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Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Idol. Show all posts

Friday, March 30, 2012

American Idol's Heejun Han Knew The End Was Near

If “American Idol” were “American Comedic Idol,” Korean-American contestant Heejun Han might have had a chance, but after a few weeks, it seemed America no longer found his schtick funny. And neither did the judges who refused to use their one and only save of the season to keep Heejun around for at least another week.

Judging by how the season is going (again), with the majority of girls getting the boot already, the judges will use that save to give one of the girls another chance. Otherwise, typical of "American Idol" of the last several years, a boy will win because the voting audience is comprised mainly of young girls with fast fingers and unlimited text messaging capabilities, who vote for the cute boys, no matter what they happen to sound like.

And here too, my preference for a reality singing competition show goes to NBC's “The Voice.” Most of the ousted contestants have thanked everyone involved with the show for the opportunity and seem sincere. Sure, there was Hailey, the female half of singing duo “The Line” who had little to say to anyone when she and her partner were eliminated, but better that than what Heejun Han felt compelled to do during an exit interview from “American Idol.”

When asked who Heejun would be rooting for now, he said his favorites had already been eliminated and there was no one else he liked enough to bother rooting for. He added he would more than likely just sit at home and watch Idol's biggest competition, “The Voice.”

I guess Heejun never learned if he can't say anything nice to not say anything at all and combined with his accusation that Diddy (Sean Combs) was drunk when he acted as a mentor on Idol, I wouldn't count on any record deals coming in from that front either.

Scotty Mccreery is Scotty McDreary To Me

As I have mentioned, on more than a few occasions, country music just isn't my thing. I can tolerate SOME country songs, but for the most part, I quickly tire of the tales of woe put to the same basic melodies over and over and over again.

When country boy Scotty McCreery hit the “American Idol” auditions for season 10, I knew he would make it to their Hollywood week, but had doubts he would ever get beyond that point when the kid continually sang the same song, over and over again. Despite never wanting to know them, the constant repetition of Josh Turner's “Your Man” lyrics stuck in my brain and as soon as I even see Scotty McCreery, they come rushing back in, like a bad LSD flashback. “Baby lock the door and turn the lights down low...Put some music on that's soft and slow...” Ick. Made even ickier when delivered by a skinny, geeky kid with an overly deep voice that didn't seem to belong to him.

Of course my worst nightmare was realized when Scotty won “American Idol,” well, not so much my worst nightmare, if I am going to be perfectly honest, but it was close to the top of the list. I knew if he won, I could certainly avoid listening to him again on the radio since I stray far away the country music stations, but it also meant he would undoubtedly turn up again on the “American Idol” stage.

And sure enough, he did. During the last results show, McCreery was slated to perform with Nicki Minaj. Oh, what a treat, especially for the contestant about to be ousted form the show. Here's a guy who won and look! His album went platinum, but you're a loser and going home. Bu-bye.

Jimmy Iovine presented Scotty with his platinum plaque after his performance. Don't ask me what Scotty sang as I learned to never listen to him after the “Your Man” incident.

Good job, Scotty, thanks for the memories...not.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Can Colton Dixon Last On American Idol?

One of this season's semi-punk rocker dudes On “American Idol” is Colton Dixon, easily identified by his almost Jay Leno-esque hair color....think Jay Leno's hair in his younger days, that funky reverse skunk looking 'do he sported until he started going gray.

I am watching the results show as I type this and think Colton will be safe, but is he what America is looking for as the next “American Idol” or does he represent the person many Christians wish they had the courage to be? Is Colton really THAT good or are votes for him really signs of approval for Christianity in general?

Colton has spoken quite openly about his religious conviction and faith. Last night's performance show allowed each “American Idol” contestant to perform a song by one of their personal idols. I guess since Jesus doesn't have any current Billboard hits or platinum records, Colton chose the next best thing; the song “Everything” by the band Lifehouse. While Lifehouse has said that they do not want to be considered a Christian band, members do not deny that they are Christians and their music often reflects their faith. Colton Dixon told Idol judges last night that “Everything” was one of his favorite “worship songs.”

Do the band members of Lifehouse perhaps know or understand something about the industry that Colton Dixon doesn't? Or is Colton simply a full-blown, out-of-the-closet Christian who is unafraid to put his faith on display? Is Colton's religion an asset or a liability on the “American Idol” stage?

It doesn't appear to be a problem with the American public for now...Colton is safe for another week.

Living Legend Stevie Nicks Mentors American Idol Contestants

Okay, so the kids on “American Idol” claimed to understand the importance of the artist that stood before them in the form of blond, petite and still gorgeous, Stevie Nicks. Stevie was certainly impressed enough with the talent, most especially that of Idol front-runner Phillip Phillips ( I know! Were his parents too lazy to think of a different first name for the kid? I shudder to think of that he would have been named if their last name was Halkawalkadinklestein), but I never really got the impression that any of the kids realized the greatness that stood before them beyond what Jimmy Iovine and the other producers told them about the woman.

The history of Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac spans the last several decades and most certainly didn't include any of the opportunities afforded the Idol contestants. Stevie has worked with most of the biggest names in the music industry, battled addictions, weight issues, a tumultuous relationship with Buckingham, and later an affair with Mick Fleetwood, that she ended knowing it would be Fleetwood Mac's demise if it continued.

I remember Stevie Nicks not only for the great memories of listening to Fleetwood Mac as a pre-teen, but also the fashion trends she inspired. Platform boots, huge long skirts and shawls were all the rage back then thanks to Nicks. I remember the older girls in junior high and high school all looking like they belonged to the same group of militant prairie dwellers in their skirts and chunky boots.

As I got a bit older, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks' solo work provided the background music for a lot of my young adult life. Many a night were spent chugging Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill while listening to Stevie's distinctive voice as we contemplated what actual adulthood would bring our way.

Check out my Playlist below for some of my favorite Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tunes!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wednesday Night DVR Workout

Wednesday night in my house is full-on Reality Fest. It starts with “Survivor” and “American Idol” at 7:00, “Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis” at 8:00, 9:00 is the time for “The Challenge: Battle of the Exes” and “Million Dollar Listing New York.” “Duck Dynasty” gets tossed into the mix as does “Couples Therapy,” where the very bottom of the C, D and F-list celebs are shacking up to get help with their relationship problems.