Showing posts with label Jennifer Hudson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Hudson. Show all posts
Alyssa Wray performs “I Am Changing” by Jennifer Hudson
The moment Alyssa Wray walked into the American Idol audition room, the judges immediately felt her star power and presence. Better yet? She has the voice to back it up! While performing “I Am Changing,” by Jennifer Hudson, for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Lionel was so excited and moved by Alyssa’s performance, that he literally could not stop moving! Lionel tells Alyssa that only “once in a generation” does a talent like hers come along, while Katy and Luke agree. Will Alyssa feel the pressure to outdo her audition performance during Hollywood Week?
Ronda Felton sings “One Night Only” by Jennifer Hudson for the American Idol judges
Ronda Felton has faced some challenging times throughout her life, but nothing has taken away from her kind, loving spirit. Ronda absolutely blows the judges away with her rendition of “One Night Only” by Jennifer Hudson, as Lionel is moved to tears by Ronda’s performance. Katy Perry tells Ronda: “You don't have to be strong. You just have to be Ronda and that will take you all the way." We’re beyond excited to see what Ronda has in store for Hollywood Week!
American Idol's Jacob Lusk Performs “Oh No Not My Baby” on the Top 6 Show
Jacob Lusk, known on American Idol Season 10 as 'Luther Lusk' (after his many comparisons to Luther Vandross) performed “Oh No Not My Baby”. The theme for the Top 6 Show was "The Songs of Carole King". "What the judges want from Jacob is to soar, to riff, to just go off. Now it's Jacob's job to come up with parts to move those judges and this audience. He's an incredible singer, but I think he's in the most jeopardy," says Interscope producer and mentor Jimmy Iovine.
Even though Jacob sounded frustrated during rehearsals when he said he practiced the song 65 times, he was totally up-beat and smiling when he took the stage. Wow! Jacob's back! And I'm pretty sure after this amazing performance of "Oh No Not My Baby," we'll be seeing Jacob again next week! Jacob didn't over-sing it, nor did he get over-theatrical.
One of his better performances. Jacob had fun with it, and you could tell he knew nailed it by the look on his face! The audience went crazy, and all the judges loved it. Steven Tyler praised, "We all knew you could sing, it was time you shook your tail feathers! That was beautiful, man. That character, and the dancing, and the voice...that's what we're looking for. When you strut like that, that's the magic." Jennifer Lopez said, "That was a tricky song to pick, and to stick with it. Here and there were little spaces where it wasn’t perfect. You bring in that performance, you bring it home in the end, you killed it." Randy Jackson critiqued, "There were a couple spots where it was a little sharp, here and there. What I loved that you did this week, you really brought yourself back, you had an energetic performance, and you sung. The scatting was incredible. You're here because you're a great singer. So hopefully you'll stick around."
Even though Jacob sounded frustrated during rehearsals when he said he practiced the song 65 times, he was totally up-beat and smiling when he took the stage. Wow! Jacob's back! And I'm pretty sure after this amazing performance of "Oh No Not My Baby," we'll be seeing Jacob again next week! Jacob didn't over-sing it, nor did he get over-theatrical.
One of his better performances. Jacob had fun with it, and you could tell he knew nailed it by the look on his face! The audience went crazy, and all the judges loved it. Steven Tyler praised, "We all knew you could sing, it was time you shook your tail feathers! That was beautiful, man. That character, and the dancing, and the voice...that's what we're looking for. When you strut like that, that's the magic." Jennifer Lopez said, "That was a tricky song to pick, and to stick with it. Here and there were little spaces where it wasn’t perfect. You bring in that performance, you bring it home in the end, you killed it." Randy Jackson critiqued, "There were a couple spots where it was a little sharp, here and there. What I loved that you did this week, you really brought yourself back, you had an energetic performance, and you sung. The scatting was incredible. You're here because you're a great singer. So hopefully you'll stick around."
American Idol's Haley Reinhart Puts a Bluesy, Torch-Song Spin on "Bennie and The Jets" on Top 11 Revived
Haley Reinhart, American Idol Season 10's 'Ingenue', turns the Idol stage into a lounge with her bluesy rendition of "Bennie and The Jets." Idol finalist took on the classic songs of legendary singer/songwriter Sir Elton John for this week's Top 11 Revived Show.
Producer Jimmy Iovine, who has produced Elton John in the past, said, "Haley moves great, she has great tone, and she has a great style of singing. But, she doesn't always bring all three things to the game. Tonight, she does!"
Haley begins the song perched on a red piano. Her performance is riveting. Loved the 'hiss' at the end of "Jetssssss". Loved the bluesy trills, the Janis Joplin-esque rasp and how Haley 'rrrrrrrreved' the lyrics. This was probably one of Haley's best, strongest performances - she showed tons of confidence and individuality. The only misstep was her wardrobe. When you sing a Torch Song ~ sexily draped across a piano ~ you do not dress for a Saturday afternoon wedding at the Country Club! You either dress like Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys", or dress like "Bennie" and wear a dress like Lauren Alaina's, but a tad shorter in front, and with knee-high black boots. The song is about "the greed and glitz of the early '70s music scene (and) is portrayed by Bernie Taupin's lyrics:
We'll kill the fatted calf tonight, so stick around,
you're gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound.
Taupin also goes on to describe the flashy wardrobe of "Bennie", the leader of the band:
She's got electric boots, a mohair suit
You know I read it in a magazine Ohh..."
(Dress with a eye toward your lyrics. Singing "We'll kill the fatted calf tonight" doesn't work while wearing a sweet, pastel floral dress! If you need a new stylist, give me a call! I worked as a personal shopper at Bullock's Wilshire for several years!)
The judges LOVED it! All three were applauding, and the audience was on it's feet. Jennifer Lopez praised, "YES! That was it Haley! It all came together. The voice, the moves, the confidence. You felt every place you were going. It was a great way to end the show, and it was amazing." Randy Jackson said, "For me, Best Performance of the Night!! You gave it up. You deserve it. (Jennifer: "That was hot!") Steven Tyler has been smitten with Haley since auditions. "You sing sexy," he raved.
Producer Jimmy Iovine, who has produced Elton John in the past, said, "Haley moves great, she has great tone, and she has a great style of singing. But, she doesn't always bring all three things to the game. Tonight, she does!"
Haley begins the song perched on a red piano. Her performance is riveting. Loved the 'hiss' at the end of "Jetssssss". Loved the bluesy trills, the Janis Joplin-esque rasp and how Haley 'rrrrrrrreved' the lyrics. This was probably one of Haley's best, strongest performances - she showed tons of confidence and individuality. The only misstep was her wardrobe. When you sing a Torch Song ~ sexily draped across a piano ~ you do not dress for a Saturday afternoon wedding at the Country Club! You either dress like Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys", or dress like "Bennie" and wear a dress like Lauren Alaina's, but a tad shorter in front, and with knee-high black boots. The song is about "the greed and glitz of the early '70s music scene (and) is portrayed by Bernie Taupin's lyrics:
We'll kill the fatted calf tonight, so stick around,
you're gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound.
Taupin also goes on to describe the flashy wardrobe of "Bennie", the leader of the band:
She's got electric boots, a mohair suit
You know I read it in a magazine Ohh..."
(Dress with a eye toward your lyrics. Singing "We'll kill the fatted calf tonight" doesn't work while wearing a sweet, pastel floral dress! If you need a new stylist, give me a call! I worked as a personal shopper at Bullock's Wilshire for several years!)
The judges LOVED it! All three were applauding, and the audience was on it's feet. Jennifer Lopez praised, "YES! That was it Haley! It all came together. The voice, the moves, the confidence. You felt every place you were going. It was a great way to end the show, and it was amazing." Randy Jackson said, "For me, Best Performance of the Night!! You gave it up. You deserve it. (Jennifer: "That was hot!") Steven Tyler has been smitten with Haley since auditions. "You sing sexy," he raved.
American Idol's Casey Abrams Performs "Your Song" on Top 11 Revived
Casey Abrams, American Idol Season 10's true original, leaps back to the top of the pack with "Your Song". Idol contestants took on the classic music of the legendary Sir Elton John in this week's 'Top 11 Revived' Show.
Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Records Chairman and Producer, came down really hard on Casey about last week's performance, asking, "Do you know what was wrong with that performance? Everything." He was so harsh with Casey because he knows what an amazing singer Casey can be. "Casey went from a guy who was killing them every week, to kill himself. The judges saved him, so now it's time for him to come back and earn that." Last week, Casey seemed overly cocky; all his quirks that were cute before had become over-exaggerated. I believe that if Casey goes back to being humble, we will all fall in love with him again!
The big reveal: Casey trimmed his hair and the scraggly beard. He's back to looking like the 'Sexy Beast', rather than the Homeless Hippie. I was never a great fan of "Your Song"; then I fell in love with Ewan McGregor's version in Moulin Rouge I couldn't wait to see how Casey would interpret it. Beautiful! Casey left all the theatrics in last week's trash heap, and just let his pure voice shine through. "My gift is my song," Casey sang, and he gave it all he had. Even though he sang the song very tenderly, he still managed to get in that sexy growl and rasp we all love. The audience went wild with cheering.
Randy Jackson praised, "One of the greatest saves we’ve ever had on the show. That performance, hearing you sing but not lose all of who the Casey is that makes you different, was absolutely brilliant. That was so nice, and so tender. Very nice choice. Well done man." Steven Tyler concurred, "One of the finest moments on this show was putting you through. If not but for the last two notes of that song, that was the most beautiful...if that's the only two notes you sang, you would have gotten a standing ovation. True artist." Jennifer Lopez added, "One decision I didn’t lose one ounce of sleep over was saving you. You proved why tonight, with the character in your voice. It was very Casey."
Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Records Chairman and Producer, came down really hard on Casey about last week's performance, asking, "Do you know what was wrong with that performance? Everything." He was so harsh with Casey because he knows what an amazing singer Casey can be. "Casey went from a guy who was killing them every week, to kill himself. The judges saved him, so now it's time for him to come back and earn that." Last week, Casey seemed overly cocky; all his quirks that were cute before had become over-exaggerated. I believe that if Casey goes back to being humble, we will all fall in love with him again!
The big reveal: Casey trimmed his hair and the scraggly beard. He's back to looking like the 'Sexy Beast', rather than the Homeless Hippie. I was never a great fan of "Your Song"; then I fell in love with Ewan McGregor's version in Moulin Rouge I couldn't wait to see how Casey would interpret it. Beautiful! Casey left all the theatrics in last week's trash heap, and just let his pure voice shine through. "My gift is my song," Casey sang, and he gave it all he had. Even though he sang the song very tenderly, he still managed to get in that sexy growl and rasp we all love. The audience went wild with cheering.
Randy Jackson praised, "One of the greatest saves we’ve ever had on the show. That performance, hearing you sing but not lose all of who the Casey is that makes you different, was absolutely brilliant. That was so nice, and so tender. Very nice choice. Well done man." Steven Tyler concurred, "One of the finest moments on this show was putting you through. If not but for the last two notes of that song, that was the most beautiful...if that's the only two notes you sang, you would have gotten a standing ovation. True artist." Jennifer Lopez added, "One decision I didn’t lose one ounce of sleep over was saving you. You proved why tonight, with the character in your voice. It was very Casey."
American Idol's Rocker JAMES DURBIN Sings "I'll Be There for You"
American Idol Season 10's resident rocker James Durbin takes over the stage and sings Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There for You" for the Top 12 Show. This week's theme for the Idol contestants was 'songs from your birth year'. James was born on January 6th, 1989, "a happy little boy." ("A complete little cheese-ball," James describes himself.) "The music in 1989 was some of the best music ever. Bon Jovi was killin' it on the charts," says James, in explanation of his song choice.
James' confidence and stage swagger is so impressive; he just takes over that stage like an old-time rocker. And his screams aren't 'screamy', they're beautiful. Great jump and pyrotechnics at the end. This boy can perform! The crowd and the judges love it! Rocker Steven Tyler said, "1989, I've got leftover sandwiches under my bed older than you. How do you do that?" James answers, "Watching you." Steven goes on to say, "Don’t get too poppy than me." Not too sure what Steven meant...James goes on to say that there was some great music in '89, including some Aerosmith, which he let slip he may be singing for the finale!! Steven says that if James saves it til then, he'll come up and sing with him! Wow! That I'd love to see. Long bleeeep. Jennifer Lopez, laughing and clapping with a huge smile, said, "A great singer, a great performer, makes you want to sing along. And if you saw me, acting the fool, that's exactly what you do. It's amazing, and I love it. I love it. You were great!" Randy Jackson pointed out a few pitch problems, and added, "But what you do always is you figure out how to make it your own. You really did it justice. You found a way to put your high note in, but not overdo it. Very tastefully done Dude." Steven hasn't given enough words of wisdom yet, so he adds, "That man right there has a rich vein of inner crazy."
"I'll Be There for You" is a song by American hard rock band Bon Jovi from their 1988 album New Jersey>, was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. The single of the song was ranked #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Mainstream rock charts. As the band (and hard rock music) was at its peak popularity at this time, the song quickly climbed to the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their fourth and final #1 single. The song has remained as one of Bon Jovi's signature songs and a classic in the power ballad genre. The song was also a peek into a more mature sound heard on their following albums Keep the Faith and These Days.
James' confidence and stage swagger is so impressive; he just takes over that stage like an old-time rocker. And his screams aren't 'screamy', they're beautiful. Great jump and pyrotechnics at the end. This boy can perform! The crowd and the judges love it! Rocker Steven Tyler said, "1989, I've got leftover sandwiches under my bed older than you. How do you do that?" James answers, "Watching you." Steven goes on to say, "Don’t get too poppy than me." Not too sure what Steven meant...James goes on to say that there was some great music in '89, including some Aerosmith, which he let slip he may be singing for the finale!! Steven says that if James saves it til then, he'll come up and sing with him! Wow! That I'd love to see. Long bleeeep. Jennifer Lopez, laughing and clapping with a huge smile, said, "A great singer, a great performer, makes you want to sing along. And if you saw me, acting the fool, that's exactly what you do. It's amazing, and I love it. I love it. You were great!" Randy Jackson pointed out a few pitch problems, and added, "But what you do always is you figure out how to make it your own. You really did it justice. You found a way to put your high note in, but not overdo it. Very tastefully done Dude." Steven hasn't given enough words of wisdom yet, so he adds, "That man right there has a rich vein of inner crazy."
"I'll Be There for You" is a song by American hard rock band Bon Jovi from their 1988 album New Jersey>, was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. The single of the song was ranked #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Mainstream rock charts. As the band (and hard rock music) was at its peak popularity at this time, the song quickly climbed to the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their fourth and final #1 single. The song has remained as one of Bon Jovi's signature songs and a classic in the power ballad genre. The song was also a peek into a more mature sound heard on their following albums Keep the Faith and These Days.
American Idol Says "Goodbye" to Ashthon Jones
Last Wednesday night's 'Results Show' unfortunately saw the elimination of American Idol Season 10 Top 13 hopeful Ashthon Jones. Throughout Idol, Ashthon gave many beautiful, heart-felt performances, and has the makings of a world-class Diva.
Ashthon Jones lost her job to audition for Season 10 of American Idol, saying she was "stepping out on faith." At the Nashville, TN auditions, Ashthon sang "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill. After receiving her 'Ticket to Hollywood', Ashthon would continue to choose songs by the great Divas. Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" was Ashthon's choice for the Hollywood Round Final. For the Top 24 ~ Top 12 Girls night, Ashthon sang "Love All Over Me" by Monica. The night Ashthon had to put it all on the line for one of 2 or 3 'Wildcard' positions, she choose "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." This powerful torch song from "Dreamgirls", was performed in the Broadway musical by the incomparable Diva Jennifer Holliday, and in the 2007 movie by Oscar award-winner and American Idol Season 3 Top 7 finalist Jennifer Hudson. For the Top 13 competition, AI contestants were asked to sings songs by their personal 'Idols'. Ashthon Jones choose to sing a song by one of America's greatest Diva's of all time, Diana Ross. Ashthon sang "When You Tell Me That You Love Me," which Ross considers one of her signature songs.
Georgia's own Ashthon Jones auditioned for Season 10 of American Idol in Nashville, Tennessee. She was not one of the top five female vote getters in the semi-final round (Top 24) to advance to the Top 13. Ashthon was chosen by judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler as one of the six (3 girls and 3 guys) to sing for a 'Wildcard' spot, and she advanced to the Top 13. She is the third 'Wildcard' finalist to be the eliminated first in the finals; the previous ones being Leah LaBelle from American Idol Season 3 and Jasmine Murray from Season 8 two years earlier.
Ashthon Jones lost her job to audition for Season 10 of American Idol, saying she was "stepping out on faith." At the Nashville, TN auditions, Ashthon sang "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill. After receiving her 'Ticket to Hollywood', Ashthon would continue to choose songs by the great Divas. Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" was Ashthon's choice for the Hollywood Round Final. For the Top 24 ~ Top 12 Girls night, Ashthon sang "Love All Over Me" by Monica. The night Ashthon had to put it all on the line for one of 2 or 3 'Wildcard' positions, she choose "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." This powerful torch song from "Dreamgirls", was performed in the Broadway musical by the incomparable Diva Jennifer Holliday, and in the 2007 movie by Oscar award-winner and American Idol Season 3 Top 7 finalist Jennifer Hudson. For the Top 13 competition, AI contestants were asked to sings songs by their personal 'Idols'. Ashthon Jones choose to sing a song by one of America's greatest Diva's of all time, Diana Ross. Ashthon sang "When You Tell Me That You Love Me," which Ross considers one of her signature songs.
Georgia's own Ashthon Jones auditioned for Season 10 of American Idol in Nashville, Tennessee. She was not one of the top five female vote getters in the semi-final round (Top 24) to advance to the Top 13. Ashthon was chosen by judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler as one of the six (3 girls and 3 guys) to sing for a 'Wildcard' spot, and she advanced to the Top 13. She is the third 'Wildcard' finalist to be the eliminated first in the finals; the previous ones being Leah LaBelle from American Idol Season 3 and Jasmine Murray from Season 8 two years earlier.
American Idol's Ashthon Jones sings “And I Am Telling You" for a 'Wildcard' Slot
Ashthon Jones, an American Idol Season 10 Top 24 contestant, unfortunately didn't make it through to the Top 10 after the nationwide vote. The judges, Jennifer Lopez, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, choose 6 contestants, 3 girls and 3 guys, to perform again...and they could sing any song from the competition thus far.
For a chance at a 'Wildcard' slot, Ashthon Jones, who sang "Love Over Me" by Monica when the Top 12 Girls competed, choose "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going", a song known to most of us in the version sung by American Idol Season 3 Finalist Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Lopez complemented Ashthon, saying, “You deserve to be here,” while Randy said, “I love the attitude!”
"And I Am Telling You" is a torch song from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. In the context of the musical, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is sung by the character Effie White, a singer with the girl group The Dreams, to her manager, Curtis Taylor Jr., whose romantic and professional relationship with Effie is quickly ending. The lyrics to "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", often considered the show's signature tune, describe Effie's love for Curtis, both strongly devoted and defiant. She refuses to let Curtis leave her behind, and boldly proclaims to him, "I'm staying and you ... you're gonna love me."
In addition to its presence in the musical, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is also notable as the debut single of two women who portrayed Effie. Jennifer Holliday originated the role on Broadway in 1981 and won a Tony Award for her performance. In 1982, Holliday recorded a number-one R&B hit version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". Jennifer Hudson portrayed Effie in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls, winning an Oscar for the role. Hudson's version became a Top 20 R&B single, and a number-one dance hit.
For a chance at a 'Wildcard' slot, Ashthon Jones, who sang "Love Over Me" by Monica when the Top 12 Girls competed, choose "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going", a song known to most of us in the version sung by American Idol Season 3 Finalist Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Lopez complemented Ashthon, saying, “You deserve to be here,” while Randy said, “I love the attitude!”
"And I Am Telling You" is a torch song from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. In the context of the musical, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is sung by the character Effie White, a singer with the girl group The Dreams, to her manager, Curtis Taylor Jr., whose romantic and professional relationship with Effie is quickly ending. The lyrics to "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", often considered the show's signature tune, describe Effie's love for Curtis, both strongly devoted and defiant. She refuses to let Curtis leave her behind, and boldly proclaims to him, "I'm staying and you ... you're gonna love me."
In addition to its presence in the musical, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is also notable as the debut single of two women who portrayed Effie. Jennifer Holliday originated the role on Broadway in 1981 and won a Tony Award for her performance. In 1982, Holliday recorded a number-one R&B hit version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". Jennifer Hudson portrayed Effie in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls, winning an Oscar for the role. Hudson's version became a Top 20 R&B single, and a number-one dance hit.
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