3-31-2009 American Idol LIVE Update

I read an article online earlier about how Paula and Kara actually don't talk to each other while off the camera, like they don't get along or don't like each other or something...So what? How many people like people they work with? Besides, they're all actors! They have to be because they're almost always in the public eye! Of course they know better than to show their feud on stage! Duh!

AT40 Week. This better be good, as the contestants get to pick their own songs. Which should mean they'll either sing songs they're good at, know well, or sing songs they like. So, let's find out!

1. Anoop Dogg: "Caught Up"
The AI makeover sure did a good job with Anoop. He went from a cute nerd to a cute hip-looking guy! I was hoping he would stick with ballads because I think he's much better at it, but I suppose he's gotta switch it up?! I thought he did a good job. He sounded good, but nothing extraordinary about it.

2. Megan Joy: "Turn Your Lights Down Low"
She really has a unique voice! The voice doesn't really match her look! Regardless, I'm a fan of her voice. I just love her voice! I think she did good, but it was a safe song choice for her for me. Nothing to really showcase her vocal ability.

3. Danny: "What Hurts The Most"
I thought he definitely could accomplish the "singing his heart out" part. I had no doubt given the name of the song as well as his loss of his wife and most recently his grandmother. I think he did an awesome job. Vocals were great. Great performance.

4. Allison: "Don't Speak"
I thought she did a good job! At first I thought it was going to be a little copycat but I liked the little changes toward the end of the song. It was a nice version. I am still amazed that she's only just 16!

5. Scott: "Just The Way You Are"
Hey, he got a haircut! About time! As soon as I heard this was the song he was singing, I knew he was going to be in his element. It was the perfect song for him. Great job!

6. Matt: "You Found Me"
I love it that he didn't just sing on stage! Very MTV Music Awards-esque! The song didn't start too well for me but he got better and better. Overall, I think he did a good job.

7. Lil: "I Surrender"
Love her look tonight! She looks fantastic! Not an easy song to sing. The only one person I thought pulled it off was Kelly Clarkson. I thought Lil did okay but I'm just surprised of her song choice! Celine Dion?! I totally would expect her to sing Whitney Houston or something.

8. Adam: "Play That Funky Music"
Adam is definitely original and unique. He is definitely growing on me. When I heard he was singing this song I knew he was going to be great at it. He made the song his own like he did with "Satisfaction". It may be a little over-the-top from time to time but he's definitely a performer/entertainer. I thought it was great.

9. Kris: "Ain't No Sunshine"
He is just so talented, ain't he?! He plays the guitar AND he plays the piano?! That is so cool. I am very envious of musicians who know how to play multiple instruments. You know, before the commercial break I thought it would be hard for Kris to follow Adam's performance, but he pulled it off and more! I thought his performance was great! I loved it!

This season's contestants are all oh-so-strong singers, it is really tough to say who's going home next. But, someone's gotta go home! My predictions for the bottom 3 are Anoop, Megan, and Lil.

3-25-2009 American Idol Recap

Tonight's theme is Motown. I personally love motown so let's see how they do!

First up...Matt! Go Matt!

1. Matt: "Let's Get It On"
There is definitely nothing wrong with you, Matt! I think you're awesome!
I think he did an okay job. I know he can do better. He definitely got the JT vibe goin' on tonight!

2. Kris: "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)"
I thought it was a good version and that he did a good job. He has a really nice voice.

3. Scott: "You Can't Hurry Love"
What's up with Scott singing all these female-sung songs? Well, I suppose Phil Collins sang it too...
I thought he opened the song well and there were some good parts here and there. The performance wasn't great but it was okay.
(What I think: Compared to the other 2 guys already performed, I don't think Scott did as good.)

4. Megan: "For Once In My Life"
I can't believe she's a mother! Why does she move like that? It is so weird! Going back to the singing (sorry I got side-tracked)...I like her voice and everything but it didn't stand out in the actual performance! For some reason her voice stood out more in the rehearsal with Smokey! I was a bit disappointed in the performance, 'cuz I know she can do better. But, everyone can always do better, right?!

5. Anoop Dogg: "Ooh Baby Baby"
I think Anoop should stick to ballads 'cuz he's much better at it! It really showcased his vocals. I thought he did a very good job!

6. Michael: "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"
I've always liked this song because it gets you on your feet. But I didn't like Michael's version. I felt like he was trying too hard and changed too much to the song. It wasn't good. Paula and Randy agreed.

7. Lil: "Heat Wave"
I don't think she can sing the phone book (remember her last week's performance of country song "Independence Day"?), but I thought she picked a better song tonight. I think the style suits her. Vocals weren't extraordinary but okay performance.

8. Adam: "The Track of My Tears"
I liked his look tonight! Very theme-fitting. I think Adam should sing more ballads because it makes his voice sound a lot less annoying (to me). I thought his performance was very strong and very good. OMG, what am I saying?! I don't even like him! But I do know to give credit when due - he really was good tonight. He is definitely a performer and belongs on stage. Obviously his experiences performing on stage or theater paid off!

9. Danny: "Get Ready"
I thought it was a very solid performance. He makes his performances look so effortless! I was just surprised that he did not take Smokey's suggestions!

10. Allison: "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"
I thought it was a great song for Allison and I thought she did an awesome job! Gosh, only 16!

My bottom 3 predictions are Scott, Megan, and Michael.

Tyrone on tonight's Chuck!

So, remember I blogged awhile ago that Tyrone got a co-star role on NBC's Chuck, episode titled "Chuck Versus the Predator"? Well, it aired (finally) earlier tonight! Did you guys watch/catch it? If not, I recorded the scene he's in and posted on my YouTube Channel!

Here it is! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e7bRDIqvfY&feature=channel_page

You can also watch the full episode on NBC.com. Remember to check out my blog and my YouTube Channel periodically for the latest updates/videos! http://www.youtube.com/iliketosingalot

3-17-2009 American Idol LIVE Update

I'm actually watching the show on my TiVo as I am typing; that's why I am calling this a "Live Update".

This week's theme is COUNTRY! Country music has only recently grown on me, so we'll see how this goes.

1. Michael
The song is a bit too country for me. I actually don't even know this song. But regardless, country boy is doing his thing and I am glad to see a roughneck pursuing his dream.

2. Allison
Not too crazy about the flower on her hair, but I suppose I am willing to overlook it because she has a good voice. For some reason though, her performance reminded me of Miley Cyrus?! Was it just me, or did you see it too? The way she performed, the way she moved, looked like they were Miley's moves!

3. Kris
I agree with Randy. Travis, that is. I personally think this is Kris' best performance yet. I haven't heard him sing a ballad song, and I am definitely liking this much better than his performances of the Michael Jackson songs he sang. Now is review time, and apparently Paula and Simon think so too. Actually, all the judges agree with me!

4. Lil
I thought it was just okay. She definitely got the pipes but I was hoping there would be some twang in there. Nice try though.
Note: Simon just cracked me up with the "Little" name-calling. Also, JUST SHUT UP, LIL! Sometimes it's better to just not say anything.

5. Adam
As much as I don't care for Adam, I do give him an A+ for making the song his own. This is exactly what Lil should've done. She should have or could have put her R&B spin on the country song to make it her own. But instead she failed in her attempt and went on to blame that it wasn't her thing. Whatever. Excuses, excuses. We've heard it all before. Every AI contestant, including rocker Adam, has to go or is going through it as well. I personally don't even like the song Adam is singing now but his originality definitely scores high in my book. Randy, Jackson, is my dawg on this one.

6. Scott
Gosh I wish I can play the piano. I am so touched that someone like Scott with vision impairment can play the piano. Good for him. Okay, going back to the song performance: Good vocals, but not great. I know he's not entirely blind, nor does he have the best vocals, but I hope he can be the white Stevie Wonder. One day. Eventually.

7. Alexis
Maybe she's nervous?! I thought the song started okay. Perhaps I was expecting more since Randy (Travis) said in the video clip that he thought it was perfect?! I don't think it was perfect...But I still like her anyway.

8. Danny
The song started just okay. But when the chorus part came and when Danny started singing those high powerful notes I was like YES! There's the Danny I love! I love his voice when he hits the high powerful notes! Good job! Kara and Randy Jackson both agree with me.

9. Anoop
Another surprising performance for me. This is the first time I'm hearing Anoop singing a ballad and I am pleasantly surprised! Good song choice and I thought he sang it great. Definitely, 100%, better than his last 2 performances. Wow, Simon just said the 2 things I just said!

10. Megan
I think she looks great tonight. Very pretty. I suppose this is one of the perks of being on American Idol: getting decked up. Anyway, I thought she did great! She picked the right song for her. I had no idea she's ill! Anyway, loved her vocals & performance.

11. Matt
I just realized that both guys I like in the competition (Danny & Matt) both picked songs by Carrie Underwood! I'm not sure if this is the best song choice for him, but I definitely love the performance!

Based on tonight's performances; gosh this is a tough one; my guess for the people in the bottom 3 are Lil, Alexis, Adam or Scott.

MUSIC REVIEW: Poker Face by Lady Gaga

I don't know much about Lady Gaga, except that she has 2 hit singles out on the radio right now: Just Dance and Poker Face. I didn't know how she looked like but when her music video appeared on Music On Demand, I decided to check it out. After watching the video I thought she was European. I even thought her platinum blond hair resembled Christina Aguilera.

Lady Gaga all the sudden just blew up. Her song Just Dance can be heard on the L.A. radio station 102.7 KIIS FM day in and day out. Just recently her second single Poker Face started hitting the air waves and is now also a hit.

I was driving home just a few nights ago and I turned on the radio. Jojo on the radio was interviewing Lady Gaga. Since I have never heard her speak and know nothing about her, I thought to tune in. She has a very laid back, sexy, sultry speaking voice. It wasn't at all what I expected. It was very different from the way she comes across on her songs as well as the music video I recently watched. I grew more curious and intrigued so I tuned in longer, only to find out that she was about to perform, live.

The song she was performing was Poker Face. Like Just Dance, it is very catchy and you know that they're being played all over the clubs. The song started and she started singing and I was like huh? It didn't sound like the Poker Face I've been hearing on the radio. It was very bluesy or jazzy. It was very "unplugged". Only a few lines later I realized that she was singing the song she said she was going to sing, except that it was, obviously, a totally different version.

I listened closely and discovered that she can sing a lot better than Just Dance and Poker Face (the radio version, that is). She actually can sing! She's not like J-Lo who even though can put out hit singles but in actuality can't really sing. Anyway, I thought this bluesy or jazzy version of Poker Face was really good! So good that when I got home I e-mailed my sister to tell her about it and I even went on KIIS FM's website to listen to it again! I also googled her and found out that she is NOT European, but was born and raised in NY!

So, if you haven't heard it yet, here it is (the link to the video). KIIS FM calls it the acoustic version. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did/do!

http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/JoJo.html?_show

3-10-2009 American Idol Recap

I am so envious and jealous of the American Idol contestants on so many levels, you have no idea. They are so lucky to be able to sing on such an amazing stage! I loved the intro of the judges - only to find out seconds later it was Simon's idea - I guess that explains it! I also thought Kara's reaction was priceless.

I have to say that I am a bit surprised that this week I'm not seeing eye-to-eye with the judges. Here's why:

1. Lil

I thought she looked great. I thought she picked the right opening song - it got me not on my feet but I was boppin' my head! I thought she did a good job. But I didn't think her end note was all that as Kara said it was. Even though I thought she looked great, I didn't care for her pants. But it sure made me notice her big booty! :D

2. Scott

I was so glad to see him perform with his piano. it gave him a great opportunity to showcase his talent. I thought he picked a good song and it fitted him well. I thought he sang well. I didn't know he can hit notes like that! I forgot that it was Michael Jackson week until Kara reminded me of it!

3. Danny

My boy! It wasn't the song I would've picked but I still thought he did an awesome job. Great vocals (Simon said so too) and I liked that he was interacting with the audience.

4. Michael

He reminded me of a country version of Nick Lachey! I thought he did good. Sure can sing! It was better than I thought.

5. Jasmine

I thought the song was fitting for her age?! But at the same time I thought it was safe and boring! I didn't think it was anything special.

6. Kris

I thought it was very interesting that he played an ACOUSTIC guitar with the song! That to me was different and unique, so it was fresh. He has a nice voice. I thought he did better than when he sang "Man in the Mirror" (also by MJ; guess they weren't kidding when they said that he was MJ fan?!).

7. Allison

Even though she's pretty good I still thought there was room for improvement when she sang "Alone" just a few weeks ago. But because she's only 16, I have to give her major props. I thought her performance tonight was just okay. Frankly I was expecting more from her. She definitely comes across as a very seasoned performer though. 

8. Anoop

I thought he did him: Anoop. He performed "Beat It" like he twice-performed "My Perrogative". He had fun. I didn't think it was as bad as the judges put it. Afterall, they put him through after the twice-performed "My Perrogative", so it can't be THAT bad.

9. Jorge

He can sing and I love his accent! At one point it got so strong I thought he was singing IN Spanish! I thought he did a good job. I don't think it was as bad as the judges said.

10. Megan

I didn't know how she was going to do when they said it was Michael Jackson week. When I saw her outfit I knew she was going to do an upbeat song and, this is no joke, I was praying that she would not dance. To my surprise, when she did the booty shake from left to right to the beat when the song started, I thought, okay, I can deal with this. But it wasn't long before she got back to her old quirky ways (of dancing)! Anyway, dancing aside...As soon as she started singing, I thought she picked the right song for her. I liked her spin on the song and later just like Kara said, "everything Megan touches is "that's so Megan"". I have to disagree with Simon this time - I don't think she picked a "stupid song".

11. Adam

I had a feeling Adam was going to excel in Michael Jackson week because of his theatrical background. I was not surprised when he put on a show like that. It reminded me of his "Satisfaction" performance. I think he is a great performer and belongs on broadway. Not sure if I can see him as American Idol. I still find his voice extremely annoying.

12. Matt

I loved that he performed with a piano because that's what he's good at. I thought his performance was good but I was expecting more. I don't know if he's got the Robin Thicke thing goin' on but I agree with the Justin Timberlake thing. I think Matt's got the JT and Elliott Yamin thing going on.

13. Alexis

As soon as she opened her mouth I was already blown away. I thought she did an awesome job! Although towards the end I wasn't so sure. But all in all, that was hot!

My prediction of who are going home this week: Jasmine & Anoop

3-5-2009 American Idol LIVE Update

I have to say that many contestants picked the right songs tonight! My fave Matt didn't disappoint - he stuck with what he does best and I thought he did an awesome job! I hope he makes it! Braddy Bunch sang well but I wasn't too thrilled about his song choice. Jesse, the last one of my top 3 picks, has a great voice and sound but I didn't care for her song choice at all. I thought she had great stage presence but I thought the majority of her performance sounded strange. I always thought Jasmine was just okay but I thought she picked the right song tonight and showcased her range, which was a surprise for me, and Kara, that she had range like that! I like Megan's voice and thought she picked the right song for her but I just cannot stand the way she dances/moves! 

So who goes through?

Jasmine...Megan...Who's the last one?! I hope Matt! Stay tuned!

Okay, so Jesse didn't make it. She NEARLY made it...I am keeping my fingers crossed for Matt! So who is it?

YES!!!!!!!! Matt made it through! I am so glad! At least 1 out of my top 3 picks made it!

What?! Top 13?! That's crazy! How can Jesse who NEARLY made it not make it to Top 13?! Lucky Anoop-Dogg!

Anoop-Dogg, you better BRING IT!

3-4-2009 American Idol Recap

Once again, I guessed 2 out of 3 right.

I didn't know they were going to pick a group for the Wild Card Show tomorrow night, so if you ask me - well, you probably didn't but since this is my blog - here are my top 3 choices:

Braddy Bunch - I thought he did really well and I gave him the same grade as I did Danny, I am rooting for him and hope he goes through.

Matt - He is so good and is being compared to/reminds me of Elliott Yamin so I am definitely rooting for him and really hope he goes through.

Jesse - I loved her voice and tone so I hope she goes through.

Stay tuned...

3-3-2009 American Idol Recap

So, I guessed 2 out of 3 right for last week's results. 

I had to work earlier tonight again so I again had to TiVo the show. Let's go over how it all went down, shall we?!

These are truly my comments, BTW. Any similarities is because I am just as good as the judges!

Von - I thought there were some weird parts. Perhaps even a little pitchy. I'm not sure if he has what it takes to be a star; but I thought he was definitely better than during Hollywood week. Apparently Randy thought so too. My grade: C

Taylor - I thought she sang hard. Her head kept on moving/nodding while she was singing. Not too many people can pull off Alicia Keys and I thought it was a nice attempt since she's only 17. But overall, not good enough. My grade: C

Alex - I like his dorky-ness and quirky-ness. I just like his personality. I thought he started the song pretty good but as the song went on I don't think I liked the arrangements much. Apparently the judges didn't care for it too much either. My grade: C

Arianna - Girl, when someone says you're cute as a button do not take offense to it! You are too young to have an attitude! I thought she was a very good singer. Definitely got skills for a 16- or 17-year-old. Although I felt that her falsetto was much stronger than her belting out the high notes. My grade: C+

Ju'not - I liked his version of "Delilah". But Danny's BFF's (sorry, can't remember his name all of the sudden) version kept on popping back into my head because it was so good! My grade: B-

Kristen - She reminds me of Kelly Clarkson, ever since Hollywood week. Apparently Kara seemed to think so too. I love her powerful voice, just like I love Kelly's. That's why she's my favorite AI winner by far. Anyway...I thought Kristen is a great stage performer. On a side note, I think she could use a makeover. My grade (on her singing): B+

Nathaniel - I didn't really care for his performance. I thought I was watching a broadway musical or something. And what's up with all the special and added attention on him? First was an introduction of his family and then an invite to "get up close and personal" with the judges? I hope there's no favoritism! My grade: C-

Felicia - Oh! No wonder I don't remember her! She's the one replacing that girl who once had a record deal and appeared in the broadway show Annie when she was a little girl but for some odd reason got kicked off the show! Well, I thought she had a nice voice and at times looked like Alicia Keys! Not only did she at times look like Alicia Keys, she even performed like Alicia Keys! I thought it was a little copycat and Simon thought so too! Let me say this again: everything I've said and am about to say are truly my very own thoughts and opinions. Any similarities are purely coincidental. Or, I'm just that good! Anyway, my grade: C+

Scott - He's a nice guy. And part of me want him to advance but this is a singing competition and I have to judge on his singing talent alone (instead of feeling sorry for him because of his challenges)...I thought it was just okay. My grade: C

Kendall - Pretty girl. Looks like a country singer. Didn't do much for me. My grade: C-

Jorge - I thought he has a very nice voice. Best male vocal performance tonight, in my opinion. I love the Spanish accent/vibe in his performance and thought his performance was very solid. Really? A dialect coach? I guess his Spanish accent must've been even stronger 'cuz I can still hear it. But anyway, I thought he did very good. My grade: B+

Lil - She's always reminded me of Fantasia for some reason. Anyone agree with me?! I thought her performance was okay tonight. I thought she lacked soul in her voice. Mary J. Blige has lots of soul and emotion in her voice and I didn't get that from Lil. She didn't blow me away. I didn't jump out of my seat as much as the judges did. I thought her vocal was just okay. Perhaps I have higher expectations from her because the judges think so highly of her?! My grade: B-

So, here are my top 3: 1. Kristen, 2. Jorge, and 3. Lil and/or Ju'not (tie). Let's find out next week if I got this right.

Kato's 1st Big Bear Trip

It was Chris's birthday and she wanted to come down from Oregon to Big Bear for her birthday celebration. She's a very good friend of Tyrone's, plus it means snowboarding at Big Bear, so of course we went! Chris's friend got a cabin that was pet friendly, so we were able to bring Kato. Here's a picture of the cabin we were in:We also rented the studio that's right next to the main house, and Tyrone & I & Kato got to stay here:We got there Friday afternoon and we went night boarding that night. While all others partied all night, Tyrone & I went to bed early so we can get up early to go snowboarding the next day. Poor Kato had to stay in the cabin all by himself while we were gone...I think he was nervous! After we boarded all day on Saturday, the rest of the crew wanted to go hang out at a bar. Here are some pictures:
I took some videos while we were at Bear Mountain, so go check them out at: http://www.youtube.com/iliketosingalot.