American Idol - Season 8 - NYC and San Juan

Well tonight was interesting. And way too fast! They actually squeezed two cities into one
hour. Ugh!

They start in New York City
Adeola Adegoke – She quit her job the day before the auditions and that was a HUGE mistake. She attempts Jennifer Hudson and it was not even remotely good. That is a hard song to sing and then if you don’t have a voice it’s even harder! Simon realizes this and calls her boss to get her job back for her. He’s such a nice guy!!

Now they bounce to San Juan

Jorge Nunez – Although I could only understand a few words of his first song it was really
good. I think Simon just proved what I was thinking. They are really hoping to find a Hispanic American Idol this year. Simon said they are looking for someone who sings with an accent or else they wouldn’t be in Puerto Rico. They compared Jorge to Marc Anthony so we’ll see how he holds up in Hollywood week.

Jessika Baier decides to attempt Celine Dion’s I surrender and she sounds very cruise ship like. She tries to blame her “bad sound” on her nerves and claims this is all she’s ever wanted. I keep thinking if this is all you’ve ever wanted then why are you nervous?? I think the American Idol has to be someone who doesn’t get so nervous that they cannot perform. If you can’t handle 4 judges in a room by yourself (cuz it is not a live show at the time of the auditions) then what the heck makes you think you can handle the stage and millions of people in an audience! You don’t know nerves babe!

They show a string of horrible singers who all think the judges don’t know what they are talking about. Not the fact that they may actually be bad singers…hehe…go figure!

Now back in New York City

Melinda Camille sings Feelin’ good and ends up with 4 yeses. She’s earthy and very natural. I really like her. Some of the universe talk made her bordering “out there” but I still like her. She’s very naturally pretty. And the voice has a nice tone. We’ll watch to see how far she gets!

Jackie Tohn grew up singing with her dad. She has a raspy tone to her voice. Remember they have to be able to pull off those weeks where they have specific types of songs to sing and I’m not sure she could sing anything other than what she sings. I’m not sure about her yet.

Back in San Juan –

Kate Cassidy did some shouting about raining men. Yeah, nah….

Carlos was attempting to Live Lavida Loca…again…nah…..

Jasimine did a complete step show…..hun, this is American Idol…NOT So You Think You Can Dance…..that comes on AFTER this one is done….ok???

Mike was the rocker that looked like a KISS reject…poor thing.

Joel Contreras was the Crazy Rocker as he called himself, Or The Human iPod
as he had a huge cut out ipod that I guess he was suppose to be performing out of. Or
through…just weird…he was not for the competition and really didn’t have a voice either.

Now back to NYC-

Nick Mitchell – I’m actually glad they sent him to Hollywood, he does have a good voice, just seems to be a bit goofy. Hopefully he’ll be serious when he needs to be, but I’m curious to see how far he gets as well.

I think they went back to SJ……

Kenny Hoffpauer sounded OK from what I could hear. They are flying through these folks and my kids are still up asking me questions so I’m missing things. I think he gets a ticket to Hollywood as well.

Kendall Beard is the blonde from Austin who is in SJ for some reason and the little bit we
heard didn’t impress me, but she’s on her way to Hollywood.

Still in San Juan they show a string of horrible folks

They turned away Nicole Laraway, Mark Contreras, and Michael Sconines who was scary looking while he sang. His eyes looked as though they were gonna pop out of his head.

Monique Garcia Torres showed up with her little brother, who was 9 in tow. The judges are torn, Randy and Kara don’t feel that her voice is ready. Paula says yes, and Simon decides to say yes because of the little brother. I’m not sure she can make it through Hollywood
week and prolly should have waited a year, but we’ll see.

Now back in NYC

Alexis Cohen who was the weird chick from Philly’s (I think) tryouts last year. She is really kind of weird but was not so scary this time around. Last year she went on a cussing rampage and really acted horrible. This time I think she just walked away quietly, but I missed it cuz of the kids, oh well!!

Patricia Roman picked Whitney and almost missed her chance to Hollywood. Why don’t people listen to the judges? They always tell someone every year they types of songs or artist NOT to pick and they always come in there singing Whitney or Celine and these are artist you cannot do better than so you DON’T attempt their songs in an audition. They put her through to Hollywood, but we’ll see if she makes it through the week.

So I’m adding Jorge, Melinda, Nick, Monique and Patricia to my Hollywood Week Watch List.

And FINALLY … Hollywood week is here starting next Tuesday! I’m psyched to see what changes they have made. Looks like they are getting right to the point and weeding out the bad ones from the jump!! Nerves be dammed. Either get up there and do it or push on baby!!! Whoo hoo! Can’t wait!

On to Hell’s Kitchen……

American Idol - Season 8 - Jacksonville Florida

Day 1

Joshua Ulloa – He sang a Marvin Gaye song with Blake-ish type sound effects instead of beat boxing. For that reason, Simon called him gimmicky. I liked his style, but I’m not sure if his vocals will be strong enough by themselves without the “gimmick”

Sharon Wilbur – This girl brought her dog with her to the try out. S/he was cute, but I am not fond of the dogs coming everywhere with me. They can stay out in the backyard and out of my house. (no offense AP and Maggie Mae!) Her voice is not strong enough for Hollywood to me, but we’ll see. A lot of people have stepped it up once the pressure is on!

Dana Moreno – screeched ….that was not singing.

Kaneswa – Is totally tone deaf!! Poor girl. Why do these parents let their children embarrass themselves like that?

Julissa – OK, Not trying to be mean, but I totally thought, from the quick flash during the commercial, that this was a drag queen. Not sure she will get past Hollywood week, her voice was not that strong to me.

Darin Darnell –Did his audition crying for his friend Devin Cates who already was sent packing. He is just WAY too weak for this business per Kara, but he didn’t have the voice either. I don’t think it really mattered that he was crying. It would have been horrible if he was still dancing in the halls!

Naomi Sykes – During this audition (the last of the day) they all got kinda weird. Naomi’s frind Samantha sits on Randy’s lap per Simon’s invite to watch her friend audition. Who by the way compares herself to Mariah Carey…immediately I’m thinking OMG NOOOO! So Sam is sitting on Randy, Paula gets up and sits on Simon, and then they tell Ryan to sit on Kara’s lap. That was just weird….really what’s in the cup guys??? You can tell me, I won’t tell anyone!!!! LOL The sad thing is this girl really thought she sang the song very well, “this time”. (Yes, I quote her) She sang Minny Riperton and NO she could not hit the high note!!! But in her after interview she says “I hit the high note really good that time!! OMG….my sides hurt ….poor thing, but thanks for the laugh, eh!

Day 2

Jasmine Murray – Way too much make-up on her face, especially for a 16 year old! But nice voice and will prolly do very well. We’ll see, she is young and age or non-experience could play against her if she’s not smart. I guess she kinda gives off a bad aura to me, spoiled brat syndrome I guess….I’m looking to see more of her personality without all the people that spoil her around her.

George Ramirez – Was dreadful. Painful even. His wildest dream is to have a house with marble floors. Just weird….

Ann Marie Boskovich was told to go get pretty and come back but man she has a gorgeous voice from what I heard.

TK Hash – Sang John Lennon Imagine. Nice voice. Simon was the only judge who said no. Not sure he has strong enough chops to make it through Hollywood week. Again, we’ll see, you never know how people will face up to challenges.

Michael Perelli – Nice tone. They are telling him to put a band together and work some more on his voice. To me, that was weird! I’m not really sure why they turned him down to not even come to Hollywood!?

Ann Marie Boskovich goes back and get approval from the judges and they still make her sing again and of course she makes it to Hollywood. She’s definitely a favorite of mine to watch from Jacksonville.

Salt Lake City tomorrow night! Some of the previews look pretty scary!

On to Fringe…….

American Idol - Season 8 - Louisville

Louisville

We are getting closer and closer to Hollywood week! I can’t wait to see how all the folks on my watch list make out at the end of that week! Well, on with the show……

Tiffany Shedd – Ugh…they started scary!! That was suppose to be Mariah Carey but that was horrendous!!

Joanna Pacitti – Kara advised that she knows this girl, and she used to be signed with A&M Records. She decides to sing Pat Benatar and she rocked it. She’s obviously had a really emotional ride on her road to making music as she burst into tears when she gets 4 yeses.

Mark was….I can’t even describe it, but he prolly can’t sing anything outside of Blue Grass country music and is totally not right for the competition. He’s the one that tells the judges to be careful in everything they do to which Paula says I don’t know about you, but I’m flying out of here tonight! Simon asks if he was trying to threaten them. Rather scary..lol

Brent Keith Smith – Soulful sound. He’s promising and could prolly hold up through Hollywood week. I think the girls wait at a moment to jump down Simon’s throat when he’s only trying to give constructive criticism at times.

Matt Giraud – very soulful!!! I love his sound! Reminds me of Robin Thicke or even Elliott Yamin like Simon said! Early favorite for me!!

Ross P. – Was too funny in the fact that he thought studying utube videos was going to assist him with making it to American Idol! Then he picks an Opera song to sing….why do these people tourture themselves? Are they trying to give us hernias from laughing so hard at them??

Alexis Grace – Young mother with the military boyfriend sounds promising. The arm flailing was kinda annoying, but she does have a nice voice. We’ll see if she can make it through Hollywood.

Aaron Williamson – When he started singing I thought Paula was going to run out of her seat thru the back window!! He scared the crap out of the panel so I guess that should tell you how good he was! Just sad!

Rebecca Garcia – She was having a seizure or something! Not sure what was going on! Kara thought she was pulling a joke since she was voted funniest in high school. She completely dissed her!!! OK, she didn’t mean too, but she totally did!

Kris Allen, Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson, and Shera Lawrence were all in a quick clip of their audition and them getting the ticket to Hollywood. The one that really caught my attention in that clip was Felicia Barton. She actually has the same texture voice as the artist whose song she sang, which is one of my favorites. Corrine Bailey Rae.

Leneshe Young – While she was telling her homeless story I was just praying she’d have a voice to back up all the emotional votes she’s pulling, right??!! She then goes and decides to sing her own song, a song she wrote. OH goodness, I’m nervous and…..wait for it…..she was good!! The song was cute, she’s a cute girl and that would be the ultimate rags to riches story at this point! We’ll see how she does in Hollywood!

So I think they said something like 12 total, but maybe it was more…I was in the kitchen washing out the coffee pot when they were doing the good bye talks and ending credits and stuff, so I missed the actual total, but MAN, I have to say…..this year is looking up! There has been some really really good talent coming through the auditions this year. Or at least they are showing us more of the good ones!! Which I can so appreciate!

On to Lie to Me…I love Tim Roth and I really like the concept of this show. So you know me, I have to check it out!

Also, out of curiosity...is anyone checking out True Beauty???? I'm so enjoying watching all these vain, insensitive, think they are better than life folks get put politely in their place and told about themselves!!! I really think it will come down to CJ and Chelsea winning the plug in People Magazine, but we'll see!!

American Idol - Season 8 - Watch List

So far, these are the folks I’m going to be looking for and watching how they fair in Hollywood, too early to pick favorites so I’m going to be watching attitudes and things of such once Hollywood week begins: (The top 5 on each list are my favorites from each city)

Phoenix, Arizona

Arianna Afsar

Emily Minor

Deanna Brown

Cody Sheldon

JB

Stevie Wright

Michael Sarver

Kansas City

Daniel Gokey

Anoop Desai

Lil Rounds

Asa Barnes

Jamar Rogers

Matt Breitzke

Michael Castro

Jessica Furney

Next City…..

I Believe......

A Birth Certificate
shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I
Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I
Believe..
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a
while and you must forgive them for that.

I
Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love..

I
Believe..
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I
Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I
Believe...
That you should always lea ve loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I
Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I
Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.

I
Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I
Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I
Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing
and have the best time.

I
Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I
Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what
you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've
celebrated.

I
Believe..
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I
Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your
grief.

I
Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we
are responsible for who we become.

I
Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.

I
Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I
Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a
friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I
Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

American Idol - Kansas City

Kansas City

OK..I didn't get in till the point when they were talking to David Cook's parents

The run of all the horrible talent was too funny....all the guys..didn't catch anyone's name, too busy laughing.

Vaughn I think, with the hat, just had too much screaming to tell if he could really sing. We'll see how he does in Hollywood.

Michael Castro was surprisingly OK. I don't think the judges would have put him through if it wasn't for Jason being there last year. I'm interested to see just how far he makes it. Jason is definitely cuter to me, but he has potential.

Matt Breitzke the welder has a nice tone and sounded great to me. Randy is suffering from ID-10-T. Matt seems like a big teddy bear and has my attention to see how far he goes.

Jaz was totally Adam's Family scary!

Jessica Furney was on point!! Great tone! This season's Janice Joplin, obviously since they actually showed footage of her with her grandmother and everything! I'm curious to see how far she makes it.

Asia McClain and her sister India Morrison were interesting. I'm not sure why India was given a ticket to Hollywood?? I might need to watch it again, I was distracted.....

Jamar Rogers, sang California Dreaming and was surprisingly good. Not sure how far he'll go, but he sounds good.

Daniel Gokey the best friend of Jamar, was a surprise to me as well!! I cried for his story. I couldn't imagine loosing my best friend!! His wife was a very pretty woman. He is one of my early favorites, not just for his story, but I love his voice. He skipped around Marvin Gaye like it was nothing!

Anoop Desai was completely unexpected and was good! Nice voice! Nice tone, and they were able to change Clay Aiken's nerdy look so I'm sure they can desolve his geek look as Simon calls it if it gets to that point.

Andrew Lang the one with the cheerleaders, was just horrible. I was embarrased for him.

Asa Barnes the band director, was OK. He's cute, we'll see how far he makes it during Hollywood week. This year is starting to look really good so far!! I'll watch him just cuz he's cute.

Michael Nicewonder I felt really bad for. His mom told him he couldn't sing and he still decided to humiliate himself! Just sad.

Dennis Brigham begged his way to Hollywood! It's a shame that folks like this are making it to Hollywood and others are told they get one song attempt ....I doubt he'll make it far in Hollywood but we'll see.

Mia Conley the sleeper was just crazy to think she was singing!

Lil Rounds mother of 3 kids has wonderful vocals, we will prolly see her on the show!

So now we are left to ponder these potential Idols till next Tuesday! From the previews Hollywood week is going to be pretty interesting.

American Idol - Season Premier in Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Day 1

Michal Jackson wanna be with the Afro - that was just SAD!!!

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Emily. She reminds me of our girl Carly with all her tattoos, but she has a pretty voice AND Barracuda is a hard song to sing!!

JB sounds really good!! Looks like the family may be having some really hard times!!

Michael Gurr was just WRONG!!!! Was he trying to use the bathroom??? He sound like PeeWee Herman on meth trying sing like Prince!!! ROFL

Will Kunick was a joke.

D.J. Bailey was another joke.

Shawn Vasquez...killed Dionne Warwick really bad! Hubby and I argued over if it was a girl or a guy. I was going off of the spelling of his name and hubby was going off of what she looked like!! LOL

XRay otherwise known as Aundre Caraway was seriously HIGH on something!!! He inhaled, injected, or did something not right to himself before he got there....just weird!

Arianna Afsar is 16, cute as a button and the typical American Idol "image" (Jordin Sparks) Then she has also started a local neighborhood program called Adopt a Grand-friend, her and other teens visit elderly in nursing homes. Now, on top of that she can sing. Corinne Bailey Rae has an EXTREMLEY distinct voice and for her to pull off her song and not sound horrible was impressive to me! I will be keeping an eye on her!

Day 2

Elijah Scarlett was such a disappointment....with that voice it would have been NICE if he could have actually carried a tune!! Paula had me dying with her comment about doing movie voice-overs.... one's with monsters in them!!

Lea the 16 year old with the pink cowboy hat, I agree with the judges, she needs more work on her voice. She could be good, but not yet. (I had to add this, if they could let the girl with the bikini through then why not this girl???) S3xist!!!

Stevie Wright has a nice voice. Cara (the new judge??) and Paula thinks she's the ONE. We'll see!

Michael Sarver sang Thank You from Boyz II Men, one of my favorites, and he did it well. Not sure how he'll do in Hollywood, but I like him so I'll be watching him as well!! He has two little kids and a wife.

Katrina Darrell in the bikini was a useless waste of space...she has NO body, as hubby says "under-developed" I don't think she'll make it through Hollywood at all. Potential to sleep with everyone there. We'll see!

Sexual Chocolate (missed his name) no matter, that was a JOKE!!

Brianna Quijada, Simon put her through, I'm not sure she's strong enough to make it through Hollywood week, but we'll see.

Deanna Brown is nasally like Chris Richardson at times, but with work could be improved. She has a very distinct sound to her voice and could really go far. Beautiful blue eyes.

Cody Sheldon sang Wonderful World...I think he's a cutie, I don't make horror films, but I sure do like to watch 'em...hehe

Alex does have an interesting sound but not sure he'll make it past Hollywood either.

Scott Macintyre is a partially blind songwriter/singer. He sounds OK...we'll see

So that was the beginning of season 8 and in total 27 gold tickets handed out in Phoenix Arizona.

Let it go...

Let it go for 2009...
By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk
away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into
staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to
see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us
that it might be made manifest that they were not for
us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have
continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you.
And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.


And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just
means that their part in the story is over. And you've got
to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep
trying to raise the dead.

You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you
something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I
believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm
faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong
to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and
see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents ....

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take

you to a new level in Him......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken
relationship.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try
to help themselves......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed .......

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so
used to handling yourself

and God is saying "take your hands off of it,"

then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2009!!!



LET IT GO!!!



Get Right or Get Left
.. think about it, and then ....

LET IT GO!!!

"The Battle is the Lord's!"

During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are
doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only ONE minute!)

All you have to do is the following:

You simply say "The Lords Prayer" for the person that
sent you this message:

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom

Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the
Glory, forever.

Amen.

Next, send this message to everyone you know. In a
while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have
obtained a lot of people praying for others!

Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in
your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him.

Jesus said,
If you are ashamed of me,

I will be ashamed of you
before My Father"

If you are not ashamed, send this message...

only if you believe.

"Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of

Life and My Savior.

He Keeps me going day and night.

Without Him, I am no one.

But with Him, I can do
everything, Christ is my strength."

If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the
great things that
He has done for you send this on.
God loves you and watches over you everyday.

Prayers have been answered!!!

My prayers have been answered!!!!
For those of you that have been following my Saga, I couldn't wait for the AI site to come back up to post this!!
My company that I have been working at as a contractor since July 2006, yes, that's right, 2 years and 7 months I have been a contractor with this company and I have FINALLY been offered a permanent position!!!

WHOO HOOO!!! I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it.... hehe

I ended up being offered $2000 less than I was asking for per year, but you know what...my asking was a "lil" high so they actually gave me just what I was expecting and it's all right with me!!! I'm now also eligible for benefits along with bonuses and the whole niner..hehe

I'm not getting a huge raise, but the benefits, vacation, sick time, etc, etc, etc....more than makes up for it all!!!

I can finally get my daughter's poor cavity taken care of and we can get my son's CPAP Machine so he can finally sleep normally for a change!!! Hubby and I can finally get our WAY over due Well Exams done!!

The HARDEST part about all of this is going from getting paid weekly for the last 8 years and now having to learn to adjust and budget with a bi-monthly salary!!!

GOD is the greatest!!