America Got it Wrong — Again

American Idol contestant Angie Miller

Tonite gorgeous songstress Angie Miller got voted off American Idol.

This was such a mistake, even the judges seemed shocked and disturbed. The final two should have been Candice Glover and Angie Miller (not Candice and Kree Harrison).

Don’t get me wrong, Kree Harrison is amazing too. She was one of my favorites early on, but she just never sang the right songs and near the end I wasn’t feeling her. Candice Glover was a no-brainer — she stunned America with her spine chilling version of “There’s A Place For Us” from “West Side Story.”

This year all the finalists were so talented, so endearing and so nice. And no one got on your nerves like annoying divas from previous years such as Hailey Reinhart and Thia Megia. But honestly I think Kree Harrison should have gone before Janelle Arthur. No disrespect to Kree though, she was such a doll and sincerely told her competitors she loved them when Ryan Seacrest asked the ladies if they had anything to say to each other. The show was very emotional.

It was heartbreaking to see Angie leave. She was getting all choked up during her final performance and was nervously laughing throughout, not being able to finish. Then her family came onstage to comfort her, along with the remaining two contestants and the judges. (And God bless Nicki Minaj in all her honesty – I couldn’t help but laugh seeing her face drop when it was announced that Kree was chosen over Angie. She makes the funniest faces!)

In honor of Angie Miller, here’s — in my little opinion — the best song she ever did:

ANGIE MILLER

But this will not be the last we see of Angie. She’s just mega-talented and certainly doesn’t need to be American Idol to have a bright future. Good luck to Angie!

And just for fun, here’s a cute song by Redd Kross as my “good-bye” to Angie. It’s called “Annie’s Gone” so just change the words to “Angie’s Gone.” I like this way better than the Phil Phillips song. Heh.

Redd Kross – Annie’s Gone

My 90-Year-Old Father-in-Law is an American Idol!

Me and Pop

Over the weekend my father-in-law took a trip up to Massachusetts to see his great-grandson’s First Holy Communion. His granddaughter got a limo for the family to arrive to the church on Saturday. Coincidentally, this was the same time — same area — that American Idol Top 3 songstress Angie Miller had her homecoming event.

As my father-in-law road in the limo through the town, a crowd of over 6000 screaming fans were cheering and waving — mistakenly thinking it was Angie Miller’s limo.

When he told me this story I said, “They weren’t screaming for Angie. They were screaming for you because you turned 90 last September!”

My Top 3 Picks for American Idol this Week

Janelle Arthur sings like an angel

and looks like one too (photo swiped from Google search)

Okay, I cheated. I wasn’t able to tune in last night since I was at a concert, and I couldn’t watch On Demand today because last night’s episode isn’t on there yet. So I did the You Tube thing and watched the contestants pay tribute to Burt Bacharach, one of the most amazing song writers ever. This was probably the best show yet!

My Top 3 are:

1. Janelle Arthur “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” Cute as a button with the voice of an angel. Janelle nailed this one, staying true to the 1960s way it was done originally. She looked amazing and casually went into the audience to greet fans as she sang and then sang to Keith Urban. This was the best!

2. Angie Miller “If Anyone Had a Heart.” Whoa! This was fantastic! Also stayed true to the 1960s original. Very well done, Angie.

3. Amber Holcomb “Say a Little Prayer.” Excellent choice for her. She for the most part nailed it, although the ending was a little weak.

I was disappointed in Kree doing “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love.” That wasn’t the right song for her. Instead Candice should have done that song. (I couldn’t listen to Candice doing “Don’t Make Me Over,” as I really don’t like that song too much — just my personal taste … and low tolerance level) And Kree should have done something more sexy and dramatic like, “The Look of Love.”

Lazaro doing “Close to You” was disappointing. That poor kid always seems so unsure of himself. I think he may be the one to go home tonight.

Comments from judges weren’t on the You Tube performances, so I have no idea what they thought.

I Agree with America’s Top 3 Choices for American Idol

Left-R: Angie Miller, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison

So, for the first time since I was a little girl picking out a Miss America in the 1970s, I called the television winners!

Not only did I agree with America’s choices for the top three, but also with the fourth person chosen, Lazaro Arbos!

Wednesday evening Candice Glover did the most spine chilling version of “I Who Have Nothing” (which I originally know as a Tom Jones song). She really nailed it and then some!

Kree Harrison did an amazing version of Roy Orbison’s song, “Crying.” Another song that gave me chills.

Angie performed a song I wasn’t familiar with and she has a voice of an angel. She’s also the prettiest thing on American Idol since Adam Lambert.

What I didn’t agree with was who was sent home. I would have kept Curtis Finch Jr. and got rid of Paul Jolley or Devin Velez.

America also voted for their favorite who was eliminated to compete in a sing-off for a spot in Idol’s 2013 summer tour with the Top 10 (which Curtis will be a part of). The two competing are: Charlie Askew (my all time favorite this year) and Aubrey Cleland (who, in my opinion, is good but boring). So my choice in this one is a no brainer — bring back Charlie!

I have to say I like how the voting was done this time, more in the vein of “America’s Top Model” counting from the top downward. I never liked that “this one stays or gos” method. It was too nerve-wrecking not only for the contestants but for the viewers.

American Idol or Audition for Omega Man Remake?

Nicki Minaj, American Idol judge

So, Nicki,our dear little lady bug, what is up?

You were so pretty the last couple weeks

with your toned down style

softer hair and fresh make-up.

You were giving your audience

everything that we needed!

You looked like a little mini marshmallow

that everybody just wanted to eat!

What happened to our little lady bug?

We want our little girl back.

Omega Man, 1971

Sorry Charlie … Really!

American Idol hopeful feeling hopeless, Charlie Askew

(Photo swiped via Google search)

Two weeks ago Charlie Askew was on top of the world. The crowd went wild after his amazing performance of Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

Check it out: Charlie Askew: ROCKET MAN

Charlie had it all, the looks, the talent and the charisma. I was so sure he’d go a lot longer than his 7:01 minutes of fame.

Then he blew it. Not intentionally. My take is he’s still young and he didn’t quite get it. He nailed it and simply failed to keep up the momentum. His version of  “Mama” by Genesis didn’t do his talent justice. It wasn’t bad, but just not his best. He also changed his style, seeming to go for something a little less innocent, less subdued, and it just didn’t work in his favor, certainly not in the eyes of judge Nicki Minaj who felt she “lost” her “little boy.” Seems Minaj (and Charlie’s fans) were resonating with his “awkward turtle” (his words) look, sweet eyes peering behind gorgeous locks of hair; and over-sized clothes. It all added to his charm.

Here’s Charlie’s weaker performance: Charlie Askew Performs “Mama”

What really killed it for Charlie was his reaction to the judge’s criticism, which was scary. He was obviously very troubled as he didn’t seem to handle the rejection very well and my heart bled for him — truly. I thought he was going to have a nervous breakdown right on the spot. I felt shocked and scared for him. And of course, sad because I knew deep down he wasn’t going to make it to one of the Top 10.

Which brings me to the question is American Idol exploiting young people? I mean, in the early stages, when talent is chosen some of these contestants go on as fools, knowing they are fools and laugh about it. Others seem so clueless about their talent (or lack of) get pissed off at the judges and mouth off to the cameras. Some take the critiques with class and learn from them, which of course is the most positive reaction. I’ve learned from my writing career that it’s best to thank an editor for his critique and learn from it and that’s what I always do. But these young people don’t always know to do that. They are not taught, which is sad. Learning to accept criticism should be a class in grade school. Criticism doesn’t mean you’re not good. It’s just a creative suggestion to help you. And in some cases, it’s not even the right suggestion, just the right suggestion for what a client, or a judge or a potential boss is seeking.

My suggestion to American Idol is to be a little more strict in the screening process. In addition to making sure a young man or lady has some talent, maybe a quick psychological study to show that he/she is ready for this.

Even on America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks and judges weed out the ones who they feel are not ready for the industry, no matter how many great photos they take.

While Charlie Askew was my favorite this year, I have to be honest and say that while I felt bad to see him go, I was secretly relieved because I didn’t want to see this poor kid unravel any further. That would truly be a train wreck and I mean that in the most sincere way possible. Just imagine, if Charlie hit superstar status prematurely, one bad CD review and he might go Kurt Cobain on us.

My biggest wish for Charlie is that he get his bearings together and comes back — bigger and better than ever!

Advice to Charlie, if you’re reading:

1. Grow a thicker skin. I know it’s not easy, but once you have that break-through you will move mountains! Little me has been there too — insecure, hurt by comments of others, using the critique of others to measure my worth — that can all change with some hard work and self realization. Baby steps are indeed steps and you WILL get there. We believe in you, Charlie!

2. Don’t take it all so seriously. You ARE talented! Just believe in yourself and don’t ever give up! This was just ONE contest. You’re young. There will be many more. It’s a whole big world out there. American Idol is not the end all!

3. Don’t ever hide that beautiful hair again! I think your fans would agree with me. No more ponytails, okay?

Team Charlie!

Charlie Askew – American Idol contestant

I didn’t expect to pick a favorite so early in the American Idol game this season, but from day one, I fell in love with Charlie Askew.

He has a sweet, unique voice. He’s adorable as all hell. And I just love his stage presence and style. And from all the comments on You Tube, it seems he’s already stole America’s hearts!

Check him out, doing Elton John’s “Rocket Man”:

CHARLIE ASKEW

My favorite Charlie Askew quote is “I glorify weirdness.”

On a side note, I wasn’t going to watch the show this year. In the beginning I did not like the bickering between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, but that has subsided, thank you Jesus!

I never even heard of Nicki Minaj before this show and she really turned me off because she just seemed mean. But now, watching the show, she grew on me big time. I just love this woman! She’s sweet and funny and really gives great input/feedback (although I’m not always agreeing with her). I also think she’s gorgeous when her look is more toned down. Now I’m a big fan of make-up and hair and extravagance, but not everyone can be Cher or Dolly Parton. In my opinion Nicki doesn’t need all that. She’s a natural exotic beauty. The dark wigs and the toned down blonde ones are the best for her.

And she’s so cute when she flirts with the contestants. I love that! She’s endearing in that she reminds me of my grandmother who used to flirt with everyone. So, yeah, go Nicki! You’re awesome.

Now back to Charlie — I’m so glad he made it to the next round. My favorites always go way too soon, but keeping my fingers crossed that he will stay for awhile. (And I’m sure MANY other viewers feel the same!)

American Idle

American Idol is another show I was late jumping on the band wagon for. I was first intrigued after seeing a clip of Adam Lambert performing. My sister was a huge fan. One day I was at her home. All the women were in the living room watching Adam Lambert videos that my sister compiled. We were all so intrigued another woman was stuck in the bathroom (the door was jammed) for 20 minutes before anyone realized. Yeah, Adam is a hottie.

Then the following year I watched the show because Steven Tyler was a judge. I’ve been an Aerosmith fan since I was 13, and I was friends with Steve Tyler’s late wife Cyrinda Foxe. I attended her funeral and met Tyler. When I offered my condolences, he thanked me for my kind words and gave me a big hug. So, hell yeah, I made sure I watched every episode that Steve Tyler was on. And he delivered. He was funny as hell, sincere and encouraging to the kids. As great on screen as he is off.

Thanks to Steve Tyler, I fell in love with American Idol. Those young performers were terrific. The judges had a great chemistry. It just worked. For two years I was a part of what I was missing since the show debuted almost a decade prior.

Last night I watched a mere five minutes, with the new judges (except for Randy Jackson) and all I saw was bickering between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Was this drama real or fake for publicity? I don’t know, but I didn’t like it.

To me, bickering between judges takes away from the talent of the kids. And remember, this is a family show.

I am almost 50-years-old and miss the variety shows I loved growing up. The ones I remember were  “Sonny & Cher,” “Tony Orlando & Dawn,” “The Dean Martin Show,” “The Tom Jones Show.”

These shows were extremely entertaining. Yeah, if you have them on DVD some of the old jokes were corny, but everyone came across as professional. If there ever was any drama, you may read about it in the tabloids, it wasn’t in your face. You could disappear into a fantasy world for one hour and pretend that everything was good and everyone liked each other. You didn’t even know Sonny & Cher were going through a divorce. They gave the audience what they wanted, a beloved couple that knew how to entertain with talent and not resorting to taking the low road.

What was that old saying in show business, and a Queen song as well? The answer is: The show must go on!  If Sonny & Cher could do it, why can’t these judges just shut the hell up and act like professionals?!

“American Idol” is the closest thing this generation has to a good old fashioned variety show. It has it all: talent, comedy and fashion. And I love the mini documentaries on where the kids came from and what their story is. Some are heart-breaking and all are inspiring. But, sadly, now the Fox network show is low-balling the audience with drama and taking away from the kids and their performances.

Is this supposed to give the show higher ratings? Probably. This is what seems to be the American way. We seemed to have reached a pinnacle in TV Land where innocence is lost on all levels and unless there is *bleeping* words out left and right and people are trashing each other, our attention is lost.