Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Top 5 sing Frank, Dean, and Sammy

Wow. It is getting down to the nitty gritty. Your next American Idol will be one of the following 5:

Adam
Danny
Allison
Kris
Matt

This week could be a challenging one for Adam. Songs of the "Rat Pack". Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. There are lots of possibilities there. Adam has stepped up every time and managed to surprise. How do you handle these great American "standards?"

Kelly and Company will review the night on "Idol Chatter" right after 7:00 tomorrow morning on WARM 103.3.

Keep it on WARM 103.3 to win your invite to our Wild Idols Finale Viewing Party at the Pullo Performing Arts Center.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Scott's Last Ride

There is some real separation happening now with Adam Lambert the clear favorite to become this season's American Idol. After another standout performance, one that brought Simon to his feet, it's so clear now that it will probably not even be close at the end.

Danny Gokey, my original pick to win the whole competition, also stood out with "Stand By Me." There are only two women left and 16 year old Allison has clearly moved ahead of Lil Rounds with consistent performances every week.

Handicapping the possible top 5, here's how I think it's going to fall:

Adam Lambert
Danny Gokey
Allison Iraheta
Kris Allen
Matt Giraud

Scott MacIntyre's story is inspiring. But America got it right this week in sending Scott home.
The judge's also did the right thing by not using the save. The save really needs to be used for someone who can actually win the competition. But the judges only have two more weeks to use it because the option goes away once we hit the top 5. There is the chance it will not be used at all. Which, for me, would be fine because the viewers should have total say in the outcome.
The idea for the save came after Michael Johns went home early last year. Does anyone really believe Michael Johns would have beaten David Cook had he stayed around longer? Or even finish second? I don't think so. What do you think?

Did America get it right? What do you think? Feel free to comment below and catch "Idol Chatter" with Kelly & Company on WARM 103.3.

Friday, April 3, 2009

End Of The Line For Megan

The American Idol contestants were allowed to choose songs that are top downloads from I Tunes this week. And once again, a very strong night for the guys. Kris is coming on strong every week and he wrapped up the performances with "Ain't No Sunshine." Whether he did "I Know I Know I Know" 37 times or not like the Bill Withers original does not matter. He nailed it big time.

Adam Lambert also succeeded in having one of the week's most talked about performances again with "Play That Funky Music." Mr. Originality did not disappoint.

Allison found herself in the bottom 3 which made no sense to me. Her outfit was a little outlandish but her performance as top notch.

It was Megan's week to go home. She declared defiantly that she really didn't care about what Simon had to say. Simon then at the end said "We don't care either" when announcing the the judge's save would not be in play for Megan. But Megan is relieved because she can now be reunited with her two year old son. That's what's really important anyway. And we'll see Megan on the tour this summer.

Speaking of the Idol tour, the dates have not been announced yet. Keep checking back. We'll update you when they become available.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

A Marvelous Motown Moment from Adam

50 years of one of the greatest American musical treasures was celebrated last night on American Idol. The Motwon label has produced some of the most memorable pop songs for 5 decades now. And the remaining Top 10 Idol contestants did not disappoint.

Hands down the best performance of the night went to Adam Lambert. He was so cleaned up that I didn't even recognize him at first. His "Tracks Of My Tears" stopped the judges and everyone else in their tracks. Two weeks of memorable performances. I picked Danny Gokey to win the competition but slowly but surely I'm beginning to think Adam will pull this off.

Allison Iraheta had the nights second best performance with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone." Wow.
And this is a 16 year old. Amazing. She should be in the top 3 at the end. Slowly but surely, I'm beginning to move her ahead of Lil Rounds as the best of the remaining females.

Megan, Scott, and Michael should be in the bottom 3. Michael Sarver should be the one to go. A week too late to save Alexis Grace.

Kelly and Company open up the phone lines again tomorrow morning after 7 with WARM 103.3 Idol Chatter. Call with your thoughts about who got the boot.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Goodbye Alexis...I'll miss you

If you have been watching American Idol over the years, you know that there is going to be a week where someone who is going to be eliminated that will surprise. This was also a pivotal week because only the top 10 get to go out on the Idol tour.

The on line site dialidol.com predicted Alexis Grace had received the fewest number of votes.
How could this be? Alexis is a favorite among the females and some had her projected at least into the top 5. Her performance of "Jolene " certainly was what one would have thought would get you eliminated.

After Alexis found out the was the lowest vote getter, the judges considered using the one "save" they're allowed during the season. In fact, when Alexis and Michael Sarver were standing side by side, Simon said the judges were considering saving "one of them." After they made it known that they would try to save Alexis, it was obvious that Michael Sarver would not have been saved.

After Alexis performed "Jolene" one final time, the judges decided not to use their save this week. Ao Alexis is headed home and the fans will not get the chance to see her on the tour.
A real shame.

Michael Sarver is a nice guy. Glad he made it into the top 13. But if this is still mainly a singing competition, Alexis Grace should still be alive.

American Idol is Wednesday and Thursday next week due to President O'Bama taking to the air on Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Country Ups and Downs

If you thought that country night would cause the remaining American Idol contestants to put on their boots, you must have been surprised. And let's begin where the majority of the discussion has been today: Adam Lambert.

Was Adam Lambert's version of "Ring Of Fire" country? Of course not. But much like David Cook a year ago and Chris Daughtry a few seasons back, Adam is the most original artist on the show. This was an absolutely amazing performance; one that will be remembered weeks from now. My original pick to win the competition is Danny Gokey. But if Adam Lambert continues on this path, there will be no stopping him.

Matt Giraud's version of Carrie Underwood's "So Small" was, in my estimation after Adam Lambert, the best performance of the night. Matt is showing that he's in the competition for real.

On the womens side, kudos to 16 year old Allison Irahita who performed PattyLoveless's "Blame It On Your Heart." Perhaps the best performance by a woman this week. And a top of the hat for flu-stricken Megan Joy, who worked her way through and sang "Walkin After Midnight" admirably.

Michael Sarver, who opened the show, should be the one that goes this week. We'll see.

Join Kelly & Company for Idol Chatter tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Judges "save" no contestant on American Idol

American Idol through a new twist and two contestants went home last night. Goodbye to Jorge and Jasmine. Anoop and Megan should be breathing a sigh of relief. The Top 11 return next week.

So the American Idol judges are going to over rule America once before we get to the final 5.
In an effort to save a deserving contestant, the judges will be allowed one time only to over rule America's vote and save an American Idol contestant. If this rule had been in effect, there is speculation that Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, and Michael Johns would have lived to see another day. In the case of Chris Daughtry, he could have gone on and won Idol and kept Taylor Hicks away from the crown. Daughtry has proven to be one of the most successful Idol contestants ever, with lots of his music played on radio stations like WARM 103.3. His second album is due out this spring. I expect we'll see him on a future episode. But I'm really not in favor of the rule change. America should decide. If it makes a mistake, too bad. Life isn't perfect.
The judges did not invoke the save last night which was the right thing to do.

Speaking of former Idols, it was great to see Kelly Clarkson perform last night. All our lives would really "suck" if we didn't have Kelly's music to enjoy.

Have a great weekend. Please comment any time.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Michael Jackson Night

American Idol kicked off the finals with all 13 contestants doing the Michael Jackson songbook.
Best performance of the night went to Adam Lambert with his performance of Black and White. I think Adam will be a co favorite with Danny Gokey to be in the finale. Danny did a very funky version of P.Y.T. and would be 1 a on the night just before Adam. Lil Rounds sang best of the women. Nice job on The Way You Make Me Feel.These could be your top 3. But there are many weeks to go.

The two worst performances were Megan Joy's Rockin' Robin and Anoop DeSai attempting Beat It. Interesting to note, two are going home tonight to get the show back on track. America picks one and the judges pick one. After Anoop performed, Simon said he was sorry he had chosen a 13th contestant. But something tells me Anoop will be sticking around another week.

Worst luck could go to Alexis Grace. What a sexy and confident version of Dirty Diana. But with the odd phone number that the audience is not used to, she could be in trouble.

Kelly and Company will wrap up Idol tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Friday, March 6, 2009

The Final 12....oops I mean 13

I guess it should come as no surprise that American Idol threw us a curveball last night and we now have 13 finalists instead of 12. Thanks to the extra pick, I managed to get in two of the final 4. I picked Anoop DeSai and Megan Joy Corkrey correctly nut missed out on Matt Giraud and Jasmine Murray. We do have some good stories among the final 12. Danny Gokey losing his wife, and Alexis Grace the single mom come to mind. I'm not sure we have a contestant America is going to love to hate however.



Tatiano Del Toro sang pretty well but did herself in performing "Saving All My Love For You" for a third time. And developing an accent in a week. Please.



The Top 13 begin competing next week with Kanye West as the special guest. Perhaps, the first in a new generation of younger judges. Please no 50s or 60s nights this year.



On another Idol note, I got my first listen to Kelly Clarkson's new CD. Pretty strong. 14 tracks in all. Listen to WARM 103.3 this weekend to win it before you can buy it. Plus I'll also be giving away copies during the "Workday Getaway" all next week.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

9 are in 3 to go

After my trip to California, it's time to catch up on everything Idol.

Congrats to the 9 who have made their way into the final 12.

Scott Gokey
Lil Rounds
Alexis Grace
Scott MacIntyre
Jorge Nunez
Alison Irahata
Adam Lambert
Kris Allen
Michael Sarver

Tonight it's out of the voters hands and 3 wildcards will be selected by the judges. Why did the format change this year? I believe the show wants to make sure we have a "Sanjaya" type in the final 12. So, it should come as no surprise tonight when Tatiano Nicole Del Toro is selected for the final 12. Bank on it. Anoop Desai should earn his way into the final 12. My final pick is Megan Joy Corkrey. Remember, it's the judges who will select these three to join the above 9.

Join Kelly & Company for Idol Chatter tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

My early top 6 in the order I think they will finish assuming singing talent is the deciding factor. Of course, that's not always the case.

Danny Gokey
Lil Rounds
Alexis Grace
Anoop DeSai
Jorge Nunez
Scott MacIntyre

What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The First Three

Congratulations to Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, and Michael Sarver for securing the first three positions in the top 12. Michael Sarver edging out Anoop Desai by only 20,000 votes. In my opinion, Desai is most deserving of one of the 3 wildcard spots.

Next week, these twelve will perform:

Megan Corkery, Kris Allen, Mishavonna Henson, Matt Breitzke, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray, Kai Kalama, Jesse Langseth, Adam Lambert, Jeanine Vailes, and Nick Mitchell

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Danny Gokey-The Best Saved For Last

12 of American Idol's Top 36 have put their fate in the hands of the American people. Only a couple performances really stood out last night:

The nights big surprise came from 20 yr old Alexis Grace and her performance of "I Never Loved A Man". A great performance and great presence on stage. Alexis has to be considered in the top group of women moving forward. None of the other women came even close. A more subdued Tatiano sane "Saving All My Love For You." You get the feeling we still haven't seen the last of Tatiano.

Danny Gokey's beautiful version of "Hero" should easily send him into the top 12. Other performances by the guys to be remembered included Anoop Desai who should at least get a berth in the wildcard round after his performance of "Angel Of Mine." Ricky Braddy gave us a really good vocal performance but has no star quality.

America has voted. Kelly and Company's "Idol Chatter" wraps things up tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Top 36

The preliminaries are over. Now the fun begins. 3 groups of 12 begin "singing off" next week with the top 3 from each session moving on to the final 12. Below are the Top 36.

1. Arianna Afsar 2. Kris Allen 3. Kendall Beard 4. Anne Marie Boskovich 5. Ricky Braddy 6. Matt Breitzke 7. Casey Carlson 8. Megan Corkery 9. Tatiana Del Toro 10. Anoop Desai 11. Stephen Flower 12. Matt Giraud 13. Danny Gokey 14. Alexis Grace 15. Mishavonna Henson 16. Allison Iraheta 17. Ju’not Joyner 18. Kai Kalama 19. Brent Keith 20. Adam Lambert 21. Jesse Langseth 22. Scott MacIntyre 23. Nathaniel Marshall 24. Kristen McNamara 25. Nick Mitchell 26. Jasmine Murray 27. Jorge Nuñez 28. Joanna Pacitti 29. Lil Rounds 30. Michael Sarver 31. Von Smith 32. Jackie Tohn 33. Taylor Vaifanua 34. Jeanine Vailes 35. Alex Wagner-Trugman 36. Stevie Wright

Why is Tatiano Del Toro still alive? Her voice. Her antics though are getting old and unless she changes her "tune" when she's not singing, she'll be a casualty next week. I wasn't crazy about the sing-offs either. What the show did, purposely or not, is marginalize some of the contestants. Those who got through in this manner will be looked upon as the "last ones in" so they will have to really step it up to stay alive. Alex Nathaniel Marshall, Kristen McNamara, Jesse Langseth, Michael Sarver, and Matt Breitzke may be around for a short time. We'll see.

My early favorite: Danny Gokey.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Hollywood Week begins the separation process

It's one thing to make it through the audition round. When Hollywood week arrives, those with real potential are separated from the "pretenders."

Nothing separates contenders and pretenders more than "group" sing night. If you wanted drama, Katrina Darrell put on a show for the camera. Her antics and less than stellar performance brought down some pretty good singers in the process, including Rose Flack.

On the good side, there were a couple really great group performances. The group that featured Danny Gokey, Jamar Rogers, and Taylor Vaifanua really stood out performing Queen's "Somebody To Love." Strong solo moments for Adam Lambert, Jeremy Michael Sarver, Matt Brietzke, and Jesse Langseth during a performance of "Some Kind Of Wonderful."

David Osmond is sent packing, Just goes to show, you have to have the chops even if you come from a musical family.

75 people cut. And we're on our way to the Top 35. More from Hollywood Week tomorrow night on Fox 43 at 8. Kelly and Company will have another edition of Idol Chatter Wedsnesday and Thursday morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Pennsylvania is shamed again by Alexis Cohen

The auditions for American Idol have come to an end. Last night featured some of the absolute worst performances of the audition round. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined we would see "middle finger" pointing Alexis Cohen again. Bad singing is bad singing. Putting on some
make-up, getting your hair done, and wearing a nice dress does not improve your vocal skills.
Hey Alexis--Perhaps including some singing lessons during the past year may have yielded some different results.

35 singers combined made it from New York and San Juan. One of the better male performances we've seen this season is Jorge Nunez. He sings "My Way" primarily in Spanish and "What A Wonderful World" in English. Nicely done on both counts.

Notice this season how more family members are getting involved and the singers are appealing for the sympathy vote more? That certainly sums up the case of Monique Garcia Torres. Little brother Christopher is brought along to do an introduction and moral support. Monique sings "You Can't Hurry Love" and a Celine Dion song. She probably isn't ready but..thanks in part to her brother's sad eyes....Monique is on her way to Hollywood.

Hollywood Week begins Tuesday night. Join Kelly and Company for Idol Chatter Wednesday and Thursday morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Salt Lake City produces some season favorites

I absolutely love the western part of our country. I have family in Arizona and have spent many a vacation there. Wyoming is incredibly gorgeous. To stand in a valley and look at the mountains around you puts you in awe. In a trip I went on to that area in 2006, I also fell in love with a small town named Idaho Falls. Beautiful country.

Three hours south of Idaho Falls is Salt Lake City, and another round of American Idol auditions. And there is great talent that got through to Hollywood last night. A contestant with the name "Osmond". David Osmond, son of Alan Osmond of the famous "Osmond Brothers". Of course, they sent him through.

We were also introduced to 17 year old Rose Flack. Rose lost her father when she was 13 and her mother passed away in a car accident two years later. She sings "I Feel The Earth Move". Simon absolutely loves her look but Paula says she needs to work on her vocals.

We also met Amy Winehouse's twin (well..not exactly) Frankie Jordan. Jordan sang a Winehouse song Simon likes her "cute little face" and she's off to Hollywood.

Another fave from last night is Megan Corkery. Megan sings "Can't Help Lovin" Dat Man Of Mine. Simon says she's one of his faves because she's so different and Paula is on the border of "loving her"

Hollywood Week is almost here. One final night of auditions tonight from New York City and San Juan , Puerto Rico. Two cities on the same night? This can't be good.

Catch another edition of "Idol Chatter" with Kelly and Company tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Audition Catch Ups

After all the Inauguration activities last week, it's time to catch up on American Idol Auditions.
We'll review San Francisco, Louisville, and Jacksonville.

Was San Francisco the worst night of auditions ever? Some say so and I must say I was not very impressed with what came through from there. It had been rumored before the season began that Thursday night's auditions from San Juan are horrendous. We shall see.

Louisville was another story. And what interesting contestants. First you have Leneshe Young who has an amazing voice and original song "Natty" really pleased the judges. A couple of contestants who have worked in music before, including Joanna Pacitti who once recorded for A&M and Brent Keith Simon, formerly known as Brent Keith when he competed in "Nashville Star." And the descendent of the surgeon who worked on John Wilkes Booth leg, Mark Mudd.

Jacksonville, like San Francisco, left alot to be desired. The two standouts from the night were 16 year old Jasmine Murray and Nashville native Ann Marie Boskovich. Another memorable performance was "Walking On Sunshine" by George Ramirez. We'll see what Salt Lake City brings tonight.

In other Idol news, David Cook is coming to York. He'll be performing at the Pullo Performing Arts Center on Tuesday March 24th. Tickets go on sale this Saturday. And Katharine McPhee, a personal Idol favorite of mine, has signed with a new record label Verve. She'll have new music out before the end of the year. Katharine was the runner-up to Taylor Hicks who has just released some new music.

Catch Idol Chatter with Kelly and Company at 7:45 the morning after any Idol show on WARM 103.3.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Lil Rounds may actually be "Big"

Simon Cowell summed things up best at the end of the show: "I like Kansas." And what's not to like with some amazing talent that made its way to Hollywood. The best on this night was probably last. Lil Rounds from Memphis blew away the judges with her Stevie Wonder song. The early favorite for season 8? Possibly. The judges were certainly impressed.

Are we ready for another Castro brother? "Pink haired" Michael Castro, brother of fourth runner up Jason from last season, impressed the judges enough that he's headed to Hollywood. Michael has lots of work to do though on his personality. Like his big brother, he's not fond of doing interviews.

We have another back story to match Scott McIntyre from last night. 28 year old Danny Gokey, a music teacher, lost his wife four weeks before he auditioned. The judges are impressed with his version of "I Heard It FRom The Grapevine " and surprised as they move Danny on to Hollywood.

After two nights, the 4 judge panel does seem to be working. But with Simon having the tie breaking vote, at times, it seems like the other three will vote someone through and keep Simon at bay. It's a trend we'll keep an eye on in the weeks ahead. At least 25 are sent through to Hollywood from Kansas City.

Auditions from Louisville, New York City, Salt Lake City, and San Juan, Puerto Rico await us next.

Catch ny "Vital Idol" segment this afternoon on WARM 103.3 around 4:30.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

What do you get when you cross "Katrina" with a little "Sexual Chocolate"?

The answer: The first night of American Idol auditions. 110 degrees in the shade in the Phoenix did not keep Idol wannabees away. Kara DioGuardi's first night as an American Idol judge was one she'll not forget. For starters, an encounter with a 16 year old superfan dressed in pink from Connecticut. The superfan went home but not Katrina...the bikini clad contestant. Much to Kara and Paula's chargrin, the guys voted Katrina through and she's headed to Hollywood. Will she be wearing more clothing when we next see her in a few weeks? My guess is probably yes.

Scott McIntyre's inspiring story and performance wrapped up the night. The blind singer song writer is obviously very talented as well. The best from night one in my opinion. 27 singers made it through from Phoenix. Tonight..we shall see what Kansas City has to offer.

Catch my new "Vital Idol" segment on WARM 103.3 this afternnon at 4:30. And join Kelly and Company for "Idol Chatter" tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tonight Idol Begins Again

American Idol Season 8 begins tonight at 8 on Fox 43. The ride to late May will be underway with the first night of auditions. Check back tomorrow as we'll see if any hopefuls for this season emerge. Don't forget to catch "Idol Chatter" with Kelly and Company tomorrow morning at 7:45 on WARM 103.3.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

It's almost time.............

May seems like an eternity ago when David Cook became the new American Idol. But we're closing in on the brand new season of American Idol. The wait ends next week as the always entertaining "audition rounds" begin. What "freaks" are out there looking for their 15 minutes of fame? As you have heard, there are some changes coming to this season. For starters, a fourth judge. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins Randy, Paula, and Simon. Kara brings a wealth of experience in evaluating talent as a VP of A&R at Warner Bros. Kara also has songwriting credits, having penned hits for Pink, the Jonas Brothers, and Ashlee Simpson.

We also have the top 36 to look forward to. It's back to the larger semifinal round that took place during the first three seasons of Idol.

There will be plenty to discuss as this new season unveils so check back often and leave your comments. WARM 103.3 is your station for Idol Chatter mornings with Kelly and Company and a new Vital Idol segment afternoons with me.