Chicago Auditions

(courtesy of Chicago Tribune's Michael Tercha / June 22, 2009)

Idol is here! As I sit at my desk working, thousands are lined up to try and sing their way into my television screen come January...I can feel the excitement in the air! I don't personally know anyone auditioning today, do you?

I also haven't heard of any Ryan, Randy, Paula, Kara or Simon sightings in town....just Brandon Rogers from S6...stay tuned!

Music from Season 8

I was just sitting here realizing that at this point last year (and the 3 years before that), by mid-June, I had already created my personal American Idol compilation CDs from the season's live performances and lovingly labeled and shipped them to family members and friends, handed them out to moms on the playground and to neighbors....heck, even sent some to Internet Idol acquaintances!

It was magic. As soon as the finale was over, I would download the live performances from that final evening, personally select what were, to me, the season's most memorable performances, and create a season mix (remember the Mix Tape? A relic of the past....) I would try to include a number from each of that season's Top 10 just to be fair and keep things well-rounded (Lisa Tucker or Ramiele Mulabuy, anyone?). It was a task I anticipated with joy, and I took great pleasure in putting together and then sharing the CDs, and in reliving some of the season's best musical moments in the minivan throughout the summer and into the fall and winter....and beyond?!

So, why this post? Admission: I have yet to burn a Season 8 CD. I did download the performances but have been dragging my feet to create a 'best of" CD. The reason? While in years past, I have found it hard to limit the CD to the 80 minutes imposed by the hardware, I don't think I would have trouble this year doing that, and in fact, might have trouble even finding 80 minute's worth of decent music to put on the thing! I remember last year having to make song cuts that were tough...Archuleta's "Stand By Me" or Micheal John's "Light My Fire" when I had already selected "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" for MJ's signature number, for example....this year? Meh. I've been listening to the downloads on my iPod and frankly, outside of 4 or so Kris Allen tracks, a few Allisons, a couple of Dannys, with one signature number each from Adam ("Mad World", the one without the screaming), Anoop, and and Lil' thrown in....that's all I can muster up.

I also feel hampered, as previously blogged, by the fact that we got less music this season. And that was primarily because of the 4 judge panel who needed to yak. We now know that all 4 judges will indeed be returning to Idol in the fall and that this problem will be addressed.

I am still undecided if I will press on with a CD from this year....so far, there has been no demand.... peeps?

Season 8 Wrap Up

People are still asking me what I think of Kris Allen as the winner of AI this season, so I guess it's not too late to put my final thoughts down, although it already feels like old news!

Like many, I was surprised that Kris won, given the hype that had surrounded Adam all season. I watched the finale feeling resolved to an Adam win, even though I didn't prefer his voice or vocal stylings, but also thought Kris would make a nice Idol representative. I think they are both winners. I am just glad that Adam has been gracious, humble and supportive of the whole franchise, and of Kris, and didn't go all Susan Boyle! They are both being signed and will enjoy all that a post-Idol career beginning offers. For a thorough analysis of how Kris won, please check out a great article written by my favorite Idol data geeks at What Not To Sing!

My other two favorites, Allison and Danny, have less than predictable futures. I was so impressed by Allison, love her voice, hope great things for her. Read an interview somewhere (can't find it!) with a producer who'd worked with previous Idols who said he would sign Allison because she's talented, and knows who she is as an artist....but I haven't read or heard anything official. She is young, but I think she has a fantastic career ahead of her.

I've caught some of Danny's post-Idol interviews and performance clips, and he's all over the place...and talking more about his dancing, his foundation, and what hair products he uses than about anything related to music, which is interesting and a little worrisome. The more I read of him, the more I do feel like this poor guy auditioned for Idol way before he was really ready (still grieving), and did not expect (nor was he at all emotionally prepared) to go as far as he did. The producers heard a great voice, packaged with an even bigger back story and latched on to him like flies to honey. He was propelled into and through the machine and came out the other end bewildered, that is how it feels to me. And while some talk has been that he should just go ahead and make a contemporary Christian record, this interesting article seems to suggest that Danny would not choose to go in that direction. Hmmm....will wait to see what happens with that! I will buy whatever he does, and think his Rascal Flatts-style stuff would be just great....

The rest of this season's Top 13 just weren't all that compelling for me....in fact, I've already forgotten half their names. And names I CAN recall from last year's more exciting contest are still trying to put stuff together....Micheal Johns and they uber-hyped Carly Smithson are still working on projects....Kristy Lee Cook managed a 7th place finish and was signed immediately, but her debut album has sold a meager 25,000 or so copies and she (and her horse) were then dropped from the record label. 5th place finisher Brooke White has released an album, but just in the last month, and on an independent label, hoping for the same success season 5's Elliot Yamin enjoyed. Jason Castro who placed 4th is still working on a project, and Syesha, last year's 3rd place finisher? Haven't heard Boo from her. Don't be fooled, these finalists have to work hard for their money, and then some.

On to other matters, namely, the changes implemented this season. The powers that be decided to have a Top 13 instead of a Top 12, implemented something called The Judges Save, and added a fourth judge. First of all, I don't think the Top 13 meant anything to anyone other than Anoop, and certainly kept him on the show longer than he would have been on, but it's an insignificant change. We all agree the Judge's save was a pile of poo, leaving us the one final change to discuss: the addition of Kara DioGuardi as 4th judge.

In my most recent (unscientific) poll, I asked whether Kara should return as a judge next season, and my results were split right down the middle at 50/50. I think this shows (unscientifically) how divided we are, as Idol viewers, on Kara. Many of you think she adds substance to the panel with her vast songwriting, performing and producing background, and adds balance to the panel bringing a 2 men, 2 women presence. But there are as many of you who find her to be useless, repetitive and boring. I find that fascinating! I see no evidence that she has been cut from the judge's panel for next year, so those of you how dislike her, brace yourselves, I think she will be baaaaack.....

I didn't mind her at all, other than the simple math fact that because of her, we got LESS MUSIC. This time last year I was making up my signature idol CDs from the season's live performances, and noticed that while last year I had 21 David Cook and David Archuleta performances to enjoy, this year I only had 15 from Kris and Adam. That is SIX fewer performances. Great for the Idols but not so great for those of us who enjoy music. Why so many fewer performances? Because of four judges, there was more talking and less music. We should have been treated to 3 performances each, for example, during Top 3 week, and instead got just 2 each. All in an effort to give the judges more time to talk and keep the show to it's predetermined 1 hour format.

On the other hand, for that reason alone, it might be a bad thing for me, but an OK think overall. Last year's finale had David Cook reading the winning song lyrics off a teleprompter, because he had faced so much music to learn to that point, and this year, I didn't see Kris (or Adam)reading the Boundaries lyrics off a prompter...did you? I could stand corrected, but I didn't see it. So perhaps (on the bright side) the four-judge mode brought the Idol contestants a little less pressure than they would have faced. Just a thought...

This time last year, I had purchased tour tickets and was on the edge of my seat for both David's CD releases. This year? Meh. No tour tickets for me.....just not that into any contestants, and it's really just so expensive to take the kids. And the CDs? I'm curious about what they will both put out, sometime around Thanksgiving, but I'm not committing to buying either one.

Happy summer! Watching So You Think You Can Dance....are you?

Guy Next Door is Season 8's Winner

Unbelievable....I couldn't have predicted it. Understated underdog and dark horse Kris Allen is your new American Idol. I could see the shock on Simon Cowell's face (or was that a smug grin because he underhandedly orchestrated it yet again in a classic case of reverse psychology....see how jaded I am?!).

Tonight's finale was very enjoyable, and I've got so many notes and am still amazed and giggling under my breath. I will try and keep this short.



Highlights for me:

• Kris's duet with Keith Urban. How brilliant of a pairing! I didn't see that Kris could be a crossover country artist until this number....because it was just feel-good fun and good stuff. Totally enjoyable.
  
• Allison's duet with Cyndy Lauper. Yes, this song is older than Allison herself (by 8 years!) and the lap harp was a little weird, especially the way it was positioned on Cyndy's lap, but did you notice how Allison kept vocal pace with Cyndy, and infused her own style into a song she probably barely knew....true artistry. LOVE Allison. Someone sign her!!

• Kara in a bikini. I know this wasn't the highlight for some of you, and of course it was all totally scripted crap, but really...it was good finale TV! Love that she did it on a dare and the other judges will pony up for charity. And Bikini Girl has nothing on Kara in a bikini, Kara should not have been apologizing....she looked fab. Stop covering it up! It will disappear in no time....enjoy it while you can and quit apologizing!

• Jason Mraz and the group number. Here's a guy nobody had heard of this time last year, and here he was on stage doing a fab song with the Top 13. Great song, great to see the top 13. Reminded me that Alexis was robbed of a top 10 spot!

• David Cook's "Permanent". Bought this CD the day it came out last November, and promptly took a road trip with the fam. Knew hubby wouldn't listen to the entire CD, so selected my favorite 3 tracks. First was "Heroes", second was "Come Back to Me" and third was "Permanent." All that to say, I've always loved this song, and it was a true (unfortunate) privilege to hear David sing this for his brother.

Other giggle moments for me: I love Justin Guarini! Ryan wearing Nick Mitchell's red headband and greasy glasses. The major censor during the Black Eyed Peas (even rebels KISS didn't get that). Steve Martin on banjo (yes, you read that right). Bo Bice in the house! And finally, the boring adjudicator who entered the stage with the results, and my sad realization that any man with a British accent someone seems more handsome and like he has more authority.....**sigh**.

And I wouldn't call it a giggle moment, but after what I've read about Danny's Idol run this week following his ouster, I have a new found appreciation for the guy. In his exit interviews, he has basically admitted to being in over his head, that his Idol audition came too soon on the heels of his wife's death, that the Idol Powers That Be obviously saw a powerful back story and a guy who could sing, and thrust him forward through the machine....only he wasn't really ready, emotionally or spiritually. So for all of you who were feeling like Danny was exploiting his back story, it was Idol who was doing that because they saw dollar signs in him...just a thought....

Now, here's hoping that Kris Allen is more David Cook-ish than Taylor Hicks-ish in his post-Idol career...congrats Kris!!

Screamer Vs. Crooner in Idol Finale

Tonight really comes down to whether you like -- or do not like -- Adam Lambert, doesn't it? If you read this blog, you've caught on that I am not a fan. This is in no way a judgment of anything other than the way he sings, which is what this show is about. I don't like it, I am not alone in not liking it, and for this reason, I'm trying to vote for Kris as I write this blog (although happily all 3 lines of his are busy).

Overall, this wasn't one of my favorite Idol final performance nights, and for the most part, I am not emotionally attached to either contestant winning or losing. Either one can win and the world will go on (and so will American Idol). I'm exhausted from a season of manipulation, starting with Tatiana and and Norman Gentle; from constant judge pimping of Adam and Danny (despite mediocre performances, for the most part, and I'm a fan, people!); and from the whole she-bang just feeling bloated and irrelevant.

Tonight's performances were in 3 groups, 2 songs each. First group of songs were chosen by the contestants themselves as a favorite from the season; next were songs chosen not by Clive Davis of Sony Music Entertainment Worldwide fame but by Simon Fuller, Chief Executive of 19 Entertainment and creator of American Idol ; and the third song was that sappy ballad you've waited all season to hear, only this year (lucky us) it was co-written by our very own judge Kara (can't spell or pronounce her last name).

First songs up were no surprises, we've heard them both already this season. Adam's "Mad World" was Phantom of the Opera vs. Twilight according to Randy, and according to me it was what we'd already seen, with a little more attitude, since he'd read the blogs that people dug it the first time. He did have dry ice, though....and I'm buying the part about his being a hyperactive kid.

Kris does "Ain't No Sunshine," which was kind of a surprise since I would have loved to hear "Heartless" again, but kid is smart, he knows I just heard that last week. People are more familiar with this song even though it has only been done on Idol once before (Christina Christian in S2), so that may earn Kris points, and Simon's comment that Kris belongs in the finale won't hurt, either. And Kris has strings. Dry ice vs. strings? Tough call. Simon calls Round One to Kris. I don't know why they even do this.

Second set of songs are picks from Simon Fuller. Fuller picks "A Change is Gonna Come" from Sam Cooke for Adam. Considering this song came to exemplify the Civil Rights movement, I can't help but wonder what Fuller made of this choice. I of course found too much vibrato and screaming in Adam's performance, and thought the larger political message that Fuller may have wanted to use this song to convey was just too entirely cheesy (if in fact it was to highlight any analogies between the the race relations vs. sexual relations...if not, my humble apologies). Judges liked it (no surprise) and Paula even called Adam "iconic" which garnered a chuckle from me (inside joke).

Fuller's choice of the much more laid-back classic "What's Going On" for Kris fit my preferences more, but will that fit America's preference? I loved the bongos and the whole feel of this song, was tapping my toes like crazy and loving Kris and grooving on the purple light bath he was getting. Then Simon went all crazy on me to say that it was too laid back for a big show like tonight. Hmmm...maybe if Kris screamed it, Simon would have thought it was current and cool? And what about the comment about the choice for Kris being "socially conscious?" and Fuller's choice for Adam wasn't? Sheesh.

Here (or thereabouts) is where Randy pronounces that "we got ourselves a real live competition tonight" to make us think that it's still an open ball game. Round 2 goes to Adam (according to Simon).

Finally, the coronation song. Now, as a long-time watcher of Idol, I will admit that this is one of the more variable parts of the finale. There have been some years where I have just melted into a puddle of something for this song because it fit the winner perfectly (Kelly Clarkson's "Moment Like This", and Fantasia's "I Believe"), while there have been some years where I cringed (Reuben's "Flying without Wings" and of course Taylor Hicks "Do I Make You Proud?"). This year, they both sang the same song (something about mountains and hurricanes) and I honestly can't say I went either way, it was just there. Clearly, Kara and company have been writing this song for Adam even since they met him, but strangely, and perhaps unexpectedly, I think it favored Kris. Adam's version was totally "American Idol: The Musical"....oh, wait...maybe I'm watching Camp Rock on Disney Channel....oh, wait, snap -- I am on Fox after all! I am hating this song, and I'm not sure whether to blame it on Adam or Kara and her songwriting team yet, since Kris will do the same song.

Okay, it's Kara's fault. Kris's take more suits my taste, but it's still a crappy song. Nonetheless, I thought Kris's delivery was was smooth and sexy, and I could actually understand the lyrics being sung. I feel like Adam is there to create a mood, as a performer, through his clothing choice, lighting, vocal style....whereas Kris has a story to tell through his lyric. Either you are in the camp of the former, or the latter. Overall, I personally preferred Kris's version but think they both made the best of it.

Simon doesn't bother to call a winner for Round 3 because it's clear from all of the comments that Adam will win. Judges tell Adam he was exciting, original, a superstar. They tell Kris, good job, you surprised us, hope you had fun.

Meanwhile I'm still dialing all three of Kris's numbers and not getting through...

And So it Gokeys....

As I wrote last night, it was a toss-up between Danny and Kris going into tonight, and too close to call, IMO. In a way, I'm not surprised Kris made it through, he's terrific, and his fans were motivated to get him to the finale (my sister said she voted 30 times for him, for example, and I doubt she's voted 30 times *total* all season!).

Job well done, Danny! I have been a fan from the beginning, and I know this is just the beginning for you. Love your voice, you make me smile, and I'll buy whatever you put out there on a CD.

If I put my Conspiracy Theory hat on, I might think this means that Kris was deemed less a threat to the preordained Adam victory, so Danny was sent packing.

When I take that hat off, I wonder if it could possibly be true that only 1 million votes (out of 80 million something cast) really could have separated the Top 2...if that is true, Kris stands a chance.

On to next week!

Three Amigos Battle for Finale's Two Spots

According to most web polls, bloggers and Idol followers, Adam is a lock for next week's finale, and the only question is, will it be Kris or Danny who joins him? I saw spoilers about which songs the judges had chosen for each of them for tonight, but was totally mad curious about which songs they would each pick for themselves. Not to go all Kara, but the question of the day is, what kind of artist would each of these finalists be? I wanted to see this in their personal song choices tonight, and I'm not sure I did. The judges could feel the tension, obviously, as they were quite physical with each other all show long....sigh. They behaved like a bunch of 6th graders right before summer break! (can you tell where my mind is?)

The show opens.....Randy says DAWG and does his gang-ish hand gesture (check). Kara shows her armpit (check). Paula does her glamorous wave and looks giggly (check). Simon wears a grey or white t-shirt (check). We're ready to begin!

Danny goes first with Paula's pick for him, "Dance Little Sister" by Terence Trent D'Arby. I'm dating myself...remember the artist but not the song. Well, Danny d'Gokey did his thing and almost looks like Fantasia doing her rooster dance/strut. Randy said it was dope, Kara said the song was in Danny's "tonal money spot" but she thinks he gyrated too much, Paula thought he did really good and let the magic part of his vocal come out, and Simon thought the vocals were good but the dancing was "desperate." I didn't think it was magic, I thought it was shouty....and while I love the energy, I'm not loving Danny's opening.

His second song was much better, as he chose "You Are So Beautiful" and it was beautiful. There are a LOT of Danny haters out there, but I like his voice and enjoy his performances. Yes, this was his standard Church of Danny fare: slow, soft tender opening, followed by busting out loud, mad vocals, ending with tenderness. But it works, folks! Works for me, anyway! Randy pointed out that he really can sing (duh), Kara thought it was amazing, Paula felt like he infused his magic (wha?) and Simon pronounced it a "vocal masterclass." Wow. Paula is giving out lots of magic tonight.

Kris was in the sweet middle spot tonight, sweet guy that he is, with his parents (?) and wife in the audience. Clearly considered the underdog, Kris showed that he won't back down. Kara and Randy chose "Apologize" by One Republic, which he faithfully delivered, but then faced criticism from the judges who picked it for not changing the arrangement and making it his own, which Simon rightfully took great offense to. I was, frankly, bored with the song, fresh off David Archuleta's performance with One Republic themselves at last year's finale and wish they would have picked something else, even though I agree he was well-suited for it. Randy thought it was very nice, Kara called it confident but safe because he didn't make it his own, Paula pointed out his very prominent bum note but was still proud of him, and Simon as noted above pointed out the judge's cop out! I think they are both right ...Kris sang what the judges asked him to, but it would have been nice in this stage of the game to see Kris on acoustic guitar for this one.

And here is that guitar on Kris's personal choice of Kanye West's "Heartless", which was much more enjoyable. I am not familiar with the song, but Kris was able to pull me in and hold my attention, which I think Danny, in the same circumstances tonight, bordered on with his opening song. I think that Kris is in the pocket with this tonight, and it's just a matter of whether voters are, too. Randy thought it was better than the original, Kara called it perfect, Paula said it keeps him current, and Simon thinks despite Kris's first performance, this second one keeps him in the competition.

Adam goes last (big shock). When my copy of Entertainment Weekly came this week with Adam Lambert on the cover (the first time in the mag's history they have featured a just one contestant on the cover at this stage in the competition) I sighed. Despite Simon's admonitions at the close of tonight's show not to assume Adam will be safe, it's clear this guy is headed for the finale, and more than likely has the crown all wrapped up. I've made no secret on this blog that I'm not a fan (and been called out on that, thank you kind readers) but I'm sorry! I don't like his voice, I don't enjoy his performances.....so there. If you disagree, start your own flipping blog!

I LOVE U2 and was kind of sad when I found out Adam was doing the classic "One", and remembered Elliot (shout out!) in his performance with Mary J. Blige of this song in Season 5 (so did Simon really get two calls from Bono, or just a text the first time?). Didn't like this performance. I would call it, "U2: The Musical." All That Drama. It's actually a very tender and heartfelt lyric and Adam dragged, shouted and flounced it it all over the stage. I had to play the part twice where he actually sang "carry each other" with his tongue hanging out, almost like "Car-ytha-hter" or something like that. Didn't think that humanly possible. Randy said, yo, dude and didn't think it was in the zone, Kara called him a strategist (interesting word choice), Paula thought it was superb and pronounced she was looking at the next American Idol, and Simon thought it was brilliant. Hmmmph. Wonder what Bono thought? If anyone reads a reaction, send me to the link.

Adam closed the show with his personal pick, which is supposed to show me what kind of artist he would be post-Idol, and it's Aerosmith's "Cryin." I turned to my 9 year old son after the first few opening bars to ask, "Somebody else did this on Idol. Who was it?" to which he quickly replied, "Constantine." That's my boy! Raising him right....

I preferred Connie's version, actually. I just find it hard to believe that this theater guy would actually be a rocker. I just don't buy it. I also thought he was flat through lots of it, and screamy as usual. Randy said it was one of Adam's best performances "evah", Kara and Paula both said they would see Adam at the finale, and Simon said it was brilliant.

I think Danny has more fans to carry him to the finale, way more back story (and we know this is a significant factor due to this analysis) but that Kris is just as deserving as Danny to compete for the title. I think it's too close to call!

So, who do you think will be the final 2? Does sweet and modest Kris, the underdog, stand a chance against Danny the Back Story Giant? Will Adam wear nail polish to the finale? And most importantly, will you buy a CD that Adam puts out?

p.s. Thanks to a fellow Idol Blogger for the image this week! I hunted and hunted until I found hers. (Be sure to read her always-funny commentary!)