Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

American Idol Season 8 Top 36 - Group 2 Performance Recap Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:42 PM PST The second group from the Top 36 had to sing songs from Billboard's Hot 100 tonight on American Idol.  I was really interested to see how things were going to unfold after all the Paula/Kara drama.  I felt like Paula went over-the-top with her commentary tonight and was really trying to look better than she normally does.  Did you notice that too?  What did you think of the performances tonight?  Again, I think poor song choices ruined some people's chances (Matt Giraud and Mishavonna Henson, for example).  I'd love to hear what you think.  Take my poll! You can see my recaps/commentary along with images and video (coming soon!) from the performances at the following links: Jasmine Murray sang "Love Song" Matt Giraud sang "Viva La Vida" Jeanine Vailes sang "This Love" Nick Mitchell sang "And I Am Telling You" Allison Iraheta sang "Alone" Kris Allen sang "Man In the Mirror" Megan Joy Corkrey  "Put Your Records On" Matt Breitzke sang "If You Could Only See" Jesse Langseth "Bette Davis Eyes" Kai Kalama sang "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?" Mishavonna Henson sang "Drops of Jupiter" Adam Lambert "Satisfaction" image ©2008 FOX BROADCASTING Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Adam Lambert Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:33 PM PST Adam Lambert makes me think he wants to be the missing Jonas Brother every time I see him.  Anyway, the 26-year-old from Los Angeles, CA (auditioned in San Francisco) chose to sing "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones and he made it more contemporary but it was still cheesy and over-the-top to me. Paula said that it felt like she was watching an Adam Lambert concert and that he's in a league of his own.  Simon said parts of the performance were brilliant and others were really bad.  Randy said that he loved it and compared him to Fall Out Boy and Robert Pattinson (what does the Twilight star have to do with anything?).  Kara said that his vocal range is incredible. image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: adam lambert, satisfaction Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 - Mishavonna Henson Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:20 PM PST Mishavonna Henson sang "Drops of Jupiter" and I wouldn't have picked that song for her.  The 18-year-old from Irvine, CA (auditioned in Phoenix, AZ) has quite an amazing voice and I just am so disappointed that she picked that song!  WHY?! Paula said that she wouldn't have picked that song for Mishavonna.  Simon said that she's very serious, is a quite a good singer but was left cold by the performance.  Randy agreed that Mishavonna is too serious for her age.  Kara said that she didn't mind the song choice but that Mishavonna is too well put together and should loosen up a bit. Audio Only: image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: drops of jupiter, Mishavonna Henson Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Kai Kalama Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:13 PM PST Kai Kalama sang "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" and the 26-year-old from San Clemente, CA (auditioned in San Francisco, CA) did a pretty good job.  The only complaint I've got is that he didn't bring anything new to this oldie which I think could be a real mistake. Kara said that Kai had some pitch issues and that the song was a little old-fashioned even though she said he gave it his all.  Paula said that he sounded good except for a few pitch issues and said that he is quite the performer.  Simon said it was corny and sounded like something you'd hear at a wedding or a hotel.  Randy said that it was a very safe performance and was not what he was looking for. image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: kai kalama, what becomes of the broken hearted Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Jesse Langseth Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:06 PM PST Jesse Langseth sang "Bette Davis Eyes" and I had my kids rolling on the floor laughing with my stories about how this song used to scare me as a kid.  The lyrics terrified me and I thought someone had actually taken Bette Davis' eyes.  Oh well, the 25 year-old from Minneapolis, MN (auditioned in Kansas City, MO) did a decent job but I wasn't jumping out of my seat.  She kind of dropped off a few notes but it was okay overall. Randy thought it was "okay" but wasn't exciting.  Kara said it was her best look and that she took some risks.  Paula said that Jesse is captivating and identifiable.  Simon disagreed with Paula and said that he thinks Jesse is forgettable. Audio Only: image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: bette davis eyes, jesse langseth Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Matt Breitzke Posted: 25 Feb 2009 07:00 PM PST Matt Breitzke chose to sing "If You Could Only See" and the 27-year-old from Bixby, OK (auditioned in Kansas City, MO)delivered a solid performance but it wasn't the most exciting song choice. Simon said that he really hated that song and that the performance was uncomfortable.  Randy said it was a great song but that the performance was too boring.  Kara said that it didn't show any side of him.  Paula said that every note was in key but the song didn't celebrate who he is. Audio Only: image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: Matt Breitzke Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Megan Joy Corkrey Posted: 25 Feb 2009 06:54 PM PST Megan Joy Corkrey sang "Put Your Records On" and the 22 year-old mom from Sandy, UT (auditioned in Salt Lake City, UT) did a pretty good job.  I like her unique sound and even her weird dance moves.  She's so bizarre that you almost have to like her. Paula said that Megan picked the right song and that she's beautiful, interesting and relevant.  Simon said that Megan is a "funny little thing" and that she oversang the second half of the song a little bit.  Randy agreed with Simon and Paula.  Kara said that Megan is a "package artist" and that, with the right song, she could be a break-out artist. Sorry, the video quality is low. image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: Megan Joy Corkrey, put your records on Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Kris Allen Posted: 25 Feb 2009 06:48 PM PST Kris Allen (23 years old from Conway, AR (auditioned in Louisville, KY) and for some reason that I cannot explain, he chose to sing "Man In the Mirror" and it started badly – he was flat in all sorts of places.  I'm not even going to tell you how yucky the modulation sounded.  I don't know why he picked this song.  Wow… Kara said the performance doesn't come close to what he did in Hollywood.  Paula disagreed with Kara completely and said that Kris nailed his performance.  Simon agreed with… Paula!  Can you believe that?  Randy said he did a good job too. What the heck?  Did I miss something here?!  He wasn't awful but he definitely didn't nail it! image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: kris allen, man in the mirror Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Allison Iraheta Posted: 25 Feb 2009 06:42 PM PST Allison Iraheta chose to sing the very tough song "Alone" and the 16-year-old from Los Angeles, CA (auditioned in San Francisco) actually impressed me.  I was worried about her but she really does have a good voice.  I hate that they didn't feature her more during the audition rounds. Randy said that she "blew it out the box."  Kara said that Allison doesn't even know how good she is and that she has serious charts.  Paula said that Allison can sing the telephone book.  Simon said that she was the best tonight "by a clear mile." Audio only (sorry!) image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: alison iraheta, alone Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Nick Mitchell Posted: 25 Feb 2009 06:32 PM PST Nick Mitchell is one of the most talked about contestants so far this year so, even though I hate to admit it, I was looking forward to seeing what he was going to do.  The 27-year-old from Brookfield, CT (auditioned in New York, NY) chose to sing "And I Am Telling You" with revised lyrics.  He went full Norman Gentle on us and I can't deny that I kinda liked it. Simon said that he prays that Nick will not make it through to the next round.  Randy said it was one of the most entertaining performances ever on American Idol.  Kara said that at least we remember him!  Paula said that singers come in different shapes and sounds and that Nick/Norman is a true performer. Sorry, the video is a low quality but still worth watching! image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: and I am telling you, nick mitchell Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Jeanine Vailes Posted: 25 Feb 2009 05:29 PM PST Jeanine Vailes picked "This Love" and I am really shocked.  Again, I really love this song (it was my favorite song for a long time) but it was truly awful.  The 27 year-old from Sherman Oaks, CA (auditioned in San Francisco, CA) was trying to make the song her own and, at times, it worked but when it didn't, it was a real mess.  The outfit was atrocious too. Paula refused to even comment beyond saying that Jeanine has nice legs.  Simon agreed but said it was awful and the wrong song.  Randy said that the best part was when it was over.  Kara said it was "so overdone." Sorry the video is audio only: image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: jeanine vailes, this love Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Matt Giraud Posted: 25 Feb 2009 05:19 PM PST Matt Giraud chose to sing "Viva La Vida" which is one of my favorite songs from this past year.  I did not like the arrangement and for some reason, he just seemed to out of breath.  Does anyone think the 23 year-old from Kalamazoo, MI (auditioned in Louisville, KY) looks a bit like Michael Buble? Kara said that it was the wrong song for him since it didn't show his style.  Paula said it was a risky song choice for a soulful singer and she hopes he is here next week.  Simon said it verged on a "horrible" performance since he turned from a cool person into a wannabe pop star.  Randy said he's got mad talent but that he should have picked another song. image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: matt giraud, viva la vida Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Jasmine Murray Posted: 25 Feb 2009 05:10 PM PST Jasmine Murray chose to sing "Love Song" and it started out sounding really shaky.  The 16 year old from Starkville, MS (auditioned in Jacksonville, FL) never seem to quite find the pocket, struggle to stay in tune and, while I applaud her attempt to have stage presence, I thought she kinda overdid it. Randy said it was pitchy and weird and that he expected her to come out and sing a Rihanna song.  Kara said it was all over the place.  Paula agreed with Randy and Kara.  Simon said he was disappointed because he likes her a lot. Image ©2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Frank Micelotta Tags: jasmine murray, love song Share This

Paula Abdul Weighs in on Fourth Judge, Kara DioGuardi Responds Posted: 25 Feb 2009 03:10 PM PST MEOW ALERT!  I have to admit that I was really surprised to read the reports that Paula Abdul was not necessarily digging the four judge panel on American Idol.  The NY Post quotes her as saying: "Kara and I have known each other for years and we get along great but we tried four judges before and it doesn’t work."  I'd completely forgotten that Hot 97 DJ, Angie Martinez, was supposed to be a judge before the second season but pulled out last minute.  So, what does Paula have against the arrangement?  She said: "It takes up so much time for each of us to give our opinion that it slows down the pace of the show.  It is the last season of my contract, and I have so many other things I want to do."  YIKES! Of course, fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi responded to the comments. Access Hollywood quotes her as saying: "Paula has a right to her opinions, but I was disappointed by her comments, and hurt that she did not address them to me in person.  I am proud of my contributions to the show, and remain excited about the rest of the season." Should be interesting to see if there is any tension between them tonight! image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker Share This

Kara DioGuardi Visits Cousin Regis Philbin Posted: 25 Feb 2009 09:49 AM PST I hadn't seen the episode of Live with Regis and Kelly with American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi but I saw it this morning.  Kara brought her family tree chart and showed Regis how they are related.    Kara also talked about she had been in school preparing for a career in law when she decided that she wanted to be a singer and shocked her family by dropping out. She also briefly touched on the rumors that she was hired to replace Paula Abdul.  Kelly helped out by saying that Paula was an important part of the show because she was so supportive of the people who auditioned and Kara agreed.  Of course, they couldn't let Kara leave without showing a clip of her bickering with Bikini Girl.  Kara was still a little bitter sounding as she suggested that maybe Katrina Darnell confused the Idol auditions with the Hawaiian Tropics audition.  Kara even said that Bikini Girl's body was good but her voice sucked but, when she asked the audience for support, she didn't really get any (ha ha!). Here's a video (forgive the subtitles): image © 2008 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Jack Guy Tags: live with regis and kelly, regis-and-kelly, talk shows Share This

American Idol 8 Top 36 – Group 2 Performs Tonight! Posted: 25 Feb 2009 09:20 AM PST Tonight, the second group from the Top 36 on American Idol will take the stage.  I'm not a big fan of anyone in this group but there is at least one controversial person in the lot. We've found out that Jessica Langseth was once arrested for a DUI and, of course, there is Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle who, with his comedic style of singing hasn't won a lot of favor with at-home audiences.  It should be an interesting night and, to be honest, it feels like they deliberately picked these groupings for the drama.  Last week, we saw Anoop Desai go up against Michael Sarver on a night when Tatiana Del Toro also performed.  That just seems too "planned" to me.  Anyway, here's the lineup for tonight's show: Adam Lambert - 26 years old from Los Angeles, CA/audition: San Francisco Allison Iraheta - 16 years old from Los Angeles, CA/audition: San Francisco Jasmine Murray - 16 years old from Starkville, MS/audition: Jacksonville, FL  Jeanine Vailes - 27 years old from Sherman Oaks, CA/audition: San Francisco  Jesse Langseth - 25 years old from Minneapolis, MN/audition: Kansas City, MO Kai Kalama - 26 years old from San Clemente, CA/audition: San Francisco, CA  Kris Allen - 23 years old from Conway, AR/audition: Louisville, KY Matt Breitzke - 27 years old from Bixby, OK/audition: Kansas City, MO Matt Giraud - 23 years old from Kalamazoo, MI/audition: Louisville, KY Megan Joy Corkrey - 22 years old from Sandy, UT/audition: Salt Lake City, UT Mishavonna Henson - 18 years old from Irvine, CA/audition: Phoenix, AZ  Nick Mitchell - 27 years old from Brookfield, CT/audition: New York, NY image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX Tags: nick mitchell, norman gentle, performances Share This

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