Cookie

For those who are long time readers of my blog you know my love for David Cook. I blogged all through last season and Chris and I camped out for almost 10 hours to meet him in person. But after watching him perform last night on the American Idol finale I fell in love with him all over again.

I have been lucky enough to find a place online to watch American Idol live each week. Don't worry my Japan friends. I won't ruin who won it last night just in case you want to be surprised in another few weeks. But I will take this time to blog about David Cook singing in the finale.

As all American Idol fans know, David Cook's brother has brain cancer. David has an AC on every guitar he plays in honor of his brother. He wears a bracelet given from a special little girl in honor of his brother. Many watched Adam be able to see David perform live last year on American Idol. But what many of you may not know is that on May 2 Adam Cook lost his battle to brain cancer.

David Cook has a song on his CD called Permanent that was written in honor of his brother. Since the first time I heard this song, it has become a favorite of mine. Last night he performed that song on the American Idol finale. I am sure there wasn't a dry eye in the place. He also announced that for a month the live version was going to be available on itunes and all proceeds will go to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to finding a cure for brain cancer. As soon as it goes on itunes I will be clicking away.

For those who may have missed his performance last night, here you go. Grab your Kleenex.

dave @ Yahoo! Video

American Idol Musings

I know most of you are probably in shock that it has been 8 weeks and I have not blogged about American Idol. One would think that moving to Japan would help cure my addiction for this reality TV show. And while we rarely watch any TV here as our shows are either non-existent or several years behind, Japan also shares in my addiction and we get to watch the current season here.

The show here is actually 4 weeks behind the states, but I have found a place online to watch each person sing, their "clip" and the judges responses almost immediately after the show airs. Then of course I can then vote and also watch it again here 4 weeks later. Matt loves when I spoiler the show before him either at the dinner table or while he is watching.

So my thoughts so far? Season 8 is a train wreck. I have never seen such drama from contestants as this year. From the crying (Nathanial) to the ear-piercing drama (Tatiana) to the fights during Hollywood to the whole Normal Gentle weirdness, I was just not quite sure what to make of things. But I have to say, I am pretty happy with who the final "13" were. I think there were a few mistakes, but overall they were good choices.

Since the auditions I have had a favorite –– 28-year-old Danny Gokey. Wow. He has an amazing voice, has a great personality, has a funky style, is a Godly man, and of course is super yummy.
Last year I loved Cookie from day one, so maybe I can have luck at picking the winners.

There are a few others that are pretty good too. Alexis Grace has a great voice and a cute personality, I like Allison Iraheta's rocker style and give me Matt Giraud on a piano any day.

I think Scott MacIntyre would make a good Jim Brickman and Michael Sarver and Anoop seem like fun guys to hang with. I think Kris Allen has improved alot in the past few weeks, but I think he is not "out there enough" to have a real shot at anything.

I know everyone just loves Adam Lambert, but his mannerisms (especially that weird tongue thing) and his singing style just does nothing for me. He has a killer range and great chops, but everything else just turns me off.

And the others? Meh... they are pretty forgettable to me.

I like the twist to this years show. It would have been wonderful to have had that last year with Michael Johns. Although it still would not have changed the outcome. Cookie earned that claim to fame outright.

So there you go. My American Idol ramblings at 1:30 am. I am curious to see where this season heads and how the contestants improve each week. And now I am off to watch more of David Cook on tour from You Tube. Pathetic I know, but hey. I don't see him coming to Japan anytime soon, so I have to get my fix somehow.

An even bigger countdown...

What is more exciting than Matt coming home for Christmas in 14 days, the packers coming in 15 days and the kids and I leaving for Japan in 47 days?

This:



Only 41 days until the start of American Idol.

American Idol - The Semi Finals

And then there were three. It is down to Jordin, Blake and Melinda now. And how did they do tonight?

Song #1
Jordin was up first and did well. After the past few weeks I wasn't sure how she would do, but she has redeemed herself.
Blake sang Roxanne. I just love The Police. I think he did great, minus the breaking the mic incident at the end. Oops.
Melinda went last. So far she is the weakest of the evening, IMO.
So how did they place? Jordin, Blake and then Melinda.

Song #2
Jordin did "work hard for her money" on that song. She has great vocals.
Blake and Maroon 5. I loved, loved, loved it. Perfect song choice.
Melinda... I have to admit I fast forwarded the DVR to get caught up. She just didn't strike my interest with the first few notes. Sorry Melinda.
So for song #2, Blake, Jordin and then Melinda.

Song #3
Jordin... I hate the song itself, but a perfect showcase of her range. I do have to agree with Simon on the song choice though.
Blake. Okay I LOVED the clip from his hometown. "I like big butts and I cannot lie..." As for his song tonight (you know the real reason for this post) I cannot stand Robin Thicke. (Sorry Alan, AKA Jason Seaver) I personally wish he would have chosen The Cure. Good performance overall. You can tell that he was having a blast and enjoys being up there. In my opinion that has alot to do with being an "Idol".
Melinda, Melinda, Melinda... This was her best performance of the evening. I think many of the things I liked about her in the beginning of the season showed in this performance. I still can't see her being an "American Idol".
This round I say Melinda, Blake and then Jordin. Sorry Jordin, but song choice, song choice song choice.

So who will go? I think it would be a toss up between Blake and Melinda. Who would I like to go? Melinda. I would love to see a Blake versus Jordin final. No matter what they all have huge futures ahead of them.

AI - Idol Gives Back

From Africa to Louisiana to Kentucky to Arizona, American Idol is giving back to those in need. I am excited about what is being done through this week's show to help those less fortunate. The outtakes from the different places were heartbreaking. Take time tonight to thank God for the blessings you have in your life –– we are very blessed.

Tonight the remaining six contestants chose inspirational songs. How did they do?

Chris R. - He brought it tonight. I thought at the beginning he was a bit pitchy, but his performance just warmed my heart. Eric Clapton was a perfect fit for him. I'm glad to see the Chris I loved from the beginning back.

Melinda - Can she ever sing a bad song? Too bad she didn't take Simon's advice last week to heart and lose the "surprised" look.

Blake - I'm not sure if I liked it or not. I liked the simplicity of it, but it just didn't "wow" me. I am hoping he stays around and next week brings back the Blake we know.

Lakisha - While everyone else has seemed to improve through the weeks, she seems to have been going in the opposite direction.

Phil - He is one that has shown improvement through the weeks. I think country is a good market for Phil. And who can go wrong singing Garth? Warm fuzzies, warm fuzzies.

Jordin - Talk about bringing back memories. "You Will Never Walk Alone" was what we sang at my high school graduation. I have to admit when I heard her song choice I was worried at what "Broadway feel" she was going to have. But she did awesome.

Best of the Night? Jordin... in fact unless something changes, she will win it all.
Who will go? Laksiha

It's Guy's Night - American Idol Week 3

Ahhh yes. My weekly AI post. I know you have been sitting on the edge of your computer chair waiting for this.

Yippie it's guys night! Yes, there are some amazing voices amongst the ladies, but nothing that is "different". So for me it's all about the guys. My thoughts this Tuesday evening?

• Blake - Blake is one of my top favorites. He is so new, so different, so Blake. If only I was 10 years younger and single...
• Sanjaya - The only good thing about him was his hair. He had KILLER hair. I wonder if I could find out the name of his stylist.
  
• Sundance - It wasn't anywhere near Chris Daughtry, but it was decent. He added a bit of himself, so that was nice. He will be safe this week.
  
• Chris R. - I just love him too. How can anyone NOT love him. Give me him and Blake and I would be a happy happy woman.
  
• Jared - He just reminds me of a lounge singer.
  
• Brandon - Much better than last week. Much, much much. Did I say he was better than last week?
• Phil - I love his voice, but tonight was not a good night. I hope next week he comes back and knocks our socks off.
  
• Chris S. - I love his personality, his voice, his style. I think the judges were crazy in their thoughts tonight. While his song choice wasn't my favorite, I love his range.
  

The judges say song choice, song choice song choice. True in some ways, but for me it's the VOICE. I have no clue what Blake's song was, and I still loved him.

So who will go? Sanjaya and Jared. Best of the night? Blake and Chris Squared.

American Idol - Week 2

As you may tell I didn't blog about the ladies last week. That is because with the exception of a few I am not all that excited about the girls.

So tonight... WOW. Can I just say the men really brought it on? I have several favorites tonight and several semi-faves. Let's break it down.

1. Phil Stacey - I just love his voice, especially at the end of his songs. I think he gets a bit more confidence and he will really take off. He has impressed me both weeks.
2. Jared Cotter - Not horrible, but not great. He has a decent voice, but tonight he sounded like a lounge singer.
3. AJ Tabaldo - I am just not a fan.
4. Sanjaya Malakar - Yuck, yuck, yuck.
5. Chris Sligh - He just makes me warm and fuzzy. Awesome voice, awesome personality.
   
6. Nick Pedro - I actually really like his voice, but I agree with Simon. Nick lacks the charisma behind his voice. With some work and proper training that will change. I'm excited to see what is in store with him.
7. Blake Lewis - Love, love, love him. I find him sexy in a really funky kind of way. I love his scating and unique style.
   
8. Chris Richardson - Okay tonight the "Geek in Pink" ROCKED. I am loving Justin Timberlake and right now he reminds me of him. If only I could request him to sing "Sexyback". Yum yum.
9. Brandon Rogers - Tonight did nothing for him. He has such a wide range and tonight he hid that. Plus going after Blake and Chris wasn't good for him.
10. Sundance Head (Yes I still chuckle at his name) - He has such an amazing voice. Do I see him as an American Idol, not really. But I see him somewhere. His voice kicks and his tearing up over his son made me like him even more. He seems like such a likable guy.

So who will go? I am hoping AJ and Sanajaya. My guess is it's between them, Jared and Brandon. But America surprises me each week. So it's no telling.

It's Here!!!

Finally, after a long 8 month wait, American Idol is back!!! Will there be another Clay? Another Taylor? Another Carrie? All you American Idol fans check in here!

Get ready... High School Musical 2

One of the best things about Emily being older is she is my excuse to **have** to watch movies like High School Musical and shows like Hannah Montana and Drake & Josh.

I admit I LOVE the movie High School Musical. It reminds me of a 21st Century Grease, without the cool Pink Ladies and T-Birds jackets. How can you help but not fall in love with Troy and Gabriella like you did Sandy and Danny? How can you not find yourself singing the songs as you work around the house?

So all you High School Musical fans, get ready. Coming Summer 2007 (yes that is THIS summer) –– High School Musical 2!!! I can hardly wait.

Until then, why don't cha get'cha head in the game and sing along with me.