McFloat Rainbow Medley TV Commercial featuring Xian Lim

Nicely done! And as always, Xian Lim is uber cute =) The song is also nice, but somehow, I miss Xian singing - Paparapapa...

Kris Allen Bags the American Idol Season 8 Title

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

That was truly a delight. It was a brilliant finals night on American Idol Season 8. I knew that it was going to be Kris Allen from the start. He has the charm and charisma. He doesn't need the approval of know-it-all judges like Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. The public hears what these judges don't. Kris sings from the heart and he has the ability to capture the ears of those who didn't even intend to listen (or am I exaggerating things because I am a fan? Haha!)

It was a tough journey for Kris, though. The judges were so obvious that they wanted Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert to belt it out on finals night. Even the song that Kara co-wrote to be awarded to the winner of the season sounded like it was tailor made for Adam. But Kris surpassed all that and now he proudly sits in the throne of the champions. Both Adam and Kris will make it big in the industry eventually. Kris will likely follow Carrie Underwood's footsteps and Adam, well, he can set his own style, more on a theatrical and more dramatic version of whatever genre he will choose to take.

Congratulations, Kris Allen! Here's hoping to a brighter future for you in the music biz.

Kris Allen is One Step Away to Winning the Idol Fame

As Simon Cowell said, it's going to be a ding dong night for next week's 2-part finale on American Idol Season 8 (whatever that means). Kris Allen deserves the spot more than Danny Gokey and as much as Adam Lambert. I think that people stopped voting for Danny after hearing his very infamous scream (and he'll always be remembered for it).

Kris and Adam are already headed for fame. With the right songs, these two can go on different paths on their career, Kris on a more mellow and pop tunes, and Adam on a theatrical rock (whoa!) type.

They are both deserving to win the title, but I still believe that it should be KRIS ALLEN FOR THE WIN =)

Kris Allen is Safe, Allison Got the Boot on American Idol 8

The good news on the eliminations night of the American Idol 8 is that Kris Allen is safe. But sadly, Allison Iraheta has to go. And another sad thing was that we did not hear Danny Gokey repeat his hilarious performance because he did not get the boot.

I was holding back my breath while reading at Rickey's who went home. I am so happy to be wrong this time. I really thought that Kris would go. I hope that next week, the judges will be fair on their comments. They have been very vocal about their bias for Adam Lambert and Danny to be on the finals.

Kris Allen for the win!

What Happens When Danny Gokey Tries to Scream like Adam Lambert?

I have seen the Top 4 Performance Night of the American Idol Season 8. But I was half asleep the whole time. I knew that Kris Allen would not shine on this one. The theme, which is Rock N Roll, is simply not his forte. And his performance gave out that he knew it as well. It was very obvious by the way he carried himself that night . He looks uncomfortable and he wasn't giving his best.

I lost all the zzz's after hearing Danny Gokey's last note on his song. It was like he was telling himself that he can belt like Adam Lambert and so he did. And the rest would forever erase his sob backstory on our minds and replace it with such hilarious moment. The judges were right, this deserves a Grade A for effort. If he hasn't been topping the iTunes download for his recorded songs, this song, specifically the last note, will surely be a favorite cellphone ringtone even for non-Gokey fans like me.

I hope that this won't be the end of the line for Kris. I can't watch tomorrow's live broadcast. I have a very bad feeling about Kris' fate and I really hope that I'm wrong.

Kris Allen for the win!

Matt Giraud, Out and Adam Lambert Landed on Bottom 2

First off, kudos to the rest of the contestants for giving us a good show on the Top 5 Performance Night on American Idol Season 8. Now, we're no longer being tortured with so-so type of singing. I really can't forget when Scott sang The Search is Over, it almost has broken my eardrums. Oh well, I have moved on after the search really became over for Scott and Lil and now Matt. I intentionally left Anoop out. I would want to see him reach the Top 5 spot to know what else he can give. I know that he won't survive the Rock and Roll week eventually.

The eliminations night caught me by surprise. All along, I thought that Adam Lambert is indispensable. I thought that we are only waiting who is going to be pitted against him on finals night. Maybe people got too irritated with the judges' blatant commendation of the guy that they did not vote for him like they used to. And Allison, instead, got the votes that prevented her from landing in the Bottom 3. She was so good on performance night. I agree with other people that Simon said that he thought that she'll be in danger this week to make the sympathy votes pour into her phone line. It worked, right?

I refuse to like Danny Gokey but he was also good last Tuesday. Adam was being set up to win the ball game. He always has nice stage lighting, position and Tuesday's grand entrance. But the guy is also superb. I told you, the show is getting better as it comes near its end. Among all the contestants, Matt deserves his fate. It was written all over his face Tuesday night. If Allison still doesn't pose the "I will win" kind of confidence, Matt's looks give the "I will definitely be the one to be booted out next" impression.

Anything is still possible to happen. Much as the judges would like to think that it will be an Adam-Danny finale, it can still be anybody's ballgame. Is it too much to ask if I would wish for an Allison-Kris finale? That would be awesome. I still hope that Kris will make it to the finals and eventually win. I wonder how he will fare on next week's theme, which is Rock and Roll. He should really give his best because this is the genre where Allison and mighty Adam excel.

American Idol Bids Adieu to Lil and Anoop (Instead of Matt!)

It was supposed to be Disco Night on Tuesday's Top 7 Performance Night on American Idol Season 8. But most contestants turned the arrangement of their songs to sound like ballad, so it would be easier to sing (I guess). The ones who stood out that night were, of course, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.

For the elimination round a while back, Lil Rounds finally left the Idol stage. But it was Anoop Desai who got the boot instead of Matt Giraud, who, despite of good vocals, do not have what it takes to be a star. The bad news of the night was that Allison landed in the bottom 3 and she didn't deserve that.

Now here are the remaining finalists to compete for the rest of the season's episodes. It would have been nicer if it was Anoop who was included on the Top 5 rather than Matt.

A Wasted Save on American Idol Top 7 Elimination Round

The judges used the Save on this season's American Idol for Matt Giraud who will likely be eliminated next week together with Lil Rounds. I don't know what's up with the judges. Maybe they just want the remaining contestants to feel the pressure so that they would perform their best and stop giving us, the viewers, mediocrity.

This is how I want the next episodes to be. Matt and Lil are going to be booted out next week. The next one will be Anoop Desai. No matter how he tries, it will be hard to gain the kind of popularity he once enjoyed because he let his true colors show too early. As a star, you should not only be mindful of how you perform in public. You should also be seen as someone with good character, especially when people are still judging if they want you to be a star or not.

After Anoop, it's time to bid Danny Gokey's sad stories goodbye. He is charismatic and he seems nice. But compared to the remaining three, he appears to be amateurish while the three are on their way to sounding like professionals.

Allison will be the next to go after Danny. But this girl will be given opportunities even if she won't be able to bag the big prize.

In the end, it will be Adam versus Kris. Adam will scream and screech, change his looks and even come out in the open about his sexuality. Kris is simply going to be Kris, like he had always been from the start and he will eventually win the competition.

This is how I want things to happen for this season's Idol. But as for now, I still have to endure one more week with Matt and Lil. After they are gone, the show will be more exciting to watch. And I might have a change of heart of who goes first before Kris will be announced as the American Idol Season 8 champ.

Kris Allen for the Win and the Other Performances on American Idol Top 7

I'm listening now at the performances of the remaining 7 on the American Idol season 8 at Rickey's, of course. Allison, Anoop and Adam were okay. At this point of the competition, we ought to be amazed by their performances like how Adam did last week. But this feels strange, their performances aren't still giving out the star quality. They are still not able to convince us that their albums will be worth investing on or that we should pay to see them on a concert stage.

Matt Giraud had a "Beat It" moment. That was the worst song that Anoop will be remembered for. And Matt's Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman can cause him to lose the battle altogether. Well, I still haven't heard Lil Rounds.

Sorry Danny Gokey, you may have a good voice but I can't stand listening to the song that you chose. I am amazed though that someone still sings Diana Ross' Endless Love these days.

I am not familiar with the song Kris Allen chose. But wow, he gives me the chills. His performance could be included in a movie's OST and people will buy it. He definitely is the next Idol. I am dreading the next mp3 that I'd listen to. But well, for the heck of it, I want to know if Lil Rounds got to redeem herself this time. Um, I dozed off with the flats and was awaken when she tried to raise the very last note. Okay Matt, I think you are saved. Lil deserves to go home more than you do.

Hmm, my bets for the bottom 3 are Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai. I also love Anoop but I don't want to see Allison in that position. Lil will be booted out and Simon wouldn't want to give her a chance to impress them because there is no chance that the judges will save Lil.

Scott is Out of the American Idol 8 Ballgame

Before the next performance night begins, here was the result of last week's elimination round. The good news is that we no longer have to be tortured with Scott MacIntyre's non-singing prowess. He might be good in playing the piano, but quit trying too hard with the electric guitar, and his voice is bordering to that of William Hung. But of course, he is an inspiration for how he stood tough throughout his life despite his condition. But the stage apt for professional singers is not for him. Maybe he is not the kind of blind person that hides behind dark eyeglasses like Stevie Wonder. But he is no Stevie Wonder and I don't think that he can ever be.

As for Adam Lambert's performance that made Simon Cowell stood up and applaud for what he had done, I think that people were more amazed at how Cowell reacted than on Lambert's show. Well, it was good. It was the best performance of the night. The start was good. There was the heart, the artistry, the drama on the whole getup. But admit it, he almost choked on the latter part. During the recap of how everybody did that night, Adam's part which was supposed to cap it all off was cut and was made too short because it ruined the overall appeal of his performance.

The way I see it, Simon gave the standing ovation because they could no longer give their comments due to lack of time. But still, Adam remains to be a very strong contender because he is becoming better and better. But I'm still rooting for Kris Allen. As for this week, I want Lil Rounds to be booted out.

Megan Joy Ended Her American Idol Journey

Good news, the three top performers last night, Kris, Adam and Danny were all safe. Bad news, and so were Scott, Matt and Lil. Ms. Caw-Caw was the one who eventually said goodbye after the following series of events.

• They were grouped into 3
  Group 1: Kris, Matt and Megan
  Group 2: Adam, Lil and Allison
  Group 3: Scott, Danny and Anoop
  
• For Group 1, Kris and Matt were safe. Megan Joy was part of the bottom 3.
  
• For Group 2, Lil was safe. Allison went into the bottom 3. Adam was safe.
  
• For Group 3, Danny and Scott were safe. Anoop was in the bottom 3.

• Goodbye, Megan Joy.

The Three Top Performances on American Idol Top 9

Only three contestants gave their best efforts on American Idol's Top 9 performance night. Of course, Kris Allen showed another brilliant proof that he is bound to be the champion of this season with his rendition of Ain't No Sunshine. Danny Gokey poured his heart out on his take to the Rascal Flatts' hit, What Hurts the Most. And well, even if I still don't like him, Adam Lambert made the other guys and gals look amateurish by not only singing but performing, Play that Funky Music.

I am not that keen with the elimination later on. For sure, Kris, Danny and Adam will be safe. And whoever goes home from the remaining candidates deserve such fate for giving us, Idol viewers around the globe, such lousy take on "artistry."

Michael Sarver Bids American Idol Season 8 Goodbye

FINALLY!!!!! =)

And here is the order of the announcement of results:

• Adam Lambert - safe
• Matt Giraud - Bottom 3!
• Kris Allen - safe (weeeeee!)
• Lil Rounds - safe (really?)
• Michael Sarver - Bottom 3! (as expected)
• Allison Iraheta - safe
• Anoop Desai - safe
• Danny Gokey - safe
• Megan Joy - safe (lucky gal)
• Scott MacIntyre - Bottom 3! (weeeeee!)
• Scott MacIintyre - safe (awwwww =( )
• Matt Giraud - safe (he'd be saved by the judges anyway if he was the one left)
• Michael Sarver tried to sing to please the judges, but as expected, they had this realization of how come they even included this big (cute) guy on the Top 36!
• And finally, Michael Sarver is OUT!
  

Adam Lambert's New Look on the Idol's Top 10 Performance Night

It was a Motown Night for the Idol's Top 10 performance. OMG, who is that new Idol? Whhhat? You mean, this is actually Adam Lambert? Where did they hide him all along? This guy is set out to create some buzz. Oh boy, now I want to check out his video first before I dig into Kris Allen's. I am watching this as usual at Rickey's. Let's see how Mr. Twilight turned Taylor Hicks look-alike fared.

Adam Lambert chose Tracks of My Tears. The performance was okay, some people may even find something special in it, especially when Adam took pains at changing his look to stage this. But I am really not a fan. I don't like his voice. I cannot feel the kind of emotions that hooked me to Kris Allen.

Kris Allen chose the song How Sweet It Is. That was good. I think that this is enough to make him part of the finals.

On to Anoop Desai with Oooo Baby Baby. He has a good voice. This is the first time that I heard the song and I almost fell asleep. I'm still an Anoop fan. But sorry, I can't finish the song. It might take me to dreamland.

My next favorite, Alison Iraheta, sang Papa Was a Rolling Stone. Yey, as usual, she rocks. That was a good choice of song that highlighted once again her potential to be a rock star.

Danny Gokey has chosen the song Get Ready. The song doesn't fit his style that is why he sounded like he was only trying to finish and get it all done.

Megan Joy Corkrey sang For Once in My Life. The song was good, but why did she sing it the way she did? It was so hard to listen to it. Is she still sick? She sounds like it.

Matt Giraud sang Let's Get It On. He sounded good and he has already proven that he can do justice with just about any type of song. But still for me, he is lacking the X-factor that will make me want to buy his albums or check him out on paid concerts.

The piano, oh yeah, there was a man behind it, Scott McIntyre sang You Can't Hurry Love. It was a confused performance. The man doesn't know whether he wants to make it sound like a love song or a dance tune. As a result, it sounded like a dance tune that was too slow. It was boring. Next!

Michael Sarver sang Ain't Too Proud to Beg. I am not really expecting much from this performance. I bet that Sarver would be part of the bottom 3 for the rest of the season as long as he remains in the competition. He doesn't sound like a pro and it might be hard to teach him how to do so.

Lil Rounds chose the song Heatwave. Ouch, it is so hard to listen to with headphones on. This performance can really damage one's hearing. Bottom 3!

Aside from Lil Rounds, the two other spots for the bottom 3 based on performance belong to Scott McIntyre and a tough choice between Michael Sarver and Megan Joy.

(photo credits to Rickey.org)

American Idol 8 Says Goodbye to Alexis Grace

It was okay with me that Alexis Grace got booted out from American Idol. I thought she had something. But I didn't see that since the real competition began. But Allison Iraheta being part of the bottom 3? C'mon, she's better than Lambert! And Mr. Goodie Looking Guy, Michael Sarver, got saved. And he had the same sentiments like I do after he learned he was safe. Sarver said, "I'm gonna cry like a frickin' baby."

Kris and Anoop Did Best on American Idol's Top 11 Performance Night

I wasn't able to watch the Top 11 performance yesterday. But I did catch how Kris Allen and Anoop Desai did over at Rickey's. And boy, they did great. I am sure that these two will go a long way on this competition. They will beat two of Paula Abdul's fave, Robert Downey look-alike, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert. Danny is okay for me, sometimes he is astonishing and sometimes he's just being upstaged by Kris or Allen, haha! But I can't really take in Adam. He looks like a rock star and performs like a professional theater actor, a total confused package.

I am betting that either Michael Sarver or Lil Rounds will go home tonight. Whatever happens, I am happy and looking forward to more of Kris and Anoop up until the finals.

Jasmine and Jorge Eliminated on Idol 8

Wow, good riddance for the first elimination round of this season's Idol. A new twist was introduced as well. The judges can save one contestant whom the audience did not choose. But this will only happen one time throughout the season. So they really have to hold on to that power and use it if ever Kris or Anoop would be placed in such position! Haha!

Well anyway, goodbye and let's forget about these two –Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.



And now we should all be looking forward to more powerful performances from the rest of the bunch (I hope).

I Fear for Anoop after the First Idol Top 13 Performance

Aw! I was only able to watch today's Top 13 Idol performance on Rickey's after the live feed.

I first clicked on Kris Allen's performance. He sang Remember the Time. I hope to forget his performance today. At this stage of the competition, you must focus more on singing than on pleasing the crowd, just so to make sure that you'll hit all the notes right. The use of guitar that served only as props didn't work either. But I am still hoping that you will be given the chance to show to the world that you can do better than that.

Anoop Desai sang Beat It. There, he sang that and let's forget about it. Gosh, what's happening with my two bets? They seemed to have gotten up at the wrong side of their beds. Or did they even get enough sleep at all? I am still not changing my bets, but I am really disappointed with them, hmp!

Danny Gokey sang PYT - Pretty Young Thing. He was so into it, I almost dropped Anoop from my faves and replace him with Danny. But really, it was a good performance.

Allison Iraheta chose Give In to Me. And she nailed it. It fits her voice as well as her personality. It sounded good, despite the too many HHH I heard on that performance. Hokay, Hh-I tHHHink tHHHat she'll make it through this round. She had her audience entertained.

Matt Giraud had a good choice of song. Human Nature fits his voice. It was okay. But I was bored. I don't know why. He lacks the X-factor to make it big. Let's see if his next performances, if ever he doesn't get eliminated, will prove me wrong.

Megan Joy Corkrey's performance of Rockin Robin was fun to watch because it looked like she was also having fun. But her usual pose and dance moves are starting to annoy me. It was a good decision that she finally held the mic and tried to move around the stage. She might as well resort to immediate choreography tips while she's still on the game.

Adam Lambert sang Black or White. He sounded like a pro. He actually sounded like the frontman of Aerosmith. There's no hint of nervousness. But I don't like him. Next!

Scott MacIntyre chose Keep the Faith. He has a nice voice. But the song is not a competition material. I got bored. And even Scott looked bored with what he was doing. Goodluck to him. I think he needs a lot of luck with such crappy performance.

I think that everybody knew that Alexis Grace could do what she had done with Dirty Diana. It was okay, but very predictable.

If only the competition is about who do you think looks the kindest among the bunch, Michael Sarver would win. I am not yet ready to hear anyone sing You Are Not Alone, but Jacko. It was boring. He needs to start working hard to remind people why is he part of the Top 13.

Lil Rounds did The Way You Make Me Feel. Why am I suddenly reminded of Fantasia? She's good but the performance is safe.

Jorge Nunez sang Never Can Say Goodbye and Jasmine Murray opted for I'll Be There. I don't think Jasmine is ready for this type of competition. Jorge is, but failed to impress even himself with his performance.

I don't want to guess who will be part of the bottom 3. I fear that Anoop would be included, aw!

A Promising Season 8 for the American Idol

If not for a client that made me write stuffs about American Idol Season 8, I wouldn't really be interested to follow the show. I am a big fan of the show since it started. I already have too many past-Idol favorites that I no longer want to add any more names on the list.

I love Carrie Underwood, pre and post Idol. She is one gem that will last in the industry if she continues to handle herself well. Bo Bice is unique and has a big talent. But he has to create good music that will have global appeal in order to advance with his seemingly quiet career. The list won't be complete without the recent two Davids, Archuleta and Cook, who both have won people's hearts around the globe.

This season already showed lots of drama. That is only expected with the emergence of Tatiana del Toro, the Saving All My Love for You diva. During the auditions, one woman came up in a bikini. She may have not gotten the judges' approval, but for sure, offers from men's magazines are lining up her door.

Out of the Top 36, one was immediately disqualified before the contestants were formally presented. Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton for the spot on the Top 36. Pacitti had a long list of achievement in terms of her professional music career. She was even able to release an album under Geffen Records. And aside from that, she was said to be once involved with someone who is an executive at 19 Entertainment, which was founded by Simon Fuller, the creator of the original Idol.

And so three rounds of eliminations were made and people had chosen their picks for what we all thought would be the Top 12. The first three who made it were Danny Gokey, Jeremy Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace. Of these three, Gokey had the saddest back story because his wife died seven months before he went into the Idol auditions. But regardless of such tragic detail, he seems to have the strongest potential among the three.

The second round paved the way for Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen to be part of the Top 12. Allison is also a strong candidate in this group. She is only 16, but she sang Alone with such heart and soul. But among the three, I am placing my bet on Kris Allen. I loved how he sang Man in the Mirror. I am looking forward to his next performances.

There were so many good performances on the third round. It was really hard to choose who would be part of the Top 12. All three who were selected deserved the spot. They were Lil Rounds, Scott McIntyre and Jorge Nunez.

After the top 9 spots were filled, it was the judges' time to choose the people whom they like to see on a Wildcard Round. It was an emotional night, because Tatiana was on it who belted her third rendition of Saving All My Love for You for this season's Idol. After it was announced that Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkery and Matt Giraud will continue with their Idol quest, Simon shocked everyone by saying that they have decided to make it a Top 13 this season. And the 13th placer is Anoop Desai, my new favorite. Now I am torn between him and Kris.

Now that I know them all, I have got to continue with my addiction. And I can't help but wait along with the many spectators of the American Idol all around the world if it's going to be Kris or Anoop who is going to bag the grand prize this season. Haha! Seriously though, whoever wins the top spot eventually will surely be remarkable because the group is composed of talented and notable peeps. The people behind the show may have learned a lot from the batches where Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks came from. And now they are all set to create stars and not add to the mediocrity that the recording industry is already filled with.

Jennifer Hudson – In Times of Grief

Jennifer Hudson's world started crumbling down Friday after the murder of her mother and brother. But the singer/actress and an American Idol alumna fought back to bring justice and at the same time, kept her hopes up in finding her missing 7-year-old nephew who was with the slain victims at the time of the crime.

To make matters worse, the boy was found, Monday, at the backseat of a 1994 Chevy Suburban that was abandoned at Chicago's West Side, dead and was shot multiple times.

As of today, police say that this crime is domestic related. The Chicago police have taken William Balfour into custody. He is the estranged husband of the mother of the slain child, Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia, although he is not the father of Jennifer's nephew.

Balfour spent almost 7 years in prison and was out on parole. He was convicted before for attempted murder, hijacking and possession of stolen vehicle. He is now being held for parole violations which were not related to the Hudson investigation. Balfour's mother denied her son's involvement with the killings.

Jennifer's colleagues in the industry and the American Idol judges expressed their support for the actress/singer. This may be a tough time for Jen. She had a lot going on for her. Her star is on the rise and she has also gotten engaged this year.

For Jen and her family, may you find peace, justice and the courage to be able to stand tall and strong and fill the holes that the tragedy has created after all these hurdles.