Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
CineFest Brasil NY 2011 - De Pernas Pro Ar
"De Pernas Pro Ar" ("Head Over Heels") Film Introduction and Q&A
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
IDOL 2011 - FINALE (Results)
05/25/11
...After a long season of ups and downs and a season of change mainly the addition of new Judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, a Winner has been crowned on IDOL. The new American Idol is Scotty McCreery, the 17-year-old Country crooner with the seasoned voice. He beat out Lauren Alaina. For more IDOL info and to get Tickets to the Idol Summer Tour, log on to www.americanidol.com.
...After a long season of ups and downs and a season of change mainly the addition of new Judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, a Winner has been crowned on IDOL. The new American Idol is Scotty McCreery, the 17-year-old Country crooner with the seasoned voice. He beat out Lauren Alaina. For more IDOL info and to get Tickets to the Idol Summer Tour, log on to www.americanidol.com.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
IDOL 2011 - FINALE (Performances)
05/24/11
It is Lauren Alaina Versus Scotty McCreery -- the youngest Finale match up in IDOL history -- Live from the Nokia Theater. It is said at the top of the show that Lauren blew out one of her vocal chords during rehearsals earlier in the day, but her voice seems fine and the medical staff has given her the green light to perform. They each perform three songs: Round 1 is the Contestant's Favorite Song of the Season, Round 2 is Music IDOL's Choice -- Carrie Underwood chooses for Lauren & George Strait chooses for Scotty, Round 3 is Contestant's Prospective 1st Single. Let us break-it-down:
ROUND 1 - Contestant's Favorite Song of the Season
Scotty McCreery - "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry
- Thumbs Up. He gives a stellar performance out of the gate.
Lauren Alaina - "Flat On The Floor" by Carrie Underwood
- Thumbs Up. She sings a song of her personal Idol, former IDOL Carrie Underwood. The Judges give her a standing ovation.
ROUND 2 - Music IDOL's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Check Yes Or No" by George Strait
- Thumbs Up. George Strait is Scotty's music Idol and George picks one of his own songs for him to sing and Scotty nails it flawlessly.
Lauren Alaina - "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis
- Thumbs Up. Former IDOL Carrie Underwood is Lauren's music Idol and she selects a country song for her to sing.
The Judges have not been allowed to comment until the end of Round 2. Here is what they had to say.
Randy says "America you did a fine job choosing these two. This is so hard tonight. It is so even. Scotty your reprisal of Montgomery Gentry's "Gone" I thought was brilliant. I thought the George Strait song was good as well. Lauren, I think when you did Carrie's "Flat On The Floor", it was really good. I loved the Pan Tillis song too. Round 1, slight edge to Scotty. Round 2 however, slight edge to Lauren."
Jennifer says "Scotty, I couldn't think of a better way to start the show. Lauren, "Flat On The Floor" -- you came out and attacked it. It was crazy. I didn't think the second song for Scotty was as dynamic, but Lauren on "Maybe It Was Memphis" was strong and clear and beautiful. I'm gonna agree with Randy -- Round 1 to Scotty and Round 2 to Lauren."
Steven says "I give both Rounds to Lauren."
Taio Cruz performs "Positive" and then it is on to the Round 3 performances.
ROUND 3 - Contestant's Prospective 1st Single (should they win)
Scotty McCreery - "I Love You This Big"
- Thumbs Up. A fitting 1st single should he win. Randy says "I'm just marveling in the fact that we have our two youngest finalists ever - both in the country genre. Scotty you are here. You are in it to win it. I am proud of you. That was a brilliant vocal. Jennifer says "You are our great storyteller on this show. That was an amazing vocal." Steven says "You took a chance, you ran with it and you nailed it again."
Lauren Alaina - "Like My Mother Does" by Kristy Lee Cook
- Thumbs Up. Lauren pays homage to her mother singing this ballad. She delivers a powerful vocal leaving her mother in tears. Randy says "Wow. I love how at the end, it is the Lauren we have come to love from Nashville. Lauren has arrived. It was amazing." Jennifer says "This is a very tight race tonight, but Lauren with that song you may have just won. You sang it with heart, emotion and feeling. It was beautiful." Steven says "The first time I saw you, you were my American Idol."
Randy & Steven both agree that Round 3 goes to Lauren. Jennifer remains neutral about Round 3. Based on the Judges comments tonight, the overall consensus is that Lauren performed better. In my opinion, Lauren is going to win the title. She was sort of a dark horse during this whole season. She made a good first impression in her initial audition when she sang Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" (one of Steven's songs and her parents favorite) in front of her family and the Judges. She really came alive and into her own during the latter part of the Live episodes. People are naturally predicting Scotty, however, I predict that the votes will come through and Lauren Alaina WILL BE THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. Tonight's Finale though was a bit more tame and low key when compared to Finales of the past.
Tune in Tomorrow for the results during the two-hour over sized second part of the FINALE at 8 PM (EST).
It is Lauren Alaina Versus Scotty McCreery -- the youngest Finale match up in IDOL history -- Live from the Nokia Theater. It is said at the top of the show that Lauren blew out one of her vocal chords during rehearsals earlier in the day, but her voice seems fine and the medical staff has given her the green light to perform. They each perform three songs: Round 1 is the Contestant's Favorite Song of the Season, Round 2 is Music IDOL's Choice -- Carrie Underwood chooses for Lauren & George Strait chooses for Scotty, Round 3 is Contestant's Prospective 1st Single. Let us break-it-down:
ROUND 1 - Contestant's Favorite Song of the Season
Scotty McCreery - "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry
- Thumbs Up. He gives a stellar performance out of the gate.
Lauren Alaina - "Flat On The Floor" by Carrie Underwood
- Thumbs Up. She sings a song of her personal Idol, former IDOL Carrie Underwood. The Judges give her a standing ovation.
ROUND 2 - Music IDOL's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Check Yes Or No" by George Strait
- Thumbs Up. George Strait is Scotty's music Idol and George picks one of his own songs for him to sing and Scotty nails it flawlessly.
Lauren Alaina - "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis
- Thumbs Up. Former IDOL Carrie Underwood is Lauren's music Idol and she selects a country song for her to sing.
The Judges have not been allowed to comment until the end of Round 2. Here is what they had to say.
Randy says "America you did a fine job choosing these two. This is so hard tonight. It is so even. Scotty your reprisal of Montgomery Gentry's "Gone" I thought was brilliant. I thought the George Strait song was good as well. Lauren, I think when you did Carrie's "Flat On The Floor", it was really good. I loved the Pan Tillis song too. Round 1, slight edge to Scotty. Round 2 however, slight edge to Lauren."
Jennifer says "Scotty, I couldn't think of a better way to start the show. Lauren, "Flat On The Floor" -- you came out and attacked it. It was crazy. I didn't think the second song for Scotty was as dynamic, but Lauren on "Maybe It Was Memphis" was strong and clear and beautiful. I'm gonna agree with Randy -- Round 1 to Scotty and Round 2 to Lauren."
Steven says "I give both Rounds to Lauren."
Taio Cruz performs "Positive" and then it is on to the Round 3 performances.
ROUND 3 - Contestant's Prospective 1st Single (should they win)
Scotty McCreery - "I Love You This Big"
- Thumbs Up. A fitting 1st single should he win. Randy says "I'm just marveling in the fact that we have our two youngest finalists ever - both in the country genre. Scotty you are here. You are in it to win it. I am proud of you. That was a brilliant vocal. Jennifer says "You are our great storyteller on this show. That was an amazing vocal." Steven says "You took a chance, you ran with it and you nailed it again."
Lauren Alaina - "Like My Mother Does" by Kristy Lee Cook
- Thumbs Up. Lauren pays homage to her mother singing this ballad. She delivers a powerful vocal leaving her mother in tears. Randy says "Wow. I love how at the end, it is the Lauren we have come to love from Nashville. Lauren has arrived. It was amazing." Jennifer says "This is a very tight race tonight, but Lauren with that song you may have just won. You sang it with heart, emotion and feeling. It was beautiful." Steven says "The first time I saw you, you were my American Idol."
Randy & Steven both agree that Round 3 goes to Lauren. Jennifer remains neutral about Round 3. Based on the Judges comments tonight, the overall consensus is that Lauren performed better. In my opinion, Lauren is going to win the title. She was sort of a dark horse during this whole season. She made a good first impression in her initial audition when she sang Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" (one of Steven's songs and her parents favorite) in front of her family and the Judges. She really came alive and into her own during the latter part of the Live episodes. People are naturally predicting Scotty, however, I predict that the votes will come through and Lauren Alaina WILL BE THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. Tonight's Finale though was a bit more tame and low key when compared to Finales of the past.
Tune in Tomorrow for the results during the two-hour over sized second part of the FINALE at 8 PM (EST).
Thursday, May 19, 2011
IDOL 2011 - Top 3 (Results)
05/19/11
Tonight on IDOL, another contestant was sent home and the Final Two who will be competing for the title were named. The first person sent back to safety was Lauren. It then came down to Scotty and Haley. Haley Reinhart was voted off. Next week, the finale will be between Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. Many people are split as to their thoughts on which way it go. Both are very young (15 and 17 years-old respectively) and both are very talented. They have their own unique sounds and genres that they would "fit into". Scotty is completely Country. Lauren is a little bit of Country and a little bit of Rock & Roll (actually she's a mix of several genres). Part One of the Finale (the Performances) airs one night earlier next week on Tuesday at 8 PM while the Results air on Wednesday Night. Tune in for the showdown.
Tonight on IDOL, another contestant was sent home and the Final Two who will be competing for the title were named. The first person sent back to safety was Lauren. It then came down to Scotty and Haley. Haley Reinhart was voted off. Next week, the finale will be between Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. Many people are split as to their thoughts on which way it go. Both are very young (15 and 17 years-old respectively) and both are very talented. They have their own unique sounds and genres that they would "fit into". Scotty is completely Country. Lauren is a little bit of Country and a little bit of Rock & Roll (actually she's a mix of several genres). Part One of the Finale (the Performances) airs one night earlier next week on Tuesday at 8 PM while the Results air on Wednesday Night. Tune in for the showdown.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
IDOL 2011 - Top 3 (Performances)
05/18/11
The Top 3 IDOLs each performed three songs tonight. Beyonce is their mentor this week. Let us break-it-down:
ROUND 1 - Contestant's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Amazed" by Lonestar - Thumbs Up. He gives a solid flawless performance fitting of this stage in the competition. Steven says "I think you just keep getting better and better with your melody. You really did take that song up a notch." Jennifer says "You have grown so much as a performer. It was a great way to start the show." Randy says "It was a great song choice for you. Your picking smart things, knowing who you are and knowing where your lane is."
Lauren Alaina - "Wild One" by Faith Hill - Thumbs Up. Jennifer says "You created a moment. That was very good." Randy says "I love seeing you having fun. It was a nice song choice for you and I can tell that in your heart you were loving it. That was nice. Very nice." Steven says "You were singing like you owned the song. I'm so happy for you."
Haley Reinhart - "What Is And What Should Never Be" by Led Zeppelin
- Thumbs Up. She took a risk picking this classic rock song and pulled it off effortlessly. Joining her on stage shredding on the guitar was her father. She went up to the Judges table to sing to them and as she turned around to go back up to the center of the stage, she trips and falls. Without missing a beat (sans a few words) she continues. Randy says "This is what it's all about. Your fearless. You chose a song that is not for the weak of heart. Crazy." Steven says "It's not about how many times you fall. It's about how many times you get up." Jennifer says "You gotta keep going. That's the sign of a professional. It was a really tough song. You sang it really really great."
ROUND 2 - Jimmy Iovine's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" by Thompson Square
- Thumbs Up. Steven says "You were living that one. Beautiful." Jennifer says "It was so good." Randy says "It had a great chorus. It was really perfect, right in your range. Scotty is in it to win it."
Lauren Alaina - "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry
- Thumbs Up. Lauren has a really nice voice. Jennifer says "You have the most beautiful tone of our finalists. You had an honest moment in the middle of that song. I felt that and it was a beautiful thing." Randy says "You got such a beautiful tone and you are in it to win it too. Emotionally it was flawless." Steven says "I loved it as well. You have a beautiful voice and you nailed it again. You did it again."
Haley Reinhart - "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac
- Thumbs Up. An excellent slow song soothing to her voice. Randy says "I think you did a really good job with it." Steven says "You played it like we know you would." Jennifer says "It was a beautiful moment. It was a nice contrast to what you did earlier. It was a pretty ethereal moment."
ROUND 3 - Judge's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "She Believes In Me" by Kenny Rogers
- Thumbs Up. Steven says "You put it over the top for me right there. Nice going." Jennifer says "We wanted to see if you could hit that chorus. I guess you showed us." Randy says "You were so sweet and tender in the front. You hit the chorus. Very nicely done."
Lauren Alaina - "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
- Thumbs Up. Jennifer says "You gave me goosebumps. That was beautiful. I'm going to dare to say that you have won that round for me already." Randy says "This song is a great lyric for a great singer. You sang it great and you are in the zone." Steven says "You are so at ease with yourself and you sang it so perfectly."
Haley Reinhart - "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
- Thumbs Up. What a perfect fit for her voice. So one would think. The arrangement at the beginning was kinda funky, but it picked up towards the end. It still feels as if she could have done more with this particular song. I am not sure if it was the arrangement or her vocals or both. Randy says "Those were some amazing choruses by you. Haley is in it to win it." Steven says "Amazing. I do not know what to say. You nailed it." Jennifer says "The stronger parts were the choruses."
Tomorrow Night we find out who will be in the showdown Finale next week. Here are my predictions:
Top Pick: Lauren Alaina
Bottom Two: Scotty McCreery & Haley Reinhart
Going Home: Scotty McCreery
I believe and hope it will be a battle between the Ladies. I guess the next American Idol will definitely be female.
The Top 3 IDOLs each performed three songs tonight. Beyonce is their mentor this week. Let us break-it-down:
ROUND 1 - Contestant's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Amazed" by Lonestar - Thumbs Up. He gives a solid flawless performance fitting of this stage in the competition. Steven says "I think you just keep getting better and better with your melody. You really did take that song up a notch." Jennifer says "You have grown so much as a performer. It was a great way to start the show." Randy says "It was a great song choice for you. Your picking smart things, knowing who you are and knowing where your lane is."
Lauren Alaina - "Wild One" by Faith Hill - Thumbs Up. Jennifer says "You created a moment. That was very good." Randy says "I love seeing you having fun. It was a nice song choice for you and I can tell that in your heart you were loving it. That was nice. Very nice." Steven says "You were singing like you owned the song. I'm so happy for you."
Haley Reinhart - "What Is And What Should Never Be" by Led Zeppelin
- Thumbs Up. She took a risk picking this classic rock song and pulled it off effortlessly. Joining her on stage shredding on the guitar was her father. She went up to the Judges table to sing to them and as she turned around to go back up to the center of the stage, she trips and falls. Without missing a beat (sans a few words) she continues. Randy says "This is what it's all about. Your fearless. You chose a song that is not for the weak of heart. Crazy." Steven says "It's not about how many times you fall. It's about how many times you get up." Jennifer says "You gotta keep going. That's the sign of a professional. It was a really tough song. You sang it really really great."
ROUND 2 - Jimmy Iovine's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" by Thompson Square
- Thumbs Up. Steven says "You were living that one. Beautiful." Jennifer says "It was so good." Randy says "It had a great chorus. It was really perfect, right in your range. Scotty is in it to win it."
Lauren Alaina - "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry
- Thumbs Up. Lauren has a really nice voice. Jennifer says "You have the most beautiful tone of our finalists. You had an honest moment in the middle of that song. I felt that and it was a beautiful thing." Randy says "You got such a beautiful tone and you are in it to win it too. Emotionally it was flawless." Steven says "I loved it as well. You have a beautiful voice and you nailed it again. You did it again."
Haley Reinhart - "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac
- Thumbs Up. An excellent slow song soothing to her voice. Randy says "I think you did a really good job with it." Steven says "You played it like we know you would." Jennifer says "It was a beautiful moment. It was a nice contrast to what you did earlier. It was a pretty ethereal moment."
ROUND 3 - Judge's Choice
Scotty McCreery - "She Believes In Me" by Kenny Rogers
- Thumbs Up. Steven says "You put it over the top for me right there. Nice going." Jennifer says "We wanted to see if you could hit that chorus. I guess you showed us." Randy says "You were so sweet and tender in the front. You hit the chorus. Very nicely done."
Lauren Alaina - "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
- Thumbs Up. Jennifer says "You gave me goosebumps. That was beautiful. I'm going to dare to say that you have won that round for me already." Randy says "This song is a great lyric for a great singer. You sang it great and you are in the zone." Steven says "You are so at ease with yourself and you sang it so perfectly."
Haley Reinhart - "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
- Thumbs Up. What a perfect fit for her voice. So one would think. The arrangement at the beginning was kinda funky, but it picked up towards the end. It still feels as if she could have done more with this particular song. I am not sure if it was the arrangement or her vocals or both. Randy says "Those were some amazing choruses by you. Haley is in it to win it." Steven says "Amazing. I do not know what to say. You nailed it." Jennifer says "The stronger parts were the choruses."
Tomorrow Night we find out who will be in the showdown Finale next week. Here are my predictions:
Top Pick: Lauren Alaina
Bottom Two: Scotty McCreery & Haley Reinhart
Going Home: Scotty McCreery
I believe and hope it will be a battle between the Ladies. I guess the next American Idol will definitely be female.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
IDOL 2011 - Top 4 (Results)
05/12/11
It was an intense night on IDOL as the Final Four became the Final Three. Emotions ran high. The first one safe was Lauren Alaina followed by Haley Reinhart. This left the boys standing waiting to take the final spot. In a Results Episode equivalent to that of Pia Toscano's elimination earlier in the competition, everyone was shocked when it was announced that James Durbin is going home. Scotty McCreery is safe. Everyone was visibly upset from the Judges to the audience to James himself. Next week, the Final Three each get to visit their hometowns. They will also perform three songs each - Contestant's Choice, mentor Jimmy Iovine's Choice and Judge's Choice. The Top 11 will go on tour this Summer. Log on to www.americanidol.com for more information. Stay Tuned!
It was an intense night on IDOL as the Final Four became the Final Three. Emotions ran high. The first one safe was Lauren Alaina followed by Haley Reinhart. This left the boys standing waiting to take the final spot. In a Results Episode equivalent to that of Pia Toscano's elimination earlier in the competition, everyone was shocked when it was announced that James Durbin is going home. Scotty McCreery is safe. Everyone was visibly upset from the Judges to the audience to James himself. Next week, the Final Three each get to visit their hometowns. They will also perform three songs each - Contestant's Choice, mentor Jimmy Iovine's Choice and Judge's Choice. The Top 11 will go on tour this Summer. Log on to www.americanidol.com for more information. Stay Tuned!
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