by Collective Soul: Ugh ... I love this song so much. We originally thought Cook was going to sing this one during the Top three week but he sang the Switchfoot song instead. Glad to see he's singing it now. It's an absolute perfect song choice for Cook and it allows him to do his thing. It starts off very low key, just as the original does while strumming away at his guitar. He picks a play from the David Archuleta playbook and chooses a song with a haunting message. That probably wasn't his intention as he more than likely just enjoyed the song as it was. He changed up the arrangement a tad bit and made it sound somewhat different, but to me, he's playing it the way it's supposed to sound - and that isn't a bad thing at all. For me, it's not a song that should be changed all that much. I think it was Cook's best performance of the night and I really enjoyed it. He was so into it he even got emotional.
David Archuleta - singing "Imagine" by John Lenon: There was some speculation early on from the fans that Archie would either sing this, Angels, Shop Around, or even Stand by Me. But for me personally and for the majority of others who've watched season seven from the very beginning, this song was Archie's defining moment and it makes sense that he's wrapping up his American Idol experience with it. It's the song that won over the hearts of millions and it's such an appropriate way to end. He could really put the final nail in the coffin with it as he's excelled before with the song and probably will again. He's mixing things up a bit and putting in a few different runs here and there. I totally admire what he did with this performance - not completely mirroring what he did in the semi-finals but still generally staying true to how he performed it before. There's not much more I can say about it - it was absolutely superb.
When I first heard that Clive Davis was going to pick two songs for the David's to sing, I was pretty disappointed. He was supposed to be part of season six and choose songs for the top three contestants, but it was quickly changed and he never appeared. I thought he was washed up as a music executive, so I was surprised he returned this season. But after last night, I am glad he made his return to the American Idol set as he picked two killer songs for both contestants. Good job, Clive! The boxing theme for the night was a tad bit overkill, but still enjoyable. I just couldn't see Archie as a prize-fighting boxer, heavy-weight or light-weight. LOL The boxing theme actually added more tension and suspense to what could've been an actually boring finale. So to that, I say well done to the Idol producers. And no matter what happens during tonight's results, it appears that both Archie and Cookie are glad to be where they are at and will take the runner-up spot to which ever one should win. Here's how I rank the final two contestant's after last night's performances:
Round One:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Two:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Three:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Based on the performances last night, David Archuleta swept all three rounds and should be declared this year's American Idol. As Simon Cowell commented last night after Archie's rendition of "Imagine," he provided the knock-out win. However, with that being said, I have been following the race between Cook and Archuleta ever since the top 12 began and know the huge following that Cookie has. It's even bigger than Archuleta, apparently. So, based on that, I am predicting an upset in tonight's results: David Cook will win American Idol 2008. I hope I am wrong, but I just have that feeling. Yes, Archie is more deserving and is the better singer. But as we've seen time and time again on this show, the results are sometimes not fair. You could say in season two, the better contestant didn't win. This same year could have the very same result. But whatever happens happens. I am content with whatever the results may reveal and I know both of the David's will be happy with the results. They've gotten the support from millions of new fans, the exposure of being on television, and getting the chance to do what they both love, singing and performing. I am proud of them both; for that matter, all of the contestants who have made season seven the very best yet for me. It has truly been a season to remember.
UPDATE (10:33 PM - 5/21/08): David Cook is crowned as the 2008 American Idol. Let's be honest, I've been an avid fan of Archuleta all season long and I thought after the results, I'd be really upset. But I am actually at peace with what has happened. Cookie is also an amazing guy and a tremendous performer and I expect nothing but big things from him in the future. The same goes for Archie as well, who may have a little more freedom to do what he wants with a recording contract than Cookie will with the management at 19. This is a season to remember and one that I won't quickly forget for a long time. Hmm, now I have to see if I can find a way to get to the American Idol Live Tour in September...
Round One - Songs chosen by music executive Clive Davis:
David Cook - singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2: Glad to see the contestants are able to wear the ear pieces again. For those that may not know, the producers nixed the ear pieces about a month ago simply because "they didn't look good." They seem to help the singers and awful lot, though. Cook is starting off quite well with this song selection. This song really utilizes Cook's upper registry quite well, so no low notes to struggle with. He's really starting to rock out and have fun on stage and is really getting the crowd into it. They are even on their feet and Cookie is really looking like a true star with this performance. He has really embraced this song and what it means. He really did a great job with it and it proves to be an excellent song selection for him. To me, this is the best he's sounded in a few weeks.
David Archuleta - singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John: Previous American Idol contestants have tackled this song included Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and a few others. Some Archie fans have been a bit concerned about this song choice and whether or not David would be able to pull it off. This is David Archuleta now, he can sing anything. He starts off by sitting on the steps of the stage and looking very poised. He appears to be in the moment and very focused. He gradually gets up and slowly walks onto the stage itself; no struggles at all. It's a good song choice for Archie in that it's a song with a great message (he loves those kinds of songs) and it's not a completely dull and sappy ballad. His vocals during this performance are superior and he really appears to be in his element. He did magnificent with this song and the judges are giving him high praise. The audience can't stop cheering for the guy and Archuleta is in near-tears. He is so overwhelmed by the moment. A truly flawless performance.
Round Two - Songs selected from the American Idol Song Writing Contest:
David Cook - singing "Dream Big": I am so glad to see the contestants being able to change up the arrangement of these songs to suit their style. Even though David Cook can sing ballads, he usually ends up doing much better when he's rocking out to songs. To me, this song does not do Cookie very much justice. I guess I'd have to know if this song was meant to be sung this way, but starting out I'm having a hard time hearing the lyrics. It just does not seem like that great of a coronation song for me. I did not enjoy this performance nearly as much as Cook's first song. He's definitely rocking out to it and playing the guitar and he's simply making the most of it. It was the best he could do with it and it appeared to be arranged to suit his style. I thought it was good, but nothing outstanding. I totally agreed with Simon in that it did not seem like a truly "winning moment" kind of song.
David Archuleta - singing "In This Moment": Now you have to believe that before going into this second round of songs, this would probably suit Archie more than Cookie. Most of these songs are going to be ballads more than uptempo, rock songs, so Archuleta should do good with his song. And right off the bat, he sounds flawless again! It's a perfect choice for him as it's a ballad and it allows him to show off his vocals. The tempo even picks up a notch which makes it that much better. He is totally on fire and doing absolutely great with this song. He picked the absolutely perfect time to peak and he is actually making me love this song; it sounds so good. His vocals are absolutely on-spot and to me, it looks like I am watching this year's American Idol. Definitely the perfect song choice and to me, this is the right "winning moment" song. Picked the better choice over Cook, that's for sure.
Round Three - Contestants' Song Choice:
David Cook - singing "The World I Know" by Collective Soul: Ugh ... I love this song so much. We originally thought Cook was going to sing this one during the Top three week but he sang the Switchfoot song instead. Glad to see he's singing it now. It's an absolute perfect song choice for Cook and it allows him to do his thing. It starts off very low key, just as the original does while strumming away at his guitar. He picks a play from the David Archuleta playbook and chooses a song with a haunting message. That probably wasn't his intention as he more than likely just enjoyed the song as it was. He changed up the arrangement a tad bit and made it sound somewhat different, but to me, he's playing it the way it's supposed to sound - and that isn't a bad thing at all. For me, it's not a song that should be changed all that much. I think it was Cook's best performance of the night and I really enjoyed it. He was so into it he even got emotional.
David Archuleta - singing "Imagine" by John Lenon: There was some speculation early on from the fans that Archie would either sing this, Angels, Shop Around, or even Stand by Me. But for me personally and for the majority of others who've watched season seven from the very beginning, this song was Archie's defining moment and it makes sense that he's wrapping up his American Idol experience with it. It's the song that won over the hearts of millions and it's such an appropriate way to end. He could really put the final nail in the coffin with it as he's excelled before with the song and probably will again. He's mixing things up a bit and putting in a few different runs here and there. I totally admire what he did with this performance - not completely mirroring what he did in the semi-finals but still generally staying true to how he performed it before. There's not much more I can say about it - it was absolutely superb.
When I first heard that Clive Davis was going to pick two songs for the David's to sing, I was pretty disappointed. He was supposed to be part of season six and choose songs for the top three contestants, but it was quickly changed and he never appeared. I thought he was washed up as a music executive, so I was surprised he returned this season. But after last night, I am glad he made his return to the American Idol set as he picked two killer songs for both contestants. Good job, Clive! The boxing theme for the night was a tad bit overkill, but still enjoyable. I just couldn't see Archie as a prize-fighting boxer, heavy-weight or light-weight. LOL The boxing theme actually added more tension and suspense to what could've been an actually boring finale. So to that, I say well done to the Idol producers. And no matter what happens during tonight's results, it appears that both Archie and Cookie are glad to be where they are at and will take the runner-up spot to which ever one should win. Here's how I rank the final two contestant's after last night's performances:
Round One:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Two:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Round Three:
#1: David Archuleta
#2: David Cook
Based on the performances last night, David Archuleta swept all three rounds and should be declared this year's American Idol. As Simon Cowell commented last night after Archie's rendition of "Imagine," he provided the knock-out win. However, with that being said, I have been following the race between Cook and Archuleta ever since the top 12 began and know the huge following that Cookie has. It's even bigger than Archuleta, apparently. So, based on that, I am predicting an upset in tonight's results: David Cook will win American Idol 2008. I hope I am wrong, but I just have that feeling. Yes, Archie is more deserving and is the better singer. But as we've seen time and time again on this show, the results are sometimes not fair. You could say in season two, the better contestant didn't win. This same year could have the very same result. But whatever happens happens. I am content with whatever the results may reveal and I know both of the David's will be happy with the results. They've gotten the support from millions of new fans, the exposure of being on television, and getting the chance to do what they both love, singing and performing. I am proud of them both; for that matter, all of the contestants who have made season seven the very best yet for me. It has truly been a season to remember.
UPDATE (10:33 PM - 5/21/08): David Cook is crowned as the 2008 American Idol. Let's be honest, I've been an avid fan of Archuleta all season long and I thought after the results, I'd be really upset. But I am actually at peace with what has happened. Cookie is also an amazing guy and a tremendous performer and I expect nothing but big things from him in the future. The same goes for Archie as well, who may have a little more freedom to do what he wants with a recording contract than Cookie will with the management at 19. This is a season to remember and one that I won't quickly forget for a long time. Hmm, now I have to see if I can find a way to get to the American Idol Live Tour in September...
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