15 Year Old Muse Predicts The Oscars

Was just looking through my old files for the Fan Fiction I wrote in middle school and stumbled across this Oscar article I wrote for my school newspaper when I was 15. It was in regards to the 73rd Annual Academy Awards, for the films released in 2000 - telecast airing in March of 2001. Below I have reprinted the article.

It's equal parts cringe-worthy (you can tell I read A LOT of Oscar articles and think I know what I'm talking about) and insightful for a 15 year old (shhhh, it is, sort of). My personal top five seems to consist of Wonder Boys, Almost Famous, Quills, Requiem for a Dream & Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. ... How did Crouching Tiger make my top 5? Interesting. And I REALLY loved Kate Hudson in Almost Famous. In retrospect however, that may be her only great performance, so I'm glad she lost the Oscar.

Read on if you dare!

Well, everyone, it’s that time of year again! On February 13th at 5:00 AM the Oscar race officially began, showcasing some of the most original and entertaining movies we’ve seen in a long time. This years nominations run the gamut in variety, from serious, involving movies about matters of life and death to action-filled, sometimes mystical movies that took us back to another time and place. It’s been forever since an Oscar race was this diverse, and even more odd is the fact that in no categories, excluding Best Actress, is there a shoe-in. With almost every critic disagreeing with each other, this year will prove to be incredibly unpredictable, at times surprising, and just maybe, historic.
Some of the nominations alone have made history. The sweet fable, “Chocolat” surprised everyone by managing to nab a nomination for best picture thanks to Miramax’s aggressive early campaign, yet “Cast Away” and “Almost Famous”, both backed by the very powerful Dreamworks, were snubbed in that category. Another interesting fact, making history this year, is director, Steven Soderbergh not only being nominated twice in the best director category but having both of his films be nominated for best picture. But, the biggest news of all this year is the fact that a foreign film garnered 10 nominations, 2 away from having the most. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, a Taiwanese film entirely in subtitles is nominated in such prestigious categories as Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. If it wins best film of the year, it will be the first time ever a foreign film has received such an honor. But, will it win? Many people across the country are now debating over what film will take top honors and what actors will walk away with shiny new Oscars. Here are my predictions and thoughts on the Oscar race this year: What will win, what should win, and what shouldn’t even be nominated.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Stephan Gaghan – “Traffic”
Wang Hui Ling, James Schamus and Tsai Kuo Junh – “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen – “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Steve Kloves – “Wonder Boys”
Robert Nelson Jacobs – “Chocolat”
Can I just say, if you haven’t seen “Wonder Boys”, please, please, go see it. Such a good movie with such a good script, it’s just too bad it won’t be winning this category. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, another movie with an exceptional script will be robbed as well, I’m afraid. I’m pretty sure that this award will go to Stephan Gaghan for adapting “Traffic”, a 6 hour mini-series, into a 2 and a half hour movie. He won the Golden Globe and seems to be the favorite in this category. With all the other wonderful scripts nominated though, here’s hoping it’ll end up going to one of them.
Who Should Win: Steve Kloves, “Wonder Boys”
Who Will Win: Stephan Gaghan, “Traffic”

Best Original Screenplay
Cameron Crowe – “Almost Famous”
David Franzoni, John Logan and Willian Nicholson – “Gladiator”
Susannah Grant – “Erin Brockovich”
Kenneth Lonergan – “You Can Count On Me”
Lee Hall – “Billy Elliot”
In this category, I am torn between “Erin Brockovich” and “Almost Famous” the most. Both were very well written, perfect blends of drama and comedy. Ultimately, I’m pulling for “Almost Famous”, but I’m not sure if the Academy feels the same way. I actually have this sick feeling in my stomach, worrying that they might give it to “Gladiator”, a movie not made at all by the screenplay, but rather the directing, budget, and scope. I enjoyed the movie, I did, but the screenplay was not it’s strong point. It does not deserve to win. It didn’t even deserve to get the nomination. “You Can Count On Me” has a good script, but it’s not my favorite. Same goes for “Billy Elliot”, but with a bit more affection.
Who Should Win: Cameron Crowe, “Almost Famous”
Who Win Will: Cameron Crowe, “Almost Famous”

Best Supporting Actress
Kate Hudson – “Almost Famous”
Judi Dench – “Chocolat”
Frances McDormand – “Almost Famous”
Julie Walters – “Billy Elliot”
Marcia Gay Harden – “Pollock”
Although great performances all around, my personal favorite this year is Kate Hudson and I’m fairly certain that the academy feels the same way, but unlike the Best Actress category, this win isn’t completely in the bag. Judi Dench is a great actress and loved by the Academy, as is Frances McDormand. Still, here’s hoping that Hudson gets it.
Who Should Win: Kate Hudson
Who Will Win: Kate Hudson

Best Supporting Actor
Benicio Del Toro – “Traffic”
Jeff Bridges – “The Contender”
Willem Dafoe – “Shadow of the Vampire”
Albert Finney – “Erin Brockovich”
Joaquin Phoenix – Gladiator
For me, personally, this is absolutely the toughest category. Willem Dafoe, Albert Finney and Joaquin Pheonix all put on great performances. The two that stand out the most for me are Dafoe, who so completely looked and acted like Nosferatu, it was scary, and Phoenix, whose portrayal of an insane roman emperor was mesmerizing. Finney, who has been acting for years and years and never won, put on a great performance in “Erin Brockovich”, and if he won, I know I would be happy, because even though it wasn’t the best performance of the year, it’s been a long time…he deserves one. In this category though, I think it will go to Benicio Del Toro. There is tremendous buzz surrounding him right now, especially after winning the Golden Globe. Though his performance was very good, it wasn’t the best, so if he does win it will be quite disappointing considering he has the rest of his life to put on even greater performances whereas someone like Albert Finney has already been waiting his whole life.
Who Should Win: Albert Finney
Who Will Win: Benicio Del Toro
Who I Want to Win: Joaquin Pheonix

Best Actress
Julia Roberts – “Erin Brockovich”
Joan Allen – “The Contender”
Juliette Binoche – “Chocolate”
Ellen Burstyn – “Requiem for a Dream”
Laura Linney – “You Can Count on Me”
I think this year most everyone would agree that Julia Roberts put on an amazing performance. True, it was fantastic…but it wasn’t the best. I might be a minority here, saying this, but I think the best actress this year was Oscar winner, Ellen Burstyn, in “Requiem for a Dream”. Her performance was breathtaking. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved or so astounded by someone’s ability to act. Because of all the buzz though, Julia should still win or it would be the biggest upset in the history of the Oscars.
Who Should Win: Julia Roberts
Who Will Win: Julia Roberts
Who I Want to Win: Ellen Burstyn

Best Actor
Tom Hanks – “Cast Away”
Javier Bardem – “Before Night Falls”
Russell Crowe – “Gladiator”
Ed Harris – “Pollock”
Geoffrey Rush – “Quills”
Even though Geoffrey Rush, Ed Harris, and Javier Bardem gave us wonderful performances, for some reason the race has been cut down to Russell Crowe and Tom Hanks. I wouldn’t mind if Crowe won, he gave the role his all, but I definitely don’t want Hanks to win. “Cast Away” was not that great of a movie and though Hank’s performance was good, he’s already got two Oscars. But I’m thinking that maybe where that issue is concerned the academy agrees. Since my favorite performance, Michael Douglas in “Wonder Boys” wasn’t nominated, I will throw my support to Russell Crowe.
Who Should Win: Michael Douglas, but then he would have to be nominated…
Who Will Win: Russell Crowe

Best Director
Ang Lee – “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
Ridley Scott – “Gladiator”
Steven Soderbergh – “Erin Brockovich”
Steven Soderbergh – “Traffic”
Stephan Dalory – “Billy Elliot”
Sadly, some speculate that Stephan Soderbergh will cancel himself out, ruining his chances to win for the movie that should win for best direction, “Traffic”. Under these circumstances, keeping in mind that Ridley Scott, albeit respected, is not a well-liked man, Ang Lee just might get the Oscar. Not that that’s completely a bad thing though.
Who Should Win: Steven Soderbergh, “Traffic”
Who Will Win: Ang Lee, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”

Best Picture
“Gladiator”
“Traffic”
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
“Erin Brokovich”
“Chocolat”
This year, unlike most years, the Best Picture race is the most unpredictable. I’ll just try to guess based on decisions the Academy has made in previous years. I think this one will go to “Gladiator”. As for my pick, well, I’d say either “Traffic” because of the political impact and strong message or “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, because it’s the only one nominated that is on my own personal top 5 list. The other 4 on my list, “Wonder Boys”, “Almost Famous”, “Quills”, and “Requiem for a Dream”, were all snubbed in this category. Any of those deserved the nomination over “Chocolat”, which although sweet, isn’t even close to being the best picture of 2001.
What Should Win: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Traffic
What Will Win: Gladiator
What I Want to Win: Requiem for A Dream, but that’s not exactly possible

The Oscars air, Sunday, March 25.

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American Idol Top 3 - We Have Ourselves a Race

FUTURE WINNAR?! OMGZ.

Well, it's top three week. Which means, in this case, contestant choice & judge's choice. Here's what we learned: Casey James is a goner, Crystal has to BRING IT next week and Lee Dewyze is effing sexy, people. There. I said it. Here we go!

Casey James - Ok It's All Right With Me

Fine, cute, looking good, sounds good, but you know, just kind of fine, nothing to write home about

Randy - "Kind of all right with me."

Ellen - Summary = eh

Kara - Summary = eh

Simon - Most important night of his life, lucky, cause compares that song to the salad portion of the dinner. Sounded like busking. Daft song choice.

Casey - Daughters

Just guitar and piano is good, but ultimately he doesn't sound as good as John Mayer, so...eh. Much better than his first performance, but he's not winning anything. Nice note hitting and nice guitar playing. But overall? Not better than Crystal or Lee.

Randy - Good direction, really, honestly

Ellen - Beautiful for him, really good

Kara - Good job

Simon - Much much better song choice than the first one. Was a bit of a lazy arrangement. Thinks there should have been more vocals in the arrangement. Kara & Randy disagree. He says he DID sound very good on it though.

Crystal Bowersox - Come Through My Window

Love the harmonica opening. Kinda wish it was just her & the guitar. Not her best. Not sure she should have picked a song by an artist she is too close to. Didn't really hit one of the notes or two. Definitely not her best. 

Randy - Didn't love the arrangement, but did like her vocal on it. Rose above the arrangement, all worked in the end

Ellen - And I totally missed what Ellen said...sigh. I was in a room filled with like 12 people, it was inevitable.

Kara - She is capable of a moment and hopes she has one

Simon - Wasn't the most stunning version of the song, but liked that she was herself, honest performance, made the right choice, congratulations

Crystal - Maybe I'm Amazed

I hate the sparkles. Sounding great. Didn't change the words, WIN! "Baby I'm a man." Hitting the notes. Sounds awesome. She looks nervous. Slightly flat overall, but still awesome.

Randy - Great song, great vocals, in it to win it

Ellen - Did it

Kara - Didn't change it up that much, but showed parts of her voice they hadn't heard before tonight, really pushed, no instrument - huge risk. Risk paid off.

Simon - Was surpsied with songchoice, but noe he gets it. Proved that she has soul, worked outside of her comfort soul. May be thanking Ellen for putting her in the final. 

Lee Dewyze - Simple Man 

Was kind of hoping Ryan was gonna say "Crosby, Stills and Nash" instead of Lynyrd Skynyrd" but we can't always get what we want, can we? Please just be him and the guitar. Damnit. The rest of the band just came in. Oh well. He's still doing a great job. The non-Idol watchers in the room have dubbed him their favorite and some even have crushes. 

Randy - Somebody here is feeling like they could win this. He's ready.

Ellen - That's what we're talking about. Took it seriously. So proud of him.

Kara - He did what the contestants need to do, showed them everything he's got. Round 1 goes to Lee.

Simon - That song was absolutely on the money. Blew the other two out of the water.

Lee - Hallelujah

Really?! Hallelujah? I don't know....here we go. Just him playing the guitar. Like it so far. STRINGS?! OK! Choir. Not sure it needs choir. Doesn't need the band, but he still sounds good. Shit. Lee. Is. Rocking it. Uh oh, Mamasox. My oh my. Methinks Lee won this night, no? Wow.

Randy - Been waiting all season to see who is gonna throw down the real gauntlet to win the whole thing. Biggest moment at the biggest time. Unbelievable.

Ellen - That was stunning

Kara - What the show is all about. Starts in a limp place and ends up here tonight. Heart of the show this season, owned the entire night.

Simon - Very very very proud of him. Proved that he is a fantastic singer, a great person, and Simon hopes he makes it through. 

Damn. And suddenly Lee is the front runner. Hmmm. Funny how much this resembles Katherine McPhee/Taylor Hicks, Blake Lewis/Jordin, Sparks Archie/David Cook, Adam Lambert/Kris Allen around this time, huh? I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Lee pulled it out in the end, though at this point I still really want it to be Crystal for being pretty consistent week to week, for being totally awesome, for being unique, for being unlike any other winner (or contestant for that matter!) and so on and so forth.

I'm nervous, you guys.

Going Home: Casey, or something is wrong with the world

Grades:
Lee (overall) A-
Crystal (overall) B
Casey (overall) C+

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American Idol Top 4 - Duets FTW!

What a strange evening. A bunch of mediocre solo performance and randomly awesome duets. I mean, no one brought the house down Adam/Allison Slow Ride style, but they did a pretty damn good job. 

Lee Dewyze - Kiss From A Rose

From the moment the song starts, I wish it was just him and the guitar and no stupid backing band ugh. No longer in it to win it, Lee? Oooh, but someone got tan this week. Not the best he's ever sounded either. Better in the chorus at least. Stop fucking up your moment, Lee. UGH. I'm annoyed. 

Randy - For him, he did nothing with the song, was just okay, pitchy in spots, was just okay

Ellen - Could have been more done with the song. That being said, Lee is so good and sang the song so well. 

Kara - Had a great week last week, everyone loves him, but one of the most difficult songs to sing, and he got lost by using the backing band, but he is still great

Simon - So many brilliant movies, songs and opportunities to find a song and make it original, that was verging on karaoke

Michael Lynche - Will You Be There

Most people should never touch an MJ song, but actually Mike can totally pull this off. His voice is good enough and I always feel like every song he sings is distinctly Big Mike. Damn, he has a great voice. One of our viewing party says that arrangement wasn't right for the song. I'm not a fan of most of Big Mike's arrangements, but you can't deny the quality of his voice.

Randy - Doesn't quite know what's going on tonight. Didn't love it for him, wanted an R&B song. Just all right.

Ellen - Was a fan of the choir. His goal should be to win, not be in the top three. Consistently good, always sounds good, was just a little bit predictable.

Kara - Wanted something more like Ready for Love or Woman's Work. She wants goosebumps tonight. Didn't feel that from him and knows he has more. Wants him to go back to those moments.

Simon - At least he gave it 100% and kinda felt that he meant it

Lee & Crystal Duet - Falling Slowly

OH THIS BETTER BE AWESOME.

Ok, kind of loving it. Yeah. I'm loving it. Wish they were interacting with each other more or one was at the piano like in the movie, but whatever, I'm into it. YES. Downloading it.

Randy - Great song by two great singers, could be a hit right now, amazing. That's how you do it.

Ellen - The new Captain and Tenille. God that was great!

Kara - One of her favorite moments of the entire season. Loved the interaction, the chemistry, the support, brought out the best in each other

Simon - A fantastic song (but...they didn't write it, Simon)

Casey James - Mrs Robinson

Oh god, please be good and don't use the backing band. MANDOLIN?! Effing awesome. Still has goat bleat, but ITS A FUCKIN MANDOLIN. Loving his take on this. Bleating aside. Good idea, good execution!

Randy - Starts making jokes about how the song is about Kara. Thought he sounded cool, wasn't jumping up and down, cool, laid back version of the song.

Ellen - Liked that he did something different, was hoping he went further, but liked that he changed it up, really smart, liked it

Kara - For her, this is him fighting to stay in the competition, cause he has difficulty being vulnerable and up front. Good choice. 

Simon - Personally, didn't think the song or the performance had the substance required on this important night, a little bit lazy. Could have made more of an impact. Gonna be tough. But have been some strange song choices tonight and that was one of them.

Crystal Bowersox - I'm All Right

This is already awesome. Love her. Oh god, do I need to vote tonight? I just want Crystal to win, that's all I really care about at this point. She gets so into it and is so good and come on, is the only real artist this season, let's be honest. Bongos breakdown! Badass. 

Randy - Definitely an artist. Wasn't his favorite performance, but she switched it up, made it fit her

Ellen - That just got Crystalized! Took the song and made it better.

Kara - Completely agree w/ Ellen. Made the song better, ARTIST.

Simon - Crystal is back in the game. 

Casey & Mike Duet - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman

Casey doing the solo, awesome. Everyone playing a guitar tonight! How do the judges get to watch this? Odd. Mike sounds good. Damn. Yeah, he can out-sing Casey in his sleep. Harmony! Yay! Casey is so good at the guitar! Loves it! I MAY download this, it's possible. Very possible. That was cool!

Randy - Sounded really good, nice one

Ellen - Lesbian joke! Awesome!

Kara - Duets tonight were incredible. Better than all of the solos, was great.

Simon - Duets should have artist t shirts, a million times better than the solos, really well done

Favorite: Crystal

Least Favorite: Lee

Want to go home: Casey

Prediction for going home: Mike (but hope not!)

Grades:

Crystal B+

Casey B-

Mike B-

Lee C

Crystal/Lee A-

Casey/Mike B

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Getting Down To It - American Idol Top 5 Recap

Fox doesn't have an effing group picture of the top five, so I have no photo to headline this week's recap. THIS IS WHY WE AREN'T FRIENDS, FOX.

...I'm only half serious. You're cool sometimes.

Anyway, this week's installment of American Idol was Sinatra themed and it was actually a pretty good decision. For the first time, it was made clear to me that certain contestants actually CAN sing and certain other ones, as much as I like them, just can't. And others can sing just fine, sure, but need to go home already cause they bore me. On to the recap!

Aaron Kelly - Fly Me To The Moon
Competant, sounded good enough, sure, whatever but I don't care
Randy -  Looking for who is in this to win it. Was worried but he did a really good job
Ellen - Also was worried, but cannot believe she didn't hear any country, felt like he really pulled it off, beautiful vocals
Kara - Good. Not as strong as last week. Thinks he will be here again. Needs more charisma.
Simon - Was a mouse to Frank Sinatra's lion. Corny vocals at the end. Didn't have the conviction. But a good thing is people like him after he performs.

Casey James - Blue Skies
"Sometimes its not about the lyrics, sometimes it's about the groove" - HCJ
Sounds kind of off at the beginning, let's see how this goes. But the sheet music on an ipad or whatever is effing awesome. Casey is so darn cute, but this proves that vocally, he just isn't THAT strong. Nice final note. Eruditechick says the performance is "God Awful."
Randy - Worst performance, pitchy until the last note, out of his element, knew it would be tough for him, about intricate melodies and singing with the band.
Ellen - Felt very stiff, no cool, not effortless, agrees with Randy and is sorry
Kara - Took him a long time to warm up into the song. But at least he held some notes, she's never heard that before. But he kind of sounds like a lamb sometimes, with the vibratto - YOU COULD HAVE TOLD HIM THAT AGES AGO!
Simon - He wasn't fantastic. Came over a bit embarrased and awkward. Didn't feel comfortable. Jokes about him getting kicked off. Yikes.

Harry Connick says he sounded better in rehearsal and it's hard to hear on the stage, but he did kill it two hours ago. Awwwe.

Crystal Bowersox - Summer Wind
Crystal is totally classic jazz singer omg her interaction with Harry is amazing.
She jumps into any genre they give her, she's badass. Ohmygod is she gonna cry again? Nice performance!
Randy - One of her more subdued performances, was okay, a little sleepy
Ellen - At first seemed like she was swallowing the words, then really started singing, wanted her to loosen up a little bit more, she has so many different sides, totally impressive
Kara - Out of her element, but she kind of liked it. Liked her phrasing. Showed that she could hold her own in that department.
Simon - Felt a little bit indulgent. First half too jazzy, second half a lot better. Wasn't one of her strongest performances. Has had two okay weeks, needs to go back to be in it to win it.

Big Mike - The Way You Look Tonight
Someone who can really sing! Yay! Oh this is good. Oh, we're grooving. Yeah I said grooving. Yeah. He can sing. Damn. Totally committed to the style. Awesome.
Randy - Mike is in it to win it. This is what he's talking about. Always sings it interestingly and well. Threw down the gauntlet.
Ellen - Seems to have the most comfort on stage. Showed that tonight, looked the part, sounded the part, really good
Kara - Found the drama in the song, took us on a journey, did everything right, but didn't lose himself.
Simon - Brought himself back in the game. Listened. Seemed like everyone worked together. Fantastic.

Lee - That's Life
Oooh, sounds good. In Lee's power zone. Continues to get cuter every week. I'm serious. Lee is having sex with someone. And he wasn't 3 weeks ago. I'm telling you. Oooh! I like this! Approve.
Randy - Loved it.
Ellen - If this was the last night of performances, he would have just won this whole thing
Kara - Asks if he thinks he can win. He says yeah. Says he needs to go home and write "I can win this thing" he needs the confidence, he can win this thing
Simon - Harry brought out his personality and confidence, loved that he gave it 110% and was by far the best performance of the night.

Did they totally forget about Mike?!?!! Who just went? And was awesome? Confused.

Top Two

 
Bottom Two

Going Home: I'm pretty sure it's gonna be Casey, but I WISH it was Aaron. Aaron doesn't deserve to be in the top 4. Casey isn't THAT great of a singer, but I like him and whatever, shhh.

Grades:
Lee A
Big Mike A
Crystal B
Aaron C-
Casey D+

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American Idol Top 6 - Shania Twain Not A Terrible Idea After All?

 I was skeptical about this Shania Twain business, but you know what? I take it back. Everyone improved tonight. Does that mean I suddenly like Aaron Kelly and think he deserves to be in this competition? Absolutely not. Also? Mamasox continued to prove that she's a fuckin badass. ONWARD!

Lee - Still The One
Confused by how he is singing this. Off key? Or just weird? Still not a HUGE fan of his voice, but actually it's not terrible. And his look continues to grow on me. Not sure he needed the whole orchestra to come in. Kinda killed the whole "Lee making it his own" vibe for me. But still solid overall.
Step sideways - Still solid
Randy - One of his favorite songs of all time. Started out pitchy, but mid-way, found a way to make it his own & found his sweet spot
Ellen - Better than a pretty good job. Always makes it his own. Never a sound alike. Couldn't look cuter.
Kara - Sound of his voice makes it sound so relevant. Liked how he was feeling the song. Good job.
Simon - Agree with everyone. Absolutely the perfect song for him.

I just decided Lee looks kind of super sexy tonight. Did someone get laid between last week and now? .... What?

Mike - It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing
He can definitely sing. Probably Definitely my favorite tone of the remaining guys. Not sure I'm a fan of the arrangement, but Mike *always* sounds great and tonight is so exception. And he definitely made it his own, very him. He even made Shania Twain cry!
Step Forward
Randy - In the zone
Ellen - Felt like Luther Vandross, felt his emotion, beautiful
Kara - Always feels his connection to his songs, what she appreciates most. Melody is so beautiful and loved that he didn't change it TOO much, but changed it enough to put his mark on it
Simon - Agrees about Luther Vandross analogy, spot on. But performance was a little bit "wet". Randy doesn't know what Simon means. No one does. Simon clarifies that he means it was a little bit girlie. Um...okay, Simon.

Sidenote: When Shania Twain speaks, she sounds like she is French. That is all.

The rest after the jump!

Casey - Don't
Casey singing a "singing song" Nice!
Already wish it was just him and the guitar, no piano or snaps or whatever the fuck is going on in the background. But he's sitting! And not smiling! Exactly what he needs to be doing. And he actually sounds pretty good in that higher register. REALLY wish it was just him and the guitar. For real for real. He is doing a lot less goat bleat vibratto and sounds great! Some falsetto in there too! Nice!
Step Forward
Randy - One of the best Casey James performances ever. Hopes he learns something here.
Ellen - Sang it like that's where he belongs. Beautiful, thinks it was his best performance to date
Kara - Artists do not hide and that's what he did - he didn't hide, he was vulnerable, he was raw, if he keeps doing it, he'll be at the front of the competition
Simon - Last week was a much needed wake up call for Casey, he wasn't taking part in the competition. Agrees that this was his performance so far. Tells Casey to give Shania a kiss on the lips. It's awkward. They hug. We don't know what's going on.

Crystal - No One Needs To Know
Crystal calls out her boyfriend "He'll man up one of these days." Fuckin awesome
This set up is cool. Ooooh. Like classic country awesomeness. Band members on the stage beside her. Some bluegrass going on! This is sweet. Slide guitar. Ohmygod I love her. I love this. She sounds amazing. Kind of feels like she is purposefully trying to stay emotionally disconnected, but whatever, it's awesome.
Step Sideways of Awesomeness
Randy - Loves the Nickel Creek vibe. Wasn't his favorite, but loves her and seeing her change things up and actually doing country
Ellen - Nothing she can't do. Not her favorite performance of hers, but like asking which is your least favorite color of the rainbow.
Kara - Impossible for her not to be good, always coming from a place of truth. Was it her best? No. But it was still amazing.
Simon - Thought it was limp. Like when you hire a band at a coffee shop you don't wanna hear. Kind of forgettable. Only week he hasn't really liked her performance.

"Lack of conviction? I don't think so - he's right there." points to her boyfriend. Awe.Some. Also, Crystal's boyfriend is adorable. We all wonder if he is her baby daddy cause if so, YEAH, TIME TO PUT A RING ON IT. Also, eff Simon. Sure, it wasn't as emotional or huge as last week, but it was still GREAT. Like...great. Whatever.

Aaron - You Got A Way
Blahblahblah. Eh, Sounds kind of off. Boring. Not in the same league as anyone else. BORED. Go home now.
Side sideways - Continuing to piss me off and make me miss Tim Urban
Randy - His wheelhouse, good job
Ellen - Tough week, everyone's great. Great emotional depth. Great maturity.
Kara - Thought he really felt it. Changed the line from "when to make love" to something else, which was a smart move. Aaron reveals it was cause he was singing it to his mom. None of us care.
Simon - Thinks he has struggled the past few weeks. However, tonight, like a different artist. Felt believable, like a record he would release.

IDIOT JUDGES STOP IT, AARON IS THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO LEAVE THIS WEEK. Ugh. Gross. Simon fucked it up.

Siobhan - Any Man Of Mine
She's so weird. But I like watching her. She sings on key. I like her outfit too. This is so weird. Ack! Hit a bad note! Hmmm. Lucky she has VFTW backing her this week. Have NO clue what is gonna happen tomorrow. Siobhan walks by Crystal's boyfriend and he gives some GREAT face. Great ending to the song, but not sure that's enough to make up for the rest of the performance. Ultimately, better than last week by far.
Step Forward - For the ending
Randy - Different, loved it
Ellen - Good way to end the show, fantastic
Kara - Guess who is back? Siobhan!
Simon - Really liked that song. Screaming may have gone a little bit - and then he's cut off by everyone, judges included, who say it was great. Simon says it sounded like she was giving birth. Kara exclaims the word "Sassy."

Top Two: Crystal (STFU Simon), Casey (Sounded GREAT)

Middle Two: Lee & Mike. Both solid.

Bottom Two: Aaron (UGH GO HOME), Siobhan (A little on the bizarre side until the end)

I have a horrifying feeling Mike or Casey are going home, but I REALLY hope it's High School Student Aaron Kelly, PLEASE

Grades
Casey A
Crystal A-
Mike B+
Lee B+
Siobhan B
Aaron C

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American Idol Top 7 - Let's Just Call It For Crystal Now, Yeah?

Wow. Well that was a terrible episode of Idol, wasn't it? Thank god Lost and Glee were in top form tonight. Damnit, Idol.

Casey James - Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac
Sigh. He's cute, but the performance is boring and the same old same old. He sounds good, he looks good and his guitar is awesome, but I always just think about Back to the Future when I see when perform now. Thanks Huey Lewis song. Except when he sang Jealous Guy. Do that again.
Step backwards.
Randy - Complains we see the same thing every week, needs something else, something different
Ellen - Great guitar playing, you have to be GREAT and he is consistently good but no one will be talking about that tomorrow
Kara - Praises Jealous Guy. Calls tonight's performance "Jam Band," making himself like everyone else, but she still believes in him
Simon - Didn't think it was inspiring, zero emotion, just stood there & sang the song pretty much like the original. Lazy song choice

Lee Dewyze - The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel
Lee's high in honor of 4/20! What, he's not? Oh, that's just how he always looks? Cool. Our room got quite nervous when we heard he was The Boxer, cause we love this song. His vocal is all over the place, but you can tell he loves the song, which is kind of sweet. So I didn't hate it. Does anyone else get the impression that he doesn't have a lot of experience with women? Just saying. He has virginal face. Hmm. He's kinda hot. But that's neither here nor there. OR IS IT?
Step sideways - backwards for me, forwards for the judges
Randy - This season, the show is about artists and he's a great artist ready to make great music
Ellen - Beautiful song choice, soul & depth to him that we are seeing more and more of, better and better from him
Kara - Thinks he had his "moment" tonight. (We don't agree.) Advice - keep picking things you connect to
Simon - Best performance of the night! Of two. ... Sincere, emotional, inspirational, made it sound like it was written a week ago, absolutely brilliant

Tim Urban - Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls
My is he pretty. Oh the notes that are off! Look at them go! I thought it worked for like a half second, but then he went back to being classic Tim, full of suck again. Valiant effort, sure, but his voice JUST ISN'T THAT GOOD.
Step backwards
Randy - Okay/good karaoke, didn't do anything with it
Ellen - Have liked his soup before, but didn't today
Kara - Found lane, he's in it, but a new Tim, but where he belongs (what are you saying?) but execution wasn't great but sometimes commercial but wasn't his best performance
Simon - If this was his first performance, they'd be quite impressed. Confused about who he is and thinks this week was a step too high, but he has improved over the weeks. But a little bit of a letdown.

Aaron Kelly - I Believe I Can Fly by R Kelly
I laughed when he first came on camera to sing. I laughed out loud. Because he looks little and silly and I want him to go home. He starts out sounding pretty shitty, then it gets moderately less shitty, technically, in some points, but WOW don't I care. Ugh. Just go home already. Poor man's David Archeleta INDEED.He could sing your face off, High School Student Aaron Kelly. Best part is the end, but it's still an annoying karaoke stupid arrangement poop.
Step backwards UCK
Randy - Good job with a giant song
Ellen - Big voice, tough song, handled it real good [sic]
Kara - Hit it in the middle and got it flying, by the end, he got there
Simon - A MAN OF REASON. Knowing him, liking him, having the guts to take the song on, he gave it his all. But in the real world, if it came on the radio, he would turn it off in 10 seconds cause it wasn't very good. He kind of made it good.

Siobhan Magnus - When You Believe by...don't know don't care but Mariah and Whitney sang it TOGETHER so WHY are you singing it. She explains that she just wanted to sing it, so why should she stop herself just because Whitney and Mariah sang it. Look. I saw the list of song choices this week and there were MUCH better options than this stupid ass song. She sings it half on, half off, all awkward. I loved Siobhan, so I don't wanna give up hope yet and her high notes were gorgeous. But...oh that was just awful. Who IS she as an artist?
Step backwards
Randy - Arguably picked the toughest song of the night. Was okay.
Ellen - More confirmation why she's here
Kara - Technically, really well sung, but it's not a musical and it started to feel very dramatic and starts to feel like she'd rather hang out with her than buy her record
Simon - Not the right song, old fashioned arrangement, too much happening too quickly, doesn't like the leaves/butterflies. (Siobhan rambles on about not being afraid of singing the song and blah blah, get better please NOW)

Michael Lynche - Hero by Nickelback
LOVE the opening with Big Mike and the guitar! This is nice! I love his voice and it's refreshing to hear someone actually hit all the notes! WOW!!! This is very Seal, isn't it? The cord progression even reminds me of Kissed by a Rose.

Step sideways - Didn't improve, didn't get worse

Randy - Was nervous for him, but it worked out
Ellen - Did a great job
Kara - Not her favorite performance, all over the place, song was unrecognizable
Simon - Sang it pretty well, but why did he sing about Spiderman? (Love Big Mike's reaction to all of this) Thought he was sensational last week, so this week didn't quite gel, but thinks he will stick around to next week

Crystal Bowersox - People Get Ready by The Impressions
Damn this girl is ballsy. A Capella opening followed by BAM in your face SINGING, actually ditching an instrument and just fuckin going for it. I mean, yeah, there's no question, let's just give her the trophy now and spend the rest of the reason creating fun duets, combining seasons. Or just invite Kris Allen back to be dreamy, siiiiiigh. Oh also, the ending emotion was effing awesome and proved me right that the clips from their performances are from dress rehearsal, kthxbye

Step Forward

Randy - That is how you do it, unbelievable, standing O
Ellen - Have never looked more beautiful, keep evolving and growing and getting better and better (ZOMG she brought her own mic stand from home!)
Kara - Thanks her for taking a risk, on another level tonight, schooled all the other contestants
Simon - THAT was inspirational. Happy to see her emotional cause she has closed down, but they all felt that the song meant something to her and she sang it fantastically, in a different class from everything else they heard tonight

Only *one* step forward tonight. Wow. Good work, guys. I'm disgusted with myself for even watching this show at this point.

Top Three

Bottom Three

Who do I WANT to go home? Aaron. I'll also accept Tim. Who do I think WILL go home? I fear a surprise early exit from either Casey or Siobhan. I feel like Crystal, Mike and Lee are safe. We're really getting to it at this point - your guess is as good as mine.

Grade Em!
Crystal A
Mike B
Lee C+
Casey C
Siobhan C
Tim C-
Aaron Kelly D...I really fuckin hate this kid

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American Idol Top Nine - Lennon/McCartney NOT Epically Destroyed?!

Lennon/McCarney night on Idol and it wasn't a TOTAL disaster. Hooray! I think the song choices could have been heaps better for a few people (Siobhan, Lee, Aaron, Andrew) but thought others absolutely nailed which song (and arrangement for that matter) would best suit them (Casey, Tim, Katie). Once again, I predicted the winner of last week's show (Lee) would get tonight's pimp spot. Next week's pimp spot will either go to Katie or Casey, but it really should go to Casey cause he...changed things. ... I can't stop thinking about Lost. I have to stop typing now. To the recap!

Aaron Kelly - The Long and Winding Road
This arrangement makes me wanna strangle someone. Sounds like the ending song on a Disney movie. And this is a great song. Ugh. He is sounding kinda off in parts too. Boring. Step backward.
Randy - "Ahhh here we go." This is one of the ones that needed to be changed up, country version, something differerent
Ellen - Big song to take on, felt long and winding.
Kara - he's been delivering good performances, but he needs to great and he isn't on that level yet, feels like every performance is the same, wants tempo next week. He says he has something planned for next week
Simon - Wants to know why he picked the song and stuck with the arrangement. (Aaron DID change it, he made it worse.) Old fashioned, boring, got to become young and relevant, doing the same thing every week, needs a moment and some risks. Should have done research on that song.

Katie Stevens - Let it Be
Looks cuter than normal. More comtemporary, even if it means she had to raid a Wet Seal. She prostitutues herself for votes. Katie often does the single ladies dance in the house. Someone in our room over here observes that the show makes us think of the contestants as family, then kills them off, following the structure of a slasher film. Agreed.
HER WITH LET IT BE? OUT OF EVERYONE? NOOOOO.
Oh, she at least sounds good. This is actually...quite beautiful...dare I say it. Actually incorporating some of the ATU style I was hoping for. I still am not a huge fan of the tone of the voice, but this is probably her best performance. Big Step Forward
Randy - Best performance ever. Reaffirms to everyone watching that she belongs in the top 9. That was hot.
Ellen - Perfect example of changing it just enough to make it her own without disrespecting her song
Kara - Bottom three two weeks in a row, come on stage, no excuses, make the song her own, blossoms on stage. Her attitude is great, she's confident tonight, which is amazing considering she's been beat up for two weeks. Never looked or sounded better. Tearing up.
Simon - Got it right. Got it right because she was absolutely leaning in the direction Simon is hinting at, country. The other judges disagree that it was country, say it was more r&b.Seemed like she was actually singing about somebody, not being a robot.

The rest after the jump

Andrew Garcia - Can't Buy Me Love
Andrew is goofy apparently! Guitar best friends with Lee.
Funk? cover? A little out there...not sure how I feel about the arrangement, but he did change it and his voice does sound pretty good. Yeah, no, not a fan of the arrangement. The part where the music drops out is kinda neat. I don't know, it's weird, but I like his voice. Kind of a confusing performance. Vegasy? Did he make the Beatles vegasy? Step...sideways?
Randy - Solid performance, wasnt jumping up and down, interesting arrangement, voice sounded good
Ellen - "First of all, you can buy love" Perfect song choice, lots of fun, loved it.
Kara - wants to love it, but doesnt think she saw anything new from him that she doesnt already know. Thinks people dug it more because of the song. But liked the break down, classis Andrew.
Simon - Problem was the band overpowered the guitar and made it corny and old fashioned and unfortunately irrelevant. Him and band together kind of got it all wrong tonight.

Michael Lynche - Eleanor Rigby
I don't know about that...David Cook killed it, sooo....this could be awkward.
Soul? Disco? What genre is this? We're confused. Kinda cool, for him, maybe. Definitely making it his own. I ask the room what genre this is. The responses I get? "Not quite selling it." His voice sounds amazing though. This is kinda cool. I'll go with liking this. Yes! Actually he sounded kind of amazing. I approve. Mild step forward.
Randy - Not sure all of it worked, but the parts that did work were great. Love Big Mike. Could be on his album.
Ellen - Huge risk, but thought it was incredible
Kara - Thought it was fire. Vocals were amazing. Building, building building, sold the story, committed, Randy is right, made it commercial today. That's what the show is about. Great job.
Simon - Didnt love it as much as the other three, was sort of thing you see and hear in musicals.Didnt think it made him comtemporary at all, but went backwards, was what it was. Too over the top, slightly confused now about type of artist he wants to be. Randy points out that musicals are in, like Glee. The judges have a kerfluffle.

Crystal Bowersox - Come Together
She is maternal and kind and a great artist, everyone says.
She's cool. This is cool. Coca Cola in a lyric! Didgeridoo is cool. She's awesome. Forgot the words and said Coca Cola again. Hahaha, awesome. Step forward
Randy - Another solid performance. Doesn't know if it was her best. Even though the diggeridoo was distracting, she won him ever, he loved it, she's in the zone
Ellen - Loved the diggeridoo. The only thing Ellen worries about is a new way to tell her how great she is. Never ceases to amaze her. Made it current. Amazing job.
Kara - One of her favorite performance she's ever done. Kinda had Bonnie Rait feel. Never expected where the vocals went. More accessible tonight.
Simon - That's a performance he could hear on the radio. He loves that she is true to herself. That's how you make a song work. Terrific, much better than last week.

Tim Urban - All My Loving
He is very smiley, everyone says. Crystal "He's a good looking guy."
He can't sing ever. The arrangement is cool! Omg I like the arrangement. Could this be working for him? Even though his voice is still stupid? His hair is very Beatles tonight. He IS trying, we give him. Repeating the first verse instead of singing the 2nd voice. Eruditechick observes that he needs someone up there with him to mask how boring he is. This might be his best performance, bwhahaa. Oy. Oh no. He seems right in that spot though. Step forward
Randy - Own category, so judging it as a "good tim" performance. Thinks it was better that the last couple of weeks. Rocking Beatles-ish do.
Ellen - Perfect song choice, 2nd best performance after Hallelujah. Has Paul McCartney look about him and the girls go crazy for him.
Kara - Best performances are when he has guitar, was honest. She admits they really come after him and she likes that he took some of their criticisms and it's hard to hear that and still be confident.
Simon - Not gonna judge you as Randy did as a Tim performance. Must judge him based on everything else. But thought he did really well tonight. But he didn't try to oversing it, suited his voice, sounded current the way he did it. Likes that he takes the criticism like a man, no whining.

Casey James - Jealous Guy
One of the best performance of the season yet so far, if not the best yet. Well done. We never like his vibrato, but I don't really care right now. Such a good performance. HUGE STEP FORWARD
Randy - Loved the acoustic guitar, loved the sensitive vibe of you, really impressed that he took this kind of leap, set himself apart, was an individual. Really good. Wasn't the perfect vocal but was so heatfelt.
Ellen - Felt like it was about somebody. His best performance to date. Beautiful arrangement. Really poured himself into a song instead of just sounding great
Kara - Showed a vulnerability, very tasteful and acoustic, sang and played to accompany himself, showed depth, showed his range, switched things up and can still do more, really knows his voice. Pushed himself.
Simon - The best performance of the night so far. Very impressed.

Siobhan - Across the Universe
Everyone thinks she's crazy, but incredibly talented.
This arrangement is weird. Not liking it. Casey (and Lost) are also a tough act to follow. Very strange. I've never heard a cover like this of this song. Her voice is sitting in a weird place of her...voice. This is pretty horrible. Oh no. Siobhan, WHYYY. Some parts of the song were okay and when they worked, it worked, but...most of it...didn't....Oh noooooo whyyyyyyy Step sideways from last week's performance, backward from earler performances
Randy - No one screams artist more than she does. A little sleepy for him but liked the tender side and singing the high note in her falsetto.
Ellen - A big fan of people who march to the beat of their own drum and she supports that and honoring who you are, she is special and talented. Loved that it was different, she did cool it on the high notes and good job
Kara - From purely singing perspective, she hit the notes and showed great control. Restrained and polite, which they aren't used to. Not sure anyone would hear that on the radio. But she onnected personally to it.
Simon - What was she connecting personally with? Siobhan says she connects to "nothings gonna change my world" cause she connects to her baby sisters are here for them and nothings gonna change that. He says he agreed with the judges - she's weird but that's why they like her.

Lee Dewyze - Hey Jude
Resident worrywart. Every week - guys, I'm going home. Bwhaha.
Crystal makes a reference to the fact that Lee and Andrew would have Danny Gokey babies. EXACTLY. How does she know who Danny Gokey is? She's never watched the show before. Just from his performance on the show?
Doesn't really fit with his voice or style. He doesn't need the backing band. We think he is maybe trying to show that he can really sing. But now we are observing that he actually can't sing. Bagpipes come out on stage. We are confused. This is really strange. This is hilarious. He's cute though. Step backward from last week's, step sideways from earlier performances
Randy - Thinks the bagpipe guy was funny and he likes it. Another hot one for him. Tells him to believe.
Ellen - The confidence he showed tonight was great, more smiley, Great job, loved it
Kara - Feels more comfortable there, good moments, off moments, but still loves him, it's hot when he stretches himself
Simon - Doesn't know what they are drinking in the house with the instruments. Wouldn't have done the bagpipes. Was doing great then the bagpipie player entered. Lee said it was 100% his idea. Is Lee high? He seems high.

What we learned? Andrew and Lee are best friends, Siobhan is weird, Aaron has a thing for Yoda and Casey laughs loudly. 

Bottom three:

Top three:

Grades:
Casey James: A
Crystal Bowersox: A
Katie Stevens: A-
Michael Lynche:- B
Tim Urban:B-
Lee: C
Siobhan: C
Andrew: C-
Aaron: D

If we're going by simply who has the least support, because there were no clear losers tonight? Andrew's going home. But this results show may be quite unpredictable.

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