It's official, I'm a dreadhead....

Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd hear myself say! You all know by now, that Jason Castro was my most favoritist Idol this season. Partly because he has an amazing, smooth, comforting voice, partly because he sings gospel and folk music--some of my favorite music--and because he is a nice Christian boy who is just himself no matter what is going on around him.

So, while I was researching all things Jason Castro, I came upon a website that spurred off of one of the forums at American Idol called "Dreadheads". The website is DaydeamingBoy. I was fascinated by the site and the love for Jason displayed there. Did you know there was a 24/7 prayer chain for Jason? Me neither, but the "Dreadheads" had one going on! They also have this silly bus tour thing going on, and you know what? I've joined the tour! They dug up a bunch of pictures of old "Hippie-Type" busses, and when you sign up, you are assigned an official "Dreadhead Number" and a bus to ride for the Imaginary trip. It's silly, but it's fun at the same time. They are a bit backed up at the moment, so I'm still waiting for my official number and bus assignment.

They have free downloads of Jason's music, including some of his originals (with printable lyrics) and his covers of songs like "I'm Not Who I Was" by Brandon Heath, and "Clumsy" by Chris Rice (my personal favorite at the moment).

Now with regard to last nights' finale....I was so excited to get to see and hear Jason sing "Hallelujah" again. Simply amazing. My other favorite of the night was David Cook singing with ZZ Top. Didn't he just seem to be right at home and completely comfortable with them? I also thought Michael Johns was amazing last night. Everything he did was good, really, really, good. And although my recording stopped just as Ryan Seacrest says, "And your next American Idol is..."( I kid you not. It stopped right there, with those words....I KNOW!) the internet is a vast and amazing resource, and I was able to find out within minutes that Barb called it from the very beginning...David Cook took the whole thing! Yea, David!

Oh, and has anyone else's kids spent the day singing "Your Best Friend Forever" by Renaldo??? Of all the songs last night, THIS is the one that is stuck in their heads...ugh! I think I'll go put on my Jason Castro CD (Oh yes, I made a CD...all Jason, all the time!) and try to get "Hallelujah" or "Clumsy" stuck in their little brains!

I Just Had to Put in My Two-Cents...

I know, I know, it's two days late, but I just got to watch this week's American Idol, and I just had to make a comment...or two.

First of all, I love me some Dolly Parton! And quite frankly, I had less trouble with the guys singing her songs than the girls, because I rarely, rarely like it when someone else sings a Dolly song. Her voice is just so distinct, that when another singer sings the song, it just never sounds right....even Whitney.

Now, the main reason I decided that I had post something about this week's show was Jason Castro. Now normally, I agree with Simon. Most of the time, he and I have the same opinions about performances.....most of the time. Last night was not one of those times. I absolutely loved Jason's version of "Travelin' Thru". In fact, I loved it so much that I downloaded the song from iTunes as soon as I heard him sing it. So, I'm sorry Simon, but you were wrong on this one.

The other thing I wanted to mention was all the Jesus that was there last night? Did you all notice how many of the songs preached Jesus? And then Dolly herself sang "Jesus and Gravity" on the results show! Not to mention The Clark Brothers singing "This Little Light of Mine". Jesus was all over that place this week! I just had to say "Thanks" to American Idol for not being afraid to let people sing about Jesus if they want to. I think it's awesome, and I absolutely loved, loved, loved the show this week.

And I also have to say, that just based on last night's performances, I agree that Ramiele was the one to go. I love her, and I think she's an amazing singer, but just based on this week's performances, I felt hers was the weakest. In fact, as much as I love Brooke, I completely agreed with the bottom three as well....again based solely on this week's performances.

Oh, and just in case you're curious, the only songs I've downloaded this season so far have been Jason Castro's performances of "Hallelujah" and "Travelin' Thru" and David Archuletta's performance of "Smoky Mountain Memories". I would have downloaded his version of "Imagine" because it was so amazing, but I just can't stand that song. The music is beautiful, but the words get to me...especially the opening lyric. I just couldn't bring myself to download a song that I dislike no matter how well it was sung.

Yawn.....

That's life around here today. Not that we don't have a million and six things to do, mind you, we're just all feeling quite lazy and relaxed, and the idea of moving from our respective spots on the couches and recliners just seems like too much work!

On the docket for today is; of course, schoolwork; the ever-present laundry; picking up the house [or at least the areas people can see if they knock on the door! :)]; packing for our camping trip; cooking for our camping trip; and of course, panicking because we are nowhere near ready for our camping trip!

So, that's how I'll be spending my day here in the land of kids and cakes.....thrilling isn't it? I know!

I promise, if anything remotely interesting actually happens around here today, I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, I'm off to load up the washing machine and start trying to impart knowledge to my peeps. Perhaps, you should just click the player above and listen to some fab music for awhile....

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Oh, I almost forgot....... just because I know you all are dying to know what I thought of American Idol this week....

I absolutely loved Chikesie and Brooke White.

I liked David Cook, Ramiel, Carly, Michael Johns, and Jason. , (Although I was not at all happy with Jason's revelation that he is an....AGGIE. I mean, he actually "whooped" on national TV! He can't be a true AGGIE with those dreads though...I mean seriously, there has to be a little bit of aggie-rebel in there somewhere, right? I am choosing to give him the benefit of the doubt...because he's so beautiful, and he can sing too!)

I didn't dislike Syesha, David Hernandez, or Amanda.

And I felt really, really badly for David Archuletta and Kristy Lee because he forgot the words--which is usually the kiss of death on this show, and because her song was way.too.fast! I think it would have been much better if it were s-l-o-w-e-d d-o-w-n just a bit! I had no problem with her singing of the song, it was the song itself. I felt like the drums were completely out of control and I couldn't concentrate of the singing because of the manic drumming. And I'm not just a huge "Beatles" fan myself, personally (shhhhh)....but my husband is. He thoroughly enjoyed the performances this week, much as I will enjoy "country week" sometime in the future. :)

That said, I figured either Kristy Lee, or David Hernandez would be going home this week. I'm sad that David is gone, but I'm happy for Kristy Lee that she will get another chance...she sang "Amazing Grace" for her very first tryout, and that still holds some weight with me.

And yes, we are all on a first name basis now, because I can't remember all their names and spellings because we are such close, personal pretend friends.....except for the Davids, because there are just too darn many of them......well, not quite so many now, I guess.
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Okay, now where was I....oh yeah, laundry.......blech!

I Just Wanted to Say...

There are a few things that I've been wanting to talk to you all about, but I've been so busy that I just haven't had the time, so as I sit here watching the end of the NASCAR race, I've decided to take the opportunity to chat with you all about a few things!

First of all, about a month or so ago, someone sent me an email asking if I would let both all of my readers know that a new show was launching on Fine Living TV. Unfortunately, they apparently don't hang out here often enough and didn't realize that a reminder, or seventy, was in order...so anyway...a new show launched yesterday (oops!) on Fine Living TV called "Cool Kid's Parties"! Obviously, I missed it, but I'm planning to check it out next week...since they went to all the trouble to ask me to plug it and all! It airs on Saturdays at 11:00am central time. So, if you are looking for ideas for some cool kid's parties, you can check it out too! It'll be like we're watching tv together!!! Anyway, after I check it out, I'll post an update and let you all know what I thought about it.

And secondly, I've not yet posted any opinions regarding this season's American Idol, but I just have to say something! In fact I have an opinion or two to share.

1) I love, love, love, David Archuletta. I'm not an I-Tunes downloader by any means, but I will be downloading every.single.song. of his!

2) I could watch and listen to Jason Castro all.day.long. And he's from TEXAS, YA'LL!!!

3) There was only one of the guys this year that I wanted gone....and fortunately, he left us this week. But I will say this for Daniel Noriega....the boy can sing! If I was in the kitchen when he was singing, I thought he was fantastic! However, if I was anywhere within view of the tv when he sang, I absolutely hated it. I just couldn't watch him perform. But, I'll give credit where credit is due, the boy can sing.

4) I also don't have any girls that I want gone. I'd love to watch all of them sing for us each and every week! But I must admit that I do have three favorites...so far :) I love Brooke White,
Carly Smithson (although I preferred the pre-tattoo version from Season 5), and Ramiel Malubay.

5) Seriously, the top 24 were all so amazing that I think this season, unlike season's past, will be more about who has a bad week, then who's fans can dial the most times. This is the most talented group they've ever had as a whole. I still think Kelly Clarkson would have beat any of them, but I'm not so sure about the subsequent winners. I think anyone from the top 24 this season could have won in a previous season. And Sanjaya? He wouldn't have made it past Hollywood!

6) This is shaping up to be an awesome season on ye olde American Idol, and I'm sooooo excited! I'm a huge music fan, and this is the perfect show for music fans! The only negative thing I've noticed so far is the fact that the songs they have done all together have been absolutely awful! I kept thinking it was going to be sooo amazing since they are all so good...but it sooo wasn't! I love it though. It makes me feel better about my own singing! LOL!

American Idol -- May 8, 2007

First off, how different does Barry Gibb look? I am getting old…really, really old.

Secondly, I know I haven’t done an AI post in awhile. There has been too much going on, and I have been recording it and watching it a day or two later…however, being on my sick-bed and all, I’m writing tonight! And besides, that last rambling post just wasn’t long enough…you really wanted to read more, right?

Melinda: “Inside and Out” I’m sorry, guys…critique this performance all you want, Melinda Doolittle Rocks!

Blake: “We Should Be Dancing” (should be, or could be?) Is this the week everyone does two songs? For Blake’s sake, I hope so…this one wasn’t very good. Last week was amazingly good – amazingly, because I can’t stand beat boxing and yet I enjoyed it. This week, not so much.

LaKisha: “Staying Alive” In some spots this actually sounded like Barry Gibb singing…freaky. But I agree with the judges, no kissing on Kiki tonight.

Jordin: Best of the night, so far! Even better than Melinda…WOW!! And have you noticed how much weight Jordin and Melinda have lost since this competition began? They are both looking really good!

Melinda: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” Her voice is just so good! Even though she doesn’t really do the whole “Disco Thang” that well, her voice is phenomenal. This one was definitely better than the last one. It ended really strong and showed off her voice well. Yea!

Blake: “This is Where I Came In” The vocal on this one was MUCH better than the last one, but still…he’s not really winning my vote tonight. If LaKisha does well on her next one, I’m afraid Blake might be going home…sorry Barb, I know you are a Blake fan.

LaKisha: “Run to Me” Sorry Blake. I think she got you on this one. It started a little boring for me, and it ended a little shaky with her losing her voice and all, but the middle was really good!

Jordin: “A Woman in Love” Beautiful, Simply, Beautiful. I just know however, that Simon will call it “Old Fashioned”….wait…for…it….and there it is! Simon never disappoints me, I’m telling you.

Okay, my votes tonight are going to have to go to Jordin and Melinda. Who do I think will go home? I think it should be Blake just judging on tonight’s performances, but I think Blake may have more fans that vote than LaKisha does, so she may go instead of him. If either Melinda or Jordin goes, it will be a HUGE mistake!

Again, just my humble opinion…

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah....YEAH!!!

I know, I didn't post on American Idol for the past couple of weeks...too much going on, however, I must say something now...FINALLY!!!

Now, I have been careful in the past to state that each of the finalists was a better singer than I could ever hope to be, and the past couple of weeks, Sanjaya has been singing better--although not in the league of the others by any means...HOWEVER, let me state for the record that what he did last night, I COULD HAVE DONE THAT!!! Even my 11 yr. old, who has liked Sanjaya from the beginning, admitted that it was...bad. really. really. bad.

So, thank you America! Now, we can get on with crowning the REAL American Idol!!! Which at this point should be Melinda or Jordin, in my ever-so-humble opinion...

I just have to say...

Sanjaya wasn't even in the bottom three AGAIN???

P-U-L-E-E-Z-E!!!

And while I'll admit that Chris's performance wasn't the best, he certainly should NOT have been the one to go. On the brighter side...now maybe he can go back to writing his BLOG!!! Or does he have to wait until AFTER the tour is over??? I'm not sure of the rules on that one.

Anyway, I'm very sorry to see Chris go, and I'm really ticked at those who are purposely voting for Sanjaya just to ruin the show. If you don't like the show...DON'T WATCH IT!!!

I'm just saying...

American Idol -- March 27

Again…just my humble opinion…


LaKisha: Not enough to the dress. (Kinda makes BooMama’s term “muffin top effect” come to mind…but for a little different reason!) LOVE the boots. The song was good. I don’t think it showed off her voice as much as some of her previous songs, but it was still VERY good. It’s really hard for LaKisha to mess up I think. She’s just SOOO talented.

Chris Sligh: Not the best song choice for Chris I’m afraid. He has such an amazing voice, but it didn’t shine with that song at all. I will STILL buy his album, however, WHEN it comes out, I’d LOVE to go to his church to hear him lead worship, and I CAN’T WAIT for his blog to be back up and running ‘cause he is hilarious! Can’t you just see him knitting and crocheting in front of the tv?!?

Gina: Having a REALLY hard time getting past the outfit to listen to the song!!! It’s not enough to be wearing a negligee that is WAY TOO TIGHT?? She had to have those bra straps showing as well??? I don’t know about you, but I take great pains to make sure I keep my bra straps hidden!! I guess she sang well because the judges seemed to like it, but honestly, I didn’t hear it. I was too distracted by the lack of a dress.

Sanjaya: Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to even type that name this week? And….the HAIR???? Forgot the words…so far, that has been the thing that has killed many an idol contestant…can we dare HOPE it will do so this week? I completely agreed with Simon’s assessment. It doesn’t matter what we say, or think, the tween-agers with their unlimited text-messaging are going to win.

Haley: A little better on the wardrobe this week. It could have used several more inches of fabric…especially while she was sitting down on those steps! But the song? I think she did well. I could finally hear her voice over the music. I think the judges were a little too harsh. They always tell them to “make the song their own”, and then trash them for changing the song. I also hope she doesn’t take their criticism and decide to go back to last week’s fashion statement to get votes.

Phil: One of my favorite Police Songs. I think he sang it really well. I don’t know if he “made it his own” ‘cause it sounded like the same arrangement as the original to me, but I thought it was good. Not a big fan of the hat…but liked this performance the best of the night so far.

Melinda: Can’t type…too busy listening!!! Loving the leggings, Loving the voice, Loving the performance…LOVING MELINDA!!!

Blake: I really like his voice this week! Very smooth! And it was a nice break from the beat-boxing trend. I was afraid that he was going to put the beat-boxing into every song. I’m not sure that I agree with Simon about him being the best male vocal. I liked Phil a little better tonight.

Jordin: I just love Jordin. I think she did a great job with it, and it really fit with her age bracket. Not a big fan of the outfit, but it fit with the song.

Chris Richardson: Poor Chris, he sounds like he is trying too hard tonight. I think last week’s vote messed with his head. The judges told him it was his best performance ever, and then he was in the bottom 2 in the votes. He just seems so nervous. I really hope he gets a chance to come back next week and I hope he gets his confidence back. He has a very nice voice and he deserves to stick around another week.

May I just make one side note here. Not being a big follower of Gwen Stefani, I had only ever seen her in a video where she was all punked out. I was so surprised to see her on idol looking so gorgeous! She is really a beautiful girl with the soft make-up and the conservative hair!!

American Idol Tonight!

Once again, I offer my ever so humble opinions regarding the American Idol Top 12...(and if you notice, we're on a first name basis now ya'll--except for the Chrises 'cause, well, there's two of 'em.)

Brandon: I was SO disappointed. I really, really, really, like Brandon, but there was nothing spectacular about his performance tonight. I really hope he gets a chance to stick around for another week. I KNOW he can do better!

Melinda: I don't know WHO said it wasn't their favorite performance of hers, but I think it was FAB! When she got to the POWER portion, I had goosebumps!!! And then when she started crying...oh my word, I just LOVE her! And I REALLY liked her dress...I'm so into 1940's style, it's not even funny.

Chris Sligh: I don't know what the judges were smoking, 'cause I LIKED that version of the song. Although I must say that I was picturing Happy Gilmore on an ice skating date...I thought it was a great twist on the song.

Gina: I was thinking the whole time, "I'm going to forget this song before I get a chance to post about it." It just did nothing for me...and that tongue ring just completely distracts me! I keep wondering stuff like; does food get stuck in it when she eats? Does she take it out to eat? And if she does, how does she manage to do it politely when she's on a date??? I'm seriously concerned here!

Sanjaya: He is such a sweet boy, but pu-leeze, did he EVER find the right note? Really, it's not personal, it's just time to go home.

Haley: Okay...let me first refer you to this quote from last week...

"Haley Scarnata: Again, I had trouble hearing her low notes over the band. I feel like she just isn't taking a full breath and isn't getting the power out that I KNOW she has. But my goodness, she is gorgeous! I think she would probably record really well, but I don't know if she can compete with the likes of LaKisha and Melinda in live competition. I WOULD buy her record however, 'cause I love the smooth quality of her voice."

Yes, my friends, I said LAST WEEK that Haley would be a great recording artist and her voice wasn't as good live...that was BEFORE Diana Ross said THE EXACT SAME THING!!! I'm just saying...

I didn't think she did well enough tonight to move on, but we haven't heard everyone yet, so who knows. I was VERY glad to hear Simon give her some encouragement, though. See, I just LIKE Simon...we agree MOST of the time.

Phil: I think he definitely had the best male vocal of the night, but the song didn't really do much for me. I can't even remember what it was, and it's only been like 5 minutes since he sang! But I DO remember that his voice sounded good, so...way to go Phil!

LaKisha: Enough said...everyone else may go home now...except Melinda and Sligh of course...I think these three are going to be around for the long haul!

Blake: Okay, the outfit??? Eewww! The song??? Eh- The vocal??? A little strained in my opinion. Parts were good, other parts seemed like he was forcing them. I do think his personality and his past performances will keep him here another week.

Stephanie: The girl CAN sing, but one of those l-o-n-g notes seemed to drift off pitch. Not my favorite song, but she sang well with the exception of that one note. I didn't even notice that she forgot the words...that's how familiar I am with the song!

Chris Richardson: Poor Chris...he seems so nervous! I thought the clip of him rehearsing was better than his actual performance. All those runs are making his voice sound really shaky and nervous...It wasn't that good to me. Definitely better than some others, but good enough to be the next American Idol? I don't think so, but again, I hope he gets another chance next week...'cause he really does have a nice voice.

Jordin: Oh my, I get so nervous when they sit on the steps in those dresses!!! Plus, it's hard to sing sitting down! I thought she did well though. She started out well but started to get a little off in the middle it seemed. Although I don't know the song, so maybe that is the way it is supposed to go... But STILL she is good, and she is fun to watch! 17 years old??? WOW! AND, it cracks me up how she towers over Ryan!!!

So, out of the 12, I think Sanjaya SHOULD go home...but I've said that for 3 weeks now, so we'll just have to see.

In My Humble Opinion...

So, in case you didn't hear, my DVR spazzed again and dropped my Tuesday night recording of AI, so I didn't get to hear the guys...again! That Tivo is looking better and better every day! But, I was able to get the girls to record, so here is my opinion, be it ever so humble 'cause every one of these girls would blow me right out of the water!

Okay, I am by no means a music expert, and I don't know most of the pop songs from the past 2 or 10 years, 'cause I'm just a little bit country, ya'll...HOWEVER...

Jordin Sparks: Hard to hear over the band sometimes, but I just REALLY like her, and I want her to stick around!

Sabrina Sloan: I can't really remember much about the performance itself, and I've NEVER heard the song before, so I can't compare to the original, but again, I just REALLY like her and I want her to stay.

Antonella Barba: She can sing, better than I can--for sure, but I just wouldn't pay money to hear it, ya' know? I wouldn't turn the station, but I wouldn't buy the record either. But she's young, if she keeps working and gets some training, she could be really good one day.

Haley Scarnata: Again, I had trouble hearing her low notes over the band. I feel like she just isn't taking a full breath and isn't getting the power out that I KNOW she has. But my goodness, she is gorgeous! I think she would probably record really well, but I don't know if she can compete with the likes of LaKisha and Melinda in live competition. I WOULD buy her record however, 'cause I love the smooth quality of her voice.

Stephanie Edwards: I know this girl is good, but she just isn't one of my favorites. Perhaps it is the style of music she sings...I'm not a big R&B fan. There just doesn't seem to be too much that stands out about her. I can't even remember what she sang to be honest.

LaKisha Jones: What else is there to say about "the Mom". She is SOOOO good! And may I say, her dress was MUCH BETTER this week. She's had a few "What Not to Wear" moments on the show, but last night she looked GOOD! And yes, I will definitely purchase her record WHEN it comes out, 'cause it IS coming ya'll!

Gina Glocksen: I really liked Gina when she took the tongue ring out for the show, and when she dressed like a girl. I wanted to punch Simon last week when he said that he missed "her edginess" cause I knew that tongue ring would come back this week! But girlfriend CAN sing, so I think she'll stick around another week.

Melinda Doolittle: I like her better EVERY TIME SHE OPENS HER MOUTH!!! Even if it's to talk about "equality" vs. "OCD". She is just wonderful, and I will buy any record she puts out, but I'd rather have the DVD so I can hear what she says between songs, cause she is hysterical!

So, who do I think SHOULD go home? Antonella. Who do I think WILL go home even though I still like her? Haley. But hey, don't listen to me, I was SURE Sanjaya was gone last week...