Nicki Minaj Speaks Her Mind – – And, I Like It!

Ever since Simon Cowell left American Idol years ago, we have not had any judges who really told it like it is, but I felt that Simon was mean & snarky in the way that “he” did it.  For example, he could say to a contestant, “you suck“.  Sure he might have felt that way, but there are other ways of telling someone they suck.  The truth hurts, but sometimes we need to hear the truth to give us that much needed kick in the butt wake up call.

But, over the last few episodes of American Idol, I am a new found fan of Nicki Minaj.  She delivered the perfect kick in the butt wake up call that a lot of the contestants needed last night.  She was right!  I would sit here, season after season, critiquing the contestants from my kitchen table and I would always ask “why aren’t the judges telling them like it is?” or “why are they sugar coating it?” or hearing lame comments from the judges like “you’re in it to win it” or “where’s the other half of your dress?“.  Most of these American Idol contestants have never received any “real” feedback before in their lives and they need to hear the truth.  Nicki Minaj served that up last night on a silver platter to them.  She was right when she stated that the contestants needed to “step it up” and shine – show us what you got, or you are going to be very upset….with yourself later.  And, I bet a lot of them were… on their trip home.  This is a singing competition and everyone wants that golden crown in the end, but you can’t win it if you don’t bring it!  Game On!

I did feel bad for some of the contestants though, but only for a few seconds, after they received what they perceived what was harsh feedback and were sent home.  But after watching some of the most horrible group night performances on Wednesday where a lot of guys forgot the lyrics to their song, I was surprised when their solo performances turned out much better.  These contestants have been told all their life that they could sing by family members and friends, but never have they stood in front of a panel of talented judges who know a thing or two about singing. I get it.  I bet it’s probably scary to stand up on that stage and perform, but isn’t that what you wanted?  To go to Hollywood?  To make a name for yourself?  To actually win this competition?  If so, then you need to be better than all the rest to keep yourself alive round after round.  Nicki was right.  If you don’t, then you will be pretty upset with yourself later on.

To date, some of our favorites are:  Paul Jolley, Lazaro Arbos, and Nick Boddington.  As Guy Week comes to a close, there are 28 guys remaining. Eight of those 28 will be cut next Thursday.  The girls are up next week and let’s see how they fair with Nicki’s truthful remarks, and I bet there will be a lot of crying afterwards.  Suck it up is all I’ve got to say!  If you don’t make it this year, there’s always next year.

Until next week….

Are Dogs Allowed In Hollywood?

For those of us who watch American Idol, regardless of who the judges are, we got to watch our first two nights of drama this week.  We heard some outstanding new talent, and lots of screeching squealie finger nails on the chalkboard voices who made us run for the mute button on the remote, but that is what is expected when you watch Idol.   Unfortunately, the cat fights between Mariah and Nicki makes me feel like I am watching the Jerry Springer show, as their arguing in front of the contestants is unfortunate.

You just never know what to expect, especially when an adorable 21 year old Cuban immigrant takes the stage, and ends up stealing our hearts.  Lazaro Arbos has suffered his whole life with a severe stutter, but once he began singing “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”, he stunned everyone.  It was truly the most precious moment of Idol this week and even the judges were speechless, which is hard to believe.

We even saw a return visit from Johnny Keyser who auditioned in Season 11 and made it to the top 60 last year and showed a lot of promise.  Although he sang well this week, I don’t think he blew the judges away, but they gave him a golden ticket and granted him another shot at Hollywood.

Another contestant who threw me for a loop was Kez Ban.  If this is the perfect example of “You can’t judge a book by its cover”, then I don’t know what is.  She was an amateur fire dancing street performer (who burned off all the hair on her chin too) and she freely admitted that she did not expect to win anything.  Yet, this oddly dressed contestant was quite talented, so we will be watching her on what she does when she gets to Hollywood for sure.  She truly was not your typical Idol contestant, but who cares what they wear?  I mean, look at Phillip Phillips who throughout the entire season would not change his looks for anyone, and kept to wearing what he was comfortable in….his gray shirts and jeans.  Good for him!

This is definitely going to be an interesting season nonetheless, and at this point, it is hard for us to choose a favorite.  Stay tuned for more brawls next week between Mariah and Nicki on American Idol, but seriously…. Idol is supposed to be about the contestants and making talented people’s dreams come true, not about the immature grudges between the girl judges.  (I feel bad for Keith Urban being the scratching post between two cats!)

It Only Takes One Day To Change The Rest Of Your Life

Yo Dawg,

As Randy Jackson would say, here we are, just two days away from a new season of American Idol.  Season 13 should definitely be an interesting one, for those of you who will actually watch it.  With the new changes in judges, the contestants might have a hard time getting any attention with the cat fights going on between Mariah and Nicki.

I feel bad for both Randy Jackson and Keith Urban since they will not only have to judge the contestants, but they will have to be the moderators between the girl judges.  Wake up Mariah and Nicki, American Idol is NOT about you, it is about finding the next “American Idol”, the next great talent of 2013, and the next person who’s life is going to change by getting that golden ticket to Hollywood.

Phillip Phillips won American Idol last year and if you remember, the judges even made the statement when he auditioned that “you’re the next American Idol”.  It was ironic that Phillip actually did win after that comment, but he was fantastic and deserved to win.

If you have been following American Idol, then you will know that it has been 5 seasons since a “GIRL” won.  In Season Six, Jordin Sparks was the last girl to win, and the boys have taken over since.  I think it is time for a girl to take back the title and win this season already!

We are anxiously awaiting for Wednesday night to arrive so our season of Idol can start, as we will scarf down dinner quickly, get in our favorite chair and get comfy, grab a cup of coffee, and sit back and watch all the hoopla start.  We have been waiting for this night to arrive for quite some time, and we are ready to begin our trek down Idol Lane.  Ya know you always have to watch Idol from the beginning, as you get to see all of those awkward quirky singers who “think” they can sing, but cannot.  You know that their family & friends have probably pushed them, encouraged them, and coaxed them to go and sign up for Idol, as they think in the back of their heads that they actually have a chance at winning American Idol.  But for those contestants who are given a great big “NOOOOOO” across the judges table, are usually the ones who throw a huge fit and want to fight the judges or beg the judges for a second chance.  There are no second chances in Idol, as you only have one chance to make a first impression.  Period.

So I hope that everyone who loves American Idol will join in with us as we do our weekly review of our thoughts of the next emerging star.  One thing for sure is that this season will definitely be an interesting season with lots to talk about, not only about the off key notes that contestants hit, but the trash that the judges will be throwing back and forth.  So sit back & enjoy the show…