(43-241) The Best Week Of "American Idol" EVER!

In my opinion, this has been the best week of "American Idol," EVER!   If you didn't have the pleasure of seeing it, let me tell you that you missed two extraordinary nights of entertainment.   Even if you've never watched an episode of "Idol" before, or you lost interest by season four; I highly recommend that you give "Idol" a(nother) chance, because this season is a whole new ball game.

When I wrote "Half Way There," I mentioned how much I loved the chemistry between Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.  But I have to say that it's not JUST their rapport that makes this season of "Idol" superior.  It's also how they share their expertise in a straight forward, yet kind manner; which is a far cry from how Simon did it.   They don't demean and degrade the contestants under the guise of giving them constructive criticism.  You can tell that they sincerely care about the competitors and that they want to help them all further their careers.  At the same time, they make it very clear that it's a priority to provide the audience with phenomenal performances.

I can honestly say that what I liked best about "Idol" this week, were the surprises.   I was so moved when Steven Tyler went up onto the stage to give Jacob Lusk a hug and a kiss after his stellar rendition of my FAVORITE, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell song; "You're All I Need To Get By."   I'm just loving me some Steven Tyler; but I'll get to that a little later.

Although I think that James Durbin is a very talented vocalist, none of his previous performances had been amongst my favorites; which is why it was such a delicious treat to hear James sing ND dance, to Stevie Wonder's "Living For The City."  I''m providing the link for this one, so that you can watch James in action.  

Now speaking of Stevie Wonder.  In years gone by, we had to wait until the finale to see guest stars perform WITH the contestants.  But during Thursday night's results show, not only did Stevie Wonder sing with the top 11; but he also sang "Happy Birthday to Ya," as a special  surprise to Steven Tyler, while they presented him with a birthday cake, and lavished him with hugs.  As soon as Stevie emerged on the stage, it was apparent from the expression on all three judges faces, that his appearance was entirely unexpected; and thoroughly appreciated.  It was a touching, encounter in every which way; and it made me feel good to watch it.

While on the subjects of the results show and feeling good; I have to mention the laugh that I got from Skeletor's, I mean Marc Anthony's, utter arrogance and obliviousness.  Now if by some chance you don't know - Marc Anthony is a singer, and he's got the good fortune to be married to Jennifer Lopez.  Well, on the results show they aired a segment in which they explained that Marc Anthony had been asked to work with the contestants, as many of them had been having problems with their pitch during the performance shows.   In his defense, I will absolutely admit, that it appeared as though his assistance was very valuable; BUT what I found so amusing was the way that he made it seem like he was the ONLY person who could help them; because he was such a BIG star.  If Roseanne Roseannadanna would have been watching, I think she would have said something like "So I said hey, Marc Anthony; get a clue!   The only reason that "American Idol" asked YOU to come to help  was because you're J-Lo's husband; and you were available.  Do you REALLY think that if Jennifer wasn't on the show, that the producers would be like, HEY, we know who to call;  we need Marc Anthony, because only HE can solve the contestants pitch problems.  Come on Marc, you're making me sick!"   But sick from laughing.  I really do enjoy some of his songs; I just prefer to listen to them with my eyes closed.

I could go on and on.  You KNOW I could.  About anything really;  BUT, truly about all of the great moments from this weeks "A I."  I'm a big (yes) HUGE Motown fan; so this week's theme made me very happy.   I was grooving to the beat and singing right along, when I heard "Heatwave," "Signed, Sealed, delivered," and  "You Really Got A Hold On me."  The songs, coupled with all of the surprises that I've mentioned, made for an awesome week of "Idol;" but one of the BEST moments ever, was when the judges had Ryan stop Casey Abrams from singing for his life; because they didn't need to hear the whole song to know that he deserved to be saved.  Casey was undeniably astonished when the judges decided not to send him home, despite America's vote.  They told him that they knew how talented he was and that they thought that he warranted another chance; however, they cautioned him to be careful of what Steven Tyler called his "crazy ass ego."  

How do I love Steven Tyler?  Let me count the ways...
I love his balls to the wall attitude, I love his energy, I love his candor, I love his compassion, I love his wit, I love his originality, I love his swagger, I love his expressions, I love his wardrobe, and most of all, I LOVE that he is a judge on "American Idol."  It is obvious that all of the contestants just adore, respect and admire him; and that the audience feels the same.  I'm so glad that Steven Tyler is giving America the opportunity to get to know him;  because I think that he brings out the best in EVERYONE.  Happy birthday Mr. Tyler!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-217) Holy Shin Guard!

One of my favorite things on "GLEE" is when they do a mash up.  If you're not familiar with this term, according to "Wikipedia"  "it's when they combine two or more different songs into one by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another." 

A little earlier tonight, I was talking on the phone with my friend, Jenny; and she asked what tonight's blog was going to be about.  I shared my two ideas, she gave me her opinion; and after we hung up, I realized that I could totally combine both.  I realized that often times, "The Bumpy Ride," truly is a mashup. 
 
I was all set to go with the idea that Jenny preferred; until "American Idol" came on.  Y'all know from several recent blogs, that I am once again a big (yes) HUGE, fan of "American Idol;"  and when I found out tonight that the 12 guys were going to perform today, the twelve girls tomorrow and then on Thursday, the top five guys, the top five girls; and the judges wild card picks would be announced; I was a HAPPY lady.  I for one am very glad that they won't be drawing these qualifying rounds out.  Get in, get out quit messing about.  That's what I like!!
 
We settled in to watch and laughed as Ryan Seacrest handed Steven Tyler a blooper mask.  Now this is just a term that I made up, because I don't really know what you call the "American Idol" logo on a stick, that Ryan handed to Steven to put in front of his mouth in case he cursed.  Ryan demonstrated how Steven might use the blooper mask; but he didn't need it when he yelled out "Holy Shin Guard," after one of the performances. (Or at least that's what it sounded like to me;)   I love me some Steven Tyler and the new and improved "American Idol."
 
Ironically enough, the original idea for tonight's post, is something that had me saying "Holy Shin Guard," or something like it, earlier today.  A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from USAA or so it seemed.  It was asking for my personal information, but as I'm not a USAA member; I totally disregarded it.  A few days later I received a similar email from my bank.  It didn't read right to me, so I decided to take my chances and disregard it as well.  Then this morning I found this email :
"We recently have determined that different computers have logged onto your Online Banking account, and multiple password failures were present before the logons. We now need you to re-confirm your account information to us.
If this is not completed by March 4, 2011, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely, as it may have been used for fraudulent purposes. We thank you for your cooperation in this manner.
To confirm your Online Banking records click on the following link:https://online.my/my banks name.com/IdentityManagement/

Thank you for your patience in this matter.
My banks name Customer Service

Please do not reply to this e-mail as this is only a notification. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.
�2011 My banks name  Corporation. All rights reserved.

Thank you Steven Tyler, I'll say it again; "Holy Shin Guard!"  Once again I was suspicious; so I clicked on the link, and I swear to you, it looked very similar to my banks home page; logo and all; however, it required me to provide my log in and password on the same page, and that doesn't happen unless I'm first shown my site key.  I decided that I'd rather be safe than sorry; so I called my bank and waited on hold for ten minutes or so; in order to ask if my bank had sent me this email.  Well, I'm sure you know as well as I, that in fact they did NOT.  It was a total scam.  My bank told me what information would have been included in the email had it been authentic; and I felt really relieved that I was not duped. 

In the interest of (say it with me,) "the Greater Good," it is my fervent hope that by posting this story tonight; I will prevent at least one person from falling pray to these scavengers.  When I think about this email scam and the potential harm that it could do; I get very angry.  How ironic that they threaten to suspend my account due to fraudulent activity; when this is the most fraudulent activity of them all.  I know that there have always been con artists out there; and some of them legitimize their craft by calling themselves car salesmen. No offense to my car salesmen readers; but I'm not really a fan of the mode of operation used to separate me from my hard earned money.  But I digress.  I feel the need to pull Roseanne Rosannadanna outta my arsenal and say "Hey, you email scammers; stay the heck outta my business and go make some money by gettin a real job.  Hopefeully one where you're bustin your hump; YOU'RE MAKING ME SICK!"
 

Whew!  Talk about a mashup... I covered "GLEE," "American Idol," email scams AND Roseanne Roseannadanna all in one blog.  HOLY SHIN GUARD; not bad for a Tuesday night.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-184) Half Way There

It's SNL Cheerleader time again my friends. "Milestone, milestone, who's got a milestone?"  "IT'S ME!  IT'S ME!!"   YUP!  Believe it or not, I am half way there. With the completion of last night's post "Whatcha Need,"  I have now begun the second half of my ascent towards post # 366; and I for one, just can't believe it.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I have NO idea how I'm doing this; but I'm very proud of my commitment and I'm extremely grateful to those of you who are supporting me.

Now, with that being said; let's get on with getting on.  When I first started writing "The Bumpy Ride," I said that I was going to write about a multitude of things - one of them being, reality TV.  It's been a few months since I've tackled this subject; and with the return of "American Idol," I think that now is an opportune time to share my opinion.

When I wrote "100 MORE Random Things About Me," I said "I don't think "American Idol" will be the same without Simon Cowell;" and although I wish he were there;  I have to admit that I've really enjoyed the 3 episodes of "Idol" that I've seen thus far.  I like the chemistry between Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.  And even though I find Steven to be excessively flirtatious; I also think that he's amusing and entertaining in a way that I wouldn't have expected.  I'm impressed with J-LO; (I'm sure she'll be just thrilled to hear that...)  She seems to be very caring, sincere and down to earth; and I think she'll make a great role model for the contestants.  Randy's just Randy; and it appears as though he meshes well with the newbies; so I'm totally looking forward to this season.

Although Luis and I don't frequently watch the same TV shows, we both wanted to watch "American Idol;" and last night, Luis made a very interesting observation.  We were discussing how many people they put through to Hollywood, that never would have made it in previous seasons; because Simon would have said the contestant(s) didn't have "IT;" or because they didn't have the right look.  But this season seems to be a lot more like the first season was; in as much as they're offering chances to people who are less "it" and more different.  People who can sing, but aren't necessarily commercial; and I think that there's a nice symmetry to that.  It's almost as if they're starting all over again and getting back to basics.

If you haven't watched "American Idol" yet this season, let me tell you that there are some really interesting, and  amazing contestants; and barring any interference from that heinous, votefortheworst.com;  I think that this season of "American Idol," may just be its best yet.  Lucky for me, I've got 182 more opportunities to tell you all about it.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING