Idol Finale. Kris Wins (as predicted)

As predicted (by me), Kris Allen won the title of American Idol.

Also, if you watched Adam Lambert perform with Kiss, you know what I mean about him needing to be the singer in a rock and roll band.

I predict big album sales from Kris, Adam, Allison, and perhaps even Danny. After seeing the finale, I think Danny might want to consider a country career.

Meghan Corkrey still can not sing, and what was with Jorge hogging the screen time?

Finally, Kara Dioguardi and Bikini Girl killed the G rating by having a sing-off and bikini contest. Given Kara's 38 years, I think she won both, easily.

It was a star-studded cast, leaving me to ask - do these people really need album sales so bad that they are easily cajoled into appearing on AI?

Congrats to Kris - hopefully that little woman of yours can handle all the fame and adulation you're about to receive, and, to Adam, now you can cover all those Bronski Beat songs I've been hoping you would sing.



end...

Idol Finale!

Last night, we saw Adam and Kris sing it off. Based on last night alone, Adam would be the winner.

But, that's not how people vote. Kris has a loyal following, and my prediction is a Kris victory. He is much more contemporary (think Jason Mraz) and in tune with what the 12-25 year old set is listening to these days.

Adam really would make a great front man for a rock and roll band, with his ability to belt those big vocals out and seemingly sing all night. On his own, well, he's just a tad bit weird, and androgynous.

Dialidol.com has Kris leading, barely. They have underestimated his vote all season, so, I think he's the winner when all is said and done.

Don't be surprised, you read it here first.

end..

Idol, final 3

Last night, Danny, Adam, and Kris "worked it out" in the Idol final 3.

We haven't watched the elimination yet, but dialidol.com has Danny going, though it's pretty close. I wouldn't be surprised if Kris was in first, or if either of the other 2 go.

I thought the order last night was:

1. Kris
2. Adam
3. Danny

But 2 and 3 were very close.

end...

Final 4: Duet Night

Last week, there was no surprise as we saw Matt G go home. There was a semi-surprise as Adam joined him in the bottom 2.

This week, with rock 'n roll and a couple of duets, Adam shone, Allison starred with him, and Danny and Kris failed to "work it out."

So, they were, in order:

1. Adam
2. Allison
3. Danny
4. Kris

In danger - and my prediction - Kris.

Dial idol.com says: Razor thin between Kris and Allison. Dialidol has been underestimating Kris all season, and overestimating Adam. Could we have an upset?

end...

Idolatry: The Final 4 Awaits

Tonight, the remaining 5 contestants will wow us with their musical prowess. Tomorrow, Fox will NOT air Obambi, so you can count on Idol starting on time!

Tonight, the Rat Pack. With guest coach...Frank Sinatra...NOT!

He's dead, so it will be Vincent Pastore...NOT!

Jamie Foxx will be the guest mentor.

1. Kris Allen will go first, with "The Way You Look Tonight" - I thought it was a little boring, and too much copycat to me. A teensy Chris Isaak at the end. Randy liked it, thought it was great, and I agree the vocals were very good. Kara likes. Paula wants to jump his bones. Simon says good, "quite nice" not "incredible."
2. Allison again gets shafted with her placement second. Will this happen to Adam? "Someone to Watch Over Me." She can acually sing, and it would be a nice change from the rock songs on an album. I don't know if it distinguishes her in this group. Randy likes, Kara likes. Kara's not nervous, but, I am. Paula likes, too. Simon doesn't see her winning.
3. Matt G sings "My Funny Valentine." He gets to wear the hat to hide The Mole. Well, I liked it. The guy has the ability to hit some notes. Randy has not been able to say "pitchy" very much this year, so, he got it. Kara didn't feel the emotion, Matt clearly disagrees. Paula loves The Mole. Simon is going to agree with Paula, felt it was authentic. "Brilliant."
4. Danny is going next, so, SHOCK! Adam goes last. "Come Rain or Come Shine" I'm not familiar with the song, but, I thought he brought it home at the end. Randy can see Danny doing an album of these things. Kara loves the swagger. Paula loves (does she hate anything?). Simon loves the swagger, too. Simon wants to say, you came out to get Adam tonight.
5. Adam Lambert we will watch with the rest of America as he does "Feeling Good." Hmmm. He's over the top and he pulls it off. Judges tell us so.

So, tonight they were all good. Only Matt wasn't very good, and even he was good. Will Kris be hurt by the number 1 slot? Will Allison pick up any Lil votes? Time will tell.

Is Matt toast?

I think so.

Is there any stopping the Adam/Danny train?

What do you think?????

end...

Final 5 Idols Are Set

Well, folks, the save worked and got Matt G to the final 5. Allison, while in the bottom 3, was spared elimination.

Anoop and Lil were sent packing.

I was wrong about Anoop, and the bottom 3, but Mom had it right tonight.

Good job, Mom!

end...

Idol 7: No One Can Save You Now!

Tonight, we have Disco night, let's see who breaks out of the box, and which 2 are going home.

So, to give the judges ALL time to comment, we are getting straight to it, with Lil going first. Let's get to it:

1. Lil - I'm Every Woman - Chaka Khan - Karaoke. It doesn't make use of Lil's substantial voice. Judges hate it, so do I. I agree with Simon - Lil is done.
2. Kris - She Works Hard For the Money - Donna Summer - Before he begins I tell the 13 y.o. AI fan - "you can make a disco song fit your style." Kris does this with this song. It's a great version, done well, and, I agree with Kara - something I could see on his album. Well done Kris!
3. Danny - September - Earth, Wind, and Fire - Danny has a unique enough sound, but, this strikes me as a little bit of an odd performance. People have it right about Danny, he screams everything. Randy likes. Kara likes. Paula likes. Simon agrees, but feels no star power.
4. Allison - Hot Stuff - Donna Summer - I thought she was doing Led Zeppelin at first (that's a good thing for her, in my opinion). I love Allison. I want her in the final 2 with Adam. Randy and Kara are not thrilled with the arrangement, Paula doesn't care, she loves. Simon says that was "brilliant." Simon's the man.
   
5. Adam - If I Can't Have You - Yvonne Elliman - is this what we can expect from a recording Adam? I don't know what to make of it. I really don't. The boy can sing. Randy loves, Kara loves, Paula was crying, Simon loved the originality and the vocals. Ok, everyone else is going for 2nd place.
6. Matt G - Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees - I like the version. I think it's original and modern, while fairly true to the original. But, there's something missing to me. Randy not a fan of the song choice or arrangement, but he loves Matt's singing. Kara liked the disco flavor, and the performance. Paula - really liked it. Simon wasn't feeling it.
7. Anoop - Dim The Lights - Donna Summer - Sporting a little facial hair this week. Is it real? Anoop can sing. But this song, doesn't even have the audience in it. Randy didn't love the arrangement, but loved Anoop's singing. Kara thought it was a good choice and liked the beat, really warming to Anoop. Paula - was she crying again? She loved the vocals, too. Simon? Didn't like it, "mediocre at best, worst peformance by a mile."

Best:

1. Kris Allen
2. Adam
3. Allison
4. Danny

In trouble:

1. Lil (for sure she is gone)
   
2. Anoop (pimp spot rarely gets booted)
   
3. Matt G
   

My prediction:
Lil and Matt G gone.

Early (10pm) dialidol.com predictions:
Kris, Matt, Allison. But, last week, and in previous weeks, dialidol has way overestimated Lil (they have her 2nd right now) and underestimated Kris and Allison. So, my prediction stays the same.

end...

Idol Results

Dialidol.com was way off last night, wrongly predicting Lil in 2nd, and Kris in last, and missed Anoop in the bottom 3. However, I had them right, but, I predicted Lil would get booted, and instead, Matt G did. The judges decided to save him.

The use of the save could prove problematic, especially with disco week coming up.

My fear is that Allison, who is the only person who could crack the Danny/Adam duo, could falter during next week's performance, and she is really the only person they needed the save for. But, since these are the last 2 weeks they could have used it, perhaps with confidence that Allison has built some fan base, they felt comfortable using it. The odds-on favorites to get kicked out next week will be 2 of Lil, Matt G, or Anoop. So, we will see...

Was anyone surprised by tonight's bottom three?

end...

Idol - 7 remain, who will go home next

Because the producers and Ryan suck at time management, we only get to hear from 2 judges at a time. Come on, they sing 2 minute songs, so 14 minutes of performance, 16 of commercials, with the other 28 minutes, we can't get more judge time? We ALL await Simon's comments.

1. Allison - Aerosmith, I Don't Wanna Miss You - I thought it was not that great, but I love her anyway. Simon - "You're the girl's only hope." He's right.
   
2. Anoop - Bryan Adams, Everything I Do - Tough one for me to like, because I HATE Bryan Adams. So, he was good, but, yech, borrrrring song. Judges (Randy, Kara) like.
   
3. Adam - Steppenwolf, Born to be Wild - sounds like it would if it were in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Paula's going crazy in her dog collar. Simon, explain what she means, please. (I wrote that about Rocky Horror BEFORE Simon said it)
   
4. Matt G - Bryan Adams, Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman - Again, I don't need to express my hatred for Bryan Adams. Matt was - just alright. He could probably do this song justice in 4 minutes, vice 2. Randy - interesting, but, I think Randy for the first time blamed "pitch." Finally, Randy and pitch!
   
5. Danny - Lionel Ritchie, Endless Love - okay, they are choosing some songs I detest. This is one of them. But, I like his version, and, I think it was better, more interesting than Adam's, and less manic, for sure. Paula - incomprehensible, as always. Simon - who cares, he's disappointed that it was so "traditional."
   
6. Kris Allen - Falling Slowly - I don't know. I really don't. It was pretty. Randy - not into it, but he's on the "pitch" train. Kara - loved it, as did Paula.
7. Lil - Bette Midler, The Rose - I hate this song, too. And, I hate this arrangement. And, I really have lost my initial love for Lil. Paula - huh? Simon - hated it, not enough goodness from her. She needs to join Mandisa on the Gospel circuit.

Even with the 2 judge rule, they managed to go 2 minutes too long.

Good tonight:

1. Danny
2. Adam
3. Anoop
4. Allison
   

Rotten tonight:

1. Lil

Everyone else just average.

Going home: Lil
Bottom 3: Anoop (just doesn't have enough fans), and Matt G, and Lil

Dialidol (at 9:30) is showing Lil safe. But, we'll see in the morning.

end...

Adam Lambert and Immigration Policy

No less an authority than the NY Times opines this weekend (H/T: Mom) on the prospect of a almost-certainly-gay contestant (Adam Lambert) winning American Idol, and what it means for gays in America.

While the Times tries to draw parallels between Adam's success and gay marriage being ratified in Vermont and Iowa, I find the whole idea that it matters pretty preposterous. I mean, anyone who has watched the show can plainly see that there is one great performer and singer (Adam) and then there is everyone else.

Whether Adam wins or loses (and, it is his to lose right now), it is pretty clear to me that this boils down to who performs best each week. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be in America?

Since the Times has broached the subject, I'll get it out there. My political (and personal) belief is that the government and society at large has an interest in the furtherance of the traditional nuclear family. I think there is a Conservative approach to this, and a Libertarian one. I can understand arguments for both, which are rational (as opposed to the Liberal argument, which I find irrational).

Libertarians and conservatives alike would agree that there is importance attached to a cultural identity and that the United States should maintain some sense of what it means to be American. In that respect, I would expect both to favor policies that promote child bearing, and child rearing. This has the practical benefit of raising children who's parents are already assimilated, ensuring the children themselves are assimilated. I expect both sides would favor policies that promote this.

Where we diverge is that conservatives will argue that the traditional (tradition being important to conservatives) nuclear family provides the absolute best chance for children to be raised and end up as productive, useful citizens. I expect libertarians would make the same argument for stable, gay couples - that they are just as capable of rearing good citizens. Of course, bearing them is an issue, but, were I libertarian, I would argue that of course, lesbian couples can take advantage of plenty of medical options to bear children, and gay male couples can surely adopt, were adoption made easier and more available to gay male couples. I think it's an open question whether gay couples are more stable than traditional families, but, in an era where we have massive illegitimacy rates, and a divorce rate about 50%, well, we don't look so good in the straight community, do we? Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, I think this is an important public policy debate to have.

Why?

Because without some kind of renewed focus on the birth rate in this country, we are doomed to the fate of Western Europe and Japan, who are now in negative population growth situations among the native population. This means, the only way to maintain their economic growth is through immigration. In Europe's case, they have chosen to do this with largely Muslim immigrants from Northern Africa, and other points in the Middle East. These groups are largely resistant to assimilation, and, we have seen the results throughout Europe. I've got news for Liberals - you're not going to like the states these people try to create.

In the United States, I have discussed this before, but, we have a better fate ahead, perhaps, given that the vast majority of our immigration is coming from Mexico, a 90% Roman Catholic country. Of course, Liberals won' t much like where this group takes the country either, but, I think they feel they can co-opt them into becoming another victim group, dependent upon politicians (mostly Democrats) for their well being.

Here, I think W was mostly right in recognizing that this group held tremendous potential for the GOP, and Conservatism in general. Of course, you might have thought the same thing about the black community 50 years ago, too, until their leaders sold out to the Liberal establishment. Both these groups have in common generally higher devotions to their Churches than the white community, and tend to be more conservative in their personal beliefs because of their generally stronger, and more tightly-held, faiths.

Anyway, what does this have to do with Adam Lambert's sexual orientation?

Not much, but, from a public policy perspective, gay marriage is a sideshow. The real question is our survival as a country, and how we define marriage is not nearly as important as how we manage the growth of this country and the continuation of our unique American culture (which, I might point out, has always included gays and lesbians).

So, let's have a debate about immigration and how to incent families to have more, and better-raised children, and to reduce the illegitimacy rate in all areas of the population.

end...

Idol 8: I can see the end clearly now

Last night, we lost another Idol.

And, if you haven't heard, my prediction was correct. Scott left us! He's a nice guy and, as Paula said, brought some class and dignity to the contest, but, let's face it, he's not that good of a singer.

I had Scott and Lil in the bottom 3, but, Anoop joined them, rather than Kris Allen. I just don't think Anoop is drawing enough fans to take him much farther. Dialidol had Kris last, but this isn't the first time they have underestimated his support.

Next to go - Lil (unless she really pulls it together) or Anoop.

What do you think, did America make the right choice?

end...

Idol Final 8: End the competition now

Tonight, although the morons that produce Idol couldn't get the trains to run on time, I was smart enough to program the DVR ahead 8 minutes and got to watch one of the best Idol performances ever.

Like last year, when the Idol champ was revealed when David Cook did "Billie Jean," Adam Lambert's version of "Mad World" will be the number one download on iTunes tomorrow, and pretty much nails it as his competition to lose.

Here's the run down on the rest, in order after Adam, who is light-years ahead of the rest of these:

1. Danny Gokey - nicely done version of "Stand By Me"
2. Allison Iraheta - my second favorite, doing Bonnie Raitt
3. Anoop Desai - "True Colors" - another great song choice and well done
4. Matt Giraud - Stevie Wonder's "Part Time Lover" - well done, by suffers by going so late in the show and just before Adam. That might hurt him.
   

The others SUCKED by comparison, in order of suckiness:

1. Kris Allen - Don Henley's "All She Wants to do is Dance." wierd choice, and you'd have thought he would have learned NOT to go into the crowd after Matt's disaster last week.
2. Lil Rounds - Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to do With It?" Simon was right, a 3rd rate imitation, and without the voice or legs to pull it off.
3. Scott MacIntyre - I don't even remember, other than it was a fairly obscure mid 80's song, and his guitar playing seemed wierd. And, he is wierd and can't sing.
   

Who's gone - Scott.

Dialidol, in very early voting says Kris Allen is gone. We'll update after 11pm, when East Coast voting closes.

I was hoping Adam would sing "Tainted Love" tonight, but, his choice was brilliant and he pulled it off. Maybe he'll still do Bronski Beat sometime (on Gay night), which would just make him an idol for many.

end...

Idol: There is no Joy in Mudville

Once again, boys and girls, Dialidol.com nailed the bottom 3 and the loser tonight, and (Spoiler alert!), the loser is:

Megan Joy Corkrey!!!!

The judges didn't even bother going through the motions of pretending to give her one more chance. They told the three beforehand they would only consider saving one (Allison, I am sure), and Seacrest put an end to that by sending her to safety.

Votefortheworst.com is polling to see who they should support next, but no one could garner the kind of following a truly awful singer and performer like Megan could...could they?

Well, ok, Scott could, but, would pimping Scott be akin to Obama slurring the Special Olympians? Somehow, I don't think vftw will much care, and I predict, he'll be their next choice.

Anyway, no real drama tonight. Matt G was not in the bottom 3 (bottom 4 on dialidol), and Allison was quickly sent to safety. So, Anoop is next up...

I like you Anoop, but, the Idol Tour was all you could ever hope for anyway.

end...

Idol, Top 9 Perform

Tonight on American Idol, it's Itunes week. Here goes the semi-live blog:

1. Anoop - Caught Up, Usher. Anoop says he wants to do "high energy." I thought it was highly boring. Simon thought it was a "mess." Simon is right.
2. Megan - Bob Marley/Lauren Hill, Turn Your Lights Down Low. A prediction (I haven't heard it yet) - crap. Let's see...How has she managed to make it this far again? Being the only blonde and vote for the worst's favorite("She's going for the stoner vote and the Worster vote"). She sucks.
   
3. Danny G - What Hurts the Most, Rascall Flatts - Not that good. This is kind of a signature Rascall Flatts song, and it's very uneven. He's going to get slammed for "pitchiness" by Randy or Kara. Just wait and see. Hmmmmm, I think Paula wants to sleep with Danny (he's a widower, did you know that?). Simon is going to like it - says it's his "best performance" so far. Randy - "tonight's show starts here." Kara - "you moved everyone." These guys are so pimping Danny. I like the guy alot, but, puuuuhhhhlease.
4. Alison Iraheta - Don't Speak, No Doubt - she didn't sound good in practice...this should be a good choice for her, though. WTF. I just don't get it. I wonder if it was better live? Randy comments on the outfit. Kara comments on the outfit. Paula - liked it. Simon will speak truth to Allison.
   
5. Scott MacIntyre - Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel - Another one I'd like to be rid of. Ok, I think it sounded like a Vegas lounge act. So, he has a career in Vegas. Kara, of course, liked it. Paula, ditto. Simon - another "best performance." Randy - "one of the best of the night."
6. Matt G - You Found Me, The Fray - I was underwhelmed, and I like Matt G. Paula says "not great." Simon - "uncomfortable." Randy - "wrong song." Kara - her comments are pointless and she is right that he doesn't deserve to go home.
7. Lil Rounds - I Surrender, Celine Deion - No one has ever heard this song. I feel like she's invading my home with screeching. Randy doesn't like the song that much, but says she sang it well. Kara - same comments. Paula - who cares. Simon - safe choice, wedding singer like.
8. Adam Lambert - Play ThatFunkyMusic, Wild Cherry - Uh oh. Could be interesting. He's the only one who deserves to be there.
9. Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine, Al Green - I loved him tonight. Turned this old song into somethingI enjoyed and felt new. Unanimous love for Kris tonight.

Tonight, the contestants were supposed to show us what kind of recording artists they would be, and you know what, they showed us they would be C-R-A-P-P-Y ones, with really 3 exceptions (Danny, Adam, Kris).

So, tonight, the top are:

1. Kris Allen
2. Adam Lambert
3. Danny Gokey

The bottom:

1. Megan Corkrey
2. Matt G
3. Anoop

Disappointing:

1. Lil
2. Allison
   

Who's going home? Should be Megan, but I predict it will be Matt G.

end...

Idol, 10 remain, who will leave?

Ok, tonight, what will we learn on Idol, and who will leave?????

1. Matt Giraud - Let's Get it On. Very good. Like him more each week. Sticking around
2. Kris Allen - How Sweet it is. Also very good. Judges like him. I think the guitar thing is lame.
3. Scott MacIntyre - You Can't Hurry Love. Judges don't like him. Like Simon, I thought the piano playing was off, and he's not growing on us. He's making us tired, as I know he is Simon.
   
4. Megan Joy Corkrey - For Once in My Life. When they said "Stevie Wonder," I said - this has the potential to be a train wreck. Can vote for the worst save her? Gawd, I hope not!
   
5. Anoop - Ooh Baby, Baby. He's da bomb. We knew Anoop was the judges first choice as wild card, and he's showing why.
6. Michael Sarver - Ain't Too Proud to Beg. As I write this, I have caught up to the show, so, when he says he's going to sing it off the cuff, I have to think that this has the potential to be a male version of Megan. He's been on the edge the last couple weeks. Lame performance. Judges will hate him. Even Paula hated it. That's bad. Paula hates it. Simon couldn't wait for it to end. FYI - my AI partner said she didn't even want to watch it before it started. Megan may have been saved.
7. Lil Rounds - Heatwave. She looks wierd, and her voice sounds like she's missing notes. What's with that Charleston costume? She's dressed for 1929, singing a 1950's song. She's quickly brushing the luster off her rose. Did anyone notice the Carly look? Odd. Randy - wrong song for her. Me - with all those Motown female songs to choose from, she chose this? Kara - "here's the thing." You're right, but, go away already. Paula - who cares what she thinks anyway. Simon - wrong song.
8. Adam Lambert - The Tracks of My Tears. I don't know what to think. He's definitely the best creatively. AI Partner hates him, but, I have to admit, I kind of like him. Judges love him.
9. Danny Gokey - Get Ready - Let's see if Smokey is right and people love it. I liked it, but I have already anointed Danny the winner. Simon speaks truth to power, but he's wrong. What he should have said was, "Danny, step it up, or Adam's going to beat you."
10. Allison Iraheta - Papa Was a Rolling Stone - I think this is a good choice for her. Let's see...did she forget some words? I dunno. Judges will tell us, but it's not fair that she isn't getting more votes...Randy loves her, Kara loves her, Paula loves her, Simon...loves her, too.

Tonight, the best are:

1. Adam Lambert
2. Allison Iraheta
3. Matt Giraud
4. Danny Gokey
5. Kris Allen
6. Anoop Desai
   

Worst are:

1. Michael Sarver
2. Megan Joy Corkrey
3. Scott MacIntyre
4. Lil Rounds

Predicted off:

• Michael Sarver

DialIdol as of 11:00 ET:

• Buh-bye Michael Sarver

end...

Idol Final 11: The Results

Well, you would not have been surprised last night if you routinely checked dialidol (Spoiler below you Tivo'ers!).

They had the bottom feeders pretty much nailed, only overestimating Michael Sarver's support somewhat (they still had him as low as 10, which is where he was). Alexis Grace went from hero to zero (to use Simon's phrase) quicker than you can say "Adam Lambert is a flaming homosexual."

Alexis never had strong support, but, probably didn't deserve to lose out on the Idol Tour. Sarver, Corkrey, McIntyre - all deserved to go before her. Since she really only could realistically expect to crack the top 7, you can understand why the judges wouldn't waste a "save" on her. Sorry Alexis, we liked you, but, America voted, and just as we got saddled with this joke of a President, we got rid of you. So sad.

Anyway, life moves on. We found out that, surprise!, Adam's arrangement of Ring of Fire was not original (he could have at least given a shout out, like David Cook did last year when he stole arrangements), and that Allison's support is as weak as dialidol predicts. Although we're big Allison fans, she isn't going much farther.

This really is a great group, with a clear top 3 (Gokey, Rounds, Lambert) and some strong contenders knocking on the door (Giraud, Allen, Desai - I'd like to put Iraheta in that group), and a couple of just ok singers (Sarver, McIntyre) and one train wreck (Corkrey).

So, stay tuned for next Wednesday, since the big O is taking AI's spot on Tuesday (does this man do anything other than TALK??????).

end...