Ralph Berrier, who writes the Riffs column for The Roanoke Times, has written a column for Friday's paper about how "American Idol" has even wormed its way into the Super Bowl. For those who aren't caught up: A video of Paula performing her new song "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" will air at some point during the game. And, according to Ralph's column, Randy is going to dance.
What?
Here's Ralph's take on it. Sounds right on to me.
Tonight's show was a bit mellow. I don't know if it's me, getting a little tired of the audition process, or if it was just the level of talent. Even the bad auditions weren't all that bad. I think that was part of the problem. It was all just a little flat. I will admit, I thought this week was the end of the audition round. I was a bit deflated to hear that there are more next week.
Feel free to make comments. If you're an avid fan of the show, let me know. E-mail me and maybe you can be a guest blogger. I welcome the help.
That was Paula's quote about Brandon Black, Miami's last contestant. She was spot-on. Just enough already. And I don't even have to sit through all those auditions.
The boys brought the talent in Omaha, but the girls stepped up in Miami.
The duo of Britney and Corless made it through. What's with the duos making it through to Hollywood this season? It's rare. Anyway, I love their bigger-than-life personalities. I don't think they'll go too far in the competition, but they'll be fun to watch.
Single-mom Suzanne Toon (I thought she looked a little like Alicia Silverstone) was interesting. I think she could easily get lost in the fray. She'll need to make herself stand out.
Ramiele Malubay. What a big voice for a small girl! That's all I have to say about that. Except for I wonder how annoyed she gets at being called "cute" and "adorable" ALL the time?
Syesha Mercado sang an Aretha Franklin song. At first I didn't think she'd pull it off, but it wasn't bad. (Not that I'm an expert, mind you.) Syesha's dad just got out of rehab and they had a moment together on screen. Seemed a bit exploitive, but then again it is "American Idol."
Go girls!
Miami brought with it a lot of Janis Joplin. I thought there'd be more Gloria Estefan. Janis is tough to sing. The meat market girl tried to sing some Janis and Simon likened her to a "Hungarian Janis Joplin."
Then Julie Debela from "American Juniors" sang Janis. Aside from Julie's total weird persona, I thought her voice wasn't that bad. It was just the rest of her. Get some therapy, Julie. Figure out who you are. (She is 16, though.)
I am a big fan of David Cook, the guy with a splotch of red hair. Anyone who can belt out Bon Jovi (and not the drunk karaoke versions I'm used to hearing) has my vote.
Leo Marlowe is another favorite. He said "My mom always said she had a homecoming queen; she just wished it was one of her daughters." Awww.....we love Leo. And he's got a voice, too.
At the very beginning of the show, an obviously non-anorexic woman was sporting a t-shirt that said "I beat anorexia." (Note: I am not laughing at anorexia, I'm laughing at the shirt. That is all.)
When Chris Bernheisel (the sweet little oddity that kicked off Omaha's auditions) said "I'm so happy I could burst and happiness is gonna go flying everywhere!!" (If I could, I would've dotted the "i's" with hearts.) And the fact he did a handstand during his performance. And the gifts he brought to the judges. And last but certainly not least, Chris' grandmother's hair. I was floored. Give the poor woman a comb, at least.
I think while Paula was in that holding pattern she was knocking back a few. It was nice to see her a bit more animated tonight, though. I've missed that. It's familiar.
Some quirky Paula behavior:
The loud out-of-nowhere hiccup ... what are you mixing in that Coke, Paula?
At one point I could've sworn she was using the table to hold herself up. She had heavy-head.
Her facial expressions were priceless. A friend of mine said maybe she was seeing double and that was her problem.
Maybe Paula needs to be on that new show "Moment of Truth." I'd like to watch her attempt to trick the lie detector test when they ask her if she's on anything and she says no.
Tonight I watched the Omaha auditions at a friend's house. I recommend that, it's more fun. My friend Jenny makes me laugh with her sarcastic comments. She's an avid Idol fan. Tonight's funny remark was "What the hell happened to Grandma's hair?" when first contestant Chris Bernheisel left the show with his dad and grandmother. Seriously, though, grandma did need a comb.
Overall, I thought the Omaha auditions went off without a hitch. Just the right combination of embarrassing attention-seekers and folks with actual talent. I found the contestants to be more sincere and I was happy the hour wasn't padded with too many back stories. Just straight-up auditions and Paula lunacy (more on her in another entry).
Instead of recapping the entire show, I'm going to just point out things I thought were funny.
AP photo
Clay Aiken recently told New York magazine that he's never been in a relationship and he's not interested in being in one, toying with the idea that he may be asexual. Thoughts?
It was announced that Carrie Underwood will perform at the Grammys on Feb. 10. My guess is she'll sing "Before He Cheats." What do you think?
Jordin Sparks is singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Phil Stacey has a CD coming out April 15. Will you buy it?
