American Idol 14: Top 7 Studio Versions

Sorry for the late post, but here are the studio versions for Billboard Top Hits Week. Most of them had some stellar recordings, but the people the stood out were Clark Beckham's Make It Rain, Quentin Alexander's Latch, and Rayvon Owen's Set Fire To The Rain. Check them out!

Here's how they ranked and peaked against other songs available on iTunes:

#122 Make It Rain - Clark Beckham
#669 Stay - Tyanna Jones
#1026 Teenage Dream - Nick Fradiani
#1257 Poker Face - Jax

That's right. Joey Cook, Quentin Alexander, Rayvon Owen and Qaasim Middleton were nowhere to be found. Sad.

DAM NATION

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DAM NATION: April 2015 Playlist

It's finally here. Apology for the late post of this month's playlist - there was just too much going on - but here it is. 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.

Enjoy!

1 See You Again Wiz Khalifa (ft. Charlie Puth)

2 Hold Back The River James Bay

3 Sparks Hilary Duff

4 The Real Thing Nashville Cast (ft. Christina Aguilera)

5 Post To Be You Omarion (ft. Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko)

6 All That Carly Rae Jepsen

7 Bright Echosmith

8 Creep Postmodern Jukebox (ft. Haley Reinhart)

9 Yoga Janelle Monáe and Jidenna

10 Ghosttown Madonna

11 Trouble Iggy Azalea (ft. Jennifer Hudson

12 Hey Mama David Guetta (ft. Nicki Minaj & Afrojack)

13 Girl Crush Little Big Town

14 Chains Nick Jonas

15 Bitch Better Have My Money Rihanna

DAM NATION

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American Idol 14: Top 6

AWKWARD! 

I have seen ALL episodes of American Idol since Season 3, and yet, this was the first time I felt so uncomfortable watching the show. EVER. Yes, I'm talking about Joey Cook's flower head piece. Haha. I kid. But seriously, that Harry Connick Jr-Quentin Alexander smack down was both strange and compelling live television. I don't want to witness anything like that again on American Idol, but it made the show a lot more unpredictable. Oh, and as for the performances? There were A LOT and I felt exhausted after sometime, but I digress.

Disclaimer: my rankings were so close. I agonized about my decision, and I'm not even sure if I'm right about them now.  Haha.

On with the show!

The Voice 8: Top 12 Results Show

For the love! This was possibly one of the most shocking eliminations of the entire series. Seriously. I know that the talent this season is so deep that one awful performance could actually eliminate the real frontrunners, but I didn't think one of them deserved the boot THIS early. It was like watching Sarina-Joi Crowe's elimination again.

After the strong performances last night, I was a little disappointed with the result. I'm not usually attached with The Voice contestants as much with the people on American Idol - so I'll be done with this by tomorrow - but just the fact that one of the strongest vocalists this season was sent packing was a total head scratcher.

Results after the jump!

The Voice 8: Top 12

That's right! Tonight just solidified my initial notion that we have a pretty impressive set of finalists this season. Not all of them performed at their peak, but the potential in this group is bursting at the seams - and no, I'm not exaggerating. I can pick at least seven (7) people who I don't have any problem winning the show and that's A LOT. I can see that we're in for a fantastic season.

On with the show!

Movie Review: Furious 7

If you had told me in 2001 that this series could ever be steered this far and towards a different direction, I would have punched you in the face and called you a liar. Yet here we are, at the 7th installment of a franchise that was originally just about automotive fetish, fast cars, and, yes, the lovely girls. Fast Five changed the formula pretty much and things just got better and better and delivered the best of the franchise in the last three films - including this one. Furious 7 continued the rhythm they have developed that was fun to watch, and while the script was still a little stilted at times and the stunts a little absurd, the whole experience was very compelling. The entertainment level was incredibly high, the action sequences were deliciously over-the-top, and the direction on this one was skillfully done. The last five minutes were emotionally engaging and that made for a heartfelt ending for Paul Walker's character. Furious 7 wasn't a perfect film, but then again, it wasn't supposed to be. What it should be was special, and in that, it succeeded. Besides, how often can you get a quality film seven movies deep? Very rare. RIP Paul Walker. 9

DAM NATION: April 2015 Throwback Playlist

Apologies for the super delayed throwback playlist. I've been caught up with so many posts this month - from American Idol to The Voice US and UK - that I almost forgot about this. But fret not, here's another set of throwback music. So yes, make sure to dim the lights and crank up this playlist.

Enjoy!

 

1 Fill Me In Craig David

2 Too Close NEXT

3 Bette Davis Eyes Kim Carnes

4 Lovefool The Cardigans

5 I Want To Be Your Lady Baby INOJ

6 Tubthumping Chumbawamba

7 Shy Guy Diana King

8 Out Of Reach Gabrielle

9 The Remedy Jason Mraz

10 Lick It 20 Fingers (ft. Roula)

11 Foolish Ashanti

12 Kiss Me Sixpence None The Richer

13 Never Let You Go Third Eye Blind

14 Ain't It Funny Jennifer Lopez (ft. Ja Rule)

15 Like I Love You Justin Timberlake

DAM NATION

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