Queen Extravaganza

Quick Update: Really catching up now. Hey, so remember "Q?"

Song Stuck In My Head: “Black Shoes” by the Films. It’s Sims 2, but is amazing.

So about a week ago, I was out of mind with frustration and insomnia (okay, still am, but not the point) and declared no “Q” post because there was absolutely nothing I can think of that started with Q but was cool.
Well, A-Z blogging is almost up, so I surrender. And thankfully, last week's results show of American Idol introduced to me the QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA.

Who are they? Apparently the two remaining members of the original Queen had searched for the ultimate Queen cover band, one that captured the essence and spirit and most of all talent of the band, and most of all, a band to tour with. Queen Extravaganza's winners seems to fit the description a little too perfectly. They put together a group of performers that somehow, together, do Queen justice in so many ways. Let me tell you why this is probably the first cover band that is worth the money.

The Singer: A broad, strong-looking man who goes from the piano to his feet, Marc Martel (who got to perform his audion on Ellen) has the dramatic voice of Freddy Mercury. He also has the gift of vulnerability and charisma. But his voice! It sounds so realistic; we could have Mercury's ghost here.

The Guitarist: A long-haired, young thing, their guitarist Tristan Avakian started out unimpressive and forgettable. Then he started playing his own little solos, playing guitar behind his back, and making snide/snarky faces. Oh yeah. We got a rebel here. The other guitarist, Brian Gresh, isn't too bad either.

The Bassist: Francois-Olivier Doyon, who did a backflip. While playing. All I need to say.

The Drummer: Okay, I don't remember their drummer, Tyler Warren, but only because around the end of the performance, Queen's own guitarist and drummer burst on stage and joined them. Cool, right?

While the performance might not have been picture-perfect (there was a lot of flashy lights. And back-up singers) seeing the Queen Extravaganza tribute band perform was a very fresh moment on the results show, where we get to see an actual band release its inner queen, inner monster, was what made it all worth it. This is truly a band to check out, despite them being a cover band.

Don't believe me? Listen for yourself. Then go to the Queen Extravaganza's website here and learn more about them, about the contest, and even their tour dates! Woot!




Later!

"V" for "Versus" on Idol

Quick Update: Sleepy. So sleepy. Oh, and hello new followers! Don't think I didn't notice you.

Song Stuck In My Head: “S and M" by Rihanna. So, a couple kids blasted this song during a club yesterday…with our 70-something year old advisor RIGHT THERE. Thankfully, I don’t think she listened to the lyrics, but still….

With American Idol being the top singing competition on TV, you can expect that there will be a lot of conflict and heat. Between contestants. Between judges. Between fans. But it seems like the show has a lot of odd clashes going on right now that weren’t intended by the producers. Let’s discuss.

Randy Jackson vs. both J-Lo and Steven. This past season or two, with no Simon Cowell to be rational, Randy Jackson has had to go from “Dawg!” to “Dude…”. Meaning, with Steven Tyler usually finding some crazy way to say how good someone sang or J-Lo fangirling over every song, he has to be the rational and honest critic. The bad cop. 

In a dramatic turn of events last night, that turned around because J-Lo has slowly been getting more critical - and Randy gets to defend the people again. It’s all very confusing, we know. But it’s good to see some judge conflict here and then.

Hollie Cavanagh vs. Musical Genres. All contestants have found their niche by now. Skylar: country sass. Phillip: artsy bluesy rock. Elise: power pop/rock. Joshua: rock and soul. And Jessica: big-voiced diva.

But it seems there aren’t really any open spots for little, blonde, and blue-eyed Hollie Cavanagh. She’s adorable and sings strongly, but has no exact genre to her. She might be any given high school’s best singer, but on a reality show like this that just doesn’t cut it.

Joshua Ledet vs. the Fans (Not His, Everyone Else’s). Mr. “Fantasia” has really proved himself to be more than a simple soul singer. He’s a performer above anything else, and hit his stride last night with his funky take on “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and insane ballad “Ready For Love".

Unfortunately, the boy’s fan base isn’t nearly as big as his talent and he has ended up in the bottom three a few times. Though Phillip Phillips is still my ultimate fave, I’d like to see Joshua make it a little farther than the Top 6. He’s that talented.

Elise Testone vs. Herself. I love Elise. I love how she mixes the roughness of Janis Joplin and Alanis Morisette in with a bubbly Colbie Caillet attitude and diva flair. The judges love it. Her fans, though there might not be that many, love it. But Elise? She doesn’t always seems sure. Every critique from the judges seems to hit her like a slap. Every wrong move or wrong note freaks her out for half the song. She’s beyond talented and knows what she’s doing, but nerves can get the best of us.

Phillip Phillips vs. the World. Everyone followed a very unspoken formula for last night, since the goal was to sing one Queen song and then sing one song of their own choice. Everyone had a spicy, loud/yelled, and pumped up Queen tune. And then everyone slowed down and had a dramatic, tear-filled ballad.

But never Phillip, who walks at his own pace. His queen song, “Fat Bottomed Girls”, was a fun rock moment in the middle of the wrong concert. And then he took an inventive take on Dave Matthews, who’s he compared to about every week, taking such a huge risk that he nearly gave Jennifer Lopez a heart attack.

Phillip Phillips never follows the other contestants or the show’s standards. As Randy put it, he’s already a true, matured artist who seems to have outgrown the overproduction and dramatics of Idol. And hey, he hasn’t even been in risk of elimination yet, not even on bad weeks. Coincidence?

Later.

Talent Reality Shows Face Off: Part TWO

Quick Update: So I'm actually blogging as scheduled. Yay me, I guess.

Song Stuck In My Head: Smells Like Teen Spirit, the Nirvana cover by 2CELLOS. Has anyone seen these two guys? No? GO TO YOUTUBE. NOW.

Okay, so if anyone had seen my last post, you know that SSF has a Talent Reality Show theme going on this week. We're judging the shows like their contestants get judged.

So let's get right to it. Monday was the Premises, Prizes, and Network. Don't believe me? READ IT FOR YOURSELF. Today is the HOSTS, JUDGES, WINNERS, and LOOOOSERS.

HOSTS

American Idol: Ryan Seacrest, who makes sure you see a lot of him. Or hear a lot of him. Top 40 radio. New's Years Specials. Hosting everything he possibly can. But he has a nice smile, so we like him, okay?

X Factor: Steve Jones. Ahhh...hopefully you didn't get too attached.

The Voice: Carlson Daly, a man trying ever so hard to be the next Seacrest through his own late night show (airs after Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno, when most of the world is asleep) and even hosting his own New Year's special! Good for him.

America's Got Talent: Fiesty Nick Cannon, also Mr. Mariah Carey. Easygoing dude who jokes around with the talent a lot. After all, it get's pretty ridiculous. First you have a dance crew or innocent little kid, then you have a drag queen or...well, this. Does anyone remember this?

Winner of this round: No one can deny the power of the Seacrest. AMERICAN IDOL takes this guys.

THE JUDGES

American Idol: Second year of having stable judges, which hasn't happened in a while. Formula: Nice, Latina divorcee plus Flirtacious 70's rock singer plus Experienced but Hip Music Mogul. Somehow it works, though poor Randy Jackson has had to make the harsh critiques a lot more often with no one to properly advise the contestants.

X Factor: Everyone's favorite British badmouth who's softened up like a marshmallow so far, and a record label superstar who discovered everyone from Pink to Justin Bieber to - the most important in my petty, teenage book - Avril Lavigne. As for the Ex-Pop Star and inexperienced female group leader, the axe came down on hard on them. Who know Simon could do such a thing, cutting two people off his show just like that! Oh, wait...

The Voice: Country star, pop/soul singer rocking the Top 40, pop/rock band leader taking over the Top 40, and one ex-pop star who, despite her haters, is still well-known for her voice. IT's a formula that covers all genres and would well, if only they actually showed the judges being anything but nice to the contestants. At least they compete with each other.

America's Got Talent: How this formula works, I don't know, but it does. Lovely British wife of a heavy metal superhero mixed with a former comedian whose other TV credits include Deal or No Deal and Mobbed, and now trashtalking radio host Howard Stern. While we've yet to see Stern in action, he will surely be a worthy replacement for the intelligent but cruel past judge, Piers Morgan.

Winner this round: Any show except for the X Factor. So, AMERICAN IDOL, THE VOICE, and AMERICA'S GOT TALENT...congrads! Prizes for all!

Now onto the actual winners...

WINNERS

American Idol: Everyone from superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood to erm....Jordin Sparks, the cool Lee Dewyze (Duwyze?) dude, and that-guy-with-the-gray-hair-everyone-forgot-about-I-think.

Let's play a game...name that Idol!

X Factor: So far, Melanie Armaro, with a huge comeback and hero's story. She was also recently featured in a Pepsi commercial with Elton John. Yep. Sponsorship and Corporate America is still going strong.

The Voice: Javier Colon! Hmm. Wonder how that dude's doing....

America's Got Talent: A surprising number of singers and artists for a show focused on variety acts...coincidence? Though there is no denying Landaeu Eugene Murphy deserved the win last year.

Winner this round: the X Factor...so far...

And onto the people who sometimes are just as famous if not more famous than their winners...

LOSERS

American Idol: Everyone from Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert to Smash's Katharine McPhee, Weight Watchers/Dream Girl Jennifer Hudson, and Daughtry frontman Chris Daughtry.

X Factor: A lot of people, but we mostly remember the kids. Like smart-mouth rapper Astro, who got a gig on...a detective show! (Seriously!)

The Voice: Um....those people. You know. With the faces?

America's Got Talent: Another everybody. Jackie Evancho, the opera-singing little girl, didn't win even. Can you believe that!? Of course, America's Got Talent actually has a reason why some acts aren't always the winners or voted through...do you really want young, innocent Jackie hosting her own Vegas show?

The winners this round: American Idol all the way. No show's runners-up and even bad auditioners have gone on to achieve as much as fame as the winners, not like Idol. So at least they got that going for them.

That is all for today, my friends. But be sure to comment on who you think deserve the best of the best when it comes to the people on talent reality shows. Really. I like comments.

Until then...um....

DANG IT I FORGOT I DON'T HAVE A SIGN-OFF!

Later.

TALENT REALITY SHOWS FACE-OFF: Part One

Quick Update: So...Superbowl...yeah.

Song Stuck in My Head: Supermassive Black Hole by Muse


American Idol returned last month. The Voice’s second season debuted last night. The first American X Factor was crowned not even two months ago, and recently dropped two judges and a host. Annnd America’s Got Talent is in its beginning stages of its summer season, with new judge Howard Stern.

Whether they’re dancing, having mental breakdowns, singing, yelling at judges, or performing fire tricks there’s no denying TV is full of those talent reality shows. Maybe you’re an avid fan yourself. You love them for their showcasing of starving artists, giving them the chance they never had. Or maybe you just watch for Simon Cowell’s jibes, we don’t judge (pun intended.)



Welcome to SSF’s TALENT REALITY SHOW WEEK. A week to kick back and relax and discuss various shows’ merits and well…more laughable parts. A sort of compare and contrast, if you will.

First, let’s meet our contestants….

THE PREMISES
American Idol - Search the country for an unsigned artist. Give them a microphone, give America a phone line. Occasional celebrity advice, but mostly the artist is on their own.

Number of seasons: Currently in eleventh. Must be pretty successful.
Stolen from a British show? Check. Pop Idol.
Sponsored by: Coca Cola.



The X Factor - Search the country for an unsigned artist, or group, of any age and give them a microphone and randomly chosen mentor. Categorize them by Girls, Boys, Groups, and Over 30’s. Occasional celebrity advice, including the mentors’.

Number of seasons: Just finished up first.
Stolen from a British show? You know it. And same name too!
Sponsored by: Pepsi.



The Voice - Search the country for an unsigned artist. Four mentors who choose team based off voice alone, and compete more against each other than the contestants do.

Number of seasons: Currently in second.
Stolen from a British show? No! Congrats, guys! Originality. Except wait just a second...THIS IS BASED OFF A DUTCH SHOW!?
Sponsored by:…hmm. Might have to get back to you on this.

America’s Got Talent - Search the country for…well, anything. Singers, magicians, glass-eaters, dirt bike riders, dance teams, comedians, etc. Three judges are expected to keep cool during the chaos, America is expected to narrow down the contestants to top four to get their own Vegas show.

Number of seasons: Six.
Stolen from a British show? Checkcheckcheck. Britain’s Got Talent, of course!
Sponsored by: Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popcorn (though I do love the Criss Angel commercial).



Winner of this round: The Voice. Unique, fair, and free of some sort of food/drink sponsor and Simon Cowell (we can’t have him on every show.)

Now, tell us, Mr. Host…what do these contestants have to look forward to?

THE PRIZES
American Idol - Record contract! And either instant fame or getting upstaged by your runner-up, depends. And tour with the top 10 contestants.

The X Factor - Even better record contract! Five million dollars! No tour with the other contestants, who cares about them? You won a FIVE MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT!



The Voice - Record contract! Annnd you get to be on late night shows and stuff, even if you’re a runner-up! And tour with the top 10 contestants.

America’s Got Talent - Your own Vegas show, and a tour with the runner-ups. Neat.

Winner of this round: Tie between X Factor and America’s Got Talent. Sure, we all enjoy money, but record contracts come and go. How often will you be a headliner in Vegas?




Where will our contestants perform this time, Mr. Host? Do tell!

THE NETWORKS

American Idol - Fox. Just in case you didn’t get your Glee fix. Usually plays in the very beginning of the year.

The X Factor - Fox again. (What? We need something to play when we don’t have So You Think You Can Dance or American Idol to rely on. You can only watch so much House.) First season played during fall.

The Voice - NBC’s fun, new winter show that they’re now pairing up with their Glee-esque show about the Broadway life, SMASH. (Which premieres tonight by the way). However, it's also paired up AGAINST American Idol. Fight to the death, anybody?




America’s Got Talent - NBC’s summer show, usually paired up with re-runs of every other NBC show.

Winner of this round: America’s Got Talent. No competition to worry about.

That’s it for today. Do you guys have a favorite premise for any Talent Reality show (not just including these four). Do you agree with the winners for prize and network? Share your thoughts.

So far, we have AGT with two, The Voice with two. X Factor, American Idol….catch up! Tomorrow we’ll cover the people of Talent Reality shows: the Judges, the Hosts, the Winners, and the Losers. Should be fun.






Later!