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.