We saw some mouth watering stuff.

We know they couldn’t show all 42 last sings for the judges but what we did see was worth the wait. And if this is any indication of things to come the boys need to pack light. The solos were way better than any season before. There were three tonight that brought down the house and four that might have changed my mind.

If the Idols pick the right songs next week it will be impossible to figure out who makes the top 12 from the top 24. I will go over the performances tonight and  won’t have to grade on a curve.  And while I’m thinking about it I don’t ever want to hear these phrases ever uttered by these competition singers again because one is so obvious and the other is such a lie. They are “I want this so bad” and “I’m doing this for my family”. No kidding you want this so bad. Please! And no, you are not doing it for your family you are doing it for yourself and there is nothing wrong with that so own up. Now back to our regularly scheduled commentary.

Up first is the current “frontrunner”, Jen Hirsh. I think frontrunner status may have changed tonight though.  Jen sings a song with too many “Babys” in it. It was not, like Randy says her best.   Grade B-  And I have found that Jen is not just some subway singer. She is accomplished and has recorded several songs that were really good. She has the experience to make the run. But one problem I think she may encounter is she is more of a Jazz singer and I wonder if that will win over America. I know this; when she sings I’ll be paying attention. And she will be singing for a while because she made the top 24.

Next up is Creighton Fraker. He belts out a Bluesy version of “New York State of Mind”. It was pretty good but like Jen not his best. Both did way better on their Hollywood solos. Grade B+ And we find out Creighton was adopted and his dad was the lead singer in Flotsom & Jetsom. I actually remember that band. I never listen to their stuff but I remember them.  And both are glad because He made it to the top 24.

Up next is Lauren Gray. Really one of mine and the judge’s favorites. She sounds fantastic on her solo tonight. Grade A- But as the leaked top 24 list said she did not make it. I just have to wonder what happened that we didn’t see. She was great every time we saw her. And her voice was so clearly unique. I do hope she comes back. It’s possible that little surprise we were warned about at the end of the show might be her coming back. Pulling the old Melanie Amaro trick on us.

Joshua Ledet is next on stage and sounds good if not a little over the top. His tone was great but seemed to get a little out of control a little. Grade B

Little seen and lesser heard Haley Johnson is next. We didn’t get to hear her sing which I am disappointed by. And the fact that at least a few that didn’t make it we got to hear doesn’t make a lot of sense.  They just showed that last ass kicking note of her Las Vegas performance.  I am anxious to hear her and see if she sounds as delectable as she looks. I do hope we get to see her play the guitar and we’ll have the chance since she made the top 24.

Neco Starr is next. His solo was really good. Grade A- Unfortunately he doesn’t make it.

Elise Testone rolls up on stage next. She sings a very Jazzy/Bluesy version of “It’s a Man’s World”.  And when she was singing I got transported to another place and that place is her one woman show. She was fantastic. She gets my first A+ of the night. She, like Jen, has the experience to make the run.  I was not a real fan until Las Vegas but now I’m fully in her court. This girl can sing. She of course is in the top 24.

Reed Grimm is next and reminds me that he is not all there.  And when he sings he has a very nice toe but when is the last time we heard scatting on the radio. His solo was ok. Nothing special. Grade C  Reed is a cross between Nick Mitchell, the schizophrenic form season 8 and Taylor Hicks. And if he wants to keep advancing he needs to lose the spaghetti legs. But he is on to the top 24

Erika Van Pelt is up next for the verdict. Her solo seemed more like a one note Samba. I was not nearly as impressed and I have been before. Grade C  I am struck at how much she reminds me of Adele in look and a little sound. While not being overly impressive this time out, she does however make it to the top 24.

Another little seen or heard Idol, Chelsea Sorrell was next up to hear her fate. And even though we didn’t get to hear her solo we did get to hear a previously unheard “I Told You So” from Hollywood. Even though she messed up severely it was outstanding. This is the kind of thing that changes minds and mine was one of them. There are two Country girls this year but I think Chelsea might be the one. I would like to hear the entire version of this. Maybe we will in competition next week because she made it to the top 24. Oh I give her an A.

Baylie Brown is next and does a pretty good job on her solo but Chelsea really out did her. She will have to hope her looks will help push her. She does sound really good and looks sensational. I think there will be some 16 year old boys who will vote for that beauty.  Grade B+

Richie Law came out next and sang “Ring of Fire”. It was mediocre at best. Richie tends to sing like paint by numbers. Grade C-  Richie did not make.

HeeJun Han is next and sings “New York State of Mind”. While I love his voice and his tone and he sang it great but I can’t really understand his lyrics. It’s as if we hear an accent when he sings. This is not a good thing.  So my grade B. He does make the top 24.

Up next is my surprise of the night. I have never had a whole lot of love for 15/16/17 year olds in this contest. I really loved Diana DeGarmo, Allison Iraheta and Jordin Sparks but felt they could have benefitted greatly from a few more years even though Jordin won. Well 16 year old Jessica Sanchez just broke that mess up for me. Singing “The Prayer” she wears it out so well that they let us hear her entire song. It was heavenly. This was way beyond 16 year old. It was the best of the night. I would be worried if I had to sing against her. As an Hispanic female she might very well advance the farthest of any Hispanic period in the show’s history. Can she beat Allison’s 4^th place finish? She’ll have the chance because she is in the top 24.Grade A++

Phil Phillips brings his guitar to the party and does a decent job. I won’t remember it tomorrow. Grade C He does have a unique voice and a look the boppers will vote for. And they will get their chance because he mad eth top 24 as well.

Colton Dixon sits down at the piano and dedicates his song to his sister. It was good but not exceptional. Grade B+  After just missing the cut at this point last year he makes it this time around.

Brielle Von Hugel sings an odd version of “Killing me Softly” and didn’t impress me that much. I liked her earlier better. Grade B- She does have that New York Sound and personality. And she makes it. I’m not so sure now she makes my predicted top 12 cut.

Adam Brock is last of the night and sings fantastically. I disagree with Jen on the loungy feel. He was great and made me like him more. And even though they don’t tell us whether or not he made it…..he made it. He is the .5 in the title. I just hope he can contain the tears man. It makes him seem weak to me. But my grade for the singing is an A.

Idol really has pulled out all the stops. This was great. They may not be worried about the Voice or X Factor but they sure have stepped it up this season with the production and letting us see the talent early. There were four particular performances that really, really impressed me. Chelsea Sorrell, Jessica Sanchez, Elise Testone and Adam Brock set the bar very high. If the top 24 round looks anything like those four performances we will have one hell of a time picking the winners. But one thing is for sure, I’ll be loving it.  I can’t wait til next week. But for now I’ll have to settle for tomorrow night.

  Who do you think stood out? Vote below.

Is it Wednesday yet?

Idolhead Ed

ed@idolheaded.com

I think the boys are weaker than the girls so you know what that means.

I will say I really have a tough time getting into the guys on Idol. This year could be different. There are a few in the list below I really feel good about. But hey when I think the boys are weaker than the girls that means I guy will surely win. Even though I have some hope or the guys I still think the girls are vastly superior. But as always is the case, whoever starts out the frontrunner rarely ends up one.  Who would have bet on Kris Allen, Scotty McCreery, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Lee DeWyze, or Taylor Hicks. It just seems to never work out. So it is very possible one of these guys will win.  Even though it looks like we have a ton of girls that will eventually vie for the title, it will most certainly change. In fact in a search I just did in a TV Guide power ranking and the odds for the top 11 last season had Pia #1 and Haley last. If anything can help you understand how things change this would be it. Here’s the article:  American Idol top 11 power rankings Pia Toscano one to beat

So here’s how I think at least the top 12 will shake out for the guys.

Josh Ledet:

Pluses: The guy can sing. He has great charisma and even though he is only 19 he handles the stage like a 10 year vet. He also looks like that kid who plays Chris Rock, (Tyler James Williams)on “Everybody Hates Chris”. Don’t believe me? Check it out.

Minuses: It’s a tough road to hoe this season.

I still say he is in the top 12.

Creighton Fraker:

Pluses: He can really sing and has the most unique of voices. And his odd appearance under most circumstance would be a detriment but here it works. Sort of like Clay.

Minuses: He might not be a personality or the charmer that will garner that all important demo.

With all that he makes the top 12.

Adam Brock:

Pluses: A very good mid to low range voice. Something Idol has rarely seen. He has great music sense and is old enough to handle the road of Idol.

Minuses: He may remind too many of Danny Gokey. I have already seen on line comments about it. He might also be one of those Idols who wears out his welcome early.

But he still should make the top 12.

HeeJan Han:

Pluses: While his personality will be one that is hated as much as loved I think the loved will win out. He also has one of the greatest tones from an Idol singer I have ever seen on Idol. His Las Vegas performance showed me he can really compete. It was my favorite male singing performance of Vegas.

Minuses: His personality might wear a little thin.

But I have him as one of my locks to the top 12.

Reed Grimm:

Pluses: While HeeJan was my favorite male vocal in Vegas Reed’s was my second. I was genuinely impressed with him for the first time. He has a whacky type personality that may actually help him.

Minuses: He needs to lose the spaghetti legs and fast. It’s distracting and one of those things that grates on the nerves very early. He also has more of a 40’s type throwback voice.

I think for now he’s in.

Deandre Brakensick:

Pluses: His hair, his cuteness and his teeness. This will be enough to get him in. He has the stage presence he needs to do well. And his vocals are enough advance him for a while.

Minuses: His vocals are pretty much one dimensional. His jerky on stage movements are a mess. I was getting dizzy watching his head rattle from side to side in Vegas.

I think he gets by on less than his voice.

Jeremy Rosado:

Pluses: He has pitch perfect and attractive vocals. His voice is clean true. He is comfortable on stage.

Minuses: He doesn’t look like Deandre.

I think he can make the top 12 but I wouldn’t say for sure.  On the fence.

Phil Phillips:

Pluses: He got a lot of face time and his Vegas performance was good enough to make me think he has a chance. He has great presence and charisma as well as a unique voice. HE also has that bopper look.

Minuses: He might have gotten too much face time

Top 12 is very possible but I still have him on the outside looking in.

Eben Frankewitz:

Pluses: Cuteness. His voice is good but just way too high. He understands pitch and projection well.

Minuses: He is just way too early for Idol. He will regret coming here so young. He is competing with Deandre for the cute teen factor and I think loses out.

No top 12

Colton Dixon:

Pluses: He has the underdog collar and was a web favorite last season so it might work to his advantage this year. He does have a good tone and great performance skills.

Minuses: Some may say he already had his chance. His voice is pretty generic. I actually liked his sister better. I think the judges did too but wanted her to be ready when she came back. For a 16 year old she is already better than her brother. This is also not good for him. Schyler will be great when she shows back up.

Outside chance at top 12.

From what we’ve seen so far it should be another banner season.  There are yet to be any odds out to this point but that will not be the case next week and yes I’ll be on it. Will this be the season a girl finally wins? It could be. But I think we will see some serious singing tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

  How many did I get right/ Vote below.

Is it Wednesday yet?

Idolhead Ed

New Girl – Bully – Recap | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

As expected, New Girl ups the hilarity with one juicy one-liner after another.

“Did you canoe on my body river?” Schmidt asks after a rousing roll in the hay with Jess’ friend, Cece. They’ve been hooking up for a while now, and tonight, they had to dodge Jess, Nick, and Winston left and right. This is simply a recipe for some of the funniest lines on this show. Turns out, Jess made a bet with Nick about whether or not Schmidt could land the same girl twice. I mean, come one, five bucks was riding on it. In a great scene, the main cast has some quick banter (and hysterical lines) back and forth.

Meanwhile, Jess must contend with a bully at her school in her science class. The little twerp (as I like to refer to her as) is Brianna, who crafted a robotic arm for the science fair. Yup, she’s one of those kids. After a classroom scene, one downtrodden student, Nathaniel, approaches Jess and lets her know how he’s been bullied. Well, apparently, the other kids like to toss “pennies into [his] butt crack.” He even shows her his change. YES!

Back at the abode, Nick receives a cactus from his girlfriend Julia–which sends him into a fit of drunk dialing and ridiculous voicemails. He’s unsure about what sending someone you’re dating a cactus means. He has a few screws loose if you ask me (at least in relationship land). After downing several beers, he basically makes a fool of himself–leaving Julia seriously questioning their relationship.

To make matters worse (or in Jess’ mind better), she pulls Nathaniel up in front of class and sings a song about him. Poor kid. Now he really should get some more pennies. Heh. As a result, a video surfaces online of Jess and Nathaniel. Only in this version, Jess’ head is plastered onto the body of a pigeon. Hilarious! This forces Jess to be as determined as ever to make a difference in these kids lives. “I’m gonna hunt down this kid and open up a dialogue,” she vows. OK, then.

Cut to a hilariously awkward scene with Cece and Schmidt outside. He’s basically her booty call and wants car sex. He would rather not. So, he texts Jess about a crescent moon and of course, her and Winston rush to the window. This gives Schmidt and CeCe ample time to dash in and into the bedroom. Score!

Plus, Jess discovers which of her students posted the embarrassing cartoon.

Back at school, Jess confronts Brianna (the little twerp) about the video she posted online. I missed several of Brianna’s lines, because honestly, they came at a rapid pace and I couldn’t stop laughing. “Are you barren Miss Day?” Bri asks Jess. Ouch! Teenage girls can be vicious. However, in a burst of rage, Jess “accidentally” breaks the robotic arm. Now, because of her good nature, she must fix it. She calls upon the help of Winston for some tool things.

Cut to the apartment. Julia returns and Nick greets her with the obviously wounded cactus. All in all, she was pretty freaked out by his messages (and tells him it all clicked for her) and she breaks up with him. Poor Nick! Well, he had it coming! Down on his luck, he grabs a six pack and attempts to get Winston to go to the beach.

Instead, the duo join Jess in repairing the girl’s robot…to no avail. Later, at the science fair, Brianna tries to operate the bot and it sparks. She quickly blames Nathaniel. Jess quickly steps in to take responsiblity. Like a pack of wolves, a few of the mothers ravenously jump down her throat. Whoa, slow your roll, ladies. The principal takes Jess into her office…and congratulates her! She’s now a teacher! Spread the love/hate! Back in the classroom, Jess makes Bri do a duet with her. YES!

Back to the tainted love shack, Schmidt and Cece have another great car I-wanna-have-sex-with-you scene where Schmidt asks her if she’s embarrassed of him. Aww. He asks her out to breakfast the next morning–where he proceeds to announce to everyone that he is having sex with her. Hehe.

Jess brings Nick a real plant, and we are left with them watching the duet video that was posted online. Great stuff.

Favorite Lines

“Did you have a sexual guest” – Jess to Schmidt

“Are you gonna three-peat this hoe?” -Jess to Schmidt

“Red eye, red eye, red eye. Send.” -Schmidt to himself (sending a pic of his junk to Cece)

“I delivered a lesson in the key of learning, learning minor” – Jess

“Why can’t we go upstairs for a little Schmidt and spin?” – Schmidt to Cece

“If you have the strength to turn all this down, do it.” – Schmidt to Cece

“Do you wanna watch piano later? – Nick to Jess + Winston

“What am I? Your sex dog?” – Schmidt to Cece

“Look. I want to tell people because you are the dopest, fliest, smartest, ballsiest, bitchiest, truly terrifying woman I have sexually enjoyed in a really long time” – Schmidt to Cece

Glee – On My Way – Recap | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Life is too short. This is one heavy episode of Glee.

Sebastian kicks it off by being a royal douche blackmailing Rachel with a photoshopped naked picture of Finn. Either she backs out of Regionals or the picture goes viral. Finn is upset that Rachel would let it happen but really, I don’t think I could care less for this storyline when there is so much else going on.

Dave strolls into the locker room at his new school and is surprised when all his team mates are staring at him. When he reaches his locker to a giant spray painted sign calling him a derogatory word, he realizes his secret is out. For some reason, this powerful scene has to be intercut with Blaine warbling Cough Syrup in the auditorium. I only have eyes for Max Adler’s amazing acting right now. The bully becomes the bullied. His teammates thrash him around in the locker room and he runs home to find the hate has spread to his computer. His mother thinks he has a disease that can be cured. As the tears begin to fall, Dave dresses himself in a crisp, clean suit and grabs an extra belt and a chair. He goes into his closet and hangs himself.

Oh. My. God. My emotions right now. MY EMOTIONS.

It doesn’t help that when the commercial is over we’re treated to a clip of Dave’s father finding his practically lifeless body. Thankfully, Dave is still alive and his father got him to the hospital in time. Back at Mckinley, everyone is hurting over Dave’s decision to kill himself. Except Quinn. Who thinks he’s selfish. She went through a “similar” ordeal in season 1 when she got pregnant at 16. Um. No. Quinn that is not even comparable. Shame on you. And Kurt tells her so. Go Kurt!

Kurt feels responsible. He was the reason Dave was in that restaurant on Valentine’s Day. He never answered Dave’s many calls after that. he can make up for all of that now as long as he’s there as a great friend to Dave. I hope that’s where this show takes it. Dave could be a great cast member with so much potential. I think Max proved what a great actor he is in this episode. Especially when Kurt goes to visit him in the hospital. Together they envision a happy future for him and why he should be strong and keep fighting for the happiness he deserves. New besties!

Out of all of this comes a cluster of crap. Rachel thinks life is too short and wants to marry Finn right away. Like after they win Regionals right away. Sebastian calls the group to the coffee shop he lives in and seems genuinely remorseful for his actions. He apologizes and has a change of heart. It seems he was also horrible to Dave and feels guilty about it. I wish all people in life could have as much common sense.

Regionals comes and The Warblers perform Stand and Glad You Came. I think they’re pretty good actually. One of the first times I’ve said that since the Uptown Girl fiasco of 2011. New Directions sings a mashup of Fly and I Believe I Can Fly. The Troubletones come out and sing What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger). Hmm. Then one last Rachel solo (Here’s To Us) that is really only standing out to me because of Jeff Goldblum’s hilarious audience reactions. Mckinley wins Regionals!

Now on to the wedding. The parents do not want this to happen. Hiram is pacing around trying to plot ways to stop the wedding. They range from calling Barbra Streisand to convince Rachel not to do it, to having Finn’s mom flirt with the Pastor, to pretending to have a seizure on the floor. I wish this man had been on the show forever but they may have ruined him that way. A newly nice Sue is also in attendance because she wants to share the joy of how happy she is that she’s pregnant. She also wants to help the club win Nationals. Hmm.

Rachel begs Finn to postpone the wedding for a few more minutes. Quinn isn’t there yet and she doesn’t want to get married without her. Rachel texts Quinn over and over begging her to hurry up. Quinn reaches for her phone to text back that she’s on her way when a truck crashes into her.

Fade to black. To be continued. That is one serious cliffhanger.

GLEE Redux – On My Way | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

As always, this is my recap of the latest episode of GLEE, where I try to tell you what went on, using videos of the original performers, for they deserve some credit in all of this. And that is why you will find their pictures leading off the Glee-cap.

Clockwise: Young The Giant; The Wanted; Halestorm; R Kelly; Nicki Minaj; Kelly Clarkson, Lenny Kravitz.

Rachel and Kurt are talking paging through wedding magazines, when they are joined by Sebastian, who insults Kurt and threatens to post a Photoshopped picture of Finn, naked and in heels. In the chorus room, the kids are upset, especially Finn. It is even worse when he hears Rachel will still be performing at regionals, and Sebastian will be posting it. He storms out. We are suddenly with Quinn, who stops by to talk to Coach Sue about rejoining the Cheerios, and discovers Sue is pregnant, and suffering morning sickness. Quinn offers some suggestions, only to find out Sue will not hear about her returning to the cheer squad. Back in the chorus room, Blaine is on edge, trying to not think about Sebastian’s treachery. Blaine decides to sing Cough Syrup by Young The Giant, a song about tolerance.

While Blaine is singing, we see Karofsky going into the locker room, only to be met with the letters F-A-G across his locker, and taunting and ridicule from the boys in the locker room. Karofsky runs out of the school, and soon we see him at home, looking to end his pain and misery, by hanging himself.

I loose about 10minutes of the show, here, and will start up again with The Warblers up first, with Sebastian on the lead. They sing Stand by Lenny Kravitz.

After asking for donations for a noble cause, the Warblers kick off a second song, and they sing Glad You Came by The Wanted.

Just before they take to the stage, Rachel and Finn announce they are marrying after the competition. When it is time for the McKinley team to perform, they take the stage, and they do a mash up of Fly by Nicki Minaj featuring Rihanna…

…and the iconic I Believe I Can Fly by R.Kelly.

Quickly, the boys leave the stage to the girls, and lead by Santana and Brittany, they sing Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson.

Soon, it is all Santana and Mercedes, and they finish the song. Then it is all about Rachel, who sings Halestorm’s Here’s To Us.

The results are given by the vampiric host, and New Directions of McKinley High are the regional champions. There is celebrating to be had. Sue calls Quinn into the office, and gives her a Cheerios uniform. She puts in on, and runs into Rachel in the hallway, and tells her she wants to come to the wedding. They hug. Then Kurt goes to see Karofsky in the hospital, just before he is released. Kurt is near tears, and wants to apologize for not returning his calls. Karofsky says it is ok, for he understood. He made Kurt’s life hell for months, and when he got a does of it himself, he lasted less than a week. Karofsky apologies to Kurt, and then admits his parents and friends have disowned him. Kurt wants to help him, stand by him. He talks about the future, when he can leave this pain behind all behind. Kurt offers to stand by him. Coach Sylvester sees Mr. Schue in the hallway of the Justice, and tells him she is pregnant. Finn’s and Rachel’s parents talk about it, and plot how to stop the wedding. Cut to Rachel and Finn just before they see the Justice of the Peace. Quinn text messages saying she is running late. As the strains of Chapel Of Love by The Dixie Cups, play…

We see Rachel sending a text to Quinn, finding out where she is. Finn is getting impatient, And we see Quinn answering the text as she drives to the wedding to tell them she is “On The Way,” and we hear the awful sounds of a car wreck. The episode is over…