American Idol Season 9 Sum Up

May 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This year’s finale had a lot of emotion.  For one, the legendary Simon Cowell will no longer judge the competition; the main voice of the panel giving criticism that made the show famous.  I mean come on, who didn’t watch it to see who Simon would rip apart.  I know I surely did.

This season also had a new judge, Ellen DeGeneres.  A woman who undoubtedly loves music, and dances to a new song each and every weekday on her show.  I thought she did alright for her first season.  I noticed the first 24 she seemed to mimic Randy’s criticism a lot, almost to the word.  I never really saw her disagree with Randy, except for one time with Tim.  Was she the most qualified?  Let’s see, Simon and Randy are two huge entities in the music recording field. Randy played bass with Journey, and Simon has produced some of the world’s top artists.  Kara was a Grammy winning song writer and vocalist.  Ellen?  She loves music.  Odd in many ways, but she did better than most thought.

The final episode of Season 9 didn’t have any gaudy lip-syncing, bikini flashes, or unnecessary hype.  Instead it was filled with great performances by Janet Jackson, Cristina Aguilera, Joe Cocker, Alanis Morissette, Chicago, Michael McDonald, and amazingly enough, the very lucky Bret Michaels.  It’s really what the show needed after last year’s debacle.

Season 9′s finalists were both chosen in Chicago.  You had Lee DeWyze, and Crystal Bowersox.  Each are completely different in sound and personality, but each knows exactly what recording artist they are.  Both Crystal and Lee were good choices for this year’s finale, and I still say both were a MUCH better choice than last year.  Over the past nine seasons, Idol has only given the world really four successful Idols, and five duds.  Sure, they may have had a little success, but the runners-up in that year have surely out performed them.  Reuben had some success, more than some, with most of it being in the gospel genre.  Fantasia and Taylor Hicks were complete flops.  It’s still a little too early yet, but I only heard Adam Lambert on the radio and nothing from Kris Allen.  Would this year be different?

If I had to compare these finalists to anyone, I would say Lee was a good example of David Cook, and Danny Gokey from Season 8, whom he has a striking resemblance to.  Crystal Bowersox would match well with the great Janis Joplin and sounded phenomenal in her duet with Alanis tonight.  Sure, each one has their strengths and weaknesses, but either way, I would enjoy this year’s winner over last year’s.

In the end, Lee DeWyze won Season 9 despite a weak performance in the final contest, and not being consistent all season.  He found his rhythm in the last few weeks which really was his saving grace.  Crystal never was in the bottom three.  She continued to blow the judges away week after week, and was the sure winner of this year, again another major upset.  I don’t know if people voted for Lee because of his good looks, or just because he was the underdog.  We’ll see if America picked them right, because on voting lately, America has let us all down majorly.  I don’t want to see a sixth flop and Crystal outdoing Lee in the long run.  I mean, the winner is supposed to be the best, the one that America is dying to see in the stores and will rush out to get their new release when the time comes.  Somehow that never seems to happen unless your Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson.  Jordin Sparks has done well for herself, but not nearly as popular as those two.

Only time will tell, but I have a good feeling Idol will never be the same, and many will stop watching it next year.  I have seen LOTS of disgust over the winner; they like him, but they know Crystal is the better of the two.  There won’t be harsh criticism in there either unless Gordon Ramsay comes to judge Idol.  I think the show is in the books.  It will go down as one of the most popular reality shows in history, but like most, I won’t be watching next year unless they get one hell of a judge to replace Simon.

Congrats to Lee and Crystal.  We wish you all the best on your future endeavors.

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American Idol Season 9 Top 12

March 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you didn’t catch American Idol last week, you would have seen some pretty great performances.  As usual there were some lacking luster, but they really did well their first time on a stage of this magnitude.  The crowds were bigger, the stakes higher, and the song choices more challenging especially with the Rolling Stones.

The Rolling Stones are classic. I don’t know anyone that hasn’t heard at least one of their tunes, and probably those that have know at least one song by heart.  They have been performing since the 60s, giving them more than 40 years of songs to choose from.  The problem with songs from this band isn’t the fact they are hard, but that the Stones are so famous that changing the song could be suicide.  And for those that do the song the way the Stones did, they will be compared to them almost like karaoke.

Each performer brought their A-game to the stage, in hopes it would show.  For three performers their performances were far from perfect.  In the bottom three was Paige Miles who happened to be suffering from laryngitis but managed to belt out some pretty intense notes. In fact, many didn’t even know she was sick.  The others joining her were Lacy Brown singing “Ruby Tuesday” and Tim Urban singing “Under My Thumb.”

For me, I could see Tim being in the bottom three; I didn’t like his performance at all.  The vocals were all over the place, and he gave the song a Jamaican type sound which I usually applaud but this was a train wreck in my opinion. Knowing that Paige was sick, and couldn’t practice till she hit the stage, I figured she would be in the bottom three but felt she would be safe based on past performances.  Lacy, I was really surprised for, as she has had trouble finding herself in the competition, however, I really enjoyed her unique voice.  She was far better than Tim was that night and better than Paige, but for some reason America didn’t think so and voted her off.  This surprised Tim when he was the safe one in the bottom three leaving Paige and Lacy facing elimination.  I think he really expected to be going home as did I.

The judges decided not to use the save on Lacy, and sent her packing.  I knew they wouldn’t this soon in the competition.

As for the guest performances, I enjoyed the return performance of David Cook.  His vocals were hot, and he took the stage like we never have seen him do before on American Idol with his rendition of “Jumping Jack Flash.”  On the other side we had two female guest performers including Orianthi singing her hit “According To You,” which was another great performance.  She once played guitar for Carrie Underwood, American Idol Season 6 winner.  Then we heard Ke$ha sing her hit “Blah Blah Blah.”  For me, she looked ridiculous out there, and the song was horrible.  I don’t know how this song ever got on the radio, and how it boosted her to this kind of level in the music industry.  Shame on American Idol for this performance.  I was glad when it was over.

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Nerves Of Steel – Hollie Steel

December 31, 2009 By 3 Comments

Hollie Steel BGT TourLike Americans, the British love talent and reality shows, making them quite the rage across the pond.  One of the more popular shows is Britain’s Got Talent, which is like American Idol but they allow different kinds of performers to compete, making it not just a singing competition.  Unlike American Idol, they allow any age to compete as long as they have the talent to move to the next round.  However, here is a similiarity between the two shows: on the judging panel is the man who makes them quiver, Simon Cowell.

About a year and a half ago the multi-decked theater was sold out.  The judges sat waiting for their next performer in the initial audition, when out comes a ten-year-old dressed in ballerina garb and a beautiful tiara that sat upon her head, sparkling in the stage lights.  The judges ask her, “What’s your name?” and with a soft English accent she mutters, Hollie Steel.  Little Hollie points off stage to queue the music, and starts to perform a interpretive ballet dance.  The judges sit back with baited breath knowing she will probably sing, mainly because she has a small head mounted microphone on.  Her dance didn’t last long before coming to a complete stop.  She then looks at the audience, cool and collected, and belts out one of the most amazing sounds ever heard.  Simon Cowell’s eyes grow wide in shock over the vocals of this young lady, and with a heart felt passion she sings, “I Could Have Danced All Night.”  That performance won her a trip to the next round, allowing her to compete in the finals last year.  Sadly, she didn’t win the competition, but is proud to say she made it farther than she ever expected.

Talking with Hollie, I discovered she originally was in ballet.  She loves to dance which frees her spirit, allowing her to express herself through her movements.  I don’t know too many young ladies who don’t want to be beautiful ballerinas performing on stage.  I know many also that wish to be singers, performing for their adoring fans.  Hollie, at the age of ten, got that chance for both of her loves which soared her into the hearts of millions.  Singing came later, but it was something she loved to do, so combining the two was like the cherry on the cake for Hollie.

Her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent led her to record her first album, set to be released in 2010; a feat Hollie is quite excited over and hopes the enthusiasm will trickle down into the album for her fans.  The album will contain mostly contemporary-crossover and opera-like compositions.  Granted, Hollie loves pop music and rock, but prefers to sing the music that expresses her young heart the best.

Despite the success, Hollie has a great head on her shoulders and hasn’t let the fame and success get to her.  When she is not singing, she loves playing with her teddies, listening to music, playing with her friends and doing what a typical now eleven-year-old girl would do.  She also loves spending time with her family, who have supported her all the way on this amazing journey.  If you see Hollie around town, or walking down the road she will gladly give you her autograph and thank the people who cherish her music.  That’s how you can tell she hasn’t let stardom affect her, which is also a sign of great parenting.

DSC_1720sHollie has performed on TV,  and has an album coming out this year, but believe it or not she still has one dream she hopes to fulfill in her new career.  Hollie wants to tour the U.S. and sing for her fans here in America.  Hollie’s mom says that she has a tremendous following here in the states, and is touched how the American people have taken Hollie into their hearts.  I have a great feeling that this will come true faster than she expects and she will get to greet those fans here face to face.

If you want to find out more about this amazing young lady, you can visit her official website and sign up for her fan club at www.holliesteel.org.uk and tell her how much her music touches your life.  There is no greater compliment than that for an artist.  Once you see her, you will know why she can capture your heart with her voice and charm and not ever have to meet you in person to do so.

Don’t forget to listen to her podcast where she sits down and talks with The Expressionist Magazine on “Artist One On One.”  The podcast is found on our podcast link, or you can search The Expressionist Magazine on iTunes.

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Hollie Steel Podcast

December 31, 2009 By 1 Comment

Almost 2 years ago Hollie Steel took the stage on Britain’s Got Talent with no idea how far it would take her.  Amazingly, this 10 year old went to the finals, finishing 2nd place and now owns the hearts of millions of fans across the world.  Its no wonder she made it as far as she did, with the amazing talent she actually has.  She sits down and talks with us about her experience on the show, and gives you an insight into Simon Cowell; do you think he’s naughty or nice?  Hollie will tell.

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Connie Talbot – Britain’s Got Talent Podcast

September 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

On Artist One on One, we have the esteem pleasure of sitting down with Connie Talbot, the six-year-old sensation that wowed England and Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent.  She finished 2nd place.  Now eight-years-old, she is in the states filming her own holiday special.  So we catch up with her by phone from Pennsylvania and her very first U.S. appearance.

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Paula “Done” With Idol?

July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

paula-abdul-picture-2Paula Abdul is very upset with American Idol, the show she’s helped judge for the past eight seasons.  While contract renewals have been in the works with Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest, Abdul has yet to be even approached.

It doesn’t surprise us here at The Expressionist, we knew Kara Dioguardi was eventually going to rule out Abdul and take her spot.  That’s what Abdul thought too beginning last season, but dismissed the notion before the start of the season saying “the fourth judge will help American Idol.”  She is probably wishing she never said those words.

Randy Jackson finished his contract deal right after the end of Season 8, and is locked down till 2011 (so that’s good news for Idol fans; the show is scheduled till 2011 at least.)  Ryan Seacrest signed a 45.6 million dollar deal making him the highest paid reality TV host in history.  Kara Dioguardi signed up last year for four seasons, bringing her to the 2011 season.  Simon Cowell is in contract negotiations, but there is a lot of talk in the tabloids, E! TV and other sources saying that he will not return, and he’s not putting that fire out either.

This season could prove to be completely new on the judges table, if Abdul isn’t there to lift the spirits of those with a bad performance, they are subject to the wrath of Cowell (if he returns), a more harsh Randy Jackson, and the claws of the fierce Dioguardi.  If Cowell and Abdul for some reason don’t return, I would say we can kiss this show goodbye, because many people tune in to watch Cowell despite how arrogant he is, he is usually right.

Idol has gone through some major drama over the last few years, some including Abdul who was accused of sleeping with one of Season 2′s contestants.  The people are still outraged over Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and now Adam Lambert’s losses saying they were fixed.  Maybe it is time for the show to be in the archives, or maybe they just need to get it right.

If Abdul isn’t back, the show won’t be on much longer.  I personally think they wanted someone to tear the kids apart, and they wanted someone younger with more sex appeal, hence the bikini stunt on the finale last year.

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American Idol Season 8 Top 8

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

This week the Idol contestants were asked to sing top songs from the year they were born.  This is always a fun week because it gives you a variety of different sounds as each contestant is born in a different year.  What we got was a mixed show where some idols shined, and others flopped.  Some of the ones we really saw shine were Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud; these contestants seem to be consistent each week, wowing the crowd and judges.

We also saw something this week we never saw before and some of us didn’t see at all, unless you were in the audience.  The reason is that American Idol ran over an hour, which meant some DVRs did not record the ending.  So, for those of you who didn’t get to see it, here’s what happened.  Simon Cowell gave Adam Lambert a standing ovation, and in the last seven years, has never done such a gesture for anyone.

Some of the contestants that had a good performance but were lacking some life were Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, and Kris Allen.  The bottom three for this week were Anoop, Scott and Lil.  Anoop is no stranger to the bottom three, however, it was Scott and Lil’s first time to feel the heat.  I was shocked because Kris’s performance was horrible and he surely deserved to be in the bottom tier this week, but it shows that he has the crowd’s support.

After America’s 35 million votes, they decided to send Scott MacIntyre home.  The judges truly like this contestant, but they said his showmanship is listless.  Scott is blind and can’t move around like the others so his performances will be a little dry, but his voice is stellar.  The judges were deadlocked about keeping him; two wanted him stay and two wanted him sent home.  The one judge that wanted Scott to stay was Simon, but Kara and Randy wanted to send him packing.  Simon made a decision based on the divided panel and ended up making it the end of the road for Scott; a decision he said was very tough for him.

Paula said a last word to Scott, praising him for his courage and determination. She said he is an inspiration to us all and his voice will take him far beyond Idol.

Scott was not going to win this competition, but he did leave too early.  I feel Anoop, Lil Rounds or Kris Allen were far weaker than Scott was, and they should have used the save for Scott.  I think they are saving the save for two more weeks in case Danny or Adam find themselves eliminated.

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American Idol Season 8

January 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

kara_182x249It’s been months since we crowned our seventh American Idol, David Cook and the wait seems to be getting too much for some of us. Don’t fret American Idol fanatics because television’s hottest and most watched reality show is back, for its 8th season.

This year, we have a treat because the American Idol producers added a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, who comes from New York. She boasts a career of being the music industry’s most sought after songwriter and producer. There is talk that she will soon be the replacement for Paula Abdul, who in the past has been a kinder, gentler judge. We all know that’s not what we want to see, rather we want the fierce tenacity of Simon Cowell in all the judges. DioGuardi seems to have that. It could also be that she will replace Abdul because she is younger and more attractive.  That is yet to be seen.

The fourth judge may prove to be more intimidating for the contestants. Speaking of judges, will Cowell be more kind to the contestants or will he be his usual self that we all know and love? You know, how he tears into the contestants and tells them brutally what he thinks of their performance.

The 8th season starts January 13th and 14th for a back to back night special on Fox. Typically, the first few weeks are recaps from auditions across the United States.  We see some of the best and some of the worst singers, and some of them come in ridiculous costumes hoping that gets them through to the next round.  From the previews, it actually works as a young tone deaf bombshell comes in for her audition with nothing but a skimpy bikini on, and Simon lets her through.  That decision sends the entire panel into a heated argument,  so you won’t want to miss it.

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