IdolPhenomena

Let me start by saying this: What were they thinking ending idol like this tonite??? Talk about cliff hangers-lol. Decisions… decisions… decisions…. Deliberation it’s a funny word don’t you think. What are you doing tonite?? Deliberating-lol!! So this 2HR episode started by showcasing Angela Martin who sang an incredible version of Estelle’s American Boy. Jermaine Purifoy then sang Brick house… and Casey James performing Colbie Callait’s Bubbly…. This was followed by Jermaine Sellers singing Man in the Mirror accompanied by his “diva” move. Siobhan Magnus sang “Living for the City.” Then Crystal Bowersox sang an incredibly emotional version of “If It Makes You Happy.” Alex Lambert was the first of several “I’m Yours” definitely the right song for his type of voice. Michael Lynche singing the same song I am not so sure about that. Todrick Hall surprised me by making this Jason Mraz song totally his own very impressed. Without giving you a boring play by play some of the other performances in Hollywood Day 3 that I did like were Ashley Rodriguez singing “Battlefield” she is going places. Lee DeWyze , Tori Kelly and Andrew Garcia singing “Chasing Pavements.” So the Top 71 got split up into three rooms Rooms 1 & 3 moving and Room 2 being cut. At this point in the competition we say goodbye to some great unique voices…..
1. Lloyd Thomas
2. Mary Powers
3. Hope Johnson
4. Liz Rooney
5. Bryan Walker
6. Tasha Layton
7. Jermaine Purifoy
8. Charity Vance
9. Kelly Bachran
10. Nick Lynch
11. Christian Spear
12. Tisha Holland
13. Candice Glover
14. Ashley Hobbs
15. Brittany Stone
16. Kelsey Laverack
17. Dawntoya Thomason
And 8 other contestants. So then the episode moves into announcing who will be going into the Top 24. So announced in tonites episode are the following Top 24 Contestants:
1. Michael Lynche
2. Casey James
3. Didi Benami
4. Katelyn Epperly
5. Aaron Kelly
6. Todrick Hall
7. Lee DeWyze
As they move on there are even more goodbye. They include Shelby Dressel and Jessica Furney. I anxiously wait to see what Wednesday night brings. Follow me on twitter @idolphenomena.

Out of 96 Contestants 71 Move On
Here are some of the faces that will be moving on in Hollywood week.

Michael Lynche
Tim Urban
Charity Vance
Ashley Mikailah @ashleymakailah
Michelle Delamor
Paige Miles
Liz Rooney
Thaddeus Johnson
Jessica Cunningham
Todrick Hall @Toddyrockstar
Thiery @Theriroxsursox
Jareb Liewer
Siobhan Magnus
Maddie Penrose
Tori Kelly @ToriKelly
Jermaine Sellers @JSell26
Jeffrey Goldford
Lacey Brown @LaceyBrown
Janell Wheeler @JanellWheeler
Jermaine Purifoy
Casey James
Andrew Garcia @AndrewAGarcia
JB Ahufa
Katie Stevens
Mary Powers
Hope Johnson
Alex Lambert
Alex Kelly
John Park @JohnParkIdol
Haeley Vaughn @HaeleyVaughnn
Tasha Layton @TLLayton
Crystal Bowersox
Lee DeWyze @Lee_DeWyze
Donald Webber
Angela Martin
Tyler Grady @_tylergrady_
Katelyn Epperly @katelynepperly
Lloyd Thomas @TheMrThomas
Christian Spear @ChristianSpear
Keia Johnson @contactkeia
Jose Munoz
Genesis Moore
Alex Nester @Squeelo

However we say goodbye to.....
Seth Rollins
Michael Castro
Danny Jones
Kim Kerbow
Mark Labriola @MarkLab2
Kat Nestel
Ben Honeycutt @benhoneycutt
Moorea Masa
Matt Lawrence
Amanda Schectman
Bryce Larsen @funkyBryce
Allen Burton
Leah Laurenti @love2sing4life
Carmen Turner
Kim Carver
Dave Pittman
Margo May @MargoMay
Erynne Hundley @wendydarling3


Unfortunately some people I thought that had potential were just plain horrible. @JanellWheeler and @AndrewGarcia great performances as always. Follow ur favs on Twitter and follow me @MikeyMike6185 #AmericanIdol

Goodnite :-)

After watching #AmericanIdol tonite while live chatting with @thepopmatrix @meaghnlynn @sharonwilbur @joshcloud and @brentkeith we totally missed @LukeEdgemon tonite. (If you have a twitter account I suggest you follow them and myself@MikeyMike6185) Overall my thoughts on tonight’s first Hollywood Week episode I was actually disappointed; was also disappointed that 172 contestants arrived in Hollywood when about 181 golden tickets were given out. I can’t believe Denver auditioner Danelle Hayes was a no show – how disappointing.

Okay so with the first of the Hollywood week episodes done I can’t wait for group rounds tomorrow. Its like my favorite part. So here is a list of candidates that survived atleast until the group rounds and we will see who else has if they do not appear here.

Alex Nester:Casey James:Danny Jones:Haeley Vaughn:Jareb Liewer:Lilly Scott:Maddie Penrose:Mark Labriola:Moore Masa:Tori Kelly:Thaddeus Johnson:Todrick Hall:Andrew Garcia:Didi Benami:Mary Powers:Samuel Larsen:Tasha Layton:Janell Wheeler:Lacey Brown:Kelsey Laverack:Lacey Brown:Michael Lynche:Seth Rollins:Charity Vance:Crystal Bowersox:John Park:Justin Ray:Nick Lynche:David Gowryluck:Liz Rooney:Genesis Moore:Theiry Harden:Tisha Holland:Ashley Rodriguez:Claire Fuller:Katie Stevens:Tyler Grady

The following casualties were suffered. Unfortunately we said good-bye to some of my own favorites that I highlighted in my last blog.
Maegen Wright:Eynne Hundley:JimRanger:Kiera Masters:Amanda DeSimone:Austin Simmons:Bernadette DeSimone:Kristi Quinnie:Marcus Jones:Paige DeChausse:Antonio Weeler:Amedeo DiRocco:Bryce Larsen:Justin Williams:Maddy Curtis

So in terms of highlighted performances:
Katie Stevens – She sang For Once In My Life not as good as her first audition but she was still amazingly good.
Antonio Weeler – I agreed with Ellen when she said that she was frightened Skiiboski is definitely stalker material.-lol
Vanessa Wolf- Has a very unique voice howver that didn’t get her through. I still thought it was cute when she said Aero-Plain.
Cornelius Edwards- Cowgirl take me what??? runaway?
Janell Wheeler – Amazingly great as usual.
Haeley Vaughn – Great job. I like the country pop vibe and her bubbly personality.
Mary Powers – I thought singing Sober by P!nk was a safe choice for her I expected something a little more risky from her.
Jay Stone-the singing and beat boxing at the same time is old
Lilly Scott – Lullbay of Birdland performed in a different way other than what I am used to but it was good.
Justin Williams – Great voice as always I think you were robbed when they didn’t allow you to move on.
Tim Urban – covered David Cook’s Come back to me which was surprisingly good
Casey Jones-Amazing guitar skills
Didi Benami – Sang Kara Diaguardi’s Terrified really good job.
Crystal Bowersox – Sang Natural Women and Bowersox definitely rocks my socks-lol 

Over all a great Hollywood episode can’t wait for what is to come tomorrow. For now good night.

-Idol Fan-
Mikey Mike
@MikeyMike6185

As we go into Hollywood week there are some people I would like to make note of. I mean I know I probably like a big loser but I have run some of the names attached to the golden tickets. I mean you can check out all the spoilers all over the web in regards to who already made the top 24 but it really doesn’t mean all that much to me at least until you get the last Hollywood week episode. -  This year I do plan on following idol in its entirety; so far so good. You can check out a bunch of these talented people either via YouTube or MySpace Music so I suggest you check the out as well and if they don’t become the next American idol they will surely have some new fans. So far I have sat back and looked at the Dallas and Denver auditions.
1. Blake Marvin-You Had Me At Hello
I think Blake has an amazing voice and with the right song choice can express emotion through his music which I think is amazing. This performance is really sincere and emotional… and natural. I want to hear more from him and his ban in the future.

2. Jeffrey Goldford – Trouble
Jeffrey is also a good voice that I think will be doing some big things in the future. Check his YouTube channel for several other covers.

3. Kelly Bachran – Magic
Kelly has a real pure tone in her voice. I really enjoy how it seems natural and not forced. This cover of Colbie Caillat is really pure. It comes across really gentle and soothing.

4. Maddie Penrose – Gravity
Maddie is seen here singing a cover of Gravity by Sara Bareilles; although the video sound isn’t the best quality… I love the fullness in her voice. Her cover of this song conveys great emotion it just makes me want to close my eyes and listen, you can feel something real while she sings.

5. Margo May – All the Highways
Margo has a real original tone to her voice. I like how it is very pure and innocent.

6. Mark Labriola II – Audition
I agree with the judges that his audition was surprisingly good.

7. Nicci Nix – Best X Friend
Her singing voice is amazingly good. This is a really catchy song. If she is not the American Idol she is still an amazing singer and is a star in her own right. Very talented.

8. Tawny McCorkle – Time Enough For That
Tawny has what appears to be a natural country voice. This song will makes a true country fan smile.

9. Chelsea Chandler – Always on my mind
This performance really showcases her voice. Love the vibrato in her voice.

10. Christian Spear – All I Can Do Is Cry
Her audition is very emotional; she puts herself into her music and you can tell she has experienced a lot in her life.

11. David Pittman - Audition
Amazingly surprised

12. Erica Rhodes - Audition


13. Kellye Vetter – When The Stars Go Blue

14. Todrick Hall - Audition
An amazing original

15. Andrew Garcia – Michael Jackson Medley
Just like his audition this clip is absolutely amazing. He has a great style and presence I expect him to accomplish some great things.

16. Chris Golightly – Stand By Me
I love his interpretation of this classic. It’s very original.

17. Derek Klena – Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind
In this duet with his sister. Their interpretation of one of Spring Awakening greatest songs really impressed me. For those of you who are getting DejaVu with the last name his sister is Lauren Klena who auditioned for American Juniors.

18. Frankie Jordan – Once Again
I her house of blues performance… she still kills it -amazing. She was one of my favorites last year wish we could have seen her season 9 audition.

19. JB Ahufa – What hurts the most
I honestly haven’t been a real JB fan however this performance definitely changed my mind.

20. Jim Ranger – Aint’ No Sunshine
Great version of this song. I just wished the people watching actually were quiet-lol.

21. Justin Kalama – Small Things
There’s something about his voice that just makes you want to listen.

22. Tasha Layton – Baby Baby Baby
She sings a Joss Stones cover. Like Simon says theres something about her that people are going to like.

23. Austin Simmons – Carry On

24. Janell Wheeler – House of the rising Sun

25. Luke Edgemon – Full Moon
So just incase you don’t Luke is incredibly talented. I love the quality of his voice.

26. Katelyn Epperly – Syrup and Honey

27. Lee DeWyze – Predicament
Lee is one of my favorite idol contestants this year.

28. Ben Honeycutt – Man In The Mirror
Great cover…

29. Genesis Moore - Performance
Amazing.

30. Jermaine Sellers – What If God Were One Of Us
Love the runs.

31. Marshall Manning (Mars) – I Believe In You
He’s got a nice singing voice and raps.


32. Vanessa Wolfe – Wagon Wheel
I wouldn’t say she’s one of my favorite golden ticket winner… but feel that her voice is considerably unique which is going to make her stand out

33. Benjamin Bright – High and Dry

34. Justin Williams – Feelin’ Good
Still an amazing vocalist I was disappointed he didn’t get further last year.

35. Miriam Lemnouni – The Climb
Loved her audition.

36. Noel Reese – I Have Nothing

37. Ashley Makailah – What Happened
She is an amazing vocalist.

38. Bryce Larsen – Life Support
Really good acoustic performance he definitely is talented.

39. Ellery Bonham – Dock of the Bay
She kind of has a mysterious tone to her voice.

40. Jaclyn North – He’s All Yours
Great performance.

41. Jennifer Hirsch – Hold On

42. Jess Wolfe – People Get Ready

43. Joshua Blaylock – God Bless The Broken Rd

44. Katelyn Clampett – Water Them Down
Great Video

45. Katie Stevens – At Last
She has an amazing voice for 16.

46. Luke Shaffer - Audition
Great audition

47. Maddy Curtis - Audition
Another great 16 year old singer

48. Tyler Grady – Let’s Get It On

49. Mike Davis – Yesterday

50. Shannon Turner - Performance
She is a great performer.

I guess these would personally be my Top 50…. We shall see. Considering tonite is the first episode of Hollywood Week. I can’t wait -:-)

For those of you that were unable to catch the UStream – Idols for Haiti missed some amazing performances rom several past idols. @BrentKeith , @FeliciaBarton , @AnnMariexoxo , @AlexWTrugs & @RickyBraddy So if you have twitter follow them. Brent Keith great as always and Felicia’s original song Here Comes the Day is amazing; Ann Marie surprised me she is incredibly talented… I’m gonna be honest and say I didn’t like her on her stint on idol. Alex sings a cover of Taylor Swift’s- You Belong with Me. Great cover. Ricky Braddy closed the show with a cover of Halo…. Great stuff. At least the tail end of the presentation that I did catch was incredibly fun and intimate. Wish I could see every one of you live.

Almost a year ago I stopped posting to this blog .... I still have stuff to share with those that followed. I still have some collected interviews to share with you as well as my run down of who I feel we should be following as faithful Idol watchers. Thanks updates to come soon.

I see no coincidence in who they put through to the Top 12.... Congratulations to....
Alliston Iraheta

Adam Lambert

Kris Allen

February 26, 2009

Group 2 consists several of my favorite season 8 contestants including Jasmine, Matt and Adam. So you can imagine that I expected some amazing things from my favorites. However as the show began I would soon be proved wrong. The night started of with Jasmine Murray singing Sara Bareilles, Love Song. Jasmine has a natural talent that her choice of song completely blew her chance to make in the Top 12 out of Group 2. This type of song was safe and did not display her talents as a vocalist. Not only was it the wrong song choice but it was pitchy as well. She could have done so much better at least she performed with confidence and a smile. Up next was Matt Giraud who chose to sing Viva La Vida by Cold Play which is definitely not one of my favorite songs. I do believe that Matt should have sung something more soulful like when he sang Georgia on My Mind because in that performance he conveyed such great emotion. The night of wrong song choices continued as it was followed by Jeanine Vailes singing This Love by Maroon 5. Throughout the song I felt that she has such great potential that the Maroon 5 choice was the wrong thing to first sing for the public since up to this point she has been has yet to be picked up by the public’s radar. But like the judges all said she is a beautiful girl with nice legs ;-). Nick Mitchell is just a simple joke I have nothing else to say about this audition. He took the spot of so many other great singers putting him through this far is just a sin. And he’s and insult to all aspiring artists who have tried out for idol and haven’t even made it past the producers. Up next Allison Iraheta who definitely saved the night with an amazing rendition of Heart’s Alone. She is definitely a contender to win the competition. She looks like the performance comes naturally for her which an amazing quality to have. She’s definitely one of my new favorites. Up next is Kris Allen who is another contestant who gave another great performance. Although Man in the Mirror is not my first Choice for Kris he definitely surprised me with his gentle and controlled vocal. Definitely Top 12 material to me. J Next is Megan Corkrey singing Put Your Records On. She definitely has a unique vocal tone and the weird shimmy/shake dance is distracting. However I would like to see more of her. Next Matt Breitzke definitely chose the wrong song because If You Could Only See by Tonic didn’t showcase his talent at all. Bette Davis Eyes was performed next by Jesse Langseth which is definitely not current however you could tell she was enjoying her time on the stage. I have the same feeling with Jesse as I do with Matt that they have good voices but are not very memorable. Kai Kalama took the stage next, singing What Becomes of the Broken Heart another just average and safe vocal performance. Just like many of the other performers tonight Mishavonna fell into the wrong song choice category by choosing Drops of Jupiter. Definitely the worst performance of the evening I expected so much more from her. The last performer Adam Lambert took the stage with Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. Adam has such amazing vocals that he is definitely Top 12 material. He is definitely current and has the potential to win the competition however I have a gut feeling the this seasons winner will be female but I’m not 100% who it will be yet. By the time the Wild Card round comes up I will have my prediction for the Top 12 and the way they will rank through the final rounds. However my prediction for the Top 3 of this round will be the following:

Adam Lambert

Allison Iraheta

Kris Allen

-IdolFan-

Mikey Mike

Although the top 36 has already been announced and the votes cast putting Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey to the Top 12 I still have some things to say about the events leading up to this point.

Like anyone I started with my favorites and without having to state my opinions about each contestant the following were my favorites or caught my eye before the events of Hollywood week:
Emily Wynne-Hughes, J.B. Ahufa, Arianna Afsar, Michael Sarver, Jamar Rogers, Danny Gokey, Asa Barnes, Lil Rounds, Adam Lambert, Joana Pacitti, Brent Keith, Matt Giraud, Alexis Grace, Leneshe Young, Sharon Wilbur, Jasmine Murray, David Osmond, Frankie Jordan, Austin Sisneros, Rose Flack, and Taylor Vaifanua. However, like most seasons some of my favorites were cut during Hollywood week and others were brought to the fore front that I hadnt seen during the audition rounds including Jenn Korbee and Jackie Midkiff both of who were cut but have amazing voices. During group rounds my favorite stand out group included Taylor, Danny, Jamar and Moorea Masa.

Okay readers I know I owe you all an update about my blogs goings on. As I have been working like a ton I have failed to write anything or post anything that I have collected. However that I hope is going to change as American Idol Season 8 has just started its Top 36 semi-final rounds I hope to post more about this years candidates as well as past idols. So look for the updates.

The following is my correspondence with Season 1 Top 30 Contestant Alexandra Bachelier, from July 2008.

IP: How has the overall American Idol audition process affected your life today?
AB: Well I would have to say American Idol was definitely an unforgettable process. It has had somewhat of an affect on my life for some people it was an unbelievable accomplishment however, for me it was a stepping stone. I think that it was an incredible opportunity to be on a show that has now gained so much fame and success; yet it wasn't the end or beginning for me. Being part of the original cast is definitely historical and I know it will be something I can look back at and be proud of.

IP: What is your most notable memory of the audition process?
AB: The audition process is long and horribly stressful. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that the viewers and fans don't see. It takes hours and hours a day, for months to get to the final number that actually make it on the show. I think that the entire audition process is something you’ll never forget. To this day I hear any one of the songs I had to sing and I cringe.-lol. However the one thing you do remember are all the good times you spent with people who love to do the same thing you do. For example all the down time you have like going to dinner and traveling together and waiting for results and hanging out in our rooms being silly. Ultimately it is getting the opportunity to share your creativity and talent with other people who share the same passion is something very rewarding which you can take with you forever.

IP: Are there any idol hopefuls that you still keep in contact with today?
AB: I keep in contact with those who I was closest to through myspace, it’s really the best way to catch up with everyone and see what they are doing. Still working in the music industry you end up bumping into people here and there so you always want to try and keep your communication lines open. You never know when you can collaborate or work with someone on a project so keeping up with people is always good.

IP: What is the current project you are working on? Music? Acting? Career?
AB: Well since American Idol , I have done a lot of different things. In 2004 I signed a publishing / production deal with Kaotic records, which was run by Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. Nick and I actually met while I was doing American Idol and we became friends. After several years he approached me with an idea for a project and we gave it a try. Unfortunately, he was still very busy with his personal career and we just couldn't make it work. We decided to part ways but we are still good friends. After that I started my own publishing company Jadyn Star Music which is named after my daughter Jadyn. Yes I am a mommy now. I began writing songs for other artist and co producing, arranging music with Eddie Galan Billboard award winner for High School Musical. I am now signed to a production deal with Mach 1 Music and Eddie Galan. We are in the studio recording several singles which will be released. I don't have the specifics on the dates. We also have several endorsement deals in the works that I am not really able to disclose information on but keep an eye out. As for the acting its definitely something I would love to conquer in the future . I am training with coaches and learning how to play instruments and just growing as a person and as an artist every day. So if the right project presents itself I am definitely open to it.

IP: What advice would you give to someone with the dream of being on American Idol?
AB: The same Advice I would give anyone with any dream. I don't believe anything is impossible if you believe. I think if you work hard and you keep your mind set on the goal, as long as there is talent you can achieve it. I would tell them not to allow anything to get in their way, time is valuable and it’s the only thing in life you don't get back.
Don't get discouraged when one door closes, because it’s usually because there is something better waiting for you on the other side. Prepare yourself for success but don't rule out failure that way if you don't make it right away you have the strength to get back up and keep on trying. It’s never too late the only time its too late is when you give up.

IP: Who was your favorite contestant throughout the audition process?
AB: I didn't have a favorite. We all believed in each other and supported each other. I think that we all knew we had our differences and we all brought something different to the table. I really wasn't friends with Kelly but the day we heard her sing we all knew she was going to make it. I had a feeling she would win. I think she brought it, as well as Tamyra. Justin was also a great performer with tons of charm. It was a tough competition.

IP: Which idol contestant are you listening to in your cd/mp3 player?
AB: I really think the best artist who have come out of idol have been, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Daughtry. I have singles for a bunch of ex idols but my two favs are Carrie and Chris

IP: How did your experiences with Popstars prepare you for Idol?
AB: Honestly I was so young when I did Popstars I had no idea what I was doing. I had never experienced anything like that it was like driving on a freeway without having ever been taught to drive. I learned so much about people and life and the music industry and I never wanted anything to do with it again. I really didn't think I would ever do reality TV again. Popstars was an awakening to a cruel world of entertainment that I was so attracted to. I misunderstood the lesson that I should have taken from Popstars. It gave me such a false sense of fame that blew up my head and when I went on Idol I was a monster. Not to mention the producers ate it up and made it ten times worse then what it really was.
I really grew up and who I thought I was and who I really am are two completely different souls now. I wanted to be famous, because I thought it would give me some sort of satisfaction. Then I found satisfaction in myself and my life and the people who love me. I no longer needed acceptance from anyone so that’s when the whole fame thing died down. Fame didn't matter to me anymore. People knowing who I was or what I did is not important anymore. In fact I don't even tell people all the things I have done unless they actually bring it up. Then I will be as vague about it as I can be. It’s just not important. Now I just want to do music for the rest of my life because it’s what I love to do. Fame might come with it but I am going to stay as grounded as I can because I have seen what it can do to people and I don't ever want to have something that can destroy what I have worked for my entire life.

IP: Have you thought about re-auditioning if you should ever qualify to do so?
AB: I don't regret auditioning. I gained so much from that show. If it wasn't for that whole experience I would have never become the person that I am today. It affected my whole life. I made decisions that I would have never made, I took chances that I would have never been able to take, I met people that have been a crucial part of my life and it was all because of the things I did on that show and the opportunities I gained. However, if I was given the chance to do it all over again now at this point in my life I wouldn't re audition. I don't think I would benefit from it.