Kris rocks!

I was just going to post a short spot here on AI's 8th winner, but after reading Gina Carbone's article on Seacoastonline, well, there's a lot I can say.
She's so wrong when she says that Adam Lambert was robbed. Come on, seriously?! Adam is definitely a superstar, as Paula said many times, "iconic" but do we need an already seasoned superstar walking off with the title? I don't think so and that's why I didn't vote for Lambert.
For me, (ha, sounds a bit like Randy Jackson!) it was Danny Gokey and Allison, Kris and Adam...My husband called it right this year on Kris. I have never gotten it wrong all these years, but about three weeks ago, I started thinking that maybe I might be off a bit.
I was so shocked when Danny left, yet, tickled that Kris was in the contender spot.
Now if you've read this far, good, because here is why I believe Kris deserves the AI title and all of its glory.
Think back to Kelly Clarkson. She kept getting better and better and even continues to be tremendous eight years later. Carrie Underwood is another fabulous AI winner. She keeps getting better and better.
And now Kris Allen! Every time that young man stepped on the stage he improved. And tonight when he was up there with Keith Urban -- whoohoo. He held his own and really was awesome singing with Keith. An artist should grow, change, adapt to the times and still make us feel like we are getting something fresh, but at the same time, knowing it is a solid delivery, consistent. I know...you are saying that sounds like Adam. Sure, but are we ever surprised? No! We know he's going to always deliver.
We also know Carrie Underwood will deliver, but she keeps doing things that still make many of us go, wow, that was incredible!
Adam is definitely fantastic and I will be buying his music.
As to Ms. Carbone....Adam's going to be just fine. Quit knocking Kris. That's just poor sportsmanship on your part as a writer.
Oh and one other issue directed at Ms. Carbone, you pretty much gave it away at the end of your article when you inquired as to the instrument played by Cyndi Lauper, adding that you are musically challenged. And you think that you have the right to take America to task for their votes on AI?
And if you ever happen to read this and wonder who I am and what right I might have to call you out on this. Normally I don't go on about such things, but here's a quick run down: My mother? A classical violinist. Eventually she owned her music studio (San Francisco area), instrumental in teaching many people music, on nearly every instrument available - piano, violin, organ, guitar, mandolin, accordian...need I go on? So you can imagine what it was like growing up.
She was a music teacher for a private school and even continued teaching after her retirement. I could go on and on, but won't because then that would just be egotistical.
Oh: and I forgot to mention that Lauper's instrument of choice ... a dulcimer. If you want to be more specific, it's an Appalachian dulcimer....Ms. Carbone, don't script shows and don't write music reviews if you don't have a clue what you are talking about. It's one thing if you are writing for your own personal blog, but for a publication? Take some time to research so you don't look silly.

American Idol's Final 3 show

Oh wow! Just how do you vote!?!!! Adam's awesome, but Kris and Danny got my votes. When Kris walked out on the stage to do KW's Heartless, I was tickled, but saw the guitar and thought, hummm....but he just blew me away. Fabulous! Danny, well, always a fan from the very first day. My husband has always been a Kris fan and I really wondered if he'd hang on this long. So glad he did! My husband and I talked about why we went with these two as our final choice this year. It boils down to this. Adam has always been great. But we haven't seen a lot of growth. I mean, he's already at his peak for the moment. He's just superb and a fantastic performer. Ranks right up there with many. His vocals are dynamic. No matter what happens, he's a star. I wasn't overjoyed with his performance of U2's song. It was good. I've also decided that the music almost overwhelms his vocals and I just don't care for his backup singers. It's like they are trying to over sing him.
As for Kris, wow, he just amazed me tonight. And Randy Jackson giving him such high praise on the second performance was right on.
At one point, we were talking of Kara. She always seems so negative and her face indicated that, but then she praised Kris and surprised both me and my husband. I loved the fact that Simon took her to task for her comments on Kris' first performance.
Of course, I'm saving my very favorite to talk about last. Danny just showed that he is definitely an American Idol with his performance of "You Are So Beautiful"..nothing over the top, just pure at the top, in the stars, whatever.
I am so glad that AI returned this year. Hope it keeps coming back. Can't wait to see tomorrow's show. Oh and have you noticed that Paula seems to be more in tune with what is going on, compared to last year?!!
And being an Oklahoma resident, I of course, must mention Carrie Underwood. That was a nice bit on her trip to Africa. It's nice to see that these stars do give back, even if it appears to be publicity related. It is inspiring all the same. I believe she was genuine in her visit there.

American Idol: Danny and Kris

All along I've voted for Danny .... and usually Allison or Adam. This time Danny and Kris got my votes. When I was little, I remember watching Sammy Davis Jr. on TV and enjoying his performances, even if some of it was over my head at the time. My mom, being a musician and having some ties to various parts of the industry, living in California during that era, Tuesday's show of American Idol dredged up some memories.
And Jamie Foxx is a great musician so it was neat to see he was a mentor this week. This was probably the first time that I just really really loved hearing Kris sing. He's a cute kid and has great vocals, but I've had a hard time going, hey, what a star ...until Tuesday! I hope that Allison stays in this week, but I bet Matt is on his way out. Allison is a cute kid with a great voice, but I think what is hurting her is she doesn't show off her personality on stage. She's a star and has a long future ahead of her, I bet.
I must say that I would have liked to have heard more upbeat tunes from these five and Danny really added the flavor at the end of his performance. I think he should have gone an octave lower through the entire piece.
Adam is always good and he'll get a deal. Usually I can make up my mind who I'd like to see win this, but I've got so many favorites this year I can't!