Season 7 of American Idol is well underway with our final 10 named during last night's elimination show. I have to admit after a yawner of a year last season, this is definitely a breath of fresh air. I'll go on record now that my top two favorites are Brooke White and David Archuletta. But, we actually have good talent to choose from so the race should heat up quickly. I'm not sad to see Amanda (Elvira the Rocker) gone as her arrogant attitude was wearing thin. And, although Ramiele Malubay (Ramen Noodle) has her good moments, it's time for her to join the ranks of the departed. Sadly, she'll be on the Top 10 tour.
The last two weeks almost caused disaster with a repeating music theme - the Beatles. Newsflash: We're looking for the next American Idol, not the next American Beatle. The rights to the Beatles songbook were recently acquired by the American Idol team and although the first night was great, the second time around was disappointing. And, I wonder what music theme got the boot when the producers made the call at the last minute to stroll down Abbey Road again?
That brings me to today's Table Topic - American Idol music themes. This year, the two themes I've longed for have finally happened. During the top 24 showdown, we had an 80's night theme. I graduated high school in 198 - cough - 3 and am proud to be considered cool by all the college kids who think the 80s are hip. It was great to see those songs featured. Then, last night Ryan announced the upcoming music mentors and the theme I've waited 7 seasons for is finally happening - Dolly Parton. I don't care if you love Country music or not, you can't help but love Dolly Parton. She is a legend.
Although I've enjoyed the swing tunes theme and was completely pumped about Barry Manilow night a couple of seasons ago, there are some songs that need to be retired. If I never hear another rendition of a Gloria Estefan song, I won't be disappointed. The minute Ricky Minor and the band hits that first note of "Conga" I roll my eyes. Her music wears me out. And just because Simon Cowell loves "Unchained Medley" doesn't mean you have the pipes to sing it.
So, here's today's question....
What American Idol music theme night would you like to see?
I have to say that a part of me would love the producers to bust out a gospel night and really see how many of these contestants can let it fly. I still remember dancing to Mandisa's "Shackles" song even though Simon referred to it as indulgent. Maybe one season American Idol can poll the audience to submit their music theme ideas and the whole season would be developed by the fans. I mean, that's what this show is all about, right? Making fans happy?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Save the Last Dance For Me
My parents fell in love to the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and all the other smooth sounds of the Rat Pack era. When I was growing up I thought all those songs were for "old timers" but then I heard a man named Harry Connick, Jr., sing some of those songs back in the 80s and what I once thought was geeky quickly became cool.
I love most all music genres, but the one I never tire of plays endlessly on my Pandora radio: Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Michael Buble' mixed in with Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, and Dean Martin. Those soothing songs relax me and aside from songs that tell the gospel story, they rank at the top of my list.
About four years ago, I suprised my friend, Jan, with tickets to see Harry Connick, Jr. for her birthday. It was a fabulous concert and one of those nights that make a lifelong memory. Well, when it was announced last year that Michael Buble' was coming to Louisville on March 14, we both salivated at the prospect of going, yet neither of us had the excess funds to put towards the pricey tickets. Jan would periodically remind me, "We're going!" Yeah, right, Jan. One day, though, she shocked me. Her sweet Mom, Monica, had purchased two tickets for Jan as a Christmas present for both of us to go. The countdown began.
Last night, the evening had come to witness Buble' in action. The venue was Freedom Hall, our largest indoor arena here, but an "intimate setting" was promised for the event. We arrived, picked up our tickets and headed to our seats...in Section 338. They were about as far away from the stage as you could get (as verified by the fact there were few people in our general area.) But, we were pumped to be there and figured we could sing as loud as we wanted to and wouldn't disturb anyone. At a few minutes after 8pm, the opening act, Naturally 7, began. They were 7 guys (clever, eh?) who sang and also used their voices to create the sounds of instruments. We were laughing and enjoying the evening and ready for the star of the show.
As Naturally 7 ended, the lights came up and we prepared for the reason we were there. About that time, the usher came up to us and spoke words that forever would change our night. "Ladies, we had a group of tickets on the floor we just couldn't sell. So they asked us to offer them to those of you in this section. If you'd like to move to the floor, you can." Jan looked at me and I didn't hesitate. "Thanks! We'd love to!" We didn't need anything else to fuel our excitement, but this just about put us over the edge.
The concert was even more amazing than I expected. I'll admit that I've been a fan of Harry much longer than Michael and didn't know if Buble' could pull a concert off as well as Connick. But, he made me a believer. With a full orchestra and the almost uncanny mix of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley, he was unbelievable as a singer and entertainer. I won't be as bold on here to give my very fleshly commentary of Michael Buble', but let me just say, you have to thank God for creating all that is Michael Buble'. If only he was a Christian, I'd marry that man.
There are many highlights from the concert, but probably my favorite was his singing of the hit song, "Home." As he dashingly sat perched on his stool crooning to me (and 6999 other folks), the video rolleing behind him highlighted various Louisville landmarks. I'm a hometown 'Ville girl, and that just hit the spot.
Until a godly man strolls into my life with an appreciation of this throwback to the "good ole days," I'm saving my last dance for Michael...
I love most all music genres, but the one I never tire of plays endlessly on my Pandora radio: Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Michael Buble' mixed in with Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, and Dean Martin. Those soothing songs relax me and aside from songs that tell the gospel story, they rank at the top of my list.
About four years ago, I suprised my friend, Jan, with tickets to see Harry Connick, Jr. for her birthday. It was a fabulous concert and one of those nights that make a lifelong memory. Well, when it was announced last year that Michael Buble' was coming to Louisville on March 14, we both salivated at the prospect of going, yet neither of us had the excess funds to put towards the pricey tickets. Jan would periodically remind me, "We're going!" Yeah, right, Jan. One day, though, she shocked me. Her sweet Mom, Monica, had purchased two tickets for Jan as a Christmas present for both of us to go. The countdown began.
Last night, the evening had come to witness Buble' in action. The venue was Freedom Hall, our largest indoor arena here, but an "intimate setting" was promised for the event. We arrived, picked up our tickets and headed to our seats...in Section 338. They were about as far away from the stage as you could get (as verified by the fact there were few people in our general area.) But, we were pumped to be there and figured we could sing as loud as we wanted to and wouldn't disturb anyone. At a few minutes after 8pm, the opening act, Naturally 7, began. They were 7 guys (clever, eh?) who sang and also used their voices to create the sounds of instruments. We were laughing and enjoying the evening and ready for the star of the show.
As Naturally 7 ended, the lights came up and we prepared for the reason we were there. About that time, the usher came up to us and spoke words that forever would change our night. "Ladies, we had a group of tickets on the floor we just couldn't sell. So they asked us to offer them to those of you in this section. If you'd like to move to the floor, you can." Jan looked at me and I didn't hesitate. "Thanks! We'd love to!" We didn't need anything else to fuel our excitement, but this just about put us over the edge.
The concert was even more amazing than I expected. I'll admit that I've been a fan of Harry much longer than Michael and didn't know if Buble' could pull a concert off as well as Connick. But, he made me a believer. With a full orchestra and the almost uncanny mix of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley, he was unbelievable as a singer and entertainer. I won't be as bold on here to give my very fleshly commentary of Michael Buble', but let me just say, you have to thank God for creating all that is Michael Buble'. If only he was a Christian, I'd marry that man.
There are many highlights from the concert, but probably my favorite was his singing of the hit song, "Home." As he dashingly sat perched on his stool crooning to me (and 6999 other folks), the video rolleing behind him highlighted various Louisville landmarks. I'm a hometown 'Ville girl, and that just hit the spot.
Until a godly man strolls into my life with an appreciation of this throwback to the "good ole days," I'm saving my last dance for Michael...
Friday, March 07, 2008
Eternal Home Makeover
A few weeks ago, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featured a family from right here in my hometown of Louisville. The Hughes family has been an inspiration around here from the time the city heard his story. It wasn't until Ty Pennington and his team came to town that the rest of the world got to witness the story of this amazing young man.
Here's a video featuring Patrick's story...
Patrick was born without eyes and with a crippling disease that has kept him wheelchair bound. But neither of those disabilities has kept him from his dreams. At a young age, he had a love for music and became quite the musician playing various instruments including the trumpet and the piano. When he went to the University of Louisville and joined the marching band, his Dad made sure he was at every rehearsal and performance to make sure Patrick could participate like every other band member. A Dad who feels like his life is blessed, yet he gives sacrificially so his son can live out his dream.
When the team demolished and rebuilt the Hughes home, it was quite an event around here. Our local stations followed the construction, buses shipped people hourly to the site, and we watched as a 19-year old boy brought tears to all of our eyes. Although I don't normally watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I made sure to record this episode. It doesn't take a lot for me to cry, so watching this episode was probably going to be a two-boxer (of Kleenex, that is).
Not only did the Hughes family get a home makeover, but the UofL marching band got a renovated practice field, named in honor of Patrick. When the final home reveal happened after the "Move that bus!" proclamation, Patrick was handed a model of the home to feel and understand how the home was designed. No more would his wheelchair scratch the walls as the entire home was wheelchair accessible. Patrick even had his own wing so he can begin to live more independently.
Patrick made a comment on the episode about his new home. He said in his mind he envisioned an extraordinary mansion and it was far beyond what he imagined. That statement has stuck with me more than anything else from that episode. As a Christian, I have the confidence that one day, I will have an extraordinary mansion that is far beyond what I can imagine...
"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." - John 14:2
As wonderful as my home is here on earth, the thought of a mansion beyond what I can envision is almost unfathomable. That is truly an Eternal Home Makeover.
Here's a video featuring Patrick's story...
Patrick was born without eyes and with a crippling disease that has kept him wheelchair bound. But neither of those disabilities has kept him from his dreams. At a young age, he had a love for music and became quite the musician playing various instruments including the trumpet and the piano. When he went to the University of Louisville and joined the marching band, his Dad made sure he was at every rehearsal and performance to make sure Patrick could participate like every other band member. A Dad who feels like his life is blessed, yet he gives sacrificially so his son can live out his dream.
When the team demolished and rebuilt the Hughes home, it was quite an event around here. Our local stations followed the construction, buses shipped people hourly to the site, and we watched as a 19-year old boy brought tears to all of our eyes. Although I don't normally watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I made sure to record this episode. It doesn't take a lot for me to cry, so watching this episode was probably going to be a two-boxer (of Kleenex, that is).
Not only did the Hughes family get a home makeover, but the UofL marching band got a renovated practice field, named in honor of Patrick. When the final home reveal happened after the "Move that bus!" proclamation, Patrick was handed a model of the home to feel and understand how the home was designed. No more would his wheelchair scratch the walls as the entire home was wheelchair accessible. Patrick even had his own wing so he can begin to live more independently.
Patrick made a comment on the episode about his new home. He said in his mind he envisioned an extraordinary mansion and it was far beyond what he imagined. That statement has stuck with me more than anything else from that episode. As a Christian, I have the confidence that one day, I will have an extraordinary mansion that is far beyond what I can imagine...
"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." - John 14:2
As wonderful as my home is here on earth, the thought of a mansion beyond what I can envision is almost unfathomable. That is truly an Eternal Home Makeover.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tis Better to Give Than Receive
Although I enjoy receiving surprises and gifts, I'm usually more jazzed when I can give something that brings the recipient so much joy. This week I had an opportunity, with a lot of help from a friend, to make an 8-year-old boy really happy.
One of my co-workers, Brent, was sharing a story this week about how his wife surprised his daughter with tickets to a recent Jonas Brothers concert. For those of you who may not know, the Jonas Brothers are the lastest boy band money-makers from Disney. While his sister was enjoying an evening with the Jonas boys, little Ryan asked his Daddy, "Where's Claire?" And the harsh realization that Claire got a surprise sank in. As all good Daddies would do, he began a quest to give Ryan a surprise he wouldn't forget. Being a basketball fan, and a University of Louisville fan, specifically, snagging tickets to one of the last two home games was Brent's goal, but it was becoming unattainable.
Upon hearing of this disappointing mission, I couldn't resist a chance to make a Daddy a hero. One of my friends works for U of L athletics. Normally, the moment folks meet him, the next question he hears is "Hey, can you swing me some free tickets?" That's always bugged me. Poor guy...they just want him for his connections. I've assured him that I would use this ticket power in my life for good, not evil and would be grateful for anytime he could help me out. I decided this was the time to leverage the power. Amazingly, he had just been given two extra tickets for the UofL/Notre Dame game last night. Brent was all set up to surprise Ryan.
Brent's wife dropped Ryan off after work and his plan went into motion. Ryan unknowingly believed he was going to a car show and realized when his Daddy picked up an envelope at the ticket window with a Red Cardinal on it that this wasn't some ordinary car show. Brent explained what was really happening and that Ryan was going to see his first UofL game live! For a young boy who loves Louisville basketball, nothing could compare to that moment.
The game was fantastic as the Cardinals brought home a win, even with an opposing player, Luke Harangody, giving a staggering performance. After the game, Dad and Son made a trip to the Gift Shop to mark this night with a souvenir. Now that's good stuff.
Today, Brent told me aside from visiting Disney World, he'd never seen his son so happy. And, what made my day more was this picture of Ryan....decked out in his red (purposely outfitted by Mom from Dad's direction) with a big ole smile on his face. And, Ryan didn't forget to thank Mr. Wall too, the man behind the curtain with the tickets. Life just doesn't get much better than that.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Life
Today as I drove in to work, the news came on the radio about a lockdown at a local high school. I'm amazed at how this phenomenon seems to be accelerating across our educational institutions.
I remember in the late 90's the rash of this sort of thing. First, in my home state of Kentucky, Heath High School in Paducah lost 3 students after Michael Carneal broke out in fire on a group of praying students. Then 12 students lost their lives 2 years later at Columbine High School near Denver, Colorado. I fear we are repeating those years with the recent Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois shootings. What I fear most, though, is what happened to end this pattern for close to a decade.
It seemed that as the new millenium started, the violence would grow. Then 9/11 happened. And, all of a sudden, life was valued again. Now, I don't know if the murder and crime rates went down significantly, but for about 5 years, we didn't see this type of mass murder in the everyday news. My perception was the United States had seen foreign invaders destroy our innocent lives here and we weren't of a mindset to "kill our own" after that bloodbath. Since these shootings are gearing up again and growing closer and closer together, I just wonder if it will take another major terrorist attack for our American society to realize the value of life.
I remember in the late 90's the rash of this sort of thing. First, in my home state of Kentucky, Heath High School in Paducah lost 3 students after Michael Carneal broke out in fire on a group of praying students. Then 12 students lost their lives 2 years later at Columbine High School near Denver, Colorado. I fear we are repeating those years with the recent Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois shootings. What I fear most, though, is what happened to end this pattern for close to a decade.
It seemed that as the new millenium started, the violence would grow. Then 9/11 happened. And, all of a sudden, life was valued again. Now, I don't know if the murder and crime rates went down significantly, but for about 5 years, we didn't see this type of mass murder in the everyday news. My perception was the United States had seen foreign invaders destroy our innocent lives here and we weren't of a mindset to "kill our own" after that bloodbath. Since these shootings are gearing up again and growing closer and closer together, I just wonder if it will take another major terrorist attack for our American society to realize the value of life.
There is a lot of debate about the sanctity of life as it relates to abortion. I'm opposed to abortion, but this post goes beyond that. When will we begin to see life valuable at all stages? The young people of America who will be our future leaders. The senior population that are aging and looked upon to some as a nuisance or non-contributory. Those who are physically or mentally challenged that some believe have no value to society. It's a sad state of affairs that we, as a country, seem to ignore the beauty of life breathed by our Creator if it doesn't fit our mold.
Unfortunately, the presidential candidate that is probably the one I feel has the best grasp on life value, Mr. Huckabee, is slowly losing his place in the Republican race. That begs the question. Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. McCain, I've heard your platforms on healthcare and taxation. Those hot topics get you great media coverage. But, tell me, what is your plan to move our country towards valuing life...all life?
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