X Factor US 3: Top 10 Studio Versions

I honestly find this theme weird - British Invasion - but I digress. I think a lot of people stumbled, but a few rose to the occasion and they're the usual suspects. Haha.

DAM'S PICK: Best Song Ever by Alex & Sierra, Sweet Dreams by Josh Levi, and Your Song by Rion Paige

X Factor US 3: Top 12 Studio Versions

Here are the studio versions for the Top 12 week where they all tackled the 80s. Not exactly the most current theme - obviously - but there were a couple gems in this group.

DAM'S PICK: Straight Up by Josh Levi, Addicted To Love by Alex & Sierra, and Borderline by Khaya Cohen

X Factor US 3: Top 13 Studio Versions

So, I've decided to post it anyway. Not sure how many are interested, but whatever. If I see that the interest is low for this post, I may just not post them.

DAM'S PICKS: I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Alex & Sierra, My Girl by Khaya Cohen and You Keep Me Hanging On by Sweet Suspense

The Voice 5: Top 8 Studio Versions

It hurts! While I'm still not over the fact that one of my favorites got eliminated this week - yes, I love myself some Ray Boudreaux. Haha. I kid - here are the studio versions of the Top 8.

DAM'S PICK: Dog Days Are Over by Caroline Pennell and Underneath It All by Tessanne Chin

X Factor US 3: Top 8 Results Show

X FACTOR US IS SUCH A JOKE. I mean, how come we always eliminate good people every week? Rachel Potter in Week 1, Khaya Cohen in Week 2, and now.. THAT? Simon was such a wuss to send the decision to deadlock. Why? Are you scared that the other person will ring your neck? Ok. I'm a terrible person, but I digress.

Oh, and this was so terrible, Demi Lovato performed and she should've been eliminated just from that vocals alone.

Results after the jump!

X Factor US 3: Top 8

Didn't expect that! Minus Restless Road's restless performance, this was probably X Factor's best episode this season. I didn't have a problem with the rest of the acts and for a big band theme, this was pretty good.

That said, the emphasis on the backstory on this show is so much worse than on any other reality singing competition. It's almost absurd! But I digress.

The Voice 5: Top 8 Results Show

I've said it yesterday, and I'll say it again. Tonight's results show will be nasty especially with a talent as deep as this season and, alas, it did happen as two frontrunners were up for elimination and it was pretty heartbreaking to see one of them leave the competition this early. Sigh.

Results after the jump!

The Voice: Top 8

With a complete turnaround of rankings this week - and on iTunes - this goes to show that anyone can still win this season - unlike the past two editions where it's already a foregone conclusion that both Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery would win their respective seasons.

So yes, I'm predicting that tomorrow will be a nasty cut. There's not enough fodders left and we're still left with 8 talented people. It's exciting, but terribly upsetting once the results are in. But then again, I digress. That's how the cookie crumbles.

Anyway, here we go!

American Idol 13: New Day, New Season!

Here's the latest American Idol XIII Promo, which centered mostly on the judges, and how much they are loving each other. Yes, the circus from Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey is already gone, and we're back to the old feel good vibe of American Idol.

I was very cautiously optimistic about this season, but this promo somehow made me really excited. If they can do this for the actual show and fix their song lists - then we may have something here. Oh, and this has to be the best looking judging panel they ever had.

Enjoy!

The Voice 5: Top 10 Studio Versions

Here's the Top 10 Studio Versions. This week, the song choices were a snoozefest for the most part, but at least some of them tried to be current no?

DAM'S PICK: Love Me Again by Will Champlin, We Belong by Kat Robichaud, To Be With You by Cole Vosbury and Clarity by Jacquie Lee

X Factor UK 10: Top 6

Unlike last week, almost everyone delivered strong performances. I still don't think they're a solid group compared to previous seasons, but I guess, there's nothing we could do to fix it. We're stuck with these guys until the crowning of the next X Factor UK winner.

Oh, and some alums were back to mentor and it's nice to see Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Olly Murrs, Shayne Ward, Joe McElderly, and Little Mix in the show again. That's the best thing about this episode.

Here we go!

X Factor UK 10: Top 7

Yet again, another annoying theme with more familiar song choices. No wonder it's all so boring and predictable. Ugh. It's so uninteresting, my blog post for X Factor UK are already a week late. Haha.

Here we go!

Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Movie novelty quickly wears thin, which is why so many sequels pale in comparison to the original, but The Hunger Games: Catching Fire turned out to be a more riveting narrative with a much better execution (no pun intended) than its predecessor. It did feel like the movie was a bit rushed in parts, but it was still immensely entertaining and I liked that this film expanded both the story and the characters out. Yes, when the "games" began, things went a little generic and familiar, but I didn't really mind. The visual effects looked a lot sharper this time, the editing was good, the direction was masterful, and the acting performances, especially from Jennifer Lawrence and Woody Harrelson, were mostly impressive. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was an expertly crafted film and a remarkable example of a great piece of entertainment. 9

X Factor US 3: Top 10 Results Show

The results this week were a mixed bag although I was dead on with my prediction from yesterday's post. One deserved to go home since The 4 Chair Challenge, but the other one - just like Rachel Potter from last week - was probably one of the only few people who could actually sing. It's a bit frustrating that as the number dwindle down to 8, we're stuck with half mediocre singers and half good vocalists. Oh well.

Oh, and just so you know, One Direction performed their new single, Story Of My Life.

Results after the jump!

X Factor US 3: Top 10

It's British Invasion Week and that's all I have to say as an introduction to this show. Ok. I'm kidding. But what else to say about this mess a show. Look, a couple of people did deliver nice to good performances, but for the most part, it's just blah. I don't know. It's frustrating and sad that this show isn't even trying to be good. Haha.

Oh, and Kelly Rowland just proved that she shouldn't be on this mess.

The Voice 5: Top 10 Results Show

Wow. Yes, the two people who hit Bottom 3 - and who eventually got the boot - were annoyingly predictable, but who joined them in that group was shocking. I knew we're up for a surprise, but I wasn't expecting THAT particular person to hit Bottom 3. How? Why?

Results after the jump!

The Voice 5: Top 10

Not sure if I was just holding a very high expectation of everyone - especially after the fantastic performances last week - but none of the performances tonight were anything to brag about. There was just way too much kumbaya around the campfire from most of them, the song choice were odd, and these contestants need to practice their lower register. I wouldn't be surprised if we get a shock boot tomorrow with a lackluster night all around.

Anyway, here we go!

The Voice 5: Top 12 Studio Versions

So I've decided to put up studio versions of the show starting this week. Let's hope I can keep this up until the end of the season. Haha. Oh, and I will also be giving my favorite recordings per post.

DAM'S PICK: All Of Me by Ray Boudreaux, My Kind of Love by Tessanne Chin, Sail by Kat Robichaud, Adorn by Cole Vosbury, and Demons by Will Champlin

DAM NATION: November 2013 Playlist

And here I am again with a post of DAM NATION's monthly playlist. To be honest, it's pretty tough to come up with JUST 15 songs as there are a couple of high profile releases this month. Anyway, here's a list of 15 songs that I (personally) fancy, that are already doing good on it's own and maybe some new singles from different artists that will probably - or maybe not - be hits in the next coming weeks in whatever format.

So, there! Enjoy!

1. The Monster Eminem (ft. Rihanna)

2. Demons Imagine Dragons

3. Story Of My Life One Direction

4. Unconditionally Katy Perry

5. Old School Love Lupe Fiasco (ft. Ed Sheeran)

6. Alive Dami Im

7. Timber Pitbull (ft. Ke$ha)

8. Sail AWOLNATION

9. What Now Rihanna

10. A Case Of You James Wolpert

11. Borrow My Heart Taylor Henderson

12. Do What You Want Lady Gaga (ft. R Kelly)

13. Let Me Go Avril Lavigne (ft. Chad Kroeger)

14. Better Together Fifth Harmony

15. Say Something A Great Big World (ft. Christina Aguilera)

DAM NATION

Password: Who ranked 3rd in The Voice 5: Top 12 Review?

X Factor US 3: Top 12 Results Show

Wow. With this kind of result, I wouldn't be surprised if Tim Olstad end up winning this whole thing and watch as Simon's biggest nightmare unfolds in front of him. Look, I never warmed up to the two eliminated acts, but they certainly weren't the worst act yesterday. I guess, I shouldn't expect much from a trainwreck season of X Factor no? Also, why was Demi Lovato so rude to Mario Lopez? Geez.

Oh, Selena Gomez and Fifth Harmony performed, and yes, I'm just putting it out there.

Results after the jump!

X Factor US 3: Top 12

ARE YOU F&%$ING KIDDING ME? '80s THEME? WAY TO BE RELEVANT! It would've been better if it's 1780s instead. Bring on Mozart! Haha. This show is giving me a headache!

But seriously, I don't think this show is even trying to survive after this season. It's like they gave up and just going along with the flow. It's a shame because there are a couple of little gems in this group. Yes, this is still probably the worst Top 12 in the history of reality singing competition, but potential is there. 

Oh, and Carlos Guevara was eliminated. Just putting it out there. Haha.

The Voice 5: Top 12 Results Show

As great as the show was yesterday, here's the inevitable task of sending two people home. Who will it be? Will the iTunes ranking be a good enough insight to know who will be eliminated? One thing's for sure, saving a contestant on the basis of number of tweet in 5 minutes is a mess - not that I disagree with the result, but it's stupid nonetheless. But I digress.

Results after the jump!

The Voice 5: Top 12

This! Is! The! Voice!

After last week, I figured that Season 5 isn't as talented as, say, Season 4, but this episode made me want to change my mind. Yes, I enjoyed the show and the performances immensely that I'm not sure I'm ready to let go of anyone just yet - ok, maybe two, but I digress.

There was NO serious train wrecks in this show - if you want one, wait for X Factor in two days. Haha. Yes, I went there - and that makes me anxious with tomorrow's results with two people going home. But we'll see. I'm just not ready for a shocking elimination yet so let the good ones stay first.

Oh, and one more thing, did an entire bee's nest sting Christina's lips? What happened? Haha.

Here we go!

X Factor UK 10: Top 8

I have nothing more to say to this. Yes, the theme offers a lot of possibilities, but this one was just as dire as last week's Disco theme. Can't they think of anything else? Add to that the fact that these contestants are average at best. There's a couple of shining little stars, but that's about it. Where are the Leona Lewis? The One Directions? The Cher Lloyds? The James Arthurs? Sigh.

Here we go!

American Idol 13: Who Will Take The Crown?

Kelly Clarkson. Carrie Underwood. Fantasia Barrino. Scotty McCreery. Phillip Phillips. Daughtry. Jennifer Hudson. Clay Aiken. Adam Lambert. Kellie Pickler. Jordin Sparks.

Yes! That one thing American Idol has over ALL of the other talent shows is a very long list of success stories. Sure, this promo acknowledged their perennial favorites, while consistently ignoring the others, but it is what it is. What can't be denied is the amount of talent that has emerged and the number of lives that have been changed by this cheesy show.

I love that this was designed to revive those feel good moments from the history of the show and foster feelings of nostalgia. The "WHO WILL BE NEXT?" shot was a bit of a hot mess, but I digress. In your face, X Factor and The Voice! Haha. I kid.

The Voice 5: Live Playoffs Results Show

Unlike last season, the results were both expected and unexpected for some weird reason. True, I was hoping for some shocking results, but I somehow didn't get that. One finalist wasn't voted by America to advance, which was surprising to me, but was saved by the judge's pick, so everything's all good. That being said, we actually have a good set of finalists this season.

Results after the jump!

X Factor US 3: Top 13 Redux

Yup. Since they messed up the voting numbers yesterday, EVERYONE gets to perform again with the elimination happening next week. Ironically, the less stellar production setup gave these contestants more pressure resulting to a slightly better performances compared to last night.

But enough of that, how did they do tonight?

X Factor US 3: Top 13

Not sure what to feel about this show, but it's like they weren't even trying to put a good show anymore and I'm thisclose to abandoning this show. I mean, Motown week again? Can't they think of anything else other than this tired theme? Also, why are the performances so short?

Oh, and don't get me started with Paulina Rubio. She's worse than a drunken sailor. "Lexington, South California", "Peachy", "The Jackson Fives", "Work In Process". I just can't. At the rate, I'll be shocked if there's a season four. Haha.

But enough of that, let's get on with the performances!

The Voice 5: Live Playoffs Part 2

Wait, did these coaches get a memo about canning the happy talk? Because otherwise, I don't understand why they're criticizing some people tonight after the travesty yesterday that were Nic Hawk and Grey! But whatever.

Tonight, the performances were a lot better although a bit underwhelming compared to last season. I must say though that Christina probably assembled the best team this season. I'm not underestimating Adam's team, but the most marketable performers are in Ms. Aguilera's team.

As for Cee Lo, he just broke his own record as the worst song picker EVER! At first, I thought he must really Amber for the song choice, but if all of his song choices for his team were equally bad, I guess, he's not really messing anyone up no? Haha. Good one, Cee Lo! But still.

Anyway, here we go!

The Voice 5: Live Playoffs Part 1

Why were these judges LOVING everyone? Were they pressured to blow smoke up their *sses? Throwing these folks platitudes and confetti is unnecessary at this point and yes, constructive criticism would be helpful. 

As for the episode, I thought it was kind of lackluster. There were a couple of great performances, but a lot of them - especially people I expected to do well - were underwhelming, to say the least. Not sure if it was just because I was expecting too much, but I digress.

Here we go!

X Factor UK 10: Top 9

Yikes! Disco Week? Where's the usual Halloween Special on X Factor UK? I was ready to hate this theme, but there were actually a couple of stand out performances from people I didn't really expect. So there's that. But I'm hoping that they'd have a couple of interesting themes in the next coming weeks or I'll punch a soul. Haha.

Here we go!

X Factor US 3: Ranking The Top 12

And here I am again stubbornly ranking the Top 12 of this season's X Factor US - as if I never learned anything no? Haha. I mean, for the past two seasons of X Factor US, I missed both Melanie Amaro and especially Tate Stevens' win. I'm usually on point with American Idol, but not with this show.

But yes, I’ll do what I do in every singing competition I blog here: an in-depth analysis of each of the finalists and where they stand in the competition. What have they done right? What have they done wrong? Are they smart? Are they idiots? Which one of the girls is most likely to put out on a first date? You know, the usual questions..

Here's how I rank the Top 12.

X Factor UK 10: Top 10

Oh great! The ever so unpredictable Movie Week! Ugh. Can't they be more creative with these themes? The entire episode was pretty underwhelming. Sure, some vocals were superior to others, but that was only because of how average the talent pool is this season. Plus, they're falling into the American idol territory with all of the old song choices! They need to recoup or else..

Here we go!

X Factor Australia 5 Wrap-Up: 20 Best Performances

X Factor Australia crowned it's fifth winner with Dami Im, it's time for the obligatory wrap-up post the series review. Again, this will be VERY subjective, but it's fun to take a look back at some of the best live performances of this season. It's not as tough as I thought, but that's not to say the performances were weak - there were actually a couple of stand outs.

So, what performances made the list?