I'm Not Winning Friends Here

There has been speculation as to the sexual orientation of Adam Lambert, American Idol Runner Up. Personally, I don't care if he is straight or gay. It doesn't alter his vocal abilities which is what I do care about. 

I am actually mad at a segment of the gay community. To me, it seems as if, in a rush to 'out' Adam with pictures of gay activity, they may well have hurt his chances at winning Idol. Adam Lambert was nobody a few months ago. Couldn't people have waited until after the final vote to plaster photos all over the web?

For a country so bent on freedom of speech, some people didn't let Adam exercise his freedom of speech or rather, his freedom to choose when he wanted to speak. Adam's sexual orientation is his business and his choice to share with the world, if he chooses to share it.  I do think Adam will come out and confirm he is gay or bi-sexual. (Please God, let him be bi to keep hope alive among the single ladies.) 

How much better for Gay Americans would it have been if Adam had won Idol and he could be listed as the first Gay American Idol Winner? We've had African American male and female winners. But, silly me, I forgot gay rights usually follow long after racial rights in this country.

American Idol - Finale

Well, unless you live under a rock, you should know by now that Kris Allen won American Idol.

Am I upset? Not really. Disappointed? A little. 

I'm disappointed America did not choose one of the more talented people: Danny Gokey, Allison Araheta. 

And I'm disappointed America did not recognize how well rounded and talented Adam Lambert is. I would have been much happier if Danny or Allison won. 

But gosh, look at Chris Daughtry. He came 4th during Season 5. Elliot Yamin was 3rd. Katherine McPhee was 2nd and, oh, what was that white-haired guy's name...Ummm...Soul Patrol Guy....Taylor Hicks. Right. Even Elliot Yamin is doing better these days than Taylor Hicks. 

Adam is very well spoken. He has killer singing ability. Adam did what American Idol asks people to do: Take a song and make it your own. Every week, consistently. Is Adam gay? What difference does it make? Does it matter that Ryan Secrest is short? Does it matter that Simon Cowell is British? 

Adam is a true artist and not winning Idol is probably the best thing that could happen to him. Less restrictions on what he can and can't do and he will probably get more money in his pocket much sooner. 

American Idol - Live Week 12

This is my 5th Judge opinion...

Music Theme

Rock

Adam Lambert

I have to tell you that growing up, Adam's style of music was 'screaming devil music' to my ears. So the fact that I love Adam Lambert so much is proof that I have evolved and that Adam is that good. I say Adam #1.

Allison Areheta

This girl rocks!! Finally, Adam hooked her up with his hair genius and little Allison looks amazing!! I say Allison #2.

Kris 

Please, America, vote this joker faced punk off!! I have no idea how this guy made it this far.

Danny Gokey

Nice try Danny. I kinda enjoyed it tonight. I didn't think it was a bad as the judges made it seem. I say Danny #3. NAMK and Shan, it's not so bad - Daughtry went out at 3.

There ya have it. My 5th judge take.

Allison went home!

I can't believe Kris is still there.

Whomever is voting for Kris needs to stop.

American Idol - Live Week 11

5th Judge Resumes

I have not been able to fulfill my 5th Judge role due to our DVR messing up. Finally, I was able to watch it live, thanks to a tweet by my friend, The Fairy Blogmother.

Songs Theme

Jazz music

#1 - Kris Allen

Again, the DVR messed up. I got into the show 17 minutes into the show. I saw the Doesn't matter to me though, Kris needs to go tomorrow to make room for the real competition. 

#2 - Allison Areheta

That girl brought it tonight with 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. Truly, Alison deserves to be in the top 2.  She has the vocals and is an artist. 

#3 - Matt Giraud

Maybe Matt should not win. It could ruin my marriage. And um, he can sang.

#4 - Danny Gokey

Danny is sweet. I would put him 3rd after Adam and Allison.

#5 - Adam Lambert

My mom says he looks like my son and if I want to know how Motor Mouth will look when he gets older, just look at Adam. That's not why I love Adam, though. Words can't adequately describe Adam. That voice! The talent. The showmanship. And he comes across as humble. My God. I can't get enough of him.

And there you have it from American Idol's 5th Judge

American Idol - Live Week 8

Here's my American Idol

5th Judge Opinion:

Songs Theme

Songs from Year of Contestants Birth

#1 - Danny Gokey

Song was weird sounding from the get go. Danny was able to showcase his voice in the song and that is what it is all about. Danny is in my personal Top 3.

#2 - Kris Allen

Yikes!! What was that?!! What's up with that Joker smile of his? Creeps me out.

#3 - Lil Rounds

Lil is exactly why I LOVE Adam Lambert. Lil is a singer. Lil is NOT an artist. She's a stupid singer too if she thought she could come out and do a Tina Turner impersonation and get through to the next round. I would kick her off tonight if Kris didn't suck so bad.

#4 - Anoop Desai

Did a good job. I think Anoop is nice looking but I can't look at him when he sings. I need to hear his voice without the visual. Yes, he needs designer jeans, but there is nothing offensive or off putting about his performances. For me, the R&B voice doesn't go with Anoop's South Asian looks. But I think it means I need to get more immersed in desi music and culture. Anoop Dog can sing!

#5 - Scott MacIntyre

Vote him off already. So he left the comfort of the piano for the awkwardness of the electric guitar. I'm sorry, but that performance was a mess. Pitchy doesn't even begin to describe it. It felt like we were watching someone's socially inept and awkward younger sibling whose feelings we didn't want to hurt so we keep him around.

#6 - Allison Iraheta

Great song choice. This girl can sing. I can't stand her. But she can sing and proves it every week. 

#7 - Matt Giraud

I couldn't stand you at first, but you've grown on me every week. And tonight, you had me at the first line. I'm yours, Matt.

#8 - Adam Lambert

Are you kidding me??!! I HATE Comcast. My DVR did not record Adam's set. My favorite contestant on the show. The one I'd have a kid for (or at least try). And I didn't get to hear him. Well, I'm sure it was a unique and vocally superior performance like none we've seen on the show before.

Check back to see who got kicked off

My Bottom 3: Scott, Kris, Lil

UPDATE:

AI Bottom 3: Anoop, Scott, Lil

Scott MacIntyre went home

There IS a God!

American Idol - Live Week 6

My 5th Judge Opinion. 

Theme:

Motown

#1 - Matt Giraud

Yeah, Baby!! Let's get IT on!! Started on the piano, moved to the stage. Very comfortable in his skin - Justin Timberlake-ish. Nice vocals. Song showcased his voice.

#2 - Kris Allen

Have I told you this guy just bugs me. He always seems so karaoke/high school musical/cruise ship. Jim Carrey's younger brother.

#3 - Scott MacIntyre

Oh dear lord. I want someone to come take him home. Cheeeeeesy!! All he needed was to pull out a tambourine. How much more can I take till I puke.

#4 - Megan Joy

Train wreck. She made 'For once in my life' sound like the theme from Love Boat. Yikes, girl! MOTOWN week and you pick THAT song with a JAZZY voice? This could get you going home, my friend - and I have even more mad love for you than Randy!

#5 - Anoop Desai

It's time Anoop purchased a pair of $200 jeans. Those $50 GAP jeans aren't doing anything for me. Voice was sweeeeeeeeeet though. 

#6 - Michael Sarver

It was a white boy singing a black boy song. But I enjoyed it. Maybe I'm a Las Vegas loungey kinda girl. 

#7 - Lil Rounds

It wasn't a heat wave for me. It was a madness wave. Lil developed some sort of manic lisp for this rendition. I can't keep from wanting the song to be over. And that flapper outfit? With a 60's song? Really? No.

#8 - Adam Lambert

Wow. Oh. My. Freaking. God. Standing ovation from Smokey Robinson. End the competition now. Give the man the title. He is ah-mazing! That last part. WOW!! He sang that entire song in falsetto. And he is beautiful. I love me some Adam.

#9 - Danny Gokey

I wasn't ready for this. Whew. This song did nothing to showcase Danny's voice. You can't pick fun songs if they don't showcase your vocal abilities. I'm with Simon - clumsy and amateurish. Never go on after a better singer...But I do love you Danny.

#10 - Allison Iraheta

She did a great job. There were some mumbly parts, but she did a great job at making a man's song her own. Allison is another one who bugs me. But I will admit this girl can SANG. 

There ya have it!

The view from my couch.

And then there were 9....

Michael Sarver went home

American Idol - Live Week 5

This is where I give my 5th Judge, person @home point-of-view. It's what this real person thinks about the performances each week. 

Songs Theme:

Grand Ol' Opry. Country music. Hmmm...

#1 - Michael Sarver

Michael sang and his voice sounded okay. But I could barely understand the words. Very mumbly. I thought this could get Michael sent home.

#2 -Allison Iraheta

I just don't like her.  The performance was dull. 

#3 - Kris Allen

I thought Kris did a good job on the song. I don't know the song, so I can't speak to the original. But he's not someone that has star power. Kris could leave and no one would remember he was ever on the show. 

#4 - Lil Rounds

Lil did Martina McBride's 'Independence Day'. For someone who doesn't listen to country music, I think she did a good job but he song was too big for her voice in the end.  

#5 - Adam Lambert

Wow!! Talk about taking a song and bringing it into your comfort zone. What a showcase for his voice. Rock star.

#6 - Scott MacIntyre

Boring!! People need to stop voting for this guy. 

#7 - Alexis Grace

Yikes. That was a train wreck.

#8 - Danny Gokey

Awkward!! He brought it home later on. But Danny needs to be careful with his song choice. Yes, you are a Christian. That is great. But if you keep picking Jesus songs, you WILL go home - and not to your Heavenly home. Just off the show, dude.

#9 - Anoop Desai

Oh my! Anoop will be always on my mind after that song. Excellent song choice to showcase his vocals. 

#10 - Megan Joy (Formerly, Megan Corkery)

That girl can sing! She made that song her own. And she looked beautiful!!

#11 - Matt Giraud

Matt brought it home!! He came out looking like a star. I didn't realize he had such a great voice.  At this point, based upon this performance, if we were voting for the top 3, Matt would be up there.

Check back tomorrow to see which 2 went home!!

American Idol - Live Week 4

This is where I give my 5th Judge, person @home point-of-view. It's what this real person thinks about the performances each week. 

Songs Theme:

Music from Michael Jackson. Good luck. Michael is not an easy song choice.

#1 - Lil Rounds

Lil sang 'The Way You Make Me Feel. It was a good performance. I don't think it was a memorable performance. Nothing wrong with it. Just not amazing. I don't like the outfit. Little too much junk showing in that trunk.

#2 - Scott MacIntyre

I didn't recognize the song as a Michael Jackson song. Scott's performance seemed very Elton John-ish. 

#3 - Danny Gokey

Danny sang PYT. You would not recognize the song as having been Michael Jackson's. It was soulish and rock hard. Loved it!! Simon said the vocals were brilliant but the dancing was hideous.  I agree. Paula needs to meet with Danny on his choreography next week. 

#4 - Michael Sarver

Michael sang You Are Not Alone. The beginning of the song and the middle were great. The ending was pitchy, pitchy, pitchy. It seemed a little sweet and churchy. 

#5 - Jasmine Murray

Jasmine sang I'll Be There. I hate it when people sing songs about being there the next day. I don't think she brought it. It was flat and pitchy. I really like Jasmine. I want her to come back. Jasmine could be a Miss America. She has such poise.

#6 - Chris Allen

Chris chose to sing Remember The Time. He should not have brought out his guitar. It was like a karaoke where you could bring your instrument. He was moving around so much for a song that does not lend itself to it. I think this song highlighted how average Chris' voice is.

#7 - Allison Iraheta

Unfortunately, our DVR messed up so I could barely hear the song. What I did hear, sounded strong. 

#8 - Jorge Nunez

Again with the DVR. What I did hear was a vocal showcase. However, according to Simon, Jorge picked the wrong song and it was out of his depth. I'm just going to go with Simon as I usually agree with him.

#9 - Megan Corkrey

Megan picked Rocking Robin by Jackson 5. Perfect song choice. Fun! It was very Megan. It almost seemed like watching Amy Winehouse pre 24/7 drug use. The judges were harsh on her. I thought it was great.

#10 - Alan Lambert

Alan chose Black & White. It was KISS meets MJ. I wasn't so sure about the song at first. But I think he put his own spin on it. I don't think it was the very best vocal, but there were some real highlights.

#11 - Matt Giraud

I did not hear ANY of Matt's performance. Feedback from judges seemed positive 

#12 - Alexis Grace

Thanks, Comcast. I got nothing.

#13 - Anoop Desai

How frustrating. Don't ever get Comcast cable if you can at all avoid it.

Check back tomorrow to see which 2 went home!!

Maybe by then, Comcast will be working...

Alright. So Comcast still has some issues. 

However, I can report Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez 

were sent home.

American Idol - Live Week 3

This is my 5th Judge, non-industry, @home, real person point-of-view of this week's America Idol performances. Call me, Simon Fuller, I'm available for next season...

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100, since it began

This is a dream song range for the contestants because they can choose songs they love, know, and are suited to their voices. These should be the songs they've been singing for years. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

#1 - Von Smith

You're All I Need to Get By, a Marvin Gaye song. During Hollywood Week, Von was told he was shouting. He picked a whispery type of song. It was slow at the start of the song. He tried to bring it back around but it was just odd to me. I disagreed with the judges. 

#2 - Taylor Vaifuna

Taylor sang and Alicia Keys song and did it justice. I thought she brought it. Her voice was great and solid. Her performance was a bit cold. Again, I disagreed with the harsh criticism from the judges. I thought the high praise for Von should have gone to Taylor. She gave a better performance. 

#3 Alex Wagner-Trugman

If Prince William and Wayne Gretzky had a baby together, it would look like Alex. This boy need not dance. The singing was good until he did this thing that sounded like he was clearing his throat. I'm sorry Alex, you seem like a sweet guy but, oh dear lord. That was a tragic performance. Simon said he was a hamster trying to be a tiger.

#4 - Arianna Afsar

Arianna chose the Winner Takes it All by Abba. I think the nerves got to Arianna. She started good, but then I don't know what happened. It just didn't work out.  The judges said it was a bad song choice. Paula is right, there were some bright moments in the song. But sadly, I don't think Arianna is going on tomorrow.

#5 - Ju'Not Joyner

Ju'Not sang Hey There Delilah. Ju'Not's arrangement slowed the song down and he did a soulful rendition. But it just made me want to sleep. Ju'Not has a nice voice, which he showcased at the end of the song.

#6 - Kristen McNamara

Kristin proved why she is on this show. Her voice was soulful, sultry, solid. Her performance was da bomb, thus far.

#7 - Nathaniel Marshall

Nathaniel chose a Meatloaf song. It felt like I was watching a high school musical performance on a cruise ship. The vocals were just there for me. I'm with Simon - it was verging on excruciating. Nathaniel and his mom would dance around the house singing the song he chose. And that is where the song should have stayed - at home, with mom.

#8 - Felicia Barton

Felicia chose No One by Alicia Keys. She can do this song. Her voice was so strong. There was a rough note or two.  Felicia put her own little twist to the song, yet keeping it close to the original. Felicia was actually sent home and called back when another contestant dropped out.

#9 - Scott MacIntyre

Scott is legally blind. In Hollywood Week, Scott sang a Daughtry song. He sang a Bruce Hornsby song. Nice. Very nice. I enjoyed this. Scott could be a contender.

#10 - Kendall Beard

Kendall chose This One's For the Girls by Martina McBride.  She's amazing. Great song choice. Current song, lively, suited to her voice and showcased some of her range and vocal ability. Kendall came out and knocked it out like it was what she does everyday. It felt like I was at a concert.

#11 - Jorge Nunez

Jorge chose to sing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John. I was not sure when I heard the song choice. Jorge has a thick Spanish accent. Jorge brought it. He was really good. He worked with a dialect coach because of recommendations from the judges at the tryouts. Jorge has a great voice.

#12 - Lil Rounds

Lil sang a Mary J. Blige song. The term, saving the best for last would describe this performance. And it was a performance. I agree with Simon. Brilliant!  She has the whole package and the name to take her to stardom. 

Well, there you have it, from Judge #5.

The 3 who made it through are:

Lil Rounds

Jorge Nunez

Scott MacIntyre

American Idol - Live Week 2

I watch American Idol, and think they should have a 5th judge. A non-industry, @home, real person point-of-view. Mine. Until Simon Fuller, American Idol producer, starts taking my calls, here is my weekly rundown of the contestants.

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100, since it began

This is a dream song range for the contestants because they can choose songs they love, know, and are suited to their voices. These should be the songs they've been singing for years. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

Contestants

#1 - Jasmine Murray

Cute high school student. She sang Love Song. Pitchy. Pitchy. Pitchy. I'm disappointed she didn't shine because she has a great voice and is a complete package. Jasmine just couldn't pull it together on this song. She is only 17, so she should come back in 2 or 3 years.

#2 - Matt Giraud

Matt sang a Coldplay song. I thought I knew the song, but I think Matt butchered it to the point of no recognition. I was looking for the amazing-voiced Hollywood week guy but he was not there. This was not enough to put him through...Unless all the other buys bomb.

#3 - Jeanine Vailes

Jeanine picked a Maroon 5 song. Wrong song choice. Pitchy. I suspect her voice is so much better than this song. She should have done a Christina Aguilera song where she could have shined. It was a train wreck. She does have great legs. I think if the Pussy Cat dolls need another singer, she would fit in.

#4 - Norman Gentle / Nick Mitchell  

Norman Gentle performed. He was certainly entertaining. I LOVE Norman Gentle. I was disappointed he didn't showcase is voice as much as he has in the past, because he really CAN sing. Very well. 

#5 - Allison Iraheta 

The 16-yr old picked a Heart song that is suited to her voice. She knows how to work a mic, that is for sure. Allison's singing was pitchy, especially at the beginning. But I think she brought it after the bridge. I don't think she was as good as the judges made her out to be. She was the best SO FAR.

#6 - Kris Allen 

Kris sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. I'm always worried when people pick a Michael song. Michael Jackson, for all his faults, is an amazing singer. There is a reason people in the industry still respect the man. Kris Allen sounded like mediocre karaoke and looked so awkward. Bad song choice. I totally disagree with Simon and Paula.

#7 - Megan Corkrey 

Megan sang Put Your Records On. I thought it was a cute performance. She picked a song perfect for her voice. Which, her voice has a distinct sound. She has a unique voice. I think Megan should go through. 

#8 - Matt Brietzke

Matt is a welder, who sang Tonic because it encapsulates love. Very low key performance, even when they kicked in with the electric guitar. I had to close my eyes to listen to the song because his hand motions were distracting. I think his voice sounded nice but it was boring, though. Listening to Matt's comments after getting negative feedback on the song choice from ALL 4 judges, makes me I think Matt deserves to go home. He is an idiot. All the judges said bad song choice but he would have done it anyway. 

#9 - Jesse Langseth

Jesse sang Bette Davis Eyes. Bad song choice. I think this was a much larger song than her voice is capable of. She sounded shrill. Her clothing was atrocious. Those jeans with that shirt was horrible. At this stage of the game, the contestants need to showcase their voice and their vocal range. Jesse picked the wrong song.

#10 - Kai Kalama

I didn't expect such a safe, cheesy song performance out of Kai. His voice sounded nice. It wasn't the breakout performance people need to bring at this stage of the competition. 

#11 - Mishavonna Henson

Mishavona sang Drops of Jupiter. Solid voice. Solid performance.

#12 - Adam Lambert 

Adam sang Satisfaction. He brang it. He performed. The song was lively. Adam managed to showcase his voice beautifully. Wow. I loved it!! Great look. 

So there you have it, from Idol Judge #5

American Idol, Season 8

The 3 who made it through...

Allison Iraheta

Kris Allen

Adam Lambert

American Idol - Live Week 1

I watch American Idol and I think they should have a 5th judge. A non-industry, @home, real person point of view. Mine. Until Simon Fuller, AI producer starts taking my calls, and paying me the big bucks, here is my weekly rundown of the contestants, free of charge.

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100 since it began

This is great because the contestants can choose songs they love, know and are suited to their voices. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

Contestants

#1 - Jackie Tohn

Beautiful girl. Photogenic. The running shoes look odd on her skinny legs. The '70's Studio 57 shiny black pants and tube top outfit was bizarre. Her performance looked polished in a heroin addicted way. Jackie is a sweet girl but her voice was just there with her song pick. 

#2 - Ricky Braddy

Nice guy. Likes plaid shirts. His Alicia Keys performance was amazing during Hollywood week. His Leon Russell song choice was nice. I'm sitting here staring at Ricky sing his little heart out and getting drawn into this man's eyes. The scruffy beard is hot. He did transform from Mr. Geek when he was speaking on the couch to a hotty while singing. He's a contender.

#3 - Alexis Grace

Alexis was told to dirty her look up a little bit. She did. She looks great. I didn't think she was strong enough to pull off Aretha vocally. Her performance was good. She owned the song. I want Alexis to stay because I think we will see a lot of great performances out of her.

#4 - Brent Keith

Brent went country. He was believable. Maybe I'm a sucker for a man with deep dimples and skinny legs, but I want this one to stick around. Sadly, I don't think he will. Brent's performance was nice. Safe. Maybe too safe as he didn't show that much range. We'll see if the country fans put their fingers to work.

#5 - Stevie Wright

Nice girl. The song was wrong from the get go. It felt like a high school performance that you grin and bear because your friend's daughter is up there singing her little off-key heart out. Nerves may have gotten the better of this girl. I don't know. I do hope Stevie tries out for Idol next year, or a few years from now when she has more confidence and comes into her own.

#6 - Anoop Desai

Note to contestants: If you are going to sing a song made popular by the opposite sex, change the arrangement. Anoop did himself no favors with this song. I like our South Asian R&B singer.  I'm pulling for AnoopDog, but not sure he did enough to make it to the next round. At the very least, he can show America that not all singing South Asians are freaks like Sanjaya, the Season 6 Idol contestant with the ponytail mohawk!

#7 - Casey Carlson

What the hell was that? She had fun? Really? That was just painful to watch. Even more painful than Stevie Wright. Don't let the microphone hit you on the way to the airport, Casey.

#8 - Michael Sarver

I love Michael. I am pulling for him and have from the moment I learned he was a roughneck who can sing. Y'all didn't know 'roughneck' was actually a job title!! Bad song choice. Bo Bice rocked this song like no one else! Bo did this song better than Gavin DeGraw. I am actually praying Michael sticks around. Maybe it is because I love and appreciate the oil industry for making my life amazing for the last 10 years. Mostly, it is because Michael can SANG!!

#9 - Anne Marie Boskovich

I was really pulling for Anne Marie. When I heard her song choice, I was hoping she would come out and belt Natural Woman out and tear the place down. Nope. Nice dress and body though. Call Hef.

#10 - Steven Fowler

Bad song choice with Michael Jackson's Rock with You. People don't realize how good Michael is until they hear someone else try to sing his songs. I was embarrassed for Steven. Cheesy karaoke version, dude.

#11 - Tatiana Del Toro

Freak!! That's how she came across throughout Hollywood week. But Tatiana proved why she is in this competition. She sang Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love For You. And she did the song some justice. Tatiana was able to show a calm, normal side of herself that just might get her in the Top 12. I think I actually want her there now.

#12 - Danny Gokey

I love Danny Gokey. He is the young guy whose wife died. Danny reminds me of Dr. James R., one of my favorite people in the world. This week, he sang Mariah Carey's Hero. Started rough. Randy called Danny the redeemer of the night. I wouldn't go that far. I think they just like him. I found it a bit mellow. I'm with Simon. It was good. Danny's a good singer. But I'm not buying the hype from Randy and the girls.

So there you have it from Judge #5

American Idol, Season 8

UPDATE:

The 3 who made it through this week are:

#3 - Alexis Grace

#8 - Michael Sarver

#12 - Danny Gokey

No, Tatiana did not make it through. She cried like a baby. But there is still a wildcard round where she could come back...insert Twilight Zone music...