Allison_Seymour's Blog

There is a lot of critism of the hip hop culture and urban music these days.  You'll hear people saying that the lyrics and images send the wrong image about women, drugs and violence.  Images we want to keep our young people away from.  Well there are also concerned people raising these questions and seeking answers.  Local teacher and vocalist Lori Williams-Chisolm  is one of those people.  I want to tell you about an event that  I have been invited to be a part of.

It's called "Positive Music For Positive Minds."  Lori has assembled a panel of music experts to talk about the issues facing hip hop and its role in a lot of young lives.  The event is this Friday (5/30) at Wilson High School at 1:30 and put on with the support of the Wolf Trap Foundation Scholarship Program.  I applaud Lori and others like her trying to make a difference that will hopefully be reflected in the future generation.

Below is a list of the participants.  Hope to see you there!

I loved the show last night!  It reminded me of the tv shows that we use to watch as kids.  Variety shows..remember those?  It was cool to be able to watch with my kids and have them dance around and sing with the show. 

My favorite moment was the winning moment for David Cook.  It was touching to see his family and his pure happiness at the announcement.  I also liked how gracious he was to David Archuletta.  He's what they call a real class act.

David A. or David C.?   Either way they have both already won, let's face it.  The exposure that they have gotten on American Idol is invaluable!  If they never record an album they have seen more fame than most people will ever have right?!  But alas, they are "in it to win it" as the saying goes and I think David A. really brought his A game last night.  David C. seemed to be holding back something and I just didn't get the same level of enthusiasm or excitement  from the "rocker." 

Still it is America's choice with the 75 million votes cast after last night's show.  I really hope David A. takes the crown...we'll see!!!

They are both named David but their styles are night and day.  Young David Archuleta has had a solid run.  He does better when he doesn't take any chances and it has paid off.  David Cook takes all sorts of risks.  He changes songs up...and is not afraid to belt it out and show originality.  I think David Cook should and will win but I am sure that David A. has a HUGE fan base and I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls it off.

What do you think as we head into next week's big finale?  One thing is for sure...it'll be a David :)

So it comes down to this...David A., David C. and Syesha.  I think its a good top three.  My gut tells me that it will be the two David's left standing after tonight but Syesha has come so far and, in my opinion, is a better performer than young David. 

Which begs the question...

Has the show become too predictible?  We all said that the two David's would be the finalist a long time ago.  The show is still a powerhouse in the ratings  but the numbers have been down.  I think it'll be the two David's left standing tonight but I hope a shake-up will happen instead!

What's going on with Jason Castro?!  On Tuesday night he delivers two crazy performances...including one where he forgets the words (has he ever done that?) and the other where he doesn't barely even sing.  When it came time to vote it looks like he mouths the words "don't vote."  Well America didn't deliver those votes he needed to stay in the competition but I felt like he was actually relieved.

I know there are some purists who have a problem with American Idol in general, but it is a trememdous platform for young musicians to make a big impact on the music world.  Jason blew that chance.  I just wonder was he just not into it or if the competition just got to be too much.  I just don't think he took it seriously and that's too bad.

Watching the Idol contestants sing Neil Diamond songs just reminded me of one thing.  Don't try to sing Neil Diamond songs unless ...of course..you are Neil Diamond.

They all sounded like imitators to me.  David Cook was alright, but he was the exception in my humble opinion. 

On a related note...I really think Jason Castro is going home tonight.

Ok, one thing is clear after last night's American Idol results show.  It is definitely a popularity contest and not a singing competition.  No way Carly and Syesha should have been in the bottom two and NO WAY Carly should have gone home.

Period.

Ok...what do you think?  Did you agree with Paula who told Brooke, don't ever stop during a performance.  Or Simon who basically called it gutsy for Brooke to ask the band to start over because she "lost the words?"

That's one thought after last night's performances..the other is Man, what a voice on that David Cook!

Besides the false start of Brooke, I didn't think her performance was that good.  I think she will be going back home after tonight's elimination show.

Year two of Idol Gives Back...what a night!  I don't think my eyes were dry for more than five minutes during the show.  The performances and the appearances by actors and other stars were all great but the show stood out for other reasons for me. 

Seeing the impoverished and impossible conditions that FAR too many of the world's children live in put all my petty little problems in perspective.  As a mother it breaks my heart to think of children going to bed with an empty stomach or suffering from disease.  It was a very emotional and realistic  look at the condition of the poor and disinfranchised.

It's very moving to see people dig into their pockets and give to children they might never know.  Times are tough for most folks in this economy and it's hard to go to the grocery store or fill your car up today.  Still people gave.  Makes me proud to be an American.

...me understand David Cook's performance last night on American Idol (4/8).  Granted I did not know the song he covered but I thought the constant changing of octaves was distracting.  I like the guy but I was thrown by that performance.  On the other hand I have to admit that Kristy Lee Cook (who I THOUGHT should have been booted long ago) was good last night. 

I guess its what's fun about the show, you never know who's gonna surprise you.  After all, all  these  contestants have talent or they wouldn't be there right?

So who's gonna go home Thursday night?  I bet we'll say goodbye to the beautiful Syesha.  She's got talent, no doubt, but she has just seemed to get lost among the remaining crew. 

First let me say that Ms. Dolly is SUCH a talent!  The good thing about last night is that you really got the opportunity to appreciate this music legend's beautiful songwriting skills.  I was moved by the lyrics of all the selections (and of course last night only showcased 9). 

THAT SAID...I was not blown away by last night's performances.  The closest I came to being "wow'ed" was Michael Johns selection.  He was the stand out for me.

My choice to go tomorrow night?  Ramiele Malubay.  She's got a good voice but, to me, she's a bit forgettable and I am ready for a stand-out talent for the 2008 American Idol (sorry Taylor Hicks :) 

More like a rock anthem but whatever the genre, Amanda is heading home.  I will say this for her..she was different.  The judges suggested that maybe she perform a ballad just for a change because she was delivering the same thing each week...but I liked it that she stayed true to herself.  Sure she won't be the next Idol ..won't even tour with the top ten, but she carved out a niche for herself and a name.  

Next week, Katie's GOTTA go!  Until next Tuesday Idol fans...

Wow...the one big thing that came out of last night's Idol for me was the reminder of how great the Beatles really were!  It  was a lofty goal to have these young people recreate the wonderful songs of that era in the first place.  Sadly I think they fell short.

Thankfully there will be no Beatles week 3!  I think Katie should be the next contestant to go.  We'll see tonight.

What did you think about last night's show with the elite 11?