American Idol: Season 11 Top 2 Perform

David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery.  Those are the last 4 winners folks.  And to this day, I didn't realize that the Idol fandom had developed an acronym for what wins American Idol these days.  What the tweenage fandom and their massive text voting earns.  WGWG.   That's the acronym.  Any clues what it stands for?  (White Guy With Guitar)  There's no truer way to say it.  Here's the thing.  David Cook DEFINITELY deserved to win in his season.  And out of the awful season that was season 10, even Scotty was an acceptable winner.  (Though, did anyone think last night as he was performing how truly awful season 10's talent was after seeing this season?)  

Fast forward to the season 11 finale.  We are about to crown another winner.  And there is another WGWG in contention.  I have forseen this moment all season as I'm sure most of you have too.  I have fought against it tooth and nail trying to be optimistic of another outcome.  But then, the unthinkable happened.  The damn kid won me over.  It probably has to do with the narrowed down pool of contestants.  The elimination of some very talented competition and having to deal with what's left.  But, as I've mentioned before.  I have never had a personal problem with Phillip Phillips.  He is a very talented guy and even Stevie Nicks gave some pretty awesome praise to him.  He seems like a nice guy too.   There were a couple weeks where I really let him have it.  But he seemed like a guy that didn't want to win and he was mailing in performances.  There has been this whole undercurrent that he's been sick.  The Mrs. brings up that we've never seen the Jovial kid that showed up to that audition and performed.  So maybe the illness was part of it.  (Don't think I'll ever forget that his audition was illegal!  He was promoting his WGWG status before he was even allowed to play with a guitar!)

Anyway, here we are.  Time to recap this last crop of performances.  Both Jessica and Phillip did pretty well at what they sought out to do.  But there can only be one winner.  Who will it be?  Keep reading.  I may finally get it right again after 3 straight misses.

American Idol: Season 11 Top 3 Perform

Hello Idol fans!  Welcome back.  So, with a 2 hour top 3 performance night, I kinda had a feeling that we'd be treated to the hometown visits a night earlier than usual which may or may not put things into an interesting perspective.  You can kind of see how many fans showed up in each of these hometown visits and gauge the popularity of the contestant.  So, based on that alone I might be able to tell you who the top 2 are.  But, looks could be deceiving, and I think we know how this is going to go down.  At least, for this week.  There's a chance I may hate myself for some of the commentary I'm about to make.  But, let's get on with it!

American Idol: Season 11 Top 4 Perform

Hello Idol fandom! Things are getting close to the end for season 11, but there is no doubt that this season will go down as one of Idol's best in terms of talent.  The final 4 all bring something different to the table.  We all have our particular preferences for what we look for in an idol winner.  All 4 of these people are very talented.  But, you know me.  I'm looking for something different this season.  Something different than the past 4 or 5 years, which is why I'm so hard on a particular contestant.  I know he has his fans and it's probably more than the female tweenage contingent.  But, that still doesn't change my stance on the matter.  And it pains me that he probably will be in our finals this season, and might even win.   But, that's a discussion for later in the recap.  This week pretty much seems like a no brainer (which probably means it won't be what we think).  So let's get to it!

American Idol: Season 11 - Top 5 Perform

Hello Idolists!  I've said it before and I'll continue saying it.  We have NEVER seen a competition this intense.  All of the remaining contestants have a legitimate shot at this thing for different reasons.  I still am hoping for the teenage vote to be squandared, but I think it will be enough to spare the person who most definitely should go home tonight.  So, then things get really interesting.  Who on earth will go home tonight?  I have my guess, but we'll break things down below.   But overall, amazing night of performances and one fantastic guest mentor in Little Steven.  Loved the years of history between Jimmy and Steven showing on screen.  Great stuff!   And it sort of made me miss The Sopranos just a little bit! (and of course, yearn to return to a Bruce Springsteen concert)   So let's break things down. 

American Idol: Season 11 - Top 6 Perform

Hello Idol fanatics!  The battle is getting intense out there.  One would think that any slight misstep could be a contestant's downfall.  And under normal circumstances, that might be true for tonight's results show.  But, I think there is the entity that has plagued American Idol since season 7 causing the more talented vocalists to fall while a certain breed stands victorious year after year.   Could this be the year the curse is broken?  I've been saying all year that I don't want one particular person to win.  If there was ever a season where it could happen, it is season 11 my friends.  I'm being vague on purpose, obviously! 

The theme last night was Queen and Contestant's choice.  Not since season 5 have we done a Queen night.  Is it any coincidence that season 5 was probably the last season where there was a batch of very talented contestants such as this? It's tough to say if this season's crop are stronger vocalists than Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, SMASH's Katharine McPhee, and Bucky Covington (okay, maybe he wasn't the strongest) yes....Taylor Hicks among others.  But, it's easy to see why they save Queen nights for when they have a group that can take a stab at some Freddy Mercury fronted tunes!   Anyway, let's get to the recap!

American Idol: Season 11 - Top 7 perform (again)

This is one crazy season folks.  I think we can genuinely say that this is the most talented group of contestants they've ever had.  I'm not saying they're the most appealing group, but definitely the most talented.  I have never seen this when we have 7 contestants that could each genuinely win this thing.  Obviously, there are some that I definitely don't think have a shot, but it's purely based on popularity.  (and well, Hollie is still not seasoned enough)   As annoying as the judges were last night with their soapbox speeches on 'EMOTING' I kind of feel their pain.  They are all technically good singers, what else is there to talk about?  There are some out there that bring it every week and make a connection with the audience.  While, some technically sing the "i dunno what" (you're welcome Randy) out of a song and wow people's socks off.  Sure, that may translate to a good chunk of votes, but is it enough to make legions of fans swoon and vote time after time after time? I don't know.  But, I think I have a pick for who I think may win the title this year.  Or at least who I think has the best shot at this point.  And since I am no longer on a perfect streak of Idol winner picks anymore, I may just go for it by the end of this post!   And with that...it's recap time!

American Idol: Season 11 - Top 7 Perform

Hello Idol enthusiasts!  Well last night marked the first time where everyone in the competition truly impressed me at one point or another.  I really have no idea who is going to win this thing this year.  And that's a good thing!  The other interesting thing is, I really don't think I'd be upset with who wins (unless maybe it was Hollie).  Everyone in the competition is very talented and unique in their own way.  I gotta give props to the Idol producers for doing a "MODERN MUSIC" theme (2010-Present).  It definitely does paint a relevant picture of what these contestants could be doing in the music industry.  And I have to say one more thing before we move on.  I have enjoyed The Voice and The X-Factor, but when we get to live shows, I don't think anyone does it better than Idol.  Sure, I'm still annoyed that we have to sit through a 2 hour show for 7 contestants, but it's just a well executed show.  With the other 2 shows, I have found myself losing interest at this point, but with Idol the interest only intensifies.  So the aging talent show still has that to its advantage.  Anyway, let's get down to business!

American Idol: Season 11 Top 8 Perform

Gotta love a good 80's theme on Idol or outside of Idol, right? Not a bad night of music on Idol, especially when comparing it to the awfulness of The Voice's live shows this week. As annoyed as I get with this show, I have to say that the talent on Idol seems to be improving on a yearly basis. Now, that doesn't necessarily guarantee a star to be born, but I'm just amazed at some of these kids' voices. And they're so young! What is in the water that these kids are drinking today? Is it possible that growing up with American Idol has gotten stage parents grooming their kids earlier in life to be ready for the vocal acrobatics required for the Idol stage? It's insane. Even an annoyance like Deandre has a ridiculous voice. I can't stand his style but he's 17! You're not supposed to sing like that at 17! (and yes, you shouldn't sing like that ever). Joshua and Jessica are teenagers and they are ridiculously gifted. Anyway, I don't want to hype them up too much, but that's what was going through my mind last night as I was watching the show. Don't worry, I have plenty of nitpicks as always! Let's get into it.

American Idol: Season 11 Top 9 Perform

Okay, so that was one actually decent night of Idol performances!  But, it should be little surprise why.  The Idol producers pretty much said to this group, "Okay, you know that song you've been singing your whole life by the artist you idolize?  You can sing that this week."  Of course they're all going to sound their best.  They sang their favorite songs!  Obviously, this top 12 is here for a reason, so you let them have free reign on the song they want to sing, and they're going to sound their best.  You'd hope at least.  Obviously, there are still 1 or 2 artists that I can live without, and 1 artist that I still find absolutely predictable even if she is good!  But we'll get there.   In any case, I'm sure whoever is booted tonight will most likely be a surprise to the judges and maybe America.  So, there's a solid chance that tonight will be "SAVE" night.  I know who I'd pick to go home though, there's absolutely no question.  Let's not waste any time and get to the recap!

American Idol: Season 11 Top 10 Perform

Hello America!  Well, I've been waiting since season 2 for another night like this on the Idol stage.  Maybe the correct word is actually "DREADING".   You see, Billy Joel isn't just a legendary songwriter, pianist, vocalist.  He just happens to be my musical inspiration in life (outside of my family of course).  My parents took me to my first Billy Joel concert when I was 8 years old.  It was THE BRIDGE tour.  It was FANTASTIC.   I became so obsessed with Billy that I'd bring his music into 2nd grade for show and tell.  I would listen to tapes non-stop learning all the words.  Of course, this caused my Dad to have to mute out all of the "curse words" on those tapes.  Ahh good times.  Anyway, I also started playing piano when I was 4, and seeing this "Piano Man" on stage gave me the motivation to stick with the keys until I mastered them.  Well, that and my mother forcing me to play until I was at least 18! (thanks Mom!)   Anyway, I've seen Billy 10 times since that 1st performance, got laughed at in college when I told people he was my favorite artist before they really knew me, and cringed every time Billy got drunk and crashed into someone's living room with his car.  Sure, not the best role model in life, but that's what makes his music so good and meaningful.  As Jimmy Iovine said, Billy has had a pretty rough life and you can feel it in his music.  These green kids here don't know how to FEEL Billy's music.  And they couldn't in season 2 either.  So, I was prepared for the worst.  I can't objectively judge a Billy Joel night.  I'm too close to the music.  So, there were only a couple stand-out performances to me.  And let's just say this, the minute someone said "I didn't know this song until I heard it last week" I wrote them off immediately.   And Steven Tyler...FOR SHAME!!! You never heard of "She's Got a Way" ??!?!?!?!   I was speechless. 

Anyway, enough of my life story, let's get onto describing the butchering (and some brilliant renditions) of some legendary music!

American Idol: Season 11 Top "12" Perform

Hello Idol fans!   Another year, another weird controversy.  That's right folks, Jermaine Jones has left us as quickly as he returned to us.  He has some silly warrants out that pretty much made no sense and that disqualified him.  In all honesty, the spectacle they made of it with bringing out Nigel and Ken to fire him in front of the cameras made LESS sense.  But, whatever.  If you noticed, Ryan Seacrest chose his words carefully that everyone is in "danger" of elimination.  But he never once said that someone will be booted tonight.  At the end he said something about seeing who is going to make the tour.  My guess, before even getting into the recap is that no one will be eliminated tonight and EVERYONE left will make the tour.  I think they had a top 11 go on tour before.  But one thing they cannot do is mess with the Idol schedule.  If they eliminated someone tonight, then there would have to be a week at some point where no one goes home.  I haven't heard any mentions of the Judges' save this year either but maybe that's who they'll get around sending someone home.  I don't know.  But as far as the recap goes, I'll pick a bottom 3 and a "supposed" ousted contestant.  We'll see how things go!   This will be short again.

American Idol: Season 11 - Top 13 Perform

Hello everyone!  An episode filled with highlights medium-lights and low-lights.  It pitted the recently deceased Whitney Houston (RIP) for the girls against Stevie Wonder for the boys.  In a weird turn of events, it sounds like they're going all "X-Factor" on us for this results show.  We'll get a bottom girl and a bottom guy and the judges will pick who stays.  Weird, but whatever!  Pressed for time today, so let's get right into my commentary. 

American Idol Top 24: Final 12 Girls Perform

Hello America!  Okay, so the girls were much better tonight than the guys were.  Some really amazing performances.  Hopefully, this is the year that they beat the teenage texters out there and get us a strong female Idol winner.  They have been the most successful, after all!  We have the potential to have a really strong top 13 this year.  Naturally, there were still some pretty lousy performances tonight and I guess the judges got the feedback that they were incredibly too nice Tuesday night.  We saw the claws come out a little more.  Anyway, here's my brief recap and picks!

American Idol Top 24 - Final 13 Guys Perform

Hello America!  Well, it's going to be an interesting year for blogging this show.  I've gotten super busy and it would appear so has the rest of the country!  The ratings are still good for TV these days but they are down by AI standards.  Lots of new offerings in X-Factor and The Voice out there.  Plus, it IS the 11th season of the show that started it all in this country.  So 14-16 Million viewers for an 11th season show is not too shabby.  My interest in this season has been pretty consistent with the past few seasons.  EH.   Though, I must say, before tonight I thought the talent shown during Hollywood week is ridiculous.  Some of that was on display tonight, but there was also a lot of mediocrity.  But, I do have some favorites already on the Guys and Girls side.  It will be interesting to see who makes it and doesn't make it tonight.  But I definitely have a few picks for who they should send packing.   This is going to be a fairly brief recap (if you saw my x-factor recaps, then you'll know what I mean!).  We'll get right to the point.  But most importantly, if you're reading this....welcome back!  Let's get down to business.

American Idol Season 11 - Auditions and Hollywood Episodes - Discussion

Hello Idol fans!  After a brief detour with X-Factor commentary, we're back for more Idol madness.  I have to say, after suffering through the live episodes of X-Factor, I actually am looking forward to Idol returning to the screen.  But, I'm sure I'll be suffering from fatigue once again by the time we reach May.   In case you haven't heard, my wife and I do have a new addition in our lives and couldn't be happier! He's sure to be the number 1 priority from now on.  But that doesn't mean, I will refrain from any Idol commentary.  But, I'd look for it to be as bare bones as last season if not more.  Probably less pictures and more like what I did for X-Factor this season.  Day after commentary, real quick blurbs.  For the auditions and hollywood, I figured I'd just keep this post up for us to discuss in the comments.  (same as last year)   I'm going to be late to the game this year as we'll be touring around our child to family and friends (out of town) the first week that Idol is on the air.  So, I'll be sure to comment once I'm back and have watched the episodes.  But, don't let that hold anyone up in commenting!  If there's anything you want to say, just post a comment and I'll catch up.  Once the live shows start, I'll try to keep on top of posting new entries for the performance shows.  So, with all of that said, I look forward to continuing our Idol discussions this season.  See you in the comments!