IdolPhenomena

Better late than never, here are my thoughts on the Top 9. The Lennon/McCartney Song Book always makes an interesting night on Idol. It will either be a night of performances we really lover of really hate. Like always Ryan does his introducing and then we meet the judges. I think Simon keeps agreeing with what Kara says because he’s completely captivated by her sparkly dress. First up to night is Aaron Kelly with the Long and Winding Road. This is a classic song and personally one of my favorites especially the duet version performed by Will Young and Gareth Gates. Check it out right here. When it comes to Aaron’s predictable performances I was thinking he was going to chose this or Let it be. Overall this was a good song choice for Aaron he performed it well. I am going to be bold and say that it was a safe choice from him. I feel like he needs to be taking more risks if he wants to progress farther in the competition. Second performance of the night was Katie Stevens with her rendition of Let it be. This by far has to be one of Katie’s best performances. I love how mature her voice sounds it was truly a flawless vocal. She also added some subtle changes that helped make the song her own. Next was Andrew Garcia with Can’t Buy Me Love. A true Andrew Garcia performance he definitely made the song his own. Michael Lynche was fourth of the night with Eleanor Rigby. Putting his own R&B twist on the song he made it something people were either going to really love or really hate. However, it was phenomenal he definitely did not deserve to be in the bottom three or even have to sing for his life. What is America thinking? The song was definitely contemporary and something I could personally see him putting on his album. At the nights midpoint is Crystal Bowersox with Come Together. In my opinion this was another one of her flawless performances. I’m definitely diggin’ the didgeridoo. Tim Urban with his goofy smile and wavy hair is next. Following that performance he might as well have not taken the stage and let Casey go on. –LOL. I still don’t understand why America keeps putting him through each week. He’s absolutely annoying and doesn’t even deserve to be there. He needs to go like yesterday. Casey James is next performing Jealous Guy; I personally don’t have anything exciting to say about his performance. He’s great at what he does. One of my favorites of the night is Siobhan’s version of Across the Universe. It definitely showcases another side of her voice. One that is truly more subtle and powerful all at the same time. It was almost angelic with the lighting. I don’t know if I’m all about that big note near the end. And last but not least was Lee with Hey Jude. Definitely the right way to close the night. Each week Lee gets more comfortable on the Idol stage I can’t wait to see what he has planned for next week. His song choice suited him just fine. Now on to the results show... Who’s excited for a group song? I know I was-LOL. We all know this evenings results –Obvi. Jason Derulo’s performance was a complete train wreck. I didn’t know if he was Rihanna,, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga or Prince all slapped into one person. Not my favorite live performance but I can’t help but like the song anyways. David Archuleta also graced the Idol stage with his version of Imagine, which I personally don’t understand what all the hype was about – but it was good none the less. Rihanna was the last of the celeb performances. Personally I didn’t know if that was Jason Derulo or Lady Gaga. What was she thinking? And the biggest thing I guess after Michael Lynche’s save is that two are going home next week. Dare I say we have a bottom three next week comprised of Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Tim Urban. You all know who I want to leave but I fear some of our personal favorites may instead. After the Top 9 performances I am still foreseeing an all female Top 3. Are there any IdolPhenomena followers that share my view??? My Top 5 of the night are Lee, Crystal, Siobhan, and Katie (In No Specific Order).

Okay IdolPhenomena followers I was able to get in touch with Maddie Penrose via MySpace. Right now she is currently enjoying her senior year in HS but has great ambitions when it comes to a career in music. So let’s get to know the girl with the awesome glasses :-)

IP: What is your most notable memory of the audition process?
MP: Group Night. People who are watching the show have NO IDEA what really happened to my group that night. It's insane, it really is. Danny was up first, forgot all the words, and completely messed up, then Mark was up, and little does everyone know, the two pianists completely messed up and were playing in two different keys, so that's mainly what got Mark so flustered. Next up was Kim who messed up all her words. At that point everyone in the crowd felt so bad that they all stood up and started clapping and singing the words to try to help her get back with it, but she just couldn't do it. After that it was ME! So I was freaking out I was so nervous. The part they showed on TV was right when I got up and was so scared because not one person had gotten it right yet. Once we hit the chorus me and Danny did a beat boxing, dancing, breakdown part that was so good. And that's when I was in my element again. The whole crowd was up and going crazy!! It was the most amazing moment for me! :):) Wish they would have showed it!

IP: Have you auditioned for idol more than once? And how has each time changed you as an artist and performer?
MP: I tried out when I was 16. That was a completely different experience than this year. I only did it because they were in SLC Utah, where I live. I ended up making it to the judges, and got cut. It was disappointing because that year I had David Archuleta, friend from school, on my side cheering me on. American Idol had done my home story, and followed me around school all day, and to volleyball, and got a lot of shots with me and David, but they didn't show any of it on the show. It was really disappointing. But this year has been a completely different story. It's been the best ride of my life.

IP: How has the overall American Idol audition process affected your life today?
MP: Trying out for American Idol was something I will never regret doing. It made me realize how important music really is to me. It was amazing to be around all those people who shared the same passion I did, and who were incredible singers. It's given me the ambition I need to put myself out there, and given me the confidence I need.

IP: What advice would you give to someone with the dream of being on Idol?
MP: This show isn't made up. It really is just normal people who have incredible talent. That's what I love so much about this show. For heaven sakes, I work at a doggy daycare, and people know who I am now, and love my music. It's something I now have the opportunity to share with others. This show is such a good idea and it can change your life in so many ways it's insane. I would tell anyone who wanted to be on the show to follow your dreams. American Idol is a great way of doing just that.

Maddie is a big Andrew Garcia fan and suggests we all follow him and his idol journey. In her opinion, He's a really good guy! And the most talented one on that stage, if you ask me... Not only does she still keep on contact with him today he was one of her favorite contestants throughout the audition process along with Lauren Daigle. However, Andrew is not the only idol hopeful that Maddie stays in contact with today. She also stays in touch with Crystal Bowersox, Haeley Vaughn, Katelyn Epperly, Lacey Brown, Paige Miles, Tyler Grady and Tim Urban. We can expect great things from this Top 46 contestant. Thanks for the feedback and your time Maddie.

Check out Maddie singing Maroon 5's Sunday Morning on her YouTube Channel missmaddiekaye4.

Hey!! IdolPhenomena followers here it is like I promised my interview with Samantha Musa. If you are unaware of who Samantha Musa is she is a shy girl who works for the non-profit sector out in L.A. However, she is also an aspiring singer who has auditioned for both season 7 and 9 of American Idol. Just recently within the last several hours was featured in a montage where Simon runs his fingers down Ellen’s legs. In the montage she is singing Closer along with her group members Keanna O’Quinn and Brittany Starr James- Shout Outs to them :-) !

IP: How has the overall American Idol audition process affected your life today?

SM: More than anything, I think the audition process on American Idol (both this season and back in season 7) has really increased my confidence and belief in myself--which is something that is slowly affecting all aspects of my life! Sadly, I am not the most confident person. I am usually extremely shy, not willing to break out of my shell, and pre-occupied with what people think about me. So this audition experience has forced me to be outgoing and it has helped me truly recognize my vocal talent. I mean, if the judges gave me compliments and put me through to the top 74 out of thousands upon thousands of people, I must have something unique about me and I must be a decent singer!...Right?? :)

IP: What is your most notable memory of the audition process?

SM: My most notable memory from the audition process this year would have to be my final audition in Hollywood Week. I usually always walk off stage slightly unhappy, critical of my performance, and beating myself up trying to think about what I could have done differently. But after my final performance of the week, I walked off of the stage very confident and truly thrilled about what I had left with the judges! This truly was a defining moment me. I think that I knew that the final audition/performance this year could be my last opportunity to sing on the Kodak Theatre stage, so I wanted to take in the moment, give it my all, and feel great about what I had given. After that moment, I knew that even if I didn't make it to the top 50, I could leave satisfied that my final performance was a success (to me, at least!)--something that I couldn't say for my experience in Hollywood in season 7!

IP: Are there any idol hopefuls that you still keep in contact with today?

SM: I am still in contact with Chris GoLightly, who unfortunately was booted from the top 24 this season because at the last minute he was deemed "ineligible" (per Fox's press statement). He would've been the only one in the top 24 that I was close to. I keep in touch with others from Hollywood Week via social networking. Thank God for Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace! If not, it would be very hard to keep in contact.

IP: What advice would you give to someone with the dream of being on American Idol?

SM: I would say that they should go for their dream, 110%! Regardless of whether or not they actually make it into the top 24, the experience is a wild one!!... and one that they will surely never forget. I would say that you also need to know who you are and/or who you want to be as an artist before you audition. Don't go in telling them that you can be whoever they want you to be and sing whatever they want you to sing. They want to see people who know themselves and can make every song their own. It is a singing competition, so SING your heart out and make that connection with the judges. It's all about connecting with people through your performance!

IP: What is the current project you are working on? Music? Acting? Career?

SM: Right now I have a full-time job in the non-profit sector here in Los Angeles, so I haven't had much of a chance to start working on a project. When I have time, I am hoping to get

back into recording. I have been writing stuff as it pops into my head on my long commute home, so I am eager to get back to being creative and finish working on what I have started! I have always loved acting, so that might be something that I take time to pursue as well. We'll see...I am still young, and there are so many options! I love music and I always want to have it be a part of my life, so for now, I am taking baby steps as I try to figure out how to proceed and make that happen. The first move might be to weekly hit up some open mic nights here around L.A. and meet other people to potentially collaborate with. I am still super shy so I don't know if I want to always stay a solo artist, but we'll see! In the meantim

e I also might be starting a YouTube page to post videos of myself singing. That is apparently the newest thing to do to promote yourself, and I have had numerous people tell me that I need to do that. So...I will let you know if I post anything! :)

IP: Who was your favorite contestant throughout the audition process?

SM: Hands down, Andrew Garcia! He is absolutely incredible! He first auditioned in Los Angeles with me, so I was sitting right behind him when the producers had him pick up his guitar and sing for the first time on camera. I was blown away!...And in that moment, I knew that he would go all the way. He is so unbelievably talented. He has an

amazing vocal ability and as you saw from his Hollywood Week auditions, he can do anything with a song! I am rooting for him this year. He has such a great story and truly deserves it.

IP: Who is your idol/role model and how have they inspired you?

SM: Vocally, my idol is Celine Dion. I honestly believe with all of my heart that she is the greatest female singer of all time. There is so much power that is released when she sings. Every word that comes from her mouth has such emotion! Her success and passion have inspired me to sing my best in every performance and to capture the true emotion of the lyrics whenever I sing a song. She is also a great role model when it comes to mixing work and family. When her husband got sick, she left singing for a while to be with him. She is a woman of honor who puts family first.

IP: What other seasons have you auditioned for?

SM: I first auditioned when I was 16, I think it was season 3. I made it past the first round, but got cut before I had a chance to audition for the celebrity judge panel. I also auditioned for season 7 and made it just as far as I did this time--top 74ish. They actually aired my audition in season 7 because my sister crazily flew in a paper airplane with a message for Simon! I didn't know she was planning on doing that until right before I walked in! Simon invited her in and she got to sit on his lap and help judge me. It was a super fun audition for the judges and made my nerves much calmer because she was in the room with me! Hollywood Week was great that year--I remember always eating with David Archuleta and his dad because I was too shy to go and talk to other contestants, LOL! It was a fun week and even more fun to see David make it into the top 2!

IP: Which idol contestant are you listening to in your CD/MP3 player?

SM: My favorite idol contestant of all time is Carrie Underwood. She is so genuinely sweet, an amazing singer, and she is absolutely gorgeous. Her music is awesome not only because she is a fabulous singer, but because her lyrics are just plain incredible. Some of her songs have honestly helped me through some hard times in my life. So she is really the only one in my CD player... I rotate her 3 CDs in and out! :)

IP: Any other insights and comments?

SM: American Idol has bee

n a great experience for me and I feel that the process has just pushed me more to succeed and never

give up! I am whoever I dream of becoming!...And while I am still figuring out the scope of that dream, Idol has for sure been some good inspiration for me. I have made some great friends/fans (like you!) along the way that are soooo supportive and for that, I am so grateful!

Photo Credit: AmericanIdol.com Season 7 and 9