Random Thought Thursday! American Idol: A River, Rain and Cheese

Ya know… I think I am about to crucify myself here. After reading through our “Live Show” thread in the Forum, where everyone, east coast time, gets together to watch American Idol and cheer, or jeer, the contestants live, it seems I am very alone in my thoughts on this season. So here it goes, my random thoughts, which I think will be very unpopular on the opinion scale, on this years American Idol. I will admit that I have many random thoughts going on today about a few topics… American Idol, Charlie Sheen, politics… Sheen gets enough coverage as it is, politics would just get me in trouble with somebody, so American Idol it is!

I have to say that I am really, REALLY disappointed. I do like Casey Abrams, very talented and he makes me laugh. He shakes things up, makes songs his own, is lovable and down to earth, and isn’t afraid to flaunt his uniqueness. (Like the Bass playing in Hollywood week.) Otherwise, most of the others I seriously thought were horrible last night. That’s right, I said it. The notes were off, it sounded bad. People who I read some liked, I hated! Contestants that I thought I liked, I hated, or thought they were just blah.

I started off my review while watching as: 1. Meh. 2. Decent. 3. Awful. 4. Awful… Then I thought, is it me? Are my TV speakers just not very good? I have never been this pessimistic with this show. So, I called in my husband who has been known to disagree with me on many things, and he had the same opinions, without me saying a word. My teenage son, who usually spends most of his time in his teen cave, even stopped by to ask what horrible thing I was watching. So then I thought, it must be our television, because not one judge said anything about some of them hitting horrible notes, or it being Karaoke. Ok wait, I take that back. They would say things like “It’s a little pitchy in places, but it doesn’t matter, you rock!” Wait, huh? Isn’t that like saying that you weren’t in tune for a lot of that song, but it’s ok cause it doesn’t matter in this “singing” competition! I don’t get it. Unable to compute. No comprende!

Yeah, I miss Simon. Actually, that’s not necessarily true. I would be happy with a judge that just told it like it is. Coddling these contestants will NOT help them get anywhere, so to the judges I say, CUT THAT OUT. Someone needs to be the bad guy here. Please! Anyone! My guess? No one will step up. Randy is the closest to it, but still has to throw in a little coddle. J-Lo and Steven still have their careers to think about, and don’t want to say anything that may make them look bad. It’s too bad, because some realism is what is needed here. A Producer or label is not going to tell them it was “pitchy but doesn’t matter” or “your note was off, but you worked it out.”

My issues with the show however didn’t stop there. I had many, many more problems…

The backgrounds… Really? Put a River behind Scotty when he sings ‘The River’? Put rain and lightening behind Naima singing ‘Umbrella’? Oh wait I get it, she needs an umbrella so it must be raining! Oh I know, to make this even better, pan the camera at the bottom of the stage on the singer standing behind the very creative back drops, so we can see the hands waving in unison! Add the accompanying music to most of the performances last night… VERY Karaoke. I mean, add a keyboard beat to Thia’s ‘Smile’? Come on, you have to admit that was cheese. It’s like listening to these people sing to an upbeat elevator tune. I actually, finally, liked one (Thia) after a few of the more painful performances, and they add electronic beats? Why God of American Idol, why! And Paul! What happened? I liked that guy! Last night he sang, well, worse than me! I should be up there! (Trust me, no… I shouldn’t.)

AND WHERE ARE THE INSTRUMENTS? Some of these people are extremely talented when they have their instruments with them, but totally awkward on that big stage by themselves. We got to see them in Hollywood, are they banned now? Scotty mentioned backstage that he “didn’t have my guitar but” he thought he did well. Sounds to me like he was told no on the guitar. Yeah I know, it’s a “singing” competition, but seriously? I thought we were looking for the artist, and not just a singer. Once crowned “American Idol” will these people never pick up an instrument again? I doubt that. It isn’t “American Singer”, it’s “American Idol”. My guess is some of America’s great idols play instruments. I mean, we know Paul McCartney does, and he is James’ Idol right?

The whole production seems like an amateur competition this year to me, like the return of a higher end ‘Star Search’ if you will. The lighting, the music, the backgrounds, the waving arms, the screams, the arrangements, the judges never saying a bad word about anyone, no matter how they did… It must sound WAY different when there, because through my TV, most of them sounded totally off key. I am disappointed, and getting close to giving up this season to free up time for other shows. Heck knows I have other recorded things on my Tivo that have been neglected for a long, long time.

Yes I know, I am Yakkie Downer, and for that I do apologize, but I know there has to be someone out there that agrees with me! There just has to!

So… have at it folks. Let me know below how much you disagree, or agree (yeah right). Plus, come join us in the FORUM, cause if you haven’t, well, you are missing out!

Oh, and to bring things back up a bit, I will leave you with a random awesome video, instead of another downer thought. Watch it, then let me know if we can be friends again. There is a special guest in there singing, you won’t be disappointed!

Melodic Monday: White Stripes, Grey and Idols

Here is your ‘readers digest’ version of some breaking music news this past week. Hopefully this will help get you all caught up!

Original ‘Love the Way You Lie’

If you haven’t heard this version of the song by the original writer, it’s a must listen. It’s kinda like acoustic candy for your ears. Skylar Grey, (formerly Holly Brook) the original writer of the tune is currently making a big splash on the music scene, piping up on some big artist records, from Dr. Dre to Lupe Fiasco. Skylar states that she never really was a writer for others, but an artist in her own right. The song was originally written for her to perform, but once Rihanna and her team heard the track, they asked her for the hit. Skylar agreed to let it go, but thought it would be great if people could still hear her version of it. So, here you go, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

The White Stripes are No More, Sales Rise Substantially

The White Stripes are calling it quits, according to a statement made by Jack and Meg White on their site last Thursday, the band “has officially ended and will make no further records or perform live.” According to the statement, both Jack and Meg are “feeling fine and in good health,” and the decision comes instead from a desire to “preserve what is beautiful and special about the band.” There were no creative differences, no lack of wanting to continue, no health issues, no in-fighting. They added that they want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of The White Stripes’ intense and incredible career. “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
In the time after the news broke, the sales of their music had a massive boost. The band’s live album and documentary ‘Under Great White Northern Lightsactually had a  2,644% increase, according to Amazon’s UK site. Their older albums also saw large increases in sales. Question is, will they change their minds in the future? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Mick Jagger to Hit the Grammy Stage for the First Time

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is finally giving in to the Grammy’s for the first time in his long, long career. Jagger will perform on the stage February 13th with soul singer Raphael Saadiq as part of a tribute to soul singer Solomon Burke who died last year. Burke opened several times in his late career for the band, and Jagger feels a strong connection to him.
“We’re thrilled, delighted, excited and very much looking forward to Mick doing his debut on the Grammy stage,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy. “It’s extraordinary to many of us that the fact is, this will be the first time; he has never performed on the Grammy stage.”
This is not really the first time Jagger has performed for the Grammy’s, but the previous performance was over satellite, when the band received the lifetime achievment award presented by Eric Clapton.
This won’t be Jagger’s first appearance on a Grammy telecast. In 1986, the Rolling Stones were given a lifetime achievement award by Eric Clapton, and they performed on the show by satellite. “I think they had been celebrating a little time before we went on camera,” Ken Ehrlich said. “It was quite a moment.”
Ehrlich has produced the show for 31 years and has always wanted Jagger and the Stones to perform, but it didn’t work out until this year.Jagger will join a performers list that includes Rihanna, Cee Lo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eminem, Arcade Fire, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Usher, Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum and Justin Bieber.

American Idol Releases ‘Greatest Hits’ Album

Scheduled to be released on March 15th, American Idol is releases their first ‘Greatest Hits’ album. Named “American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits”, the album will feature songs by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Fantasia and David Cook.
This will mark the first album that American Idol releases including all of their seasons winners. They have previously released “Greatest Hits” albums, but they only encompassed the hits from their respective seasons. The new album will include all the winners from the past 10 seasons, with additional tracks from runner-ups Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken.
See the full track listing below:

1. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard – “Superstar”
3. Clay Aiken – “Invisible”
4. Fantasia – “When I See U”
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks – “Takin’ It To The Streets”
7. Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) – “No Air”
9. David Cook – “Light On”
10. Kris Allen – “Live Like We’re Dying”
11. Adam Lambert – “Whataya Want From Me”
12. Lee DeWyze – “Sweet Serendipity”

Will you buy it? I’m not sure if I will… I haven’t liked every American Idol that has won the show, and the ones I did like I already purchased either as an album, or as a single (more often than not.)

Random Thought Thursday! Sheen, American Idol and Rehab!

Welcome to yet another edition of random thought Thursday. I come to you live from my office, messy desk and all, and I do in fact have some random thoughts to share. My mind is a befuddlement of wonder I tell you! Funny how you can think of these random things all day long, but you can’t remember an appointment, to take a pill, to make a call… Where are my car keys? Or, maybe it’s just that ol’ age thing kicking in. Can’t be that though, because I would have to admit to being old(er), and that’s not happening now, or even when I’m 103. We’ll just call it “life experience.” Yeah, that has a nice ring.

Alright, back to my random thoughts. My first thought is a shout out, or shout at…

Charlie Sheen.

So his new little “interview” over at E! had me thinking… Let me refresh your memory on what he said to them (or if you haven’t seen it yet):  Commenting on all the rumors floating around, like is his father seeking conservatorship, is his show being cancelled, etc. his answer was “”All crap” (sent to them by text message)

“Believe nothing. I will never speak about any of this as long as I’m alive. You’re all gonna have to keep towing the same redundant line, guessing wrong.”

He follows up with, “BTW, two wars are in an endless state of sorrow. Egypt about burned to the ground, and all you people care about is my bullsh-t….?”

He called it “pathetic” that the media shows any concern about his personal life and how he chooses to spend it. “Shame shame shame,” he said.

Shortly after this “interview” (if you can call a convo via text an interview) his representative Stan Rosenfield issued this statement on behalf of Sheen: “I have a lot of work to do to be able to return the support I have received from so many people. I want to say thank you to my fellow castmembers, the crew of Two and a Half Men and everyone at CBS and Warner Bros., especially [CBS CEO] Les Moonves and [Warner Bros. TV President] Bruce Rosenblum for their concern and support, and to my fans, your good wishes have touched me very much. Like Errol Flynn, who had to put down his sword on occasion, I just want to say thank you.” A lot different than his text message interview huh?

Well, let me just say a couple of things that came to mind when I read his “interview.” Be careful what you wish for Mr. Sheen. You want the media to not cover you or your personal life? Do you want them to not cover your show either? I mean, how will you be able to afford the “personal life” you choose to partake in if no one feels the need to care about you?

Secondly, about the wars and Egypt. That was a nice touch. Most people out there CAN multitask. We are following everything about the war and Egypt. I mean heck, even you who are supposedly in “home rehab” can do both rehab, text E! and know what’s happening in Egypt right? Maybe people would like something a bit more ‘light’ to turn to when the world is on fire, if only for a moment. You should know what turning to ‘light’ topics are like. I mean, there is a war on, Egypt is burning to the ground, and you are having your playtime with your porn family right? Many of us are fans of yours, and hate what you have decided to do to yourself. But alas, your family and friends should just let you kill yourself and your fans shouldn’t give a crap, because there is a war on. I see.

Speaking of porn family, many of us, myself included, really have no interest in the “Queen of Anal” all over our TVs talking about you. Some family you got there. Oops?

Whether you like it or not, you will be talked about. You are a ‘star’… you chose, in this life, to be in the public eye. Your fans love you and want you to be well. Give in to the love of those who want you well, and reject those that just want to use you for what your worth until you’re gone. Seriously? $30,000 for THAT? That is all.

On to other topics now…

American Idol Apology

Really? Do they not have enough viewers that they need to pull out all the stunts? We still can’t figure what the hey that apology was for. Was it because Steven Tyler had to be bleeped? What did you expect putting a rocker on the panel? Was it because he hinted that one of the young contestants could have been a groupie that he lays? Again, what did you expect putting a rocker on the panel?

For that matter, why wouldn’t you just edit it out of the show? It’s not as if these audition shows are live. Did you get complaints? If so, why wouldn’t there have been a more specific apology, inclusive of what you are apologizing for? Yeah, stunt. All us who watch know it, all those who don’t didn’t really care enough to tune in. Stop that.

Wow… I guess this should have been called ‘Random Yell Thursday”… who knew my thoughts would be so… what’s the word… motherly?

Last Random:

What’s with all the rehab lately? Is rehab the new black? Are drugs and alcohol the new pink? Elton John recommends Billy Joel go to rehab? Even the youngsters are getting into the programs… Demi Lovato, Aaron Carter, and of course, Lindsay Lohan. Is Miley Cyrus next? I guess I just don’t get it. Is it the people they surround themselves with? Is it the pressure of being in the public eye all the time? Is it just straight up depression? Is it lack of self-worth? Is it just spoiled brats not getting what they want? I myself have family with addictions, family members that have gone to rehab. It’s heart breaking to say the least… Here’s hoping that people in general, including celebrities, see the latest trend for how it should be seen… troubling and worthless. I personally thought Lohan had one of the brightest futures ahead of her. She is a beautiful girl and an amazing actress, and yet, she throws it away, and for what? Hold on to what you have, that crap ain’t worth it.

Alright, that’s it for my ranting randoms! What do you think? Do you agree with Sheen that we should just leave him alone? Is rehab the new black? Is all this stuff just a product of our new “entitled” way of life? Do you wish the porn queen would just go away? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Oh and join me, and MANY others at Sober Is Sexy, and “like” them HERE on Facebook! While you’re at it, like us on Facebook too… HERE!

Random Thought Thursday! Here We Go Again…

Well, welcome to another edition of Random Thought Thursday. I will be your host today. Yep, the host I am. I will admit to you now that I *may* have had a bit too much coffee this morning, so I thought well, this would be the perfect time to write this, as my thoughts are bouncing off the walls.

Speaking of walls (actually, this has absolutely nothing to do with a wall), the American Idol Auditions in Milwaukee were last night. Did you watch? I did, course, not at the right time. I had to wait for awhile, let my Tivo pick it up, then watch it before I went to sleep. I’m not really interested in commercials, unless they are funny. Hey, by the way, if you have seen any really weird or funny commercials, submit them to us, or you can post them in our commercial forum HERE. There is one weird one out there now by Cisco, where some kids are on a computer, and this little weird monster shows up… I have yet to figure that commercial out. What were they looking for to begin with? Maybe I just don’t get it. I will put the commercial at the bottom of this post so you can explain it to me. Otherwise, it will end up being one of those things that just goes unexplained in my life, and that’s just not acceptable.

Wait, what was I talking about? Oh yes, walls. Wait, no, American Idol. Yes, American Idol… What was with that toothbrush guy? I’m guessing he was trying to be the next “Pants on the Ground” guy, teaching us a lesson about brushing our teeth. They didn’t give him much time, but who here thinks that we may see him again on the finale? You know, the part where they bring back all the weird ones? I’m guessing we may see the Bieber opera singer as well. Really? Bieber opera? …And for that matter, why is Bieber on absolutely everything these days? Is there no escape? As long as I don’t have to see Kara Dioguardi stripping down to a bikini, well, I will put up with toothbrush guy and Bieber opera. Yes, I will gladly make that trade.

Speaking of trading, actually, no, this has nothing to do with trading… The last guy on Idol last night… Chris Medina… Apparently fans are letting others know what they thought about this story… Some are expressing major support for him, while others are thinking his motives and actions were exploitive, bringing his brain damaged fiance to the auditions. Either way you feel, I will admit that it made me cry. How horrible for the both of them, and what an outstanding man he is. Now I just hope that if he happens to win American Idol this year, that he keeps on with her, and the fame, and groupies don’t get in the way of that.

Speaking of fame getting in the way… what’s with that Glee Producer (Ryan Murphy) telling bands that say no to “F*%k off”? I mean really, can his ego get any bigger? I expect to hear “You will never work in this town again!” come out of his mouth pretty soon. If a band or artist doesn’t want to do it, then they don’t want to! Get over it and move the heck on dude! Bieber will do it. Go ask him. Also, you cannot state that artists or bands who say no to you are ignorant and their careers are over in the same diatribe about Kings of Leon. Their careers, I believe, are far from over. This Producer is also now running his mouth over at Perez Hilton, telling everyone he thinks Kings of Leon are homophobic. Dude, please, get some help! Personally, after seeing how this guy reacts to rejection, and what he does and says about those that say no, I would hope there are a line of artists ready with that same answer soon.

Alright, I’m done. My random thoughts, or at least the ones I can say out loud, are out there for all to see. Here are my favorite random thoughts today from the web:

From Joy @ FB: “let me be patient and let me be kind….”

From Angelique @ FB: “Thong underwear…why???”

Susan @ FB says “Live Laugh & Love Often…”

tatoomom69 @ Twitter: “my feet are starting to look like my mom’s, gross, need to fix that”

From King_Dunn @ Twitter: “what part of the chicken does the chicken nugget come from??”

From murielvega @ Twitter: “My roommate just called me to tell me that she stole a pumpkin for me. Today just went from shitty to really great.”

From Kaseyville @ FB: “I wish I had a different flavored chapstick!”

From Teresa @ FB “Why did I move here?”

From Joanne @ FB: “Look, a CAT!”

Want yours included? Well, too bad, too late. Now you will have to wait another whole week until the Yak asks again for your most random thoughts. You could however post them below… Let’s see just how random your brain is today!

Seriously… did they discover Pokemon really do exist or something? I don’t get it.

American Idol: Top 10 Best Auditions

American Idol hits it’s 10th season on the airwaves tomorrow night with it’s much anticipated winter premiere (8EST/7CST on Fox). Lots has changed with the show following Simon Cowell’s departure. Ellen Degeneres left the judge’s table, soon followed by Kara DioGuardi. Randy Jackson is the only original judge left and welcomed Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler to the panel. A few more changes will be made to the show’s format this season, which you can read all about HERE! As we prepare to begin a new season with the audition stage, we thought it’d be fun to take a look back at some of the best Idol auditions of the past. We’ve narrowed it down to our Top 10, but we know you’ll have a different list. So check ours out and be sure to comment below and share your very own Top 10 list here in our forums! Didn’t like ours? Well let us know below! Here we go…

#10. Clay Aiken, “Always and Forever”

Love him or hate him, Clay was the original Idol surprise, if you will. Walking in, not looking like a pop star, only to surprise the judges and America with his powerful and soothing voice, Clay gave them reason to believe he had what it takes to follow Clarkson and become the next American Idol. And he got pretty close…Until he released “Invisible” and I think people’s opinion on Clay started to change.

News on the Reality Front!

Not much going on in Reality lately, but a good amount of shows are coming up! Here is the latest on your favorites:

Big Brother: Matt McDonald (BB Season 9) pleaded guilty for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, admitting his involvement in a drug ring that also included his season’s winner, Adam Jasinski. Both are now facing a maximum prison time of 20 years. Adam has been under treatment for substance abuse has been under house arrest since 2009, and is due to be sentenced today in Massachusetts. Matt will have to wait for his sentencing until April. I guess they won’t be included when Big Brother does the next All Star round? Must be Karma for treating BB9 Jesus loving Natalie the wrong way.

Mary Murphy Return Official! Mary Murphy will be returning as a regular judge on So You Think You Can Dance on this upcoming 8th season set to air this Summer. “I am thrilled and already dancing in my seat to be back as a permanent judge this season, which I’m sure will be the best ever.” Murphy stated. Get ready to ride the hot tamale train!!

Pick your Survivor Finalist! As we had reported earlier, Survivor is allowing us fans to choose one of the finalists for the competition! To vote, go HERE to watch the videos, then pick your favorite. Maybe you will be the deciding vote!

American Idol: No one wants the ‘villain’ role.  The new judging panel will not be embracing their inner Simon apparently. No one wants to play the villain, rather, critique young idol wanna-be’s on how they can improve. “There’s nothing like having that kind of discussion with another artist to help you grow,” Lopez said. They want to help rather than hurt. Well, that’s great for the ones that aren’t half bad… but are they all playing the Paula card when it comes to those that really should not be singing?

Sarah Palin’s Alaska canned. We here are unsure whether it was by choice, or a network decision, but the rumor mill has it that ratings after the premier were horrible, and the network made the decision to not renew the show. No word from the Palin camp about it.

Mike Tyson gets his own show, about pigeons? You heard me right. The heavyweight boxing champion, convicted rapist and occasional actor is apparently a pigeon farmer? Not just common or garden pigeons mind you, but racing pigeons, or as Tyson puts it “the creme de la creme of the pigeon world. These are thoroughbred pigeons. Pigeons were mens’ first feathered friends”. “Taking on Tyson”, which comes to the Animal Planet cable TV channel in March, is a six-part documentary in which the former world heavyweight champion returns to his Brooklyn neighborhood to race pigeons. Sesame Street Bert would be so proud. Let’s just hope Tyson isn’t an Ozzie fan.

Well, there you have it folks! The biggest news in Reality TV this week. So, what do you think? Are you going to go pick your fave for Survivor? Are you happy to see Mary Return? Are you sad to see Palin snubbed? Will you watch a show all about pigeons? Let us know below or in the FORUM!

Adam Lambert Sighting!

We have done our research, and are 95% sure we had ourselves an Adam Lambert sighting at Starbucks in Malibu Ca.  Note the black nail polish, sunglasses, pompadour hairdo, earrings and the purple in the hair (as seen on AI this last week).  What you are unable to note is the height and voice, however trust me when I tell you it was right on.  He was with two people, a male and a female, one of them named “Sam” (as stated on Starbucks cup)… weren’t we lucky!!  (Yep, sarcasm coming from me who is not the biggest fan of Adam, but I KNOW there are many of you that are.)  Come come come discuss in the forum!  Here is our sneaky pic:  (Click the pic to make bigger)

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Saint Dagame’s Sermon

Greetings one and all please allow me to introduce myself.  I am Saint Dagame, patron saint of reality shows as well as high priest of the Church of Gina Gershon and today starts a new era for the Yak.  This is the first of many sermons that I will be giving to you, my adoring congregation, so remember this day because it will be one you will rejoice for decades to come.

I have decided to make this first sermon about tainting victories.  Did Apollo Creed ruin Rcoky’s title win?  Did the Patriots come up with conspiracy theories when they lost the Superbowl to the Giants?  Did Arnold Jackson make up excuses why he lost his fight with The Gooch?  The answer to all of the above is a resounding no, yet so many of you out there want to taint Kris Allen’s victory over Adam Lambert on American Idol by coming up with crazy conspiracy theories and downright nonsense so I’m here to set you straight. Continue reading “Saint Dagame’s Sermon”