American Idol

American Idol by nashchick09 on polyvore.com

This afternoon, my mom and I got an email saying that we had been selected for tickets to the American Idol finale next Tuesday! It was really looking slim that we would be able to go this year after all the confusion with the tickets we thought we had in July, but things really turned around! I'm SO excited. Never give up hope, because things can seriously come out for the better. This has been one of my favorite seasons out of the eleven years that Idol has been on. I'm crossing my fingers to be able to meet at least Colton, Hollie and Elise. They were my top three that I kept rooting for :) I think they're just incredible! 

I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that everything will go accordingly. Last year, the crowd was insane and we barely got in, so we'll have to get there extremely early this time around. Either way it'll be an adventure and I'm looking forward to whatever happens. It's better to go in without any expectations that way you don't get disappointed in the end. That little lesson can work for many situations in life. 

That's all for now,

Shelby

Idol Connections

So, this year I found out that I sort of have a couple links to two of the contestants on this season of American Idol. While I was out of town, I guess they ran this news story in our city about Colton Dixon having some relatives from here. My mom was texting me keeping me updated on it. It turns out his aunt and uncle just live in a town not too far from here and is still considered to be in the same county! I was hoping they would actually live here in town, but maybe for whatever reason he'll end up here someday ;)

Here's the link to the news segment they ran:
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/entertainment/148179355.html

The next connection I found out about was Phillip Phillips! My dad has some relatives that are actually from his hometown. I guess they've talked to him when he's played at the restaurants back there and that he's a really nice guy. Some of their friends are either just really close with him or they're related. I thought that was really cool! They're really pulling for him back there. And I'm definitely pulling for him and Hollie in the finale! We'll see how things go!

That's all for now,
Shelby<3

Do you guys have any idol connections from this season or season's past? Share them with me on Twitter or in the comments below if you do! I'd love to hear them!

American Idol

I haven't been posting as much about American Idol as I would like, but I'm gonna try to with the next few weeks. We're really getting down to the wire in the competition, and to be honest this is not the top 5 I had seen in my head or would've imagined. I'm SO into this season now. I realized that it just takes time getting warmed up to the contestants, some just take longer than others. But, now that I'm into it, I see just how much talent there is and how much I really like at least 8 of the 11 that are on.

Anyway, it was British pop/60s theme this week. They've had such off the wall choices and the ones where they've mixed and matched just don't seem to go, but at least they're a little bit different than the usual choices. I think Hollie did an incredible job with Bleeding Love and River Deep (Mountain High). That song has been done so many times in the industry, but she really owned it and the stage. I think she's starting to show her personality more and she's already such a likable girl, that this is going to gain her even more success. She is the most underrated, and people got sick of hearing the judges bash her every week, so they're doing something about it. I have a feeling that not only is she going to make it to the finale, but is going to take the the title as the next American Idol. Joshua also had a strong week, even though I'm not always necessarily crazy about his style. The fact that he did such an amazing job on the second song he sang, never having heard it, shows how musically gifted he is. He sang it with such emotion and feeling! Skylar is one heck of a performer, and even though I don't think she's the best vocally, but she works that stage and just brings such a joy to it. I absolutely love her as a person and thinks she's just so endearing and charming. To me, Jessica hasn't gotten any better...if anything, she's lost her zest since the "saved" card event took place. She has a great voice, there's no denying that. But, I don't think she's as good as the judges go on and on and on about. I think people are noticing that. And Phillip is good, but he's not really stepping anything up either. I think he seems cool as a person, but there just doesn't seem to be much to his performing or anything.
Obviously, I voted hardcore for Hollie and I encouraged everyone to do the same.

I was extremely surprised to see that Skylar was voted off. I was actually in the drive-thru at Starbucks with my friend, getting ready to see The Avengers, when I decided to look at Twitter to see who went home. I was so sad, I actually almost teared up. I can't wait to see what Skylar does, I know she'll be welcomed in the country world with no problem.
I'm really shocked at who's left. I didn't think it would come down to these four. I thought it would be Colton, Hollie, Skylar and Joshua. I'm actually surprised that Jessica is still there. Something tells me that if it gets down to Joshua and Jessica in the finale, that this entire competition is seriously rigged, because that's who the judges have been pulling for this entire time. But, we still have two weeks...so enough about that.

Idol Extras:
This week, I got a re-tweet from Skylar and a tweet from Hollie. Skylar was posting several lyrics that were a little sad, so people were tweeting encouraging messages. I joined and she re-tweeted it and I was SO excited! :D

Hollie is usually up late, either answering random questions here and there or actually doing a Twitter party. I saw that she had answered one of my friends, so I decided to throw a few questions out there, and she answered me back again!!!!! I love her <3

My mom and I also went to Kohl's to check out the American Idol line. I found a few things that I thought were cute, but it is way too overpriced, even on sale!

Can I just say...I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL?! I don't like the judges, and I don't always like the way the producers run things or have changed it over the years. But, I love that it's about the American dream and making people believe in themselves and each other again. I love the contestants. Most of the major people that I look up to today in the industry and in general have come from this show and I am so thankful for that and for all the friendships I've made because of that. :)

If you're a big idol fan, you should check out the website. There are a ton of great behind the scenes video of the show itself and of the contestants. I love that you can see more of their personalities!
http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/behind_the_scenes/coke_backstage_tour/

That's all for now,
Shelby <3

And remember....VOTE,VOTE, VOTE this week!

Colton Dixon

I'll be honest...I wasn't necessarily crazy about the way Colton first got into Idol. He hadn't technically planned on auditioning, but the judges were pushing it. I felt bad for his sister and others that had waited and done it the official way, but I thought he was good. I was just afraid he might be an Adam Lambert type at first. However, week after week he really started growing on me. I was still pulling for Hollie and voting hardcore for her week after week, but I slipped in a few votes for him at times as well.
The week I truly became a fan was when he sang Lifehouse's song "Everything." First off, I LOVE that song and second, I love how completely open he was about his faith and in trusting Christ with this journey. To me, the most attractive thing a guy can wear is his love for God, and that's what really drew me into Colton. Aside from that...he is also freakin' talented (and not too bad to look at either ;))! I can't believe how he could turn a popular song that's on the radio to fit his voice perfectly and make it sound like it's an original. He is going to do SO much beyond American Idol and I am SO excited for him!
Last night, I bought all of his music from itunes and love all of it, but I need to find out if you can still buy the videos, because I love having those on hand. His playlist was the perfect bike riding music this afternoon; his voice couldn't be any more perfect. I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that I'll get to meet him at the American Idol finale, if all goes according to plan! I LOVE him! He's definitely up there with Kelly, Carrie, Danny, and Kris for me. He's the kind of guy I hope to marry someday.

That's all for now,
Shelby

What was your favorite performance of Colton's? If you're not a fan, who is your favorite contestant?

American Idol Recap

Last night on American Idol, the guys sang Stevie Wonder, while the girls paid tribute to the late and great Whitney Houston. I think the girls are proving that they are here to stay, but the guys are still just sort of mediocre and finding their way. 

Joshua Ledet - "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder
Elise Testone- "I'm Your Baby Tonight"
Jermaine Jones - "Knocks Me Off My Feet"
Erika Van Pelt -"I Believe in You and Me"
Colton Dixon - "Lately"
Shannon Magrane - "I Have Nothing"
Deandre Brackensick - "Master Blaster"
Skyler Laine - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"
Heejun Han - "All is Fair In Love"
Hollie Cavanaugh - "All The Man That I Need"
Jeremy Rosado - "Ribbon in the Sky"
Jessica Sanchez - "I Will Always Love You"
Phillip Phillips - "Superstition"

My favorites of the night were Hollie Cavanaugh and Jessica Sanchez! They blew me away with their pipes; singing such huge songs for Whitney. Normally when people pick powerful songs that should be sung by the original, it makes you cringe...but these girls really did them justice, but gave it a little something new for this generation. My mom and I voted for them, so my fingers are crossed for them tonight! I also really enjoyed Phillip Phillips' version of Superstitious. Over the years, countless people have sang that same song on the Idol stage, and every single time it's nothing different. Phillip finally changed the arrangement and made it something fresh. I was extremely impressed with his performance, and I think he's getting better as the weeks go on. He's definitely one of the guys to watch this season.As for the weakest links, I have to say that I agree with Jennifer and Steven that it goes to Elise and Shannon. I was really pulling for Elise, but you could tell she wasn't very comfortable with the song and didn't connect with it as much. The connection level also goes for Shannon too. I think she has the vocals, but doesn't necessarily relate because she's only sixteen. On another note...Heejun needs to go. I'm sorry that I'm not sorry; I'm just not a fan! 
That's all for now,We'll see who goes home and who will proceed to the next round.
~Shelby

American Idol: Meet The Top 13

Well, after thousands of auditions, the top 13 were announced tonight. Technically, it was only the top  10, but because the judges seem to have a problem with letting people go lately, they've made it the top 13. The guys performed Tuesday night and I was not impressed. There was no one that really stood out to me or that I really remembered after the show was over, so I didn't vote. Last night, the girls took the stage, and I was actually really impressed with them. There were a lot of incredible performers, even if I wasn't necessarily a fan. There were a couple weaker links...but what everyone has to realize is what pressure they're under. It's not everyday that you're singing on THE top reality show around, betting your life on one song. Nerves are bound to strike, whether you want them to or not. They were all super talented, but of course, only few can make it through. I definitely voted for a few of my favorites and crossed my fingers they'd make it through to the top spots. 

This was for Chelsea ;)

The Top 13:

• Phillip Phillips
• Jessica Sanchez
• Hollie Cavanaugh
• Joshua Ledet
• Heejun Han
• Shannon Magrane
• Skylar Laine
• Elise Testone
• Colton Dixo
• Jermaine Jones
• Jeremy Rosado
• Erika VanPelt
• Deandre Brackensick 

Where to begin? I'm really sad that Baylie Brown didn't make it through! I really loved her! She deserved another chance. I'm EXTREMELY upset that Heejun made it through. I'm sorry if you like him, but c'mon. It's not even just a matter of not liking the way he sings, he comes across really rude to me, and I don't like that. As for everyone else, I think they all belong there. I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone progresses as the weeks go by!

My favorites are:

• Erika VanPelt
• Elise Testone
• Jessica Sanchez
• Hollie Cavanaugh

I'll be pulling for them all the way! Here's to a good season of American Idol...I hope it gets better! :)

That's all for now,
Shelby
xoxox

American Idol CD Debut Month

The last year of American Idol was a country showdown in the finale, between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. Well, it has been a big month for both artists, with their debut CD's coming out. I've been a Lauren Alaina from the first time she walked into the audition room and sang with Steven Tyler. In fact, she's the main reason I kept watching the show, because I was getting a little tired of Idol. She's the one person I diligently kept voting for week after week.

I pre-ordered Lauren's CD, and was so excited when it finally arrived at my door on Monday afternoon.

The poster my name is on

The autograph

Lauren's CD is amazing! Each song is so fitting for her style and the life that she lives, and I couldn't be more proud. She's the all American girl! And after watching her Introduction special on GAC, I became an even bigger fan. She's just a teenage girl, trying to find her place in this world, and she is who she is. She's an inspiration to so many girls, including myself and I can't wait to see how far she goes with her career. If you haven't checked out the CD yet, you should definitely pick up a copy! My favorite songs are The Middle, Dirt Road Prayer, and She's a Wildflower. Those were the ones I related to the most!

Now, I liked Scotty, but I was Lauren all the way, so I wasn't really sure if I was going to buy it when it came out. When I heard my uncle bought it, I decided I'd just get it from him. My mom and I listened to most of it on the way home from my grandparents' house one night, and I was really enjoying it. My favorite song so far is "Better Than That"! Check out Scotty's CD as well, if you haven't already.

Both of these amazing teens are going to go so far. The country music world has already been welcoming them with open arms, so I wouldn't be too worried about either one of them. They are going to be just fine ;). Both of them are super nice, Christian kids, and they are really going to change the world with their music.

That's all for now,
Shelby

If you've heard their CD's...what do you think and what is your favorite song?