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By Craig Schrolucke
| Monday, May 12, 2008, 08:39 PM
It’s down to the final four. In a semi-final twist the remaining teams will chose their latin and ballroom dances from a hat - drawn at random - Increasing the level of difficulty for the Dancers. Also, no lifts will be allowed. Wouldn’t it be fun if the dancers got their dances just before they hit the stage?
Each pair will dance two dances.
Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska
This week’s first dance - The Fox Trot
My Take -It seemed like they were going through the motions. No emotional connection.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I thought that was really truly beautiful.”
- Score 9
Len Goodman -“It was fantastic. ” - Score 10
Bruno Tonioli - “This had plenty of moment. You were showman tonight. ” - Score 9
28 out of 30
Second Dance - Pasa Doble
My Take - Elements of this Spanish dance were WOW… at other moments Jason looked like he was a tinker town stick figure.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “Nice execution.”
- Score 9
Len Goodman -“You came all out full boar.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “It looked like a true matador.” - Score 9
27 out of 30
Total for the night 55 out of 60.
Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani
This week’s first dance - The Quick Step
My Take - If nothing else this couple should get an award for the most improved… What a fun dance to watch they were having a great time!
Carrie Ann Inaba - “You turned into the unlikely contender.”
- Score 9
Len Goodman -“I thought you did a great job.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You started like a little locomotive and then you took off like an Orient Express.” - Score 8
26 out of 30
Second Dance - The Rumba
My Take -
Carrie Ann Inaba - “It’s got to be exciting.’
- Score 8
Len Goodman -“I thought you did a very very good job. That was a wow of a Rumba.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You did sexy in the city. ” - Score 9
26 out of 30
Total for tonight 52 out of 60.
Cristian De La Fuente & Cheryl Burke
This week’s first dance - The Viennese Waltz
My Take - I don’t think I cared for the music choice with this dance… but that’s just me. Nice job with one arm.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “It’s so enjoyable to watch.”
- Score 9
Len Goodman -“Better marks.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You play off each other beautiful.” - Score 9
27 out of 30
Second Dance - The Samba
My Take - They were having a great time. He has danced so much better since
Carrie Ann Inaba - “that was fantastic. Party dance - way to go.”
- Score 10
Len Goodman -“That was hotter than a chili pepper.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “YOu came back here and make the samba ” - Score 10
29 out of 30
Total for tonight 56 out of 60
Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas -
This week’s first dance - The Tango
My Take - That was pretty amazing. One of the best dances of the season.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “Welcome back!”
- Score 10
Len Goodman -“You did get the drama back. Sometimes for me it was little bit hectic.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You squeezed every single bit of dram passion, sex appeal ” - Score 10
29 out of 30
Second Dance - The Jive
My Take - Wow… that took a lot of energy.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “You were just a hair out of sync.”
- Score 9
Len Goodman -“You moved well across the floor. Sometimes just a little bit stiff. ” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “This one is the cherry on on the icing of the cake. Sweet - sweet delicious jive.” - Score 10
28 out of 30
Total 57 out of 60
It looks like Marissa and Tony finished at the bottom using the judges scores… do you agree? Will they be the couple to go home?
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Dancing with the Stars
By Craig Schrolucke
| Sunday, May 11, 2008, 04:22 PM
Stories have been flying around the internet since the beginning of the season about David Archuleta’s meddling father. This weekend, (May 10) the AP and other news sources are reporting Jeff Archuleta, David’s father, has lost his backstage pass and is now banned from rehearsals.
According to the reports, David’s father “made a lyric change on Tuesday’s show that pushed producers to act.” The anonymous inside source also said of David’s father, “despite warnings from the producers (he) added a verse from another song causing “American Idol” to incur additional costs.”
The UPI is reporting that Simon Cowell, one of the more outspoken judges, is downplaying the ban. Cowell is quoted as saying “David Archuleta’s father may no longer be backstage at the U.S. TV series, but he can be in the audience.”
Jeff Archuleta’s behavior has surround the Idol wannabe long before Idol. In an interview on the Today Show, Naomi Judd has some words of advice for David Archuleta’s father: “Leave him alone - his dad is like a monster.”
In March, TMZ, FOX news and others reported Jeff Archuleta, had to be “barred from the lot.” The site alleges that David dad’s photo was “hanging in the guard shack in case he tried sneaking in.”
Why not let David Archuleta win or lose on his own… Perhaps the producers should remove all the parents and/or family from the backstage area to ensure the performances are that of the contestant without outside influence or manipulation. There’s a thought! or better yet, - Why not ban Jeff Archuleta altogether… if he was altering a song - he should go - shouldn’t he - or at least shouldn’t Archuleta be disqualified?
What do you think?
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American Idol
By Craig Schrolucke
| Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 09:05 PM
In just two weeks from tonight, American will have its’ next ‘American Idol.”
Last night (May 6) Ryan Seacrest tells viewers to “Vote like never before.” And that is just what America did, voting more than 51 million times. Ryan reveals the top three vote-getters are within one million votes of each other - could it be a David?
Was it just me or did anyone else notice, as the top four were singing “Reeling in the Years,” Jason seemed to be lip synching? Perhaps Jason Castro is finally lowest vote getter… but who knows.
Setting the stage for a little drama Ryan calls David Archuleta first to reveal who is safe for after last night’s competition.. Starting with David Archuleta.
Before we find out who will be joining David in the safe zone we get to see the Idol Wannabe’s living it up in Vegas! Didn’t that Cirque du Soliel show look amazing?
Finally, who’s next? Ryan calls David Cook. Randy tells David that if he makes it through to the finals he needs to “rock it out.” America voted we are headed toward a David vs. David showdown…. unless Syesha get through and brings her A game.
Next up are Syesha and Jason Castro. Ryan taunts the two by acting like he’ll be revealing the lowest vote getter…you guessed it, he didn’t. It couldn’t be how will they make this show last until 10?
I think Johnny Cash wouldn’t have liked the wacky Ford commercial for the Mustang - Agree?
In one of the more awkward moments of the season the contests face questions from a caller on live television. Tonight, David Cook is asked out on a date - it’s pretty awkward. We also learned Jason Castro is brain dead. A caller wants Simon to be the next James Bond. Back to the show.
The musical acts for tonight’s show are Maroon 5 and Bo Brice. Maroon 5 screeched out a tune that sounded like a Scissor Sisters shifted shifted up an octave… or was it Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks? It was a catchy tune… it just needed a different vocal.
Bo Bice, an American Idol Contestant from season four, looking like Greg Allman back in the Cher Days, rocked the idol stage… I think he may have scared a few of the younger audience members.
And finally the results…
Joining David and David next week will be…
Syesha.
Finally going home is Jason Castro!
Do you agree or disagree with America? Discuss.
Continue reading "He’s finally out! Results show ‘American Idol’ Latest Update"...
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American Idol
By Craig Schrolucke
| Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 09:38 PM
Tonight’s (May 6) 100th episode celebration is all about dance, dance and more dance. But for one couple, the dance train stop here as another is voted of Dancing with the Stars.
Back for the special edition of the show are Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough performing to Rascal Flats. That was better than most of the guest bands this season.
Some of the other stars Vivica A. Fox,Kenny Mayne, Mark Cuban, Sabrina Bryan, Joey Fatone, Jerry Springer all plugging something.
Mario Lopez performed a number from his Broadway show, “Macy’s Stars of Dance” Presents A Chorus Line. Who knew he could dance like that… I forgot he was on the show before as a contestant. The Macy’s plug was a little silly But that’s what you get when you sponsor the show.
Mel B. And Maksim Chmerkovskiy came back to dance to “Life is a highway” as performed by Rascal Flats… They too, were hot! What a fun hour of TV…(or about 30 minutes if you fast forward through the commercials).
And finally, the elimination…
Competing in next week’s semi-finals
Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani, Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas, Cristian De La Fuente & Cheryl Burke (Pretty Amazing for being
Facing Elimination are…
Mario & Karina Smirnoff or Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska
The couple leaving the competition…
Photo - Abc.com
Mario & Karina Smirnof.
Agree?
Continue reading "Dance, Dance, Dance - 100th episode “Dancing with the Stars” Latest Update"...
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Dancing with the Stars
By Craig Schrolucke
| Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 08:34 PM
With just two weeks to go “American Idol 7” remaining isn’t the only question that remains unanswered… which David will win? Let’s see if the oddsmakers are correct.
A Night of Rock
Round One:
David Cook
Tonight’s songs - “Hungry like the Wolf” Duran Duran
My Take - It seemed a little too predictable for this point in the competition. That performance could spell trouble for this Idol Wannabe.
Randy - ” that was okay choice for you… I’m just trying to see who has the mad hot vocals tonight. It was just okay. ”
Paula - ” You’re hungry like the wolf has left me with a big appetite.” WHAT
Simon -” I thought it was good. It was a little bit copy cat. “
Syesha Mercado
Tonight’s songs - “Proud Mary” Tina Turner
My Take - Great song choice for her. Let’s see what the judges say. I’m guessing she’s getting points for shaking it.
Randy - ” What a difference a couple of weeks make. She’s in the zone. ”
Paula - “You look like a star. ”
Simon -“For me, I thought it was a bad shrieky version. A bad impersonation of Tina Turner. “
Jason Castro
Tonight’s songs - “I shot the Sheriff” Bob Marley
My Take - So why was he holding the guitar - I don’t think he ever played it.
Randy - “For me, that was a real karaoke Bob Marley. There was nothing special about it. ”
Paula - “On a positive note, I’ve never seen you perform more to the audience than you did tonight. I wasn’t crazy about the performance. ”
Simon -“That was utterly atrocious. This was a first round audition massacre, honestly. “
David Archuleta
Tonight’s songs - “Stand by Me” Ben E. King
My Take - Look he kept his eyes open through the most of the song… what improvement… I know that sounds sarcastic… but I do mean it. Overall, that may have been the best performance of the night. I think he’ll be in the top two.
Randy - “At least there is one guy that hits the stage that is trying to win the whole thing. This is a competition. It was Hot! ”
Paula - “We all forget you are way beyond your years.” Even Paula commented on the eye thing.
Simon -“Truth is David you could have whistled and it would have sounded better than the last song. Very good choice of song. That was the best performance so far. “
Round Two;
David Cook
Tonight’s songs - “Teenage Wasteland” The Who
My Take - Notice the guitar - at least he played it. This was a much better song for him.
Randy - ” That’s more like the David Cook I’ve grown to love. ”
Paula - “I just want more.. I want more… more. ”
Simon -“Welcome back David Cook. “
Syesha Mercado
Tonight’s songs - “A Change is Going to Come” Sam Cook
My Take - I’m not sure what it is but when she’s singing a slower song it comes across as a stage/theatre performance - not a song from the next American Idol - Great voice though.
Randy - ” For me, This one I did not love so much. You were trying to push out things that weren’t even there. It feel flat for me. ”
Paula - “(Paula Stands) Beautiful. You turned this into something beautiful. Welcome to your dream Syesha. (Paula’s words start the river of tears…)”
Simon -“I have to be fair… I have to agree with Paula. “
Jason Castro
Tonight’s songs - ” Mr. Tambourine Man” Bob Dylan
My Take - This time he’s using the guitar…. Did he really forget the words??? or did I just mis-hear that section. I’m thinking he’s going home.
Randy - ” jason isn’t in the zone tonight.”
Paula - “It is what it is. It didn’t blow us away. ”
Simon -” Jason, I’d pack your suitcase. “
David Archuleta
Tonight’s songs - “Love me Tender” Elvis
My Take - That was pretty much flawless…
Randy - “Another great performance. You got it going on right now. ”
Paula - ” I felt your heart. Fantastic and very beautiful.”
Simon -“David, you didn’t beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition tonight.”
I think Simon said it best, “David, you didn’t beat the competition tonight, you crushed the competition tonight.” Do you Agree… is David now the one to beat?
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Who do you want kicked off this week?
|
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David Archuleta
|
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4.15%
|
29
|
|
David Cook
|
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3.15%
|
22
|
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Jason Castro
|
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81.52%
|
569
|
|
Syesha Mercado
|
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11.17%
|
78
|
|
|
Other Idol postings…
Vote for the Idol Judge or Host who should go.
Catch-up on the whole Idol Season
Idol Web Page and Voting
Photo Gallery
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American Idol
By Craig Schrolucke
| Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 08:03 AM
If only - wouldn’t that be a shocker!
So, we’re down to the final weeks of season 7 of ‘American Idol’ and while many of you have suggested it will be a David who wins this season - which David will it be? Archuleta or Cook?
An online oddsmaker, bodoglife.com, has posted updated odds for the winner of this season’s show and guess what… even the oddsmakers think it will be a David.
- David Archuleta 20/21
- Jason Castro 25/1
- David Cook 20/21
- Syesha Mercado 50/1
- http://www.bodoglife.com/
These odds also seem to suggest that Syesha Mercado is the long shot. Although, I’d have to believe that Jason Castro is the long shot… and really, why are people still voting for him? He clearly could care less if he was there and his last two performances were… underwhelming?
Thoughts on who will go tonight (May 6)?
Continue reading "It’s a tie! ‘American Idol’ Latest Update"...
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American Idol
By Craig Schrolucke
| Monday, May 5, 2008, 11:35 PM
Dancing with the stars hits a milestone… its 99th episode. Regardless of the number, the important thing to us fans is who will be going home.
Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas -
This week’s first dance - Quick Step
My Take - If that was her best - she might be in trouble
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I loved that you two danced for the judges.” - Score 9
Len Goodman -“That has cheered me up” Score 10
Bruno Tonioli -“…Super ticket for the final…’ Score 10
29 out of 30
Second Dance - The Samba
My Take - What was not to love with those costumes? They are fun to watch!
Carrie Ann Inaba - ” I didn’t care for it! It was slightly just a bit awkward.” - Score 8
Len Goodman -“This had great speed and energy.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli -” You were spinning right times into a drop.” - Score 9
Total 55 out of 60
Mario & Karina Smirnoff
This week’s first dance - Viennese Waltz
My Take - The lift was amazing but was that his
Carrie Ann Inaba - “That was nice and stiff.. It was much more elegant.” - Score 9
Len Goodman - “Normally your ballroom dancing reminds me a bit of It reminded me of Britney Spears getting out of a car… not very elegant… sometimes you see odd things you ought not to see… But tonight that was the most elegant. ” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “The chronicles of Dancing with the stars has a new prince… Prince Mario.’ - Score 9
27 out of 30
Second Dance -
My Take -If it weren’t for those lifts… it would have been amazing.
Carrie Ann Inaba - You brought a whole new flavor to the jive - Score 9
Len Goodman - “The whole thing had a roughness about it. Your feet. bloody big ugly ones (where does he get these analogies?)” - Score 8
Bruno Tonioli - “Youthful”- Score 9
Total Score 53 out of 60
Marissa Jaret Winokur & Tony Dovolani
This week’s first dance - Fox Trot
My Take - This may not be the best team out there but they really have fun!
Carrie Ann Inaba - ” I loved it… you brought the most joy out onto the floor.” - Score
Len Goodman - ” you look better when you are in hold.” Score 8
Bruno Tonioli - “I thought I was going to see Ethel Merman.” - Score 8
25 out of 30
Second Dance - Mambo
My Take - It seemed a little slow… but they are always having a great time!
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I love the way you go for it! - Score 8
Len Goodman -” You really come out and perform.” - Score 8
Bruno Tonioli - “Marissa you can do sexy.” - Score 9
Total 50 out 60
Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska
This week’s first dance - The Tango
My Take - Some of the moves were crisp and dramatic… some seemed staged - but when you think about how tall this guy is… pretty amazing! Hated the music!
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I thought you brought a whole new dynamic. Intriguingly great.’ - Score 10
Len Goodman -“I’m going along with the audience to a degree. Although, it was a tad too much like an Argentine Tango for me.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “I hate you because you are so beautiful. Stunning.” - Score 10
29 out of 30
Second Dance - Samba
My Take - If you just watch Jason’s footwork… it wasn’t so great…
Carrie Ann Inaba - I don’t think it went so well.” - Score 8
Len Goodman - ” It was alrgiht.” Score 7
Bruno Tonioli -“You’ve got a turkey tonight with this samba.” - Score 8
Total 52 out of 60
Cristian De La Fuente & Cheryl Burke
This week’s first dance - Tango
My Take -Not bad for being injured! Clearly not their best - but still a strong performance.
Carrie Ann Inaba - “I saw nothing at all wrong with that.” - Score 10
Len Goodman - “Cheryl, great job.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “You are the man with the golden arm. That was very good.” - Score 9
28 out of 30
Second Dance - Mambo
My Take - Wow! they figured out to make the one are work… This dance had the most crowd response of any for the night!
Carrie Ann Inaba - ” You two are definitely on fire.” - Score 10
Len Goodman -“Full of energy. Fabulous Job.” - Score 9
Bruno Tonioli - “The things you can do with one arm.” - Score 10
Total for the night 57 out of 60
I have to say at this point this competition is quite close! Anyone could go and be proud of their performance!
Who do you think will go?
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