I must admit that when LeRoy Bell was chosen by Nicole Scherzinger to advance through to the Top 17 live round (it was still the Top 16 at that point) I was a bit surprised. I had thought that perhaps James Kenney or Christa Collins might get the nod. It was one of the two strongest categories in the entire competition and its depth was matched or surpassed only by Simon Cowell's girls. People liked LeRoy, both personally and vocally, and his charismatic gravitas translated into a smooth appeal to people of all ages and life stages. It was just unclear whether Nicole Scherzinger would feel the same way, especially given the mammoth task she had at hand in narrowing down such an incredible talent pool to just four finalists. I often wondered during that part of the process if LeRoy himself had his doubts.
And I guess that's the whole point of his journey. Bell's shockingly youthful physical appearance served as a metaphor for the old proverbial "it's never too late" mentality and served as an educational reminder, or certainly as a public service infomercial for X Factor viewers that you have to use every moment you have for making the best out of, well, every moment you have. Bell was practical from the beginning; hardly pretending that he was going to indefinitely soldier on if no opportunities were presented to him by the end of his time on the show.
And that's the easy part. That's the obvious part. And yet there was a different feel in the air when they aired the results show Thursday Night when it was starting to become more and more apparent that at least the reality TV portion of his journey was reaching it's conclusion. It's unclear what his post-show future holds but even though I always knew I would write about LeRoy whether while still on the show or following his departure, it became clear to me when I sat down to dispense my thoughts what direction I needed to take my processed thoughts on him with.
LeRoy Bell's time on The X Factor should not be measured just by his age and where he ultimately placed. It shouldn't be measured strictly by the "never give up" or "never say die" nature of his time on the show. I'm not interested in sorting through the lineup of usual suspects when it comes to a figuratively criminal use of cliches. No, that is an oversimplification and I refuse to cop-out simply by just re-treading the obvious.
What has my attention is the hybrid of practicality, persistence, clearly defined goals and the discipline to stay on point to reach them, and the clairvoyant application of a precise timeline in which to accomplish what he set out to do. It's unsurprising how programmed we've become with these reality shows when it comes to showcasing joke contestants without a prayer in the world of making it, as well as other equally misguided pretenders who put all their eggs in one basket. It's partly self-delusion, it's partly arrogance, and it's entirely the stubborn reluctance of those who have age on their side but little or nothing else to fall back on, and then they get exposed nationally for the comical frauds they are. And I don't think it's particularly nice to do it but I hypocritically find myself laughing along too in the moment although I always regret doing so later because my conscious always kicks back in.
And what has my attention is that LeRoy Bell has essentially had the last laugh. He might not be 16, 21, 25, or even 28 anymore but what really makes Bell so fascinating and unique is that what he really managed to do was not be held back by the limitations of youth; he used his maturity and vastly underreported show business experience to not be bogged down by either extremes. He turned it into a strength. There is no arrogance with him. In fact, there is a very grounded but downplayed humility. In other words, he didn't rely on his experience and maturity, masking it as false humility, and while he was actually criticized by many in the media for being strangely nervous given his age, experience, and professional background, I certainly never picked up on that vibe. They misread any nervousness that might have been present because for all his cool and calmness, he still recognized his own show business mortality in those moments in which critics and viewers alike questioned his nerves. It was the empathetically humanizing vulnerability of that reality that brought us the intimate close up of him as both a person and an artist.
And really, the answer to his critics in that scenario is his own acknowledgment of the limitations of time and the humanizing antidote to the presumption that he should just be okay because of his age is the realization that it was because of his age that he knew that he had no margin for error. Bell is 60 years old and while he hardly looks like a grizzled veteran physically, he also carried with him the baggage of now or never and for anyone, judge, critic, or viewer alike, to be back seat driving over that is sadly off point in the most unflattering way possible in terms of what the ignorant nature of that assumption means. Or in Bell's case, the damaging application of assumption in general.
L.A. Reid might have called him boring but for someone who is just a few years younger than Bell, Reid is shockingly off the mark. Why does Bell have to run around the stage acting like someone a third of his age? Why does he have to pretend that he's in it for the women and bling? Why does he have to pretend at all? LeRoy Bell showed us that it's okay to not have a midlife crisis. It's okay to be comfortable in your own skin. And in a society that celebrates the egotistically individualistic nature of our youth driven culture, as demonstrated by the noticeably highlighted immaturity of Astro last week, it's okay to be unapologetic when you justifiably have nothing to be sorry for.
We've lost sight of modesty. We've lost sight of what all things in moderation is and what it means. We got a healthy dose of a much needed medicine over the course of the past three months and that medicine was named LeRoy Bell. We could all use a prescription. What LeRoy Bell taught us was about what we need to not tell ourselves to excuse ourselves of any rational and adult behavior and decision making but rather how to harness our dreams and aspirations while not prolonging the inevitably of normal adulthood should some dreams of ours remain permanently out of reach. Additionally, he taught us how to balance both not at the expense of our responsibilities and obligations, both to ourselves and to others, and to know when to reign in our most burning desires without sacrificing passionate ambition that could lead to eternal regret if not acted upon.
And perhaps it still does ultimately come back to the ageist paradigm of odds defying probabilities and possibilities, but at the end of the day what LeRoy Bell taught us is not just what all this means and how to balance it all appropriately, but also how to handle it and impart it into others. And he's done that not with sermonizing recollections of what he once was and how and where he lost it all before gaining it back, or by being flashy, but rather just by being himself and staying within those parameters. He knows those who snicker at his nerves and pass sanctimonious judgments are the ones to be pitied for he has already been there and he is no longer burdened by confines and ruthlessly peer induced stone throwing because he has a perspective that while not flashy or made up of the stuff of blaring sirens and strobe lights, instead comes from a mother who taught him well and inspired him to never give up, but he still carries himself with the weight of the world without feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. And when you understand that about LeRoy Bell, you understand that his mama raised no fool. What you'll also understand is that she raised someone who always keeps an even keel and a sadly outdated dignified grace about himself as demonstrated in the classy manner in which he conducts himself, and perhaps the problem is not that it might strike some as boring but that the rest of us don't find that excitedly refreshing enough. It's ironic too; it's because he is older and at peace with himself, the world, and his ambition that he has it all figured out. No wonder why he looks and feels so young. He has all the time in the world. Just don't be fooled by it. He'll never act like he does. After all, he's too busy having his whole life ahead of him, particularly at an age in which the very same snickering masses say it's not allowed, and there sure as hell is nothing boring about that at all.
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Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 9 Results Show
Well, so much for my predictions. Astro seemed to be nowhere near the bottom of the voting pile while Marcus Canty was picked over LeRoy Bell and Lakoda Rayne automatically went home based on being the lowest vote getters of the night. The only thing more ridiculous than that was the fact that they all came out like they just all fell out of the clown car to the bizarrely stupid circus theme they were doing this week.
I will say one thing; while I didn't particularly strong feelings one way or another about Bruno Mars' performance, Kelly Clarkson once again demonstrated while she is still the gold standard for these competitions. Singing her new single "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" in front of two of the three judges she won the inaugural edition of American Idol back in 2002, Clarkson delivered just another powerful reminder in an already illustrious career, of what the remaining nine contestants are all vying for.
Marcus Canty really has not sang particularly well the past two weeks although he certainly had one of the better performances from last week's mostly lackluster "Rock" week (quotations sarcastically inserted). Still, if the whole point of the save song performance is that it's to sing for that week's survival, then the totality of the contestant's "journey" should not be taken into consideration. Otherwise, it should be (and I mostly agree with that argument myself) and from that standpoint they probably made the right call. Still, it's more likely than not that the judges felt that Marcus Canty is too young and much more marketable than the 60 year-old LeRoy Bell but if it were based on the merits, Bell would have stayed for another week.
All the same, it's pretty clear that Marcus Canty's run is probably nearing its end. With LeRoy Bell, Lakoda Rayne, and Stacy Francis all gone, we're now down to the heart of the competition with the singers with the strongest fan bases left. I did enjoy Lakoda Rayne shutting up the socially awkward Steve Jones when he tactlessly declared that their "dream was over" and Nicole Scherzinger cleverly snatched the microphone out of his hands to declare her love for LeRoy.
I've been disappointed with the lack of respect for Lakoda Rayne from the media and many viewers throughout the competition but there's no question that they could be huge if given the opportunity and platform to be so post-X Factor. Conventional wisdom says that probably won't happen but they could be an early test for the star producing viability of the show. This show has definitely had a different vibe in many ways from the other shows, despite being largely similar, and it might have more marketable artists to unleash to the public once the season is done.
I'll be posting additional blogs on Lakoda Rayne and LeRoy Bell in the coming days so stay tuned. And remember that next week the pressure is on Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, and Astro. In other words, L.A. Reid has his work cut out for him.
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I will say one thing; while I didn't particularly strong feelings one way or another about Bruno Mars' performance, Kelly Clarkson once again demonstrated while she is still the gold standard for these competitions. Singing her new single "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" in front of two of the three judges she won the inaugural edition of American Idol back in 2002, Clarkson delivered just another powerful reminder in an already illustrious career, of what the remaining nine contestants are all vying for.
Marcus Canty really has not sang particularly well the past two weeks although he certainly had one of the better performances from last week's mostly lackluster "Rock" week (quotations sarcastically inserted). Still, if the whole point of the save song performance is that it's to sing for that week's survival, then the totality of the contestant's "journey" should not be taken into consideration. Otherwise, it should be (and I mostly agree with that argument myself) and from that standpoint they probably made the right call. Still, it's more likely than not that the judges felt that Marcus Canty is too young and much more marketable than the 60 year-old LeRoy Bell but if it were based on the merits, Bell would have stayed for another week.
All the same, it's pretty clear that Marcus Canty's run is probably nearing its end. With LeRoy Bell, Lakoda Rayne, and Stacy Francis all gone, we're now down to the heart of the competition with the singers with the strongest fan bases left. I did enjoy Lakoda Rayne shutting up the socially awkward Steve Jones when he tactlessly declared that their "dream was over" and Nicole Scherzinger cleverly snatched the microphone out of his hands to declare her love for LeRoy.
I've been disappointed with the lack of respect for Lakoda Rayne from the media and many viewers throughout the competition but there's no question that they could be huge if given the opportunity and platform to be so post-X Factor. Conventional wisdom says that probably won't happen but they could be an early test for the star producing viability of the show. This show has definitely had a different vibe in many ways from the other shows, despite being largely similar, and it might have more marketable artists to unleash to the public once the season is done.
I'll be posting additional blogs on Lakoda Rayne and LeRoy Bell in the coming days so stay tuned. And remember that next week the pressure is on Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, and Astro. In other words, L.A. Reid has his work cut out for him.
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X Factor Spotlight: Top 9 Perform
1) Rachel Crow - Singing in the spot of death, Rachel came out with a stunningly electric performance. She is gaining confidence and maturity with each performance and she really took each to a whole new level tonight. Really felt it was one or two of her best performances to date.
L.A. - Wow. Rachel...you did it again. I wanted to be critical. I came out wanting to be a mean guy but then you did that [her performance] and you shot me down. I really loved it. I really loved it. Congratulations to you.
Nicole - Oh Rachel. You made a believer out of me and I'm sure you made a believer out of everyone in America and um, you're such an inspiration. You're such an inspiration to so many people who come from maybe a similar story to you and you're just such a bright light and thank you, thank you for that.
Paula - Sweetheart, if anybody ever questions if there are angels that exist on Earth living, it is you. Bless you. (Rachel: Thank you!) No, thank you Rachel. You opened up the show tonight in such a grand way. Your vocals were spot on, you hit all the high notes. You are magnificent. And you look adorable. It's quaky, it's cool - I love it. Good job, Simon. (Rachel: I know Simon loves my dress too.) (Simon: I love it.) (Simon laughs.)
Simon - You know what? I said in my V.T., you know, that this is not a night to be sad. It's a night to be thankful, uh, and, you know - I said this when I first met you, Rachel - you know - we were (inaudible) whether we should drop the age down to 12 being the lowest and you are part of the reason why we were so right to do this because that was great vocal, great performance, enjoy the night. (Rachel: Thank you, Simon. I love you.)
2) Marcus Canty - The not so subtly described mama's boy came out singing a song about his mother while the show ad cutaways to his mother upfront watching her son's performance. After delivering a very emotional performance, he hugged his mother during the judges' ovation and screaming fans. It didn't feel like his best performance but it was probably enough for him to hang around for another week.
Nicole - Marcus...Marcus...you know you're making all the other sons out there look bad tonight, okay? (Laughs) That was so beautiful and so precious and Mama Canty - Mama Marcus, I know you must be so proud and keep living the dream. Enjoy this. Thank you for that performance because it was so honest and you didn't overdo anything; you just sang from the heart.
Paula - Marcus, every single performance you give is top notch but tonight especially the passion and connection - God bless your mom for being here tonight and you did it again, Marcus.
Simon - Um..Marcus...I'm going to be honest with you...(starts to get booed)...it doesn't mean it's going to be bad when I'm going to be honest. You know, you've had a kind of a what I call a yo-yo ride so far; up and down (Paula: where was it down?). We went from last week from where you were lying on the floor, looking up (Paula: Oh stop it) 12,000 skirts (Paula: You're lying), to tonight where for the first time, I actually felt a connection with you and the song. And I know this was for your mom but what your mom wants, and what you want, is for this competition to change your life and I think that you put yourself back in this competition. I do. There were a few little...
L.A. - You know what? I know some great singers. I've worked with some great singers. You are as great as any great singer I've ever worked with, including the guy that wrote this song, Babyface, and the group that sang it - Boys II Men. You're top notch my man. You really are great. You really are.
3) Melanie Amaro - Dedicating her performance to God, Melanie sported a very eloquent blue dress but sported even more noteworthy vocals. Her vocals have shone since Day One but she is another singer whose confidence and stage presence have grown. She's also undergone the most remarkable makeover. It's interesting that she's going for the Mariah-Whitney crossbreed because she now physically looks like a mash-up of the two superstar divas. The church choir backing her fit her perfectly. She's looking very formidable. However, it was certainly the most bizarre moment of the night because Melanie dropped her mainland accent and started, in the first time, speaking in her Virgin Islands accent in a spontaneous speech in which she very enthusiastically sermonized her feelings on it before letting the judges even speak.
L.A -Girl, What am I supposed to say? I'm supposed to criticize that? That was pretty good. You look great tonight by the way. I can't criticize you. You know what I'm going to say? The one thing I'm going to say to you is that person talking right now? I'm so glad that person came here tonight. Because I feel you. Great job.
Nicole - Melanie, you are so courageous and can I just give you a hug? Can I give you a hug?
Paula - Melanie, Melanie...sweetheart. I have waited - week after week - for the vulnerability of who you are to come out and it came out. The best advice I could ever give you is what we just saw is what makes people fall in love with you; always show that vulnerability. You did beautiful tonight. (Applause) (Steve: Thank you, Paula. Simon?) Can I just say one thing really quick? You are such an amazing singer. No disrespect to the amazing choir but you don't need that. You don't need that because she's got the sweet stuff. (Melanie: Thank you. Thank you.)
Simon - Actually Paula, I think it was appropriate that we did that tonight. You saw that she sings in church. It was right to have a choir on - silly criticism (Paula: Always stand apart, Melanie - stand apart)...oh shut up...I'm really, really proud of you Melanie of what you did tonight; particularly of what you just said but please - can I say to the people at home voting? - two people are going to go home tomorrow - please don't let Melanie be one of them because we need this girl in the competition. You were outstanding tonight; outstanding.
4) Chris Rene - Rapping The Beatles' "Let It Be", Chris gave thanks to his counselor Tim Fry for his recovery and path to sobriety. Chris has been an incredibly inspirational story but he has yet to really recreate the magic of his audition - although he did mash up "Let It Be" with his original song from that audition. It was a perfectly passable performance but my prediction is that he is probably going home Wednesday Night. Still, it was better than his past two or three weeks. With some backing from Simon however it could help him but I still wonder if he will get enough support to stay.
Nicole - Hey! Look at how powerful the music is that you write? Look how powerful it is. I believe...I believe...to me you're such an example and such a blessing in this competition. I'm so grateful to have you.
Paula - We're all grateful to have you and I just want to say, you know, it's so nice to hear you get back to where we fell in love with in the first place. It's so heartwarming. And I want to tell you thank you so much for your dedication. Thank Tim. Thank all the sponsors and all the counselors that are saving lives and are changing futures forever. God bless you and God bless them. I love you. You did an amazing job tonight.
Simon - Um, Chris. I'm going to be honest - I didn't think the first song worked. And then, and then, thank God, you went back into the second song, and you reminded everyone why we liked you so much in the first place. And Chris - I've got to say this to you - not many people would have the guts to just admit what happened to you because what I think you've just done there is that you may have just helped thousands of people who are in the same place to show, that with courage and with guts, that you can turn your life around and I really hope that America supports you tonight and keeps you in the competition. I really do.
L.A. - Chris, you have a word on your arm; you have a tattoo. It says believe. Well guess what? I believe in you.
5) Lakoda Rayne - Singing in vine-constructed swings to start the song, the girls soon kicked into a more up tempo performance. It earned Simon's but they are starting to look more and more viable on both the show and after it. It's still tough to tell if they're in danger or not but they are raising their game at the right time and in the interest of full disclosure I must admit that I've been fortunate to chat with them several times and they are young, vibrant, and extremely marketable. They proved it again tonight. And keep in mind too that they are musicians as well and that we just haven't seen it yet. These girls haven't even scratched the surface of their potential yet but I fear that the voting public doesn't quite agree and they will wrongly punish them for being manufactured even though pretty much every single act like this in the industry tends to be just that.
L.A -Alright Lakoda...You know, uh, so last week was the week that I thought you had returned to the competition. This week you actually managed to drum up some excitement. That was pretty good. And I was completely prepared to not like it but again, you disarmed me and congratulations.
Nicole - Yeaah. Girls, you look - you sounded amazing - I love the song choice - I felt like I was watching you in concert.
Simon - (Paula - Oh God, alright.) (To Paula) Hold your horses honey. Um, this is, by far, your best performance to date. I'm not going to say the vocals were perfect because there was a lot of running around but in terms of the kind of group you should be, the kind of record you should be making, I think that the more you stay, the more America is going to get to know you and I can say from firsthand you are four really sweet girls - I genuinely wish two people weren't going home tomorrow. I do.
Paula - You've proven to me the sky is the limit - that the sky is the limit - you're grateful - you are amazing. I am so proud. I am so proud.
6) LeRoy Bell - Dedicating his performance to his mother who passed away two years ago, it would probably seem on paper that the recently turned 60 year-old wouldn't have quite the same emotional impact with his story given his age but I must confess that I found his story striking a chord with me when LeRoy talked about how his mother told him that giving up was not an option. He's been criticized for not running around the stage like one he's still only a third of or even half of his present age but he more than brought that very allusive connection with the music and audience tonight.
L.A. - Alright, LeRoy. Listen, that was really good. I love[d] the message, um...I have to be honest and tell you that to me it wasn't your very best - it was good - it wasn't your very best - um, it was heartfelt for sure but not your very best.
Paula - I could not disagree with you more, L.A. I finally feel that there was so much passion and connection that it was simply the most beautiful performance that you have ever given and it is because you are so connected to it and God bless you for that. God bless you.
Simon - Um, you know, I-I have a lot of respect for L.A., and it's why I wanted him on the show, because you know, like me he works with record labels, so normally I agree with him - not tonight. This is the first time LeRoy, I actually feel that you meant every word, I got know you more. I thought it was a fantastic tribute to your mum, I thought it was a great version, and I think you've really made your mark this week. Congratulations.
Nicole - This is your moment. I told you I wanted it to be your moment with this song and I asked you to just let go and to not hold back and that's exactly what you did and I just want you to enjoy this moment. I know that your mom is shining down on you right now.
7) Astro - His intro was not the most sincere entrance. "I'm 15. What do you expect? I'm from Brooklyn." Yes. Those words. That wasn't smooth. He thought he was being funny. Instead he was being way too cute. And there's nothing cute about that. However, he did smartly, while perhaps all too predictably, incorporate last week's public relations debacle into his own lyrics. I do fear that while his mother and stepfather in his montage segment focused on the fact that it's okay to make mistakes, that perhaps it possibly hurt Astro because they wanted to hear more than that. And given the Thanksgiving theme of this week, there was no heartwarming moment when he really needed that instead of a defensive wagon circling moment from him and his parents. Still, he was wise to apologize at the end of his performance. Will it be enough? I have my doubts but I've already been surprised up to this point.
Nicole - I'm very proud of you, Astro. You said that you had taken over in your rap. I want you moving forward because I believe in you and you are a champion to never expect and always to remain grateful because this week for you it's about giving thanks. Always remain grateful because that's what's going to take you all the way.
Paula - Astro, can I be an Astronaut? (Astro: Sure, sure, sure.) Thank you. (Astro: Thank you, thank you.) I gotta tell you - you are well on your way to becoming prolific - and I mean that from your heart. (Astro: Thank you.) Last week I saw a young man was seemingly in trouble and yet I never felt like you were ever irrelevant because I do know how important and devoted you are to your music. I just want to tell you right now that anyone who's hating on you right now - well, they must just be perfect. But I don't know about you but I've never met anyone that's perfect, including, including the guy (pointing to Simon)...
Simon - Yeah, uh, I'm going to back you to be an Astronaut and I'll be the first to send you to outer space, okay? (Paula: Thank you. As long as I can see Astro up there.) You know Astro, I admire you, you know, I do, because [you] threw your tantrums, I think you find it hard to express yourself. You and I had a conversation with L.A. the day after. We knew you did wrong but you know what? The music business needs unpredictability. I don't want everyone...I don't like everybody just to tow the line. I like people who are passionate. I don't think, L.A. that the week it wasn't the perfect song, um, but in terms of showcasing your talent I can't fault that.
L.A. - Well, I think you did the necessary thing; you humbled yourself. You've apologized, ah, and then you came out and you performed and you did a great job. That's all I can really ask; is for you to be a gentleman and it's going to be tough going forward, right? We don't know what obstacles are there but as long as you keep a good head on your shoulder and always give your very best, you'll be fine.
8) Drew Ryniewiecz - In another "typically Drew" performance, Drew dedicated her Demi Lovato cover of "Skyscraper" to her bestie Shelby, who was with her through "loser status" to what is certainly the brink of global superstardom for Drew. The scenery for Drew's performance was also interesting with three backing singers dressed as radiating angels on top of mountains behind her. It's hard to tell where this performance of her ranks but it's even harder to imagine she's in any kind of danger. I did enjoy Drew going off on L.A. with some surprisingly sharper rhetoric. Given the theme though, why was that so wrong? And Demi Lovato is now a 40 something? Huh? Really? L.A. and Simon arguing back and forth was well worth it. It would have taken me that much longer to transcribe that beef. Still, I'm tempted. (Update: I did. And it was definitely worth it.)
L.A. - Hi Drew. So my comments this week - I'm going to have to direct them, uh, to your mentor because I-I, again, I'm sorry, you-you know you're great, I take issue with the fact that you are, how old? How old are you? 15? (Drew: 15.) You're doing songs for people who are 40. Why you doing songs that are so old? You're so young. I don't understand the selection of your material. You...you don't do age appropriate music and I don't understand it. (Drew: I actually, L.A., um, this song actually means a lot to me - L.A.: Oh, I'm sure it does - no matter how old I am. No, because it goes out to every girl whose felt the way I felt and everybody needs a best friend and everybody needs somebody like Shelby and I don't think that every girl or every guy knows that and I feel like this song means that much to me that it it's going out to everyone whose felt worthless or felt not good enough.) I respect that. And I completely respect that and I'm not, I'm not debating you. I'm talk - this is again directed to your mentor who I'm sure either assisted or chose this song and I just didn't think it was a great choice.
Nicole - You're a beautiful, beautiful girl and um, I'm so happy that you dedicated this song to such a special friend and I hope that more people out there have little Shelbys in their lives; little angels and um, I'm happy. I felt like you rocked it out more this week. I'm not frustrated this week; I connected. (Drew: Thank you.)
Paula - Drew...everybody needs a friend...everyone needs a friend and you're a lovely friend to dedicate that song and it is a young artist who actually sings it and that's Demi Lovato. Um, and I will say this...I loved when the tempo picked up because I felt that you really got into it and that's what I loved about the song that you rocked. (Drew: Thank you...thank you.)
Simon - Uh, Drew, um, I'm-I'm-I'm very proud of you and L.A., I am sick to death of your pointless stupid criticism (L.A.: Oh, c'mon...listen.) at this girl. It is - (L.A.: It's not my fault that you have a limited vocabulary of music) - oh shut up, L.A. - this is unfounded, this is inaccurate, this is a young girl's song, you are talking complete and utter rubbish, (L.A.: I think - I think - I think it's in poor taste) and I'm getting really tired - you're not giving this girl the right criticism because I know that she deserves a shot on this show. You're trying to make to the people and others she's worthless (L.A.: Nooo...) - she's not and she's doing the right thing. (L.A.: I think that the real point is that - ) (Steve: Guys!) (L.A.: you can give it but you can't take it) (Paula: Yes!) Yes, I can take it, L.A. (Steve: Come on guys, we've got to move on) when it means something. This is a young girl's song. (Paula: Alright, both of you -) That was just being negative (Steve: We've got to move on, Simon) (Paula: Boys...enough!) (Steve: This has to stop right now) for the sake of negativity. (Steve: Please.) (Paula: Enough.) (Steve: Thanksgiving. You alright?) (Drew: Yeah.)
9) Josh Krajcik - Playing for his 13 year-old daughter Rowan, Josh manned the piano, marking just the second time he or perhaps any of the other artists during the live show, played an instrument. And that's significant because despite a lot of them being able to, they've chosen not to. Josh opted for the piano to sing "Wild Horses" which was an excellent song choice and for the first time since they acknowledged her existence, they profiled and highlighted Rowan in the audience. I loved his rocking cover of The Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" last week but this performance more than any other of his really drove it home for me. I was blown away by him and his emotional restraint was very apparent as L.A. Reid began the judges' feedback. He's arguably been the best contestant the past two weeks and this performance simply illustrates that argument that much more.
L.A. - Wow. You know what Josh? You have the right amount of everything. You have the right amount of passion, you have the right authenticity, you're clearly lovable, you chose the right song, you have everything it takes to win this competition.
Paula - It's-It's such a pleasure and honor knowing you and I gotta tell you something - all I ever ask and want is for con- contestants is to be bigger than the songs that you sing and you are larger than life. This is going to be so hard! Oh my God, you were brilliant.
Simon - Uh...Josh. You know what? That's what it's all about. It's just about - it's just about a great, great song, a great voice, and you meant every word you sing-sang and I have to say this, Nicole - I've given you a bit of a hard time (Nicole: Yes.) over the last few weeks - you've done an outstanding job (Paula: Yes.). Congratulations.
Nicole - (Paula hugs her as she tears up.) (Paula: Oh, she's just being so proud.) Thank you, Simon. I'm very grateful for you. I-um...I don't...I just...so (almost says "fucking" and laughs about it)...(starts to tear up again and sniffles once)...sorry. Beyond this competition, um, I strongly believe that your music can change the world. (Paula: I do too.) I do. I do (Steve: Thank you, Nicole.) and I want to thank you. I appreciate you so much for the musician that you are; that was breathtaking. Thank you. (Paula: America ...don't forget to vote.) (Steve: Thank you, Nicole.) (Josh: I just want to say one thing. I've been meaning to say this. I want to thank the audience and the people back home who support me. Without you guys, like my daughter (pointing to Rowan), you inspire me. You inspire me to be here. Thank you.
I had predicted Chris Rene and Astro would both go home but as it turned out, I was completely wrong. I felt that Lakoda Rayne and LeRoy Bell would make it through to next week but as it turned out that their both of their luck ran out this week. Having said that, my guess is that those two and Marcus Canty will be in the bottom three next week unless they have spectacular performances. It certainly feels like this competition is really down to Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik, and Drew Ryniewicz. We shall see.
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L.A. - Wow. Rachel...you did it again. I wanted to be critical. I came out wanting to be a mean guy but then you did that [her performance] and you shot me down. I really loved it. I really loved it. Congratulations to you.
Nicole - Oh Rachel. You made a believer out of me and I'm sure you made a believer out of everyone in America and um, you're such an inspiration. You're such an inspiration to so many people who come from maybe a similar story to you and you're just such a bright light and thank you, thank you for that.
Paula - Sweetheart, if anybody ever questions if there are angels that exist on Earth living, it is you. Bless you. (Rachel: Thank you!) No, thank you Rachel. You opened up the show tonight in such a grand way. Your vocals were spot on, you hit all the high notes. You are magnificent. And you look adorable. It's quaky, it's cool - I love it. Good job, Simon. (Rachel: I know Simon loves my dress too.) (Simon: I love it.) (Simon laughs.)
Simon - You know what? I said in my V.T., you know, that this is not a night to be sad. It's a night to be thankful, uh, and, you know - I said this when I first met you, Rachel - you know - we were (inaudible) whether we should drop the age down to 12 being the lowest and you are part of the reason why we were so right to do this because that was great vocal, great performance, enjoy the night. (Rachel: Thank you, Simon. I love you.)
2) Marcus Canty - The not so subtly described mama's boy came out singing a song about his mother while the show ad cutaways to his mother upfront watching her son's performance. After delivering a very emotional performance, he hugged his mother during the judges' ovation and screaming fans. It didn't feel like his best performance but it was probably enough for him to hang around for another week.
Nicole - Marcus...Marcus...you know you're making all the other sons out there look bad tonight, okay? (Laughs) That was so beautiful and so precious and Mama Canty - Mama Marcus, I know you must be so proud and keep living the dream. Enjoy this. Thank you for that performance because it was so honest and you didn't overdo anything; you just sang from the heart.
Paula - Marcus, every single performance you give is top notch but tonight especially the passion and connection - God bless your mom for being here tonight and you did it again, Marcus.
Simon - Um..Marcus...I'm going to be honest with you...(starts to get booed)...it doesn't mean it's going to be bad when I'm going to be honest. You know, you've had a kind of a what I call a yo-yo ride so far; up and down (Paula: where was it down?). We went from last week from where you were lying on the floor, looking up (Paula: Oh stop it) 12,000 skirts (Paula: You're lying), to tonight where for the first time, I actually felt a connection with you and the song. And I know this was for your mom but what your mom wants, and what you want, is for this competition to change your life and I think that you put yourself back in this competition. I do. There were a few little...
L.A. - You know what? I know some great singers. I've worked with some great singers. You are as great as any great singer I've ever worked with, including the guy that wrote this song, Babyface, and the group that sang it - Boys II Men. You're top notch my man. You really are great. You really are.
3) Melanie Amaro - Dedicating her performance to God, Melanie sported a very eloquent blue dress but sported even more noteworthy vocals. Her vocals have shone since Day One but she is another singer whose confidence and stage presence have grown. She's also undergone the most remarkable makeover. It's interesting that she's going for the Mariah-Whitney crossbreed because she now physically looks like a mash-up of the two superstar divas. The church choir backing her fit her perfectly. She's looking very formidable. However, it was certainly the most bizarre moment of the night because Melanie dropped her mainland accent and started, in the first time, speaking in her Virgin Islands accent in a spontaneous speech in which she very enthusiastically sermonized her feelings on it before letting the judges even speak.
L.A -Girl, What am I supposed to say? I'm supposed to criticize that? That was pretty good. You look great tonight by the way. I can't criticize you. You know what I'm going to say? The one thing I'm going to say to you is that person talking right now? I'm so glad that person came here tonight. Because I feel you. Great job.
Nicole - Melanie, you are so courageous and can I just give you a hug? Can I give you a hug?
Paula - Melanie, Melanie...sweetheart. I have waited - week after week - for the vulnerability of who you are to come out and it came out. The best advice I could ever give you is what we just saw is what makes people fall in love with you; always show that vulnerability. You did beautiful tonight. (Applause) (Steve: Thank you, Paula. Simon?) Can I just say one thing really quick? You are such an amazing singer. No disrespect to the amazing choir but you don't need that. You don't need that because she's got the sweet stuff. (Melanie: Thank you. Thank you.)
Simon - Actually Paula, I think it was appropriate that we did that tonight. You saw that she sings in church. It was right to have a choir on - silly criticism (Paula: Always stand apart, Melanie - stand apart)...oh shut up...I'm really, really proud of you Melanie of what you did tonight; particularly of what you just said but please - can I say to the people at home voting? - two people are going to go home tomorrow - please don't let Melanie be one of them because we need this girl in the competition. You were outstanding tonight; outstanding.
4) Chris Rene - Rapping The Beatles' "Let It Be", Chris gave thanks to his counselor Tim Fry for his recovery and path to sobriety. Chris has been an incredibly inspirational story but he has yet to really recreate the magic of his audition - although he did mash up "Let It Be" with his original song from that audition. It was a perfectly passable performance but my prediction is that he is probably going home Wednesday Night. Still, it was better than his past two or three weeks. With some backing from Simon however it could help him but I still wonder if he will get enough support to stay.
Nicole - Hey! Look at how powerful the music is that you write? Look how powerful it is. I believe...I believe...to me you're such an example and such a blessing in this competition. I'm so grateful to have you.
Paula - We're all grateful to have you and I just want to say, you know, it's so nice to hear you get back to where we fell in love with in the first place. It's so heartwarming. And I want to tell you thank you so much for your dedication. Thank Tim. Thank all the sponsors and all the counselors that are saving lives and are changing futures forever. God bless you and God bless them. I love you. You did an amazing job tonight.
Simon - Um, Chris. I'm going to be honest - I didn't think the first song worked. And then, and then, thank God, you went back into the second song, and you reminded everyone why we liked you so much in the first place. And Chris - I've got to say this to you - not many people would have the guts to just admit what happened to you because what I think you've just done there is that you may have just helped thousands of people who are in the same place to show, that with courage and with guts, that you can turn your life around and I really hope that America supports you tonight and keeps you in the competition. I really do.
L.A. - Chris, you have a word on your arm; you have a tattoo. It says believe. Well guess what? I believe in you.
5) Lakoda Rayne - Singing in vine-constructed swings to start the song, the girls soon kicked into a more up tempo performance. It earned Simon's but they are starting to look more and more viable on both the show and after it. It's still tough to tell if they're in danger or not but they are raising their game at the right time and in the interest of full disclosure I must admit that I've been fortunate to chat with them several times and they are young, vibrant, and extremely marketable. They proved it again tonight. And keep in mind too that they are musicians as well and that we just haven't seen it yet. These girls haven't even scratched the surface of their potential yet but I fear that the voting public doesn't quite agree and they will wrongly punish them for being manufactured even though pretty much every single act like this in the industry tends to be just that.
L.A -Alright Lakoda...You know, uh, so last week was the week that I thought you had returned to the competition. This week you actually managed to drum up some excitement. That was pretty good. And I was completely prepared to not like it but again, you disarmed me and congratulations.
Nicole - Yeaah. Girls, you look - you sounded amazing - I love the song choice - I felt like I was watching you in concert.
Simon - (Paula - Oh God, alright.) (To Paula) Hold your horses honey. Um, this is, by far, your best performance to date. I'm not going to say the vocals were perfect because there was a lot of running around but in terms of the kind of group you should be, the kind of record you should be making, I think that the more you stay, the more America is going to get to know you and I can say from firsthand you are four really sweet girls - I genuinely wish two people weren't going home tomorrow. I do.
Paula - You've proven to me the sky is the limit - that the sky is the limit - you're grateful - you are amazing. I am so proud. I am so proud.
6) LeRoy Bell - Dedicating his performance to his mother who passed away two years ago, it would probably seem on paper that the recently turned 60 year-old wouldn't have quite the same emotional impact with his story given his age but I must confess that I found his story striking a chord with me when LeRoy talked about how his mother told him that giving up was not an option. He's been criticized for not running around the stage like one he's still only a third of or even half of his present age but he more than brought that very allusive connection with the music and audience tonight.
L.A. - Alright, LeRoy. Listen, that was really good. I love[d] the message, um...I have to be honest and tell you that to me it wasn't your very best - it was good - it wasn't your very best - um, it was heartfelt for sure but not your very best.
Paula - I could not disagree with you more, L.A. I finally feel that there was so much passion and connection that it was simply the most beautiful performance that you have ever given and it is because you are so connected to it and God bless you for that. God bless you.
Simon - Um, you know, I-I have a lot of respect for L.A., and it's why I wanted him on the show, because you know, like me he works with record labels, so normally I agree with him - not tonight. This is the first time LeRoy, I actually feel that you meant every word, I got know you more. I thought it was a fantastic tribute to your mum, I thought it was a great version, and I think you've really made your mark this week. Congratulations.
Nicole - This is your moment. I told you I wanted it to be your moment with this song and I asked you to just let go and to not hold back and that's exactly what you did and I just want you to enjoy this moment. I know that your mom is shining down on you right now.
7) Astro - His intro was not the most sincere entrance. "I'm 15. What do you expect? I'm from Brooklyn." Yes. Those words. That wasn't smooth. He thought he was being funny. Instead he was being way too cute. And there's nothing cute about that. However, he did smartly, while perhaps all too predictably, incorporate last week's public relations debacle into his own lyrics. I do fear that while his mother and stepfather in his montage segment focused on the fact that it's okay to make mistakes, that perhaps it possibly hurt Astro because they wanted to hear more than that. And given the Thanksgiving theme of this week, there was no heartwarming moment when he really needed that instead of a defensive wagon circling moment from him and his parents. Still, he was wise to apologize at the end of his performance. Will it be enough? I have my doubts but I've already been surprised up to this point.
Nicole - I'm very proud of you, Astro. You said that you had taken over in your rap. I want you moving forward because I believe in you and you are a champion to never expect and always to remain grateful because this week for you it's about giving thanks. Always remain grateful because that's what's going to take you all the way.
Paula - Astro, can I be an Astronaut? (Astro: Sure, sure, sure.) Thank you. (Astro: Thank you, thank you.) I gotta tell you - you are well on your way to becoming prolific - and I mean that from your heart. (Astro: Thank you.) Last week I saw a young man was seemingly in trouble and yet I never felt like you were ever irrelevant because I do know how important and devoted you are to your music. I just want to tell you right now that anyone who's hating on you right now - well, they must just be perfect. But I don't know about you but I've never met anyone that's perfect, including, including the guy (pointing to Simon)...
Simon - Yeah, uh, I'm going to back you to be an Astronaut and I'll be the first to send you to outer space, okay? (Paula: Thank you. As long as I can see Astro up there.) You know Astro, I admire you, you know, I do, because [you] threw your tantrums, I think you find it hard to express yourself. You and I had a conversation with L.A. the day after. We knew you did wrong but you know what? The music business needs unpredictability. I don't want everyone...I don't like everybody just to tow the line. I like people who are passionate. I don't think, L.A. that the week it wasn't the perfect song, um, but in terms of showcasing your talent I can't fault that.
L.A. - Well, I think you did the necessary thing; you humbled yourself. You've apologized, ah, and then you came out and you performed and you did a great job. That's all I can really ask; is for you to be a gentleman and it's going to be tough going forward, right? We don't know what obstacles are there but as long as you keep a good head on your shoulder and always give your very best, you'll be fine.
8) Drew Ryniewiecz - In another "typically Drew" performance, Drew dedicated her Demi Lovato cover of "Skyscraper" to her bestie Shelby, who was with her through "loser status" to what is certainly the brink of global superstardom for Drew. The scenery for Drew's performance was also interesting with three backing singers dressed as radiating angels on top of mountains behind her. It's hard to tell where this performance of her ranks but it's even harder to imagine she's in any kind of danger. I did enjoy Drew going off on L.A. with some surprisingly sharper rhetoric. Given the theme though, why was that so wrong? And Demi Lovato is now a 40 something? Huh? Really? L.A. and Simon arguing back and forth was well worth it. It would have taken me that much longer to transcribe that beef. Still, I'm tempted. (Update: I did. And it was definitely worth it.)
L.A. - Hi Drew. So my comments this week - I'm going to have to direct them, uh, to your mentor because I-I, again, I'm sorry, you-you know you're great, I take issue with the fact that you are, how old? How old are you? 15? (Drew: 15.) You're doing songs for people who are 40. Why you doing songs that are so old? You're so young. I don't understand the selection of your material. You...you don't do age appropriate music and I don't understand it. (Drew: I actually, L.A., um, this song actually means a lot to me - L.A.: Oh, I'm sure it does - no matter how old I am. No, because it goes out to every girl whose felt the way I felt and everybody needs a best friend and everybody needs somebody like Shelby and I don't think that every girl or every guy knows that and I feel like this song means that much to me that it it's going out to everyone whose felt worthless or felt not good enough.) I respect that. And I completely respect that and I'm not, I'm not debating you. I'm talk - this is again directed to your mentor who I'm sure either assisted or chose this song and I just didn't think it was a great choice.
Nicole - You're a beautiful, beautiful girl and um, I'm so happy that you dedicated this song to such a special friend and I hope that more people out there have little Shelbys in their lives; little angels and um, I'm happy. I felt like you rocked it out more this week. I'm not frustrated this week; I connected. (Drew: Thank you.)
Paula - Drew...everybody needs a friend...everyone needs a friend and you're a lovely friend to dedicate that song and it is a young artist who actually sings it and that's Demi Lovato. Um, and I will say this...I loved when the tempo picked up because I felt that you really got into it and that's what I loved about the song that you rocked. (Drew: Thank you...thank you.)
Simon - Uh, Drew, um, I'm-I'm-I'm very proud of you and L.A., I am sick to death of your pointless stupid criticism (L.A.: Oh, c'mon...listen.) at this girl. It is - (L.A.: It's not my fault that you have a limited vocabulary of music) - oh shut up, L.A. - this is unfounded, this is inaccurate, this is a young girl's song, you are talking complete and utter rubbish, (L.A.: I think - I think - I think it's in poor taste) and I'm getting really tired - you're not giving this girl the right criticism because I know that she deserves a shot on this show. You're trying to make to the people and others she's worthless (L.A.: Nooo...) - she's not and she's doing the right thing. (L.A.: I think that the real point is that - ) (Steve: Guys!) (L.A.: you can give it but you can't take it) (Paula: Yes!) Yes, I can take it, L.A. (Steve: Come on guys, we've got to move on) when it means something. This is a young girl's song. (Paula: Alright, both of you -) That was just being negative (Steve: We've got to move on, Simon) (Paula: Boys...enough!) (Steve: This has to stop right now) for the sake of negativity. (Steve: Please.) (Paula: Enough.) (Steve: Thanksgiving. You alright?) (Drew: Yeah.)
9) Josh Krajcik - Playing for his 13 year-old daughter Rowan, Josh manned the piano, marking just the second time he or perhaps any of the other artists during the live show, played an instrument. And that's significant because despite a lot of them being able to, they've chosen not to. Josh opted for the piano to sing "Wild Horses" which was an excellent song choice and for the first time since they acknowledged her existence, they profiled and highlighted Rowan in the audience. I loved his rocking cover of The Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" last week but this performance more than any other of his really drove it home for me. I was blown away by him and his emotional restraint was very apparent as L.A. Reid began the judges' feedback. He's arguably been the best contestant the past two weeks and this performance simply illustrates that argument that much more.
L.A. - Wow. You know what Josh? You have the right amount of everything. You have the right amount of passion, you have the right authenticity, you're clearly lovable, you chose the right song, you have everything it takes to win this competition.
Paula - It's-It's such a pleasure and honor knowing you and I gotta tell you something - all I ever ask and want is for con- contestants is to be bigger than the songs that you sing and you are larger than life. This is going to be so hard! Oh my God, you were brilliant.
Simon - Uh...Josh. You know what? That's what it's all about. It's just about - it's just about a great, great song, a great voice, and you meant every word you sing-sang and I have to say this, Nicole - I've given you a bit of a hard time (Nicole: Yes.) over the last few weeks - you've done an outstanding job (Paula: Yes.). Congratulations.
Nicole - (Paula hugs her as she tears up.) (Paula: Oh, she's just being so proud.) Thank you, Simon. I'm very grateful for you. I-um...I don't...I just...so (almost says "fucking" and laughs about it)...(starts to tear up again and sniffles once)...sorry. Beyond this competition, um, I strongly believe that your music can change the world. (Paula: I do too.) I do. I do (Steve: Thank you, Nicole.) and I want to thank you. I appreciate you so much for the musician that you are; that was breathtaking. Thank you. (Paula: America ...don't forget to vote.) (Steve: Thank you, Nicole.) (Josh: I just want to say one thing. I've been meaning to say this. I want to thank the audience and the people back home who support me. Without you guys, like my daughter (pointing to Rowan), you inspire me. You inspire me to be here. Thank you.
I had predicted Chris Rene and Astro would both go home but as it turned out, I was completely wrong. I felt that Lakoda Rayne and LeRoy Bell would make it through to next week but as it turned out that their both of their luck ran out this week. Having said that, my guess is that those two and Marcus Canty will be in the bottom three next week unless they have spectacular performances. It certainly feels like this competition is really down to Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik, and Drew Ryniewicz. We shall see.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Voice Spotlight: Interview With & Blog On Rebecca Loebe To Come
Despite my inability to more promptly post my X Factor Top 9 Performance Night recap on time, there was still time for this promising development. I will be in touch with The Voice alumna Rebecca Loebe about her time on the show and what she has been up to since she was eliminated. I will say this much, however - she is extremely grounded. This is how cool Rebecca is about her fan following. She gets it. So I will be looking to do a very elaborate piece on her so please keep an eye out for that. I will be making an announcement on that later. In the meantime, please check out Rebecca Loebe's social media:
Her Official Facebook Page
Official Website
Her "Alter-Ego" Website
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X Factor Spotlight: Once Again...
Once again, my recaps have been pushed back. The performance night recap from last night is mostly done but it won't get posted until later tonight - after we know who the two eliminated acts are. My apologies. Hopefully this will be the last week this is the case.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
American Idol Spotlight: Naima Adedapo Update
Just tweeted American Idol Top 11 finalist Naima Adedapo and got this response. Will try to get more details for all you Naima Adedapo fans and do a write-up on her. I'll try even harder to get her to collaborate on it with me but either way I'll see what I can find out and get on it ASAP.
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: The Results Show
Wow. Where to begin?
I suppose I should start with the final result itself because it was shocking enough that former frontrunner Stacy Francis could fall off so quickly from the potential winner's circle circuit and that she could be in such danger must be considered startling. Still, on the other hand, it really wasn't. The victim of a viciously personal smear campaign by idiotic douchebag bloggers like Perez Hilton, she had lost a lot of her mojo as well as a ton of her support and momentum. She became the surprise controversy magnet of the season while the other Bottom Two contestant from this week became the more unsurprisingly villain of the season because of his obnoxiously bratty behavior.
Stacy Francis has been criticized for having a professional past, which has never been a secret and has never been against the rules (and Simon knew about it and he never pulled the trigger on her ouster over it so it definitely should have been okay), and for holding onto some notes too long, and for crying too much. It finally caught up with her. In what was probably that rare instance in which somebody kind of deserved to go home but really should have been saved, Stacy did the adult thing and accepted responsibility for her performance and had the presence of mind, despite candidly declaring she was heartbroken to be leaving the show, to thank Simon Cowell and company for the opportunity.
As a singer mother, and as a young woman of 42 years of age but literally old enough to be Astro's mother (of which she already is one), the Astronomical Kid was hopefully taking notes and pointers from his elder X Factor peer for lessons of humility, grace, dignity, and class. Astro comes out for his save performance, asks if he should even be performing to both his mentor L.A. Reid and to the audience and then goes on to give a perfectly able but lackluster performance.
Astro's critics pointed out, and I concur in this assessment, that he showed his true colors and that his Kanye West impression had worn thin rather quickly with the judges. The problem is, after all the chewing out that L.A. Reid and Simon did with him, they both still ultimately let him off the hook. I thought for a second that Simon might do it because he'd have the stones to do it and his track record would have backed it up.
Still, despite being called a quitter by his own mentor, and despite the fact that it was more than warranted, the judges ultimately chickened out and saved the person that they all seem pretty sure is destined for greatness and for good reason. At the end of the day, Astro was saved but unwarrantedly as far as I'm concerned. There's no denying that he'd been the more consistent performer of bottom two but Simon weaseled out of his usual humbling disposition and chose to look at who could realistically reach the winner's circle between the two of them.
Stacy has not been without very glaring insecurities, and perhaps it's a byproduct of her tortured past, but at the end of the day her vulnerabilities were her strength in the face of adversity and in her final moments on the show as a contestant. Her vulnerability was her grace and she chose dignity and class over pouty ego-bruised declarations of victimhood by the much younger Brian Bradley. I don't buy the idea that Astro's tears saved him from Simon Cowell's wrath. Simon's history, although he did stray from it significantly to begin with in saving Astro, dictates that he is generally unswayed by tears and emotion if it's been preceded by bratty cockiness and arrogance.
And that's exactly the problem with the young Mr. Bradley. It's pretty clear that he's always gotten away with bratty behavior because he's never really been called out for it. Yes, Simon has alluded to it, but it's always been quantified by his gushing for his potential and the high ceiling stardom possibilities he possesses. And this is very indicative of the American psyche these days with its youth. It's all about stoking and feeding the youth's ego. The problem I'm having with Astro is reconciling his seemingly very earthy parents with Astro's darker side. Yet, I remain drawn to him too because he is a very inventive artist and it's nearly impossible to disregard his talent and superstardom potential. However, at the end of the day, humility is most effective when it's quick and swift and without mercy.
Still, after this week, is Astro even salvageable as a contestant? And wouldn't Stacy Francis have been a wiser bet to have rebounded and to move back up in the running? It was certainly a curious move on Simon's part in several ways but he ultimately chose at least another week of drama and if this show wants to start taking itself seriously as a star producer, it has got some serious growing up to do as well.
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I suppose I should start with the final result itself because it was shocking enough that former frontrunner Stacy Francis could fall off so quickly from the potential winner's circle circuit and that she could be in such danger must be considered startling. Still, on the other hand, it really wasn't. The victim of a viciously personal smear campaign by idiotic douchebag bloggers like Perez Hilton, she had lost a lot of her mojo as well as a ton of her support and momentum. She became the surprise controversy magnet of the season while the other Bottom Two contestant from this week became the more unsurprisingly villain of the season because of his obnoxiously bratty behavior.
Stacy Francis has been criticized for having a professional past, which has never been a secret and has never been against the rules (and Simon knew about it and he never pulled the trigger on her ouster over it so it definitely should have been okay), and for holding onto some notes too long, and for crying too much. It finally caught up with her. In what was probably that rare instance in which somebody kind of deserved to go home but really should have been saved, Stacy did the adult thing and accepted responsibility for her performance and had the presence of mind, despite candidly declaring she was heartbroken to be leaving the show, to thank Simon Cowell and company for the opportunity.
As a singer mother, and as a young woman of 42 years of age but literally old enough to be Astro's mother (of which she already is one), the Astronomical Kid was hopefully taking notes and pointers from his elder X Factor peer for lessons of humility, grace, dignity, and class. Astro comes out for his save performance, asks if he should even be performing to both his mentor L.A. Reid and to the audience and then goes on to give a perfectly able but lackluster performance.
Astro's critics pointed out, and I concur in this assessment, that he showed his true colors and that his Kanye West impression had worn thin rather quickly with the judges. The problem is, after all the chewing out that L.A. Reid and Simon did with him, they both still ultimately let him off the hook. I thought for a second that Simon might do it because he'd have the stones to do it and his track record would have backed it up.
Still, despite being called a quitter by his own mentor, and despite the fact that it was more than warranted, the judges ultimately chickened out and saved the person that they all seem pretty sure is destined for greatness and for good reason. At the end of the day, Astro was saved but unwarrantedly as far as I'm concerned. There's no denying that he'd been the more consistent performer of bottom two but Simon weaseled out of his usual humbling disposition and chose to look at who could realistically reach the winner's circle between the two of them.
Stacy has not been without very glaring insecurities, and perhaps it's a byproduct of her tortured past, but at the end of the day her vulnerabilities were her strength in the face of adversity and in her final moments on the show as a contestant. Her vulnerability was her grace and she chose dignity and class over pouty ego-bruised declarations of victimhood by the much younger Brian Bradley. I don't buy the idea that Astro's tears saved him from Simon Cowell's wrath. Simon's history, although he did stray from it significantly to begin with in saving Astro, dictates that he is generally unswayed by tears and emotion if it's been preceded by bratty cockiness and arrogance.
And that's exactly the problem with the young Mr. Bradley. It's pretty clear that he's always gotten away with bratty behavior because he's never really been called out for it. Yes, Simon has alluded to it, but it's always been quantified by his gushing for his potential and the high ceiling stardom possibilities he possesses. And this is very indicative of the American psyche these days with its youth. It's all about stoking and feeding the youth's ego. The problem I'm having with Astro is reconciling his seemingly very earthy parents with Astro's darker side. Yet, I remain drawn to him too because he is a very inventive artist and it's nearly impossible to disregard his talent and superstardom potential. However, at the end of the day, humility is most effective when it's quick and swift and without mercy.
Still, after this week, is Astro even salvageable as a contestant? And wouldn't Stacy Francis have been a wiser bet to have rebounded and to move back up in the running? It was certainly a curious move on Simon's part in several ways but he ultimately chose at least another week of drama and if this show wants to start taking itself seriously as a star producer, it has got some serious growing up to do as well.
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X Factor Spotlight: Top 10 Perform
Okay, I really took my sweet time getting this posted so I apologize but here is my recap of the Top 10 Performance Night.
1) LeRoy Bell - L.A. Reid called him boring. Nicole rhetorically asked him who his fan base was before LeRoy said, "Women," and they both laughed. LeRoy was singing Bob Seger's "We've Got Tonight" to open up the night. I felt the song choice was awful for him. It's a great song and Bob Seger's entire catalog is very strong to begin with but the irony of LeRoy is that given how young he looks for his age, he doesn't really take full advantage of it with his personality when he's actually onstage. It was another vocally solid performance but without that "wow" factor to back it up. This one's on Nicole however. Even if LeRoy wanted the song, it was up to Nicole to nix it and do something else. Nicole needs to make sure he starts singing more upbeat songs going forward.
L.A. - LeRoy Bell...LeRoy...So we're no longer simply trying to get through to the next round. We're now looking for stardom. We're looking for the ability to sell records, sell tickets, own the stage. And man listen you ou look good and you sound great but you're still not working it like a rock star. You're not working it like that. You're good man, but I need more. 5 million dollars, this is the big time.
Paula - There is no mistaken darling that you have a beautiful voice. And you deliver. I think what L.A.'s saying and what I hear most people taking about everybody's is that it's live television and there needs to be more of a connection so that the people that are watching television feel exactly what you're feeling. And I saw that you got away from the mic stand which is nice and you're starting to engage with the audience. Keep it up.
Simon - Hi LeRoy. Nice song. Good voice. In terms of originality, in terms of what you've done with the song, hearing a new version... zero. This is my problem and I'm going to direct this to you, LeRoy: 5 million dollars, appearing in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial will change your life. Right now, you're being mentored like a session singer. Basically., we have heard the same kind of songs now four weeks in a row. It's like you're in a cage. Rock week, you should have been a shark. You're actually like a dolphin. And y I say this to you not to be mean, because I want you to have a chance to win, but right now you can't win this competition.
Nicole - LeRoy. I believe in you and I think that tonight was the best you ever sang in this competition.
Simon and Nicole argued and then Simon and Steve argued.
2) Rachel Crow - Singing a very Martha & The Vandellas like rendition of "Satisfaction", and sporting a puffy heairdo with doo-wopping background singers and dancers, Rachel brought a very original slant to the classic Rolling Stones song. I'm a huge Stones fan so I wasn't all that fond of this too cute-sy rendition although she sang it extremely well. Plus the song's context is not cut out for someone that young and it really counters her youthful charm that makes her who and what she is in the first place. Call this a rare air ball for her mentor Simon Cowell.
L.A. - Aright Rachel...So listen...Last night you mad eyour offical retirun back to the cmption. The question is can you sell records. Can you sell tickets? And the answer is yes. I'm really proud. Great song. It wasn't some karaoke version. You brought energy to the room. I'm very proud of you.
Nicole - So rock and roll originated from R & B music so that was the absolute perfect song choice. For me, this is my favorite performance of yours out of all the performances...The reason is that R and R is supposed to be fun and you made it look so effortless.
Paula - Rachel, you are one of my favorites. There's no doubt about it. I love how you're starting to connect; not only with the camera - you have that done. You're connecting to the audience and you're reaching out to the audience and that's what I really love about you. My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter if you have 100 dancers. I only see you.
You know Rachel, you said this to me this week. I want to win this competition. And I actually can see you winning the show, I can see you in the Super Bowl commercial, and you know what - there's nothing wrong with admitting that you want to win. Too many people in this competition right now, and I have a bit of TV exposure, I'm going to get a record deal. That to mean is that you're a loser. I like winners. And now, we've gone over the facts, everybody likes you, most importantly now, people are going start to respect you right now as a singer and you did great.
3) Chris Rene - Singing Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" with a half-rap, half-singing approach, his rendition fell very short of what I had hoped to have heard from him. I don't think he showed enough of his voice, although that might have been more comparative than anything. It wasn't terrible but it just felt too forced for my liking. The song arrangement was too Top 40 for my own personal taste but my guess is that he might just barely survive this week. It donned on me this week that since he has a background in not just rap and hip-hop, but also rock and punk, he should be guided towards the Beastie Boys, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Kid Rock avenue.
Nicole - Hey Chris. I love that song. That was very original. And I rocked with it but it's not my favorite performance by you. I loved it but I was a little confused by it. I just gotta go with my gut. You did great but I was just confused with the track, the music, the hybrid. I love that you took a chance though.
Paula - L.A....I get why you chose this for Chris...What I love about you is that it doesn't matter if you're the best vocalist. I buy into you.
Simon - Chris, you know I loved the performance and it would have been great had the theme this week would have have been reggae. I don't care if he's been inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame or not. The theme is rock music, not reggae music.
L.A. - Where does it play? On what radio stations does it play? On a rock station. Listen, Bob Marley was a rock star...
(L.A. and Simon sparred.)
I was worried about you staying on key and you stayed on key. I completely defend what you did. Bob Marley was a rock star....
4) Stacy Francis - This week Stacy performed Meatloaf, choosing to sing "It's All Coming Back To Me" which prompted some incredibly music ignorant gibberish from Nicole Scherzinger when she referred to it as glam rock. Huh? I can't even write anymore on that front because it was just so atrociously ignorant of someone who is a seasoned veteran of the industry and as a mentor in this capacity failed to educate herself at the very least. Making matters worse was that it was just not the best performance from Stacy Francis and that now makes it two weeks running for her with sub-par performances.
L.A. - Alright Stacy, I know you think I'm about to be mean to you. I'm not going to be mean. You really sang that song really well. I'm really happy for you. I'm going to leave it at that.
Paula - Stacy, I'm going to be really honest. This was my least favorite song you've ever performed. (She and Nicole argue.) I just didn't feel it. I'm sorry. You look lovely though.
Simon - Let me start with the good news: Your hair looks better this week. Now the not so good news: I thought the song was a horrible choice. As soon as I saw the padded microphone I knew what was coming. I wanted rock; that was a pebble. It was soft, it's the sort of thing I'd expect somebody to sing at the Hilton hotel song turning their backs eating peanuts. You're going backwards right now. You've got to sort yourself out. This is not a cabaret competition. (Steve talks over Simon here)
Nicole - Stacy - there's a genre of rock music called glam rock and honey, you're a glam rock diva tonight. I hear what they're saying, I understand, I don't know if it was the best song for rock week but through this adversity, you continue to rise, your star continues to rise and you know what?...You wanted to be authentic and that was rock enough.
5) Melanie Amaro - Singing the recently broken up R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" to just a piano, Melanie delivered the strongest performance of the night up to this point. She is becoming more and more of a favorite and the deeper she goes into the competition the more determined the Simon Cowell juggernaut becomes to promote her as marketably glamorous. And yet with other favorites like Drew Ryniewicz and Josh Krajcik it will be interesting to see if she breaks through that logjam.
L.A. - Okay, okay, okay...I get it. I was confused. That was rock, right? Melanie, I love you - you're my girl. That was so not rock.
Nicole - You sounded beautiful - of course - as usual. What I'm confused about right now is that this is one of my favorite songs and every time I hear it I cry and I don't know why I didn't cry in this performance right now. I'm always connected with you. I would have loved it if it were a little bit more and I would have loved to have connected to it even more but you sounded beautiful.
Paula - Melanie, you took us to church. Melanie, here's the deal. You have an unparalled voice; it's gorgeous. I want to see you let go and let loose now. That's all I ask from you now.
Simon - Melanie, that reminded me of Adele, Alicia Keys, (L.A. and Simon argue). I'm very, very proud of you. Trust me, the audience, as you can hear, are really going to support you on that. You did great.
6) Josh Krajcik - Singing Foo Fighters' "The Pretender", and initially appearing to have been sporting a guitar before it turned out the backing band would handle all musical duties, Josh came out with a fist-pumping, mentor jumping performance. His vocals actually seemed unusually subdued but the overall song feel was perfectly rocking. Despite my own criticisms, it was by far the best performance of the night and even with seemingly subdued vocals, he still brought a lot of emotion and feel to the performance and on top of that he gave a very faithfully steady version of the Foo Fighters' song.
L.A. - Alright Josh. You have the authenticity, you have the stage presence, you picked the right song, and you're the only person that's really rocked the house tonight.
Paula - Josh, everything about tonight has worked unbelievably for you. Not only was this my favorite performance that you have done but was also by far the best performance of the night. Unbelievable. Amazing. So good.
Simon - Josh, never ever listen to a single person again on this show because that was - I used it last week and I have to use it again - bloody fantastic.
Nicole - Oh babe...you took me back....You're the ultimate rock star. That's how it's done, America. (Plugs her old band Days of the New.)
7) Astro - Singing "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, which was also covered by P. Diddy a number of years ago, Astro rapped his way to another successful rendition. I would actually have loved to have heard him actually sing for this one week given the week's theme but it's pretty clear that L.A. Reid didn't want to chance anything by straying off script. I wasn't terribly surprised by this however and it was still perfectly enjoyable. And technically, it still wasn't a rock song because he was clearly doing P. Diddy's (or Puff Daddy) version, not the original by The Police. This mess up was embarrassing and that is on L.A. Reid; not to mention that given how long he's been at the forefront of the industry, he should sure as hell know better.
Nicole - So...I think that was a very smart song choice...the question is, "Are you ready at this age for a % mil dollar recording contract?" And I definitely believe you are.
Paula - Oh..Astro, Astro, Astro...can you just suck for once? I don't think you can. You are phen. You are amazing. You are ready right now. In the studio. Selling millions of albums.
Simon - Astro, this is two weeks in a row...what's amazing is that you have more maturity and intelligence than some of the older contestants on the show because you know who you want to be. (Incorrectly attributed PUFF DADDY instead of THE POLICE!!! UGH!!!) You don't compromise and I'm with Nicole. I think you have a shot at winning this, young man.
L.A. - I couldn't agree with you more. Again, you knocked it out of the park. And I do believe you have everything it takes to win this competition but more importantly you have everything it takes to be an international star.
8) Lakoda Rayne - Facing the pressure of becoming the third straight, and last group, to be eliminated, the girls sang, "Your Love" and "Go Your Own Way" with their names in the background. Sporting some funky 80's outfits, the girls sang a perfectly able mash-up but I feared what the judges would say from the very beginning. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. They by far had the most fun of the evening, along with Marcus Canty, and I felt in a rare divergence of opinion with Simon, that his random backhanded remarks about how it was a mess even though he loves their potential, was a strange way to show his confidence in the marketability of a group he helped manufacture during boot camp.
L.A. - You know what? What I'm happy about is that this is the first time I've seen you have fun. FIrst time. Now, does it measure up to your competitors? Do you have what it takes to become global superstars? Listen, it was better. To me it was better. Was it amazing? was it great? I'm just not sure.
Nicole - Girls, I think you found your lane. country rock. I've been missing some of the edge, some of the rawness, and the fun from it, and tonight you did your thing. I want to see you let go even more. I know you have it. Vocally, your performance, you're holding back a little bit so let even more.
Simon - Girls, you know, I always thought you had potential. I thought tonight, overall, was a complete mess if you want my honest opinion. Fleetwood Mac twice? I really hope that America stick with you because I think there's a great performance waiting to happen but I've got to tell you. At the point where you jumped off those boxes, and those ridiculous dancers, did that stupid choreography, which was unnecessary, and made it gimmicky... (L.A. calls him mean and Simon tells him to watch his back with a startling glare.)
Paula - Boys...no disrespect but these girls have earned their place right here on this stage. I'm most proud of them because they came together as a group, they stood their ground and they chose the song and they did a great job and I am most proud. And there's a void in the marketplace where once The Dixie Chicks owned it and I really feel that these girls can own that space too. And I miss The Dixie Chicks and I hope that America loves them as much as I do.
9) Drew Ryniewicz - Drew sang U2's "Without You", in the very same arrangement as her other songs, as L.A. Reid pointed out in her pre-singing montage, absolutely no new range was introduced. Drew is perhaps my favorite act in this entire competition, and I don't care if the audience sang along with her or not, but she must show a different speed. She's playing it safe for some strange reason when she already has one of the four or five best voices in the entire competition. She needs to create an even bigger buzz but perhaps Simon is saving that for a much later round because he (and almost certainly correctly) recognizes that she will be right there at the end.
L.A. - Alright Drew. You already know it. I'm going to tell you again. You have maybe the most original voice of every contestant we have. You're really special. I'm still in that place I was in last week, right? By the way, I loved you last week so I don't know why they're booing because I really loved you then and I love you now. I'm still pushing for more because the competition is stiff but you have what it takes to go the distance. Listen, just do you honey. You can do it.
Nicole - So Drew...you know how much I adore you. I love that song. But I was waiting as well; and waiting for the tempo to pick up and waiting for more...I understand if we were like doing acoustic or like rock; it had electric guitars and stuff...more energy...I've seen you do this. I knew you can do this beautiful. This is the slowest rock song...I just...I'm a little frustrated, actually. I'm a little frustrated.
Paula - Here's the good thing, Drew. You're in a good place because you have a big fan base. And when you have a big fan base, take advantage of these genres. I believe we're having genres so that you can show diversity. And diversity leads to long, long success; longevity beyond so take advantage of it and maybe up tempo would be great to hear from you. You have a beautiful voice.
Simon - Okay, Drew. What I would say is, is take no notice from the three witches on my right hand side; particuarly Cruela in the middle who thought that doing a Meatloaf song tonight with tempo was original. This is all about being unique, it's about appealing to your fan base, and doing something that no one's heard before. And that is what you do, that is why I support you, and that is why I believe you're going to be in this competition until the end.
10) Marcus Canty - Marcus, interestingly enough, sang Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" with a slightly R&B tanged intro beat, Marcus sported more of an Usher look than a rock star. His vocals were unusually spotty but then again L.A. Reid did him no favors. It was not my favorite Marcus Canty performance but the blame for it, and I do think it was off base, lies exclusively with L.A. Reid. I think Marcus survives because he probably has a rather healthy female fan base but he could still be in trouble; especially if those girls and women decide to give their other favorites, like Josh and Chris, much more love. Still, upon watching it a second time around I felt that it was much more energetic and as fun to watch as it was as fun for Marcus to perform. And Marcus was sure as hell one of the three most enthusiastically embracing of the week's theme.
Nicole - Marcus...you took on the queen of roots rock...you took on the queen of roots rock, Janis Joplin. You know hard hard that is? And you lit that stage on fire! Literally! That was crazy. You know what? It was raw, it was you, you put everything into it; that's all I could ever want from this week with rock music. And don't you worry about a thing because I know you rocked your church out tonight. I know you rocked out proud.
Paula - Without question Marcus, you are the entertainer of this competition. You bring us in every single week - we don't even have a choice. I'm exhausted from watching your performances but they take me in and they take me all the way, all the way, all the way. You're amazing, Marcus. And by the way, you're very considerate too because you mopped up the floor for the crew and that was really awesome.
Simon - Marcus, so you said you were going to be a good boy and then I saw you looking up ten girls' skirts. I mean, your mentor, the devil, just put you in Hell. I mean seriously...(Marcus points up to the sky in a religious manner.) Yes, you need to. No, apart from that, I don't think the song suited you. I really, really don't. This is like you pretending to be somebody; not you at your best - too much temptation onstage. (Paula: I disagree.)
L.A. - Marcus, don't listen to any of that. You rocked!
Okay, I took my sweet time getting this put together and I already knew the results before finishing this up but I did in fact predict that Stacy Francis would be in the Bottom Two but I figured it would be Chris Rene headed home. So my laziness aside, I figured if not Chris then LeRoy Bell would finally be hearing his name in the Bottom Two but it's pretty clear now that his appeal seems to be cross-generational and he is probably polling very well with women between 30-60 and he now has to be considered a dark horse at this point.
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1) LeRoy Bell - L.A. Reid called him boring. Nicole rhetorically asked him who his fan base was before LeRoy said, "Women," and they both laughed. LeRoy was singing Bob Seger's "We've Got Tonight" to open up the night. I felt the song choice was awful for him. It's a great song and Bob Seger's entire catalog is very strong to begin with but the irony of LeRoy is that given how young he looks for his age, he doesn't really take full advantage of it with his personality when he's actually onstage. It was another vocally solid performance but without that "wow" factor to back it up. This one's on Nicole however. Even if LeRoy wanted the song, it was up to Nicole to nix it and do something else. Nicole needs to make sure he starts singing more upbeat songs going forward.
L.A. - LeRoy Bell...LeRoy...So we're no longer simply trying to get through to the next round. We're now looking for stardom. We're looking for the ability to sell records, sell tickets, own the stage. And man listen you ou look good and you sound great but you're still not working it like a rock star. You're not working it like that. You're good man, but I need more. 5 million dollars, this is the big time.
Paula - There is no mistaken darling that you have a beautiful voice. And you deliver. I think what L.A.'s saying and what I hear most people taking about everybody's is that it's live television and there needs to be more of a connection so that the people that are watching television feel exactly what you're feeling. And I saw that you got away from the mic stand which is nice and you're starting to engage with the audience. Keep it up.
Simon - Hi LeRoy. Nice song. Good voice. In terms of originality, in terms of what you've done with the song, hearing a new version... zero. This is my problem and I'm going to direct this to you, LeRoy: 5 million dollars, appearing in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial will change your life. Right now, you're being mentored like a session singer. Basically., we have heard the same kind of songs now four weeks in a row. It's like you're in a cage. Rock week, you should have been a shark. You're actually like a dolphin. And y I say this to you not to be mean, because I want you to have a chance to win, but right now you can't win this competition.
Nicole - LeRoy. I believe in you and I think that tonight was the best you ever sang in this competition.
Simon and Nicole argued and then Simon and Steve argued.
2) Rachel Crow - Singing a very Martha & The Vandellas like rendition of "Satisfaction", and sporting a puffy heairdo with doo-wopping background singers and dancers, Rachel brought a very original slant to the classic Rolling Stones song. I'm a huge Stones fan so I wasn't all that fond of this too cute-sy rendition although she sang it extremely well. Plus the song's context is not cut out for someone that young and it really counters her youthful charm that makes her who and what she is in the first place. Call this a rare air ball for her mentor Simon Cowell.
L.A. - Aright Rachel...So listen...Last night you mad eyour offical retirun back to the cmption. The question is can you sell records. Can you sell tickets? And the answer is yes. I'm really proud. Great song. It wasn't some karaoke version. You brought energy to the room. I'm very proud of you.
Nicole - So rock and roll originated from R & B music so that was the absolute perfect song choice. For me, this is my favorite performance of yours out of all the performances...The reason is that R and R is supposed to be fun and you made it look so effortless.
Paula - Rachel, you are one of my favorites. There's no doubt about it. I love how you're starting to connect; not only with the camera - you have that done. You're connecting to the audience and you're reaching out to the audience and that's what I really love about you. My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter if you have 100 dancers. I only see you.
You know Rachel, you said this to me this week. I want to win this competition. And I actually can see you winning the show, I can see you in the Super Bowl commercial, and you know what - there's nothing wrong with admitting that you want to win. Too many people in this competition right now, and I have a bit of TV exposure, I'm going to get a record deal. That to mean is that you're a loser. I like winners. And now, we've gone over the facts, everybody likes you, most importantly now, people are going start to respect you right now as a singer and you did great.
3) Chris Rene - Singing Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" with a half-rap, half-singing approach, his rendition fell very short of what I had hoped to have heard from him. I don't think he showed enough of his voice, although that might have been more comparative than anything. It wasn't terrible but it just felt too forced for my liking. The song arrangement was too Top 40 for my own personal taste but my guess is that he might just barely survive this week. It donned on me this week that since he has a background in not just rap and hip-hop, but also rock and punk, he should be guided towards the Beastie Boys, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Kid Rock avenue.
Nicole - Hey Chris. I love that song. That was very original. And I rocked with it but it's not my favorite performance by you. I loved it but I was a little confused by it. I just gotta go with my gut. You did great but I was just confused with the track, the music, the hybrid. I love that you took a chance though.
Paula - L.A....I get why you chose this for Chris...What I love about you is that it doesn't matter if you're the best vocalist. I buy into you.
Simon - Chris, you know I loved the performance and it would have been great had the theme this week would have have been reggae. I don't care if he's been inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame or not. The theme is rock music, not reggae music.
L.A. - Where does it play? On what radio stations does it play? On a rock station. Listen, Bob Marley was a rock star...
(L.A. and Simon sparred.)
I was worried about you staying on key and you stayed on key. I completely defend what you did. Bob Marley was a rock star....
4) Stacy Francis - This week Stacy performed Meatloaf, choosing to sing "It's All Coming Back To Me" which prompted some incredibly music ignorant gibberish from Nicole Scherzinger when she referred to it as glam rock. Huh? I can't even write anymore on that front because it was just so atrociously ignorant of someone who is a seasoned veteran of the industry and as a mentor in this capacity failed to educate herself at the very least. Making matters worse was that it was just not the best performance from Stacy Francis and that now makes it two weeks running for her with sub-par performances.
L.A. - Alright Stacy, I know you think I'm about to be mean to you. I'm not going to be mean. You really sang that song really well. I'm really happy for you. I'm going to leave it at that.
Paula - Stacy, I'm going to be really honest. This was my least favorite song you've ever performed. (She and Nicole argue.) I just didn't feel it. I'm sorry. You look lovely though.
Simon - Let me start with the good news: Your hair looks better this week. Now the not so good news: I thought the song was a horrible choice. As soon as I saw the padded microphone I knew what was coming. I wanted rock; that was a pebble. It was soft, it's the sort of thing I'd expect somebody to sing at the Hilton hotel song turning their backs eating peanuts. You're going backwards right now. You've got to sort yourself out. This is not a cabaret competition. (Steve talks over Simon here)
Nicole - Stacy - there's a genre of rock music called glam rock and honey, you're a glam rock diva tonight. I hear what they're saying, I understand, I don't know if it was the best song for rock week but through this adversity, you continue to rise, your star continues to rise and you know what?...You wanted to be authentic and that was rock enough.
5) Melanie Amaro - Singing the recently broken up R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" to just a piano, Melanie delivered the strongest performance of the night up to this point. She is becoming more and more of a favorite and the deeper she goes into the competition the more determined the Simon Cowell juggernaut becomes to promote her as marketably glamorous. And yet with other favorites like Drew Ryniewicz and Josh Krajcik it will be interesting to see if she breaks through that logjam.
L.A. - Okay, okay, okay...I get it. I was confused. That was rock, right? Melanie, I love you - you're my girl. That was so not rock.
Nicole - You sounded beautiful - of course - as usual. What I'm confused about right now is that this is one of my favorite songs and every time I hear it I cry and I don't know why I didn't cry in this performance right now. I'm always connected with you. I would have loved it if it were a little bit more and I would have loved to have connected to it even more but you sounded beautiful.
Paula - Melanie, you took us to church. Melanie, here's the deal. You have an unparalled voice; it's gorgeous. I want to see you let go and let loose now. That's all I ask from you now.
Simon - Melanie, that reminded me of Adele, Alicia Keys, (L.A. and Simon argue). I'm very, very proud of you. Trust me, the audience, as you can hear, are really going to support you on that. You did great.
6) Josh Krajcik - Singing Foo Fighters' "The Pretender", and initially appearing to have been sporting a guitar before it turned out the backing band would handle all musical duties, Josh came out with a fist-pumping, mentor jumping performance. His vocals actually seemed unusually subdued but the overall song feel was perfectly rocking. Despite my own criticisms, it was by far the best performance of the night and even with seemingly subdued vocals, he still brought a lot of emotion and feel to the performance and on top of that he gave a very faithfully steady version of the Foo Fighters' song.
L.A. - Alright Josh. You have the authenticity, you have the stage presence, you picked the right song, and you're the only person that's really rocked the house tonight.
Paula - Josh, everything about tonight has worked unbelievably for you. Not only was this my favorite performance that you have done but was also by far the best performance of the night. Unbelievable. Amazing. So good.
Simon - Josh, never ever listen to a single person again on this show because that was - I used it last week and I have to use it again - bloody fantastic.
Nicole - Oh babe...you took me back....You're the ultimate rock star. That's how it's done, America. (Plugs her old band Days of the New.)
7) Astro - Singing "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, which was also covered by P. Diddy a number of years ago, Astro rapped his way to another successful rendition. I would actually have loved to have heard him actually sing for this one week given the week's theme but it's pretty clear that L.A. Reid didn't want to chance anything by straying off script. I wasn't terribly surprised by this however and it was still perfectly enjoyable. And technically, it still wasn't a rock song because he was clearly doing P. Diddy's (or Puff Daddy) version, not the original by The Police. This mess up was embarrassing and that is on L.A. Reid; not to mention that given how long he's been at the forefront of the industry, he should sure as hell know better.
Nicole - So...I think that was a very smart song choice...the question is, "Are you ready at this age for a % mil dollar recording contract?" And I definitely believe you are.
Paula - Oh..Astro, Astro, Astro...can you just suck for once? I don't think you can. You are phen. You are amazing. You are ready right now. In the studio. Selling millions of albums.
Simon - Astro, this is two weeks in a row...what's amazing is that you have more maturity and intelligence than some of the older contestants on the show because you know who you want to be. (Incorrectly attributed PUFF DADDY instead of THE POLICE!!! UGH!!!) You don't compromise and I'm with Nicole. I think you have a shot at winning this, young man.
L.A. - I couldn't agree with you more. Again, you knocked it out of the park. And I do believe you have everything it takes to win this competition but more importantly you have everything it takes to be an international star.
8) Lakoda Rayne - Facing the pressure of becoming the third straight, and last group, to be eliminated, the girls sang, "Your Love" and "Go Your Own Way" with their names in the background. Sporting some funky 80's outfits, the girls sang a perfectly able mash-up but I feared what the judges would say from the very beginning. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. They by far had the most fun of the evening, along with Marcus Canty, and I felt in a rare divergence of opinion with Simon, that his random backhanded remarks about how it was a mess even though he loves their potential, was a strange way to show his confidence in the marketability of a group he helped manufacture during boot camp.
L.A. - You know what? What I'm happy about is that this is the first time I've seen you have fun. FIrst time. Now, does it measure up to your competitors? Do you have what it takes to become global superstars? Listen, it was better. To me it was better. Was it amazing? was it great? I'm just not sure.
Nicole - Girls, I think you found your lane. country rock. I've been missing some of the edge, some of the rawness, and the fun from it, and tonight you did your thing. I want to see you let go even more. I know you have it. Vocally, your performance, you're holding back a little bit so let even more.
Simon - Girls, you know, I always thought you had potential. I thought tonight, overall, was a complete mess if you want my honest opinion. Fleetwood Mac twice? I really hope that America stick with you because I think there's a great performance waiting to happen but I've got to tell you. At the point where you jumped off those boxes, and those ridiculous dancers, did that stupid choreography, which was unnecessary, and made it gimmicky... (L.A. calls him mean and Simon tells him to watch his back with a startling glare.)
Paula - Boys...no disrespect but these girls have earned their place right here on this stage. I'm most proud of them because they came together as a group, they stood their ground and they chose the song and they did a great job and I am most proud. And there's a void in the marketplace where once The Dixie Chicks owned it and I really feel that these girls can own that space too. And I miss The Dixie Chicks and I hope that America loves them as much as I do.
9) Drew Ryniewicz - Drew sang U2's "Without You", in the very same arrangement as her other songs, as L.A. Reid pointed out in her pre-singing montage, absolutely no new range was introduced. Drew is perhaps my favorite act in this entire competition, and I don't care if the audience sang along with her or not, but she must show a different speed. She's playing it safe for some strange reason when she already has one of the four or five best voices in the entire competition. She needs to create an even bigger buzz but perhaps Simon is saving that for a much later round because he (and almost certainly correctly) recognizes that she will be right there at the end.
L.A. - Alright Drew. You already know it. I'm going to tell you again. You have maybe the most original voice of every contestant we have. You're really special. I'm still in that place I was in last week, right? By the way, I loved you last week so I don't know why they're booing because I really loved you then and I love you now. I'm still pushing for more because the competition is stiff but you have what it takes to go the distance. Listen, just do you honey. You can do it.
Nicole - So Drew...you know how much I adore you. I love that song. But I was waiting as well; and waiting for the tempo to pick up and waiting for more...I understand if we were like doing acoustic or like rock; it had electric guitars and stuff...more energy...I've seen you do this. I knew you can do this beautiful. This is the slowest rock song...I just...I'm a little frustrated, actually. I'm a little frustrated.
Paula - Here's the good thing, Drew. You're in a good place because you have a big fan base. And when you have a big fan base, take advantage of these genres. I believe we're having genres so that you can show diversity. And diversity leads to long, long success; longevity beyond so take advantage of it and maybe up tempo would be great to hear from you. You have a beautiful voice.
Simon - Okay, Drew. What I would say is, is take no notice from the three witches on my right hand side; particuarly Cruela in the middle who thought that doing a Meatloaf song tonight with tempo was original. This is all about being unique, it's about appealing to your fan base, and doing something that no one's heard before. And that is what you do, that is why I support you, and that is why I believe you're going to be in this competition until the end.
10) Marcus Canty - Marcus, interestingly enough, sang Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" with a slightly R&B tanged intro beat, Marcus sported more of an Usher look than a rock star. His vocals were unusually spotty but then again L.A. Reid did him no favors. It was not my favorite Marcus Canty performance but the blame for it, and I do think it was off base, lies exclusively with L.A. Reid. I think Marcus survives because he probably has a rather healthy female fan base but he could still be in trouble; especially if those girls and women decide to give their other favorites, like Josh and Chris, much more love. Still, upon watching it a second time around I felt that it was much more energetic and as fun to watch as it was as fun for Marcus to perform. And Marcus was sure as hell one of the three most enthusiastically embracing of the week's theme.
Nicole - Marcus...you took on the queen of roots rock...you took on the queen of roots rock, Janis Joplin. You know hard hard that is? And you lit that stage on fire! Literally! That was crazy. You know what? It was raw, it was you, you put everything into it; that's all I could ever want from this week with rock music. And don't you worry about a thing because I know you rocked your church out tonight. I know you rocked out proud.
Paula - Without question Marcus, you are the entertainer of this competition. You bring us in every single week - we don't even have a choice. I'm exhausted from watching your performances but they take me in and they take me all the way, all the way, all the way. You're amazing, Marcus. And by the way, you're very considerate too because you mopped up the floor for the crew and that was really awesome.
Simon - Marcus, so you said you were going to be a good boy and then I saw you looking up ten girls' skirts. I mean, your mentor, the devil, just put you in Hell. I mean seriously...(Marcus points up to the sky in a religious manner.) Yes, you need to. No, apart from that, I don't think the song suited you. I really, really don't. This is like you pretending to be somebody; not you at your best - too much temptation onstage. (Paula: I disagree.)
L.A. - Marcus, don't listen to any of that. You rocked!
Okay, I took my sweet time getting this put together and I already knew the results before finishing this up but I did in fact predict that Stacy Francis would be in the Bottom Two but I figured it would be Chris Rene headed home. So my laziness aside, I figured if not Chris then LeRoy Bell would finally be hearing his name in the Bottom Two but it's pretty clear now that his appeal seems to be cross-generational and he is probably polling very well with women between 30-60 and he now has to be considered a dark horse at this point.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
HIMAY CO UPDATE: November 17th 2011 (3:25 AM)
In the process of lining up some blogging subjects - as in nationally known up and coming artists. Everything is in the preliminary stages of things but one's from The X Factor and the other is from The Voice. And I'm currently looking for more from all of these shows. Stay tuned.
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Friday, November 11, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 11 Results Show
There were a couple of minor to moderate surprises about the results tonight but neither really about the final outcome. The Stereo Hogzz were already on the hot seat from last week and this week it was merely a question of who would join them in what seemed like an inevitable formality. It would have seemed to have been either Stacy Francis, in a surprisingly underwhelming performance, also had the death knell spot and seemed to destined to be in the bottom two even if only for this week. LeRoy Bell also seemed a likely candidate but now we must start entertaining at least the possibility that his fan base is stronger than we could have anticipated heading into the live show stage of the competition and that Stacy Francis' fan base is even stronger and more solidified than we could have imagined given the relentless smear campaign being waged against her by jack ass celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and like-minded ignorant gutter trash hellbent on destroying someone who never hid, nor had reason to hide, anything about her professional past since this is clearly, I and I mean clearly, not American Idol where complete amateurism is required.
Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz came up short and a sobbingly defiant Paula Abdul initially refused to cast a vote because she couldn't decide. Or, she was merely playing to both the camera and her very melodramatic reputation. Finally, even if just shrewdly, she cast a vote for The Stereo Hogzz so that they would have at least a chance before Simon Cowell became the third judge to swat away the increasingly annoying host Steve Jones and opted to send The Stereo Hogzz home.
Personally, I actually felt that Lakoda Rayne had given its best performance to date Wednesday Night and while they gave a very shaky rendition of Jordin Sparks' "No Air" as their save song, the judges felt it wasn't enough. The Stereo Hogzz arguably gave the stronger save song performance when they sang Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" to no avail. Post-show, I believe both of these acts could become quite successful but Simon Cowell will have to show us that he's truly interested in turning out not just one $5 million worthy winner. I will be writing a blog about that at a later date; perhaps closer to the finale or I could just get restless enough and just crank it out beforehand.
This all means that next week there will be increased scrutiny on Lakoda Rayne and we will start to see if LeRoy Bell's name finally comes up in the bottom two or if other acts like Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, and Melanie Amaro have stronger fan bases than people might assume. Simon has obviously been pushing Melanie very hard and Marcus Canty is perhaps the biggest dark horse left in the competition. In the meantime, I still have a very delayed blog about Stacy Francis on hold as I continue to do research. I feel it is high time that somebody knock that morally vacant aforementioned blogger off his arrogant soapbox.
Stay tuned.
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Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz came up short and a sobbingly defiant Paula Abdul initially refused to cast a vote because she couldn't decide. Or, she was merely playing to both the camera and her very melodramatic reputation. Finally, even if just shrewdly, she cast a vote for The Stereo Hogzz so that they would have at least a chance before Simon Cowell became the third judge to swat away the increasingly annoying host Steve Jones and opted to send The Stereo Hogzz home.
Personally, I actually felt that Lakoda Rayne had given its best performance to date Wednesday Night and while they gave a very shaky rendition of Jordin Sparks' "No Air" as their save song, the judges felt it wasn't enough. The Stereo Hogzz arguably gave the stronger save song performance when they sang Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" to no avail. Post-show, I believe both of these acts could become quite successful but Simon Cowell will have to show us that he's truly interested in turning out not just one $5 million worthy winner. I will be writing a blog about that at a later date; perhaps closer to the finale or I could just get restless enough and just crank it out beforehand.
This all means that next week there will be increased scrutiny on Lakoda Rayne and we will start to see if LeRoy Bell's name finally comes up in the bottom two or if other acts like Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, and Melanie Amaro have stronger fan bases than people might assume. Simon has obviously been pushing Melanie very hard and Marcus Canty is perhaps the biggest dark horse left in the competition. In the meantime, I still have a very delayed blog about Stacy Francis on hold as I continue to do research. I feel it is high time that somebody knock that morally vacant aforementioned blogger off his arrogant soapbox.
Stay tuned.
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 11 Perform (Movie Night)
Here's my recap from last night's live performance show. Couldn't stand the very, very tenuous movie soundtrack string. Where was "Old Time Rock N' Roll" by Bob Seger being performed by Josh Krajcik? Sure, The Beatles (not Joe Cocker who has hardly, if ever, written a single song he ever recorded) track, when covered by Cocker is a perfect fit, but Risky Business would have been much more recognizable. Not to mention that it would have given Josh the perfect platform to do some kind of Tom Cruise like entrance; perhaps that's just me.
1) Stacy Francis - Singing Whitney Houston's "Queen of the Night" from The Bodyguard while dressed quite elegantly, Stacy performed in a caged monkey bars box with backing singers and dancers to a rousing reception from the crowd. I didn't think it was her best performance but I also think the criticism of it has been vastly overblown because Stacy has set such a high standard for herself. Still, she could be in trouble Thursday Night.
LA - Didn't like the song - and I cowrote the song - but did better than I expected - Why 3rd most popular?
Paula - You are a diva. There's no mistaking that. I have to agree that I never liked the song. (L.A. gets a little defensive.) But you delivered and you delivered in a big way.
Simon - You look cute but I would have you wearing that somewhere else. Again, it goes back. The problem now is Stacy that you now have to convince America that you are a $5 million dollar recording contract...it's like Nicole has combined you and Paula into one person.
Nicole - I think you look gorgeous. And what's even most important is that you shined from within tonight. You are a queen from within and you are empowering to all women out there. I'm so proud of you girl.
2) Marcus Canty - Singing Rose Royce's "I'm Going Down" from the movie "Car Wash", Marcus donned a flashy jacket and a rotating deck of cards theme backdrop with three backing singers tucked off to the side on the rising smoke filled stage. Violently kicking away the microphone and taking off his jacket, it's unsure whether he took mentor L.A. Reid's advice about becoming more than just a performer. His vocals were very solid but were they enough to avoid the chopping block?
Nicole - Marcus. Two words: Ma - gic. You are like a vision up there...what I love about you as a singer is that you taste and you mean and enjoy every single word and every single moment when you're up there...you are a classic...
Paula - Everything about you from head to toe resonates star. Your voice, your look, your poise, your delivery..well done.
Simon - I have to say that now that we've gotten rid of the ridiculous channeling of having to sing L.A.'s songs, and actually doing something that you actually should be doing in the real world, that was a thousand percent better than last week...Thank God that you threw that jacket off of you...you looked like a cabaret singer and it was like stuck to you...A little bit of advice: dress yourself.
L.A. - Marcus, listen. You look great. You sound great. You have better taste than some people who sit at the end of this desk. Relax Simon, I was actually talking about myself. I have a crystal ball and it has a picture of you in it.
Drew Ryniewicz - Singing Coldplay's "Fix You" from the movie You, Me, And Dupree - which is apparently Simon's favorite movie (normally this is where the facetious intent would be implied) - Drew once again went for the slow piano intro. First off, to say this is from a movie is more than just a stretch. With a ridiculous dress being blown up ala Marilyn Monroe, the performance was perfectly okay vocally but it felt so abruptly done that it felt disappointedly flat. This should have been a watershed moment for her given the song choice.
L.A. - First of all, I must say that was very good. I don't know the difference between the three performances [from the past three weeks] and I need to see some diversity from you; something different.
L.A. and Simon bickered about the movie, wasting everybody's time in the process.
Nicole - You are simply brilliant beyond your years. I love that you take your time always when you're up there. And unlike your mentor, you're a little slice of heaven. (Paula: That means I'm sitting next to Hell.)
Paula - Drew, I have to say this about you - you give an honest performance every single week. Simon, I must give you props for picking a song that really sits within a beautiful vocal range, but I'm not going to give you props for what she's wearing. I have to be honest with you. Drew, you are a a beautiful girl but that outfit took the seriousness away and don't take fashion advice from Simon anymore.
Simon - Well, let me just clear this up: Drew designed that dress. This is why I love working with you, Drew. You take risks that you have got the guts to design something yourself that shows individuality (Lady Gaga)...This is the kind of record that you'd make.
4) LeRoy Bell - Singing from "The Runaway Bride" and from his favorite band, LeRoy chose to sing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2. With a rotating globe rotating behind him, perhaps an allusion to the humanitarian efforts U2 front man Bono has undertaken in recent years, Bell kicked it into another level with both male and female backing singers providing steady complimentary vocals. It's unclear whether he had that moment he needed though.
L.A. - You know, LeRoy. I'm really happy because you finally got it right... The song choices over the past weeks were questionable.
Paula - LeRoy, I've been waiting for this. Nicole, well done.
Simon - I'm used to working with older people because I don't believe there should be a cap on all ages and the fact that you, at 60 years old, came out and sounded like a 20 year-old, competing between teenagers, your were dignified, you were in control - it was classic. I think this was your best performance by a clear mile.
Nicole - Thank you, Simon. And aside of being 60 years old, you're just great - that's what you are. I felt like we were at LeRoy's rock concert and you took us to church at the same time, honey!
5) Lakoda Rayne - From "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days", Lakoda Rayne performed "Somebody Like You" by Keith Urban with incredibly strong vocals and a beautiful rotating backdrop of a gorgeous sunrise and set of clouds while dressed in very casual but very nice looking outfits. This was probably the group's best performance to date and they once again their dark horse status here on out.
L.A. - So you took my advice and you decided to be one or the other. You've become my favorite girl group in the competition.
Nicole - So I grew up in Kentucky. Do you know how popular I'd be if I took ya'll home with me? Your presence together continues to be so natural. You have such good chemistry, girls. And I got to hear each of you individually shine tonight.
Simon - After the complete horror show last week (boos). Last week you were like the musical version of "The Stepford Wives." And because you got rid of the silly outfits, the silly seasons, you are the group that I always hoped and prayed you'd become. I thought individually you were great.
Paula - Girls, I have to tell you - I'm so proud of you. (Chokes up for a second.) Each week you're clearing your path to an eminent spot on a Pepsi spotlight...the best performance.
6) Astro - Performing "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile, he had tweeted earlier how this was the first time ever that Eminem had licensed one of his songs. Sporting a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, Astro delievered another riveting performance. With fire being flared up behind him on stage and with seemingly invisible female singers backing him, Astro showed off more fresh lyrics written just for his performance and shouted out Heavy D and Joe Frazier.
Nicole - Astro...I'm just in awe of you right now. That was so heavy. This is what separates the good from the great, the amateurs from the real contenders...honey, you are a champion tonight.
Paula - Astro, that level of focus that you have is what creates superstars. You have the ability to transcend your voice to a myriad of genres and that's what puts Astro in a league all of your own.
Simon - This is so irritating. You're like the cat that's got the cream. You cleared an Eminem song. I've done my day job for a long, long time and I believe every star has to have a work ethic...You are incredibly creative...you are actually a great role model right now...and Astro - you have the X Factor.
L.A. - What really makes me proud is that you have the audacity to take tan Eminem song - and he's one of the greatest to have done it ever -= and rewrite his lyrics and actually do a great job with it. So I really applaud you for really trying new territory. You are a real star.
7) Melanie Amaro - Nursing a sore throat, reminiscent of Lauren Alaina's strained vocal chords during the much embellished drama of finale week of American Idol this past season, she sang Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" while looking rather lovely. A bunch of words behind her were displayed on the background screens including poverty, justice, disease, and no shortage of other downtrodden adjectives. It was a solid performance but perhaps not overwhelmingly.
L.A. - Melanie, that was really good. It was really good. You're a great singer. I didn't find it that inventive. I thought it was really strong but predictably strong...I don't see the range.
Nicole - Simon...it's a brilliant song choice. I can't help it. I love this song. I think the whole world needs this song. Her voice is a vessel of the light that the song was created from. I think she made Michael proud tonight.
Paula - Music heals the world and your voice truly does that. You are a remarkable singer. And you know what? She can sing the phonebook so give her anything you want.
Simon - To use a British expression, "You were bloody fantastic." And L.A., regarding what you said, that is called a tribute and that's what she did. And Melanie, this for me was your best performance in the whole competition so far because you sang with sincerity, passion, you hit that big note at the end - that's called range, LA - that was amazing.
8) The Stereo Hogzz - Sporting classy old school suits from something out of the 20's, 30's, or 40's, or even 50's, they walked down stairs with an abundance of female dancers singing "Ain't No Other Man" from Christina Aguilera, which was a curious enough pick given that she is a judge on the rival The Voice. The group definitely improved its game from last week tenfold. Not sure it'll be enough to keep them out of the bottom two this week but they definitely showed much more viability as artists this week for sure. They had outstanding choreography too.
L.A. - S.H., you know what - last week was a tough week for you guys and you came back this week and this is your recovery week, right? But you did a song I'm not that familiar with. You did a great job and you entertained but I didn't know the song. (Christina - Paula)
Nicole -All I gotta say is "Bananas." It was bananas, seriously. That was my favorite performance from you all yet. It was smooth, it was sharp, and Paula - kudos to you - that choreography was slick.
Simon - That was really helpful advice there, Nicole. Bananas. That is really digging deep. Here's my problem, guys. I think your choreography and work ethic is amazing. The problem I have with you this week is that you're not making the record that you would make...You've gotta become less cabaret and you know must be recording artists.
Paula -This sits right in the vein of movie week. This is a great song for them. These guys have been working so hard. Trae, step forward - you are a great leader...
9) Josh Krajcik - From "Across The Universe", Josh sang "With A Little Help From My Friends" even if the idiot judges called it a Joe Cocker song and not The Beatles. How do you screw that up? Seriously. His vocal range is definitely much closer to Cocker's than Paul McCartney or John Lennon's but still - it was ridiculously ignorant for people who should know this even if they weren't in the industry. Still, Josh killed it. He sounded great and seemed to have a very subtle fun with the song. Nicole could be seen standing up at one point towards the end with her extended hands in full rock concert form.
L.A. - Really strong, man.
Paula - Your voice is comforting. It's like chicken soup for the soul.
Simon - Love the song choice. First half didn't quite work. Second half was great. One quick criticism: You were like Dracula and the brides up there. Next week, you've got to lose all the gimmicks. Just you on the stage singing a song.
Nicole - Simon..Don't hate, just congratulate. Steven, don't you talk - you are so worthy and ready for a $5 million contract.
10) Chris Rene - "Gangsta's Paradise" from Dangerous Minds was his song choice. First off, Chris benefited from singing second to last because he might already be on the bubble and he did a very strong job tonight. I'm not quite sure it was something of a different side that he had promised and he might have accidentally done himself more harm than good by just giving a very strong performance of what is really his comfort zone instead.
Nicole - That's right, honey! (After lyric back and forth)
Paula - It's glorious seeing you in your element. You were real, you were honest, you were amazing. Great job, L.A. Reid.
Simon - All I can say is welcome back, Chris Rene. This is what we loved about your. And Chris, we all made an agreement together and I'm very proud of the fact that you've stuck to what you've done, you've stuck to what you promised to do, and hopefully this show will make your life how you want it to be r you want to be, because I think you are a potential real star. This was unquestionably her best performance yet and she did it in the coveted pimp spot - last.
LA - Really proud of you, you did a great job....It's like a long way home but we're there now.
11) Rachel Crow - Admitting he hadn't done a good job with her yet, Simon felt they had a song that could be game changer for her. Singing "I'd Rather Go Blind", the judges lavished her with praise for what was probably the strongest performance of the entire night. Rachel instantaneously elevated herself back up to the upper tier of the competition.
L.A. - Wow, Rachel. Wow. You know what? up until now i wasn't sure you were a real contender for the $ million dollar prize but tonight you proved that you have your eye on the target. My favorite yet.
Nicole - Rachel, you knew this already but Simon - I'm so happy that you listened to me and took my advice. (Advice/Song choice). I'm so glad Simon agreed with.
Paula - I love you so much and I'm so glad you're teaching this man humility. Your best performance.
Simon - I'm not afraid to admit when I get something wrong unlike you. The point is when you have a relationship with an artist you trust - and I trust Rachel - and not only do I trust you but I adore you... and you reminded me tonight of a mini little Beyonce and you got soul and you got that winning attitude and right now you are back in the game, young lady.
Okay, it's prediction time I suppose. Definitely saying that The Stereo Hogzz will be in the bottom two and they will be joined by either Stacy Francis or LeRoy Bell. However, don't be surprised if Chris Rene gets hurt by Astro's competing fan base. Still, I think it's still probably The Stereo Hogzz going home. We shall see Thursday Night.
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1) Stacy Francis - Singing Whitney Houston's "Queen of the Night" from The Bodyguard while dressed quite elegantly, Stacy performed in a caged monkey bars box with backing singers and dancers to a rousing reception from the crowd. I didn't think it was her best performance but I also think the criticism of it has been vastly overblown because Stacy has set such a high standard for herself. Still, she could be in trouble Thursday Night.
LA - Didn't like the song - and I cowrote the song - but did better than I expected - Why 3rd most popular?
Paula - You are a diva. There's no mistaking that. I have to agree that I never liked the song. (L.A. gets a little defensive.) But you delivered and you delivered in a big way.
Simon - You look cute but I would have you wearing that somewhere else. Again, it goes back. The problem now is Stacy that you now have to convince America that you are a $5 million dollar recording contract...it's like Nicole has combined you and Paula into one person.
Nicole - I think you look gorgeous. And what's even most important is that you shined from within tonight. You are a queen from within and you are empowering to all women out there. I'm so proud of you girl.
2) Marcus Canty - Singing Rose Royce's "I'm Going Down" from the movie "Car Wash", Marcus donned a flashy jacket and a rotating deck of cards theme backdrop with three backing singers tucked off to the side on the rising smoke filled stage. Violently kicking away the microphone and taking off his jacket, it's unsure whether he took mentor L.A. Reid's advice about becoming more than just a performer. His vocals were very solid but were they enough to avoid the chopping block?
Nicole - Marcus. Two words: Ma - gic. You are like a vision up there...what I love about you as a singer is that you taste and you mean and enjoy every single word and every single moment when you're up there...you are a classic...
Paula - Everything about you from head to toe resonates star. Your voice, your look, your poise, your delivery..well done.
Simon - I have to say that now that we've gotten rid of the ridiculous channeling of having to sing L.A.'s songs, and actually doing something that you actually should be doing in the real world, that was a thousand percent better than last week...Thank God that you threw that jacket off of you...you looked like a cabaret singer and it was like stuck to you...A little bit of advice: dress yourself.
L.A. - Marcus, listen. You look great. You sound great. You have better taste than some people who sit at the end of this desk. Relax Simon, I was actually talking about myself. I have a crystal ball and it has a picture of you in it.
Drew Ryniewicz - Singing Coldplay's "Fix You" from the movie You, Me, And Dupree - which is apparently Simon's favorite movie (normally this is where the facetious intent would be implied) - Drew once again went for the slow piano intro. First off, to say this is from a movie is more than just a stretch. With a ridiculous dress being blown up ala Marilyn Monroe, the performance was perfectly okay vocally but it felt so abruptly done that it felt disappointedly flat. This should have been a watershed moment for her given the song choice.
L.A. - First of all, I must say that was very good. I don't know the difference between the three performances [from the past three weeks] and I need to see some diversity from you; something different.
L.A. and Simon bickered about the movie, wasting everybody's time in the process.
Nicole - You are simply brilliant beyond your years. I love that you take your time always when you're up there. And unlike your mentor, you're a little slice of heaven. (Paula: That means I'm sitting next to Hell.)
Paula - Drew, I have to say this about you - you give an honest performance every single week. Simon, I must give you props for picking a song that really sits within a beautiful vocal range, but I'm not going to give you props for what she's wearing. I have to be honest with you. Drew, you are a a beautiful girl but that outfit took the seriousness away and don't take fashion advice from Simon anymore.
Simon - Well, let me just clear this up: Drew designed that dress. This is why I love working with you, Drew. You take risks that you have got the guts to design something yourself that shows individuality (Lady Gaga)...This is the kind of record that you'd make.
4) LeRoy Bell - Singing from "The Runaway Bride" and from his favorite band, LeRoy chose to sing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2. With a rotating globe rotating behind him, perhaps an allusion to the humanitarian efforts U2 front man Bono has undertaken in recent years, Bell kicked it into another level with both male and female backing singers providing steady complimentary vocals. It's unclear whether he had that moment he needed though.
L.A. - You know, LeRoy. I'm really happy because you finally got it right... The song choices over the past weeks were questionable.
Paula - LeRoy, I've been waiting for this. Nicole, well done.
Simon - I'm used to working with older people because I don't believe there should be a cap on all ages and the fact that you, at 60 years old, came out and sounded like a 20 year-old, competing between teenagers, your were dignified, you were in control - it was classic. I think this was your best performance by a clear mile.
Nicole - Thank you, Simon. And aside of being 60 years old, you're just great - that's what you are. I felt like we were at LeRoy's rock concert and you took us to church at the same time, honey!
5) Lakoda Rayne - From "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days", Lakoda Rayne performed "Somebody Like You" by Keith Urban with incredibly strong vocals and a beautiful rotating backdrop of a gorgeous sunrise and set of clouds while dressed in very casual but very nice looking outfits. This was probably the group's best performance to date and they once again their dark horse status here on out.
L.A. - So you took my advice and you decided to be one or the other. You've become my favorite girl group in the competition.
Nicole - So I grew up in Kentucky. Do you know how popular I'd be if I took ya'll home with me? Your presence together continues to be so natural. You have such good chemistry, girls. And I got to hear each of you individually shine tonight.
Simon - After the complete horror show last week (boos). Last week you were like the musical version of "The Stepford Wives." And because you got rid of the silly outfits, the silly seasons, you are the group that I always hoped and prayed you'd become. I thought individually you were great.
Paula - Girls, I have to tell you - I'm so proud of you. (Chokes up for a second.) Each week you're clearing your path to an eminent spot on a Pepsi spotlight...the best performance.
6) Astro - Performing "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile, he had tweeted earlier how this was the first time ever that Eminem had licensed one of his songs. Sporting a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, Astro delievered another riveting performance. With fire being flared up behind him on stage and with seemingly invisible female singers backing him, Astro showed off more fresh lyrics written just for his performance and shouted out Heavy D and Joe Frazier.
Nicole - Astro...I'm just in awe of you right now. That was so heavy. This is what separates the good from the great, the amateurs from the real contenders...honey, you are a champion tonight.
Paula - Astro, that level of focus that you have is what creates superstars. You have the ability to transcend your voice to a myriad of genres and that's what puts Astro in a league all of your own.
Simon - This is so irritating. You're like the cat that's got the cream. You cleared an Eminem song. I've done my day job for a long, long time and I believe every star has to have a work ethic...You are incredibly creative...you are actually a great role model right now...and Astro - you have the X Factor.
L.A. - What really makes me proud is that you have the audacity to take tan Eminem song - and he's one of the greatest to have done it ever -= and rewrite his lyrics and actually do a great job with it. So I really applaud you for really trying new territory. You are a real star.
7) Melanie Amaro - Nursing a sore throat, reminiscent of Lauren Alaina's strained vocal chords during the much embellished drama of finale week of American Idol this past season, she sang Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" while looking rather lovely. A bunch of words behind her were displayed on the background screens including poverty, justice, disease, and no shortage of other downtrodden adjectives. It was a solid performance but perhaps not overwhelmingly.
L.A. - Melanie, that was really good. It was really good. You're a great singer. I didn't find it that inventive. I thought it was really strong but predictably strong...I don't see the range.
Nicole - Simon...it's a brilliant song choice. I can't help it. I love this song. I think the whole world needs this song. Her voice is a vessel of the light that the song was created from. I think she made Michael proud tonight.
Paula - Music heals the world and your voice truly does that. You are a remarkable singer. And you know what? She can sing the phonebook so give her anything you want.
Simon - To use a British expression, "You were bloody fantastic." And L.A., regarding what you said, that is called a tribute and that's what she did. And Melanie, this for me was your best performance in the whole competition so far because you sang with sincerity, passion, you hit that big note at the end - that's called range, LA - that was amazing.
8) The Stereo Hogzz - Sporting classy old school suits from something out of the 20's, 30's, or 40's, or even 50's, they walked down stairs with an abundance of female dancers singing "Ain't No Other Man" from Christina Aguilera, which was a curious enough pick given that she is a judge on the rival The Voice. The group definitely improved its game from last week tenfold. Not sure it'll be enough to keep them out of the bottom two this week but they definitely showed much more viability as artists this week for sure. They had outstanding choreography too.
L.A. - S.H., you know what - last week was a tough week for you guys and you came back this week and this is your recovery week, right? But you did a song I'm not that familiar with. You did a great job and you entertained but I didn't know the song. (Christina - Paula)
Nicole -All I gotta say is "Bananas." It was bananas, seriously. That was my favorite performance from you all yet. It was smooth, it was sharp, and Paula - kudos to you - that choreography was slick.
Simon - That was really helpful advice there, Nicole. Bananas. That is really digging deep. Here's my problem, guys. I think your choreography and work ethic is amazing. The problem I have with you this week is that you're not making the record that you would make...You've gotta become less cabaret and you know must be recording artists.
Paula -This sits right in the vein of movie week. This is a great song for them. These guys have been working so hard. Trae, step forward - you are a great leader...
9) Josh Krajcik - From "Across The Universe", Josh sang "With A Little Help From My Friends" even if the idiot judges called it a Joe Cocker song and not The Beatles. How do you screw that up? Seriously. His vocal range is definitely much closer to Cocker's than Paul McCartney or John Lennon's but still - it was ridiculously ignorant for people who should know this even if they weren't in the industry. Still, Josh killed it. He sounded great and seemed to have a very subtle fun with the song. Nicole could be seen standing up at one point towards the end with her extended hands in full rock concert form.
L.A. - Really strong, man.
Paula - Your voice is comforting. It's like chicken soup for the soul.
Simon - Love the song choice. First half didn't quite work. Second half was great. One quick criticism: You were like Dracula and the brides up there. Next week, you've got to lose all the gimmicks. Just you on the stage singing a song.
Nicole - Simon..Don't hate, just congratulate. Steven, don't you talk - you are so worthy and ready for a $5 million contract.
10) Chris Rene - "Gangsta's Paradise" from Dangerous Minds was his song choice. First off, Chris benefited from singing second to last because he might already be on the bubble and he did a very strong job tonight. I'm not quite sure it was something of a different side that he had promised and he might have accidentally done himself more harm than good by just giving a very strong performance of what is really his comfort zone instead.
Nicole - That's right, honey! (After lyric back and forth)
Paula - It's glorious seeing you in your element. You were real, you were honest, you were amazing. Great job, L.A. Reid.
Simon - All I can say is welcome back, Chris Rene. This is what we loved about your. And Chris, we all made an agreement together and I'm very proud of the fact that you've stuck to what you've done, you've stuck to what you promised to do, and hopefully this show will make your life how you want it to be r you want to be, because I think you are a potential real star. This was unquestionably her best performance yet and she did it in the coveted pimp spot - last.
LA - Really proud of you, you did a great job....It's like a long way home but we're there now.
11) Rachel Crow - Admitting he hadn't done a good job with her yet, Simon felt they had a song that could be game changer for her. Singing "I'd Rather Go Blind", the judges lavished her with praise for what was probably the strongest performance of the entire night. Rachel instantaneously elevated herself back up to the upper tier of the competition.
L.A. - Wow, Rachel. Wow. You know what? up until now i wasn't sure you were a real contender for the $ million dollar prize but tonight you proved that you have your eye on the target. My favorite yet.
Nicole - Rachel, you knew this already but Simon - I'm so happy that you listened to me and took my advice. (Advice/Song choice). I'm so glad Simon agreed with.
Paula - I love you so much and I'm so glad you're teaching this man humility. Your best performance.
Simon - I'm not afraid to admit when I get something wrong unlike you. The point is when you have a relationship with an artist you trust - and I trust Rachel - and not only do I trust you but I adore you... and you reminded me tonight of a mini little Beyonce and you got soul and you got that winning attitude and right now you are back in the game, young lady.
Okay, it's prediction time I suppose. Definitely saying that The Stereo Hogzz will be in the bottom two and they will be joined by either Stacy Francis or LeRoy Bell. However, don't be surprised if Chris Rene gets hurt by Astro's competing fan base. Still, I think it's still probably The Stereo Hogzz going home. We shall see Thursday Night.
Stay tuned.
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Friday, November 4, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 12 Results Show Recap
Okay, I've admittedly been feeling lazy so I didn't do this blog last night when I should have but last night's Top 12 results show actually provided a degree of drama. It seems like the conventional wisdom of LeRoy Bell being the first one to go home proved false. He did prove to be the smoking gun in a rather unexpectedly amusing fashion. It turns out that their live results show performances aren't so live after all. LeRoy Bell was quite visibly caught lip-synching to the David Guetta/Usher collaboration "Without You" in the opening ensemble number.
Carson Daly, host of the rival show The Voice on NBC, overtly jabbed at the competition by highlighting this mini-Milli Vanilli like scandal on his account. It seems that most people seem to be more amused than outrage, since this has been an on and off occurrence over the years and so people have become so desensitized to this kind of shenanigans.
When it was all said and done, after the first ten acts were safely advanced to next weeks show, we were left with InTENsity and The Stereo Hogzz holding their breath while awaiting the judges' decision. Personally, I think it's ridiculous that the lowest vote getter doesn't automatically go home. This is clearly the Simon Cowell juggernaut at work, trying to create more drama, and it will probably continue to work, even those of us who fiercely hate this format with a passion.
It finally came down to InTENsity being voted off by a 3-1 vote, with Simon being the lone dissenter, and you must wonder if he's really playing the game more than truly deciding who should be going home. It's a safe bet, or certainly at worst a reasonable assumption, that he felt that The Stereo Hogzz posed a much greater threat to his team but at the end of the day Simon is still the one who will ultimately win because it's his show and production company. He'll be at the press conference to announce the winner's deal no matter what but by that same token it also means that he can afford some aggressive gamesmanship on his part.
The ten piece group InTENsity took it pretty hard, as host Steve Jones clumsily alluded to before adding that they'd be back next Wednesday. It's still safe to say that LeRoy Bell will be in trouble soon enough in all likelihood, and not over the obvious lip-synching flap because that affects everyone (the show itself confirmed it too), but because his fan base just might not be as numbered, varied, and devoted as some of the show's frontrunners.
So there we have it. Next week The Stereo Hogzz will obviously be in peril going into the week. Outside of LeRoy Bell, it's hard to gauge who will be more immediately in danger of going home as well. Besides The Stereo Hogzz and LeRoy Bell, we are now left with Drew Ryniewicz, Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Stacy Francis, Josh Krajcik, Astro, Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, The Stereo Hogzz, and Lakoda Rayne.
Stay tuned.
I am still planning on doing a piece on Stacy Francis and the vicious attack machinery against her recently. I'm hoping to post something in time for next Wednesday's episode.
Follow me on Twitter.
Carson Daly, host of the rival show The Voice on NBC, overtly jabbed at the competition by highlighting this mini-Milli Vanilli like scandal on his account. It seems that most people seem to be more amused than outrage, since this has been an on and off occurrence over the years and so people have become so desensitized to this kind of shenanigans.
When it was all said and done, after the first ten acts were safely advanced to next weeks show, we were left with InTENsity and The Stereo Hogzz holding their breath while awaiting the judges' decision. Personally, I think it's ridiculous that the lowest vote getter doesn't automatically go home. This is clearly the Simon Cowell juggernaut at work, trying to create more drama, and it will probably continue to work, even those of us who fiercely hate this format with a passion.
It finally came down to InTENsity being voted off by a 3-1 vote, with Simon being the lone dissenter, and you must wonder if he's really playing the game more than truly deciding who should be going home. It's a safe bet, or certainly at worst a reasonable assumption, that he felt that The Stereo Hogzz posed a much greater threat to his team but at the end of the day Simon is still the one who will ultimately win because it's his show and production company. He'll be at the press conference to announce the winner's deal no matter what but by that same token it also means that he can afford some aggressive gamesmanship on his part.
The ten piece group InTENsity took it pretty hard, as host Steve Jones clumsily alluded to before adding that they'd be back next Wednesday. It's still safe to say that LeRoy Bell will be in trouble soon enough in all likelihood, and not over the obvious lip-synching flap because that affects everyone (the show itself confirmed it too), but because his fan base just might not be as numbered, varied, and devoted as some of the show's frontrunners.
So there we have it. Next week The Stereo Hogzz will obviously be in peril going into the week. Outside of LeRoy Bell, it's hard to gauge who will be more immediately in danger of going home as well. Besides The Stereo Hogzz and LeRoy Bell, we are now left with Drew Ryniewicz, Rachel Crow, Melanie Amaro, Stacy Francis, Josh Krajcik, Astro, Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, The Stereo Hogzz, and Lakoda Rayne.
Stay tuned.
I am still planning on doing a piece on Stacy Francis and the vicious attack machinery against her recently. I'm hoping to post something in time for next Wednesday's episode.
Follow me on Twitter.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 12 Live Performances
This is still a work in progress if you've just tuned into my blog just now and see this message...
So here's my rundown for the Top 12 live performances this week.
1) The Stereo Hogzz - Simon Cowell declared this a "make or break performance" tonight right before they came out to perform Janet Jackson's 1991 anthem "Rhythm Nation" while approximately two dozen dancers (or more) surrounded them onstage. Apparently, they didn't disappoint because the judges unanimously agreed that they owned the stage. L.A. told them that they absolutely had what it took to be stars while Nicole simply said that "The Stereo Hogzz have landed" and adding "much respect to you boys" based on her own experience in The Pussycat Dolls and knowing what it takes to be part of a group and how hard it is to make the combination of singing and dancing look easy. Simon solidified the praise by adding that he was "in such a good mood before this because Miss Smug [Paula Abdul] over here is so happy." It was another overall solid performance by The Stereo Hogzz but I felt that last week's performance was still stronger. Still, they should be safe tomorrow.
2) Chris Rene - Simon said that Chris needed to fixate on the lyrics because if he didn't piece it together that he could be in trouble. "I have so much mad love for you my friend," said Nicole before adding, "You sound absolutely amazing" and "you have grown so much in the competition already." Paula simply declared her pride of Chris by saying, "You're so honest and transparent." Simon agreed, chiming in, "You knew you weren't on your game last week," before poking Paula, "You literally put him in Hell" before finally concluding his critique with affirming Chris' "honesty" that Paula alluded. L.A. ribbed Simon by saying, "That hell you're talking about - that's called fire because you're hot," much to Simon's laughter filled delight. Chris got back some of his momentum back from last week but I do feel like the judges were aware of how vulnerable he could be, especially as a rap/hip hop artist on a singing show, as they clearly seemed concerned that they might lose him earlier than they wished to.
3) LeRoy Bell - LeRoy's choice of song didn't pass mustard with L.A. and Simon although Paula said, "You wrap your life experiences around each song" before Simon facetiously corrected her by saying, "It's only been two songs." Simon also told LeRoy, "I think you are a really good singer. I think you have a confidence issue." He also said that he totally agreed with L.A. and that Nicole has misused him much to Nicole's consternation. Nicole simply rebutted, "Sometimes less is more." The critiquing was oddly short and to the point compared to the other artists and my guess is that he is in trouble.
4) Rachel Crow - Belting out the 80's classic "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and The Waves, Rachel changed the words in the song while oddly dressed dancers in awful black and white outfits danced around and behind her. I was not a fan of the lyric rearrangement. In fact, I'm pretty much never a fan of that and found it bizarre to say the least. L.A. told Rachel, "You must be one of the most charismatic singers I've ever met" and said she was tough to criticize. Nicole called her "America's sunshine" and compared her to a Jackson 5 era Michael Jackson but questioned the lyric change. Paula simply oozed, "You have to know how good you are," before alluding to her "If I Were A Boy" boot camp performance and basically asking Simon to give her a song that suits that song's range. Simon rebutted Nicole by declaring, "It's called being inventive, darling," and when Nicole started to sass back he snapped, "Grown ups are talking," and announced that, "This girl's going to be around for a very, very long time." That was Simon and judge code for: Vote for her. Like...a lot.
5) Lakoda Rayne - The pop country foursome decided to designate a season for each of its members.
Derisively calling the seasons theme corny and cheesy, the newly minted four seasoned act went out to prove detractors L.A. and Simon wrong. Dani was summer, Paige was fall, Hayley was spring, and Cari was winter. Dressed stunningly eloquently, the quartet solicited fashion praise from L.A. about their looks. "You look incredible tonight" and noted that the vocal blend he'd been looking for in them was finally present. "The blend took place," L.A. said. He further added that he gets "frustrated because I don't want you to be a tweener" and clarifying those remarks by saying that they should be either pop or country, not both. L.A., of course, is absolutely wrong about this. They are The Dixie Chicks. Nicole said that the "four voices sounded like one voice tonight" and that they "put me in a trance tonight and if I were a season, I'd want to look just like you." Simon complimented them vocally. "Vocally, song wise - massive, massive improvement. You actually sound like singers. Here's the not so good news: I aboslutely hate what you're wearing. The idea of turning you into four seasons is literally insane. You're not autumn, you're not spring, you're not fall, and you're not winter. You're four young girls, and she's dressed you like you're going to the prom." Paula retorted, "It's color," and stung Simon by saying "There's only one season in London, England and that's miserable." "You look beautiful and I'm proud of you. Now let's go get some frozen yogurt." Not sure of Simon's wardrobe criticism although his one liner was pretty hilarious. Still, the girls knocked it out again.
6) Josh Krajcik - L.A. said, "That was really, really good." "Josh, you can sing anything and I'm a believer because you just nail everything" Paula told Josh. "I'm going to take back everything I said, "Simon apologized. "It's like you wrote the song. One of my favorite songs over the last two years. It was absolutely stunning. You took a risk and it paid off. Well done." Nicole added, "I feel like a proud mom but we're like the same age so that doesn't work. I love the lyrics to the song and you just brought them to life and what I love about you is when you sing, I feel the voice in my veins. You make music move through all of us. Thank you so much." Josh padded his frontrunner status tonight again with another orbit defying performance.
7) Melanie Amaro - "The only thing Simon ever did right was to bring you back," L.A. said. Nicole said, "There is no limit to what you and your voice can do." Paula added, "You look beautiful and I must say [that] hearing your voice is like fine china; just bring it out on the most special occasions and this a special occasion. Amazing. Amazing." Simon finally said, "I've got to say - I didn't realize how good you were. I mean, you are seriously, seriously good. Right now you are the one to beat, trust me." Melanie is absolutely a frontrunner now after tonight. She has moved from a dark horse, to contender, to a favorite and Simon's not so subtle endorsement of her as the person to beat might not have been any accident based on the combination of her performance, momentum, and the way she advanced to the live shows, but she has been so strong that the praise was well deserved and Simon's word always carries the most weight.
8) Astro - Reworking the lyrics to Naughty By Nature, or at least it seemed that way (I'm no longer sure), Astro proved his long-term viability once again in the hip hop and pop genres. The 14 year-old child prodigy changed it up with the song as he did with the corresponding set as he performed. Confetti and dancers highlighted his superstar potential. Nicole said, "You know how to get the party started right." Paula said, You're bold, you're daring, and you're unique." I know that Jay-Z has his eye on you for real." Simon had the best critique. "I could remember a few weeks ago L.A. saying people your age couldn't choreograph or sell records. Well, I think it's time L.A. to take that back because I think you are a real little star. Your ego's getting bigger, which I know L.A. is channeling his ego through you, but that's what it needs. You need that confidence, that swagger. I think you are a total little star." L.A. concluded, "You keep bringing it. Each week you keep getting better and better. I know Brooklyn and America are proud." Still not sure if this was Naughty By Nature, an original with a sampling of the 90's group, or a mix but Astro's performance was again rather outstanding.
9) InTENsity - Last week when they were soliciting song ideas, I submitted Kim Wilde's "Kids In America" and low and behold - they listened! And they did a great job of the Kim Wilde-Party Rock mash-up. The critiques were short and sweet but L.A. said, "Three words: fun, fun, fun!" and Nicole added, "That was fun-tastic. Fun-nominal."Simon spelled out the word sorry and said, "Actually, that was terrific. I like the fact that there's a bit of rebellion going on here where you've kind of insisted that you're going to change the style of music to suit all of you. And the blend actually - I shouldn't like you but I actually do really do like you." Paula said, "P-R-O-U-D, exclamation point. Put him [Simon] in his place. Thank you guys for working so hard." I think they did an excellent job. Interestingly enough, Emily Wilson said that if the other acts go home, they will still remain intact as opposed to InTENsity, which would be disbanded. That little nugget of news is probably not going to be found on many other blogs so you probably heard it first here on the official Himay Co. blog.
10) Drew Ryniewicz - Singing Nelly's "Just A Dream", she proved once again that she is a 14 year-old nightmare to her competition. L.A. told her she had the "spirit of a superstar" but the truth of the matter is that Drew already has the complete package of a superstar going on in her favor. L.A. did jab at Simon by telling her that she had the wrong mentor. Nicole declared her love for Nelly and told Drew that she's "relevant" and said she could also be on Eminem's track? Huh? Really? You really want this preciously sweet 14 year-old hanging around Eminem? Paula apparently commented, "I totally live for the last note that you sing", prompting me to conjure up images of Paula just doing nothing in her free time but waiting for that last note. And why only the the last note? Simon stated the obvious, instructing Drew that he's "seeing a star emerge in front of me right now" and that she was really his mentor. For Simon, that was surprisingly cheesy and sentimental; not to mention just way over the top but Simon has shown some softer moments on this show so far because it truly is his baby so his motivation to keep some of the more blunt talk in check is rather apparent. Still, Drew did exceptionally well and there was just no need to go there anyway but she does indeed have a very good music sense and perhaps Simon was just taking that observation to a very unnecessary extreme.
11) Marcus Canty - Singing the L.A. Reid penned Bobby Brown song "Every Little Step", the performance was genuinely solid but then the judge's feedback had me looking for Randy Jackson on the panel. (Apparently, they felt like they were at a Marcus concert.) Nicole started by saying how she felt she forgot that she was watching a competition show and not a concert and that she was just one of the screaming girls attending it. Paula merely took the time to take a trip down Memory Lane; back to the late 80's when she still had a music career of her own. She really only added that Marcus is "the complete package" as a performer. Simon then touched a rather sarcastic nerve with L.A. by initially saying how narcissistic it would normally be to have his own artist perform a song he wrote before L.A. preempted him, perhaps premeditatedly (I should put perhaps in quotations, really) retorting, "We could have done one of yours -" rhetorically at Simon much to his rather bemusedly laughing delight. Simon then finished his thought by giving L.A. props and noting how much Marcus has "come alive" in the competition and that "it was a brilliant song choice; it is a brilliant song" and L.A. essentially just echoed that sentiment to his prodigy.
12) Stacy Francis - L.A. repeated his praise of Marcus to Stacy as well, noting to her that she's "so poised" and that she's "getting better and better" as the competition carries on. This might be the new "in it to win it" but the competition still has plenty of life to go. L.A. warmly proclaimed to Stacy, "You stir our souls when you sing; you really do," which pleased Stacy. Paula agreed, calling it a "shiny moment" for her and complimenting the way she interprets songs as "magical" and that "the bottom of your voice is just...my God...just fills up the entire, the entire stage." Simon, however, regaining his usual lack of sentimentality just in time, immodestly pounced on an opportunity to say, "Stacy, I don't want to take any credit but I'm going to," before deciding, "I think you want to give me a kiss, don't you?" Yeah, like Stacy really had a say in the matter. I couldn't help think about Herman Cain's recent troubles with female ex-employees of his regarding allegations of sexual harassment. Simon further patted himself on the back, exclaiming, "You know, that's why I love judging these shows; when I can help the mentors, when I can help the contestants. This is what you should have been doing right from the start. It was real, it was fantastic, one of thee best performances of the night." Nicole slyly matched wits with Simon by first appearing to congratulate and appease her boss and fellow judge. "Good job," she directed towards Simon. "We took your advice, Simon," Nicole grinned. "Good job. But I'm not going to make it about you. I'm going to make it about Stacy." Simon smiled and fake moaned, relishing Nicole's comeback directed at him. "I know what you've been through and I asked you one thing; be honest in your performance tonight. And you were just honest, you were the epitome of grace and poise and beauty, and I'm so proud of you. This was a perfect song for you (gesturing more genuinely towards Simon), and you're fulfilling your purpose. You should be very happy." It's also interesting given how Simon stepped in and chose a song for someone not in his own group. We'll see if that overshadows the tremendous performance by Stacy or not and how Simon really does win either way.
Well, there you have it. My prediction? LeRoy Bell goes home tonight. They complimented him while setting him up to fail at the same time but my guess is that it just might be that the other performances were simply more electric. I love LeRoy and will hate to see him go if that is indeed the case but hopefully we haven't heard the last of him one way or another. Marcus Canty and InTENsity could also be in trouble and I didn't think that Rachel Crow's lyric changing stunt that Simon put her up to might do her any favors. Still, I'd have a hard time imagining that she's going home. At any rate, we shall see.
Stay tuned.
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So here's my rundown for the Top 12 live performances this week.
1) The Stereo Hogzz - Simon Cowell declared this a "make or break performance" tonight right before they came out to perform Janet Jackson's 1991 anthem "Rhythm Nation" while approximately two dozen dancers (or more) surrounded them onstage. Apparently, they didn't disappoint because the judges unanimously agreed that they owned the stage. L.A. told them that they absolutely had what it took to be stars while Nicole simply said that "The Stereo Hogzz have landed" and adding "much respect to you boys" based on her own experience in The Pussycat Dolls and knowing what it takes to be part of a group and how hard it is to make the combination of singing and dancing look easy. Simon solidified the praise by adding that he was "in such a good mood before this because Miss Smug [Paula Abdul] over here is so happy." It was another overall solid performance by The Stereo Hogzz but I felt that last week's performance was still stronger. Still, they should be safe tomorrow.
2) Chris Rene - Simon said that Chris needed to fixate on the lyrics because if he didn't piece it together that he could be in trouble. "I have so much mad love for you my friend," said Nicole before adding, "You sound absolutely amazing" and "you have grown so much in the competition already." Paula simply declared her pride of Chris by saying, "You're so honest and transparent." Simon agreed, chiming in, "You knew you weren't on your game last week," before poking Paula, "You literally put him in Hell" before finally concluding his critique with affirming Chris' "honesty" that Paula alluded. L.A. ribbed Simon by saying, "That hell you're talking about - that's called fire because you're hot," much to Simon's laughter filled delight. Chris got back some of his momentum back from last week but I do feel like the judges were aware of how vulnerable he could be, especially as a rap/hip hop artist on a singing show, as they clearly seemed concerned that they might lose him earlier than they wished to.
3) LeRoy Bell - LeRoy's choice of song didn't pass mustard with L.A. and Simon although Paula said, "You wrap your life experiences around each song" before Simon facetiously corrected her by saying, "It's only been two songs." Simon also told LeRoy, "I think you are a really good singer. I think you have a confidence issue." He also said that he totally agreed with L.A. and that Nicole has misused him much to Nicole's consternation. Nicole simply rebutted, "Sometimes less is more." The critiquing was oddly short and to the point compared to the other artists and my guess is that he is in trouble.
4) Rachel Crow - Belting out the 80's classic "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and The Waves, Rachel changed the words in the song while oddly dressed dancers in awful black and white outfits danced around and behind her. I was not a fan of the lyric rearrangement. In fact, I'm pretty much never a fan of that and found it bizarre to say the least. L.A. told Rachel, "You must be one of the most charismatic singers I've ever met" and said she was tough to criticize. Nicole called her "America's sunshine" and compared her to a Jackson 5 era Michael Jackson but questioned the lyric change. Paula simply oozed, "You have to know how good you are," before alluding to her "If I Were A Boy" boot camp performance and basically asking Simon to give her a song that suits that song's range. Simon rebutted Nicole by declaring, "It's called being inventive, darling," and when Nicole started to sass back he snapped, "Grown ups are talking," and announced that, "This girl's going to be around for a very, very long time." That was Simon and judge code for: Vote for her. Like...a lot.
5) Lakoda Rayne - The pop country foursome decided to designate a season for each of its members.
Derisively calling the seasons theme corny and cheesy, the newly minted four seasoned act went out to prove detractors L.A. and Simon wrong. Dani was summer, Paige was fall, Hayley was spring, and Cari was winter. Dressed stunningly eloquently, the quartet solicited fashion praise from L.A. about their looks. "You look incredible tonight" and noted that the vocal blend he'd been looking for in them was finally present. "The blend took place," L.A. said. He further added that he gets "frustrated because I don't want you to be a tweener" and clarifying those remarks by saying that they should be either pop or country, not both. L.A., of course, is absolutely wrong about this. They are The Dixie Chicks. Nicole said that the "four voices sounded like one voice tonight" and that they "put me in a trance tonight and if I were a season, I'd want to look just like you." Simon complimented them vocally. "Vocally, song wise - massive, massive improvement. You actually sound like singers. Here's the not so good news: I aboslutely hate what you're wearing. The idea of turning you into four seasons is literally insane. You're not autumn, you're not spring, you're not fall, and you're not winter. You're four young girls, and she's dressed you like you're going to the prom." Paula retorted, "It's color," and stung Simon by saying "There's only one season in London, England and that's miserable." "You look beautiful and I'm proud of you. Now let's go get some frozen yogurt." Not sure of Simon's wardrobe criticism although his one liner was pretty hilarious. Still, the girls knocked it out again.
6) Josh Krajcik - L.A. said, "That was really, really good." "Josh, you can sing anything and I'm a believer because you just nail everything" Paula told Josh. "I'm going to take back everything I said, "Simon apologized. "It's like you wrote the song. One of my favorite songs over the last two years. It was absolutely stunning. You took a risk and it paid off. Well done." Nicole added, "I feel like a proud mom but we're like the same age so that doesn't work. I love the lyrics to the song and you just brought them to life and what I love about you is when you sing, I feel the voice in my veins. You make music move through all of us. Thank you so much." Josh padded his frontrunner status tonight again with another orbit defying performance.
7) Melanie Amaro - "The only thing Simon ever did right was to bring you back," L.A. said. Nicole said, "There is no limit to what you and your voice can do." Paula added, "You look beautiful and I must say [that] hearing your voice is like fine china; just bring it out on the most special occasions and this a special occasion. Amazing. Amazing." Simon finally said, "I've got to say - I didn't realize how good you were. I mean, you are seriously, seriously good. Right now you are the one to beat, trust me." Melanie is absolutely a frontrunner now after tonight. She has moved from a dark horse, to contender, to a favorite and Simon's not so subtle endorsement of her as the person to beat might not have been any accident based on the combination of her performance, momentum, and the way she advanced to the live shows, but she has been so strong that the praise was well deserved and Simon's word always carries the most weight.
8) Astro - Reworking the lyrics to Naughty By Nature, or at least it seemed that way (I'm no longer sure), Astro proved his long-term viability once again in the hip hop and pop genres. The 14 year-old child prodigy changed it up with the song as he did with the corresponding set as he performed. Confetti and dancers highlighted his superstar potential. Nicole said, "You know how to get the party started right." Paula said, You're bold, you're daring, and you're unique." I know that Jay-Z has his eye on you for real." Simon had the best critique. "I could remember a few weeks ago L.A. saying people your age couldn't choreograph or sell records. Well, I think it's time L.A. to take that back because I think you are a real little star. Your ego's getting bigger, which I know L.A. is channeling his ego through you, but that's what it needs. You need that confidence, that swagger. I think you are a total little star." L.A. concluded, "You keep bringing it. Each week you keep getting better and better. I know Brooklyn and America are proud." Still not sure if this was Naughty By Nature, an original with a sampling of the 90's group, or a mix but Astro's performance was again rather outstanding.
9) InTENsity - Last week when they were soliciting song ideas, I submitted Kim Wilde's "Kids In America" and low and behold - they listened! And they did a great job of the Kim Wilde-Party Rock mash-up. The critiques were short and sweet but L.A. said, "Three words: fun, fun, fun!" and Nicole added, "That was fun-tastic. Fun-nominal."Simon spelled out the word sorry and said, "Actually, that was terrific. I like the fact that there's a bit of rebellion going on here where you've kind of insisted that you're going to change the style of music to suit all of you. And the blend actually - I shouldn't like you but I actually do really do like you." Paula said, "P-R-O-U-D, exclamation point. Put him [Simon] in his place. Thank you guys for working so hard." I think they did an excellent job. Interestingly enough, Emily Wilson said that if the other acts go home, they will still remain intact as opposed to InTENsity, which would be disbanded. That little nugget of news is probably not going to be found on many other blogs so you probably heard it first here on the official Himay Co. blog.
10) Drew Ryniewicz - Singing Nelly's "Just A Dream", she proved once again that she is a 14 year-old nightmare to her competition. L.A. told her she had the "spirit of a superstar" but the truth of the matter is that Drew already has the complete package of a superstar going on in her favor. L.A. did jab at Simon by telling her that she had the wrong mentor. Nicole declared her love for Nelly and told Drew that she's "relevant" and said she could also be on Eminem's track? Huh? Really? You really want this preciously sweet 14 year-old hanging around Eminem? Paula apparently commented, "I totally live for the last note that you sing", prompting me to conjure up images of Paula just doing nothing in her free time but waiting for that last note. And why only the the last note? Simon stated the obvious, instructing Drew that he's "seeing a star emerge in front of me right now" and that she was really his mentor. For Simon, that was surprisingly cheesy and sentimental; not to mention just way over the top but Simon has shown some softer moments on this show so far because it truly is his baby so his motivation to keep some of the more blunt talk in check is rather apparent. Still, Drew did exceptionally well and there was just no need to go there anyway but she does indeed have a very good music sense and perhaps Simon was just taking that observation to a very unnecessary extreme.
11) Marcus Canty - Singing the L.A. Reid penned Bobby Brown song "Every Little Step", the performance was genuinely solid but then the judge's feedback had me looking for Randy Jackson on the panel. (Apparently, they felt like they were at a Marcus concert.) Nicole started by saying how she felt she forgot that she was watching a competition show and not a concert and that she was just one of the screaming girls attending it. Paula merely took the time to take a trip down Memory Lane; back to the late 80's when she still had a music career of her own. She really only added that Marcus is "the complete package" as a performer. Simon then touched a rather sarcastic nerve with L.A. by initially saying how narcissistic it would normally be to have his own artist perform a song he wrote before L.A. preempted him, perhaps premeditatedly (I should put perhaps in quotations, really) retorting, "We could have done one of yours -" rhetorically at Simon much to his rather bemusedly laughing delight. Simon then finished his thought by giving L.A. props and noting how much Marcus has "come alive" in the competition and that "it was a brilliant song choice; it is a brilliant song" and L.A. essentially just echoed that sentiment to his prodigy.
12) Stacy Francis - L.A. repeated his praise of Marcus to Stacy as well, noting to her that she's "so poised" and that she's "getting better and better" as the competition carries on. This might be the new "in it to win it" but the competition still has plenty of life to go. L.A. warmly proclaimed to Stacy, "You stir our souls when you sing; you really do," which pleased Stacy. Paula agreed, calling it a "shiny moment" for her and complimenting the way she interprets songs as "magical" and that "the bottom of your voice is just...my God...just fills up the entire, the entire stage." Simon, however, regaining his usual lack of sentimentality just in time, immodestly pounced on an opportunity to say, "Stacy, I don't want to take any credit but I'm going to," before deciding, "I think you want to give me a kiss, don't you?" Yeah, like Stacy really had a say in the matter. I couldn't help think about Herman Cain's recent troubles with female ex-employees of his regarding allegations of sexual harassment. Simon further patted himself on the back, exclaiming, "You know, that's why I love judging these shows; when I can help the mentors, when I can help the contestants. This is what you should have been doing right from the start. It was real, it was fantastic, one of thee best performances of the night." Nicole slyly matched wits with Simon by first appearing to congratulate and appease her boss and fellow judge. "Good job," she directed towards Simon. "We took your advice, Simon," Nicole grinned. "Good job. But I'm not going to make it about you. I'm going to make it about Stacy." Simon smiled and fake moaned, relishing Nicole's comeback directed at him. "I know what you've been through and I asked you one thing; be honest in your performance tonight. And you were just honest, you were the epitome of grace and poise and beauty, and I'm so proud of you. This was a perfect song for you (gesturing more genuinely towards Simon), and you're fulfilling your purpose. You should be very happy." It's also interesting given how Simon stepped in and chose a song for someone not in his own group. We'll see if that overshadows the tremendous performance by Stacy or not and how Simon really does win either way.
Well, there you have it. My prediction? LeRoy Bell goes home tonight. They complimented him while setting him up to fail at the same time but my guess is that it just might be that the other performances were simply more electric. I love LeRoy and will hate to see him go if that is indeed the case but hopefully we haven't heard the last of him one way or another. Marcus Canty and InTENsity could also be in trouble and I didn't think that Rachel Crow's lyric changing stunt that Simon put her up to might do her any favors. Still, I'd have a hard time imagining that she's going home. At any rate, we shall see.
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