Thanks to the gorgeous and talented David Raleigh (you can find his music here), I heard new music by this beautiful Aussie boy, Brendan MacLean. Since it is, you know, like Friday, I thought it would be perfect to run Brendan's charming and funny cover of one of the more annoying songs of the past year or so.
Now, I should point out that David was pointing me toward Brendan's music, not this clip. You know I love supporting out and proud members of the LGBT community, and Brendan sure qualifies. I will be talking about his EP, cause I bought it and just love it. Quite the talented boy. You can find him online here.
It's Friday, and to get the party started, I thought I would bring out the collection of talent from Rainbow Noise Entertainment, a Lesbian-owned and operated record label committed to supporting excellence in music for the LGBT community of artists. Among the artists featured in the following clip is Loco, who has appeared on the blog previously.
The performers featured in the video are Aela, Loco, Jay Squared, Stud Phamous, Endivisual, Kickz, Cee Smith, Carman Berretta, Yung Snazz, Hart Beat/D'monte, and The City Boys. It was directed by Hartbeat.
To learn more about Rainbow Noise, check out their website here. You can also follow them on Twitter here, and FaceBook here.
After a retouched clip from last night about Motown, we hear from Crusty that there were over 30 million votes last night, proving how strong the kids were. To help get them ready for this great night was none other than Mr. J-Lo, Marc Anthony.
Marc Anthony stopped by to help the kids with the sound issues of performing live. He helped them deal with the use of the in-ear technology, and the mix and balance of the live performance. And he was backstage during the show, pointing out when the little missus, J-Lo, might have gone astray... Soon, the kids were singing a medley of Motown hits, looking disorganized and embarrassed, as usual. That is followed with a very special surprise performance by the magical Stevie Wonder. He sings his song Happy Birthday to Steven Tyler, who is clearly touched.
Lauren, Pia and Scotty are the first to the center of the stage. Crusty tells them they are going on the tour, and the youngest of the three, Lauren, gets bleeped on air. Three safe, with 8 still to find their fate this week.
Sugarland performs Stuck Like Glue for the Idol audience. They are, of course, a duo made up of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. They are adorable, and fun to watch. The song is this odd cross between Country with a bit of Reggae. But songstress Nettles can sing just about anything.
After an homage to Professional Wrestling, it is time for more results. James and Paul are called to center stage with Crusty, who tells them they are not safe, "I mean, really, not safe." Hulk Hogan comes out and tells them they are safe and going on tour. Then he "pops" Crusty, sending him into the audience, before ripping his shirt. I yawn... However, there are now 5 safe, with 6 looking to hear of their fortunes following the commercial break.
The break gives us more Idol news, as we see a commercial for Soul Surfer, starring Season 4 American Idol, Carrie Underwood, in her first film role.
Jacob, Thia and Stefano are the next called to Crusty, and right away, we learn Jacob is safe, and on the tour. After the vote, we learn Thia is in the bottom 3, as is Stefano. Stefano becomes the first guy to hit stools. Naima, Haley, and Casey are called out, to learn their fate. First person safe is Naima, getting ready for the tour. The final person in the bottom 3 is Casey. Now that is a surprise, I thought he would be safe for another few weeks before the audience caught on... After two weeks of all-girl exits, the boys outnumber the girls 2 to 1 tonight. Might a guy be leaving?
After the break, we are getting a performance by Jennifer Hudson, the only Idol alumni with an Academy Award.
She sound fantastic, and reminds me how not special many of this crew are. We also see George Huff singing backup for Ms. Hudson. Crusty returns to the results quickly, and we learn Thia is safe, leaving the two gentlemen to ponder the results. Going home tonight means no tour, and that means no paycheck through September. There is a bunch of money on the line, with one guy losing big.
After the break, we learn the results, and it is Casey who is in danger of leaving tonight. Casey, singing for his life, chooses to sing I Don't Need No Doctor, a hit for Ray Charles in the 60s. But he is stopped quickly, the judges announcing they don't need to hear more, they will use the save. I mean, really, this early? Vetoing the vote of the people at this point is truly a surprise.
Casey is staying on. Jennifer tells him to get it together, and start to connect with the people again. Randy tells him to be the artist they loved. But that does mean two people are going home next week. And, it was announced, that all 11 will be going on tour. I guess the thought of loosing Casey or Stefano scared Mr. Nigel a bit...
American Idol is in the third week of the finals, and once again the producers have the novel idea to make the kids sing selections from the Motown collection. The music is some of the best written in the last 50 years, and was responsible for some of the greatest vocals from the same period. Crusty opens the show with a black and white period piece, with kids dancing around him a la American Bandstand. Soon he his back in living color, and talking about the great history of Berry Gordy and Motown. It is a rich history, indeed. Soon Crusty is introducing the judging panel. Interestingly enough, it was Steven who made the most interesting statement, about the music having the rhythm of a kiss.
Casey is up first, singing I Heard It Through The Grapevine. The song was a big hit for Marvin Gaye, and was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Casey is doing a nice job with it, and is less pitchy than I thought he'd be. The judges are crazy for him, calling him an original. They are way more impressed than I am, but it was a big step up from last week. I think I still prefer to hear the great Marvin sing the song.
After the break, we find out Thia is singing (Love Is Like A) Heatwave, a hit for Martha and the Vandellas. It was written by the incredible team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Edward Holland, Jr. She wanted to sing an uptempo song, and that is what she plans to do! I am surprised, but I think she is doing a great job, bringing it up to date a bit, yet offering a nod to the great history of the song. There is an unfortunate moment with the lyrics toward the end. The judges are loving it tonight, and ignoring the slip. They like what they are hearing, and it reminds them why they chose her in the first place. Time for the next break.
Crusty tells us that Jacob is up next, singing You're All I Need to Get By. It was sung once again by the great Marvin Gaye, as a duet with the super Tammy Terrell. It was written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, who later had hits of their own on the charts. They keep talking about restraint before the song, and it would be nice to see. However, I don't hear that. His top-end is near screaming, and a bit shrill. However, Steven ran on stage to congratulate him, and the judges are falling over themselves about the performance. Randy tells him it is yet another of the greatest performances on the show ever. I am at a loss. There is a hug-fest, and some slight gay-joke. Cut it out, Crusty! Next up is Lauren, who is singing You Keep Me Hanging On, by the great Diana Ross and the Supremes. It is another classic song written by the team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Lauren has a nice voice, and does a nice job with the song, but I have to admit I was thinking we'd get more. Again, the judges are loving her, predicting great things for her to come.
After the break, we return to Stefano singing a great song from Lionel Richie, Hello. Lionel wrote the song, and before he starts, Crusty mentions Season 8 winner David Cook having a big moment with is a few seasons ago. Stefano starts at 98%, and goes to 125% on the emotional chart. I would have liked to hear a bit more nuance, a bit more lyrical content. Wow, the judges kinda agree with me, they want more emotional connection. Stefano seems a bit shocked he is getting some negative feedback, even from Steven!
After the commercial, Gordon Ramsey rips on the food prepared by Stefano's mother, and we hear that Otis Williams, a founding member of the Temptations in the audience. We have Haley on stage to sing You've Really Got a Hold on Me, the great song by the Miracles, and written by lead singer Smokey Robinson. She comes walking down the steps as she is singing, and is sounding pretty good. In the chorus, she falls back on the forced growl, which is unfortunate. The judges are liking her very much, and J-Lo even says she has the most soulful voice in the competition, save maybe Jacob. Steven loves her growl, which I, of course, find forced and fake. They are glad she is back on form.
Country teen Scottie is on after the break. There is a clip of him sinking a basketball shot, for some unexplained reason. We discover that he will sing For Once In My Life, with a country spin. It was a hit for many artists, including Stevie Wonder. While he has a nice enough voice, his performance style is just cheese on a stick. It wasn't bad, just rather unexceptional. Steven loved it, and both Jennifer and Randy remark it was good, but not his best. But they love the low note he hits. Guess that forgives the lack of connection to the lyrics.
Pia is up next, singing Stevie Wonder's All In Love Is Fair. Written and recorded by Stevie in 1973, it is a great ballad, also recorded by Barbra Streisand the next year. She starts off rather nicely, but I have a tough time when about in the middle, she seems to confuse volume for emotion. Jennifer loved it, as did Randy, although he did want something other than ballad soon.
Paul is up after the commercial, and takes on Tracks Of My Tears by the great Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, written by Smokey. Paul pulls out the acoustic guitar, and loads the performance with his trademark quirk, looking at taking Motown in the Folk-Rock direction. The majority of the song is a bit sleepy for me, but the end is rather nice. Oddly, I am kinda agreeing with Randy. Steven loves it, as did J-Lo. There are not-so-vieled encouragements for the Cougar vote, I wonder if that will work.
After the break, Naima is due to perform. I am amazed that we are having a commercial break between all the performers in the later half of this show. Naima will be doing Dancing In The Streets by Martha & the Vandellas. I have to say, Naima is nailing it tonight, hitting the notes and performing like a pro, complete with the Dance break. I thought she was fantastic, her best so far. The judges are on board as well, and
After the commercial, James sings Living For The City by Stevie Wonder. His lack of control is painfully obvious from the start, another who is all smoke and no fire for me. The story part of the song at the beginning just laid there like a lead balloon on the stage. the judges loved him, although Randy does mention the slow start. J-Lo disagrees, but then again, it's J-Lo. Steven, of course, loves it.
This was a pretty good night for Idol, with no disasters, so to speak. No real train wreck, and it should make the contestants worry, cause there might just be a battle for the votes. Will this be the first time a guy is in the bottom 3? I think Haley will be in the bottom group, but not sure who will be joining her. I suspect Pia, Lauren, Scottie and Casey are safe, but the rest, well, there has to be a bottom 3, right? Will Naima fight her way out of the quicksand? During the recap, the clip was particularly kind to Stefano, could this mean trouble for him? Will Paul's connection with his guitar keep him safe? Will Casey or Thia be remembered by the voters nearly 2 hours after they opened the show? Guess we will have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure.
Today one of the true stars left in the world has left us when Elizabeth Taylor passed away. Her outrageous beauty almost overshadowed her gifted acting abilities, with great performances in Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf or Cat On A Hot Tin Roof or Suddenly Last Summer. From her time as a child actor until her passing, Taylor showed ability to update herself and her career. She also spoke her mind, and was a great friend to the LGBT community, taking a stand early on and raising untold amounts for AIDS programs, like AMFAR. She voiced her opinion, even when it was unpopular to do so, never faltering in her support.
She was ofter great fodder for the tabloids, with her seven marriages, her affairs, as well as her struggles with her own demons. But she will be remembered as the violet-eyed young woman, the tigress, the vixen, the temptress, the absolutely beautiful woman. Here are pictures of her throughout her career.
Rest in Peace, Elizabeth. Your long and hard-fought journey earned you that right.
Clockwise from Upper Left: Conjunction Junction, Cee-Lo, Catherine Zeta Jones & Rene Zellweger, Gene Kelly, Rihanna, and Donald O'Connor.
Tonight is a repeat telecast of GLEE, so I thought I would re-post my recap of the episode.
The show opens up with the discovery that Sue is the acting principal, as a nasty flu is spreading throughout the school. Seems an explosive sneeze, which we witness, takes out Principal Figgins, as well as Mr. Shue. Next we see Mr. Shue in a tissue-strewn bed, being waited on by a surprise nurse, Terry. Shue is less than impressed, even when he discovers Terry is seeing a therapist and is medicated. He is even less impressed when she asks him to flip over to take his temperature. He asks Terry to leave, only to have her leave him the one DVD that will make him feel better, Singing In The Rain.
Although Rachel thinks the time is right to take over the Glee Club, the other kids are less impressed by the coop. Kurt has the fine idea to ask the substitute teacher who is covering Shue's Spanish class, Ms. Holiday as played by Gweneth Paltrow, to take over the reigns of the club. After all, he loved when she was the substitute English teacher, and had the class sing Conjunction Junction.
Right away, we learn that Holiday is one of 'those' teachers, who is wanting to be best friends with the kids, askinig the kids what they want to sing. Puck suggests Cee-Lo, and Holiday takes it on herself to do just that. Gweneth sings Cee-Lo's Fuck You, only it is Forget You in prime time television. This video is in the intended state, so it might not be safe for work or kids.
Sue steps into the boys locker to tell the Beiste that Sue is officially disbanding the football team. The Beiste reminds Sue with no football, there is no cheerleaders. Sue needs to rethink her plan. Next we have will having a dream, as he performs Make 'Em Laugh from Singing In The Rain.
Mr. Shue is at home, still recovering. Terry offers to rub a bit of Vick's Vap-O-Rub on him, which he resists at first. I would guess it was because he was embarrassed to have recently waxed his shockingly smooth chest. This, of course, leads to more, as Mr. Shue seems unable to make a good decision about love and sex. Mercedes has her Norma Rae moment to get her well-deserved tater-tots. Seems Principal Sue has banned all food she considers junk, and Tater-Tots are on that list. Rachel & Ms. Holiday have it out by Rachel's locker, and Holiday tells Rachel to let loose, and choose the song she wants to do. Rachel has one in mind, a duet, and Holiday offers her own assistance. They do a song from Chicago, Nowadays.
Shue makes his way back to the school, only to be intercepted by 'Principal' Sue, and discovers she has fired him, cause she likes Ms. Holiday's hair better. I think she might not have fired him if he still had his chest hair. But I might be wrong. A night out with Kurt, Blaine and Mercedes is less than enthralling for her. She is lost between the talk of Prop 8, DADT, marriage equality, and Patti LuPone's autobiography. And her need for Tater-Tots. Mercedes is ultimately uninterested in the conversation of the two gay boys. Soon we are observers at a heart-to-heart between Shue and Holiday, when Holiday tells Shue she has failed, not able to be the teacher she once was. As they talk, they are interrupted by Terry, who accuses them of being bad. Shue admits he made a mistake making love to his crazy ex-wife, and asks her to leave, for good. That has never worked before, so we will see what happens...
Mercedes and Kurt are chatting about Tater-Tots, and love problems. Kurt is really happy about his mysterious relationship with Blaine. But he takes it on himself to mention that all Mercedes worries about food might just be her need for love in her life. Mercedes decides it is time to talk to the cute guy Kurt wanted to set her up with, and Kurt gets threatened by Karovsky, who still has a thing for the cute crooner.
After an odd conversation with Principal Sue, Shue is back as Glee leader, following the kids all saying sweet things about him. On his return, he tells them he would like to do Singing In The Rain at Regionals. The kids balk, as they wanted something more current. Shue decides to seek help, and asks Holiday to help him sell the old musical. She is more than happy to assist, and they break into the mash-up, starting with Rihanna's Umbrella.
While Gweneth and the kids are sloshing around on the rain-filled stage, Shue joins them to sing his part of the mash-up, Gene Kelly's Singing In The Rain.
Tonight at 9PM/8PM Central, a fresh-from-the-oven episode Being Human can be found on the SyFy Channel. The new episode, entitled Dog Eat Dog, looks like it will give us a glimpse of the elders, and much more to come on that storyline. It also allows us to see a bit more of Aidan, and his continuing struggles the his blood-lust. Check out this preview.
Or you can check out this snippet from tonight's episode.
So I thought I would run a couple of shots of the sexy stars of the show; Sam Witwer, Sammy Huntington, and Meaghan Rath. They are looking goo, although I would not object to more of the "Naked Sammies", Huntington or Witwer. Preferably, I'd go for both!
For more about the show, check out the official website here.
