This is a question I've been asking myself for the past few weeks. It's been a full year since I've been cast in any sort of production. I kind of thrive on performing, so it's been hard. At first it was a choice. I wasn't going to do theatre any more. I was going to focus on my singing career.
Then, I ran out of money. Dreams of Nashville were put on hold as I got a job at the local brewpub and moved back in with my parents. Somewhere along the way, the lure of friends in NYC changed my plans.
Then, a few weeks ago I thought I aught to brush up my auditioning skills and attend some. A local theatre (that I've never worked for) was holding auditions for Rent. I went. On my way up, I started to get a scratchy throat and stuffy sinuses. Great...nothing like trying to belt with a sore throat. I sang Maureen's part of Take Me or Leave Me, not the best I've ever done, but well enough...the director asked me to switch to Joanne's part, which went better. I did well on the movement audition, then even stayed for the harder, Mimi dance audition, and did well with that, too. Waited, and waited...no callback, not cast. Ok, I've never worked for them before, so I wasn't expecting much, plus the next weekend I was auditioning for a summer stock theatre in Northern Indiana. Not a big deal.
One week later, headshot and resume in hand, I head down to the next audition. I'd auditioned for this theatre 5 years ago, but they weren't doing shows I was really right for, and now they were. Godspell, All Shook Up, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I also have more principal roles added to my resume since my last audition. Go in, sing my 32 bars....and that's it. Nothing...just a "Thanks for coming out"...Ok, so I was auditioning against a bunch of local musical theatre majors, maybe they were just looking at them for ensemble roles...the old theatre I worked at before I moved South is doing Jekell and Hyde...I'll just go audition for that...I'd love to have something to do this spring.
Needless to say, after 3 weeks of auditioning, I've not been called back or cast in anything....It's disappointing. It really makes me question if I've made the right decision. I'm going crazy with boredom with only my waitress job...I'm dying to sing. To perform. Just something.
The life of a struggling actor/singer is hard. I know it. I'm used to the rejection. I'm just not sure, at almost 34, if this is all really worth it...
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hannah Montana Was A Great Mentor Choice When The Theme Was Teen Idols...Top 11
If only we could go back a year...Last year's Top 11 week, Kris Allen and Anoop Desai stepped out with amazing performances of "To Make You Feel My Love" and "Always On My Mind", respectively. We also got to witness the crazy brilliance of Adam Lambert's "Ring Of Fire."
And then we have this year. What a trainwreck last night was. Any of them could go home and I really wouldn't care. Last season was the only season I cared to go to the tour. There is no way I'm spending $70 to see any of these people. Even Bowersox...
Lee Dewyze "The Letter"
This was definitely Lee's best performance, so far. He's still so nervous, it makes me nervous. I'm constantly afraid he's going to let leash one of his attrociously flat notes. I'll bet he's a completely different guy off camera. In fact, I'll bet he'll be the performer to just let loose on tour and everyone will change their mind about him.
Paige Miles "Against All Odds"
Wow, this single-handedly could be the worst vocals ever in the finals. She murdered this song...not in a good way. And it's not even a good song to begin with. Since they didn't release a list of songs that were cleared on Itunes this week, we have no idea what they could have chosen from, but why would you choose this. The most over-sung song in Idol history. It was done Season 2 (Corey Clarke, bottom 2), Season 3 (George Huff), Season 4 (Jessica Sierra, Scott Savol), Season 5 (Kat McPhee).
Tim Urban "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
He's really enjoying this heartthrob status he has. I feel like he's pulling a Sanjaya, and knows that he's becoming a hated contestant. The teeny bopper girls sure love him though. While this performance wasn't as terrible as Paige's, it was still pretty bad. The vocals were just plain boring.
Aaron Kelly "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"
Oh, he's so in love with Miley Cyrus...it's cute. You could tell this was painful for him to sing. It wasn't bad, but I felt for him having to sing through tonsillitis.
Crystal Bowesox "Me and Bobby McGee"
The most predictable song choice, ever. She has a beautiful voice, but she bores me.
Michael Lynche "When A Man Loves A Woman"
Same with Michael, beautiful voice, this week, he was boring.
Andrew Garcia "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
To be honest, I talked through most of this. But Andrew is not good.
Katie Stevens "Big Girls Don't Cry"
Every song she picks, seems a good idea in theory. She's just not as good of a singer as 1) they hyped her up to be, and 2) she thinks she is. She is consistently flat. She doesn't have her muscles developed enough yet to keep notes in tune. I'm not even sure she has developed her ear enough yet to know she's flat.
Casey James "Power of Love"
Is he Huey Lewis' son, because vocally, he sounds identical. I actually like this performance. Casey is getting better every week. I liked that he picked something out of the box. He's playing to his fans. There is no way he's not getting picked up by a Nashville label when this is all over.
Didi Benami "You're No Good"
Didi is playing a character, and it's not one that suits her well. Is she trying to seduce Ryan, cuz it seems that way? Miley may like her vibrato, but I can't stand it.
Siobhan Magnus "Superstition"
The screeches have to stop. When Adam went for those wails, he did it with a musicality and attention to pitch. Siobhan just lets out a scream. Give her the 8 years Adam has on her, and she might understand the point of it. Right now, they are just annoying.
I'm so bored with this show...this is definitely shaping up to be the worst season of Idol...
And then we have this year. What a trainwreck last night was. Any of them could go home and I really wouldn't care. Last season was the only season I cared to go to the tour. There is no way I'm spending $70 to see any of these people. Even Bowersox...
Lee Dewyze "The Letter"
This was definitely Lee's best performance, so far. He's still so nervous, it makes me nervous. I'm constantly afraid he's going to let leash one of his attrociously flat notes. I'll bet he's a completely different guy off camera. In fact, I'll bet he'll be the performer to just let loose on tour and everyone will change their mind about him.
Paige Miles "Against All Odds"
Wow, this single-handedly could be the worst vocals ever in the finals. She murdered this song...not in a good way. And it's not even a good song to begin with. Since they didn't release a list of songs that were cleared on Itunes this week, we have no idea what they could have chosen from, but why would you choose this. The most over-sung song in Idol history. It was done Season 2 (Corey Clarke, bottom 2), Season 3 (George Huff), Season 4 (Jessica Sierra, Scott Savol), Season 5 (Kat McPhee).
Tim Urban "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
He's really enjoying this heartthrob status he has. I feel like he's pulling a Sanjaya, and knows that he's becoming a hated contestant. The teeny bopper girls sure love him though. While this performance wasn't as terrible as Paige's, it was still pretty bad. The vocals were just plain boring.
Aaron Kelly "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"
Oh, he's so in love with Miley Cyrus...it's cute. You could tell this was painful for him to sing. It wasn't bad, but I felt for him having to sing through tonsillitis.
Crystal Bowesox "Me and Bobby McGee"
The most predictable song choice, ever. She has a beautiful voice, but she bores me.
Michael Lynche "When A Man Loves A Woman"
Same with Michael, beautiful voice, this week, he was boring.
Andrew Garcia "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
To be honest, I talked through most of this. But Andrew is not good.
Katie Stevens "Big Girls Don't Cry"
Every song she picks, seems a good idea in theory. She's just not as good of a singer as 1) they hyped her up to be, and 2) she thinks she is. She is consistently flat. She doesn't have her muscles developed enough yet to keep notes in tune. I'm not even sure she has developed her ear enough yet to know she's flat.
Casey James "Power of Love"
Is he Huey Lewis' son, because vocally, he sounds identical. I actually like this performance. Casey is getting better every week. I liked that he picked something out of the box. He's playing to his fans. There is no way he's not getting picked up by a Nashville label when this is all over.
Didi Benami "You're No Good"
Didi is playing a character, and it's not one that suits her well. Is she trying to seduce Ryan, cuz it seems that way? Miley may like her vibrato, but I can't stand it.
Siobhan Magnus "Superstition"
The screeches have to stop. When Adam went for those wails, he did it with a musicality and attention to pitch. Siobhan just lets out a scream. Give her the 8 years Adam has on her, and she might understand the point of it. Right now, they are just annoying.
I'm so bored with this show...this is definitely shaping up to be the worst season of Idol...
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
It's Finally the Finals!!! Rolling Stones Week Top 12
OK, I know I said RIP Idol last week...I guess I didn't really mean I'd stop watching. An intervention may be needed for me to really quit Idol. But I still feel the show is winding down. I heard they are in negotiations for three more seasons, but that will probably be it.
OK, Rolling Stones week. I was a little uninspired when I heard they were doing the Rolling Stones. I checked out the Itunes list, and was shocked by how few Stones songs I actually know. I feel like when they limit the contestants to one artist, it turns out very karaoke.
Also from now on, since I've never been able to audition, I'll put what song I would've chosen to sing. :)
My pick: Paint It Black
Michael Lynche "Miss You"
I'm soooo glad he didn't get disqualified like was rumored earlier. He's really good. He's the first legitimate R&B contender in a long time. His falsetto riffs were gorgeous. He really felt the song, too. He's gone from boring in legitimate contender fast!
Wow! Awkward exchange between Ryan and Simon! Not sure what's going on between these two this season, but it feels tense...
Didi Benami "Play With Fire"
Sexy, slinky Didi...I'm not buying it. The angry faces were ugly. This song was too slow. It just kinda went nowhere. Her big belted note was just out of her reach. It was really pinched and shrill. It was better on the second, lower glory note. She really got into it, though...
Casey James "It's All Over Now"
Casey is a crazy good guitar player. I think he might enjoy playing guitar more than singing...He didn't get into the song as much as he should have. His rapid vibrato bugs me. When someone has a vibrato like that, it ruins the quality of their tone. I'm sure he'll have a successful country career after Idol, though...I mean if Bucky Covington can...
Lacey Brown "Ruby Tuesday"
Ugh, she's one of those singers that smiles every time she performs, doesn't matter what the song is about. Her voice is so vulnerable, but not something I really want to hear. She's very forgettable. Her breathing is shallow and can't support even a short phrase. It keeps her just under pitch, too.
Andrew Garcia "Gimme Shelter"
Andrew really connected to this song. Vocally he did amazing things with this. He shaped his phrases, pulled back the vocals to some nice quiet, unexpected notes. His big glasses cover up too much of his face and he looked kinda lost on that big stage. He was clinging to the mike stand for dear life.
Katie Stevens "Wild Horses"
Katie is always just a little under pitch. I can't get into her. That felt like the talent portion of a pageant. Her dress and her hair. She doesn't have it yet. Every time she reaches for that big note, her voice cracks. Give her about 10 years and she'll be good.
Tim Urban "Under My Thumb"
Tim's family is scary...Wow, why would you pick that song?!!! This whole performance was just weird. The reggae beat didn't bother me so much as what he was actually singing. Not a good way to promote yourself, by singing a song about being a mysogynistic abuser. Unfortunately it was probably his best vocal yet. That said, I like Tim's attitude.
Siobhan Magnus "Paint It Black"
"Paint It Black", the closest we'll ever see to how Adam Lambert would have sung it...That was incredibly musical theatre. I'm a little mixed on it. Her high note on the end was a literal screech. She doesn't know the boundaries of her voice yet. The rest was really cool, though. She has a cool tone to her voice and really feels what she is singing.
Lee Dewyze "Beast Of Burden"
He's so MidWestern. :) This was a cool version. My mom says he reminds her a little of Bruce Springsteen. It was definitely his best vocal of the season. That is not a forgettable performance. Women's hearts melted with that sweet song.
Paige Miles "Honky Tonk Woman"
Hard to believe she's sick. Her voice is very strong, but she's still boring. There's no spark with her. That said, it's much easier to belt as song like that when you are sick, than sing a sweet, quiet song.
Aaron Kelly "Angie"
This is definitely Aaron's best performance. I still don't think he deserves to be there over Alex, but it was good. He sounded a lot like Keith Urban on this one. He doesn't have a huge voice, so he needs to pick songs like this.
Crystal Bowersox "Can't Always Get What You Want"
Crystal is good. Her voice is amazing. All of her performances are kind of samey samey. If she played them as a set list, it would be boring. I want her to do something out of the box, put down the guitar, and either rock it out, or sing a beautiful ballad.
I predict that Lacey Brown is gone, but this season has been all about surprises, so who really knows who will go tonight...
OK, Rolling Stones week. I was a little uninspired when I heard they were doing the Rolling Stones. I checked out the Itunes list, and was shocked by how few Stones songs I actually know. I feel like when they limit the contestants to one artist, it turns out very karaoke.
Also from now on, since I've never been able to audition, I'll put what song I would've chosen to sing. :)
My pick: Paint It Black
Michael Lynche "Miss You"
I'm soooo glad he didn't get disqualified like was rumored earlier. He's really good. He's the first legitimate R&B contender in a long time. His falsetto riffs were gorgeous. He really felt the song, too. He's gone from boring in legitimate contender fast!
Wow! Awkward exchange between Ryan and Simon! Not sure what's going on between these two this season, but it feels tense...
Didi Benami "Play With Fire"
Sexy, slinky Didi...I'm not buying it. The angry faces were ugly. This song was too slow. It just kinda went nowhere. Her big belted note was just out of her reach. It was really pinched and shrill. It was better on the second, lower glory note. She really got into it, though...
Casey James "It's All Over Now"
Casey is a crazy good guitar player. I think he might enjoy playing guitar more than singing...He didn't get into the song as much as he should have. His rapid vibrato bugs me. When someone has a vibrato like that, it ruins the quality of their tone. I'm sure he'll have a successful country career after Idol, though...I mean if Bucky Covington can...
Lacey Brown "Ruby Tuesday"
Ugh, she's one of those singers that smiles every time she performs, doesn't matter what the song is about. Her voice is so vulnerable, but not something I really want to hear. She's very forgettable. Her breathing is shallow and can't support even a short phrase. It keeps her just under pitch, too.
Andrew Garcia "Gimme Shelter"
Andrew really connected to this song. Vocally he did amazing things with this. He shaped his phrases, pulled back the vocals to some nice quiet, unexpected notes. His big glasses cover up too much of his face and he looked kinda lost on that big stage. He was clinging to the mike stand for dear life.
Katie Stevens "Wild Horses"
Katie is always just a little under pitch. I can't get into her. That felt like the talent portion of a pageant. Her dress and her hair. She doesn't have it yet. Every time she reaches for that big note, her voice cracks. Give her about 10 years and she'll be good.
Tim Urban "Under My Thumb"
Tim's family is scary...Wow, why would you pick that song?!!! This whole performance was just weird. The reggae beat didn't bother me so much as what he was actually singing. Not a good way to promote yourself, by singing a song about being a mysogynistic abuser. Unfortunately it was probably his best vocal yet. That said, I like Tim's attitude.
Siobhan Magnus "Paint It Black"
"Paint It Black", the closest we'll ever see to how Adam Lambert would have sung it...That was incredibly musical theatre. I'm a little mixed on it. Her high note on the end was a literal screech. She doesn't know the boundaries of her voice yet. The rest was really cool, though. She has a cool tone to her voice and really feels what she is singing.
Lee Dewyze "Beast Of Burden"
He's so MidWestern. :) This was a cool version. My mom says he reminds her a little of Bruce Springsteen. It was definitely his best vocal of the season. That is not a forgettable performance. Women's hearts melted with that sweet song.
Paige Miles "Honky Tonk Woman"
Hard to believe she's sick. Her voice is very strong, but she's still boring. There's no spark with her. That said, it's much easier to belt as song like that when you are sick, than sing a sweet, quiet song.
Aaron Kelly "Angie"
This is definitely Aaron's best performance. I still don't think he deserves to be there over Alex, but it was good. He sounded a lot like Keith Urban on this one. He doesn't have a huge voice, so he needs to pick songs like this.
Crystal Bowersox "Can't Always Get What You Want"
Crystal is good. Her voice is amazing. All of her performances are kind of samey samey. If she played them as a set list, it would be boring. I want her to do something out of the box, put down the guitar, and either rock it out, or sing a beautiful ballad.
I predict that Lacey Brown is gone, but this season has been all about surprises, so who really knows who will go tonight...
Thursday, March 11, 2010
RIP American Idol
What a year to pick to blog the show. Of course the most exciting season of Idol has to be followed up with the worst season of Idol. Those eliminations definitely show who the voting block is...power-texting tweens (Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, Aaron Kelly) and frau (Casey James, Lee Dewyze).
When does X-Factor start? (BTW, I'm soooo auditioning for X-Factor).
We'll miss you Alex Lambert, Katelyn Epperly, and Lilly Scott... :(
When does X-Factor start? (BTW, I'm soooo auditioning for X-Factor).
We'll miss you Alex Lambert, Katelyn Epperly, and Lilly Scott... :(
Surprise, Surprise, the Top 8 Boys Actually Compete.
A few surprising performances tonight. The boys are competing, finally!
Lee Dewyze "Fireflies"
That was an interesting version. It's still kinda funny to think my cousin is part of Owl City. Every time I hear that song I smile. He was smart to choose a song like this. He dropped a lot of his phrases, and his breathing needs some work. Once he gets that figured out, his pitch problems will disappear.
Alex Lambert "Trouble"
Alex, Alex, Alex...I really like this kid. He's so endearing. His growth is unprecedented on this show. He gets more and more confident each week.
Tim Urban "Hallelujah"
This song helped Jason Castro make his mark on Season 7, and I think this performance will push Tim into the Top 12. It's sad when a good performance for him is the fact that he actually hit all his notes...but now that he's had a good performance, the tweens have every reason to keep voting for him.
Andrew Garcia "Genie In A Bottle"
Only Andrew could attempt to do a Christina Aguillera song, and I think he did ok. I'm still not blown away by him. He is definitely this year's Gokey. Peaked way, way too soon.
Casey James "You'll Think Of Me"
This didn't work for me. He had goat vibrato, his breathing was off. Country is a good way for him to go, but his vocals continue to leave me unimpressed. He must be really, really good looking in real life...
Aaron Kelly "I'm Already There"
I think this song signed Aaron's walking papers. He was underpitch through the whole song. He kinda warbled through the beginning because it was too low for him. And the message was way too old for him.
Todrick Hall "Somebody To Love"
This was definitely Todrick's best performance so far. He has such great stage presence, which a lot of the guys are lacking. I would say he changed this one up just enough, but I think he used the Glee arrangement, so he didn't change it up at all. I'm not sure that this isn't too late to save him, though. Although if the Glamberts truly are voting for him, he's safe and will make it to the tour for sure.
Michael Lynche "This Woman's Work"
Kara's tears aside (how much estrogen is she on right now?), that was the best performance of the season...Big Mike just earned a fan in me. His falsetto at the beginning was beautiful and he had the perfect emotion for this. Frontrunner...
Lee Dewyze "Fireflies"
That was an interesting version. It's still kinda funny to think my cousin is part of Owl City. Every time I hear that song I smile. He was smart to choose a song like this. He dropped a lot of his phrases, and his breathing needs some work. Once he gets that figured out, his pitch problems will disappear.
Alex Lambert "Trouble"
Alex, Alex, Alex...I really like this kid. He's so endearing. His growth is unprecedented on this show. He gets more and more confident each week.
Tim Urban "Hallelujah"
This song helped Jason Castro make his mark on Season 7, and I think this performance will push Tim into the Top 12. It's sad when a good performance for him is the fact that he actually hit all his notes...but now that he's had a good performance, the tweens have every reason to keep voting for him.
Andrew Garcia "Genie In A Bottle"
Only Andrew could attempt to do a Christina Aguillera song, and I think he did ok. I'm still not blown away by him. He is definitely this year's Gokey. Peaked way, way too soon.
Casey James "You'll Think Of Me"
This didn't work for me. He had goat vibrato, his breathing was off. Country is a good way for him to go, but his vocals continue to leave me unimpressed. He must be really, really good looking in real life...
Aaron Kelly "I'm Already There"
I think this song signed Aaron's walking papers. He was underpitch through the whole song. He kinda warbled through the beginning because it was too low for him. And the message was way too old for him.
Todrick Hall "Somebody To Love"
This was definitely Todrick's best performance so far. He has such great stage presence, which a lot of the guys are lacking. I would say he changed this one up just enough, but I think he used the Glee arrangement, so he didn't change it up at all. I'm not sure that this isn't too late to save him, though. Although if the Glamberts truly are voting for him, he's safe and will make it to the tour for sure.
Michael Lynche "This Woman's Work"
Kara's tears aside (how much estrogen is she on right now?), that was the best performance of the season...Big Mike just earned a fan in me. His falsetto at the beginning was beautiful and he had the perfect emotion for this. Frontrunner...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Biggest Night of Their Life? Top 8 Girls
I'm sick, I had to work during the show last night, so I'll blog it as I watch it...
Katie Stevens "Breakaway"
Wow, no intro packages. Mmmm, that was not good. She was just under pitch, a little behind the tempo, and her phrasing was atrocious. There was no phrasing really. It was Gokey phrasing 101. Plus, her outfit made her look like a 35 year old soccer mom trying to dress trendy. It was all very tired.
Siobhan Magnus "House of the Rising Sun"
I can't believe they put Siobhan second! Someone doesn't want her in the Top 12...I love how she started this off acapella. It was absolutely gorgeous. It also proves how well she really sings. This was just beautiful.
Lacey Brown "The Story"
It bothers me how hyper-aware of the cameras she is. This was nice. I'm not running to buy it...It was definitely her best performance so far.
Katelyn Epperly "I Feel the Earth Move"
Am I at a wedding? She's good, but that was not amazing. She really sounded like a wedding singer. Why is this season so boring? She's this season's Matt Giraud, I think. She has good song choices about half the time, talented, but I feel she's gonna struggle with song choice and connection to the song.
Didi Benami "Rhiannon"
That is the first performance this season I've actually considered downloading. Perfect song choice. She's fighting. She just reminded us of why she is in the semi-finals. I don't see her winning the whole thing, but she'll definitely make the tour. The flirting between her and Ryan is hilarious!
Paige Miles "Smile"
Holy goat vibrato! Are we in a piano lounge? Her pitch was off, the arrangement was weird, and it wasn't in the right key for her. She doesn't have a nice head voice, she needs to stay in her belt. She has to be glad the Worsters are voting for her, cuz otherwise she'd be gone.
Crystal Bowersox "Give Me One Reason"
I know she's the current front runner, and she's good, don't get me wrong. But until she proves to me she's more modern than my 1996 CD collection, I'll give her more respect as a current recording artist. I'm not sure where she would be placed on the radio. Maybe she needs a jam band behind her, cuz I'm not buying the Indigo Girls' music anymore...
Lilly Scott "I Fall To Pieces"
I like the rockabilly vibe she put to this. Vocally, Lilly is not as strong as Crystal. She needs to stay away from her lower register, it's just not that controlled. But, as a musician, she's just as strong, if not stronger than Crystal. She's also more modern than Crystal. I'm not sure where Lilly would be played on the radio, college stations definitely, but she's gonna have a hard time getting spins on more commercial radio.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I'm Starting To Believe This Is A Girl's Year...Top 10 Girls
Ok, ok, I've complained, but some girls really redeemed this season last night. I mean really. I think the judges are right, a girl just may win this year.
Crystal Bowersox "As Long As I See The Light"
I'm not gonna lie, Crystal is good. She's incredibly musically talented. Something about her just feels 10-15 years ago to me. She would have fit well next to my Indigo Girls and Ani Difranco CDs when I was in college. The problem with her being on Idol is that the indie scene won't take her seriously now...She sang this very well. Girl has pipes. I'm very glad she was well enough to perform. This season wouldn't be as interesting without her.
Haeley Vaughn "The Climb"
Everytime one of the teenagers sings this season, I feel like I'm at a high school choir concert. It's not easy to make Miley Cyrus look like a pop diva, and Haeley did. This seems good on paper. The beginning was ok, shaky, but not painful. The end just got completely off key. I don't think she could even hear that she was flat...
Lacey Brown "Kiss Me"
So many of the people on this season would be so much better this season with vocal training. Lacey doesn't have superb breath support and that hurts her. She drops notes cuz she can't hold them. Good breath support gets you through nerves.
Katie Stevens "Put Your Records On"
Such pimping, not living up to it. Call her Lil Rounds...This song did not work for Katie. I wasn't a fan of Megan Joy last season, but she sang this song better than Katie. Katie's voice just didn't fit. Like I said, high school choir concert, again...and somewhere towards the end was a giant voice crack. I think, if they could get the rights, she should do a song from Spring Awakening...she obviously wants to be Lea Michele...
Didi Benami "Lean On Me"
This doesn't work in concept, and didn't work on stage. Her voice just isn't big enough for a gospel song like this. Plus, in what universe is this over-played song relevant? It's starting to bug me how much she looks like Brooke White...plus you have to look up indulgent? sigh
Brooke White
Didi Benami
Michelle Delamor "Arms Wide Open"
UGH UGH UGH!!!!! Creed?????!!!!! She may have just gotten herself voted off, just for song choice. She sang it well. She's too American Idol seasons 1-5 for me. The game has changed since then. I like that she made the song into a diva anthem, but it's still Creed. Unforgivable. Her last note was closed off, so it wasn't as glorious as it should have been. I also can't figure out why EVERY song this season is super slow.
Lilly Scott "A Change Is Gonna Come"
This version was so different from Adam's last season, you can't compare them...good for Lilly. My mom thinks she is this season's Kris Allen. She will have magical moments this season, I totally see it. She doesn't perform. She's so honest in her interpretations of songs. She doesn't have the strongest voice, but is an amazing musician. She needs to raise the keys of her songs so she doesn't bottom out so often. I actually like her more than Crystal...
Katelyn Epperly "The Scientist"
Super, super talented! She may be my favorite yet. What a beautiful cover. She's so confident behind the piano. Her voice is so strong. I thought this was anything but sleepy. So haunting...
Paige Miles "Walk Away"
All Paige really did here was show what an amazing performer Miss Clarkson is. Paige has potential, but isn't living up to it yet. Her upper register isn't open enough. She's just squeaking out the highest notes. It kills me when these girls don't drop their jaws and think these big, gorgeous notes are gonna come out. We saw Adam Lambert's tonsils a lot, but his high notes are glorious...
Siobhan Magnus "Think"
Brave girl, taking on Aretha. She has the voice for it, though. She's so strange, but endearing. Is she on something? That note at the end was perfect. She keeps her instrument open well and lets the notes resonate.
Crystal Bowersox "As Long As I See The Light"
I'm not gonna lie, Crystal is good. She's incredibly musically talented. Something about her just feels 10-15 years ago to me. She would have fit well next to my Indigo Girls and Ani Difranco CDs when I was in college. The problem with her being on Idol is that the indie scene won't take her seriously now...She sang this very well. Girl has pipes. I'm very glad she was well enough to perform. This season wouldn't be as interesting without her.
Haeley Vaughn "The Climb"
Everytime one of the teenagers sings this season, I feel like I'm at a high school choir concert. It's not easy to make Miley Cyrus look like a pop diva, and Haeley did. This seems good on paper. The beginning was ok, shaky, but not painful. The end just got completely off key. I don't think she could even hear that she was flat...
Lacey Brown "Kiss Me"
So many of the people on this season would be so much better this season with vocal training. Lacey doesn't have superb breath support and that hurts her. She drops notes cuz she can't hold them. Good breath support gets you through nerves.
Katie Stevens "Put Your Records On"
Such pimping, not living up to it. Call her Lil Rounds...This song did not work for Katie. I wasn't a fan of Megan Joy last season, but she sang this song better than Katie. Katie's voice just didn't fit. Like I said, high school choir concert, again...and somewhere towards the end was a giant voice crack. I think, if they could get the rights, she should do a song from Spring Awakening...she obviously wants to be Lea Michele...
Didi Benami "Lean On Me"
This doesn't work in concept, and didn't work on stage. Her voice just isn't big enough for a gospel song like this. Plus, in what universe is this over-played song relevant? It's starting to bug me how much she looks like Brooke White...plus you have to look up indulgent? sigh
Brooke White
Didi Benami
Michelle Delamor "Arms Wide Open"
UGH UGH UGH!!!!! Creed?????!!!!! She may have just gotten herself voted off, just for song choice. She sang it well. She's too American Idol seasons 1-5 for me. The game has changed since then. I like that she made the song into a diva anthem, but it's still Creed. Unforgivable. Her last note was closed off, so it wasn't as glorious as it should have been. I also can't figure out why EVERY song this season is super slow.
Lilly Scott "A Change Is Gonna Come"
This version was so different from Adam's last season, you can't compare them...good for Lilly. My mom thinks she is this season's Kris Allen. She will have magical moments this season, I totally see it. She doesn't perform. She's so honest in her interpretations of songs. She doesn't have the strongest voice, but is an amazing musician. She needs to raise the keys of her songs so she doesn't bottom out so often. I actually like her more than Crystal...
Katelyn Epperly "The Scientist"
Super, super talented! She may be my favorite yet. What a beautiful cover. She's so confident behind the piano. Her voice is so strong. I thought this was anything but sleepy. So haunting...
Paige Miles "Walk Away"
All Paige really did here was show what an amazing performer Miss Clarkson is. Paige has potential, but isn't living up to it yet. Her upper register isn't open enough. She's just squeaking out the highest notes. It kills me when these girls don't drop their jaws and think these big, gorgeous notes are gonna come out. We saw Adam Lambert's tonsils a lot, but his high notes are glorious...
Siobhan Magnus "Think"
Brave girl, taking on Aretha. She has the voice for it, though. She's so strange, but endearing. Is she on something? That note at the end was perfect. She keeps her instrument open well and lets the notes resonate.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
It's Week 2...Top 10 Boys
So last week, we lost Joe Munoz, Tyler Grady, Janell Wheeler, and Ashley Rodriguez...not sad about any of them going. So after such a lackluster week, this week has to be better, right? Well, the boys got bumped a day early, due to Crystal Bowersox being hospitalized for Type 1 Diabetes complications. Let's hope and pray she's better.
Michael Lynche "It's A Man's Man's World"
Wow! This is soooo much better than last week! I'm not buying him though. It's all a little musical review, not contemporary recording artist.
John Park "Gravity"
He's so disappointed me. He had such potential from his audition, and a really great tone. He seems to be letting his nerves get the better of him. A better song choice, but still not doing it for me. I have a feeling, he's gone (Sorry Lauren :/)
Casey James "I Don't Wanna Be"
Casey is an amazing guitarist! The vocals here are just eh, though. His vibrato is a little out of control. I also feel like he's pushing the grit into his voice. Good way to get nodes, sir. Just ask Danny Gokey. This song always makes me think of One Tree Hill...
Alex Lambert "Everybody Knows"
Can I just squeeze him, please? He's sooo cute! Such untapped talent. The tour is gonna do amazing things for him (come on, we all know he's gonna make the tour...). He has such a pure voice. It's perfect for recording. This was a great song choice for him. He sounds nothing like John Legend, but still is contemporary.
Todrick Hall "What's Love Gotta Do With It"
This was a hot mess. He's so comfortable on stage, a has great stage presence, but doesn't have the chops to back it up...You can see his years of dance and musical theatre in the way he takes criticism, though. He handles it well, and changes what they tell him to change.
Jermaine Sellers "What's Goin On"
I like Jermaine. His personality has won me over. The first half of the song was messy, but he pulled it together for the second half. He's really breathy in his falsetto. He needs to watch videos of Adam Lambert because they have very similar voices, Jermaine's is just more gospel. If he reigns it in, and follows the judge's advice, like he says he will, he could become amazing.
Andrew Garcia "You Give Me Something"
Andrew set the bar way too high for himself with his first few auditions. He has a great voice, but seems like the criticism last week threw him. This was shaky. There just was no emotion to it. He also drops the ends of his phrases, which sometimes makes his held out notes go flat. He needs to remember who he was when he made those youtube videos. Maybe his friends are a big crutch for him...
Aaron Kelly "My Girl"
Oh, this was bad. My mom said he reminds her of a middle schooler. He's not ready for this, at all. David Archuleta, Allison Iraheta, and Diana DeGarmo are special kids. Aaron is not of their caliber. This whole performance was just off. His rapid vibrato was pulling him flat a certain points. He also over uses runs. Just makes this all over the place.
Tim Urban "Come On Get Higher"
Tim is totally out of his league here. Ellen is right in encouraging him to find another creative outlet, but the judges are the ones who put him here. Were the rest of the people auditioned that bad? Or did he coast through on his looks? (Is it telling I couldn't find a high quality video of him on youtube? I hope so...)
Lee Dewyze "Lips Of An Angel"
Wow do I hate this song! It's horrible!!! Although, it shows Lee would fit on modern radio. It was absolutely adorable how he kept getting a look on his face like he couldn't believe what was happening. Vocally, that was much better than last week. He is gonna push Andrew Garcia out of frontrunner status soon. He reminds me of a cross between David Cook/Chris Daughtry/Danny Gokey.
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