Alexis Grace Can’t Sing Herself to Safety

March 19, 20097:12 p.m.

Alexis Grace is the latest axed from American Idol.  The judges told the pink and blonde-haired mom that if she impressed with her farewell song, they would save her.  She did not perform up to the judges’ standards and is on her way home.  And if being sent home was not bad enough, she just missed a spot on the national “American Idols Live” Tour later this summer. 

Alexis Grace sang Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” but the Dolly comparisons ended with Alexis’ blonde hair and pretty face.  The judges believed Alexis didn’t put enough “dirty” rock edge into Tuesday night’s performance, something they believe has carried her through the competition to this point.

The remaining final 10 Idols can now breathe a sigh of relief because they have   secured a spot on the official Idol tour.  As a finalist during season six, I was able to go on the tour, which is a huge advantage in securing a record deal and media coverage.  But more importantly, I was able to sing for the fans.  It really is an amazing experience to travel the country for three months and meet the people who helped keep you on the show.  Tonight’s “Kiss Off” party, the final get-together highlighted on tonight’s show, will be bittersweet since everyone but Alexis will be on the tour. 

This is one of the strongest Top 10 we have had to date.  The semi-finals left some people doubting if this crop of Idols would be able to step up and deliver a great season with a superstar winner. 

One of the reigning queens of country and American Idol superstar, Carrie Underwood, returned to the stage that made her famous singing with fellow Opry member and this week’s mentor, Randy Travis.  They showed the Idols what America expects from winners!

Next week only, American Idol will air Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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Opry on Idol

March 17, 20099:25 p.m.

American Idol has gone country, choosing tonight’s songs from the catalogues of the Grand Ole Opry’s members.  I have had the honor of singing on the Grand Ole Opry stage several times, a highlight of my career!  I obviously have a soft spot for the Opry and country music, having released my first album in the country market.  Thanks to all of you who bought the record this week.  I re-entered the charts and those who ponder these things attribute it to this blog!  Now on to Idol…   

Some of tonight’s Idols honored country music’s greatest stage with their performances. Anoop Desai left the silliness and returned to solid singing with Willie Nelson’s “You Are Always On My Mind.”  He reminded us that he is a great singer.  He saved himself, because if this performance was not great, he probably would have gone home tomorrow night.

Allison Iraheta rocked out “Blame It On Your Heart.”  I loved her raspy powerful vocals on this song.  Thought it was great!

Kris Allen is winning me over, more and more each week.  I thought his version of Garth Brooks’ “To Make You Feel My Love” was a great song to highlight his talent.  It was a simple and nice performance that will definitely carry him through to next week.

Matt Giraud sang Carrie Underwood’s “So Small.”  He did a great soulful job but seemed a bit out of breath during the entire performance.  I have been a Matt fan from the beginning and tonight is no exception.    

Danny Gokey also sang Carrie Underwood.  My Christian brother was anointed while singing “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”  You could tell he was singing from his heart. I don’t see him coming to Nashville for country music but I hope he does join me here in the contemporary Christian music scene.  

Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert probably will not be hitting Nashville’s Music Row for a country record deal anytime soon either.

Lil Rounds was the least comfortable we have seen her all season.  She sang Martina McBride’s anthem “Independence Day.”  She obviously did fine and will have no problem moving on but I think there were better songs for her, as did the judges.  I am waiting for the season when the “R&B” gal sings Rebecca Lynn Howard’s “Forgive.”  LaKisha Jones would have blown it out of the water during my season.

Regarding Adam Lambert’s “Ring of Fire,” let me first say that I am a Johnny Cash fan. I live in Johnny Cash’s hometown of Hendersonville, Tenn.  My house is right off of the Johnny Cash Parkway.  I just didn’t like this rendition of “Ring of Fire.”  Honestly, I felt like Adam knew country wasn’t his thing so he just went completely over the top and a bit gimmicky/ tongue-in-cheek with his performance, ensuring everyone will be talking about him tomorrow.  That, I can understand and can even respect; his version of “Ring Of Fire”…not so much.   I couldn’t imagine him not sailing through.

I think that Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver will be in the bottom tomorrow.  Both performances were just too forgettable.     

So you think anyone from this crop of Idols will end up singing at the Opry? Did you love or hate Adam’s performance?  Who do you think did the best tonight?

I will be writing my blog from the road for the next couple of weeks.  I am actually on the “American Stars in Concert: Spring Break Tour” with Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen and Chikezie.  Check out www.philstacey.com to check out the dates.  Hope to see you sometime soon! 

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Judges Don’t Save Jasmine Murray or Jorge Nunez

March 11, 200910:08 p.m.

Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were the first casualties from this year’s American Idol finals. They were sent home after the producers altered the rules, giving the judges an opportunity to save only one contestant this year. Before Top Five week, the judges have one opportunity to unanimously “save” the person voted off resulting in no one going home. The following week, two Idols will end up on the chopping block.

Jasmine Murray, the teenage beauty queen, was made to sing Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There” one last time to see if she was worthy of redemption by the judges. This was her last performance on the Idol stage.

After performances from Kanye West and the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Anoop Desai and Jorge Nunez were the last Idols left to find out their fate.

Again, it was no surprise when the judges chose not to pardon Jorge Nunez, the Puerto Rican crooner. He gave a nice showing in the semifinals but just didn’t measure up to his competition. Singing Jackson’s “Never Can Say Goodbye,” I think Jorge came across a tad old fashioned and bland.

Anoop dodged the major bullet of choosing to do a cheesy rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” If he learns some lessons from this week, he could be back in the game.

We also got a sneak peak at the Idol’s new party house. They live in a mansion! They have a bowling alley, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, steam room and home theater. I had to share a two-bedroom apartment with Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson and Chris Sligh … and Chris Sligh snores!

Next week we should return to a semblance of the tried and true format. Only one person will be voted off, and I foresee Ryan continuing to stretch five minutes of drama into an hourlong show … sprinkled with celebrity performances. Of course we now have the judges’ new super-save-powers to mix things up.

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Top 13 Sing Jacko

March 10, 20099:57 p.m.

The Top 13 of American Idol took to the stage and vied for America’s votes tonight singing songs made famous by Michael Jackson. The stakes are very high. Two Idols will be voted off in order to compensate for the extra finalist added during the wild-card round. And to top it off, new rules that will change Idol will be announced tomorrow. Interesting … I wonder if it is going to a system much like “Dancing with the Stars” – giving the judges more power. I wonder if they are going to change the name of the show to “American and Judges’ Idol.”

I am actually in L.A. and was able to watch the show live with my soon-to-be tour mate, Season 7’s Chikezie. It was very surreal to experience American Idol sitting in the audience instead of on the stage. I felt like I was returning to high school a couple of years after graduation. I loved my time on Idol but would not want to trade places with any of the contestants! I still get nervous when I hear the show’s theme music.

I did have a chance to meet some of this year’s group. As expected, they all were class acts.

Tonight’s shining stars included Lil Rounds, the mother of three from Memphis. She continued to dominate and started the night off by belting out “The Way You Make Me Feel.” It was no surprise that the judges gave her rave reviews.

Danny Gokey, one of my early favorites, brought the house down with “PYT” (Pretty Young Thing). I thought this was a soulful and energetic performance. He knocked it out of the park and I agree with Paula saying he is well on his way to the finals.

Allison Iraheta, the spunky red-headed 16-year-old, turned “Give In to Me” into a great rock anthem. She is really carving out a place for herself on the show.

I also really enjoyed Matt Giraud. I think he is a contender and steadily earning new fans.

The judges absolutely loved Adam Lambert, the rock-goth “Wicked” star, who performed “Black and White.” This was too theatrical for me. The energy was amazing, but I do feel like it was over the top. He obviously has a great voice and will stay around for a long time.

There really wasn’t a complete dud performance but Louisville auditioner Kris Allen and Anoop Desai should be worried tomorrow.

Kris Allen, the newlywed from Conway, Ark., sang, “Remember the Time.” He has a nice voice but his performance really got lost in the crowd tonight. I don’t think he has enough momentum to carry him on in the competition.

Anoop Desai, the son of Indian immigrants and an early favorite, sang “Beat It.” This was a bad song choice. It bordered on gimmicky, like watching an “American Pie” character perform for Idol. But, I would not be surprised if his fans pulled through for him and he makes it through.

With two finalists getting axed and no major flops, each Idol should be worried about going home.

What do you all think? Was Adam as great as Paula thought?

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Lucky 13

March 5, 20099:34 p.m.

We had a “shocker” tonight … our beloved Top 12 is now Top 13. I think this is an olive branch the producers have given us after putting us through the horrid wild-card process. I’ll take it. I personally prefer contestants being voted out instead of in the finals. I think great talent didn’t have the face time needed and fell through the cracks this year. Also, I don’t like the judges handpicking 30 percent of the Top 13. I feel gypped! And who are we kidding – the judges/ producers already knew who was going through before tonight began. Do they really think we believed they picked almost a third of the finalists during the last commercial break?

Now to the good stuff … Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai have been added to the Idol roster rounding out our Top 13.

Matt Giraud’s performance was great. He picked a great song that really showed his personality but more importantly what kind of record he will make. Before the judges begin critiquing him I was confident he would be in the Top 12. I only doubted myself after Matt came head-to-head with Anoop for the final spot.

Anoop has been a shoo-in the moment he was passed over by voters. I believe he has a huge fan base and will go far in the finals. That being said – WHY did he repeat the same song? I think the judges’ comments telling him it was OK to repeat a song after just cutting on Tatiana for the same thing was unfair. I think it was just their way of covering the bases knowing he was going to sail through. Anoop will go far- I predict Top 3.

I didn’t love Megan Joy’s performance. There was nothing really bad about it; it just felt strained or that she was fighting for her life. I completely understand this and as a former contestant can only say I’ve been there! But the judges loved it and sent her through. I think she could go far. She reminds me of the edgier Brooke White.

Jasmine Murray did a nice version of my daughter’s favorite Mulan song, “Reflections.” Showing the judges a bigger voice really paid off. The finals need more girls, and young is always a plus so she is in!

I couldn’t leave you all tonight without mentioning Tatiana, back in all her glory! The drama queen brought the same Whitney and I think the same disco dress with her. I talked to some of my sources at Idol and they LOVE her. Don’t worry, my sources are more middle management, thus not responsible for her amazing staying power. They say she entertains them to no end and can actually sing. Her appearance tonight was not a surprise as was her theatrical reaction to not making it.

Well, we are done with all of the characters and on the real competition! Let the games begin!

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Congrats to Jorge Nunez!

March 4, 20097:43 p.m.

Tonight’s show started with a glimpse of a producer’s desire to be current. The final group of 12 smiled vigorously as they crooned Katy Perry’s “Hot ‘n’ Cold.” All this time I thought that it was the group SONG that made these performances so cheesy. You learn something new every day.

It was so clear that Lil Rounds and Scott MacIntyre would make it through to the finals that their victory announcements were made obviously anti-climatically. They knew that whoever won that coveted third seat would be a shock. It didn’t matter who it was.

My guess was that it would be between Felicia Barton, Von Smith, Ju’Not Joyner and Jorge Nunez. Because of personal connections, I was rooting for Felicia, but alas, Jorge is declared the victor.

I am very glad for him. This guy is an amazing artist. He has great control on his vocals and a fantastic sound. But now there are only three girls in the Top 12 so far and I can almost guarantee a wild-card spot for Anoop Desai, which would only leave two more spots even available for the girls. And given the level of talent that the guys brought to the table, I would be surprised to see either of those spots taken by girls. But I’m still rooting for Felicia.

So what do you think? Do you have any guesses at who will take those final two spots?

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A Night Full of Talent

March 3, 20099:35 p.m.

Hello everyone! First, I have some Idol alumni news to share. My dear friend and fellow contestant Chris Sligh has been nominated for New Artist of the Year and you can vote for him! Go to www.doveawards.com and show Chris some love! Also I am hitting the road with Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen and Chikezie on tour starting – March 15. We will be hitting cities across the USA so make sure to check out my website, www.philstacey.com, for information. OK, enough self-promotion …

Now my predictions for this week… (drum roll please)… Lil Rounds and Scott MacIntyre. No surprise. I told you this when they first auditioned.

Lil Rounds didn’t disappoint; she did amazing. I think singing Mary J. Blige was a great choice for her. She really came out and showed America what kind of record she will put out. This is hard for contestants to do this early on in the competition.

Scott MacIntyre is obviously a judge favorite that can do no wrong. Simon and Randy at least acknowledged that the performance wasn’t perfect but I don’t think he will be leaving anytime soon. It is about time Idol produced someone for the Josh Groban market.

Now for the real competition – the coveted third spot. I think it will be between Felicia Barton, Ju’Not Joyner and maybe Jorge Nunez. Von Smith may also have a long shot. I have been excited to watch Felicia Barton for some time now. She is a cousin of a friend (full disclosure) and I am hoping she does well. I think she could be the dark horse of this week but her lack of previous screen time could hurt her.

Ju’Not Joyner did a great job. He has a great voice and I think his voice and style could help him stand out this season. I do wish we could have heard a song that he hasn’t been filmed singing yet.

Jorge Nunez is a strong contender for the third spot and could be an upset. Because he sang at the end of the show he does hold an advantage. People will remember how genuine he came across. I think he could build a huge fan base. And I agree with Simon on being true to his heritage. There is obviously a huge market for Spanish-singing crooners. Just ask Beyonce.

Also, Anoop’s fans want me to make sure you all go to YouTube and check out “noop dog millionaire.” I’m happy to pass along the info – I’m sure we will be seeing him singing next week.

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And Three More Are Chosen

Feb. 26, 20098:05 p.m.

 

Yes, I am a little surprised by the results tonight.  The truth is, I didn’t even remember Kris Allen’s performance at the end of the night.  I did go back and watch it and I am actually glad he made it through.  He sounded great in some parts of his song, but there were some rough spots.  But he has a great voice and I will be looking forward to seeing more from him.

 

There was a small part of me that expected an upset from Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle.

 

Allison Iraheta was the best performance of the night for me and I think she has the chops to go very far.  Adam Lambert has some skills and I can easily see him in the Top 6.  I think after we see next week’s performances we will have a more clear picture of who we really need to be watching for.

 

Until then, be blessed.

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Idol Hits a Sour Note

Feb. 25, 20099:06 p.m.

Coming into tonight, there were only a few contestants I really remembered from the audition and Hollywood Rounds. And of course, I was anxious to see what Norman Gentle would do. I expected Matt Giraud to do very well and thought Adam Lambert would pull something out. There seems to be some tight competition amongst the guys this year. On the other hand, I was still waiting for a girl to come out and really shock us with something brilliant.

At the end of the day, I’m a little disappointed as an Idol fan. I know it is against the rules for anyone from the show to help with song selection, but tonight I wish they had. The song choices were terrible for the most part. It’s sad really because I know there is some real talent in this group.

My first comment is about Norman Gentle. Yes, he is entertaining. But his performance of “And I Am Telling You” was more interesting the first AND second time we saw it. Can he not do “Norman Gentle” on another song?

My second is about Adam Lambert. This dude has a sick range. However, it still seems a bit theatrical to me. But he’s good. He was one of the only redeeming factors about tonight’s show.

Predictions for tonight are difficult for me because it was not a very good night for anyone. My guesses would be Adam Lambert, Mishavonna Henson and Allison Iraheta. The field is wide open for some surprises. Nick Mitchell could offer an upset and I would actually like to see more from Matt Giraud.

What do you think? I’d like to hear your thoughts on tonight’s show.

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No Big Surprises for the Top 12

Feb. 18, 20099:56 p.m.

So the first finalists officially named are Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey … What do you think? Did they get it right?

I personally felt that Anoop Desai was a little robbed. No, he didn’t give the greatest performance we had seen from him, but we know that he is capable of greatness. But to be honest, I suspect we will see him return as a wild card just like Clay Aiken did Season 2. And I expect he will make it to the Top 10 as well.

Michael Sarver will have a big Texas fan base pulling for him, but I think he would gain a much broader fan base if he would start singing country music. Come on, Michael! Your life is a country song! It is who you are!!!

Anyway, I felt bad for Tatiana, but it was bound to happen some time or the other. Next week is a whole new lineup. Is there anyone we should be watching out for? We’ll see. I’m still waiting for a girl to knock one out of the park.

Until then, be safe.

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