We did not receive monetary or product compensation for this post. We attended a free taping of American Idol. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
I have to admit, I was ecstatic when Tee told me that we had tickets to see American Idol!! I’ve been a fan from the very first season!! My teen daughters, Shani and Samara, as well as my mom, Florence, who lives in the Bay Area, are faithful viewers. And when I say faithful, we’ve even cried when certain artists were voted off the show. In fact, it’s not unusual to get a call from Mom during the show if she adores a certain artist. This year, Mom really likes both Amber Holcomb and Candice Glover, while my daughters and I favor both Candice and Kree Harrison. Being from Boston, Mass, Tee likes Angie Miller, another Massachusetts talent, who’s also an amazing singer/ songwriter as well as outstanding pianist. And this week is the showdown for the top 4 singers!
Last week, it was the Viewer’s Choice Theme of “One Hit Wonders,” as well as favorite songs of the Top 4 finalists. For the Viewer’s Choice List, they selected from 15 songs. Amber started the show off right in a silhouette slowly walking down a flight of stairs, singing the Celine Dion hit, “Power of Love.” She nailed every note, and then chose the Richard Harris and Jimmy Webb orchestral disco hit that made Donna Summer a household name, “MacArthur Park” for her “One Hit Wonder” theme. Dressed in a reloaded ’70s version of Ms. Summer, Amber nailed the vocals again, but the voters clearly disagreed when the results came Thursday.
Kree brought the audience to their feet with her gutsy version of “It Hurt So Bad” by Susan Tedeschi. It clearly demonstrated this country girl’s bluesy side. She’s another dynamic vocalist, hitting both country and rock roots with a nonstop jagged edge. Vocally, she’s battling Candice for that top position. However, I especially liked Candice’s rendition of the platinum-selling rapper Drake hit, “Find Your Love.” Candice smoothed out the rough and rugged, rap song into a silky, R&B, heart-wrenching ballad. During Thursday’s results show, Drake surprised Candice by thanking her in person for performing a cover of his song. When I compared notes with my daughters and mother, they agreed and also found Candice’s performance memorable, and “one for the books!”
Angie was probably the most surprising of all the Top 4 finalists. I consider her the “Comeback Kid!” Angie was at the piano for her first performance. Stroking the keys like a pro, Angie delivered a haunting rendition of Jessie J’s hit, “Who You Are.” She was at home playing and singing, while her soul cried out. When Angie finished, the audience was speechless. For her second selection, Angie performed, Julie London’s classic, “Cry Me A River.” This time, Angie showed off her chops, hitting every note and demonstrating that she’s capable of being an American Idol! This is definitely a tight competition for overall packages. Go online to www.americanidol.com, to see a recap of week 14’s highlights.
After 12 incredible seasons, American Idol is still creating platinum-selling artists thanks to not only America, but fans worldwide! This is the show where you do have a say in the type of artist that you desire to see making chart-topping hits. While you may not have the cutthroat, “tell it like it is,” Simon Cowell grooming artists through the process, his much-needed callous persona still thrives in
Jimmy Iovine, Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj. Between the five, theidistinct personalities help mold aspiring artists into dynamic sensations. It’s up to the artist to take that advice and run with it, transforming into an American Idol.
Whenever you don’t agree with a judge’s remark, if you’re present, you have the opportunity to “boo” or applaud. Viewers at home can call, text, or download the American Idol application that now allows you to have 50 votes to divide up between your favorite artists! A true democracy. You decide your American Idol! It’s up to you. Now, this week REALLY counts for voting!! One artist will go home.
Consider past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, and shy Jessica Sanchez.
Thanks to voters like you, America has launched some great voices and helped contribute better music to our society.
Watch the show. Vote! Your opinions count!!
Like American Idol on Facebook. www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol
And on Twitter at @americanidol
– That’s IT Mom Penny
* We did not receive monetary or product compensation for this post. We attended a free taping of American Idol. The tickets did not have any monetary value. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ. M80 contacted us to write a blog post on behalf of AT&T.
