IT'S THE TOP 24 American Idols

Aaaaaa.... so many talents...no wonder Jennifer broke down. Must be hard for her to 'crush' these people's dream. I could feel her difficulties by just looking at the already emotional contestants.
Overall I felt the judged did  weighted the right  deserving  contestants for the final 24 slots.

To reached the final 40, it's already ovious that they all can sing well. I guess their choices were more based on the contestants uniqness and what makes each one stand out above the rest.
No doubt, there are a few that were the judges's favourites since day one but then again who can blame them when  it's so ovious they deserve to go through straight to the final.
When it comes to these subjective judging, I have always said it'll all go down to their luck... with the judges's taste.
Just like beauty peagents....what one sees beautiful might not be so with another.

Almost all of them that's still on my list made it....well..almost.
Chris Medina didn't.. :(   they aired his final solo performance, based on which I know why he didn't make the list.
Only five singers were told last night that they made it to Season 10’s Top 24: Ashthon Jones of Nashville, Clint Gamboa of Long Beach, California, Haley Reinhard of Milwaukee, Naima Adedapo of Milwaukee and Paul McDonald of Huntsville, Alabama.

The remaining 19 of the top 24 were announced a day later:

1. Karen Rodriguez: A Jennifer Lopez favorite from early on especially since her song choices paid tribute to JLo and Selena. She has some potential and a definite cuteness about her.
2. Robbie Rosen:Some people insist that Robbie has amazing talent but it would not be outside the realm of possibility to predict that America will never recognize any star potential. He would have to undergo an amazing transformation between Hollywood Week and the live show before he could ever have a shot at making even the top 10.
3. Tatynisa Wilson:Aside from some rather amusing lyrics to "I Hope You Dance," during Hollywood week, Tatynisa's time on camera has shown little to convince viewers she deserves a top spot.
4. Tim Halperin: Finally some star potential! In addition to his adorable flirting with JLo during his LA audition, he is one of the few contestants who did justice to The Beatles performance. His talent is even further highlighted when he is behind a piano.
5. Julie Zorrilla: Cute shoes, cute outfits, cute parents. That's the extent of it.
6. Scotty McCreery:Despite the whole Jacee fiasco, Scotty has really managed to exude the charm and performances needed to earn his place in the top 24 and beyond. His final performance was astounding and it wasn't just because he finally stopped "locking those doors and turning the lights down low ... baby."
7. Jovany Barretto:Maybe it is because he lost all integrity when he bared his chest to the judges after earning his golden ticket (did Kara DioGuardi's 2009 bikini nightmare not teach anyone a lesson?) but seeing Jovany in the Top 24 was a real surprise. Especially considering others, with so much more talent (although less impressive abs) like Colton Dixon were sent home. Boo!!!
8. Lauren Turner:This housekeeper has a strong powerful voice and will be a great addition to the Top 24. She and Naima can then duke it out to determine who has the better Cinderella story.
9. Rachel Zevita: Something about this contestant is reminiscent of last Season's Siobhan Magnus, maybe it is the odd outfits and performances. But as Siobhan demonstrated, sometimes America really is looking for something different. Only time will tell if Rachel, and her penchant for facial bedazzle, will strike a chord with viewers.
10. Kendra Chantelle:This contestant got to perform with Paul McDonald and she gets in the Top 24? Some girls have all the luck.
11. Jordan Dorsey: Jordan showed a less than flattering side of himself during group auditions by minimizing the talent of others when searching for new group members. His superior smirk when asked about how he may have insulted others, further demonstrated that Jordan is quite secure with his musical talents and believes his behavior was justified. He may find that Karma and America are less forgiving than the judges.
12. Lauren Alaina:There was no doubt this contestant would secure a spot in the Top 24. It's talent like hers that continues to make American Idol relevant ... that and her purple cowboy boots.
13. Stefano Langone: He has an affability and impressive dimples; even if his vocals don't stand up to the others, he'll likely be around for some time.
14. Jacob Lusk:Jacob, Jacob, Jacob . . . Jacob is like Lobster Tomalley. Some insist it is the most phenomenal delicacy available, but like any delicacy, it is really an acquired taste. And let's face it, Americans (especially the Idol demographic) aren't really known for their distinguished and diverse palates. Many would much prefer burger and fries.
15. Pia Toscano:Great name and tons of class, this beautiful contestant just may have enough talent to break the curse that seems to lurk over conventionally attractive female Idol contestants who always seem to be the first to go when voting begins.
16. James Durbin: So he made it. This is as befuddling as the hangar theme. Do the judges really not recognize a one-trick pony when they see one?
17. Casey Abrams:Just when you thought this guy couldn't get anymore talented he proves during his final performance that guys like him can be sexy, too. OK, so sexy is a strong word but incredibly, breathtakingly talented somehow doesn't seem strong enough. Even Randy, says that Casey is the most talented musician Idol has ever seen and for once Randy hits the nail on the head. If someone can beat Lauren Alaina - it's Casey Abrams.
18. Thia Megia:With one spot left, Thia approached the judges alongside Jessica Cunningham and the polarities between the two couldn't have been more pronounced. Thia only 15, shy and inexperienced versus Jessica on her 25th birthday with six prior Idol attempts under her belt. While Jessica seemed ready for a bar fight with the chip on her shoulder and pleather outfits, ultimately innocence reigned supreme and Thia will be moving on. She would be wise to work on her presence before performing live before voters.
19. Brett Loewenstern: Brett was an early standout during auditions but as time went by his mannerisms began distracting from his performances. His speeches, seemingly straight out of a Care Bear movie or self-help manual, made it hard to see the justice in Brett securing the final male spot, leaving Jacee Badeaux and Colton Dixon out of the running. Of the three, Colton showed the most marketable and current talent of all and it was tough to see his journey end before it even got off the ground.

So to these 19, add Wednesday night's five:

Solo Week on AI - Top 50

• Alex Ryan, the high school student from Glen Rock, N.J. (He wasn’t shown performing, but we spotted him in Room #1 with the other singers who were told they were moving on to the Top 50)
• Ashley Sullivan, the 26-year-old retail worker who Ryan Seacrest accurately described as an “emotional time bomb.” (She sounded much better Wednesday night than last night, but the Idol producers are probably keeping her around for the drama.)
• Ashton Jones, 24, of Tennessee (one of the new faces shown last night, with a great voice and great potential to make it to the Top 24, or maybe even the Top 12)
• Brett Loewenstern, 16, the Florida kid with the wild red hair.
• Caleb Hawley, the 25-year-old New York City musician with the bluesy voice.
• Carson Higgins, 22, an actor from California who likes to act goofy.
• Casey Abrams, 19, the bearded guy from California (definite Top 24 potential, maybe even Top 12)
• Clint “June Bug” Gamboa, the 26-year-old karaoke host with the oversized white designer glasses.
• Haley Reinhard, 20, of Illinois, who gave a great sultry performance at the start of last night’s show. (Where have they been hiding her??)
• Jacee Badeaux, the pudgy 15-year-old Louisiana kid (who had two shaky performances in a row but still advanced)
• Jacob Lusk, 23, a spa concierge from California (another new face, with a powerful soulful voice. If he wants to crack the Top 24, he’ll need to keep his emotions in check.)

AmericanIdol.comAshton Jones, 24, sounded sensational last night during her solo performance 

• James Durbin, 21, the Mohawk guy who likes to scream like Adam Lambert.
• Jovany Barreto, 23, the ship builder who showed off his abs during the early auditions
• Julie Zorrilla, 20, the beautiful L.A. student who could easily coast into the Top 24, and maybe even the Top 12.
• Kendra Chantelle, 22, of Tennessee (another new face with a great voice)
• Lauren Alaina, the spunky 15-year-old who I could easily see in the Top 12. Every time I hear her sing, I like her more and more. I keep on hearing a raspy Kelly Clarkson sound coming out of that kid’s voice.
• Rachel Zevita, 21, of New York
• Robbie Rosen, the 16-year-old student from Long Island (one of my early favorites; this kid has a terrific voice)
• Scotty McCreery, the 17-year-old country singer with the very deep baritone voice. (He totally butchered the lyrics last night on “I Hope You Dance,” and the show’s editors kept us thoroughly entertained by flashing the subtitles on the bottom of the screen. Very funny stuff!)
• Sophia Shorai, a 28-year-old vocalist from Minnesota who sounded amazing last night as she belted out “Georgia on My Mind.
• Thia Megia, 15-year-old student from California with definite Top 24 potential.

AI Group week

Aaaahhh... what a dissapointment. Paris didn't deliver her best and was sent speecheless packing home.
Even Jennifer was so dissapointed with her performance.

Another exit was Rob.... but as I see it, he himself wanted out. He didn't even make the effort to learn the lyrics of the song less the dance choreography.

Can't blame him I guess. Having his ex working with him must have really 'pushed it' for him. From the look of it he might even opted out on purpose. I just can't but 'hate' Chelsee for this.Same goes for Jacqueline.  I doubt if they would go to the next round after American has seen this 'side' of them.

The cuts that aired were good  as I'm seeing some new faces which I think flared very well during group week . They include Jordan Dorsey. He talk 'big' tonight but he sure can 'deliver'.

Clint Jun Gumboa, he looks like Andrew Garcia from last year idol with his much too large glasses. American was a little upset with him for 'booting' Jacee out from his group but I think he will go on much further.  Not only he can really sing...(honestly he's good).. he sounded just like Adam Lambert! (  haha.. Adam again...yea yea you got that right...he should have won)

 

Monique De Los Santos..She 'shined' tonight because she was in a good group. She puts her home as Cibu city in the Philippines so is she filipino?...anyhow here's one for asia.

 

 

Frances Coondaz only sixteen and in the same group as Monique. Didn't noticed her before this week but She does have the kind of voice that's 'in' .

Casey Abrams  , another one with the 'in' voice . He's also one of the Judges's favourite.

Robbie Rosen - I like this teenager because not only can he sing,  his 'pakage' is totally 'different.' Something like Brett.....

There are a few other teenagers that were good but I'm going to go on these first. So far the rest of  my previous 'picks' are still on the run.
We'll see how they do on solo tomorrow.

Hollywood Cut

Hollywood Week for American Idol. This week ends with 168 contestants left  in the running for  it's 20 tenth-season semifinalist slots. I had to watch the show aired three times before I really got to see everything.

The first and second time it went on air, I was out bowling with the girls.

I wasn't worry because I knew I would end up catching the rerun at midnight .

Yea.. so much for that confidence. I did watched part of it but it was clearly a case of  the show watching me instead..

heeeeeessss........

Thursday night's broadcast spotlighted 11 hopefuls from the Day 1 group advancing to the group round. 

Casey Abrams, a 19-year-old film camp worker from Idyllwild, CA;
Lauren Alaina, a 15-year-old student from Rossville, GA;
Jacee Badeaux, a 15-year-old student from LaFayette, LA;

Hollie Cavanagh, a 17-year-old student from McKinney, TX;

James Durbin, an unemployed 21-year-old from Santa Cruz, CA.

Chris Medina, a 27-year-old barista and caretaker from Oak Forest, IL;

Thia Megia, a 15-year-old student from Mountain House, CA;

Robbie Rosen, a 16-year-old student from Merrick, NY;
Paris Tassin, a 23-year-old medical assistant from New Orleans, LA;

Rachel Zevita, a 23-year-old student and singer from New York, NY;

Brett Loewenstern, a 16-year-old student from Boca Raton, FL;

Seven hopefuls who were featured during the Day 2 performances also advanced to group round.
Jerome Bell, a 27-year-old bar mitzvah singer from New York, NY;
Rob Bolin, a 23-year-old restaurant worker from Nashville, TN;

Jacqueline Dunford, a 22-year-old receptionist from Scottsdale, AZ;

Chelsee Oaks, a 23-year-old waitress from Nashville, TN;

Scotty McCreery, a 17-year-old student from Garner, NC;

Tiffany Rios, a 21-year-old dance instructor from Morris Plains, NJ;
Jackie Wilson, a 28-year-old bar manager and singer from Nashville, TN.

You just couldn't help but love Scotty's voice. You wouldn't believe the rich deep voice comes from this 17year old . So, so very good for country songs...

 15year old Thia Megia will be going to group week thou I don't know if she'll make it from there on. She can sing but I don't find her voice that 'different'
























Now this  15 year old is still my favourite bet....Lauren Alaina...she got the winning 'umph' in her vocal

Rob Bolin.... another one of those unic country tones...He's good but I just don't know if he has the 'pakage' to get him the votes later on.

James Durbin..he cries a river but has such darn good vocal. Very high range that impressed the judges since day one. He's the next Adam Lambert....yessssssssss!!!!

Paris Tassin...my second favourite in the ladies section






















Chelsee Oaks.... another lady that made it on my list.
She sings with much confidence





















Chris Medina -his vocal is as good as his heart and the  reason to be in the show

Jerome Bell...at 27 yrs is one of the oldest on my list but he can definitely sing

Brett Loewenstern, 16year old outcast that could make it. Being 'different' makes him interesting

My first casuality on my peliminary choice... Travis Olando, the 17yr old  that I had hope to make it, didn't.

I was not really suprise  he didn't make the cut after hearing him sing. It was way better during his first audition. It was clearly a wrong choice of song for him.

These are just the few that I happened to personally see sing ( on air of course). The two hour show did not show the rest that breezed through so they didn't make it to my list.

Group week will be much  tougher. Hopefully my 'pick' stays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiSm6zHBGjk

Just Another thought !!!

I was just sitting and wondering, What is more difficult to bear?
i. Your own hardships ? or

ii. Your Loved ones' hardships and pains ?
I guess, our loved ones' hardships....Because when you are in trouble, you can help yourself and search for solutions. But when your loved ones face hardships, it brings such pain that will burn you every second.
The worst part is not being able to help them.
That very feeling of helplessness.
A tear from their eyes is enough to keep you awake whole night or put you into that gloomy mood  for the whole week.
But then I read somewhere, "Let your loved ones struggle...Else, you will retard their growth and deprive them of the lessons which only life can teach......"
Life is a struggle for each and everyone of us.
If we can get through a day at a time without much 'fuss' then half of the battle is already won.

We all read the fundas of life in so many novels, books and stories......but we can only truly understand their meaning  when we experience them ourselves.

.....nothing really new here but a thought that is true forever.

VAGUELY SUNDAY

Today is sunday... woke up very early because the night before I had unintentionally fallen asleep on the couch while watching tv ( or the other way round) way before my usual bedtime.

Bowling for the girls was at 11am as I had made a  booking for a lane at yesterday's session .

We had  lunch there at the alley... costing  RM30

There were no friends to bowl with or lepak somemore after the hour's training , so we home.
Jo was still in KL with Sheryl .
Sleeping on the couch while tv watched me again!
With a short nap, woke up and went on to bake cake.
I wanted to make durian cake but Yona wanted to try the dessert that we had at Masarap.. 'cream de fruta'
Decision splited, we  (I) ended up doing both.

Cream De Futa- cake,mango slices,pudding & fresh cream on layers of marie biscuites

Chiffon cake with layers of durian filling plus lots of fresh cream

No internet line since yesterday.....aaaaaaaaaaaahhh.. hate it
So irritated with trying to connect broadband to my lap top. It was still not connecting after an hour's try.
In the end I went on  to 'pinjam' yona's.