Matt Giraud Saved by the Judges!

April 15, 2009 – 10:20 pm

The judges have saved Matt Giraud, and no one was booted off Idol tonight. Matt got the least amount of votes, just as I predicted in my blog Tuesday night, but the dueling piano man from Kalamazoo, Mich., will get a second chance to win over America. I believe he can do it, but as Simon said, it will be hard since next week is Disco week. Because of the judges’ kindness tonight, two Idols will get the disco ball dropped on them and boogie on home in a double elimination.

It was no surprise that Lil Rounds and Anoop joined Matt Giraud in the bottom three. Anoop was in the bottom three for the third week in a row despite one of his best performances but was the first sent back to the safe couch. Lil could have easily been chopped tonight, so next week she will have to do amazingly well to survive. I believe Disco might give her that chance.

Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson came back to her starting place for an amazing performance of her new single, If This Isn’t Love. Much to my daughter’s delight, Miley Cyrus also made an appearance, singing The Climb.

Do you think that the judges made the correct call? Did he deserve to be saved? Do you think someone else should have actually been the one voted off tonight?  I love to know what you all think.   

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Unfortunately for Matt…

April 14, 2009 – 9:30 pm

 

I am watching tonight’s performances in Worcester, MA with my dear friends and fellow season 6ers Gina Glocksen and Melinda Doolittle.  We are all really excited that Quentin Tarantino is the guest judge.  Seriously!  How cool is that?

 

So the theme tonight is “Movie Songs”…  And apparently, because they talked so much and went over time last week, Simon will only be judging half the contestants tonight.  Which is a little dumb.  Simon is what keeps this show on the air.  Fifty bucks says we’ll be back at three judges next season - no offense intended for the judge that will not be with us.  Without Simon, how will any of us know what we think about these performances? 

 

Week by week, Adam continues to set himself apart as the “artist” of the group.  He came out and rocked the stage.  Quentin referred to him as “the real deal”

 

One of the big surprises of the night was Allison Irahetta, who wowed Simon enough for him to say that he could see her in the finals.  She sang “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing”.  Other great performances tonight came from Danny Gokey and Anoop Desai who has now gone two weeks in a row without the judges trashing him.  Way to go Anoop. 

 

I disagreed with the judges on Kris Allen and Lil Rounds.  Both suffered criticism while I thought they both were fantastic - Kris in particular.  It was one of my favorite performances of his.

 

Unfortunately, Matt seemed very nervous and a little worn out tonight.  He is an extraordinary talent, but my gut tells me he will be sent packing tomorrow night unless he can convince the judges he deserves to stay.

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The Judges Almost Saved Tonight’s Elimination

April 8, 2009 – 10:07 pm

After a night packed full of show stopping performances by several contestants which included a standing ovation for Adam Lambert by Simon Cowell, there was little doubt that Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds would be in the bottom three for tonight’s elimination.  Scott and Lil gave performances that were highly criticized by all four judges and seemed to have given some breathing room to the likes of Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud, who had been losing momentum over the past couple of weeks.

 

The evening was highlighted with performances by Frankie Avalon, Flo Rida, and Season 5 finalist, Kellie Pickler.  The contestants rounded the performances out with a group effort of “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue.

 

Joining Scott and Lil in the bottom three is Anoop Desai.  And at the end of the night, losing by only 30,000 votes, Scott MacIntyre is announced as the latest elimination from American Idol Season 8.  After nerve wrecking deliberation, the judges opt not to save him.

 

Scott is the 23-year-old crooner who is known for his piano skills and his triumph over his visual impairment.  He is from Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Great Night for Idol

April 7, 2009 – 9:42 pm

I am honored tonight to be hosting Felicia Barton (who was a semi-finalist this year on Idol) at my home with her husband and two year old son.  As our kids are running around the house screaming and making messes together, she is giving me the scoop on the contestants that are still in the competition.

The theme for tonight is songs from the year of the contestant’s births.  Usually I would be complaining about how it is impossible to be current with songs from the early 80’s, but as these contestants showed us last week, they LOVE singing songs this old.

Danny Gokey opened the show reminding me why I am such a big fan of his.  He gave the song “Stand By Me” a gospel feel – which I loved.  I am a big Danny Gokey fan and Felicia confirms what a great guy he is. 

Kris Allen sang “All She Wants To Do (is Dance)”.  The judges weren’t quite as keen on this performance as they have been the past few weeks, but Kris is in no danger of leaving.  He is a star and is still capable of pulling out an upset.

Allison Irahetta tore herself up some “I Can’t Make You Love Me If You Don’t”.  Early in the season, people were really only talking about Danny and Adam, but between Allison and Kris, we have a serious competition.  Simon questions her likability and he is right in doing so.  She has a hard time showing her personality, but she is definitely one of the best talents there.  Felicia and her husband think she reminds them of Kelly Clarkson a great deal.  I’m not exactly there because I think Allison has such a distinct style, but she is definitely in the same league.

Matt Giraud also showed up ready to impress.  He nailed “Part Time Lovers”.  To me, it was his best performance of the season so far.  He needed this performance tonight because he was starting to shift to the “No-Chance-To-Win” group, but he definitely proved he deserved to stay another week.

Adam Lambert performed “Mad World”.  It was my wife’s favorite performance from him.  He has amazing vocal control.  Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation – the first I have ever seen in 8 seasons.

Anoop did well, but I can’t imagine a bottom three without him this week.  To me, Scott and Lil are both on the chopping block unless a surprise elimination occurs.  What do you think?

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Megan Joy Will Sing No More

April 1, 2009 – 8:38 pm

Last night, American Idol finalists enjoyed an open book of song possibilities. Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey shined as usual while dark horse Kris Allen made another step toward the top of the pack with a brilliant arrangement of “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

After the votes were counted, it was Megan Joy who received the lowest number, becoming the latest elimination from American Idol Season 8.

Megan, the 22 year-old single mom from Sandy, Utah, ended her Idol run with a performance of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low”.

Megan was not the only contestant who received criticism during last evening’s performances. Allison Irahetta was given good comments on her musicality, but was reproached on her appearance, which landed her a spot in the bottom three with Megan and Anoop Desai.

Contestants on American Idol enjoy the help of stylists when creating a “look” for the show. But the stylists are not allowed to create a look or demand a specific look. Instead, they help the contestants attain the look each individual is trying to achieve. Therefore, each contestant is ultimately responsible for his or her own appearance on Idol.

Next week, the finalists return to battle it out using the songs from the years they were born.

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All Sunshine for Kris Allen

March 31, 2009 – 8:17 pm

Tonight’s theme was based on the most popular digital songs.  It was open-ended and gave the contestants the opportunity to show America what kind of record they would make.

While Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, and Adam Lambert definitely impressed, the standout of the evening was Scott MacIntyre who performed a stripped down version of the Billy Joel classic, “Just the Way You Are”.  Scott needed this performance to fuel up an Idol run that was running out of gas.  Another standout came from Kris Allen.  Kris, who usually accompanies himself on guitar, played piano tonight and gave us an interesting arrangement of “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

On the flip side, Megan Joy and Anoop Desai were both highly criticized for their performances of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and “Caught Up” respectively. 

Matt Giraud gave a rough performance, but does he deserve to go home?  What did you think of Lil” Round’s take on Celine Dion’s “All By Myself”?

 

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Michael Sarver Is Latest Axed on Idol

March 26, 2009 – 7:38 pm

Michael Sarver did not ask for clemency despite his song choice, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and was the latest American Idol to be axed.  The judges considered using their veto power to save the oil rigger and family man from Texas, but running out of time, Simon made an executive decision to end Michael’s Idol hopes.  Michael will now get to spend a few weeks with his family before returning to Los Angels for the finale and tour rehearsals in about a month.  

Surprisingly, Matt Giraud, the soulful piano player and one of the best from this week was in the bottom two with Michael Sarver while the more expected visually impaired piano man Scott MacIntyre rounded out the bottom three.  Scott MacIntyre was immediately sent back to the safety of the bleachers where Matt Giraud really belonged.

Matt Giraud did not look comfortable waiting his fate, but I would have been shocked if he was voted off.  I would have been more shocked if the judges did not don him the chosen Idol and give him the one pardon of the season.  But alas, he was safe and the judge’s save is still waiting to be used.   

We had a celebrity packed evening of performances including Ruben Studdard, Joss Stone, Smokey Robinson and lots of love from Stevie Wonder.  Stevie sang a medley of his songs and was able to sneak in a shout out to President Barack Obama.

Next week American Idol will return to the normal time slot, Tuesday at 7/8 PM and Wednesday at 8/9 PM on Fox. 

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Idol’s Groove to Motown

March 25, 2009 – 9:20 pm

American Idol’s Top 10 grooved to 50 years worth of Motown hits with Smokey Robison mentoring tonight’s show.  

Matt Giraud started off the night with Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”  I loved his falsetto and soulful licks.  The judges are now official fans and he joins the front-runner club.

Kris Allen impresses Smokey and the judges with his unique and easygoing “How Sweet It Is.”  Simon thinks he needs Simon lessons in swagger.     

Scott MacIntyre sang Diana Ross’ “Can’t Hurry Love.”  He chose to stick with the piano and go against Paula’s advice from last week.  Simon has finally turned on him with a classic “rubbish” review and has now given American permission to say what they have really been thinking about his performances.   

Megan Joy sang in her standard style “For Once In My Life.”  This really didn’t have any great stand out moments and she seemed to drown in the song.  It really was not good.

Anoop Desai stayed with his serious sensitive side singing “Oooo Baby Baby.”  He continued his return to favor with a clean solid performance.  I agree that now he has found his vocal sweet spot, he needs to start bringing his showmanship back into his performances.  If he can merge the last two weeks of great vocals with his first couple of weeks of energy then he is in the running for Top 5 or higher.     

Michael Sarver attempted “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”  He just didn’t hit his stride and it felt as if he was fighting with the song the entire time.  He admitted as much to Simon… sometime we as performers just know it isn’t going to work as we walk on the stage.   I thought he handled the judges well.   

Lil Rounds sings “Heat Wave” in the classic Motown way.  She obviously can sing but I was hoping she would do something a little more relevant, more reflective of something that could be on her album.  I think she really lost an opportunity to jump back in the front of the pack by not giving America a “moment.”

Adam Lambert reigned in the craziness and tenderly sang Smokey’s own, “Tracks of my Tears.”  He cleaned up his image, literally taking off the black nail polish, and sang the entire song in his great falsetto.  This is one of the first times that I not only appreciated his talent, but enjoyed it. 

Danny Gokey used his Michael McDonald voice to give America
“Get Ready.”  I liked it – but no secret that I really love his voice.  The judges didn’t think it was his best of the season but for the most part thought it was solid. 

Allison Iraheta wailed out “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”  I really love this girl’s voice.  She came out and used her pipes to SANG!  She was by far the best of the night.

Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy and Michael Sarver should be nervous about continuing on to next week.  We only have three females so I don’t think Megan is in real trouble and despite his lackluster performances, I really think America has a spot for Scott so my prediction is that Scott will be sent packing… I’m sure the “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and Judges’ Save Jokes are being written right now. 

What do you all think?  Who do you think will be sent home? 

You can watch tomorrow’s result show on Fox at 9:00 PM. 

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Alexis Grace Can’t Sing Herself to Safety.

March 18, 2009 – 8:55 pm

Alexis Grace performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.

Alexis Grace performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.

Louisville auditioner Alexis Grace is the latest axed from American Idol. The judges told the pink and blonde haired mom from Memphis that if she impressed while singing her farewell song, they would use their new power to save only one contestant the entire season. She did not perform up to the judges’ standards and is on her way home, leaving the judges to play their save card another time. If being sent home was not bad enough, she just missed a spot on the national “American Idols Live” Tour later this summer.

Alexis Grace sang Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” but the Dolly comparisons ended with Alexis’ blond hair and pretty face. The judges believed Alexis didn’t put enough “dirty” rock edge into Tuesday night’s performance, something they believe has carried her through the competition to this point.

The remaining final 10 Idols can now breath a sigh of relief because they have secured a spot on the official Idol tour. As a finalist during season six, I was able to go on the tour, which is a huge advantage in securing a record deal and media coverage. But more important, I was able to sing for the fans. It really is an amazing experience to travel the country for three months, meeting the people who helped keep you on the show. Tonight’s “Kiss Off” party, the final get-together highlighted in a video package, will be bittersweet since everyone but Alexis will be on the tour.

This is one of the strongest Top 10 we have had to date. The semifinals left some people doubting if this crop of Idol’s would be able to step up and deliver a great season with a superstar winner.  I believe we are well on our way.

One of the reigning queens of country and an American Idol superstar, Carrie Underwood, returned to the stage that made her famous singing with fellow Opry member and this week’s mentor, Randy Travis. They showed the Idols what America expects from winners!

Next week only, American Idol will air Wednesday at 8 PM and Thursday at 9 PM on Fox, highlighting the songs of Motown.

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Opry on Idol

March 17, 2009 – 8:49 pm

American Idol has gone country, choosing tonight’s songs from the catalogues of the Grand Ole Opry’s members.  I have had the honor of singing on the Grand Ole Opry stage several times, a highlight of my career!  The Opry has been very good to us Idol alumni.  Carrie Underwood was inducted into this excusive club last year and many of my peers, including Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington and Josh Gracin are regular guests. 

Country night was the week that I feel like I really hit my stride on the show.   I obviously have soft spot for the Opry and country music, having released my first album in the country market.  Thanks to all of you who bought the record this week.  I re-entered the charts and those who ponder these things attribute it to this blog!  Now on to Idol…   

Some of tonight’s Idols honored country music’s greatest stage with their performances. Anoop Desai left the silliness and returned to solid singing with Willie Nelson’s “You Are Always On My Mind.”  This performance reminded us that he is a great singer.  His vocals saved him because if this performance was not great, he probably would have gone home tomorrow.

Allison Iraheta rocked out “Blame It On Your Heart.”  I loved her raspy powerful vocals on this song.  Thought it was great!

Kris Allen is winning me over, more and more each week.  I thought his version of Garth Brooks’ Make You Feel My Love was a great song to highlight his talent.  It was a simple and nice performance that will definitely carry him through to next week.

Matt Giraud sang Carrie Underwood’s “So Small.”  He did a great soulful job but seemed a bit out of breath during the entire performance.  I have been a Matt fan from the beginning and tonight is no exception.    

Danny Gokey also sang Carrie Underwood.”  My Christian brother was anointed while singing “Jesus Take the Wheel.”  You could tell he was singing from his heart. I don’t see him coming to Nashville for country music but I hope he does join me in some aspect of the Contemporary Christian Music scene.  

Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert probably will not be hitting Nashville’s Music Row for a country record deal anytime soon either.

Lil Round was the least comfortable we have seen her all season.  She sang Martina McBride’s anthem “Independence Day.”  I think there were better songs for her, as did the judges.  I am waiting for the season when the “R&B” gal sings Rebecca Lynn Howard’s “Forgive.”  LaKisha Jones would have blown it out of the water during my season.

Regarding Adam Lambert’s “Ring of Fire” let me first say that I am a Johnny Cash fan. I live in Johnny Cash’s hometown of Hendersonville, TN.  My house is right off of the Johnny Cash Parkway.  I just didn’t like this rendition of “Ring of Fire.”  Honestly, I felt like Adam knew country wasn’t his thing so he just went completely over the top and a bit gimmicky/ tongue-in-cheek with his performance, ensuring everyone will be talking about him tomorrow.  That, I can understand and can even respect; his version of “Ring Of Fire”…not so much.   I couldn’t imagine him not sailing through.

I think that Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver will be in the bottom tomorrow.  Both performances were just too forgettable.     

So you think anyone from this crop of Idols will end up singing at the Opry? Did you love or hate Adam’s performance?  Who do you think did the best tonight?

I will be writing my blog from the road for the next couple of weeks.  I am actually on the “American Stars in Concert: Spring Break Tour” with Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glockson and Chikeezie.  Check out www.philstacey.com to check out the dates.  Hope to see you sometime soon! 

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