Main

April 30, 2008

Dredlocks Must Go

We are down to the Final Five. After last night's performances of Neil Diamond songs, I have to say it is time for Dreadlocks Dude to go. Jason Castro has hit a musical rut and doesn't seem all that interested in getting out of it. His versions of "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" were bland and boring. Of course it's a shame we can't vote off Paula after that ridiculous mistake when she talked about Jason't two songs and he had only sung one at that point in the show.
Syesha Mercado has been improving weekly. Her "Hello Again'' was one of her best performances to date and her fun-filled ''Thank the Lord for the Night Time'' wasn't bad either. Brooke White recovered from her weak "I'm A Believer" with a fabulous take on "I Am ... I Said." Brooke finds her zone when she is barefoot at the piano. David A. was in his comfort zone with the all-American appeal of "Sweet Caroline" and "America." David Cook is still the front-runner in my book and he earned props from Simon for taking songs that weren't that well known ("All I Really Need Is You,'' "I'm Alive") and making them his own.

My top five:
1) David Cook
2) Brooke White
3) David A
4) Syesha Mercado
5) Jason Castro

April 16, 2008

Idol Rewind

Maybe it's just me, but I only thought David Cook was ok with his performance on MC night, yet there was Simon, giving him the most ebullient praise the Simonator has dished out all season. It's not that I'm down on David; he is still my favorite Idol, but I just wasn't blown away by his interpretation of Mariah's ''Always Be My Baby.''
David Archuleta led off the show with ''When You Believe,'' and he was back with a soaring vocal, although it had a few rough spots (the lower range notes as usual). Carly Smithson continues to falter. Her "Without You," a Mariah version of the Nielsson song, was screechy on the high notes. What has happened to her? She was great a month ago. Syesha Mercado's ''Vanishing'' was solid but not spectacular. I don't get why Simon bitched about her doing a song that isn't a big Mariah hit; that seems like a smart move to me.
Brooke White performed an unplugged version of ''Hero,'' which was excellent in spots but a bit rough in others, as Randy pointed out. Kristy Lee Cook's ''Forever'' gave Mariah Carey chills. It was one of KLC's best performances, which isn't saying much. Still, she might hold on one more week.
I'm with Paula on Jason Castro's take on ''I Don't Wanna Cry.'' After Randy's wacked "luau" reference, I agreed with Paula saying she'd want to hang out at that luau.

My Top Seven:
1) David Cook; 2) David A; 3) Jason Castro; 4) Brooke White; 5) Carly Smithson; 6) Syesha Mercado; 7) Kristy Lee Cook.

After last week's MJ shocker, I'll say Brooke White is leaving the building, although I'm hoping it's KLC.

April 11, 2008

Idol Shocker

Idol-Michael-JohnsWEB.jpgI usually skip commenting on the Idol results show, but Yo Dawg, that was a bummer! Michael Johns has been one of the top performers and he had one of the better vocals during the bland “inspirational song” week. I’m really shocked; if fact I haven’t been this shocked about a vote since Chris Daughtry was booted off. He as least had a fourth place finish. MJ, hang in their baby, with your talent and good looks your national profile and career will continue. If Bucky Covington can have a hit record … any ex-Idol can.
P.S.: I loved Bucky's hit single "A Different World."

April 09, 2008

Idol Recap

JasonIdolWEB.jpgThe inspirational night wasn’t all that inspiring. David Cook stumbled, but not enough to put him in the bottom three. David A. has some rough moments but Simon loved the song so he had a bit of a comeback.
The best performance of the night was from our favorite hippy dippy music dude in dreadlocks, Jason Castro. His “Over the Rainbow,” borrowed from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, was a perfect choice. It was something different on a night when everyone else was treading water — or worse.
David Cook presented an incoherent version of Our Lady Peace's ''Innocent.'' It was all over the place, and none of those places were any good. Thanks to his previous strong performances, however, he should avoid being in the bottom three.
Syesha just keeps hitting her head on the wall with her song choices. Will she never learn? This might be her last chance. After doing Whitney last week, she decides to pale in comparison by doing Fantasia’s season three anthem, “I Believe.” She did a nice job but as pointed out by the judges, the emotion was not there. We will see that emotion when she is booted off tonight.

Continue reading "Idol Recap" »

April 02, 2008

Dolly's in the House

I’ve been checking out other Idol blogs and the anti-country music fans are out in full force. Dolly Parton Night was pretty damn good in my book, although the Sixers were playing so well I was wearing down the return button on my remote.
David Cook did a terrific job on Dolly’s “Little Sparrow,” but he was not the hottest performer of the night. Michael Johns leaped past Cook into front runner status with his superb, sexy and soulful take on ''It's All Wrong, but It's All Right.'' I still don’t know what the bug up Simon’s bum is when it comes to Carly Smithson, but her enchanting performance of “Here You Come Again” was dyn-o-mite. Her pop interpretation of the song blended with her fabulous vocal skill to create the only performance that challenged Michael Johns this week. Yet, there was Simon, saying it was only okay. Is he nuts?
David A. did his usual polished vocals on "Smokey Mountain Memories," but he seems to have lost his emotional mojo. Even since his tear-inducing “Imagine,” his performances have been technically good but emotionally disconnected.
Jason Castro’s “Travelin’ Through” had more energy than some of his recent performances, so I’ll count it as a rebound. Syesha, couldn’t resist going the Whitney route with Dolly’s ''I Will Always Love You.'' You don’t cover Whitney, people! Haven’t you learned that yet? Brooke White was only okay with “Jolene.”
Can there we any doubt that the bottom two this week will be Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele, doing “Coat of Many Colors” and “'Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” respectively. Kristy has to looks to skate by and even get signed to a country label, but if she isn’t dumped this week, it is only because it will be the end of the line for Ms. Malubay.
Here is my top nine:
1) Michael Johns; 2) Carly Smithson; 3) David Cook; 4) David Archuleta; 5) Jason Castro; 6) Brooke White; 7) Syesha Mercado; 8) Kristy Lee Cook; 9) Ramiele Malubay.

March 27, 2008

Idol Results

Somehow little Ramiele didn’t even make it into the bottom three this week as Chikezie was sent home. Kristy Lee Cook’s choice of song, “God Bless the USA,” kept her in the running. Surprisingly enough, the Idol voters decided it was time for one of the top vote getters to sweat a little bit this week, as Jason Castro’s lackluster performance landed him in the bottom three. Syesha Mercado, who's also been among the top performers and was terrific this week, also landed in the bottom three.
Ramiele is a much better singer than the Idol formerly known as Sanjaya, but she has inherited his sympathy votes, as she keeps hanging on despite being the weakest link.
Dolly Parton is in the house next week, so KLC probably makes it through.

March 26, 2008

Idol Rewind

AmericanIdolDCookWEB.jpgAs the American Idol contest has continued, the experience of the more veteran performers has pushed adorable David A. out of the top spot in my personal top ten.
When David Cook unleashed his slowed down and soulful interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” a star was born, even if he did borrow the slowed-down “BJ” from Chris Cornell. Yes, I can imagine buying a record from, David Cook; I might even purchase the download right after I write this love letter to the talent that is DC.
As for the other David, Archuleta, he still is demonstrating his considerable chops and charisma, but his performances have been getting worse, not better. He hit his peak three weeks ago with his beautiful interpretation of “Imagine.” Last night he selected an obscure song that was vintage “Up With People” corny, “You’re the Voice.” Even Paula scolded him for playing it safe.
Michael Johns, 29, finally nailed a song that showed that his good looks are part of a package that includes potent pipes. I didn’t understand how he skated by earlier, but his “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions” took that song out of sports arenas and into our hearts.

Continue reading "Idol Rewind" »

March 20, 2008

Idol Update

The second week of Beatles’ tunes did not enhance the star power of the AI crew with a few notable exceptions. Amanda Overmyer finally did too much screeching to be forgiven and was given the boot. In my book, she offered the second worst performance of the night behind Kristy Lee Cook, whose low notes sound like a cat in heat on “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away." Still, she managed to slip by for another week, although you have to believe her luck is running out.
Even adorable David A. had an off weak with his musically sound but uninspiring take on “The Long and Winding Road.”
The other David left in the competition, David Cook, did a smoking rendition of “Day Tripper” that makes him a co-favorite with David A. and the person who deliver the top Idol performance this week, Carly Smithson. Her take on “Blackbird” was infused with passion, a nice variety of moods and tone and a dynamic delivery. Simon was insane with his harsh criticism. He won’t admit when he simply doesn’t like a song. Smithson delivered a true star turn.
For more Idol news, visit my favorite Idol chatter on the EW Web site.

February 28, 2008

Idol's Back

DavidArchWEB.jpgAmerican Idol is back. Randy, Paula and Simon have been calling it the best group of singers EVER, but don’t they say that every year? While I’ll agree there is plenty of talent onstage, it also seems that physical appearance played a bigger role this year. There are no ugly ducklings this season, and some of the ladies appear to have been picked because they might have Brittany Spears potential without the downside. There is also, thankfully, no Sanjaya, although Danny Noriega could be called a Sanjaya with talent and attitude, two snaps please. You could also say that this year’s Sanjaya was Garrett Haley, already eliminated.

Continue reading "Idol's Back" »

May 23, 2007

And the Winner Is ...

Jordan2.jpgAfter last night’s American Idol smackdown, there should be no doubt that Jordan Sparks is the winner. Her vocal superiority was evident. The litmus test was the interpretation of the new song, “This Is My Now,” that will be the winner’s first single. Blake.jpgWhen Blake Lewis sang the song, all its cheesiness and sentimentality came out. It seemed bland and boring, and Blake appeared uncomfortable, knowing the song was a dud.
However, when Jordan sang the song she put so much vocal variety and emotional context to the song, she made it remarkably palatable. I decided that maybe the song wasn’t as sappy as I thought it was.
Blake will have a career anyway, and so will Melinda Dolittle, the best pure singer of the group. Phil Stacy is also likely to slip into a country recording slot, and Sanjaya will continue his talk show circuit for a few months before he uses up his 15 minutes of fame.
The American Idols are in Atlantic City Sept. 8 at Boardwalk Hall. For tickets go here.

May 17, 2007

More Idol news

taylorHicks.jpgTaylor Hicks, after a sold-out solo debut at Borgata April 14, is coming back to town. He’ll perform Sunday, June 24 at the House of Blues at 8pm. Tickets, $33 and $38, go on sale this Saturday from Ticketmaster at 10am. Click here to read my interview with Hicks.

The summer schedule is filling in rapidly at AC's casinos. Other shows added this week include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price bringing their “Last of the Breed” tour to the Taj Mahal on Friday, Aug. 31. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Fri., May 18) at Ticketmaster. Also just added are Poison at the Taj July 27 (on sale Sat. May 19); LL Cool J, July 5 at the HOB (on sale Monday, May 21) and Diana Krall and Chris Botti, July 7 at the Borgata (on sale May 19 on their Web site).


Idols Pre-Sale

Idol6.jpgI’m still steaming about Melinda Doolittle not making it to the final two. It was a combination of the youth movement for Blake and Jordan, plus and the kiss of death: Simon said Melinda should be in the finals. However, I know that Melinda will get a recording contract and career out of her Idol exposure, as will the talented teen and Mr. Cool.
Speaking about the Idols, the ten finalists will be coming to Boardwalk Hall Saturday, Sept. 8, including the adventurous hairstyles of Sanjaya, the belting of Kiki, the legs of Hayley, the Goth appeal of Gina, the crooning of Phil and the Timberlake vibe of Chris R.
Boardwalk Hall has announced a Special Internet Only Pre-Sale for the American Idols Live! Tour 2007. The presale begins tomorrow, Friday, May 18, at 10am and ends at 10pm. The Password is: Top10. You can get a 24-hr. jump on the ticket sales. Tickets are $39.50, $52.50 and $72.50. Go here for the pre-sale.

May 15, 2007

What, No Antonella?

As in previous seasons of American Idol, the top 10 finalists are going on tour later this year and will stop in Atlantic City (Sept. 8, Boardwalk Hall). Who'll be appearing? In case you stopped watching the Fox show after the March 8 dismissal of Point Pleasant's Barba, the 10 finalists — all slated to go on the road together — are Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Haley Scarnato, Chris Sligh, Gina Glocksen and Sanjaya Malakar.
While tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 19, through Ticketmaster, fans of the show can purchase tickets online the day before (Friday, May 18, 10am) exclusively through local radio station WAYV's Web site.
This week, the final three contestants will find out who will be the latest to get booted off.
antonella.jpg

April 20, 2007

Sanjaya & The Prez

Sanjaya Malakar might be off American Idol but that doesn’t mean he’s going away anytime soon. Right after he was voted off, the offers began with an invitation from People Magazine for Sanjaya to attend the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 21. President Bush is also expected to attend. Malakar will share a table with Valerie Bertinelli, Zac Efron of High School Musical, comedian Eddie Izzard and Robert Kennedy Jr. Some of the other guests include Jane Fonda, Henry Kissinger, John Cusack and Sheryl Crow.
On Monday, he will be appearing on Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen Show and The Late Show with David Letterman.

July 18, 2006

Kat Still Down With a McPhee-Ver?

Are you pulling your fingernails out, dying to find out whether or not beloved American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee will recover from her reported illness in time to join the rest of the gang for this weekend's Boardwalk Hall show? Check for regular updates on everything McPhee here:
http://www.katharinefans.com/
Katharine_McPhee.jpg

About

Atlantic City Weekly is the source for what's happening in and around the AC casinos at the Jersey Shore.

Visit our main site by clicking here.

 

Powered by
Movable Type 3.2