March 5, 2010 1:24 PM
American Idol - my favorites and inside scoop
I have simply not had time to dish on American Idol - though Maddy and I have been watching it and I have a lot to say.
But I don't want to wait any longer to say I love Crystal Bowersox. She is absolutely the real deal. When she sang shortly before Maddy during Hollywood week, she came out in old jeans and a red (flannel?) shirt and sang "A Natural Woman" in such an authentic way, I was on my feet - as were many of the Idol contestants) applauding at the end.
They never showed Simon's first response, which was that there were thousands of singers like her and that she was nothing special. Because of his remark, I was surprised when she made it through that cut,
I think this year's AI is very different in that they are looking for more Indie-type artists. Which is great because we've had enough of the whole Beyonce-type singers. I like seeing women who are more comfortable in their own skin and who you know will never get all gussied up in sexy outfits to sell their music.
My second favorite Siobahn Magnus. She is a strange, quirky and slightly off-kilter communication-wise, says she's never had a voice lesson, but wow - what a set of pipes. And so unique. One of six children, btw.
Third: Katie Epperly last week at piano singing Coldplay - loved it!. The week before, blech. I hope she sticks with her latest image.
Random observations: the headbands/flowers/feathers are getting more than a little annoying. As someone said, it almost seems like someone is standing in the wings handing them out to the girls as they go on.
Also annoying - that the show got the stylists involved so early. I would like to have seen the real people for a while first, thank you very much.
The men in no particular order: I love Lee DeWyze's voice. He's a very serious guy, seldom saw him smile during Hollywood week. During Hollywood week he was never without his guitar, but strolled around from group to group striking up choruses of "What If God Was One of Us?"
Casey James was one of the impromptu worship leaders while we were in the holding room - striking up choruses which gathered all the Christians in the room (a distinct majority) to sing God's praises. It's pathetic how they have made him a sex object. Very embarrassing. I really liked the backstory they showed the other night where he said his family's TV was totaled during a lightning storm and they never replaced it so he grew up without a TV. And hasn't gotten one for himself as a grown man. Never watched American Idol. But the guy can really sing - although his last performance with the electric guitar was not as good as acoustic. I mean, his musicianship was great, but I don't think he pulls off the rocker voice well enough.
Andrew Garcia was great during Hollywood Week, but hasn't come up to the high standard he created for himself. Great voice though.
Now look what you made me do!! I was going to get started on laundry/housework - just wanted to mention Crystal Bowersox. Reminds me of when my friend Ann comes over for an hour and five hours later we still aren't finished talking. . . . .
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Comments
I agree with you, every word. I'll bet a lot of America sees it the same way.
The real test of a performance, all technical evaluations and logic aside, is, "Do I want to hear that again, just for pure enjoyment?" We DVR it to skip not only the commercials but any tiresome chatter, so we can easily replay something. It was Crystal Bowersox and Siobahn Magnus' performances this week that got replayed. With the exception of a note or two here or there, I honestly-- dare I say it?-- liked Siobahn's "Think" better than Aretha's! I hope it's Crystal's year, though. When such a great performance truly looks effortless as hers does, you know she's great. It is time for some just plain great music to turn the tide on all of this plastic, prefab Beyonce' stuff, and she brings it!
Posted by: Marian | March 5, 2010 2:20 PM
LOVING Crystal Bowersox. I wasn't going to watch this year, but got pulled in to see how Maddy was doing. Now I watch to see Crystal.
Speaking of the majority of Christians in the group... did you catch the backstory on the guy whose last name is Urban (sorry I can't think of his first name)? He says he prays before every perfomance. And he shares that he is one of ten children? He says growing up with nine siblings so close in age was like waking up every morning to his best friends. Also made nice comments about his parents. Very refreshing and positive outlook on large families!
Posted by: ChrisV | March 5, 2010 5:47 PM
HI! I stumbled upon your blog and just had to tell you...I concur wholeheartedly with your AI review. I am loving the exact same people...with Big Mike rapidly closing in on Andrew. If you go to my blog ('Love His Appearing')and scroll almost all the way to the bottom, you will see my encounter with 3 of the old idols. What fun!
I found your blog on my other one ('Politics and Religion'), via 'Pundit and Pundette' I plan on stopping by your blog often, as I see we share a lot of the same interests...even Netflix! I am SOOO hooked on the joys of that site!
Nice to meet you Barbara! Have a GREAT weekend!
Posted by: Sue | March 5, 2010 6:34 PM
Love your choices with exception to Katie. I like her voice but something about her bothers me. I can't put my finger on it though. As a "Amarilloian" I must say I do like Lacey Brown although I doubt she will make it past next week. Her voice is unique but not the AI ideal. I thought it was sweet that she tried to hold Haley's hand last night. I actually visited Lacey's parents church many years ago. Very kind people, but then again, most people from Amarillo are.
I hope Andrew Garcia pulls himself up. I was seriously impressed with his Straight Up rendition. My very favorite guy is Casey James. I like his voice and he seems so very sweet. I can't decide on my favorite girl. There are several that have really impressed me - two of which you mentioned.
Ouida Gabriel
Posted by: Ouida Gabriel | March 5, 2010 8:06 PM
Crystal is my favorite too! I may have to call in and vote for her if she makes it much further. I've never called and voted, but since Maddy's involvement I'm more likely to do that this year.
Posted by: Debra | March 5, 2010 8:37 PM
I totally agree with your assessment, and I'm glad to know that I was on the right track in my favorite picks since you have met them personally. And how interesting about Casey James -- I didn't know he was a Christian. I think he always looks embarrassed with Ryan and Kara go on like they do. It's ridiculous.
Posted by: Musings of a Housewife | March 6, 2010 7:54 AM
Yay! You are posting about AI again. I started watching the whole season for the first time because of Maddie. I loved that they closed out the audition portion of the show with the song she sang to start the audition. I like Siobhan over Crystal - something about her personality that I like - she is just totally herself. Glass blowing, Mary Poppins tattoo (has anyone else noticed that?), cutting her own hair. She seems to just love singing so much, and to be in the moment rather than conscious of herself. Thanks for doing this post! :o)
Posted by: beccy | March 6, 2010 1:14 PM
Definitely not a Mary Poppins tattoo on Siobhan's arm. That's Edward Gorey's Gashlycrumb Tinies.
Posted by: lilwhitelion | March 7, 2010 8:21 PM
Hey! Thanks for the scoop. I got a lump in my throat hearing about Casey leading worship songs. So sweet. I had no idea he was a Christian. Love him, love Lee, and am completely blown away by Mamasox. Wonderful to hear such good things about them from behind the scenes. Thanks again, and God Bless You!
Posted by: maggie | March 18, 2010 9:26 AM
