| Wednesday, July 16, 2008 |
| Fall TV News |
Some updates on my favorite shows for the fall season:
PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SPOILERS.
- There are a lot of people leaving the fall seasons of my favorite shows. Christopher Gorham, who plays Henry the accountant in Ugly Betty, is leaving the show for another one, Harper's Island. It's so sad. I love the Betty-Henry love story. They're so cute together! I'm just glad they're gearing up Betty for another love interest.
- Another character and actor leaving is William Petersen of the original CSI and plays Gil Grissom, the supervisor of the graveyard shift at CSI Las Vegas. I cannot imagine a CSI without Grissom. He's the major reason I love watching the show! Him and Catherine Willows. I hate it that he's leaving. I really, really hate it.
- On to some good news, Gossip Girl has come out with new season teasers! I can't wait to Blair and Chuck on the small screen again! Check it out on youtube here.
Labels: csi, fall season, gossip girl, tv, ugly betty |
posted by Jax @ 8:16:00 AM   |
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| Thursday, May 25, 2006 |
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AMERICAN IDOL FINALE
Finally. After 4 months, we are down to the final two: Taylor "SOUL PATROL" Hicks and Katherine "MCPHEEVER" McPhee.
And I disagree with Rickey and Ganns. I don't think it's the "worst finale ever". Although it is a very weak one, especially compared to last year's finale with Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice.
It had its moments, yeah, the good and the bad. But overall, it wasn't so bad.
I. KATHERINE MCPHEE
Katherine performed "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" from the Billboard Week and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from the Top 3 week. It was okay. It wasn't so bad but it didn't really blow me away. She didn't bring anything new to the performance and, although the judges liked it, I'm not a fan of the performance. It was just okay for me. Actually, I think the problem is the fact it doesn't really belong in a FINALE. This is the finale and she didn't blow me away with those performance.
Then she performed her single "My Destiny". And I remembered why I grew tired of the McPheever. She came off across as another young female pop star and didn't really offer anything different from Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore and Jessica Simpson. And the song didn't help her at all. It seemed like she couldn't find the right key and she was just all over the place. It's a bit unfair, really,
because she is a good singer. But she wasn't given a good song.
In the end, even though Katherine is a good singer, her main problem is that she overthinks her performance instead of just belting them out. She's too much in a hurry to become a diva when she hasn't quite handled it well yet. Even though her mom is a voice coach, she still needs to train and she still needs more time to hone her voice. Although if she releases a CD now, people will definitely buy it if only
to hear her singing voice. But if she doesn't try to learn more, she won't last in the business.
II. TAYLOR HICKS
I said it last week. I honestly believe that Taylor Hicks should win this year's American Idol because he is the total package. He may be hard to market but he will always try to give you no less than his best performance because that's who he is: a born singer and performer.
For the finale, Taylor performed "Livin' For The City" from the Stevie Wonder Week and "Levon" from the 1st semifinals week. I enjoyed his performance of "Livin' For The City" because it was obvious he was enjoying his performance. It will be really awesome to watch him perform live. "Levon" was calmer and not as enjoyable as the first one but it was still cool. Coz it was Taylor you know?
Then he performed his single "Do I Make You Proud". It was a great Taylor performance but the song was so cheesy. It would have been really better, as suggested by an AI fan, if they had written the songs they would perform for the finale. But that would be hard for the "first-time singers" and, especially, the younger contestants. But that would have separated the serious ones from the ones just playing.
Anyway, back to Taylor. The reason I love Taylor is that he doesn't just sing the song. He sings and belts it out. He doesn't think. He just does it. And Simon said it himself. Taylor will be the next American Idol.
AMERICAN IDOL FINALE RESULTS SHOW
The show started with last year's American Idol, Carrie Underwood, singing a song with the Top 12. Nice way to start the show. Although, when the Top 12 started coming out, I thought I was seeing things. Is that Jennifer Hudson? Oh, sorry. It's Paris Bennett with big hair.
Do you really want me to enumerate all the performances?
LOWLIGHTS
1. Katherine McPhee and Meatloaf. Okay. I read about the next performances in several AI information websites including several blogs and I could not believe my eyes. I mean, c'mon. Meatloaf? I thought he's "quit the business". Apparently not. I pity Katherine coz she had to perform with him and it wasn't a very good performance. But I have to hand it to Meatloaf. He still "gives his all" when performing. I thought he was gonna have a heart attack right then and there. Geez.
2. Taylor Hicks and Toni Braxton. Taylor performed "In The Ghetto" again. And the producers should have left him doing a solo because it was pretty useless bringing in Toni Braxton when you can't even hear a word she said because her voice was so low! Such a sad thing that the Top 2 finalists' performances with special guest stars were not very good. Not good at all.
3. Golden Idol Awards for Outstanding Female Vocal. That was just downright insulting. At least the one for Outstanding Male Vocal was funny because Crazy Dave (remember Crazy Dave) won the award and he showed up to receive the award!
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Paris performing with Al Jarreau. This girl is gonna go far, I tell ya. With talent like that, it'll be a bad thing if it gets passed up.
2. Top 6 boys performing and Taylor Hicks with a harmonica! I've been waiting for the harmonica to make an appearance since they announced the Top 24! Finally!
3. Elliott Yamin with Mary J. Blige performing "One". I like Mary J. Blige but I'm not really a fan, even when Paris sang her song "Be Without You". But after seeing the video of "One" with U2, I am buying me her CD!
4. Top 6 girls performing. It was great to see the other girls again, especially Mandisa.
5. Carrie Underwood performing her new single "Don't Forget To Remember Me". She shows us once again why she won American Idol last year.
6. Chris Daughtry with Live performing their new single, "Mystery". Chris and the lead singer (I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with Live so I don't know his name) could pass for twins.
7. The Top 12 performing with Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.
At the start of the show, Ryan Seacrest started griping about their lack of awards. Hence, the Golden Idol Awards. And the winners are:
1. Outstanding Female Vocal: Princess Brewer
2. Outstanding Male Vocal: Crazy Dave
3. Proudest Family Moment: Claudette Yamin. She's such a sweet mom. I admire her for the lengths she will go to just to be able to support Elliott.
4. Randy Jackson Award for Public Speaking: Rhonetta Johnson, who couldn't be there so she had a Thank You speech "via satellite".
5. Best Impersonation: Michael Sandecki as Clay Aiken, with a surprise performance by Clay Aiken himself!
6. Best Male Bonding: Brokenote Cowboys, with a performance from them.
Ryan also introduced another segment especially for Idol, "Puck 'n' Pickler", where Wolfgang Puck introduced exotic dishes to Kellie Pickler. In the first segment, Puck introduced the intricacies of escargot to Kellie. And Kellie, being who she is, refused to eat the snails, forcing Puck to "feed" her the snails, which she proceeded to "transfer" to her table napkin. Smooth, Pickler. But hella funny. And in the second segment, Kellie was introducted to shanghai lobsters. Kellie's being a good sport about all this. It's very obvious that the producers are doing this segment that's making fun of her for the ratings. And I don't think she minds. But it was funny. She actually fell off her seat when the food server came out with the live lobsters. Haha!
But there are only two performances in the whole show that is really noteworthy.
1. PRINCE. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, out walks Prince in all his prince-ly glory. Amazing. After almost two decades, he is still the best! And did you notice? When Ryan was walking towards, him, he turned around and left. Haha!
2. And, of course, the performance of his single of the newly crowned American Idol, Taylor Hicks. It was actually quite anti-climactic since everybody knew Taylor was gonna win this competition. But I still was quite nervous for him. But yey! Taylor Hicks is the new American Idol!
CONGRATULATIONS, TAYLOR HICKS!Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 8:38:00 PM |
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| Friday, May 19, 2006 |
| Reality TV Updates |
Reality TV Updates
AMERICAN IDOL
I. Elliott Yamin
I think it's no secret that I am rooting for Elliott to win this year's American Idol. He's a nice guy, a soulful guy and a great singer. Elliott is an old-fashioned soul singer. The kind of singer that relies mostly on their great voices to capture an audience rather than their stage antics. And I think that's what he did. He performed and showed everyone he had a great voice and they should vote based on that. But I don't know. People now are more restless and it's gonna take a lot more than just a great voice to keep the attention of the people. Admittedly, this isn't his best week (it's still Elvis week) but he did do a good
job. But just good. Will it be enough to reach the finals?
"Open Arms" by Journey
When I found out Clive Davis chose this for him, I was very surprised. It's a good song but not something that commands attention with its overly simplistic melody. So I guess that's the challenge. Did he rise to the occasion? Not really. It was good, simple. But that was it. This was a far cry from last week's performance.
"What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell
Another cheesy song picked by Paula Abdul. It's like they're not giving Elliott a chance to shine here. It was okay. Best of all his performances last night but that really doesn't say much.
"I Believe To My Soul" by Ray Charles
It was a good song. Really fit him well. But very disjointed. It didn't connect well with the audience and Elliott didn't really grab their attention.
When it matters the most, Elliott didn't deliver. I love you, Elliott, but I don't think you're gonna make it to next week. Althouh I hope you will coz I'd love to see the soul brothers duke it out in the finals!
II. Katherine McPhee
"I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly
Vocals, good. Performance, okay. Over-the-top, oh yeah. It would have been good if, like Randy said, she didn't go overboard with it. That's the problem with Kat, that's why I think she won't win, she worries too much about trying to impress everybody with her big voice that she just forgets to have fun. The pressure's on and she's feeling it and we're all feeling it.
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow"
Great performance from her. It even surpassed what I believe is her best performance Freedom (Think). Great. Just great.
"I've Got Nothin' But The Blues" by Ella Fitzgerald
Okay performance but boring. It felt bitin, like it ended before it even began for me.
III. Taylor Hicks
"Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
A Taylor Hicks of a song by The Boss, I can't wait! Or maybe I can. I agree with Simon, though, it was pale in comparison to the original. But c'mon, if we always thought that then nothing will be able to live up to it. As a Taylor Hicks performance, it was okay though. A bit flat but Taylor was just great. And what is up with dancing with Paula and then just leaving her? Did he forget? Or did she drive him away? Who knows?
"Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding
For the Soul Patrol, he said. Soul Patrol, indeed, coz it was a very relaxed performance and so free of pressure. A performance that I welcome because it's all about having fun and just doing what he loves: performing.
"You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
The thing about Taylor is he's best seen AND heard and not just heard. I listened to the mp3 first and couldn't get into it. But when I watched his performance, I swear, I had tears in my eyes. It was just amazing. The original song is good but boring. And Taylor, he just brought in an amazing performance that just blew me away. It still surprises me how great it was. It was just so sincere and so full of emotions. I know I said that he had great performances before but he's not performed his best performance yet. Well this is it. This is his best performance so far. It's ironic how, as a performer, his greatest performance is when he sits still and just sings the song. But it is. With Taylor, it's all about the music and you feel it in this performance. And for this reason alone, as much as I love Elliott, I honestly believe that Taylor Hicks deserves it win it all in this year's American Idol. Because anything, otherwise, fails in comparison to him.
I'd like to say that Katherine will be gone after this. But after Elliott's lackluster performance, his voter fans will have to work twice as hard to vote for him. But it'll be great to see the soul brothers duke it out in the finals next week.
As for Taylor, it's a given. He'll advance to the finals and eventually win it all because he is just an amazing performer. Elliott and Katherine are nothing compared to him.
***
UPDATE:
Even though I expect it, it still breaks my heart to see Elliott go. *sniff*
I look forward to hearing from him again and I look forward to buying his CD when it comes out.
As for next week, Kat has to work thrice, even four times, as hard to even try to match Taylor's performances. I think it's gonna be a dud, like Season 3. Just like Diana, I don't think Kat can match up to Taylor. I think we know who the winner is even before the show starts.
***
American Idol Season 5: Encores CD is coming out next week in the US. Songs included are as follows (in random order):
1. What About Love - Melissa McGhee
2. When I Fall In Love - Kevin Covais
3. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours - Lisa Tucker
4. I'm Every Woman - Mandisa
5. Superstition - Bucky Covington
6. Father Figure - Ace Young
7. Walkin' After Midnight - Kellie Pickler
8. Midnight Train To Georgia - Paris Bennett
9. Wanted (Dead or Alive) - Chris Daughtry
10. Moody's Mood For Love - Elliott Yamin
11. Freedom (Think) - Katherine McPhee
12. Takin' It To The Streets - Taylor Hicks
What do you think of the song selections? Are you satisfied with it? Or are you thinking of a different song for your Idol?
***
THE AMAZING RACE 9
The hippies won! The hippies won! The hippies won! Yey!
The hippies won The Amazing Race 9! And the clincher? They won for their brains. Yeah!
The season finale started with three teams: BJ & Tyler, Eric & Jeremy and Ray & Yolanda (in that order).
Episode Highlights:
1. Jeremy complaining that the hippies are "playing dirty now" when Tyler tried to lie to him at the 3rd ride about the seeing the clue at the 2nd ride at Fujikyu Highlands. Yeah. And what do you call what you did when you cancelled the cabs of the other teams? Fair play? That's not dirty, Jeremy, that's calling it even.
2. FUJIKYU HIGHLANDS! Now I want to go to Japan more than ever just so I can ride all those rides!
3. The Capsule Hotel in Japan. Ray described it perfectly, "It's like a prison in here". Yup. A prison with a soft bed, pillows, blankets, AC, food and drinks at your disposal and a downtown location. Not bad. *wink*
4. Flights. Twice, all teams caught up with each other (first one at Taipei to Anchorage, the next one at Anchorage to Denver), giving everyone equal footing.
5. Kincaid Park Chalet, Anchorage, Alaska. The hippies passing by the snow shoes that they needed TWICE! The snow must have clouded their visions. Hehe.
6. The last Roadblock. And it all comes down to brains. The challenge was frustrating. Even I don't know all of the flags of all the countries they went to and I do think it's gonna take me awhile to compelete that task. I think it was just really bad luck for Eric & Jeremy. From coming in first or second in most of the legs in the race, and when it mattered the most, the number 2 was in their future. Too bad for them. But great for the hippies, coz they won! They won! Yey!Labels: american idol, elliott yamin, katherine mcphee, reality tv, taylor hicks, the amazing race, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 3:15:00 AM |
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| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 |
| American Idol Top 3 |
Season 5 of American Idol is nearing its end now (May 24 and 25 will be the final telecast dates in Asia). So bear with me. All of my posts the next two weeks will probably be about AI.
Song choices are out! Well at least the ones chosen by the judges and Clive Davis.
For Taylor Hicks:
"Dancing in the Dark" by the Boss, Bruce Springsteen (Clive Davis)
"You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker (Randy Jackson)
For Elliott Yamin
"Open Arms" by Journey (Clive Davis)
"What You Won't Do Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell (Paula Abdul)
For Katherine McPhee:
"I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly (Clive Davis)
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (Simon Cowell)
I'm still trying to find out the Top 3 personal song choices.
What do you think of the songs? Are they fitting? Will they bring out the best in our Top 3?
I'm a little hesitant about these song choices. I'm not sure whether they'll bring out winning performances in our finalists. I guess that's the challenge. Personally I can't wait to watch the show this week!
Go Elliott!
tags: American Idol, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPheeLabels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 4:47:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, May 10, 2006 |
| Shocking? |
The top 4 tackle Elvis songs this week. And it seems only one is safe: Taylor Hicks. Everyone knows this is his zone.
And he did deliver. Performing "Jailhouse Rock" and "In The Ghetto", he delivered amazing performances. There were some unsure moments, yes, but over-all, he did pull off a good performance. I don't think it's his best performance (I honestly believe he hasn't delivered his best performance yet) but it was very entertaining and very Taylor.
Next up was Chris Daughtry. I'm sorry but I do not get the Chris hype. He can sing, yeah, but he's so boring! With that same bored look in his eyes and that same screaming voice, I do not get the hype. And he sang "Suspicious Minds", which was forgettable, and "A Little Less Conversation" (one of the Elvis songs I like), which was a mostly flat performance. In fact, JPL from Season 3 gave us a better performance of "A Little Less Conversation" during his time. And, after watching the performance again, it seems like he's trying to seduce the audience with his performance and it's just falling flat. No. Just no.
Up next was my boy, Elliott! I think it's quite obvious that I am rooting for Elliott to win this year's American Idol. And with performances like those, why shouldn't he be? I agree with Simon. Elliott was the underdog and he's come out fighting. When I knew he was part of the top 4 and they were doing Elvis, I was a bit worried for him because I wasn't sure if he could pull it off. And I was extra worried because he was the one who had the most to lose because, let's face it (no, jaq, stop denying and face it), he's the one with the weakest fanbase out of all four of them. So he had to work extra, extra hard to make sure that he is safe once again. Well, did you watch him? His performances of "I Can Dream" and "Trouble" was amazing. In fact, it was the best performance of the night and, at the same time, I think he replaced "A Song For You" and "Moody's Mood For Love" with "Trouble" for his best performance ever. It's amazing how much Elliott has improved over the weeks.
Last was Katherine McPhee and, honey, I love you but I'm not loving your performances. What happened? Your last great performance was when you sang "Someone To Watch Over Me" three weeks ago. Your first performance ("Hound Dog"/"All Shook Up") was okay but your bouncing hair distracted me from your performance. And the second one ("Can't Help Falling In Love") was just awful. It's like you were
afraid people were going to forget you could reach high notes and tried to sneak it in as much as possible. But it just didn't work. I won't be surprised if you go home tomorrow, my dear, after that. I hope not, though.
My Predictions:
1. Bottom Two (based on performances) - Chris and Katherine, with Katherine going home.
2. Bottom Two (based on fanbase) - Katherine and Elliott, with Elliott going home.
3. Bottom Two (based on what I want) - Katherine and Chris, with Chris going home.
I hope it's gonna be number 3.
SPOILERS! in case you haven't watched the results show yet
It's number 3! It's number 3! It's number 3! It's number 3!
Chris is gone! Yes! My top 3 IS the top 3! Yes!
I'm so happy! I'm deliriously happy!
tags:American Idol, tvLabels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 10:35:00 PM |
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| Sunday, May 07, 2006 |
| Updates |
Remember this? I made some suggestions for theme nights and they did three from the list! There's the Queen Week, Billboard Hits Week and Elvis Week. Hehe. I'm not saying that they took the suggestions from here. Wala lang. Fun.
I was disappointed with last week's show. It was boring once again although with some great performances. I was so nervous during the results show though! And even though I like Paris, I'm still glad Elliott's there!
Next week is Elvis night. Wonder what songs they'll sing.
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Another show that just debuted on AXN is Supernatural. It was pretty freaky! I couldn't sleep afterwards. And I think, prematurely, one show to look forward to every week.Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 1:08:00 AM |
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| Friday, April 28, 2006 |
| American Idol Classic Love Songs Week |
Classic Love Songs
It was a bit disappointing. Only two performances could even be considered good. Others were just okay and the rest was just painful.
And yeah, someone did sing "Unchained Melody". And it was Kellie. *sniff*
1. Katherine McPhee - Yes, it's nowhere near as good as Whitney Houston but her performance of "I Have Nothing" was still good. And one thing I do admire about Kat is her confidence and optimism on stage. That's why I love her. And I still want her in the Top 3.
2. Elliott Yamin - Ah. My main man, Elliott. In my eyes, he can do no wrong. It's a good thing he really hasn't. Yet. I hope he never does. Coz he's just too good. And his performance of Donnie Hathaway's "A Song For You" was just amazing. It will be travesty if this boy doesn't go far.
3. Kellie Pickler - Kellie fans, please wake up! Is she really American Idol material? She's not! She gave us yet another boring and emotionless performance! And she sang "Unchained Melody". *sniff* That's such a lovely song and she didn't even try to fake her way through it! *sniff*
4. Paris Bennett - I am still astounded by Paris. She's 17 and yet when she sings, you forget she's 17. Her performance of Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" was good but I just think it's wrong for her. She's so young and she sings these old songs even though she sings them well. Whatever happens, though, you're still in my Top 4.
5. Taylor Hicks - I love the song you sung, "Just Once" by James Ingram. But I do agree with the judges. It doesn't fit you. And to tell you the truth, you actually look bored singing it. You would have been better singing something else. Something livelier perhaps.
6. Chris Daughtry - The soft side fits you well. I wasn't impressed with the rocker Chris but, I must say, I may be changing my mind about the soft Chris. But not quite. I still don't think you're the next American Idol.
Bottom Three: Kellie, Paris and probably Kat. But only because the last time she delivered a not-so-brilliant performance, she ended up in the bottom three.
Voted Off: It's hard to guess at this point but I still want Kellie out. I hope she's out.
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And yes, Kellie's out!
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Next week, the Top 5 will be singing songs from the year they were born and from the current Billboard Top 10. What do you think they're going to sing?Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 3:55:00 AM |
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| Friday, April 21, 2006 |
| Aftermath |
I would love to have Ace Young's brother (the one who's always present at AI shows) as my own brother. He's such a supportive brother and it's obvious how much he loves Ace. It's very, very sweet, actually.
Moving on to next week on AI, now that Ace Young is gone, we only have six finalists:
Chris Daughtry
Kellie Pickler
Paris Bennett
And my top 3:
Taylor Hicks
Katherine McPhee
Elliott Yamin
And next week, they sing Classic Love Songs. Nice. Omigoodness. I can't wait to hear Kat and Elliott sing this.
But what to sing? What are the classic love songs?
I still want someone to sing "Unchained Melody". But what else?
For Kat, I think, an Ella Fitzgerald song will fit her well.
For Elliott, "I Just Called To Say I Love You". I'm obssessed! I want someone to sing this but no one has sung it yet. And it is a love song. And it's classic. And well, Elliott can pull this off if he wanted to sing this.
For Paris, a Billie Holiday or an Aretha Franklin song, probably.
As for other love songs I want to hear, I think I want someone to sing "'Swonderful" and "Let's Fall In Love".
Andrea Boccelli performs on the results show next week. That's a little weird, if I may say so.
To the AI producers, why don't you give the audience something that they can relate to.
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I don't watch The Amazing Race that much anymore. Mainly, because the racers are boring. There's only one team that I like: the hippies, BJ & Tyler. They're fun and so full of life and they're the only ones who have enough personality to fill the show. And I was so worried for them in this week's episode. I thought they were going to be eliminated. Thank goodness it was a non-elimination episode and they're safe for at least another week. I hope they win the race.Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 5:54:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, April 19, 2006 |
| Wednesday Night on Cable |
I. AMERICAN IDOL
It's Rod Steward Week on American Idol, featuring "The Great American Songbook" series. When I heard about that last week, the first song that popped into my mind that I wanted someone to sing was "It Had To Be You". And someone did! Someone sang it! Anyway, moving on...
a. Chris Daughtry - Chris sang "What A Wonderful World" and it was a damn good thing he didn't try to "rock" it up. This was so much better. And it really showed his vocals. This performance just made me realize that he actually has a good singing voice. He came off, not as a rocker trying to sing a down tempo song but, as a singer singing a song that fit his vocals. It was very good. Which means he is safe for another week. Unfortunately.
b. Paris Bennett - Paris is and will always be a great singer. Tonight was no exception. When she sings, you forget she's only 17 years old. Her rendition of "These Foolish Things" was amazing. I hope she lasts to at least Top 4. My only negative reaction would have to be her outfit. What was she wearing?! She looked like a teacher.
c. Taylor Hicks - I love Taylor. I will always love Taylor. I didn't particularly like the song he choose but I still love his performance. And they mentioned the SNL spoof of him. Haha! That was hilarious! The SNL sketch, I mean.
d. Elliott Yamin - Omigod. This boy's vocals just blows me away every time. And he sang "It Had To Be You"! Psych! Omigod. It was such. An. Amazing. Performance. I love him. I am loving him more and more by the minute. And I don't get why people don't respond to him. He's such a great singer and performer! Bad trip.
e. Kellie Pickler - I could have loved Kellie this week but I still don't because she gave a terrible performance tonight. Did you notice at the start of her song? She was singing ahead of the music. Was she nervous or something? I'd have thought she would have already overcome that. But I gotta give props to her outfit. I love her shoes! I want them!
f. Ace Young - After that unforgivable rendition of Queen's classic last week, you redeemed yourself with "That's All". I'm not sure about that swept-up-in-a-ponytail hairstyle, though. But I do like the suit. It's real good to see you dress up good for once.
g. Katherine McPhee - MCPHEE-VER! I will always love you. And you sang one of my favorite songs. And you sang "Someone To Watch Over Me" wonderfully. If you leave any earlier than top 3, I will cry foul! Because you don't deserve any less than Top 3. And I love your necklace!
My top 3 still consists of Katherine, Taylor and Elliott because they're still the strongest and they deliver the goods everytime. I really, really hope they're the three people that will last til the end.
Who is my bottom three? Probably Kellie, Ace and Paris. They're all good but they're the weakest talents of the remaining seven. They will never win, I believe.
Who will be in the bottom three? Ace, Paris and Elliott. I think either Paris or Ace will be out. Because America's unpredictable yet predictable that way.
***
Real bottom three: Ace, Paris and Chris! I was a little shocked about Chris. I don't like him but I am surprised nonetheless. Ace is out, as expected. Which makes a lot of people happy.
Next week, guest performer will be Andrea Bocelli and the final 6 will be singing Greatest Love Songs. Nice.
II. VERONICA MARS
Second season has started on ETC. It's good to know that Veronica and Duncan are back together. It just sucks that Meg had to go through that because I like her. But I like Veronica better. Hehe. A little boring and a little trivial but it's only the first episode. Things will probably get better within the next few episodes. Funny lang. Appearance by America's Next Top Model Cycle 4's winner, Naima Mora, as
the new journalism teacher, Ms. Dumas.
III. MY NAME IS EARL
I love Jaime Pressly! She cracks me up everytime! "I don't know if she's speaking in a language that even exists. But it'a all lies." Classic! Oh and more line from Earl's brother, "Thanks, karma!" Ayos!
IV. GREY'S ANATOMY
This is the 2nd episode of the season but the 1st episode that I've watched. Well, technically, because I caught the last quarter of the show last week and I couldn't concentrate on it and so I thought it must not have been that good because it doesn't grab my attention. But turns out, it's not so bad after all. Like I told my friend, it's like The O.C. but without Seth Coen and with
Sandra Oh, Patrick Dempsey and the straight guy who everybody thought was gay (sorry, I don't know his name, yet). It has its funny and dramatic moments and it's not bad. I get the hype.
V. CSI LAS VEGAS
How freaky is tonight's episode? One kid, two parents? What is up with that? Who's telling the truth? Who's the real one? As it turns out. the kid of the fake one died 4 years back by poisoning. So his grandparents can't get him? That's a bit absurb. Although the mom (the fake one) was reportedly suffering from post-partum psychosis. Not depression, but psychosis. Still doesn't justify killing her own son. If only she had a strong support system. But with her husband dead, and not getting along with her in-laws, and seemingly not having any other family of her own, it's hard for her to find anyone she can rely on. But still. Sheesh.Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 11:59:00 PM |
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| Sunday, April 16, 2006 |
| American Idol Country and Queen Week |
Okay. This is actually a week too late. But better late than never right.
I. American Idol Country Week
I wasn't really looking forward to last week's show because I'm not a very big fan of country music. There are a handful of country songs I like but only because it was a good song that time. I don't look for it and I'm fine with it. Well, it turns out that there are several country songs that I already like. Who would've thought?
However, there was one country song that I love that I would have wanted one of the finalists to sing: "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Unfortunately, no one attempted to sing the song. It may have been a good thing, I guess, because it's a really good song and the chances of someone messing it up is highly likely.
Anyway, back to the performances:
1. Taylor Hicks - You look like you didn't enjoy singing John Denver's song. Then why sing it at all? I still love you but that was a dismal performance. It's a good thing your fans are still sticking by you. Because if they didn't, you would either be in the bottom three or going home last week.
2. Chris Daughtry - I didn't care about the "copycat" Live version of "I Walk The Line" because it was still good. The next week wasn't. This week, it was just okay for me. I wasn't blown away. For me, your performance of Fuel's "Hemorrhage" is still your best performance so far. You'll probably be safe until after the Queen week.
3. Mandisa Hundley - Where's the Mandisa, who's every woman? This week was really forgettable.
4. Paris Bennett - Okay. That performance did not work for me. I hope you bounce back next week.
5. Ace Young - Finally. A good performance from you. I hope it lasts, though.
6. Katherine McPhee - You are still my bet to win American Idol. Because you are a great singer and performer. Keep doing what you do!
7. Elliott Yamin - One of my top 3 singers (along with Katherine and Taylor), I love your voice. Just continue doing what you do and you will go far.
8. Kellie Pickler - If it wasn't country week this week, I think you would have gone home. You're getting boring and annoying. Too much. It's all "Next, please!" for me when it comes to you.
9. Bucky Covington - You are this season's misplaced underdog. I like you because you look like a real nice guy. I wonder, though, how long you will stay in the competition.
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Country Week Results: Bottom three:
Mandisa - Granted her performance didn't have the oomph that she showed in previous performances, it was still good and showed that she was still a performer. It was a little boring, yes, but good.
Elliott - Every week, Elliott delivers great vocals. It's his weakest performance so far, yes, but not enough to land him in the bottom three. He shouldn't have been in the bottom three.
Paris - I didn't like her performance this time. It was unemotional and detached. But to leave because of it? No way.
Voted Out: Mandisa - She didn't deserve it. I'm not really rooting for her to win but she should at least reach Top 5 because she is damn good. But what can we do? What America votes, America gets.
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I still don't think these three people should have been in the bottom three. But what can I do? I can't vote. I can only plead to the people to vote for the right person always.
II. AI Queen Week
I think almost all of you know that this is the episode that I am looking forward to the most because the Top 8 are singing Queen songs.
QUEEN!
Wow!
I am really, really, really excited!
But not for long.
1. Bucky Covington - You were first and sang "Fat Bottom Girls". It wasn't so bad really. Yu turned "Fat Bottom Girls" into a country rock song and a good one at that. It's not perfect. It's not great. But it's still good. However, Bucky, you need to bring something else to the plate. I love you but you're always too safe every week and you may be safe now but not for long. Start wowing us, Bucky.
2. Ace Young - Hay, Ace. I didn't care for you at first. But I loved your performance of George Michael's "Father Figure" a few weeks back. And every week, I wait for even an indication of surpassing that performance. But nothing. You're not consistent. You'll do good one week, then bomb the week after, then do good again the next week. We can't have that in an American Idol. You can have one bad night
but not a bad night every other performance. And performing "We Will Rock You" this week is not going to help you at all. Unless all those girls vote for you like crazy, you are done, my dear. I cannot tell you how much I was devastated when you performed tonight because, Ace, you frigging butchered one of my favorite Queen songs. And that, my friend, is unforgivable. You should have something else like
"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" or "Killer Queen" or even "Under Pressure" (but not quite). But you chose something you can never give justice to. *sniff sniff* I can only cry.
3. Kellie Pickler - No matter what you do, Kellie, I don't think I'll be impressed anymore. Because frankly, my dear, I am bored of you. I don't look forward to watching you every week. And you sang "Bohemian Rhapsody"! Very ambitious! The judges may have liked it but I didn't. Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm not. All I know is that "Bohemian Rhapsody" is one of greatest Queen songs ever and now, almost six hours after watching your performance, I have forgotten it. Hmmm. Maybe I am biased. But I don't care.
4. Katherine McPhee - I wanted you to sing "Somebody To Love" or "Under Pressure" but you sang "Who Wants To Live Forever". I have no problems with the song choice because I love it and you did pull it off. You weren't the strongest performer tonight but it was still a good performance. In fact, it was only one of three great performances tonight. Just continue doing what you need to do and you will definitely end up in the Top 3.
5. Chris Daughtry - You sang "Innuendo" and you did a good job. But it was the same kind of performance, Chris. I'm not blown away anymore. But you'll be safe this week.
6. Elliott Yamin - I wanted you to sing "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" but this was even better. Your version of "Somebody To Love" turned out great because you have such a great singing voice. It will be a very big injustice if you don't get into the Top 3 because you are one of the few finalists who always pull off a song, no matter how dull, because of their great vocals. You are one of the three singers that I always look forward to watching every week. I hope I see you until the end.
7. Taylor Hicks - I didn't like your song choice. I would have wanted you to sing "We Are The Champions" like you originally planned but your version of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" still turned out great. In fact, even greater than your performances the last two weeks. It's even better than your performance of "Not Fade Away" and "Living in the City" some weeks back. I hope this is a clear indication that you'll be surpassing your past performances every week now until the last week.
8. Paris Bennet - I think, along with Ace Young, you are so out of your comfort zone this week. You performed "The Show Must Go On". I'm not very familiar with the song but you did a good job technically. But I'm so not liking the outfit. In fact, I hate it. The outfit, I mean. It was weird. Your performance was okay. I liked your first two performances better.
All in all, it was, again, a pretty boring show. If not for Taylor, Kat and Elliott, I probably will not be very enthusiastic about this show. Almost all the performances every week have been underwhelming and boring. Even though this season has good singers, it doesn't add up to previous seasons where the good performers always delivered every week. They rarely have off nights. This season, it seems like the singers are content with just having a good performance and not pushing themselves too much anymore.
Well that's just sad.
***
My predictions for bottom three:
Ace Young - You have been in danger since week 1. And you've never really showed us that you are fit to be the next American Idol. And bombing again this week has sealed your fate, I believe.
Paris Bennett - It's unfortunate. You are one of the strongest singers in this competition but you're also the youngest. I honestly believe that the other contestants are overpowering you. I hope you won't be in the bottom three or going home this week, though.
Bucky Covington - I don't want you to be in the bottom three. I want you to reach at least the Top 5 but a lot of people don't like you. And if they succeed, I think you'll be in the bottom three this week.
Voted Out: Ace Young - I love you but you're not an American Idol.
Queen Show Results
The Top 8 performed a medley of Queen songs, including "Another One Bites The Dust", "Killer Queen", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Under Pressure" and "We Are The Champions". It was a medley of some of the greatest songs of Queen and the Top 8 turned in a really underwhelming performance. Were they bored? Of Queen? Why would they be?
Then the Family Greetings portion and the hometown clips, which were interesting enough, if you like the finalists enough. But I didn't. Not really.
Then the announcement of the bottom three.
It wasn't any surprise that Ace and Bucky were in the bottom three but Elliott?! C'mon, he was one of the good performances last night. How come he's there? America, will you start voting right!
I was expecting, along with everybody, that Ace was gonna get voted out. But apparently, he's a got a good fan base and they kept him alive for one more week. So did Elliott's. Unfortunately, Bucky didn't have the same luck and he is the fifth person to be voted off the competition.
Such a sad thing because I like the guy and he will, I think, go far, if given the right opportunities. But at least, we were able to experience him even for awhile.
Next Week: Rod Stewart.
Who comes up with the themes for the show? How lame are they? The 3rd and 4th season were better with regards to theme. At least it was always theme for theme's sake and not just theme to promote an album. ANO BA!
You're losing a lot of viewers, American Idol. Choose a better theme next time, please! I mean at least be creative. Like last year, there was a theme where the singers chose a song from the year they were born or a Billboard Hit or from the disco era or from the motown era or even new wave. The show actually started out good with the Stevie Wonder Week then songs from the fifties. But it all went downhill after that.
I'll probably still be watching the show. But if they don't do something about it, they won't have too many viewers next season or if they'll be able to set up a second season.
I think they're really struggling this season, no?Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 2:33:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, March 22, 2006 |
| 50s Week |
Last night on American Idol, the final 11 contestants performed for the 50s week. I did not attempt to make any predictions since the 50s are not something I'm entirely familiar with (I know some but not a lot) although I did wish for someone to sing a Nat King Cole song (someone did) or Unchained Melody (no one did).
Here is my evaluation of the 11 performances.
1. Katherine McPhee
Along with Taylor, the two of them are my favorites to win this years's American Idol. McPhee-ver sang "Come Rain Or Come Shine" by Ella Fitzgerald. What an effortless performance! I can simply imagine her performing in intimate concerts already. I'd go and watch her. She has been trained by her voice-coach/mom and through college and it really does show. She just captivates her audience whenever she performs. Sometimes, it's so hard to imagine she has a voice like that because she's so different when she's not singing. I really hope she wins this. But for now, she's not going anywhere.
2. Taylor Hicks
As Randy Jackson would say, his rendition of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" was a performance song. Because it didn't show off much of his vocal range. But I don't care because Taylor still rocks! I still love him and, if not Katherine, I want him to win this. He's a great singer and musician. He's in the competition to show us what he's got while still having fun.
3. Paris Bennett
I grew tired of this girl simply because the same enthusiasm that I saw in her during the Hollywood auditions was absent from her performances as part of the Top 24. But omigoodness. Her version of Peggy Lee's "Fever" was just amazing. She took my breath away. She's not going anywhere unless she messes it up next week.
4. Mandisa
Mandisa is a great singer. Everybody knows that. Her version of Dinah Washington's "I Don't Hurt Anymore" will make sure that she'll definitely be in the competition until next week. But the truth is, I'm not sure if I want her to win American Idol because I'm not really feeling her, you know. She's great but she's not my favorite to win it all.
5. Chris Daughtry
The reason I like Chris is because I know that his every performance will always reflect who he is because he knows who he is. He knows his strengths and his weaknesses. He knows what he can bring to the table and what he can't. Although I didn't like his performance of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" wasn't all that great (his cover of Fuel's "Hemmorhage" is still his performance to beat for me), his maturity and security still shows in his performances.
6. Elliott Yamin
I love Elliott's voice. Every week, even if his song choices were not that great, he always makes the song work because he has an excellent singing voice, or as Simon Cowell said in his performance of Al Jarreau's "Teach Me Tonight", the singing voice "was fantastic". The only thing he has to work on, I think, is his ability to charm the audience.
7. Bucky Covington
I like Bucky. I do. Just not his version of Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy". I think the song sums up perfectly well my thoughts on his performance. Oh boy. I like you, Bucky, but you gotta do better than that.
8. Ace Young
After his performance of George Michael's "Father Figure", I liked this guy, not just because he seemed like this year's Constantine Maroulis but also because he can work the crowd (well, mostly the girls) without even trying. The judges said it was a good performance, sure to keep him out of the bottom three. But his performance of The Five Satins' "In The Still Of The Night" left me, not disappointed but not, totally satisfied either. But, yeah, Simon's right. He's not going to be in the bottom three this week.
9. Lisa Tucker
She was great during the Top 24 performances. So why is Lisa Tucker struggling this crucial time? I don't know but I know for sure that she's simply not bringing it. HEr performance of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers's "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?" was just wrong. I don't think she woke up from Wake Up Call last week.
10. Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler is not cute anymore. She's just downright annoying. Her performance of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" was, in the words of Randy Jackson, "just alright for me". It wasn't bad but it was a bit forgettable. She better think of something to waken up her performances soon because the "country bumpkin attitude" is really wearing thin now.
11. Kevin Covais
When they announced it was gonna be 50s week this week, I wanted someone to sing a Nat King Cole song. I didn't expect that someone to be Kevin though. He sang "When I Fall In Love", which was slightly better than his performance of Stevie Wonder's "Part-time Lover", which, IMO, was totally inappropriate for him. I think the song really suited his voice, which veers on the Rat Pack scene. But I don't care because I still don't want him in the competition.
My bottom three picks: Kevin, Lisa and Bucky.
**************SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE RESULTS SHOW YET!***********
I was right. And the mistakenly-dubbed sex symbol has left the building (or the competition, in this case).
Kellie and Lisa are next.Labels: american idol, tv |
| posted by Jax @ 9:39:00 PM |
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| Tuesday, August 30, 2005 |
| Lost |
Lost rocks. No matter what anyone says, Lost is one of the best television shows to come out of primetime television in a long time.
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PLUGGING AGAIN!
Visit MOCHA BLENDS at Unit 201 Magallanes Square, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City! We serve the best coffee and food that you can enjoy under a blanket of stars. And when you're there, be sure to look for me (Jac)!
See ya!Labels: tv |
| posted by Jax @ 4:37:00 AM |
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| Wednesday, May 11, 2005 |
| The OC |
Omigoodness. I am so hooked on The OC lately. I like to think of it as the "new Dawson's Creek".
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I am dying to go to Singapore! It's a cheaper way to afford all of the books and DVDs that I want. I hope I can save enough money though.Labels: tv |
| posted by Jax @ 10:05:00 PM |
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| Wednesday, February 09, 2005 |
| The Amazing Race 6 and a New Store Opening |
I don't like the winners of The Amazing Race 6. I've never liked them.
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Watch out for the new Mocha Blends opening in Tagaytay City very soon!Labels: tv |
| posted by Jax @ 5:33:00 AM |
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| Sunday, November 21, 2004 |
| amazing race 6 |
I love watching The Amazing Race but they're putting in way too many "pretty teams". And by pretty teams, I mean models.
That's why I'm glad they're there in the show. Balances things out, don't you think?Labels: tv |
| posted by Jax @ 5:59:00 AM |
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| Sunday, October 24, 2004 |
| TAR All Stars |
According to Cha, there are rumors of an upcoming The Amazing Race All-Stars. Ayos!
And following Cha's lead, I am attempting to write down a list of the teams that I want to be in this show.
*These are all in random order.
1. Flo & Zach - Admit it. Flo made the show not boring. If everyone just got along well, well, that wouldn't be exciting now, would it? And besides we need the nice guys to have more exposure to show to all girls that there are still some in this world.
2. John Vito & Jill - I love Jill. She's so sweet and so pretty but so tough. She's like that Joy tissue commercial: "Softie, also a toughie."
3. Ken and Gerard - They provided so much comic relief in the movie while staying on top throughout almost the entire game. And besides, they're my favorite team. Would I dare not include them here?
4. Teri and Ian - I do not like Ian. I didn't want them to win because of Ian. But you gotta admire them for their determination and perseverance. In a season dominated by the younger teams, they have paved the way for "older people" to actually excel in this kind of show.
5. Kami and Karli - They played hard. And they played fair. You can't say the same for almost all teams.
6. Linda and Karen - They were bowling moms. They weren't someone you'd expect to last, much less, end up as one of the final four teams. Maybe next time, they can do even better.
*I did not include teams from the first and second season because I never got to watch these shows.Labels: tv |
| posted by Jax @ 8:39:00 PM |
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