America's Got Talent; Big Brother 8; American Inventor; The Next Best Thing

A montage of reviews, pics and video snippets of ongoing reality talent shows.

We've got "America's Got Talent" down to the top 20. Also, Big Brother 8 continues on and this might be an interesting series, the jury's still out. Also, The Next Best Thing, an impersonator contest, continues down to the finals.

And then there's the American Inventor and yes we've got pics and video but ALSO, just to keep us informed, I've got pics and a description of the BEST invention of last year.

You'll love it.

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762) English writer Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet. In short, my dear, kiss me and be quiet. --------------- Civility costs nothing, and buys everything. ---------------

Web Site Worth the Visit Geography Test It's time for your U.S. Geography Test ! You must drag and drop all 48 states in the time allotted to be promoted to the 4th grade. Click the webpage below.. Ready.. Begin !. ABOVE WEB PAGE HERE

TIDBITS Friday The 13th Facts-A Few Days Late According to Smithsonian Magazine "fear of the #13 costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month." * Fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Nordic Mythology. Many of their thirteenth Gods met with violent deaths, such as Loki, the trickster. * Ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death, destruction and misfortune. * Lizzy Borden uttered a total of 13 words at her trial. * There were 13 original colonies. * A witches coven consists of 13 members. * Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card,depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death). * Hotels rarely have a room number 13. Usually it is called 12a or 14. Same with floors of buildings and the elevators without a #13 button. Highways sometimes will skip exit 13 altogether also. * There are 13 steps leading to the gallows. * 13 knots in a hangman's noose. * 13 feet which the guillotine blade falls. * The driver of Princess Diana hit pillar #13 at Place de l'Alma when she was killed in Paris, France. * 13 people, Christ and his 12 disciples, were in attendance at the last supper. This is where the Christian belief ties in, making Friday a believed unlucky day, as the crucifixtion occurred on a Friday. * Certain ocean liners will be held in dock until after midnight to appease passenger's fears on Friday the 13th. * British study concluded that even though there were less cars on the road on Friday the 13th (as compared with other Fridays) more accidents were reported. * Trisadekaphobia is the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th. * Apollo 13, 1970, the 13th mission launched from pad #39 (13 x 3), mission was aborted, after an explosion occurred in the fuel cell of their service module. The rocket had left launcing pad at 13:13 CST and the date was April 13th. * Epluribus Unum has 13 letters. * The US Seal has 13 stars, bars, feathers in the eagle's tail, 13 bars in one claw, 13 olive branches in the other. * A "quatrorzieme" is a professional 14th guest hired by the French who had only 13 guests in attendance for dinner, who felt that was unlucky. * A baker's dozen consists of 13 for a reason! So the story goes a witch near Albany, NY demanded 13 items every time she came in to a particular bakery, and one day the old baker could not afford her extra biscuit. She sneered some strange words at the man, and he suffered terrible luck from then on, until he brought her another 13 rolls. After that life was once again easy for the baker and word spread around town.The custom is still sometimes practiced today.

 


The Next Best Thing

This contest featuring a competition for the best impersonator is not over yet. There were 14 semi-finalists and the episode aired on 7/11/07 narrowed them down to five. As I understand it, there is another top five from a different city so there is now at least ten in the finals.

This is an enjoyable series but I'll allow that I've always been fascinated with impersonators. The problem, as I see it, is that the hype to promote this series has been seriously missing.

Below a video of the winning Frank Sinatra Impersonation in song:


The top five on the night reviewed here were impersonators for:
Little Richard
Elvis
Frank Sinatra
Robin Williams
Barbra Streisand

Below, some pics of the impersonators.


American Inventor 2007-Tampa and Houston

This interesting contest continues on and Americans are, if nothing else, ah....inventive.

Improbably inventions submitted on the evening of 7/11/07 included a special mattress with a place to put one's breasts, a mouth cleaner that affixed to one's tongue, a pet jacuzzi, a Lego house, carrots for tanning and a "rocking" lawnmower. Some of these inventions were winners. That lawnmower was cool. The way it worked, the main body of the lawnmower rested in a sort of cradle device. Metallic arms allowed the lawnmower to rock back and forth within the cradle device, making pushing and shoving close to obstacles unnecessary. The Lego house has a long way to go but the concept was that with the advance of non-flammable plastics, the time has come to build REAL houses out of plastic-type Lego blocks.



One alleged invention was called a "pet jacuzzi". Now the concept of a pet jacuzzi is not so ridiculous that Americans won't buy it. Americans shamelessly love their dogs. In fact, I came across another pet bathing device HERE so it's been done. The linked doggy-washing device is nothing more than a fance hose. But that thing presented on this episode of American Inventor was hilarious. It was nought but a plastic box in which we normally store out linens. Only this plastic box had a hole carved out of the lid for the doggy's head. The concept was that you put your dog inside the box, slip the lid over his head and the dog can't move or run off. It was also damn hard to wash the pup in that contraption.

Being a sucker for cute inventions, I perused my house for my own personal nominee for the best invention that I foolishly purchased in the past year. My self-named "lite-brite" invention wins the prize.



The montage above shows how this little gem works. It affixes to anything you want through the miracle of velcro. The best place to stick this thing is a cabinet or cupboard somewhere in your house that needs some more light. Of course you can always run and get the flashlight but the artful placement of these little light things had made my life much better. I even put one directly ON my remote control for the TV.

Since it's held on by velcro the little light can be pulled off whenever needed and put back with a quick push. I've put one under my kitchen cabinet where I keep my kitchen computer's CPU because hey, it's dark in there and once in a while I need to put in or remove a CD or some such. I've also put one inside the door of my bathroom closet and a dresser that opens from the front. If you change your mind they are simple enough to move to a better and more convenient locale.

Below a video of a proposed "squirrel circus".


Links to prior reviews of American Inventor

-Premiere Show
-Lots of toilet inventions 6/27/07
-Hats and a Squirrel Circus

America's Got Talent 07-The Las Vegas Callbacks

So 70 acts got through to Las Vegas but only 20 would be chosen for the finals. The acts fall into two categories-music/variety. The episode featured on 7/10/07 filtered those acts down from 35 to 10 from each category.

I can see where the judges are going here with their eliminations. For "American Idol" has the market on music so the ideal act for "America's Got Talent" would be a variety act or a musical act with a twists. Musical groups do great on this competition.

My personal fave act so far in the musical category is a singing group called the "Glamazons". They are plus-sized gals who can belt out a tune. This is a group perfect for this series. They're different, they're good, and there's plenty of American women what can relate. I thought they looked damn good too.

A video of a Glamazon performance below:


There were a couple of amazing magic acts featured on this night, the best one featured in the video below:


Below is a video of a montage of various acts, some good and some bad.


There is one act that seems to be getting a lot of play so keep an eye out for a solo male singer named Cas Haley. Sometimes these contest shows signal who's going to get some help by the time spent interviewing or featuring a particular act. Cas Haley is a stay-at-home Dad who is nondescript in terms of looks. I've got a pic of him and his young son in the montage below.

So far, keep eyeballs peeled for The Glamazons and Cas Haley.



Links to prior reviews of America's Got Talent 2007:
-NBC's "America's Got Talent" Web Site
-America's Got Talent Premiers 6/5/07
-The 6/19/07 episode
-New York 6/26/06
-First of Las Vegas Callbacks

Big brother 8

Below, a blurb from CBS its mighty self.

"BIG BROTHER 8" HOUSEGUESTS SEND CAROL PACKING

Carol Journey Is the First Houseguest to Officially Be Evicted from the BIG BROTHER 8 House

After being nominated for eviction by Kail Harbick, Carol Journey was evicted last night from the BIG BROTHER 8 House by a vote of 10-1 by her fellow Houseguests, with everyone voting out Carol except Jen (Head of Household and the two eviction nominees do not vote). On Tuesday, Daniele won the Power of Veto, but chose to leave the nominations as they stood, leaving Carol Journey and Amber Siyavus on the chopping block.

During last night's live broadcast, the 21-year-old student from Lawrence, Kan., learned her fate and left the House. After leaving BIG BROTHER 8, Carol was interviewed by Julie Chen about her experience.

Carol was part of the BIG BROTHER 8 enemy twist that will play out throughout the summer and with her eviction, she and her former best friend become the first pair of rivals to be split up this season. Her former best friend, Jessica Hughbanks, remains in the house.

"America's Player," Eric Stein, voted Carol out of the house because viewers voted for him to do so. Each week, the prevailing viewers' vote must be carried out by Stein in order for him to be financially rewarded. Viewers can vote on "America's Player's" next move on CBS.com or via text messaging on a mobile phone.

Each Thursday, the Houseguests compete to become Head of Household. The perks of the position include a luxurious private bedroom and bathroom, along with a plasma screen spy cam to monitor other Houseguests' activities. However, it also includes the responsibility of having to nominate two fellow Houseguests for eviction. On the weeks when there are veto challenges, one of the nominees can be saved from the chopping block if they, or another Houseguest, wins the Power of Veto competition and chooses to save one of the nominees, while giving themselves immunity from nomination. If they choose to use the veto power, the Head of Household must immediately choose another nominee.

After last night's eviction, the houseguests competed in a competition called "Majority Rules" to see who would become the next Head of Household. Jen Johnson, the 23-year-old nanny from Beverly Hills, Calif., won the coveted position.

For more information about the aftermath of Carol's eviction from BIG BROTHER 8, log on to www.CBS.com.

BIG BROTHER 8 is broadcast each week on Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the live eviction show, hosted by Julie Chen, on Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM live ET/delayed PT).

I'm just not at all sure I like this series. Yes this is the first time I've watched this series and I imagine it's much more entertaining to a younger person than myself.

Below, a short video of the beautiful bodies of the Big Brother contenders.


Older, married people like myself tend to eschew shows featuring buff young bods and hot libidos. Which, so far as I can see, Big Brother does. This show also seems like a reality show soap opera and I've never much like soap operas.

And CBS is struggling to keep this series afloat by adding many new twists and changes to how the game plays out. Now there is featured one contender who is "America's Player". By going to the CBS web site, viewers can vote on how they want America's player to vote or what action they want him or her to take. There is also the addition of an ongoing drama between several of the players from an incident or incidents in their past. This year we have Daniele and her father Dirty Dick as well as estranged homosexual couple Joe and Dustin.



Below a short video of a strained interaction between Dustin and Joe.




And let us please not forget nut case Jen who has a real problem with pictures of herself.

Beginning List of contenders for Big Brother 8:
Jessica
Nick
Eric
Daniele
Dick
Jen
Mike
Kail
Joe
Carol
Amber
Zach
Jameka
Dustin

Remaining Contenders as of this writing:

Jessica
Nick
Eric
Daniele
Dick
Jen
Mike
Kail
Joe
Amber
Zach
Jameka
Dustin

Links to prior reviews of Big Brother 8
-The 2007 Competition Begins
First Eviction


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TV Reality Show Reviews for Dancers, the Clever, impersonators and Everyone Else With Some Sort of Talent

Four reality shows reviewed here.

Mostly there's a bevy of great pic montages and yes, actual videos, that you'll find nowhere else on the Internet.

We've got "The Next Best Thing" for impersonators, "So You Think You Can Dance" for dancers, "American Inventor" for the clever and "America's Got Talent" for everyone else.

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) U.S. writer A great man is always willing to be little. --------------- A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before. --------------- A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer. ---------------

Web Site Worth the Visit THE WORST RESUME EVER In the summer of 1992, I was working a Saturday afternoon at the bar when a guy walked in and handed me this resume. The first thing I noticed was that it was ten pages long, about nine more than a resume should be. Then I started reading it. All I can say is, when you think you've met the most whacked out nut-job that God could possibly make, in comes ol' Joseph E. Evans ABOVE SITE HERE

TIDBITS +----------------- Bizarre Medical Record -----------------+ Statements "The skin was moist and dry." "The patient lives at home with his mother, father, and pet turtle, who is presently enrolled in day care three times a week." "The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane ran out of gas and crashed." "The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as stockbroker instead." "While in the emergency room, she was examined, X-rated and sent home." "When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room." "She is numb from her toes down." "The baby was delivered, the cord clamped and cut, and handed to the pediatrician, who breathed and cried immediately."

 


Top Five Finalists Named in "The Next Best Thing"

"The Next Best Thing" is a reality show where celebrity impersonators get a chance to show off their talent. Some of these folks were darn good and all in all it was an entertaining series. I'd watch it again if the contest is televised again.

The Paris Hilton impersonator did a great job and, indeed, she did make it to the top five celebrity impersonators....all of whom will be going to Las Vegas. Below a short video of the Hilton impersonation. Check out this excellent imitation and think of the REAL Hilton and that joke of a Larry King interview.



The semi-finalists for "The Next Best Thing" are:
-Tina Turner
-Elvis
-Paris Hilton
-George W. Bush
-Lucy Ball

A montage of some impersonators below.



"American Inventor"- New York and Inventions for the Toilet

In honor of this series, which I quite enjoy, below a list of bizarre inventions that crossed my Ebox. None of these were part of this reality show. Gotta love that one with the aromatic underwear.

+------------------- Bizarre Inventions -------------------+

1. The Tonya Tapper - A personal security steel club named after the notorious skater; suitable for all knee whack- ing purposes.

2. Sweet Jesus Chocolate - Tasty milk chocolate crucifix candies that ooze red jelly when bitten.

3. Insecticide Pantyhose - Bug resistant pantyhose sure to repel spiders, cockroaches, [and probably dates.]

4. Artificial Spray-On Dirt - For the yuppie whose tired of looking wuss in his luxury S.U.V. This is sure to provide that rugged four-wheeling look.

5. Drive-Through Window at Funeral Homes - For the more somber drive-by.

6. .45 Semiautomatic Telephone - A novelty phone sure to please the darkest sense of humor. The caller must hold the gun against their head to make a call; let the fun begin.

7. Bird Diaper - For Polly when potty training is not an option.

8. Snif-T-Panties - Women's underwear with built in fragrance to capture the right mood; scents include rose, banana, pickles, pizza and, of course, whiskey.

So okay, American Inventor goes to New York and reviews the contenders looking for $50K of seed money to get research and development for their invention.

There were a couple of toilet items and goodness knows we have yet to begin to re-invent this most necessary item. One invention for the toilet was a device that would allow putting the seat down with the mere press of one's foot. Another allowed men to urinate into a Rube Goldberg type of device that allowed the seat to remain down. All for the ongoing fights between men and women who often, alas, must share toilets.

We also had ear plug balloons and the one invention that caught my eye as a real winner-the backless bra.

Finally one invention caught the judge's eye and I was a bit intrigued-The Wingman.



The backless bra was a most intriguing invention that my own wise self would buy in a minute. One major attraction to this device was the demonstrator, a buxom woman who wore the invention herself and she looked very nice. Yes it's a bra designed to be worn with backless apparel. As of now the only thing I know of to support one's boobs in such an outfit are stick-on sort of things which mostly prevent an errant nipple from showing through clothing. Heaven help the female with an ample bosom.

Below, a video of the backless bra's inventor.



As for The Wingman, it's a device that is a bit complicated. The premise, to keep it short, is that one would carry this "palm pilot" type of device into a nightclub or any other gathering place for singles. This device would already have stored in it information about one's own fine self. Upon entry and after surveying of romantic partner possibilities in the surround, The Wingman allows the owner to enter a code that would allow others in the area to access it. Upon access one can learn various personal items about the person of interest PLUS find out if that person might also be interested back.

The judges thought that upon development it would be the sort of thing that would be picked up by cell phone programmers and goodness knows with the new iPhone there are great possibilities!

Links to prior reviews of American Inventor

Premiere Show
Lots of toilet inventions 6/27/07

"America's Got Talent" Goes to New York

On the evening of 6/26/07 a two hour session of "America's Got Talent" in New York was featured on NBC and there were many intriguing, silly, goofy and just plain dumb entries to this talent reality series.

We had some hilarious entrants who surely entered on a hoot and without a hope of winning. In the "no hope" category, we saw a fellow named, we're not making this up, "Thoth", a sexy/techno boy, the famous "Pennsylvania Hand Band", "Leonid the Magnificent" and a return from last year who didn't make it through again this year.





Below, a video of one hopeless entrant.



On the winning side of the ledger on this evening, we had a truly great group-Ahmir-which sang sweet songs of harmony long ago lost in the earblast known as rap music. Also, a contender from my own home state of Maryland, a Julienne Irvin, sang some country music that was joy to the ears.

A fellow with some sort of severe arthritis led a group of street dancers, The Great Throwdini scared us with knifes and finally, my absolutely favorite of all-"The GLAMAZONS"-a group of plus sized gals that oozed sex appeal and brought the place down.

Below, a video clip of this sexy group.



Links to prior reviews of America's Got Talent 2007:
NBC's "America's Got Talent" Web Site
America's Got Talent Premiers 6/5/07
The 6/19/07 episode
New York 6/26/06

"So You Think You Can Dance" Down to Seven Couples

Eight couples performed. The bottom three were announced. All six entrants from the bottom three couples danced for their lives.

It was the evening of 6/28/07 and the votes for the prior evening's dances were counted. The dreaded elimination round would cull one more male and female from the contenders, leaving 14 would-be dancers, or seven couples. Five million Americans had voted to their favorite dancers.



Lauren and Neil danced the tango. The judges thought they were awkward and, indeed, this duo was part of the bottom three in terms of votes from the viewing public. Lacey and Kamaron did a Quick Step which the judges found entertaining. This duo was safe as voted on by the audience. Jamie and Hok performed a Jazz routine that the judges thought was beautiful and this couple too was safe on the night of elimination.

Sabra and Dominic danced a Rumba and one judge said the dance was so hot the place was in "need of a fire department". This couple was declared safe. Sara and Jesus performed a Hip-Hop routine and this duo was one of the bottom three. Jessi and Pasha were supposed to perform a cha-cha. Jessi suffered some sort of physical event that had her in the hospital. Pasha danced with a substitute and by virtue of her inability to perform, Jessi would have to dance for her life in the elimination round. Pasha was declared safe for the evening.

Cedric and Shauna performed a contemporary routine and not one judge liked the routine. Interestingly, this duo was safe by edict of the viewing audience. Finally, Anya and Danny did a hip-hop routine and the judges declared them a "dream team" but not so fast. The viewing audience declared them in the bottom three.

Thus seven dancers would be doing a solo dance and the judges would decide which female and which male would be going home. The seven dancers would be:
Sara, Jesus, Lauren, Neil, Jessi, Danny and Anya.

Below two videos of performances. One is of a couple and the other is Neil doing his solo routine. Neil is one of my faves in this series and he's definitely the cutest male.





In face Neil did go through to the next round and the judges too thought his solo routine was great. The judges didn't think Jessi performed well on her solo routine and though no one said it, way I figure she was sick anyway. Jessi was sent home. Jesus was sent home along with her.



So the top 14 of the 2007 series of "So You Think You Can Dance" are, as of this writing:

Shauna
Lauren
Neil
Cedric
Pasha
Sara
Jaimie
Hok
Anya
Danny
Kameron
Lacey
Sabra
Dominic

Links to prior reviews of So You Think Can Dance 2007:

The Top 20 for 2007
Down to Eight
Jessi Gets Sick and Is Sent Home

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TV-American Idol 07 WINNER!

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 5/2/07:
Blake Lewis....Jordin Sparks is the American Idol for 2007!

Below was written BEFORE the elimination show of 5/23/07 was aired.


This post will be posted immediately after the American Idol for 2007 is announced on Wednesday 5/23/07.

With pics found nowhere else on the Internet and a look back at the 2007 competition.

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by James Monroe (1758-1831) American president Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will. --------------- The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil. --------------- The American continents ... are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. (From the Monroe Doctrine) --------------- If America wants concessions, she must fight for them. We must purchase our power with our blood. --------------- It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. --------------- Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

Web Site Worth the Visit Interpret Your Dreams I often dream that I am living in a house completely different than the one I currently live in. This house is usually very differently configured than my current house and this recurring dream generally offers specific detail as to the set up of the various rooms. Sometimes one room will have a bath tub AND a bed and in one dream a toilet was actually located at the bottom of a stairwell. So I wonder what this recurring dream means and what it says about my anxieties and perceptions of the world. INTERPRET YOUR DREAMS HERE

TIDBITS HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE: First, chew an aspirin if you have one around. Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack vic tims can get to a hospital.

 


The American Idol for 2007

Reminder that this post is written BEFORE the final elimination on the night of 5/23/07. I predict the winner will be Jordin Sparks but if not her, than, heh, let me predict right now that Blake Lewis will win.

Below a pic of the top twelve females from this year of our Lord 2007 and below this, a pic of the top twelve males. I also remind that at the bottom of this post is a comprehensive list of links to reviews of each night of competition this year should yon reader wish to re-visit and reminisce.





But now we are down to Blake and Jordin and this final top two not only does NOT suprise me, I consider it a healthy ending to a contest that, despite all attempts to discredit it, has grown to become a major American Pop Culture event. This year we had a cabal that tried to push male contender Sanjaya over the top to win this thing but it did not work. The effort, spearheaded by shock jock Howard Stern, failed although for a while it was amusing.

See, America is a country set in its ways and the way we vote on American Idol is not unlike how we handle our politicians and eventually our vote for the lot of them. When the final vote is far off and distant, we tend to cast a busy eye on the ongoing events then move on to our own busy lives quickly. A few of us tend to get in the contest early on and wrap ourselves in the journey knee deep. So early on Stern was able to coerce his rather significant listening audience to tilt the call-in vote for Sanjaya even though while Sanjaya was a personable young man, he was no American Idol and even Sanjaya knew this. But as the countdown to the final vote loomed closer, more regular joes began to phone in a vote and here in the U S of A there really is no shock jock or celebrity with so much power as to congeal our national will to one personal end. Soon enough Sanjaya was kicked off although he made it to the top ten, which he did not deserve. Here's a lesson in the effectiveness of common goals, sort of like a pop culture political party. If Rush Limbaugh were of a mind, and I know he's not, but if Rush Limbaugh were to push an American Idol contender I'm quite sure he could cajole his listeners to push the buttons for a choice of Rush himself, no matter his logic. Eventually, however, even mighty Rush Limbaugh and his twenty million listeners could not overpower a country with almost 300 citizens, not counting the illegals and the gazillion who vote five or six times.



On the final night of competition, Tuesday 5/22/07, the two finalists sang three songs. One was the contender's favorite tune, one was a song each had not sung at any time during the competition. Finally each sang 2007's song specifically written for the competition, an expected slow,sweet and sappy tune titled "This Is My Now".

For his favorite tune, Blake sang Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name". This is a tune he sang on Bon Jovi night, natch, and Blakes version of this tune was nothing less than a spectacular display of his amazing talent. As the judges have expressed many times, Blake does not bring amazing or unmatched vocals to the contest. He DOES bring an incredible and diverse amount of talent to the contestant table.

For his "virgin" tune, in a sense, Blake sang a tune by Maroon 5 called "She Will Be Loved". I am totally unfamiliar with the song and the group but I was impressed that Blake picked a song that wasn't too way out or borderline hip-hop. Finally Blake sang this year's signature tune and let's move on.l For "This Is My Now" was not anything Blake Lewis would sing well and Jordin simply blew him out of the water when SHE sang the same song.

If God is in his heaven and logic reigns, Blake Lewis will come in second in this year's competition. Blake Lewis is not the best SINGER in the 2007 competition, but he IS the best performer on many levels. A solid second place in the 2007 American Idol will launch Blake on to a stellar career as a singer and performer. I'd softly suggest that Blake Lewis will fare much better in a second place position that his main competition, Jordin Sparks, could ever do.



Jordin Sparks sang a Christine Aguillara tune "Thanks for Making Me A Fighter", again a tune I didn't know. Of course young Jordin did a smashing job and for her favorite tune Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing", Jordin didn't give Blake a flash of daylight toward complete victory. It was when Jordin launched into the 2007 American Idol signature tune "This Is My Now" that any doubt that Jordin knocked it out of the park was dispelled.

Again, this is all written BEFORE either Jordin or Blake was eliminated. I firmly believe Jordin will win but the winner will be posted proudly and loudly at the top of this Blog post, even if it is Blake Lewis.

PREDICTIONS FOR TOP THREE WINNERS, in order indicated-
Jordin Sparks
Blake Lewis
Melinda Doolittle

Below, the WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL 2007:
Jordin Sparks


AMERICAN IDOL 2007 LINKS
Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night
Down to Top Five as Idol "Gives Back"
Down to FOUR in 2007
From Three to Two-Blake, Melinda or Jordin?
American Idol 2007 WINNER!


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American Idol 07-Blake, Jordin or Melinda?

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 5/16/07:
Melinda Doolittle


It's down to three and this post will be put up right after the elimination show.

Will Blake, Jordin or Melinda be sent home?

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day GREATEST MORAL ISSUE "People talk a lot about moral issues, but the greatest moral issue facing our generation is the fact that we are bankrupting the next generation." - Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma)

Web Site Worth the Visit Fall Asleep While Shooting Sheep Well counting sheep to fall asleep is so boring. Why not SHOOT them? Click on this site and see how quick your reactions are. It's fun. Beware, you think you're doing great, but you're not. ABOVE SITE HERE

TIDBITS Humorous Household Hints Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup. My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint. ~Erma Bombeck Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duck tape to make them stop. I'd stop eating chocolate, but I'm no quitter! Have you ever noticed that anyone going slower than you is an idiot ... and anyone going faster is a maniac! The phrase "working mother" is redundant. Jane Sellman A clean house is the sign of a broken computer. A poor excuse is better than none at all. After all is said and done, usually more is said than done. I've always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific. One of life's mysteries is how a 2 pound box of candy can make a woman gain 5 lb.. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely. I'd clean house but I'd hate to disappoint the dust bunnies! The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for awhile and it shrinks two sizes! A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen ... and this kitchen is delirious. Help keep the kitchen clean - Eat OUT! Housework done properly can kill you. What's the point of being stupid if you can't prove it every once in a while? I don't know what apathy is and I don't care! I wish there was a knob on the TV for intelligence. There's one for brightness, but it doesn't work. If you can't change your mind, are you sure you still have it? There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, hire someone, or forbid your kids to do it. For every complicated problem there is a simple, easy to understand, wrong answer

 


American Idol 2007-Top Three Culled Down to Top Two

REMINDER-the narrative below was written BEFORE the elimination show on the evening of 5/16/07.

So "American Idol 2007" has narrowed down to three and by this point, all of the contenders are equal in terms of singing talent each brings to the Pop Culture Music Arena. Which does not mean that the top three, or the top five for that matter, aren't very different, each with their own special style, vocal range and ideal music genre.

Thus the winner from this point on is determined by the whim of millions of Americans who dial for their favorite Idol based on goodness knows what.

Myself has favored Jordin Sparks right from the very day she walked into her audition. It's been with joy that I've watched my choice grow and flourish to return every week up until this writing. If pressed to elaborate on my choice of Jordin to win this year's contest, I'd likely be vague and wave my hands all about as if the choice was obvious.

We're looking for a musical superstar here. We're looking for someone with a broad appeal but we can tolerate a smaller music genre so long as the genre is not too obsolete. Country/western singers do well in the American Idol series as this music genre is a popular American style. Gospel music singers have a bit of a more difficult road to hoe to win the thing although it's possible. In general, while the past American Idols have gone on to specialize in their own music genre, it is usually a singer who can "convince" America that their appeal is wide who will win. Kelly Clarkson now be-bops around with popular hip-hop type of music while Fantasia sings the gospel. Yet each of these former winners convinced the country that they could sing Whitney as well as Bon Jovi and embraced all music genres equally.

As I see it, Jordin Sparks fits that rather complicated profile as I've indicated above. Jordin also brings a beauty and freshness of youth to the table and while the musical talent is most important, do not undermine the importance of looks in any career involving a stage and an audience.

On the evening of 5/15/07, each of the three finalists were assigned two songs to sing: one by one of the vaunted judges Randy, Paula and Simon, and one by some nebulous being called "the producers". The third song was chosen by each finalist themselves. An interesting sidelight on this show was for each contender to be asked a question by a viewer, the contender's response intended to give us, the viewing audience and the voters, an insight into the personalities of the final three. This insight, I surmise, could slip the scales in favor or out of favor for those voters still on the fence.

Frankly the questions were a bit stupid in that matter of silly "catch-all" questions given to beauty contestants. Only one of the final three responses even caught my attention, more on this later.



Jordin began by singing a tune chosen by Simon called "Wishing on a Star". It's a song with which I was unfamiliar but as expected, young Jordin did a fine job as I would expect. The producers chose a popular tune "She Works Hard for the Money" and I noted dutifully as I always do, that Jordin displayed amazing vocal talent and don't forget this sweet thing is only 17 years old.

As her choice of song, Jordin chose a beautiful but old song "I, Who Have Nothing....". Well it was just the best song for Jordin in that a viewer could easily imagine a youthful and pretty Jordin brushed aside by a male gold-digger who chose wealth over genuine love. In fact, curmudgeon judge Simon struggle to form the same explanation as I offer above but then Simon is no wordsmith. Heh. It was almost calculated, Jordin choosing that song. I mean each singer could choose any song and I'm skeptical that this song, almost 60 years old or so Simon asserts, is Jordin's all-time favorite. Jordin, or her advisors, chose that song because a)it aptly displayed her fine voice, vocal talents and range and b) Jordin could REALLY be the actress singing that song...the whole thing suits her.



We move on to Blake Lewis and let me state two truths right now: 1)I think Blake Lewis will be sent home the evening after I pen this narrative and 2)Blake's response to an audience question was the only one out of all three contenders that caused me to take a second look.

First, Blake's broad appeal, such as I maintain is needed to win an American Idol first place, is rough around the edges. Although, go with me here, Blake Lewis is extremely talented and if I were to be honest, pretty Jordin Sparks doesn't possess anywhere near the talent Blake possesses.

Blake can dance, jive, be-bop, improvise and create amazing sounds with his voice. Blake is an all-around entertainer but he's kooky, a bit to the left, the kid who always seemed to be playing a set of imaginary drums in English class. With this contest down to three contenders, with one now to be FORCED off, I argue it's Blake's turn.

And while one of the consolations often giving to those who come so close is that they have a bright career in front of them, I'd argue that in Blake's case it's really true. We have not heard the last of Blake Lewis. This fellow will have hit records, hit videos, perhaps a hit movie. Blake's talent will not be quelled and there may come a time when Blake will be more well known that Jordin Sparks ever will.

As for the question Blake answered that intrigued me so, it was a question that asked him who would play him in the movie of his life.

"Jim Carey," Blake responded with no hesitation.

Well I am not surprised in the least. Jim Carey and Blake Lewis are soul mates now that Blake mentioned it. These are both people that are very talented and in possession of a demented genius that's almost scarey and a bit dark.

For his first song of the night, a song Paula chose I must assume but I'm not sure, Blake sang "Roxanne". My husband, who rarely pays attention to American Idol even as the show blasts across the dining area close enough for him to hear, said just as soon as Blake began to sing "Whoever that is singing, he won't win".

Husband's comment didn't surprise me. If one is merely listening to Blake Lewis sing a tired "Roxanne" one would likely figure that here's nothing great. Blake has to be looked at. Blake has to be listened to closely. Blake needs serious study in terms of his moves while singing, his musical improvisation, even his zany fashion style. It's all part of the package. My husband didn't observe any of this over the course of the 2007 contest and in all honesty, husband probably wouldn't recognize Blake's brand of genius if it bit him in the nose.

Blake continued on to sing "This Love" and judge Randy thought this was Blake's style all wrapped up in a song. As his song choice, Blake sang "When I Get You Alone" and it was a good choice for him.

This week, Blake had both blond and black hair. I didn't like it all that much but I understand that this is just Blake.



Melinda's got one big thing going against her: she's not as young or as pretty as Jordin Sparks. The more musically inclined would argue that Melinda Doolittle is more talented musically on many levels than young Jordin and I wouldn't argue contrarily too awful much. Next week, unless Jordin really screws up, Melinda will be booted out.

Which is not to say that Melinda Doolittle won't be a force to be reckoned with in terms of music, records, songs and that sort of thing. For Melinda can sing and she can sing anything.

Randy chose a Whitney Houston song for Melinda to sing, "I Believe in You and Me". First, I was surprised because I've often heard with my own lying ears these judges chastise performers for choosing Whitney songs. And yet Randy did just that. Second, there are so many beautiful Whitney songs and by me, this is not one of the best.

As I listened I thought Melinda had some screechy high notes and I didn't much care for that rather undramatic black and white zig-zag dress she wore. The judges all liked Melinda's performance and frankly Melinda can sing and to find a screech in her vocals might be to look too damn hard.

Next Melinda sang an Ike and Tina Turner song with which I was not familiar, where on earth have I been? The song was "Nutbush City Limit" and it was a great tune, and a greater tune in that it fit Melinda's voice and style like a fine velvet glove.

Melinda chose the tune "I'm a Woman" for herself and again, what better vocals, what better tune, what better melody and lyrics for Melinda Doolittle for this tune that she belted out in an a+ performance?

As I've said, this narrative was written BEFORE the elimination on the night of 5/16/07 so I put my reputation, such as it is, on the line. Hey, I thought Taylor Hicks should have been sent home five nights sooner before he finally won the thing.

Take me with a grain of salt....I'm just another Blogger with an opinion.

For the performances on the night of 5/15/07:
BEST PERFORMANCE-Melinda Doolittle-"I'm a Woman"
BEST DRESS-Jordin Sparks' pretty pink confection
BEST SONG CHOICE FOR VOICE-Melinda-"Nutbush City Limit"
WORST PERFORMANCE-Blake-"Roxanne"-although I emphasize-this was NOT a bad performance.
BIGGEST SURPRISE OF NIGHT-Randy picking a Whitney song for Melinda to sing
MY GUESS AS TO NEXT ELIMINATION- Blake Lewis

PREDICTIONS FOR TOP THREE WINNERS, in order indicated-
Jordin Sparks
Melinda Doolittle
Blake Lewis

Below, the TOP TWO American Idol Finals for 2007:
Jordin Sparks
Blake Lewis

AMERICAN IDOL 2007 LINKS
Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night
Down to Top Five as Idol "Gives Back"
Down to FOUR in 2007
From Three to Two-Blake, Melinda or Jordin?


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American Idol 07-Bon Jovi Night, Two to be Eliminated, Final Four

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 5/2/07:
Phil Stacey
Chris Richardson


Below was written BEFORE the elimination show of 5/2/07 was aired.

It's Bon Jovi Night and we'll have the final four as there will be TWO eliminations this week.

The critique of this week's performances and the final four will be posted immediately after the elimination round.

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Quote of the Day Classic Quotes by Adolph Hitler (1889-1945) German dictator How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't think. --------------- I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few. --------------- Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. --------------- This human world of ours would be inconceivable without the practical existence of a religious belief. --------------- This year will go down in history for the first time a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future. --------------- I believe today that my conduct is in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator. --------------- Thus inwardly armed with confidence in God and the unshakable stupidity of the voting citizenry, the politicians can begin the fight for the 'remaking' of the Reich as they call it.

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TIDBITS According to a news report, a certain private school in Sydney was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. After they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night - (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses). To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegie, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.. Moral to this story:- There are teachers.... and then there are educators..

 


Bon Jovi Night Brings Great Surprises and Guests

Myself is no great fan of rock music and I've only a passing knowledge of the group Bon Jovi.

At least I THOUGHT I only had a passing knowledge for I did recognize mostly every song the top six finalists of 2007 chose to sing and I know which ones were good and, unfortunately, which ones were bad.





Phil Stacey began the night's evening of Bon Jovi song. I'm expecting Phil to be sent home any day now but that expectation fuzzed up a bit as Phil's performance of "Blaze of Glory" was terrific. Randy declared it Phil's "best performance ever" and Paula went one step further and declared it the best opening number on American Idol for all time.

My personal fave to win the 2007 American Idol title, Jordin Sparks, sang "Living on a Prayer" and hey, even I'll acknowledge that this is a great tune. In fact, this is a tune that will live on forever and, alas, young Jordin didn't so such a great job of it.

First, the range Jordin was singing was entirely too low for her. Indeed, in a pre-performance vignette with a Bon Jovi mentor, Jordin was told that she should bring it up an octave if the notes were too low. The judges excoriated Jordin. Randy was kinder, declaring the screaming, out-of-tune performance as "not your best". Simon, as expected, went on a rampage, declaring Jordin to be the center of all musical evil in the universe and calling for her head on a platter. No wait. While Simon was beating young Jordin up over the singing, he threw in a jibe at her appearance. Which was not, ladies and gems, her best. That bit with the green hair and her attempt at a Goth look just didn't work for sweet Jordin.

Jordin's performance of that tune might hurt her. She did an outstanding job of "You'll Never Walk Alone" last week so it might balance out. Unfortunately, at this late date in the competition, a bad performance looms more harmful.

For her part, Jordin didn't cry or act childish. She admitted it was not a good performance and she told the audience of millions that rock music just isn't her thing. Let's hope the audience gives Jordin some slack as I'd sure like to see this fine young lady win this thing.

For all my defense of Jordin as singing a song way out of her genre, up steps Lakisha and one could hardly call rock music her forte. Lakisha chose to sing a tune with which I was not familiar-"This Ain't a Love Song". All I can say was Lakisha shrugged on her heavy rock coat and belted out this great song to everyone's astonishment. Not only that, but Lakisha looked great in a black top and pants with a red band in the middle that fetchingly emphasized her curves. Lakisha refused a chance to sing her tune while seated, stating she preferred to have the "camera get her slim side".

Randy declared that Lakisha "blew it out of the box" and Simon said he enjoyed Lakisha's performance so much he could kiss her. Of course Lakisha then demanded a kiss and Simon gave her one! It was a light-hearted yet heart-warming moment and Lakisha deserved it.



Forget Phil Stacey and yes, for a moment, forget Lakisha. For Blake Lewis sang a rendition of "You Give Love a Bad Name" that had Blake's name all over it.

Even a wordsmith such as myself is at a loss to describe this wonderful performance by Blake.

First, there was that dark hair. It looked great, Blake. Then there was the vocal animations that gave the tune an edgy and current sound. Simon said that half the audience will love his rendition of this tune that so many of us know. The other half of the audience will hate it, or so Simon contended.

For sure I'll be the half of the audience who loved the song but I can't imagine that many music lovers could hate the entertainment and awesome originality Blake Lewis provided. He was confident, cocky and he had it all going on.

Chris Richardson is another of the remaining six who I expect will be going home soon. Chris is a good singer but as is the case with a competition of this enormity, good is simply not good enough. One must be GREAT to win this competition.

That being stated, Chris sang "Wanted Dead or Alive" and as he declared, somebody had to sing this well-known Bon Jovi tune. I was just coming off an entertained high with Lakisha and Blake and frankly it was as if Chris was a big letdown.

Which his performance was not but alas....as Simon echoed my sentiments, Chris did a fine job with the tune but it probably won't be good enough to bring him back another week.

Finally Tina Turner...no wait...Melinda Doolittle sang "Have a Nice Day". This is another tune with which I wasn't familiar but wow, Melinda did an absolutely great job.

So with all these amazing performances, I offer the following for reader consideration.

For the performances on the night of 5/1/07:
BEST PERFORMANCE-Blake Lewis, no doubt and hands down
BEST DRESS-Lakisha Jones
BEST SONG CHOICE FOR VOICE-Phil Stacey...he's mediocre compared to what he's up against yet this song worked great for him
WORST PERFORMANCE-Sadly, Jordin Sparks
BIGGEST SURPRISE OF NIGHT-Lakisha's amazing rock song performance
MY GUESS AS TO NEXT ELIMINATION- There will be TWO eliminated on the night of 5/2/07-I predict Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson will be sent home.

PREDICTIONS FOR TOP THREE WINNERS, in order indicated-
Jordin Sparks
Blake Lewis
Melinda Doolittle

Below, the TOP FOUR American Idol Finals for 2007:
Jordin Sparks
Lakisha Jones
Melinda Doolittle
Blake Lewis


AMERICAN IDOL 2007 LINKS
Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night
Down to Top Five as Idol "Gives Back"
Down to FOUR in 2007


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Down to Six; American Idols

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 4/25/07:
Everyone is safe. I'll explain later.


Below was written BEFORE the elimination show of 4/25/07 was aired.

American Idol 2007 continues by "giving back" during this week of inspiration. It'll be down to five when it's all over and just as soon as the elimination round is over we'll be posting it all to the Blog.

We're still watching The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman. We're still critiquing, tongue solidly in cheek.

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day Celebrity Quotes Part 2 "I had a lazy summer. I went nuts with the barbecue. Now I'm back with a new album and video. To be honest, I had more fun with the barbecue." - Singer, John Mayer "I actually like Bush. In some ways I'm the George W. Bush of hip-hop... nobody likes me, but I'm still gonna run it for the next four years." - Rapper 50 Cent "I showed up for work late once, and I got fired. I didn't get a scathing letter from an executive, I got canned!" - Shannen Doherty, on how Lindsay is getting better treatment then she did when she was young "I garden topless. I'll be in my garden, you know, just being natural." - Alyssa Milano "When I started shooting "Police Woman", someone asked me if I had ever played a sleuth before. I said, 'Yes, many times'. I thought they were asking me if I had ever played a slut. I didn't know what a sleuth was". - Angie Dickinson

Web Site Worth the Visit COOL PERSON TEST Think you're so cool you must always wear a coat? Take this test and prove it. Blog Site HERE

TIDBITS Building Trivia If you count only habitable space and measure from the sidewalk level of the main entrance to the structural top of building (excluding flagpoles and spires), then Chicago's Sears Tower may still be the tallest building in the world. *** The Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada is the tallest observation tower in the United States. *** The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 World Fair, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. *** World Trade Center twin towers of New York City ranked fifth and sixth (at 1,368 ft and 1,362 ft) on this list until their destruction on Sept. 11, 2001. *** The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has defined 4 categories for measuring tall buildings: (!) Height to the structural or architectural , (2) Height to the highest occupied floor, (3) Height to the top of the roof (4) Height to the top of the antenna.

 


American Idol 2007 "Gives Back"



I got a bit confused when, on 4/18/07, host Ryan Seacrest said that this week American Idol would be "giving back" in a spectacular show that would start right after the normal Tuesday night performances. While I thought it seemed like a good idea- for giving away money to those less fortunate is almost always a nice thing- I didn't realize that the then six finalists would still be competing or that the following night, which would be the very evening of the day this missive is written, a contender would be eliminated per normal.

Thus I didn't schedule an American Idol post for this evening and once I understood how this was going to work, I had to scramble to get my act together.

Actually I'm not too crazy about that Bono crazy being a mentor for the week of giving back and the notion of throwing even more money at Africa doesn't cheer me. Sure innocent children in Africa suffer but everyone knows that throwing any money at the mess that is Africa too often goes to their self-appointed thieves, thugs and despots. And malaria is a disease that has been wiped out eons ago except the vaunted UN continues to ban DDT, a pesticide that really works. The DDT ban only affects Africa and we ask, could there be some not so nice people who prefer keeping an entire continent sick and dysfunctional for their own benefit?

Editorials now aside, Africa is just one of the many charities that will benefit from Newscorp's contribution of ten cents per call-in vote up to a total of five million dollars. Newscorp is the parent company of American Idol.

What a wonderful idea! First, the concept encourages phone calls to vote for the Idol contender who inspires. Second, it's a great promo for the contest. Face it, American Idol is the most amazing and successful music idea and reality show to come along in about forever. Finally, piling on the concept, the songs sung by the contenders were songs that inspire.





All this being said, we move on to the final six, their songs and thoughts on their performances on the night of Tuesday 4/24/07. As always, the results of the elimination round will be posted right after the show. This post that you read now was written BEFORE the elimination of one aspiring American Idol.

First up, Chris Richardson sang the Eric Clapton's "Change the World". There are times that I studiously make notes during performances and as the contender stands before Randy, Paula and Simon to hear the critique, those vaunted judges totally disagree with my notes. It doesn't happen all that often, ahem, but it does happen. For I thought that Richardson's performance was flat, out of tune and pitchy, according to my notes.

The judges, every one of them, loved Chris' performance and praised him effusively. So what do I do? Do I scratch my notes and ultimately my opinion? Or do I stick with my original thoughts jotted as I listened and look dumb?

Well I choose to look dumb because I did not like Chris Richardson's performance and besides, my notes indicate he sang a distinctly sour note in the middle of his performance. It's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Melinda Doolittle has proven herself to be a consummate performer and she kept it up with her performance of Faith Hill's "There Will Come a Day". Melinda is a sweet person, any fool can see this. She's got a pleasant understated sense of her self and her talent is at the top of the pile. Paula called Melinda "magical". I have to agree.

I was very discouraged that Blake was in the bottom three last week as this is a fellow with talent and then some. Randy even remarked on the shock of having Blake stand with Sanjaya and Lakisha as the bottom three while Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey scored higher. I'd always considered that Blake would end up the highest ranked male out of this year's contenders but now I worry that Blake's amazing talent might not be the stuff of the young America who buys most of the music cranked out in this era.

Blake sang John Lennon's "Imagine", which is a song I consider to be so silly as to cause me guffaws but for Blake, it was a perfect song choice. I noticed that Blake does tend to have an odd hangdog look when he sings slower songs. I wonder if the rest of America, perhaps tuning in now that the annual competition is down to a few, saw Blake and his odd facial expressions and took him to be a kook. Whatever the case, Blake did a great job with a tune that is really insipid but definitely in the "inspiring" category as required.

I softly suggest that Lakisha Jones will likely be voted off very soon. The woman has an amazing voice but Lakisha is up against so much overwhelming talent and she competes against some with more palatable traits than Lakisha possesses. We've already had a single mother win this contest and, in fact, Lakisha performed "I Believe" by Fantasia for her inspirational song. Fantasia milked the single mother story and, indeed, even was in a made-for-tv movie about her entry into the American Idol contest. Being up against Jordin, who has a refreshing and pretty youth, and Melinda, who looks professional and will likely be a seriously professional singer, I fear Lakisha will get rolled over in the shuffle.

All that being typed, Lakisha did a great job and her dress was beautiful and flattering to her lush figure. The judges all expressed some vague displeasure for Lakisha's performance. Frankly I think they all were discombubulated by the notion of having an American Idol contender sing a former American Idol winner's song. Yes, it's been done before but there are many similarities between Fantasia and Lakisha. It was a bit eerie and might have distracted from Lakisha's powerful voice and performance.

Phil Stacey sang "The World Will Not Change Me" if I got the title correctly. I was surprised because the song was very pretty and held my attention during the entire song. Paula declared it was Stacey's best performance and we were treated to shots of Phil's pretty wife.

Judge Randy and Simon seemed to want to push Stacey toward a country/western genre as he'd performed exceptionally well in that genre on Martina McBride night. Which got me to wondering if a singer could ever be happy singing a genre that they do not like. Actually I'm not sure which genre Phil prefers to sing but he sure is being given hints at what SHOULD be his best.

Finally, my fave to win this thing, Jordin Sparks, sang the most beautiful rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" that I've ever heard. In fact, Simon mentioned that if Jordin's version of this 60 year old song were to be recorded and sold on the mass market, it would be a hit.

For sure I'd download Jordin's song and have it saved on my precious IPOD that I can play it anywhere.

Jordin sang this tune, a song that can be really horrible if done wrong, sweetly without any dramatic theatrics that would not suit Jordin's personality at all. In fact, I sang the ENTIRE song right along with Jordin! Jordin, by the way, was much better.

Randy said Jordin's performance of this song was the best performance EVER, of all the American Idols...of ALL TIME.

It was.

My eyes tear up everytime I just THINK of Jordin's version of that song. If that performance doesn't win the title for Jordin than nothing will.

BEST PERFORMANCE-Jordin Sparks
BEST DRESS-Lakisha Jones
BEST SONG CHOICE FOR VOICE-Blake Lewis
WORST PERFORMANCE-Chris Richardson
BIGGEST SURPRISE OF NIGHT-Jordin Sparks...best performance EVER on American Idol with the song "You'll Never Walk Alone"
MY GUESS AS TO NEXT ELIMINATION-Lakisha Jones, sadly

AMERICAN IDOL 2007 LINKS
Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night
Down to Top Five as Idol "Gives Back"

Below, the TOP SIX American Idol Finals for 2007:
Jordin Sparks
Lakisha Jones
Melinda Doolittle
Blake Lewis
Chris Richardson
Phil Stacey

Posted on 7 to 6 Elimination Night-2007-McBride Night-Critiques and Remaining Contestants

ELIMINATED THE NIGHT OF 4/18/07:
Top Four:
Jordin Sparks
Phil Stacey
Chris Richardson
Melinda Doolittle

Bottom 2:
Sanjaya
Blake Lewis
Lakisha Jones

ELIMINATED-Sanjaya!


Below was written BEFORE the elimination show of 4/18/07 was aired.

The field is down from seven to six. A post right after the end of the elimination show plus some AI 2007 gossip.

Pic of the Day

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Quote of the Day Did They Really Say That-Part 2? 7. A female news anchor who, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked, "So Bob, where's that eight inches you promised me last night?" Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too, because they were laughing so hard! 8. Steve Ryder covering the US Masters: "Ballesteros felt much better today after a 69 yesterday." 9. Clair Frisby talking about a jumbo hot dog on Look North said: "There's nothing like a big hot sausage inside you on a cold night like this." 10 Mike Hallett discussing missed snooker shots on Sky Sports: "Stephen Hendry jumps on Steve Davis's misses every chance he gets." 11. Michael Buerk on watching Phillipa Forrester cuddle up to a male astronomer for warmth during BBC1's UK eclipse coverage remarked: They seem cold out there, they're rubbing each other and he's only come in his shorts." 12. Ken Brown commentating on golfer Nick Faldo and his caddie Fanny Sunneson lining-up shots at the Scottish Open: "Some weeks Nick likes to use Fanny, other weeks he prefers to do it by himself." !!!!!

Web Site Worth the Visit Think You Know Logos? Campbell's soup has the red and white can. How many more can you recognize? Click on the site below for a logo quiz. WEB SITE OF DAY HERE

TIDBITS RANDOM TIDBITS Frank Sinatra always carried a roll of dimes. *** On December 16, 1811, an earthquake caused parts of the Mississippi to appear to flow backwards. *** The body creates and kills 17 million red blood cells per second. *** Iceland The eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano in November 2004 blasted gas emissions so high that airlines were forced to divert their flights. *** Where's my Hammer? The tin can was invented by Peter Durand in 1810. The modern can opener was not invented until 1856. Before the can opener, people used a chisel and hammer to open cans. *** What Stinks? Cows are one of the main contributors to global warming. In the United States, cattle release some 5.5 million metric tons of methane annually.

 



Paula Abdul Trivia

Michael Bolton babysat Paula Abdul when she was a child.
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"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack is Paula Abdul's favorite love song.
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Paula Abdul's mom Lorraine enrolled her daughter in dance lessons when she was nine. Abdul remembers feeling inspired by Gene Kelly's dancing in Anchors Aweigh and Singin' in the Rain.
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Hoop Dreams

Abdul, a broadcasting student at California State University at Northridge, tries out for the Los Angeles Lakers Girls cheerleading squad. She's picked out of a field of 700 and becomes head cheerleader within three weeks. She quits school to go pro.
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Five Plus One

At a Lakers game, some members of the Jackson family notice Abdul's moves on the court and hire her to choreograph a video for their comeback album, victory. The big break leads to more work choreographing videos for Janet Jackson, Prince, George Michael, Duran Duran and others.
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Song and Dance

Using $35,000 of her savings, Abdul records the demos for her debut album, Forever Your Girl. Her one-two punch - singing and dancing - fits perfectly within the MTV zeitgeist. Her No. 1 hit single "Straight Up" wins four statues at the 1989 MTV VMAs, and Forever Your Girl stays at No. 1 on the Billboard chart for 10 weeks and sells seven million copies.

Martina McBride Night-the Top Seven Take on Country Music and the Field Goes Down to Six



Martina McBride's sang quite a few songs that have made my Ipod playlist under "favorites". "Independence Day" comes to mind immediately. "That Wasn't Me" is another personal fave and "My Baby Loves Me the Way That I Am" is a song I like to dance to with my dogs, don't ask.

So I anticipated the performances on the evening of Tuesday 4/17/07 eagerly as one of my fave singers and fave genres-country/western-would be on the menu. I wondered how this crop of America's singers of tomorrow would do with this genre that none of them seem to favor.

Or maybe not. For Phil Stacey, who woulda thunk....belted out a country tune "Where the Blacktop Ends", a song I'm not familiar with but Phil sang it so well I think I'd buy it. I thought the ending was a bit shakey but all in all, good job to Phil and here's hoping no matter where he ends this contest, there's some country tunes out there for him to build a music reputation upon.

Judge Randy, in fact, predicted a country music career for Phil and declared it a great music genre for him.

We move on to my personal fave, Jordin Sparks, a 17 year old beauty that won't go back into the woodwork no matter who might beat her out of the top spot. First, Jordin was absolutely gorgeous in a pretty red dress with gold, banded trim. She is a beautiful young woman anyway, but her makeup and hair looked especially pretty on this night of country music.

Jordin chose a tune of McBride's to sing, an act that takes some courage. The title was "A Broken Wing" , a McBride song with which I am unfamiliar. I do like the way Jordin sang the song and even Martina declared Jordin gave the tune her own touch.

Judge Randy said Jordin built the song up wonderfully and Judge Simon declared something I've known right along. Simon said that after this night's performance, he can readily see Jordin taking the big prize. Well I've seen Jordin as 2007's American Idol right from the day she auditioned.

It was laughable, silly and worse than a really bad karoake performance. I write of Sanjaya's performance of the tune "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About", normally a happening, bee-bopping kind of tune that Sanjaya creamed to the depths of ridicule.

As Sanjaya came on the TV screen I couldn't help but burst into laughter at his latest and greatest hair style, which involved some sort of head scarf affair with wild and wooly curls burgeoning out from under. I then insisted, from across the room, that husband switch on his set and get a load of the latest Sanjaya hair craze. Husband did, giggled at Sanjaya's style as expected, then he too commented on Sanjaya's pathetic lack of music talent. No way should this fellow be in the top ten is how my husband expressed it.

Judge Simon then went on a verbal rampage that American Idole fans across the fruited plains have been waiting to hear for about four weeks now. Simon declared Sanjaya's performance "utterly horrible" and declared that comparing Sanjaya to Karoake singers is to insult Karoake singers across the country. Host Ryan then got into the fray, scolding Simon as never having liked Sanjaya and the exchange between Ryan and Simon was funnier than all get out.

Thoughts on the Saga of Sanjaya

So what IF Sanjaya wins American Idol 2007? From TMZ.com, a collection of thoughts should Sanjaya win. A few samples below.

If Sanjaya wins, I will have a memorial feast in memory of J, the hungerstriking myspace retard."

"If Sanjaya wins, I will give up sex ... forever."

"If Sanjaya wins, I will write a letter to American Idol telling them to apologize to William Hung for eliminating him so soon."

It was a sweet irony that Lakisha chose the tune "Jesus Take the Wheel" in that this is a hit tune by former American Idol performer Carrie Underwood. When I heard that Lakisha would be singing this song my ears cocked toward the TV. Also, Lakisha's gold boots were the "bomb", as Judge Randy might say.

I was disappointed at Lakisha's performance of this song but I think that both myself and the Judges were a bit harsh on Lakisha.

First, this is NOT a musical genre Lakisha is likely to perform any time in her life on a regular basis. Perhaps I'm assuming too much here but my gut tells me that Lakisha is NOT a country/western singer. As such, this tune from Lakisha's mouth just didn't set right. Which is not, I'd argue, to say that Lakisha didn't do a fine job so far as her vocals and voice depth were concerned. Maybe this song needs a bit of a country twang, something Lakisha does not have or would I want her to have.

Judges Randy and Paula gave the same vague complaint that I express above only now I've had more time to think about it. Frankly the idea is to have these contenders sing all sorts of musical genres as part of their "audition" before the American public. Not every singer is going to perform perfectly in every genre, of course. Let me re-phrase my critique of Lakisha's performance...for a non-country/western singer, Lakisha did a great job on her performance on Martina McBride night.

I think that Chris Richardson will be next to be booted off American Idol 2007, unless this campaign to keep Sanjaya ultimately fails. Chris Richardson is a singer who cannot hold a candle to Blake and forget about him beating female contenders Melinda, Lakisha or Jordin.

On country-western night, Chris sang "Mayberry" and I swear I heard him stumble on the lyrics. There was a definite hesitation in the lyrics "sipping on cherry ..." and a hesitation before the word "coke". This was mostly minor I suppose but at this stage in the competition the contestants should know their lyrics explicitly. Judge Randy said Chris showed "no emotion" with his song.

Next up, Melinda Doolittle sang "Trouble is a Woman With a Man on Her Mind". Melinda's fashion attire was a bit odd, as I'd imagine how Melinda or her "fashion advisors" deemed a country/western singer would dress. She looked fine, however, and Judge Simon declared her performance "fantastic" and yes, it was.

I thought it would be an off night for Blake Lewis but surprise was the order of the night. Blake performed Tim McGraw's "When Stars Go Blue". I thought I detected some pitchiness but I could be wrong. Judge Randy loved the song choice and the arrangement. I was surprised that this genre would sound so good when sung by Blake but as I smile, he did a wonderful job.

BEST PERFORMANCE-Jordin Sparks
BEST DRESS-Jordin Sparks
BEST SONG CHOICE FOR VOICE-Phil Stacey-"Where the Blacktop Ends"
WORST PERFORMANCE-Sanjaya, then Christopher Richardson
BIGGEST SURPRISE OF NIGHT-Lakisha is no country/western singer. No wait, maybe that's NOT a surprise
MY GUESS AS TO NEXT ELIMINATION-Sanjaya, then Chris Richardson

Below, the TOP SIX American Idol Finals for 2007:
Jordin Sparks
Lakisha Jones
Melinda Doolittle
Blake Lewis
Chris Richardson
Phil Stacey


Seattle and Minneapolis 1/16/07 and 1/17/07
Birmingham 1/30/07
San Antonio 2/6/07
The Top 24 2/12/2007
First Four Eliminated
3/1/07-Down to 16
The Top Twelve
Diana Ross and the Top Twelve
British Invasion
Gwen Stefani Tribute
Andy Williams Special
Jennifer Lopez Night
Martina McBride Night 4/18/07


More TV Reviews HERE
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