Thursday, November 11, 2010

Foxydonna on 'Idol' hiatus

Farmer's DaughterI have neglected this blog for months, and for some reason, today, I checked the stats and saw one person had actually visited it. I felt guilty! A little guilty, anyway. I normally take time off from all things 'Idol' after the season ends, but this, that hiatus has stretched into nearly six months. I guess this was due to my complete lack of interest in the aftermath of Season 9 and the flop that was their post-season tour.

Has there ever been a season where there was so little interest after the show ended that even I, an admitted 'Idol' addict, would neglect my blog for so many months? No, I don't think there has.

Season 10 is just over two months away, and I'm wondering how extensive my coverage will be this time around. I'm considering returning to my original 'Idol' writing home, Foxes on Idol, to do a weekly "Idol Thoughts" column again in honor of the tenth season. Foxes is where I started and I enjoyed writing to a wider, international audience.

I don't have to decide right now, however.

As for what's been going on since the season ended, well, I was not overly thrilled with the choices of judges. I can't fathom what Steven Tyler will bring to the table and J'Lo seems more interested in furthering her somewhat anemic career than really being on 'Idol.' But I'll reserve judgment on all of this.

I'm looking forward to Crystal Bowersox's debut album, Farmer's Daughter, due out December 14. Lee's debut, Live it Up, drops next week (Nov. 16).

So, that's an update in case anyone was wondering where the heck I've been!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Carrie Underwood ties the knot

Carrie Underwood married Mike Fisher Saturday in an elaborate and pricey ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, in Greensboro, Ga.

In a statement to 'People,' the newlyweds write: “We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us! Mike and Carrie Fisher"

The hotel has been on lockdown since Friday morning when guests were informed they would have to check out by noon. Various reports indicate that Carrie booked the entire hotel, including the $4,000 a  night Presidential cottage, where she and her groom will spend their first night together as husband and wife.

People reports that Carrie wore a Chantilly lace dress by Monique  Lhuillier, who also designed the bridesmaids’ dresses.


Guests began arriving Friday afternoon for a rehearsal dinner that was followed by fireworks over the lake. Security has cordoned off the area both on land and on the water surrounding the facility.

Video: Bo Bice and Melinda Doolittle "People Get Ready"

A couple of weeks ago Bo Bice and Melinda Doolittle taped an appearance on TBN's Praise the Lord. The show aired Friday and featured a powerful duet between the two. Check it out.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

July 1: Idols on the charts

Play On
Carrie Underwood's Play On is the only Idol-related album in the Billboard 200 Top 100 this week, but Adam Lambert's For Your Entertainment got a little bump, most likely due to his GlamNation tour. Clay Aiken's Tried and True continues its slide, dropping to No. 167. At this rate, the album will be off the charts within two weeks. 
Billboard 200 (Albums)
  • 27. Play On (Carrie Underwood): LW 23, 34 weeks on the charts (1.621M total)
  • 108. For Your Entertainment (Adam Lambert): LW 121, 30 weeks on the charts (671K total)
  • 110. Leave This Town (Daughtry): LW 75, 50 weeks on the charts (1.086M total)
  • 166. Daughtry (Daughtry): LW 175, 2 weeks on charts (reentered 6/11) (4.694M total)
  • 167. Tried and True (Clay Aiken): LW 77, 4 weeks on the charts (41K total)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Jennifer Hudson - Behind the Music

This week, VH1 debuted 'Behind the Music - Jennifer Hudson,' and if you haven't caught the show, it's well worth checking out.  The special documents Jennifer Hudson's life from childhood to present, focusing on the highs and lows this remarkable young woman has experienced in the past six years. 

The show is also the first time Jennifer has addressed the horrific murders of her mother, brother, and nephew, allegedly at the hand of her sister's estranged husband.

"It's all a blur, it was surreal," she says . "It was like I was outside of myself."  After the murders, Jennifer went into seclusion, seeing only close family and friends, and as she said in the interview, praying.

This tragic event could have destroyed Jennifer, but her faith, family, fiance, and close friends brought her through and gave her the strength to continue.  Clearly, though, Jennifer isn't letting this tragedy define her and is moving forward with her career and life as a mother.

You can watch the full interview here.


Here's a clip:

Thursday, June 24, 2010

June 24: Idols on the charts

For Your EntertainmentBoth Adam Lambert's For Your Entertainment and Daughtrty's Leave This Town moved up on the charts this week, and Clay Aiken's Tried and True hung in there for a third week. Check out where the Idols landed up on this week's charts.

Billboard 200 (Albums)
  • 23. Play On (Carrie Underwood): LW 22, 33 weeks on the charts
  • 75. Leave This Town (Daughtry): LW 84, 49 weeks on the charts
  • 77. Tried and True (Clay Aiken): LW 47, 3 weeks on the charts
  • 110. For Your Entertainment (Adam Lambert): LW 121, 30 weeks on the charts
  • 175. Daughtry (Daughtry): LW 155, 2 weeks on charts (reentered 6/11)
Idols on the singles charts
It's still pretty grim for 'Idol' singles on the charts. For the second week in a row there are just two in the Hot 100, Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" (No. 25) and Adam Lambert's "Whataya Want From Me (No. 41). No sign of anyone from Season 9!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Carrie Underwood to marry July 10

Just Jared is reporting an article in Life and Style magazine has pinpointed the date of Carrie Underwood's marriage to Ottawa Senators' hockey player Mike Fisher as July 10. Carrie has not made an official announcement. According to the article, Carrie and Mike will honeymoon in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Tuesday night, Carrie performed at Bridgstone Arena in Nashville as part of Nashville Rising, a benefit concert for flood relief.

In other 'Idol' wedding news, Kellie Pickler is now engaged to songwriter Kyle Jacobs. According to People, Kyle popped the question on June 15 on a beach. 

Friday, June 18, 2010

'American Idol' Season 9 tour looks like a bust

With less than two weeks to go until the July 1 kickoff of this season's 'American Idols Live' tour, reports are filtering in that ticket sales are extremely slow - so slow, in fact, that Live Nation has been offering special package deals for the shows. In addition, there have been several "Ryan Special" days where seats are being sold for $20 or so plus handling charges.

This is unprecedented and indicates to most 'Idol' watchers that sales for this season's show are even more anemic than those for Season 6's tour, which was the biggest flop to date. I checked availability at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, which is the closest venue to where I live. If I were willing to fork over $85.50, I could still get a floor seat (Row U, seat 6) for the show (see chart). Earlier this week, I checked the same venue and the same seat was available. In past years, the only seats available this close to the start of the tour were in nosebleed heaven! What's interesting is that the "Ryan Special" seats were in Section 204. Clearly, this venue is far from being sold out and the production company is desperate to fill it. What next? Free seats?

None of this surprises me. This season's Top 10 failed to ignite much excitement, and obviously, there are a lot of people who are choosing to skip this summer's tour. I probably would have gone to the show had it come to Syracuse, but certainly not for $85.50.

June 18: Idols on the charts

After debuting last week at No. 9, Clay Aiken's Tried and True  plummeted to No. 47 on this week's Billboard 200 albums chart. Also noteworthy, American Idol: Season 9 dropped off the charts after only five weeks.
Tried and True 
Billboard 200 (Albums)
Idols on the singles charts
It's pretty grim for 'Idol' singles on the charts. This week, there are just two in the Hot 100, Carrie Underwood's "Undo It" (No. 23) and Adam Lambert's "Whataya Want From Me (No. 40). No sign of anyone from Season 9!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

June 10: Idols on the charts

Tried and TrueClay Aiken has returned to the charts this week with the debut of Tried and True, an album of standards. The album, which sold 22,000 copies in its first week, debuts at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.

Billboard 200 (Albums)
  •  9. Tried and True (Clay Aiken): Debut - 22,000 total
  • 24. Play On (Carrie Underwood): LW 24, 31 weeks on the charts 1.575 million total
  • 72. Leave This Town (Daughtry): LW 77, 47 weeks on the charts- 1.07 million total
  • 78. For Your Entertainment (Adam Lambert): LW 72, 28 weeks on the charts - 657,000 total
  • 130. American Idol: Season 9 (Cast): LW 110, 4 weeks on the charts - 21,000 total
  • 147. Daughtry (Daughtry): Re-entry- 4.683 million total
Idols on the singles charts
Last week, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox hit the charts with a total of five singles. This week, Crystal has disappeared, and all that's left are two singles by Lee. Not a good sign for the longevity of this season's Idols. Here's the rather brief list of Idol-related singles on the Hot 100. 
  • 25. "Undo It" (Carrie Underwood) : LW 25 
  • 40. “Whataya Want From Me” (Adam Lambert): LW 35
  • 72. "Beautiful Day" (Lee DeWyze): LW 24
  • 76. "Hallelujah" (Lee DeWyze): LW 44

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Video: Scott MacIntyre on 'Jimmy Kimmel'

One of my favorite Season 8 Idols, Scott MacIntyre, proves that not only can he sing, but he also has a good sense of humor and some acting chops. Check out this video (courtesy MJ's BigBlog) of Scott on Friday's 'Jimmy Kimmel' show!

Allison Iraheta's "Don't Waste the Pretty" featuring Orianthi

Season 8 fourth place finisher, Allison Iraheta, hasn't made quite the splash many of us expected, but that may change once the new single, "Don't Waste the Pretty"  (from her debut album Just Like You) hits the airwaves next week. The song, which has been remixed and features some fierce guitar links from Orianthi, has just the right mix of rock and pop, and should really take off.

Add to that the fact that Allison and Orianthi are opening for Adam Lambert's GlamNation Tour, and I think Allison may finally get the recognition she deserves.

To check out the song, click here and scroll down to the audio link. I'm loving this song!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

June 3: Idols on the charts

Welcome back 'Idol' fans. I took a week off, but now I'm back and the first order of business is to check out how our newly hatched Idols did on the singles' charts. This is the first week iTunes is allowed to release sales figures for Idol downloads to SoundScan, which feeds the Billboard charts.

Historically, the charts are heavy with 'Idol' tunes this first week of eligibility. But in keeping with the seeming lack of enthusiasm for this year's finalists, the best this season's contestants do is a No. 24 debut for Lee DeWyze's "Beautiful," giving Lee the distinction of having the lowest placed 'Idol' winners' single in the show's history.

Last season, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert combined for nine songs in the Hot 100. This year, Crystal and Lee have only five, one of which is there duet of "Falling Slowly." Click here for an analysis of Idol winners on the charts.

At any rate, here's how all the Idols did this week on the Hot 100.
  • 24. "Beautiful Day" (Lee DeWyze): Debut
  • 25. "Undo It" (Carrie Underwood) : LW 59
  • 35. “Whataya Want From Me” (Adam Lambert): LW 29
  • 44. "Hallelujah" (Lee DeWyze): Debut
  • 57. "Up To The Mountain" (Crystal Bowersox): Debut
  • 66. "Falling Slowly" (Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox): Debut
  • 81. "Leave Right Now" (Will Young - Idol boot song): Debut
  • 88. "The Boxer" (Lee DeWyze): Debut

Billboard 200 (Albums)
  • 24. Play On (Carrie Underwood): LW 35, 30 weeks on the charts
  • 72. For Your Entertainment (Adam Lambert): LW 62, 27 weeks on the charts
  • 77. Leave This Town (Daughtry): LW 58, 46 weeks on the charts
  • 110. American Idol: Season 9 (Cast): LW 82, 3 weeks on the charts

Friday, May 28, 2010

Video: Crystal on 'Ellen,' Crystal on Ryan's radio show

From MJ's Big Blog, Crystal's interview on Ellen Degeneres' show:



Crystal discussing breakup with her boyfriend on Ryan's radio show:

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

'American Idol 9' - What started in Chicago ends tonight

Welcome to the final live blog of the season! Phew! Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

Lots of teasing about what "started out in Chicago." Interesting that Crystal and Lee met at the first audition all those months ago and are the last two standing. Ryan teases us by telling us that only two percent separates the two finalists. It's rather vague, though, in that he said "all season."

Ryan intros the judges, including Simon Cowell who is sitting at the Idol judging panel for the very last time. Crystal and Lee take the stage dressed in school children outfits. They are overwhelmed. We see the hometown crowds in Toledo, Ohio and Mt. Prospect, IL. Janell Wheeler is hosting Crytal's party.

First number is "our Top 12" singing "School's Out for Summer." Orianthi is on lead guitar and totally overshadows the finalists. Casey introduces Alice Cooper who continues the tune, drowning out our Top 12 completely. They all stomp around and look totally stupid.

After a slew of commercials, Kris Allen performs his new single, "The Truth." There's some kind of sound screw-up at the beginning and we hear Ryan talking over the opening. Kris seems to be lip synching this one. It was just one year ago that we had that strange moment when Kris was declared the winner and his mouth fell open in shock.

Bo Bice and Kimberly Caldwell are in the house.

After Kris sings, Ryan starts out a video "tribute" to Simon. Clips of early audition rounds, including Juanita Barber ("What About the Chillrun") and William Hung! Tee hee. Lots more to come, we are warned.

Siobhan and Aaron start out singing "How Deep is Your Love," and are joined by Robin and Barry Gibb, the two surviving Bee Gees. Unfortunately, Siobhan ends up singing better than Barry and Aaron shakes nervously. Jordin Sparks is dancing in the aisles and David Hasselhoff offers up some polite applause when it ends.

Back from another long commercial break, Michael Lynche is on the Adam Lambert Memorial Staircase singing "Takin' it to the Street" and intros Michael McDonald. The Michaels continue the song.

Now, a special song by Dane Cook featuring some of Simon's best insults. "Simon Said" is pretty cool, but the best part was bringing out some of the contestants that Simon said these things too - the Brittenum Twins, Tatiana DelToro, Ian Bernardo, and Renaldo Lapuz! I think Normund Gentle was in there too, but can't rewind because my dog ate my remote. Wow! That was great!

Lacey, Didi, Katie, Siobhan, Paige, and Crystal open up "Beautiful."  Gee, do you think Christina Aguilera is the next guest? The girls sound horrible, except Paige, who is actually rather good. Yup, Katie intros Christina, who had to be cringing back stage listening to them butcher her songs. A slew of dancers come leaping out along with her. Show them how it's done girl!

While Christina is singing, let me toss in one complaint. Why all the "old" performers on this show tonight? Are they trying to appeal to the older viewers? Well, if so, they're not. I'm pretty old and I don't really want to listen to bad performances by people who used to be amazing. End of rant.

Ricky Gervais is on camera from some remote location to honor his "good friend" Simon. "You only take 80 percent of their wages!" Heh! Gervais continues on, wondering if they can go round by Simon's house because he just "throws away money."

Lee opens "I Can't Go For That" and is joined by his good buddy Andrew. The rest of the Top 12 boys join in. There's Timmeh! Big Mike jumps on the stage and the theater rumbles.It's a Hall and Oates medley, so guess who the next guests are! Darryl Hall and John Oates emerge. At least they can still sing, unlike poor Barry Gibb. The boys sing backup.

Ryan chats with Crystal's father who is looking fly in his leather outfit. I love Crystal's dad! Crystal opens "Ironic" and intros Alanis Morrisette. Crystal blows Alanis away.

We return. Ryan intros Carrie, saying it's hard to believe it's been five years since this next performer was crowned! She's singing her new single "Undo It."  Carrie's lookin' fierce in leather and high boots. This song is closer to pop than country, actually, and I am rather enjoying it. Best performance of the night (but that's not saying much)! After the performance, Ryan tells us Carrie wrote this song with Kara.

The Idols get their new cars in a pre-recorded clip featuring Kris Allen. They are getting the very same Ford Fiestas with the graphics they created. They don't seem all that excited, though? This leads us into a "best of" the season's Ford videos. Crystal and Lee are on stage. Crystal says she's having a blast.

Casey James is up next singing "Every Rose has its Thorns." And then, Bret Michaels returns from the dead to sing along with him. Wow. Wasn't expecting him. It's not often a celebrity gets that close to dying and then shows up on Idol a few weeks later. Somehow, though I'm a bit nervous watching him.

Ryan announces next season's auditions are going live on MySpace. Not sure exactly what that means, but we'll check it out later.

Lee is singing with Chicago - completely out of tune, natch. Lee sounds like he's giving birth, but the guy singing for Chicago isn't much better. This is pretty awful.

Matt Rogers (Season 3) is in Mt. Prospect with the crazed Lee fans. Then there's another video montage tribute to Simon. Paula's featured on these vids, but so far, we haven't seen her in the theater. I'm betting she'll make a grand entrance at some point.

General Larry Platt performs "Pants on the Ground." Larry busts some moves putting the young 'uns on stage with him to shame. He is joined by William Hung!!! This has to be the worst finale yet, but in some perverse way, I'm totally digging it's awfulness. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I'm following along on the VFTW message board!

Another clip of Paula reminiscing about Simon. Is it time for Paula's big entrance? She says she's proud to be his friend. And here she is on the Idol stage once again! The judges all stand. She greets the judges, finishing up with Simon. She goes on and on and on. Jeez!  She says the show will go one without him, just like it went on without her.

More video clips with Frank Sinatra singing "My Way" in the background.  After this barf-fest, Kelly Clarkson is up, along with Ruben and Fantasia. Carrie joins them and then Jordin! They even invited Taylor! Kris Allen comes up last. No David Cook? They are singing "Together We are One." Wow, a gathering or winners! They are joined by an assortment of former Idols all dressed in white. I see Bo, Archie, Constantine, Diana, Blake, Castro, Justin G, Elliott... too many to name. Paula is sitting in Simon's lap. This might be the only performance I'll watch again.

Simon hits the stage. He says he didn't think he'd be this emotional and that it's great to have "this little one" back (Paula). He chokes up. He thanks everyone and hugs Ryan and Paula.

How are they gonna follow that? Oh, with another group sing! "Our Top 12" had a quick change from their white Simon Cowell tribute outfits to black. They are joined by Janet Jackson singing  who's chopped off all her hair. Wow. It's like listening to Michael. Of course, it's lip synched, so it might be Michael.

JJ drops the vampire dress and we're off with some "Nasty Boys." Finally, something we can dance to. This show's felt like a funeral so far or an homage to entertainers past their prime!

Now, with about six minutes left, we turn our attention back to Crystal and Lee, and their journey from Chicago to this moment. They are singing "With a Little Help From My Friends." And of course, Joe Cocker takes his cue. He looks about 80! Actually, he looks like Fred Sanford! No joke. He can still wail, though. Taylor Hicks must be having a conniption!

Finally, we are going to find out the winner. Edward Boddington makes his annual appearance with the certified voting results in an envelope. "After the nationwide vote, I can now tell you the winner of American Idol 2010 is... Lee DeWyze."  Fireworks explode in Mt. Prospect. Our Top 12 surround Lee who is overcome with emotion. "OMG, OMG," he keeps saying. "I've never been happier in my life." Now he has to sing "Beautiful Day."  Confetti falls, Lee yowls his song, and we are, blessedly out!

Thanks to all of you who took this journey with me this year despite the mid-season blog switch! I intend to continue to posts tidbits here, especially once the tour gets underway. There's always lots of fodder during the tour. Watch for the Idols on Larry King Live Friday, if you can stand it! And with that, I'm out...

'American Idol 9' - I've got issues!

 Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze at a press conference Monday

The finale hasn't even aired and I've already got issues! I mean, really, this season has been dismal from the start, but when was the last time a Top 2 performance show was so lopsided? Season 6 maybe (Jordin Sparks vs. Blake Lewis)? And what's positively galling is that despite having flopped like a dead fish on the biggest night of his performing life to date, Lee is probably going to win it all.

Here are my issues in no particular order:
  • No coronation song - Sure, they're schlocky and cornball, and pretty much everything bad, but these stupid songs have become an Idol staple. So why covers this year? And why these covers? U2 for Lee was a ridiculous choice. At least Crystal's song was something she could actually sing, but will anyone ever play either of these songs on the radio? No.
  • Simon Fuller should be taken out backed and walloped for picking "Black Velvet" for Crystal. We've heard that song dozens of times on this show and it's tired and old. It's 2010, people, why not something a little fresher? 
  • Which leads me to my next issue. Rather than some tired old cover song for their first single, why couldn't they have sung one of their own songs? Both Crystal and Lee have original songs that are decent. If the purpose of this show is to find a new recording artist, why not let us judge them on something original. This was the perfect opportunity and Idol blew it.  
  •  Finally, it comes back to Lee, who as I said earlier, will probably win. Why? He's a male and the women who watch this show generally don't vote for other women. There are legions of women swooning over every move Lee makes as though he were some rock god or something. He's not. But he's a male and that's going to get him a lot of votes. Crystal will "Clay" Lee, just like Adam is "Claying" Kris. So what's the point? You win, but you're runner-up clobbers you in sales? Might as well just declare them co-winners and dispense with all the drama. 
I am so glad this season is almost over. It's been a struggle from the get-go and I'm wondering how involved I'm going to want to be next time around. Oh, I'll try, but Idol has definitely lost its luster for me.We'll be back later for a play-by-play of the finale. As usual, I'll be watching so you won't have to!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

'American Idol 9' - Top 2 performance show recap


Well, this is it folks. Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze are facing off to determine who will be the winner of American Idol 9. We'll be live-blogging starting at 8 p.m. and invite you to join in!

Cold opening with clips of Lee and Crystal in their first audition video clip. Mashup of performances. Each of them say, "I am the next American Idol." Ryan pipes in with, "But only one will have that chance," and we're live. Ryan enters the Nokia Theater L.A. Live and is greeted by 7,000 fans. I love finales!

Ryan intros the judges. Crystal and Lee enter through the crowd. Crystal drops her mike. Nervous much? She hugs her boyfriend and takes the stage. Lee says, "Wow!"  Crystal says, "This is a lot of people," and Lee says, "Hello everybody."

Ryan tells us there are three songs, one chosen by the contestants, one by Simon Fuller, and their own personal coronation song. Crystal won the coin toss and will go second. Thus, Lee is up first.

Lee DeWyze - "The Boxer"

Little video of his parents prior to Lee's performance who talk about his aspirations to be a baseball player. Lee already looks like he's got tears in his eyes. He's not quite in tune and there's some kind of funky camera mess in the middle. His father looks like he's in a trance. It's actually better than the first time. Too many "la la lies," though. The audience seems to love it.

Randy says this is a great way to start off the night, but isn't sure it was energetic enough. Ellen says she couldn't be prouder if she "birthed him herself." Kara agrees with Randy and says Lee has to "punch harder." Simon says, "This is the big one, right, so I would expect a lot more passion, excitement... That was a kiss on the cheek, when I want a kiss on the lips." Heh!

Crystal Bowersox - "Me and Bobby McGee"

Crystal's father says she found her mother's guitar when she was ten and taught herself to play. She thought it was a Christmas present!  Crystal looks just as cool as ever. This is a great song as it really shows off her clear voice. She has a great tone and keeps it on point. It feels like a little celebration of her journey. I love it.  Whoa, Crystal done brung it!!!

Randy says it started a little bit slow, picked it up in the middle, and at the end returned to the Crystal they love. Ellen thinks Crystal is so compelling on the stage - you and that guitar filling up the room. Kara says she loved it the first time and loved it this time. "You have fire in your belly." Simon says this is Crystal, back on her best. "We've got a competition tonight."

Round one to Crystal!

Simon Fuller's choice

Lee - "Everybody Hurts"

This song is totally not in Lee's range. He is totally off to start with. I grimace, it's that bad. Not a good choice at all. Is Fuller trying to throw Lee under the bus with this? Awful, simply awful, and Lee knows it too. Even the choir couldn't save this mess.

Randy thinks this was better? What? Ellen says he really got into it a couple of times, but then pulled back. She wants more. Kara says what makes Lee great as a performer is that he's emotionally accessible. Simon thinks this was a brilliant choice, but points out that he went off a bit. He wants a ten out of ten on the last performance.

Crystal - "Black Velvet"

No guitar for Crystal this time, and she's in a black dress with heels. I just had a little Kelly Clarkson flashback.  She tears it up, fluffs the lyrics a little, but tears it up. The audience doesn't look too into it, though. It's not as good as her first song, but better than Lee's song, I think.

Randy says, "Mamasox is in it to win it!" Ellen comments on the wardrobe change. Ellen gives her a standing "O." Kara says this is the night to do it all and "that's what you were doing." Simon says he had a little problem because he's almost allergic to the song, but says, "You took that song and you absolutely nailed it. I'm very impressed."

Round two to Crystal.

Coronation song (i.e. the single the winner will record)

Lee - "Beautiful Day"

He doesn't seem to know this song at all and is even more out of tune than normal. People are all excited, but I'm not quite sure why. This is terrible. There are simply no words.

Randy says, "Good on you." Ellen asks Lee how he feels. He says he feels good and he's feelin' it. Ellen says watching the process she can see he was in it, taking in all the energy. Kara says she thinks he got swallowed up in the song, but that he's grown the most and has the most commercial voice. "You deserve to be here." Simon thinks Lee made the most of it. He says it's his final time to judge this show and this is what the show is all about. "I genuinely wish the best for you, you're a great guy."

Lee says he wants to be doing this for the rest of his life and appreciates all the support. "I love you guys very much," he finishes.

Crystal - "Up to the Mountain" 

The song has a bit of a gospel tinge, and in fact, she gets the choir. It's really like a typical coronation song with peaceful valleys over the mountain, and such, but at least it has a little substance to it.  She actually does a pretty good job with it, all things considered.  It sounds a bit like "Change Gone Come." Crystal loses it at the end.

Randy says, "This is what this show is about - an amazing song, by an amazing singer." He thinks this was her best performance ever. Ellen says we're always looking for someone unique and that Crystal is in a league of her own. Ellen will buy her album and see her on tour. She's happy to be witness to the rise of Crystal's career.

Kara says at times Crystal's walls have been up, but this time, she was completely involved. Crystal interrupts to speak to Simon. She says he's been amazing, and thanks him for all the help and wisheView Blogs him well!  Simon says this was "by far the best performance of the night." His final critique ever (on Idol at least)... "That was outstanding!"

Round 3 to Crystal.

Will Young, winner of the first Pop Idol, sings us out with "Leave Right Now," and we see a video montage of the season. When he finishes, the Top 12 are on the stage and we are out.

So, Crystal won the night on my scorecard. Thus, she should win the title. Simple as that.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Video: Crystal singing in the Chicago subway

Here's a video of Crystal singing in a Chicago subway station. Not sure of the vintage, but it's pre-dreadlocks, so I'd say at least two years old. Doesn't matter, this girl had it then and sure has it now. Check it out.

Video: Adam Lambert performs in Boston

Adam Lambert rocked the stage Saturday night at the annual KISS (Boston) summer concert. Here are videos from the show:





Saturday, May 22, 2010

Video roundup: Lambert on Leno, Normund Gentle, David Archuleta

Here are some of today's hottest videos! First, Adam Lambert performs "If I Had You" on Friday's Tonight Show:



Season 8's Normund Gentle's "Bitchslap:"



David Archuleta at the the the Apple Cupertino, CA campus:

May 21: Idols on the charts

Chris Daughtry and his band get a nice boost on the Billboard 200 after their appearance on the May 11 edition of American Idol. Leave This Town jumps from No. 85 to No. 51, an impressive 44 spots. Not such great news for Jason Castro, however, as his self-titled debut drops off the charts after six weeks.

A new Idol-related album hits the charts this week. American Idol: Season 9  featuring the Season 9 Top 10 enters the Billboard 200 at No. 77. Click here for the track listing.


Billboard 200 (Albums)

Billboard Hot 100 (Singles)