American Idol Season 8 ~ Lambert vs. Allen

To say that I am a fan is somewhat an understatement. Even if I didn’t watch the first two seasons and got curious only when Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco joined the third run (call it nationalism as I was then so much into Jasmine) and I also failed to watch the whole of Seasons 4 and 5, I still would proclaim myself an aficionado of this singing show. Simon Cowell to me is the most credible, Paula Abdul is the lamest while Randy Jackson is just another jury in the table. The addition of Kara DioGuardi is a plain addition; I am yet to see if she’s credible or not, sorry! Of course, Ryan Seacrest has been delivering the goods so well for the past seven and the current seasons, even if I’m getting bored already of his usual wardrobe, i.e. the same combination of black coat, black pants, white long sleeves and his black tie.

Season 6 started my being hooked to the show. I knew from the very beginning that Jordin Sparks would win. I dunno, but I predicted that she’ll sing the winning piece on Season 6’s final episode. Season 7 also saw me super hooked with David Cook; when I saw his ‘Always Be My Baby’, his ‘Billie Jean’, his ‘So Happy Together’, I knew that Cook will rule despite the popularity of his fellow David, the Archuleta, who I also predicted would be Cook’s final opponent. Well, this is the proof of my good record in predicting winners of reality shows, local or international, modesty aside.

For the current season, I have long wanted to write my prediction list but couldn’t find time to take my seat and do it. Good now that there are only 5 contestants left, my betting would be a little easier. Yes, I’ve seen the exits of Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai at the show’s end last Wednesday. Lil because my belief in her subsided gradually (I thought she was a great contender) and Anoop because I think this competition isn’t for him. While he has his good moments, he also had his lows. Despite his efforts to give good performances, Americans still don’t vote him much (proof was his being in the Bottom 3 for the past 2-3 weeks). His mediocre performance last Wednesday was the clear sign; it’s adieu for Anoop. Matt Giraud should be really thankful of the ‘save’ made by the judges… if not for that, there should only be one leaving yesterday and by all means it should be Lil Rounds. Anoop could have sung one more song.

And now going back to the remaining five in the competition, my in-depth analyses…

Adam Lambert is the strongest. Since Day 1 that I’ve seen this guy (or gay?), he wowed me already. Okay, there is the question of his sexual orientation but let’s face it, of all the Idol contestants, it’s Adam who’s delivering good performances so far. His version of ‘Black or White’ was simply astonishing! His ‘Mad World’ was really an OMG! His ballad version of the Disco song ‘If I Can’t Have You’ was appallingly crazy! Now, tell me, who amongst the five remaining contenders could be more flexible with his/her vocal range, could own the rostrum as if he or she is staging his/her concert? And of course, to be an EMO-tic performer one second and a clean handsome guy (or gay) on another? Only Adam Lambert could do these spices on the show! His best placement – The Title or Top 2. It would take a lot for me to believe if he’ll place third. Hello, that can’t be!

Kris Allen is the most lovable contender. Who wouldn’t like this guy’s charm? I also remember how he has been so helpful to the contestants during the Hollywood week; when he’ll take his time helping his fellow contestants rehearsing by playing his guitar for them, even if it meant that he wouldn’t be able to practice his own song. His ‘Man in the Mirror’ is my favorite and his ‘To Make You Feel My Love’ was really hair-raising! My only issue with Kris is his consistency on his performance. I didn’t like his take on this song during the “Year They Were Born Theme” (see how forgettable this performance could be!). His best placement – The Title or Top 2; if he’ll win the title I wouldn’t really have an issue but I am leaning more on him ending as the runner-up to Adam Lambert. I bet though that Kris would be a famous runner-up like his predecessors, with albums and hits left and right.

Danny Gokey is initially my bet for the title. I was saddened by his story; weeks before his Idol audition his wife died of a congenital heart disease. His take on ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ was really good. His ‘Endless Love’ was also a fave. His ‘September’ was really good. But he was not able to sustain my faith on him – Number 2 or Number 3, that’s the best placement. Danny is good, but for me, he lacks star appeal.

Allison Iraheta to me is just another contestant. I didn’t like her in the beginning and she’s not yet earning my wow till this time. I know that she’s been doing great for the past weeks, but these aren’t enough for her to gain my vote. Best placement: Top 4 or 5. That’s it!

Matt Giraud is a good pianist (hehehe, okay he’s a singer!). His problem is consistency… I know that he has wide vocal range; he could be a Michael Buble or a Justin Timberlake as the judges said and I agree to that. But that ends my belief on him ~ sorry, but I am not seeing him staying another one-two weeks. That said, he’ll end up in Top 4 or 5 for me.

Now, these observations were only based on the way I view these five contenders on their past and the most recent performances. I couldn’t really say what will happen in the remaining weeks. Matt or Allison may pull in a big surprise and that may turn the table around on the judges’ comments and how America would decide their 8th American Idol’s fate. But for me, the competition is now on its finale. Lambert vs. Allen; I’m now resting my case!

100th Entry - on Hosting a Wedding Reception for the Third Time

I recently received an invitation to host another wedding reception. This time around, for someone I barely know and who just saw in my Friendster account that I am doing hosting jobs (okay okay, she’s my Tito Jet’s goddaughter so we’re somewhat connected).

I was really surprised to receive the invitation. I had to strictly follow my Tita Onie and Tito Jet’s instruction to block my calendar for May 22. Getting the text message from them, I had an instant panic attack! I have to admit, I am not yet a pro in hosting weddings. I hosted many debut parties of friends before. I also hosted many parties and activities in the office to the point that the employees are already complaining of seeing me holding the microphone again and again. But weddings? I only hosted twice and these are for my bride friends… and basically, we had no themes, no strict guidelines. I just capitalized in my ‘personal bond’ with them and presto, the show has to go on ~ no scripts, no expectations, no ‘super formal’ delivery of lines. I am just the usual, candid and wacky Ady who’s doing my unfulfilled childhood ambition.

I know though that a wedding is a wedding – it is a formal gathering of family and friends who are witnessing and celebrating the union of two people. It only calls for a very modest way of delivering the program flow ~ and that meant, I would have to deviate from my deviant norm. (Huh, how’s that?). And for this particular one, there were many thoughts that went on with my mind ~ How will I do this if I haven’t known (or even seen) the bride and the groom personally? (They are both out of the country). Should I be super formal or a little composed? Will the guests like my hosting since I heard that their majority would be the friends of the bride’s family who are members of a local rotary club? ~ all these questions make my mind go crazy! And since it’s giving me some nerve wracks I would have to sit and really cogitate. Organize. Plan. Take notes. Recall the many weddings I have attended and muse over the reception programs. Ahhh, the more that I am getting anxious!

Good thing that a friend showed me a questionnaire for wedding receptions ~ I customized it and e-mailed to the bride-to-be. I am now just waiting for the filled-up questionnaire and from there, start conceptualizing the program. Of course, I am also scheduled to meet the bride when she goes back to Manila on the first week of May ~ in that meeting, we ought to finalize the program flow and events.

Admittedly, even if I am nervous about this wedding I am also thrilled to do my part as the reception host. I feel like I am slowly realizing a childhood dream. Yes, I always wanted to do hosting and dreamt of having my talk or my travel show. I am an attention-whore; I love it when people listen to what I say. I don’t mind if the dialogues I am to deliver would be influential, informative or whatever ~ I just love to talk and that’s innate with me. And through these many events, activities, programs and wedding receptions that I am hosting, I know that I am honing my craft and preparing myself to the many others of these sorts that I will do in the future (paramdam na ito, mura lang po ang serbisyo ko!). For now, I am relishing the anxiety and the thrills ~ the added garnish to my would-be specialty. Okay Chiqui, send the questionnaire! J