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Hi everybody, I've found some studio version songs which the idols performed in recent weeks CLICK HERE you can download all of them in MP3 format
enjoy :-)
Sean rings out his ears and puts the vomit bowl away...
Last night's (April 8, 2008) American Idol seriously disappointed and almost made me blow chunks. I am all for taking twists on songs that truly are great and either perform them straight out or re-imagine them. Last night, two songs that I would put in my personal top 20 list either underperformed or just torn to shreds... Robbie Williams' 1998 hit Angels and Queen's The Show Must Go On. Part 1 will address the underperformed Angels.
Robbie Williams is a performer that many Americans are unfamiliar with because they have rejected him out right many many times. I am a HUMONGOUS fan of his honest songs about love, death, faith, redemption, celebrity, ego, avarice, insanity, pomposity, satire, and just plain gritty blunt honesty. His song Angels is an increible song about redemption of a man who has lived a hard life but wants to change. If you ever heard his song Nan's Song, it also has glimpses of how "she" in the lyrics could be his grandmother and how she personally helped Robbie try and turn his own life around... because he does have some substance and (rumored) sex addiction issues. But a great singer and a great performer. I have been a fan since 1998, he never gets old.
Below are a live performance of Angels that Robbie did years ago. David Archuleta got praise for his performance last night on American Idol for a song he has no personal knowledge of the feeling it talks about or the power of redemption. This clip I chose to show how this song has received so much personal love by its audience as performed by Robbie Williams, it has to be seen to show up the competent but weak attempt "little" David made at it. I am not against covers mind you, just borderline competent one's being praised as great. But the power of the song couldn't be denied. (I revised my comments here after talking with my friend Ramiro... I was being a bit too harsh.)
Here are the lyrics of this great song about fighting to live and being redeemed.
I sit and wait
Does an angel contemplate my fate
And do they know
The places where we go
When were grey and old
cos I have been told
That salvation lets their wings unfold
So when Im lying in my bed
Thoughts running through my head
And I feel the love is dead
Im loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether Im right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life wont break me
When I come to call she wont forsake me
Im loving angels instead
When Im feeling weak
And my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
And I know Ill always be blessed with love
And as the feeling grows
She breathes flesh to my bones
And when love is dead
Im loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether Im right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life wont break me
When I come to call she wont forsake me
Im loving angels instead
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection
Whether Im right or wrong
And down the waterfall
Wherever it may take me
I know that life wont break me
When I come to call she wont forsake me
Im loving angels instead
Sean rings out his ears and puts the vomit bowl away...
Last night's (April 8, 2008) American Idol seriously disappointed and almost made me blow chunks. I am all for taking twists on songs that truly are great and either perform them straight out or re-imagine them. Last night, two songs that I would put in my personal top 20 list either underperformed or just torn to shreds... Robbie Williams' 1998 hit Angels and Queen's The Show Must Go On. Part 1 will address the dismal thrashing of The Show Must Go On.
Carly Smithson delivered a horrible version of The Show Must Go On that I fear will discourage people from trying to hear what this great and honest song tells. Inspirational in that it does what William's Angels does also - keep fighting and don't let them see you cry until you win.
"Inside my heart is breaking, my make up may be flaking, but my smile still stays on... The Show Must Go On!"
Here are two great versions. First is a video (sorry couldn't find a live version on YouTube) is from Queen. The second is from Baz Luhrman's film Moulin Rouge, with Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman giving a great dramatic rise to the song (ignore the French dubbing at the beginning). Enjoy and don't even think about Carly's huge drive off a high cliff.
Here are the lyrics to this song about going on when obstacles get in your way and pain is a factor.
Empty spaces - what are we living for?
Abandoned places - I guess we know the score..
On and on!
Does anybody know what we are looking for?
Another hero - another mindless crime.
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime.
Hold the line!
Does anybody want to take it anymore?
The Show must go on!
The Show must go on!
Inside my heart is breaking,
My make-up may be flaking,
But my smile, still, stays on!
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance.
Another heartache - another failed romance.
On and on!
Does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess i'm learning
I must be warmer now..
I'll soon be turning round the corner now.
Outside the dawn is breaking,
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free!
The Show must go on!
The Show must go on! Yeah!
Ooh! Inside my heart is breaking!
My make-up may be flaking!
But my smile, still, stays on!
Yeah! oh oh oh
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies,
Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die,
I can fly, my friends!
The Show must go on! Yeah!
The Show must go on!
I'll face it with a grin!
I'm never giving in!
On with the show!
I'll top the bill!
I'll overkill!
I have to find the will to carry on!
On with the,
On with the show!
The Show must go on.
The auditions are over. The Final 24 have been selected. No more silliness. No more goofballs in search of 15 seconds of sweet TV time. This is the point when American Idol get serious because, it is, after all, a serious competition. This is the point where America begins to call the shots.
The format for the next three weeks is as follows: It is really 2 separate competitions. The boys and the girls. They will be competing within their own gender. 2 boys and 2 girls will be eliminated each week until we have chosen the Final 12.
Last night I was extremely impressed with the boys. I was also extremely thrilled to hear Blake's song 'Break Anotha' playing during a montage of the boys journey to the Final 24. So cool!
The theme was 60s music. Here's my take on the performances:
David Hernandez - I didn't see much of him previously so I didn't really know what to expect. I thought his rendition of 'In the Midnight Hour' was good at best. He was, as the judges said, a bit stiff and nervous looking but that is understandable having to go first. I think he will be safe this week.
Chikezie - He sang 'I Love You more Today than Yesterday'. I thought he sounded a bit like Ruben but not very original. Simon attacked his performance and his suit. I think he could be in danger of going home.
David Cook - He's got a very unique look and performed a very unique version of 'So Happy Together'. I thought it was a bit shouty but the judges loved it! I think he will be safe this week.
Jason Yeager - He sang 'Moon River'. I love his storyline with his son in the audience, but I thought the performance was a bit cheezy and unoriginal and I think he could possibly be in danger of going home.
Robbie Carrico - I love this guy! I think he bears a bit of a resemblance to Bo Bice and then I also succumbed to the power of suggestion when Ryan pointed out that he looked a bit like Justin Timberlake (with long hair). His performance of 'One is the loneliest Number' was awesome! He will definitely be safe this week.
David Archuleta - Hailey particularly likes this young cutie! I loved his performance of 'Shop Around'. It was cute and fresh and he sang it very well. He's going to be getting all of the young girl votes. I think he will definitely be safe this week.
Danny Noriega - Boy this guy has got a ton of arrogance and I believe that will be his ultimate undoing. You CANNOT make it on this show if you cannot take constructive criticism. And it's only his first performance! He sang 'Jailhouse Rock' and did not even compare to previous Idol performances of the song by Taylor Hicks and John Peter Lewis. I think Danny and his huge attitude could be in danger of going home, maybe not this week, but soon.
Luke Menard - Poor guy! He's really cute and has a good voice but he seems, already, to be in the shadow of Michael Johns. Although Luke argued with him, I believe Simon nailed it (as usual) when he labeled the performance 'forgettable'. He sang 'Everybody's Talking'. I believe Luke will go home this week.
Colton Berry - Another teenager (who bears a striking resemblance to my niece) and another Elvis performance. Colton sang 'Suspicious Minds' and did a respectable job at it. The judges got into some weird argument about whether or not he sounded like a 'recording artist'. I think Colton will be safe this week.
Garrett Haley - Yet another teenager and a very lackluster performance of 'Breaking up is hard to do'. He reminded me of the teen heartthrob that he bears a slight resemblance of: Leif Garrett. His voice is just a bit too high and girly sounding. I think Garrett will be going home this week.
Jason Castro - Wow! This guy is super hot and super talented. Love the dreads, love the georgeous eyes and the sweet performance of 'What a Day for a Daydream'. Simon gave him major kudos. Jason will be safe this week.
Michael Johns - This guy has serious top 5 potential (and I say that without having heard the girls yet). He looks and sounds like a professional performer. He's going to be a big hit with the lady voters and the Aussie accent definitely doesn't hurt! He gave a fantastic redition of 'Light my Fire'. He is easily the biggest vote getter among the boys this week and definitely SAFE!
Overall I favor Robbie, David A, Michael Johns and Jason Castro as the top 4 guys and the two weakest performances were Luke Menard and Garrett Haley. I think the 2 go-homers this week will come from Luke Menard, Garrett Haley, Chikezie or Jason Yeager.
The girls perform tomorrow night and 2 boys and 2 girls will be sent packing during a results show on Thursday.
Girls Rule, Boys Drool?
Not for me anyway!
The general concensus on the internet today is that the girls outsang the guys (again). I happen to disagree with that! I was mortified by all of the squeaking and high-pitched, off-key cater-walling some of these girls tried to pass off as singing. I will cut them a bit of slack because a couple were visibly sick. Apparently the girls dorm has been struck by the flu. That really sucks for them. In spite of the illness afoot, Simon was unusually critical of the females.
I have come to realize that I almost always tend to favor guys in American Idol competition. I'm not sure why but looking back, my contestants of choice since Season 2 have been: Ruben Studdard, John Peter Lewis, Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Blake Lewis. Had I been watching during Season 1 I probably would have voted for Justin Guarini. Although this tendency to favor males may slightly taint my critique of the girls I still think I can be impartial enough to discern between the good, the bad and the ugly.
Kristy Lee Cook - First blonde on the chopping block. I had a feeling that all of these cookie-cutter looking blondes might cancel each other out. After watching just one night of competition I can see 2 that stand out and 2 that don't. Kristy Lee Cook falls into the latter category; however I don't think she was bad enough to be sent home this week.
Joanne Borgella - I remember Joanne's first audition and was very impressed. I don't know if it was sickness, nerves or a little bit of both but her performance last night was very sub-standard. Some parts she would go so low I couldn't hear what she said and other times she would hit high, shrill notes that went off-key. The judges were equally unimpressed; however I think Joanne will get another chance to redeem herself next week.
Alaina Whitaker - The first of the impressive blondes. Bearing a striking resemblance to Carrie Underwood she also entertained us with an equally impressive performance. Only 17 years old, Alaina performed with great ease and confidence and did not hit a bad note. She will 'sail through' to the next round.
Amanda Overmeyer - I wasn't exactly impressed with this Janis Joplin wannabe in Hollywood but last night she dropped the Joplin persona from her voice, came out as a rocker chick and totally pulled it off. She's definitely an acquired taste but I think there's an AI audience for her style. How she handles more specific music genres remains to be seen. I think Amanda will be safe this week.
Amy Davis - Oh boy. I hate it for her but this girl was terrible! She was off key and totally flat the entire song. It droned on in it's monotony way too long. I believe Amy is in danger of going home this week.
Brooke White - This girl particularly impressed during Hollywood week when she sang and played a wonderful keyboard. She's the second blonde who is tressed to impress! About as natural and real as you can get I believe Brooke will go far in the competition. She is definitely safe this week.
Alexandrea Lushington - This was a funky but fun performance. Different than what you normally expect from an African-American girl. Very unique and interesting. I think Alexandrea will be safe this week.
Kady Mallon - Can you say 'bad attitude'? Her performance was dreadful but even worse was the snarl on her face as she listened to the judges critique her. With this kind of attitude there is no way this girl has what it takes to continue in this competition. If she doesn't go home this week I'll be very surprised (although Simon was particularly cruel comparing her personality to that of a pencil, and she could very definitely survive one more week on sympathy votes).
Asia'h Epperson - This girl won everyone's hearts when they heard that her Father had been killed 2 days before her audition. She has already shown what she is made of and her performance last night was equally impressive. She sounded just a bit hoarse but even with the sickness she hit every note and performed admirably. Asia'h will definitely be back next week.
Ramiele Malubay - 1/2 of the foreign born duo, Ramiele is a refreshing change of pace for AI. The first Phillipino contestant this girl can 'blow' (as Randy so affectionately refers to the ability to sing)! She gave one of the 2 best performances of the night and will definitely be around for weeks to come! When Ryan asked her what her favorite part was so far she said "Hair and makeup"! Cute!
Syesha Mercado - I didn't think she did Tobacco Road quite as good as Melinda did last year only because I couldn't understand the words very well, but it was still a great performance and worthy of the status of safe this week.
Carly Smithson - Carly is probably the most notorious of the female contestants this year. Born in Ireland, she moved to California and recorded an album before making it to Hollywood week in a previous season. Just as soon as she hit Hollywood a problem with her work Visa caused her to be disqualified. Now she's back with a new husband and her valid Visa in hand. Although probably the sickest of the bunch (she had actually missed the boys performances Tuesday night due to her illness) she had one of the best performances of the night! I believe that Carly will definitely go far in this competition and she is definitely safe this week.
Overall, I believe my favorite female contestants are Carly Smithson, Ramiele Malubay, Asia'h Epperson, Alaina Whitaker and Brooke White just based on the performances last night but I believe there are several who were adversely affected by nerves and/or illness. I believe it's just a bit premature to decide what some of these girls are capable of.
Good luck to all of the contestants tonight when the voting results are revealed tonight at 8/7c on FOX.
Note: As always Vote for the Worst.com has made their picks and will inevitably influence voters. For the boys they have chosen Danny Noriega and for the girls they have endorsed Amy Davis.
It was recently revealed that several of the American Idol semi-finalists have worked professionally in the music industry. Will this affect how you vote?
Submitted by jacolily.
Well 'working professionally' is a very vague term and since it is not defined here it leaves a lot to interpretation. Many, many American Idol finalists have 'worked profesionally'. By the time they reach the top 12 most ALL have 'worked professionally' in some way, shape or form. Some have been in local bands, some have worked as backup singers for famous singers, some have sung at local events, some have recorded albums. Anyone who goes out into the street and plays a guitar with his case open for money can say he's 'worked professionally'. Technically, anyone who is paid money for their performance can say they 'worked professionally'. This is nothing new on American Idol and I don't think it will affect the way people vote. American Idol is a huge stepping stone for talented 'unknown' artists to get some recognition. Very few people who make it to the upper tiers of AI have NOT performed professionally in some capacity.
Well, I got 2 out of 4 correct on the go homers last night.
I predicted Amy Davis but I think most people picked her as well. She just wasn't good. I was also pretty certain about Garrett Haley. I was slightly surprised that Joanne and Colton got the boot. Aside from just plain bad singing it also comes down to the demographics of the contestants. It stands to reason that 4 teenage boys can't survive for long because they cancel each other out. David Archuleta easily outshone Garrett and Colton and I'm sure he commanded most all of the teen and tween vote. It is clear to me, even now, that Danny Noriega is going to be this year's Sanjaya Malakar. In my opinion Danny should have gone home.
As for the girls the same reasoning applies. There were 4 African-American girls and although I thought Joanne's performance was weak I really didn't think she would get the lowest amount of votes but the other 3 girls had really good performances. I personally thought that Kady or Kristy should have gotten the boot. They were average and bland in comparison to the other blondes Alaina and Brooke.
Good Luck to the booted contestants and I hope they go on to achieve great things.
Well, last night, for me was pretty lackluster overall, until the final performance. Clearly David Archuleta, or 'Little David' as he has been called to distinguish him from the other 2 Davids on the show, outsung everyone else by at least a mile. Unless he really screws up or loses his charm Little David is a shoe-in for the finale.
Michael Johns seemed just a but shouty and just a bit cocky. He was among several of the guys who took offense to the judges negative feedback. Although 'not great' I think he will be safe another week.
Robbie Carrico is one of my favorites but the judges aren't buying his rocker status and he didn't like their opinion. I hope he gets another week to possibly show us what the judges say is his 'real self' but I think he could be in danger of going home this week.
Jason Castro is really talented, he seems to be right out of the sixties. The judges asked him to leave the guitar backstage next week. I think he will get a chance to do that.
David Cook really did a good job with his rocker show. Much better than last week. I think David C. will be safe this week.
Jason Yeager, although better than last week, was still just kind of blah. He also argued a bit with the judges. I think he could be in danger of the bottom three.
Danny Noriega actually did a good job. I like the way he sings, I just can't stand to hear him talk. That smacky kind of 'gay' talking is quite nauseating. VFTW still has him as their guy so I think Danny will move on to the next round.
David Hernandez did a good job. The judges loved him. I don't really care for him very much but I think he will be safe this week.
Luke 'can't remember his last name' had a strange performance. I can't get a radar on his voice. It was a bit shrill. I think Luke will be in the bottom three this week.
Chekezie did much better this week! It was jazzy and funky and I definitely think he will be safe.
I believe the bottom three will be Luke, Jason Yeager and Robbie.
The girls perform tonight at 7pm on FOX.
