American Idol — Top 5

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American Idol top 5 — April 28, 09

Tonight the Top 5 American Idols revisit the standards of the Rat Pack. Songs of Sammy, Dean and Frank.

This weeks suprise mentor was Jamie Foxx; winner of 2005 Oscar for Best Actor in Ray. Although being an Oscar and 8 time Grammy winner, I found the selection of him as the mentor very surprising – given his recent  juvenile behavior, lashing out at Miley Cyrus.

But enough of my thoughts (because I know American Idol producers have been calling for my opinion for days… ) it seemed to me that the Idol kids really enjoyed his input.

American Idot top 5

Kris Allen: Song: The Way You Look Tonight– Very handsome in his Gray Suit and loose tie. Jamie Foxx said he enjoyed him so much that he would do an album with him. I thought he was so comfortable and sang with his great raspy voice –very sexy. Randy Jackson,  loved him;  Kara DioGuardi, said his rythum and timing were great; Paula Abdul called him sophisticated and a gentlemen– a real Crooner; and Simon Cowell called him Wet– no one knew what that meant.

Alyson Iraheta: Song: Someone to Watch Over Me– Her dress was killer! Black fitted top with black and white feathers on the bottom. As usual, she sang with a much older voice than her 17 (yesterday was her birthday) years would let on. Randy said she was the Dope; Kara said she didn’t look nervous and no longer looked just like the Rocker Chick; Paula told her she was proud of her that she could sing such a good ballad; Simon said she had a great performance but asked her if she thought she could really win this competition– to which after a long pause, she answered saying she thought almost any of them could at this point. Simon told her her lack of confidence would prevent her from winning and he thought she was in trouble.

Matt Gerade: Song: My Funny Valentine–Of course he wore his signature hat tipped to the side. He sang with a good smokey voice and interpretation. Randy said he thought it was pitchy but had its moments; Kara thought he wasn’t emotionally connected; Paula loved that he followed Jamie Foxx’s advise and lowered the key and she thought he was excellent; Simon disagreed with Randy, saying he felt it was believable, and authentic and brilliant!

Danny Gokey: Song: Come Rain and Come Shine– With eyes sparkling he started mellow and in his true to Danny way, made the song his own, showing the audience yet again that this kid has a VOICE! He looked great in his suite (whats with guys in suites that make them sooo fun to look at?) Randy said he would buy an album of him singing standards! He said that bottom line, this was a singing contest and he sure can SING; Kara said she loved his Rat Pack swagger and especially loved the creative ending; Paula said she thought he could see the finish line! Simon agreed he has swagger and this performance was his best, showing what he was capable of– outstanding!

Adam Lambert: Song: Feeling Good–Excellent entrance from the stairs in his black shirt and white suite and tie. Randy said it was a little too much Broadway but he was definitely in his zone; Kara said her mouth drops open every week calling him some times shocking, sleezie and superb; Paula said he was better than good; Simon said it was very obvious he wants to win. For me it’s no surprise I’m not his biggest fan, see last weeks blog, yes the guy is talented (just ask him) There has not been one song where the drama is almost not bigger than his song, example: the constant shadow on his face… the scream and showing of his tongue— ugggh! Puhh-leeez enough already.

I also can’t help but wonder why the producers of American Idol always (most of the time any way) put Adam at the end; it certainly is the most coveted spot– seems a little preferential to me.

My guess that Matt will go home… but Alyson will join him in the bottom.

April 29, 2009 at 1:57 am | American Idol | 1 comment

Driving down the road

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Set the scene… In the background the music is playing ” Get your motor running… headin down the high way… Lookin for adventure… for what ever come my way.” Born to be wild…!

Start tappin your toe.

All I was doing was driving down the high way when I saw this curious sight ahead of me.

Always armed with my camera ..

 Oh my gosh!!  I’m serious when I say that  I probably put several other cars in grave danger… (please forgive me– seriously.. I could not help but take these characters’ photo.  They are a lil on the blurry side… but I’m hooked on having a great photo op!

Above: Heading down the highway… looking for adventure…

Now for an UPCLOSE and personal picture of Rascal…

He probably was saying to himself, “dang, lady … you are VERY weird driving 60 miles an hour down the road hanging out of the car like the pop-er-ot-ze”

I think seriously this was one of my favorite times of shooting– a drive by! And I think I have said seriously, entirely too many times. Seriously.

Also, don’t hate me for getting “Born to be wild,” stuck in your brain all day!

Check out Julia’s weekly challenge Hooked on Fridays– she is awesome and it was fun getting to share in what we are hooked on today.

Thanks — Claudia

April 24, 2009 at 2:46 am | Photography | 10 comments

American Idol — top 7

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American Idol top 7 — April 21, 09

A sweet friend challenged me to blog about tonight’s American Idol. Here ya go darlin!

Unlike last year of the Davids, this year has not sent me to Itunes to download any songs, yet I feel that this is a very strong group of talent. However, my top picks will want most Idol fans to string me up, as I don’t think I follow the country on who is my favorite.

Break down:

Lil Rounds: Song: I’m every woman– Judges gave her a pretty harsh time, as they have most weeks, yet she has stayed around. I thought her song was pretty karaoke but what has me “bedazzled” is– dang… her hair has grown really fast since she first showed up to audition… lookie  here. (okokokokok I’m jokin!) and she is very brave to wear that skin tight uni-tard-thingie…. You go girl!

Kris Allen: Song: She works hard for the money– He is so darn cute! He brought his acoustic guitar with him and I thought was brilliant. (also it’s nice to see a guy have an appreciation of those working women.) For the most part the judges enjoyed how he turned a disco song into something original, but I was totally shocked that no one mentioned that he and Simon must have emailed one another on the matching outfits. (both wore white tee shirts– and looked might fine I might add.)

Danny Gokey: Song: September — Sang very well and the judges pretty much agreed. He steps up every week. What I like most about him is that he sings with JOY… often the judges criticize his on stage presence or awkward movements, to me, he simply loves what he is doing and lets his body follow the music. It isn’t contrived or preplanned, and while I know choreographers will disagree, he is refreshing and makes me smile every single time. The boy likes glasses like women love shoes!

Alyson Iraheta: Song: Hotstuff– This 16 year old girl has pipes! It kinda scares me that she so often appears very very comfortable singing songs I would much prefer OLDER girls to sing. (yikes there’s that over protective mom in me poppin out) but I think she is the only female that deserves to be around in the very top. Her shoes were awesome!

Adam Lambert: Song: If I can’t have you–No doubt this guy has a knack for making a song original. The judges enjoyed him as usual, but it kinda makes me queezie when Paula literally gets teary eyed when she listens to him sing. (maybe it makes me more queezie that the camera man knows to show her eyes close up when Adam sings– ewww) I know the whole country loves him, but he doesn’t move me. I don’t see myself going out buying an album of songs that will surely have at one point, him screaming. (before anyone gets the rope thinking I’m a fuddy duddy… I like rockers… example I did purchase Chris Daughtrys.)

Matt Gerade: Song: Stayin Alive– Saved by the judges last week, I agree with Paula (I think it was her) when she said he saved himself this week. He sang with such heart and the jive he put into this rendition was great. I love when he wears his hats. He is humble and I think he will be around a bit longer.

Anoop Desai: Song: Dim all the lights– Mixed feelings on the judging, but Paula thought he was great…I personally didn’t care for the song choice but I do think he delivered it well and he seems to be really enjoying himself. Loved the scruffy day old beard and was crazy for the pink shirt. “Real men know how to wear pink.” I totally agree. He is sexy.

I really enjoy this crazy show. I adore how America views week after week and how we cheer for the real talent.

It brings families together. Heck! I know my fantastic sister in Montana is sitting in her front room watching with her hubby, Coach Jerry; and my sister Beeb is watching with her hubby and SAM kitty! Though we are in totally different locations– we are all together! I remember the year fantastic sister called me and said,” if they don’t kick off that Sanjaya I don’t think I can keep watching!”

Finally her prayers were answered, as well as Simon’s!

My guess– being the loyal follower and expert that I am– cough!– Lil Rounds and Anoop will be bidding farewells. (well, done kids!)

 

April 22, 2009 at 12:37 am | American Idol | 3 comments

Scrumptious

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Is this a scrumptious child or what?

Curious Colton is not quite 2 and kept his “lil devil” side of himself hidden for a very long time… But then one day out of the blue he went coo coo on us all; cant you just see it in his eyes?

Of course he comes by it naturally, because his OLDER more “devil-ish” cousin Mr. Magoo, has started teaching him all his trickery.

Easter pictures at the school yard playground slide brought some of the funnest kicks and giggles!

Bubbles are very illusive… even for us older, more mature people. (bubbles sting your eyes when you get too close.) I love love LOVE bubbles!!

When too much fun has been had by ALL. ahem… This is where one MIGHT end up if one has too …too much fun. (Not to mention he is giggling while he is in the time out corner!)

April 21, 2009 at 12:48 pm | Family | 2 comments

Serendipity

Filed Under Gatitude Attitude | 3 comments

According to the dictionary, the meaning of serendipity is: The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

I take my camera everywhere. I never know when I might find a  serendipitous moment just waiting my capture.

Today it was bright and cheery, but Spring had not sprung. My walk still took me along  a sidewalk of brown grasses and barren trees. Until I rounded one corner….

Let’s just say that the glorious red tulips were braver than their friends the trees. Ta- dah…. my example of my beautiful life… today.

This week on Inspired room, the contest entry subject was “finding those special moments.” This is such a beautiful blog. Check her out.

 OHH! I just have to share… One of my most favorite clients came to visit me yesterday at work. They are originally from Hawaii and decided to move near their family here in Utah. This next week their brand spanking new  home is ready to close and move into.

They love their house… I love their house and them. For some unknown reason I seem always to get the best clients to work with. They brought me in the most fragrant lei and a yummy box of chocolates. Luckily I shared them with my co-workers or my hinnie would be twice its size.

I wish there was such a thing as “smell a vision” or scratch and sniff on the Internet…  They were so fragrant. Thanks so much to my lovely friends the Frandsens!

April 18, 2009 at 12:00 am | Gatitude Attitude | 3 comments

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