American Idol 10: Wildcard Live Performances

A couple of days ago, I posted the Live Performances of this year's Top 24. Now, I give you the Wildcard Live Performances. Again, I wouldn't be able to post the iTunes version because the show didn't put it up on iTunes for purchase. Anyway, this is still legit. Enjoy!

Ashthon Jones: And I Am Telling You

Stefano Langone: I Need You Now

Kendra Chantelle: Georgia On My Mind

Jovany Barreto: Angel

Naima Adedapo: For All We Know

Robbie Rosen: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

Movie Review: The Adjustment Bureau

Let get straight to the point: I was severely disappointed with this film. Yes, there were a couple of redeeming factors in it and it had a huge potential to be great, but the film just didn't go anywhere - well, at least not literally. Haha.

I'll start with the positive. The chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt was surprisingly palpable. I found their performances pretty solid. I thought Emily Blunt was very charming complete with her snappy wit and sophisticated repartee, while Matt Damon did everything with the material he was given. If anything, they somewhat saved the film from being forgettable than it already was.

The film also looked quite stunning. The cinematography was decent and the transition shots from one place in New York to another were done really well. On a technical standpoint, I thought it delivered quite nicely.

Apart from the above, I seriously can't think of anything else because the script was dull, the plot was thin and predictable and the characters weren't really developed, even though I sensed that the two lead actors really tried to elevate the mediocre script. It was such a shame because this movie had an intriguing storyline, but it was executed in a lousy way, and I even stress that word to the fullest extent.

I thought the story just went on and on and some random decent chase scenes - which, to me, was added just for the heck of it - got a little repetitive after a few minutes. And when they entered the the third act, everything became such a mess. On top of that, the ending was lame. It seriously just didn't make sense. I guess, a passionate kiss can always save the day no? Haha. They could have polished up a bit more on the second half to keep it from becoming childish, I think.

As we all know, Hollywood and cliched endings go hand in hand and The Adjustment Bureau was just brimming with it. This was a perfectly watchable film - without being spectacular, mind you! - but not so well pulled together that it demands great thought and consideration after watching it. It's better than average, but forgettable. That is all.

RATING: 6/10

American Idol 10: Top 24 Live Performances

Just like every season, I will post the live performances and studio versions of everyone starting this week. But since American Idol changed a lot of things this year, I wouldn't be able to post the iTunes version of this season's Top 24 live performances because they didn't put it up in iTunes for purchase.

So, what I have now are the raw/unedited versions of their performances - yes, the iTunes live versions are edited with less pitch problems from the finalists. Enjoy!

Clint Jun Gamboa: Superstition

Jovany Barreto: I'll Be

Jordan Dorsey: OMG

Tim Halperin: Street Corner Symphony

Brett Loewenstern: Light My Fire

James Durbin: You Got Another Thing Comin'

Robbie Rosen: Angel

Scott McCreery: Letters From Home

Stefano Langone: Just The Way You Are

Paul McDonald: Maggie May

Jacob Lusk: A House Is Not A Home

Casey Abrams: I Put A Spell On You

Ta-tynisa Wilson: Only Girl (In The World)

Naima Adedapo: Summertime

Kendra Chantelle: Impossible
Rachel Zevita: Criminal

Karen Rodriguez: Hero
Lauren Turner: Seven Day Fool

Ashthon Jones: Love All Over Me
Julie Zorrilla: Breakaway

Haley Reinhart: Fallin'

Thia Megia: Out Here On My Own

Lauren Alaina: Turn On The Radio

Pia Toscano: I'll Stand By You*

*a little glitch with the audio.

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 5

Last November, I gave you the Glee: The Music, Volume 4. Now, it's time for another compilation! Glee: The Music, Volume 5!

This is a compilation of some songs that were released from Season 2. Sixteen tracks, which constitute performances from the second half of the current season. This includes two of their original songs, Loser Like Me and Get It Right, which will be performed at this year's Regionals. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD LINK WILL BE UP FOR 24 HOURS ONLY!! 

1.  Thriller/Heads Will Roll

2. Need You Now

3. She's Not There

4. Fat Bottomed Girls

5. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

6. Firework

7. Baby

8. Somebody To Love

9. Take Me or Leave Me

10. Sing

11. Don't You Want Me

12. Do You Wanna Touch Me

13. Kiss

14. Landslide

15. Get It Right

16. Loser Like Me

DOWNLOAD

BUY THE ALBUM!

American Idol 10: Top 24 Results Show + Wildcard

I have to say, this was an intense show. I mean, I was ready to be dragged by fillers for two hours - they announced that they will have the Wildcard performances next week - but then a sudden change of plans happened and 6 of the finalist performed on the spot. Crazy no?

Overall, there were no real surprises in the Top 13 - yes, not Top 12 - as every front-runner with tons of screen time got through. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed with some of the picks - particularly by America - but I guess there will always be incredibly maddening members of the Top 12/13 who outlasts far more talented vocalists by sheer beauty (see: Kristy Lee Cook and Haley Scarnato).

Anyway, I got 5/5 guys and 3/5 girls. I somewhat predicted the other wildcards as well. Not too shabby. Haha.

Here are the results!

TOP 13

1. Scott McCreery

2. Lauren Alaina

3. Pia Toscano

4. Karen Rodriguez

5. Jacob Lusk

6. Casey Abrams

7. Thia Megia

8. Paul McDonald

9. Haley Reinhart

10. James Durbin

11. Ashthon Jones

12. Stefano Langone

13. Naima Adedapo

OUT

1. Robbie Rosen

2. Clint Jun Gamboa

3. Jordan Dorsey

4. Jovany Barreto

5. Tatynisa Wilson

6. Julie Zorrilla

7. Ashthon Jones

8. Kendra Chantelle

9. Tim Halperin

10. Naima Adedapo

11. Lauren Turner

12. Brett Loewenstern

13. Rachel Zevita

14. Stefano Langone

Wilcards

Ashthon Jones 

And I Am Telling You

I like Ashthon. I think she's sassy and I like that she has that diva spunk. However, the song she chose to sing was just way too big for her. I mean, this was a slightly better performance than the Monica song she performed a day before, but she needs to realize that she doesn't have the power to pull off a song as big as this. She's not a diva and she's going to have to figure this one out before she becomes another Lil Rounds. 7/10

Stefano Langone 

I Need You Now

Never heard that song and I'm not particularly a big fan of that kind of music, I have to say that he impressed me greatly. Seriously. I had goosebumps after this performance. He connected well with the song and his vocals were spot on. To me, heunderstood what the Wildcard was about and he sang as if his life depended on it. Possibly one of the best performances of the season - yes, even if it's only the first week. Haha. 9/10

Kendra Chantelle 

Georgia On My Mind

Seriously. Kendra showed the most range, ability, and connection to the song like no other - except for Stefano, of course. Plus, she didn't miss a note.I was really taken aback in a good way. No, it wasn't a groundbreaking, but she flawlessly showcased her tasty tone and she effortlessly glided around her upper register with this performance. Impressive. 8.5/10

Jovany Barreto

Angel
Really? Jovany? What about Tim? or even Brett? True, he was competent, he didn't miss any note and I sort of like the vibrato of his voice. But if I'm being honest, this was karaoke at its finest. Boring and uninspired. Sorry. 6/10

Naima Adedapo 

For All We Know

Great passion, but the vocals weren't that good as I think nerves got to her. I thought her she had problems with her pitch and it was rough in some parts. That said, I still think that this was a solid performance from her. 7/10

Robbie Rosen 

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Other than the fact that the whole performance was sleepy, I thought this was technically a good performance. His vocal runs were spot on and his phrasing was lovely. Too bad, it didn't have the same impact compared to the others. 6.5/10

American Idol 10: Top 24 - Who's Going Home?

.. actually, the more appropriate question is "Who's making the Final 10?"

After two nights of pretty interesting performances, I'm pretty sure that tonight will be quite brutal. I mean, with a diverse set of talented kids, how do we even know who to vote? Are we going to base it from that one live performance alone? Should we consider their body of work - auditions to Las Vegas? Or should we just shoot ourselves and die? Haha. Of course, the last one's a joke, but whatever.

Yes, I'll even go there and say that this season's Top 24 is possibly one of the strongest in years. I mean it! I can’t remember a night where most of the semifinalists managed to make this much of an impact. Last year, we were flooded with contestants just trying to get adjusted to the pressures of the competition while fighting for survival. Sure, we definitely still had that this year, but we had more solid performances and more than a couple of flashes of brilliance.

So, this will be tough, but it is what it is.

Top 12 Predictions..

Boys

1. Casey Abrams

2. James Durbin

3. Jacob Lusk

4. Scott McCreery

5. Paul McDonald

Upset: Stefano Langone/Tim Halperin/Brett Loewenstern

I admit, the guys that I think will make the Top 5 is actually pretty diverse stylistically and I'm kind of liking it. I mean, we've got a solid jazz musician with Casey Abrams, an '80s (faux) rocker with James Durbin, an old school R&B singer with Jacob Lusk, a country crooner with Scott McCreery and, yes, the all essential white boy with guitar with Paul McDonald. That being said, I have a funny feeling that Stefano Langone will actually knock someone out from this Top 5, and I actually wouldn't mind. Yes, even if he made it instead of Casey Abrams just because I'm very confident that the judges will pick Casey as a wildcard - if in case he doesn't get enough votes, which I doubt.

Girls

1. Pia Toscano

2. Lauren Alaina

3. Thia Megia

4. Lauren Turner

5. Naima Adedapo

Upset: Ashthon Jones/Kendra Chantelle/Haley Reinhart/Karen Rodriguez

Now, this, to me, is a little trickier. Pia Toscano, I think, made enough of a statement with her performance to get her enough votes. Plus, the pimp spot, which will do wonders for her. Lauren Alaina is also in a very strong position because of the incessant pimping he got from the show - it's annoying, I know. And of course, Thia Megia who has the Filipino vote, which apparently is a strong voting block (see: Trias, Jasmine and Malubay, Ramielle) and also the blessing of the show's producer. Which now leaves us with two more spots. I feel like Lauren Turner did enough but her lack of screentime prior to this may be her biggest problem. Naima Adedapo sticks out and she did a pretty decent performance. But, I wouldn't be surprised if Ashthon Jones will grab one spot just because American Idol needs, at least, one diva - unless, they'll consider Jacob Lusk for that part. Haha. Kendra Chantelle, Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez maybe the Kristy Lee Cook/Haley Scarnato of the season. Just saying.

American Idol 10 Elimination Song: Don't You (Forget About Me) - David Cook

Yes, I'm a fan of David Cook and I just about died when he confirmed earlier today that he recorded a cover of the Simple Minds' hit Don't You (Forget About Me) as American Idol Season 10's elimination song. Isn't that the sweetest?

Michael Johns must be incredibly annoyed! Haha. I'm kidding, of course. (trivia: Michael Johns performed this Season 7, Top 16). I actually wondered why they had David Cook record a cover instead of using a song from his upcoming album. But I guess, the entire point of doing this is not to interfere with their actual single once it drops sometime in April or May. I'm not sure if I like this as a boot song as I don't think it's poignant or schmaltzy enough for American Idol, but who cares? It's freakin' David Cook!

I just find it interesting that a two decades old song is considered relevant again! I love his phrasing and the  breath control is awesome. You have to hear the whole song to get the depth of it all. Outstanding Mr. Cook! Hopefully, this will do it's jb and get people to check your upcoming album!

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