Day 18 - Your views on gay marriage.
This is a subject I have never written about nor spoken about.
I have known gay couples throughout my life. But never any gay married couples.
This is a controversial subject. Heard about on TV. Read about in the newspaper. It is everywhere. So with that said....the following are my opinions/thoughts on the matter. I am not out to offend anyone.
I married the man that I love. I was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. While growing up I attended several weddings of man/woman unions and was a Bridesmaid at one of them. I have never attended a ceremony of a gay marriage.
I typed in a search box on Google: Marriage definition. I found this on Wikipedia. Defines marriage in different ways.
I believe everyone should be able to marry who they love. Whether it is man and woman or same sex marriages.
I don't have a problem with others who have a different sexual make-up than me. You are not welcome into the privacy of my bedroom and I am sure I am not welcome into yours. My sexual preferences are my choice. Your choices are yours.
So whether you choose a marriage of man/woman....or a same sex marriage.....I believe everyone has a right to happiness.
NO MORE APPETITE FOR AOL This blog came about after I got kicked to the curb by AOL. JLand is but a memory...but a very good one. I have found some of my JLand neighbors but I hope to find them all.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
American Idol Top 12 Guys Night
Last night was the top 12 guys performing. This season the depth of the talent runs pretty deep. Which in turn makes this a very tough competition to narrow it down to the 6 guys that America will vote through and then the judges have the "Wild Card" for the 7th guy to make the cut.
A lot of people are calling Jordan Dorsey's performance of Usher's "O.M.G" to be OMG-awful. I will get into that in a bit.
It's a new season. Season 10. Hyped to have the BEST talent of any season so far. And I have to agree with that. There are 2 new judges- whom have brought new life to the show. And there's a new set that the contestants perform on. Ryan called it a 360 degree look.
Let's get into it. Oh....and BTW.....last night's episode was pre-taped.
First up was Clint Jun Gamboa. He opened the show with a high energy song- "Superstition". He did his thing and had the audience going. But I sat there thinking......it was a very karaoke kind of performance. Yeah he can sing his butt off hitting crazy notes...and he knows how to work a crowd since he spent years in bars doing karaoke.....but I wasn't super impressed.
Steven Tyler: Brilliant
J-Lo- Thought he had "jitters".
Randy- No karaoke singer in the world that's got that kind of vocal talent.
Me: I just watched a video of Clint's performance. Steven and Randy were over-reaching with their criticisms. J-Lo said he had jitters- nah.....he was just doing his thing as if he was in a karaoke bar. Not one of my favorites.
Next up was Jovany Barreto. Mr. Shipyard worker. Yeah...he's got a washboard upper body. Is that what this competition is about? Nope. It's about talent and can you SING. He sang Edward McCain's "I'll Be". It goes from energetic all over the stage performance to a sleepy ballad. Yeah....he's got a nice voice but I don't think he's got what it takes to keep going in this competition.
Steven: Holy Shipyard. That was beautiful!
J-Lo: Happy cause people got to see him for the first time, really, really see what he can do.
Randy: Called it very karaoke and he didn't really get it.
Me: While I think that Jovany sang it very well, I don't think he performed well enough to put him into the next round.
Now we get to Jordan Dorsey. I watched the ups and downs of this guy with all the Hollywood Week crap that went on. I had hoped he would make it into the top 24 and move further than that. I think this guy is really good. Song choice is KEY in this competition. Always has been. He sang Usher's "O.M.G.". I read another blogger's explanation on Yahoo (Lyndsey Parker of Reality Rocks). She explained that she was at the taping of this show and Jordan was asked why he chose this song. His response was edited for the Television Viewing that we saw. He said he was "offered" it. It was not his choice. Was he set up to fail?? Hmmmm. Makes me wonder.
Onto his performance. His movements were all over the stage.....he was trying to portray a sexy image but to me it was all embarrassing. When he went into his "false" it was painful. The arrangement was all over the place.
Steven: Said he had the moves....but it wasn't OMG for me.
J-Lo: Not sure that is who you really are. Asked him Is this who you want to be as an artist? To which I believe Jordan replied "no."
Randy: Said the performance was a pale and pitchy Usher imitation.
Me: Jordan agreed that the song was "not me". If America got wind that the song was "offered" to Jordan.....I think the phone lines rang off the hook for him. I don't think he's a terrible singer. He just had a terrible song.
Tim Halperin followed Jordan and I was really hoping that he would be awesome. He sang Rob Thomas' "Streetcorner Symphony- Come On Over". He's got the looks that gets the girls screaming and drooling over him. But what about the voice? He sang that duet with Julie Zorrilla and was amazing. That's what I remembered and was looking forward to his performance last night. Instead...there was a let-down.
Steven: I don't think that song did you any justice, man.
J-Lo: I don't think that's your strength...I wold hate to lose you over that.
Randy: Shrugged and said It wasn't your best try.
Me: I agree with all 3 judges. Does he score the Wild Card? I'll get to that later.
Next up was Brett Loewenstern. He's this lanky, red-haired, square peg in a round hole kind of guy. That's my opinion of him, anyways. He came out and sang "Light My Fire". My husband had this strange look on his face as Brett was singing. It was pretty comical, actually. Here's this red-haired guy moving around the stage whipping his hair as he sang. They always say take chances and leave it all out there on the stage. Well...he sure did!!
Steven: You did it again. You are on fire.
J-Lo: That was more hair-tossing than me and Beyonce put together!!
Randy: He counted 14 hair flips. LOL...really?? He said You're going to do whatever you wantm, whenever you want to do it, and I appreciate that. But no real critiques of how he sang.
Me: I tend to root for an underdog kind of person. I see him as the square peg in round hole and I am hoping he moves to the next round.
Following the hair tossing was James Durbin. They focused on this guy's story he has Tourettes and Asperger's. He has overcome both of these neurological issues and takes to the stage like a duck to water. Performing is his "medicine". He screams when he sings and reminds me of Adam Lambert a bit. But besides his Idol performances, I've checked this guy out on the internet. He did a cover of Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on YouTube. Look it up. This guy is good. I don't care about the hype around this guy. He can sing his butt off. He covered Judas Priest "You Got Another Thing Coming"- first time ever for Idol- and it went over very well with the judges. And he looked like he had a blast as he was performing.
Steven: That was {beepin'} crazy good! I love it that you're over-the-top, man!
J-Lo: Praised his "organic" and "real" performance skills.
Randy: Called him nice and tasty and said This is how you do it!!
Me: This is a true rocker. He can slow it down and knock a ballad out of the park and he can rock on like nobody's business. This guy's got some serious vocal skills!! He will go far in this competition.
We go into a ballad again with Robbie Rosen. Robbie is one of the youngest male vocals in this competition. He sang Sarah McLachlan's "Arms Of An Angel". The song was completely changed up. (Something that is said that each competitor needs to do....and nail it while doing it.)
I thoroughly enjoyed Robbie's version. I just listened to it again. I closed my eyes as I listened to it. He reminds me of Jon Secada. Those of you not familiar with him....search him on YouTube.
It was apparent that Robbie is a favorite with the judges based on what they said.
Steven: You can sing a ballad like nobody's business.
J-Lo: You're one of those very special people where when you sing, you feel every word. But she did admit his notes weren't perfect.
Randy: You never seemed quite comfortable in it.
Me: He does it for me. I love his voice. He will also move to the next round in my opinion.
We get into the Country segment of Idol with Scott McCreery. I am a huge Country Music fan. IN my opinion this guy is the real deal and I could definitely picture this guy on CMT and on the radio waves. He chose to sing John Michael Montgomery's "Letters From Home". He got the women vote, the young girls votes, military guys and gals votes.
Steven: I don't think you could've picked a better song to represent who you are.
J-Lo: You were born to sing country music.
Randy: Called Scott a real throwback country guy....you're not trying to be the crossover pop guy.
Me: I agree with all of the above. Scott has a handle on both registers of his voice. I love to hear him sing and America will too for quite a while. He will go very far in this competition.
Stefano Langone was up next. He sang Bruno Mars's "Just The Way You Are". I love, love, love this song.....on the radio. That's my opinion, of course. I wasn't impressed with this guy's performance. He was all over the place and his notes were off-key. When J-Lo cringed at Stefano's awful high note...I knew it was a tough outing for Stefano. But the judges were nice to him.
Steven: Said something about Stefano's forehead veins popping out.
J-Lo: Did she say anything? I don't remember.
Randy: Thought it was good except for the occasional rough high note.
Me: Stefano was alright. Just alright. Not exceptional and stand out performance for me. He sure was looking for votes by telling America's ladies that the song was for them and he loves them just the way they are. Really?? Just pick a better song and sing BETTER. But I don't know if you will be around unless you are remembered for previous performances and searches on the internet. (Which I found him singing an original composition while playing the piano and it was fantastic!!)
We've got a Rod Stewart number up next from Paul McDonald. He sang "Maggie Mae". OMG, OMG, OMG....I LOVE this guy!!! His smile....his voice.....the way he lights up on the stage. This is an older song, and he didn't put much of a twist or spin on it...but made it likeable for all ages.
Steven: Said Paul had a lot of character in his voice.
J-Lo: A lot of character in his moves and loves someone who smiles when they are singing.
Randy: Said Paul was unique and different.
Me: Love this guy. Unique and different work for me. Yes...he will move on in this competition.
We step into the gospel part of the show. (and that's not a bad thing) Jacob Lusk sang Luther Vandross' "A House Is Not A Home". It started off rough....but soon built to what I expected of this guy. He's got some amazing pipes!!
Steven: It's diving intervention that brought you here. I'm honored to be in your presence. You make me cry when you sing! I don't know where you get it from, but I will bathe in it.
J-Lo: Compared him to the late Luther Vandross, said He's gone...but now we have you.
Randy: Agreed with J-Lo and said Luther would be so proud of you..I don't think there's anything you can't sing.
Me: This guy is the real deal. Those near and dear to this guy....keep encouraging good song choices from here on out. This guy will go far in the competition.
And the show closed with Casey Abrams. He sang in the "pimp spot" and sang "I Put A Spell On You." Casey was almost not in the top 12 guys night taping. He was hospitalized a few days before the taping and was only released a few hours before he had to perform. Casey rocked it. He nailed it. He blew it outta the box. You would have never known this guy was in the hospital. He is original and I liked his version better than Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
Steven: As good as it gets, crazy good.
J-Lo: Called Casey Sexy and said somebody wants it BAD.
Randy: Said I love the way you transformed yourself into the spirit of that song. Screamin' Jay is somewhere jumping up and down, so happy.
Me: Loved the performance. Yep...agree with Randy. Screamin' Jay is bouncing up and down somewhere. (RIP Screamin' Jay - 2/12/2000)
So there you have it America. The top 12 performances.
My top 6 choices: James, Robbie, Scott, Paul, Jacob and Casey
Wild Card: Brett or Stefano
Going home: Jordan, Clint, Tim, Jovany and either Brett or Stefano.
What's your take America??
A lot of people are calling Jordan Dorsey's performance of Usher's "O.M.G" to be OMG-awful. I will get into that in a bit.
It's a new season. Season 10. Hyped to have the BEST talent of any season so far. And I have to agree with that. There are 2 new judges- whom have brought new life to the show. And there's a new set that the contestants perform on. Ryan called it a 360 degree look.
Let's get into it. Oh....and BTW.....last night's episode was pre-taped.
First up was Clint Jun Gamboa. He opened the show with a high energy song- "Superstition". He did his thing and had the audience going. But I sat there thinking......it was a very karaoke kind of performance. Yeah he can sing his butt off hitting crazy notes...and he knows how to work a crowd since he spent years in bars doing karaoke.....but I wasn't super impressed.
Steven Tyler: Brilliant
J-Lo- Thought he had "jitters".
Randy- No karaoke singer in the world that's got that kind of vocal talent.
Me: I just watched a video of Clint's performance. Steven and Randy were over-reaching with their criticisms. J-Lo said he had jitters- nah.....he was just doing his thing as if he was in a karaoke bar. Not one of my favorites.
Next up was Jovany Barreto. Mr. Shipyard worker. Yeah...he's got a washboard upper body. Is that what this competition is about? Nope. It's about talent and can you SING. He sang Edward McCain's "I'll Be". It goes from energetic all over the stage performance to a sleepy ballad. Yeah....he's got a nice voice but I don't think he's got what it takes to keep going in this competition.
Steven: Holy Shipyard. That was beautiful!
J-Lo: Happy cause people got to see him for the first time, really, really see what he can do.
Randy: Called it very karaoke and he didn't really get it.
Me: While I think that Jovany sang it very well, I don't think he performed well enough to put him into the next round.
Now we get to Jordan Dorsey. I watched the ups and downs of this guy with all the Hollywood Week crap that went on. I had hoped he would make it into the top 24 and move further than that. I think this guy is really good. Song choice is KEY in this competition. Always has been. He sang Usher's "O.M.G.". I read another blogger's explanation on Yahoo (Lyndsey Parker of Reality Rocks). She explained that she was at the taping of this show and Jordan was asked why he chose this song. His response was edited for the Television Viewing that we saw. He said he was "offered" it. It was not his choice. Was he set up to fail?? Hmmmm. Makes me wonder.
Onto his performance. His movements were all over the stage.....he was trying to portray a sexy image but to me it was all embarrassing. When he went into his "false" it was painful. The arrangement was all over the place.
Steven: Said he had the moves....but it wasn't OMG for me.
J-Lo: Not sure that is who you really are. Asked him Is this who you want to be as an artist? To which I believe Jordan replied "no."
Randy: Said the performance was a pale and pitchy Usher imitation.
Me: Jordan agreed that the song was "not me". If America got wind that the song was "offered" to Jordan.....I think the phone lines rang off the hook for him. I don't think he's a terrible singer. He just had a terrible song.
Tim Halperin followed Jordan and I was really hoping that he would be awesome. He sang Rob Thomas' "Streetcorner Symphony- Come On Over". He's got the looks that gets the girls screaming and drooling over him. But what about the voice? He sang that duet with Julie Zorrilla and was amazing. That's what I remembered and was looking forward to his performance last night. Instead...there was a let-down.
Steven: I don't think that song did you any justice, man.
J-Lo: I don't think that's your strength...I wold hate to lose you over that.
Randy: Shrugged and said It wasn't your best try.
Me: I agree with all 3 judges. Does he score the Wild Card? I'll get to that later.
Next up was Brett Loewenstern. He's this lanky, red-haired, square peg in a round hole kind of guy. That's my opinion of him, anyways. He came out and sang "Light My Fire". My husband had this strange look on his face as Brett was singing. It was pretty comical, actually. Here's this red-haired guy moving around the stage whipping his hair as he sang. They always say take chances and leave it all out there on the stage. Well...he sure did!!
Steven: You did it again. You are on fire.
J-Lo: That was more hair-tossing than me and Beyonce put together!!
Randy: He counted 14 hair flips. LOL...really?? He said You're going to do whatever you wantm, whenever you want to do it, and I appreciate that. But no real critiques of how he sang.
Me: I tend to root for an underdog kind of person. I see him as the square peg in round hole and I am hoping he moves to the next round.
Following the hair tossing was James Durbin. They focused on this guy's story he has Tourettes and Asperger's. He has overcome both of these neurological issues and takes to the stage like a duck to water. Performing is his "medicine". He screams when he sings and reminds me of Adam Lambert a bit. But besides his Idol performances, I've checked this guy out on the internet. He did a cover of Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on YouTube. Look it up. This guy is good. I don't care about the hype around this guy. He can sing his butt off. He covered Judas Priest "You Got Another Thing Coming"- first time ever for Idol- and it went over very well with the judges. And he looked like he had a blast as he was performing.
Steven: That was {beepin'} crazy good! I love it that you're over-the-top, man!
J-Lo: Praised his "organic" and "real" performance skills.
Randy: Called him nice and tasty and said This is how you do it!!
Me: This is a true rocker. He can slow it down and knock a ballad out of the park and he can rock on like nobody's business. This guy's got some serious vocal skills!! He will go far in this competition.
We go into a ballad again with Robbie Rosen. Robbie is one of the youngest male vocals in this competition. He sang Sarah McLachlan's "Arms Of An Angel". The song was completely changed up. (Something that is said that each competitor needs to do....and nail it while doing it.)
I thoroughly enjoyed Robbie's version. I just listened to it again. I closed my eyes as I listened to it. He reminds me of Jon Secada. Those of you not familiar with him....search him on YouTube.
It was apparent that Robbie is a favorite with the judges based on what they said.
Steven: You can sing a ballad like nobody's business.
J-Lo: You're one of those very special people where when you sing, you feel every word. But she did admit his notes weren't perfect.
Randy: You never seemed quite comfortable in it.
Me: He does it for me. I love his voice. He will also move to the next round in my opinion.
We get into the Country segment of Idol with Scott McCreery. I am a huge Country Music fan. IN my opinion this guy is the real deal and I could definitely picture this guy on CMT and on the radio waves. He chose to sing John Michael Montgomery's "Letters From Home". He got the women vote, the young girls votes, military guys and gals votes.
Steven: I don't think you could've picked a better song to represent who you are.
J-Lo: You were born to sing country music.
Randy: Called Scott a real throwback country guy....you're not trying to be the crossover pop guy.
Me: I agree with all of the above. Scott has a handle on both registers of his voice. I love to hear him sing and America will too for quite a while. He will go very far in this competition.
Stefano Langone was up next. He sang Bruno Mars's "Just The Way You Are". I love, love, love this song.....on the radio. That's my opinion, of course. I wasn't impressed with this guy's performance. He was all over the place and his notes were off-key. When J-Lo cringed at Stefano's awful high note...I knew it was a tough outing for Stefano. But the judges were nice to him.
Steven: Said something about Stefano's forehead veins popping out.
J-Lo: Did she say anything? I don't remember.
Randy: Thought it was good except for the occasional rough high note.
Me: Stefano was alright. Just alright. Not exceptional and stand out performance for me. He sure was looking for votes by telling America's ladies that the song was for them and he loves them just the way they are. Really?? Just pick a better song and sing BETTER. But I don't know if you will be around unless you are remembered for previous performances and searches on the internet. (Which I found him singing an original composition while playing the piano and it was fantastic!!)
We've got a Rod Stewart number up next from Paul McDonald. He sang "Maggie Mae". OMG, OMG, OMG....I LOVE this guy!!! His smile....his voice.....the way he lights up on the stage. This is an older song, and he didn't put much of a twist or spin on it...but made it likeable for all ages.
Steven: Said Paul had a lot of character in his voice.
J-Lo: A lot of character in his moves and loves someone who smiles when they are singing.
Randy: Said Paul was unique and different.
Me: Love this guy. Unique and different work for me. Yes...he will move on in this competition.
We step into the gospel part of the show. (and that's not a bad thing) Jacob Lusk sang Luther Vandross' "A House Is Not A Home". It started off rough....but soon built to what I expected of this guy. He's got some amazing pipes!!
Steven: It's diving intervention that brought you here. I'm honored to be in your presence. You make me cry when you sing! I don't know where you get it from, but I will bathe in it.
J-Lo: Compared him to the late Luther Vandross, said He's gone...but now we have you.
Randy: Agreed with J-Lo and said Luther would be so proud of you..I don't think there's anything you can't sing.
Me: This guy is the real deal. Those near and dear to this guy....keep encouraging good song choices from here on out. This guy will go far in the competition.
And the show closed with Casey Abrams. He sang in the "pimp spot" and sang "I Put A Spell On You." Casey was almost not in the top 12 guys night taping. He was hospitalized a few days before the taping and was only released a few hours before he had to perform. Casey rocked it. He nailed it. He blew it outta the box. You would have never known this guy was in the hospital. He is original and I liked his version better than Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
Steven: As good as it gets, crazy good.
J-Lo: Called Casey Sexy and said somebody wants it BAD.
Randy: Said I love the way you transformed yourself into the spirit of that song. Screamin' Jay is somewhere jumping up and down, so happy.
Me: Loved the performance. Yep...agree with Randy. Screamin' Jay is bouncing up and down somewhere. (RIP Screamin' Jay - 2/12/2000)
So there you have it America. The top 12 performances.
My top 6 choices: James, Robbie, Scott, Paul, Jacob and Casey
Wild Card: Brett or Stefano
Going home: Jordan, Clint, Tim, Jovany and either Brett or Stefano.
What's your take America??
I'M BACK....
Feeling a bit different about things. But here I am. I will start tackling my 30 Days Of Truth to complete them......plus get back into my American Idol postings that I used to do.
I will start off with an Idol post.......
I will start off with an Idol post.......
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