Category: American Idol

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American Song Contest Recap

Photos by: Wikimedia Commons

American Idol is still the number 1 rated music TV show, but American Song Contest comes in with a twist. ASC is more about the song than the singer, and American Idol is about everything. Ironically, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, cohosts ASC.

The TV show’s concept came from Eurovision Song Contest. With so much talk about electric vehicles these days, don’t forget about electric music being the real rhythm of the streets. Night after night, the music artists came to perform beginning on March 21. All kinds of singers represented all 50 U.S. states, five territories, and Washington D.C. On the surface, it seems like just another singing competition, but ASC is so much more. Across the country, artists competed for the best original song. 

American Song Contest makes Snoop and the whole country want to dance. Kelly Clarkson and Snoop were a winning combination as cohosts. If you like chicken dinners, you will like ASC because the show got served in a unique format. A jury and public vote determined the grand prize. 

Right now, the Grand Final features the following top 10 contestants. Here is the original list with photos and songs. 

1. Michael Bolton, Connecticut 

2. Chloe Fredericks, North Dakota 

3. Grant Knoche, Texas 

4. Tenelle, American Samoa

5. Tyler Braden, Tennessee

6. Ni/Co, Alabama

7. Jordan Smith, Kentucky

8. Riker Lynch, Colorado

9. AleXa, Oklahoma

10. Allen Stone, Washington

American Song Contest Recap

First, Kelly Clarkson, then Snoop Dogg owned the night. Seeing them take the stage and perform was a bit of a surprise. Soon, Michael Bolton followed with his Beautiful World performance.

I like the show because it’s all about originality. This whole season has been phenomenal. The talent was incredible. Narrowing down the field to only ten was difficult. So many music artists got cut who had it together.

The ASC train was like a Gladys Knight and the Pips song. Ni/Co and Tenelle could have easily sung A Midnight Train to Georgia. These Mondays were like leaving the station, and the songs were the luggage.

American Song Contest has concluded. The NBC Universal Studios TV show was a fun ride. We’ll have to find something new to watch on Mondays between 8 pm and 10 pm EST.

Did you get onboard the ASC train? Wasn’t it groovy? Hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, the NBC show had all the bells and whistles of a blockbuster. And in the end, AleXa would win with her original song Wonderland. What a show!

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Kelly Clarkson Vs. Carrie Underwood

BY: GURU JAY

Kelly Clarkson Vs. Carrie Underwood 

Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are making a comeback around the same time. Clarkson started a tradition where she sings Tinder profiles on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Carrie Underwood is still a perfect 10 after her infamous face accident. The former American Idols are the TV show’s most famous singers for a major reason.

Without question, the names Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood will go down in music history. Clarkson and Underwood are a part of the fabric of American popular culture. Plus, who can stop listening to their music?

Carrie and Kelly can sing with the best, but who’s better? Is Carrie a better singer because she dominates her Country genre? Or is Kelly Clarkson a better entertainer because she concentrates on Pop, a more competitive field in a crowded arena?

It’s easy to say one is better than the other, but it’s harder to prove. I feel in my gut that Kelly Clarkson is the one I want to sing when it counts. However, Carrie Underwood cuts sharper records in the studio booth.

Kelly Clarkson, 36, was born and raised in Texas. That can only mean one thing. She has one of the biggest hearts. With heart, comes soul.

Carrie Underwood, 35, was born in Oklahoma. She grew up listening to country legends like Dolly Parton. Nowadays, she’s influenced country music artists in her own right. In my eyes, she’s a brighter star than Miranda Lambert, who helps define modern day country music.

Overall, Carrie has had a more financially successful career than Kelly. However, the major difference is the Texas songstress has yet to reach the peak. Kelly Clarkson is one hit shy away from greatness.

Clarkson conquers the microphone, but Underwood’s voice is too great to ignore. Maybe, Carrie Underwood’s vocal chords are superior to Kelly Clarkson’s chops. But deep down where it matters, the diaphragm, Kelly has the voice. That’s why she is a coach on the Voice.

It’s up to the fans to decide. Who is better between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood? I think I’ve answered the question. Your mind is made up on Carrie, but your gut yelps Kelly.

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Harry Connick Jr. and the New Orleans Connection

BY: GURU JAY

Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

Have you seen Harry Connick Jr.’s new talk show? The former American Idol judge hosts the self-titled Harry show. It’s a fun and upbeat show similar to Ellen DeGeneres’s The Ellen Show.

I’ve seen Harry multiple times. I watched him today right before TMZ Live. Maureen McCormick from the Brady Bunch was his main guest. Everybody in attendance had a good time. Plus, the viewers at home (including me) were pleased.

Near the end of the recording, Harry performed a beautiful song and played the piano. Few people in TV and showbiz are multitalented. What is more, no one can deny his masterful skills.

Born and bred in New Orleans, this celebrity’s calling card is his likability. Everybody loves Raymond and Harry too. Connick Jr. possesses the pizzazz. Like Bradley Cooper, he mixes up the gumbo. The secret ingredient is charisma.

Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan was bestowed the same gift. I call this the Like Factor. All Harry has to do is smile a little. That’s all. And, he’ll possibly replace Billy Bush on the Today show.

Millions of people all around the world want entertainment value with their viewership. They need personalities to latch unto, identify with, and support. Now that Oprah’s retired, fans crave evermore.

I feel Harry Connick Jr.’s talk show might not last 5 seasons, but his brand will last 5 more decades. They will compare him to Tony Bennett. The question is who will be his Lady Gaga.

How It Ends

You hardly ever see someone making strides, leaps, and bounds in both music and TV. Without question, his name belongs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s too talented to be put on the back burner.

You see, Harry Connick Jr. succeeds because he’s well connected. Harry Connick Jr. succeeds because of the New Orleans connection. Ellen, Lil Wayne, and all the money makers were born and bred there.


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How Jennifer Hudson Is a Winner

BY: GURU JAY
  


American Idol was the launching pad for many great musicians. Although Jennifer Hudson didn’t win the contest, she’s had one amazing career. What is more, she won the Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls.
Do you remember when American Idol was the number 1 rated TV show? How many years was Paula Abdul at Simon Cowell’s mercy? And don’t forget about our DAWG Randy Jackson. Kelly Clarkson was the first winner 15 years ago and is still relevant.

I believe Jennifer Hudson is a better actress than singer. She’s a fine performer. The Chicago native works hard and directors like that about her.

The celebrity can change expressions at the drop of a dime. Moreover, give Hudson credit for being conscience of the roles she accepts. She’s not hungry for a paycheck. However, she’s ready to deliver topnotch performances. Do you want to see her on Broadway or what?

Without question, her voice was made to be loud and sweet. I feel Jennifer Hudson is unique. Do they even make her pedigree anymore? Watch her American Idolaudition and you’ll see what I mean. Plus, the star shed 80 pounds since auditioning; and she was a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.
In addition to a striking vocal range, Hudson demonstrates terrific acting range. Her Mister & Pete performance conveys enormous emotions. She’ll take you there. Wherever you want to go, let this Chicago homegirl be your tour guide.

There’s no doubt JHud is a multitalented entertainer. Clive Davis is on the record calling Jennifer Hudson the next Whitney Houston. There’s still some time left for Hudson to produce a few best selling albums.
It seems her movie success has stalled her music success. Right now I believe she should focus exclusively on singing, recording, and touring because Whitney Houston set an extremely high bar musically. This year I expect Jennifer to turn up her music game a level.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

The Think Like A Man music video shows the star in glowing light. Coincidentally, I love her Spotlight single. The No One Gonna Love You songstress gets her fair share of love shown from fans and collaborators.

Can you picture a Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson duet? What if Jennifer made a love song with Jordin Sparks? It could be similar to Beyoncé and Alicia Keys– Put It In A Love Song.
Final point, Jennifer Hudson is a fighter. She was an underdog. Like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, she’s got soul. I’m always rooting for her to win on the job and in life.

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Why Christina Aguilera Is The Voice

BY: GURU JAY

Nearly 12 million people watch The Voice. Millions are addicted to the TV show. However, this season is not the same without Christina Aguilera.
I believe Christina Aguilera is The Voice. I could listen to Christina’s music all day long. A replica of her vocal chords should be stored at the Library of Congress.
Moreover, the Beautiful songstress sounds incredible and looks gorgeous. Do you think she is a sex symbol? In the words of Stevie Wonder, isn’t she lovely?

Her voice roars and her belly rumbles. She doesn’t need a gym to get rock solid abs, because the Genie In A Bottle belly dances for fun.

What are your favorite Xtina songs? Do you like Your Body, Dirrty, and Candyman? You’ll discover she has a bevy of hits in her discography.
Like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, sister was born with soul. Who recalls Christina’s tribute to Etta James? She’s given enough soulful performances to last centuries.

Plus, who doesn’t want singing lessons from Christina Aguilera? There’s no reason why Xtina shouldn’t coach singers on The Voice. Isn’t it time to relieve Blake Sheltonof his duties?

This blonde bombshell is too good to ignore. She’s achieved both commercial and critical success.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons
The Voice is confronting similar dilemmas as The View. You can’t keep shuffling personalities without backlash. Producers should learn from American Idol’s mistakes.
All throughout high school and college American Idolwas my preferred show. Then, something happened. Simon Cowell left and the rest is history.
Fans are opened to change, but too much is bad for business. In other words, cashiers must count every penny.

If Mimi is lightning, Xtina is thunder. Like Lauryn Hill and Janet Jackson, she is naturally phenomenal. In a nutshell, Christina Aguilera is The Voice because she’ll always be imitated, but never duplicated.

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How Sade, Leona Lewis, and Jordin Sparks Are Similar and Different

BY: GURU JAY

If you want easy listening on your weekend, Sade will do the trick. I’m sure if Billie Holliday were alive now, she would fancy Sade’s music. What is more, the Solider of Love romanticizes and motivates a multicultural army.
If you really want to be famous, find a mentor. If you’re already a celebrity, study your idols closely. Sade is an American Idol/ X Factor in her own right.

As you may know, Leona Lewis won X Factor in 2006. You may also know, after hearing Bleeding Love, it takes 48 hours to get the song out my head. Have you heard I See You? Look out for Leona’s I Am to soon hit shelves.

Jordin Sparks won American Idol in 2007. Today, she offers only the best goods made in the USA. Have you checked out her Right Here, Right Now album yet?
Sweet Sade performs wonders with her rosy voice. Her music reaches across generations. Daddy and daughter can dance to her beat.
Sade, Leona Lewis, and Jordin Sparks have striking similarities. Their soft sounds are coveted and comforting. What girl wouldn’t want to sing like these three?

 
Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Sade serves as a prime example for entertainers. If you’re a performer, always keep practicing. If there is one thing Sade can teach you, it is the value of persistence.
The main difference is Sade attended classes at the Old School. Leona and Jordin learn at the New School. Also, Sade stays true to the Smooth Jazz genre. On the other hand, Sparks and Lewis are premiere pop music stars.
I like Sade’s mysteriousness, Leona’s meekness, and Jordin’s perkiness. Plus, I believe they are beautiful souls, who donate money and time, and expect nothing in return. When I vacation at the beach, grant me my solace along with music by Sade, Leona Lewis, and Jordin Sparks.

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Who’s Watching Empire? Part II

BY: GURU JAY
Who’s watching Empire on Wednesdays? If you love music, dramas, and dark comedy, check out this hip new TV show. Also, if you enjoy watching characters develop, reserve your seat now. It doesn’t cost anything to join the fun!

Recap
When Lucious (Terrence Howard) loses his voice at the fundraiser, he calls on his ex-wife and not his fiancé Anika to deliver a persuasive speech to investors. Sneaky Anika poisons Cookie’s client because she’s so bitter and petty. Later on, she discovers Terrence and Taraji (Cookie) having sex in the master bedroom.
Taraji’s character is straightforward, hard working, and convincing. She proves you don’t need a Harvard education to appeal to Ivy League graduates. That’s what stubborn and superficial Anika doesn’t understand.

Anika is standing in her own way. She’s hurting the Empire by sabotaging Cookie. Furthermore, this family is more dysfunctional than the Addams.
Jamal and Hakeem are trying to set aside their differences. Neither one realizes older brother Andre orchestrated Jamal’s robbery. Will the younger brothers find out eventually?
Music is a cutthroat business and Empire shaves off beards. Terrence Howard aka Lucious Lyon built an empire with ex-wife Cookie’s assistance. Lucious finally reveals to Cookie and his three sons that he’s stricken with ALS. The dominoes are falling into place and Cookie is crumbling hard.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Empire airs tidbits at the end to keep you waiting for the next episode. While this builds up anticipation, it also spoils some of the fun. I suggest Empire show one week of material at a time, rather than clips from the entire season.
Following American Idol in Fox’s TV lineup, Empire is both a musical and soap opera. Decorated movie veteran and creator Lee Daniels brings his talents to television in spectacular fashion. Under Daniels’s direction, Empire is headed toward greatness.

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