Do any of you watch that American Idol mess anymore? I can't help myself....... I still catch an occasional episode and curiosity took over last night to check out the finale. Don't worry, there are no spoilers about the results. What I'd like to briefly highlight were my two favorite moments. True to finale-form, the top contestants were paired with "real" singing "stars" for some sort of awkward performance. I like Joshua Ledet and his singing style. Any song of his takes you to church, lays it's hands on you, and baptizes you in the fire of his voice! He's fairly over the top but hey, I like that. Joshua was all set for a "moment" when he took the stage to sing Elton John's "Take Me To The Pilot" and he sounded and looked great. And then they unleashed the Kraken. Fantasia Barrino who looked like a retired NFL linebacker pressed into a size 8 Bob Mackey catsuit was giving Hulk-realness as the seams had busted wide open exposing some juicy leg and arm meat. And that weave to the floor didn't softly the look one bit. Here's what I'm talking about.
Actually, I also tune in to monitor Paula Abdul's lucidity. Some weeks she can barely put a sentence together, but then there are times when she's fairly with it. I look forward as well to see just how many items from her HSN jewelry collection she can wear at one time. I reluctantly watched the nation wide auditions to see how the new judge Kara DeLawhatever would fit in and if her presence/ possible future replacement threat would affect Paula's sobriety. It seemed to have helped. Paula was as clear and concise as she could be during that segment. But now that they've settled into the regular program, well, the wheels are starting to come off the wagon. I especially enjoy when she gets really excited and sort of stands and flails her arms around when she's offering her critique. I've been taking yoga classes on Friday and what Paula's doing reminds me of a transitional movement called Monkey. Or as my instructor says, "Half lift to Monkey.... hold here for a moment.... and back to downward facing dog." I don't think Paula's practicing yoga during the show as that usually yields clearer thoughts. Sorry, I digress. As the title would indicate, I'm a fan of Adam Lambert. He's a star in a sea of forgettable singers. Adam even managed to make that terrible Michael Jackson song "Black or White" enjoyable. His octave- defying, Fred Mercury-ish voice made it easy forget that he was singing that horrible song. I drew Adam after his bring the house down, all you others should go on home--- performance. I hit pause on my TIVO remote as teary eyed Paula was giving her glowing review. His eyes began to water a bit as Paula started off rather clearly in her praise.
This is a painting I did about a year ago and yet it seems quite fitting to post it again today. I'm sure it will be fitting to post again next year and the year after and so on as long as American Idol is on the air. If you didn't catch the yuckfest last night which has inspired this posting, then here's what it's about........ The five remaining contestants last night sang two Neil Diamond songs and the judges full comments were to be given at the end of the second song. After the first songs were sung and before the second songs had been started, Ryan asked the judges to briefly give their thoughts. Remember, they haven't yet sung the second song which everyone seems to know except Paula. You go Paula! You go pour yourself another drink. At this point she's the only reason I watch that show. Enjoy the train wreck........
I am helpless to resist the powerful force that is American Idol. Really. This season stinks but every Tuesday and Wednesday I find myself sucked back in. I can honestly say that I'm not excited about any of the remaining contestants. I was hoping Sanjaya would go all the way, but no such luck. Being from the northwest, I feel a little team spirit for Blake Lewis. I know I will be glued to the final episodes.
I decided to do some quick pen sketches of some of the remaining Idols. Each of these took about fifteen minutes to complete.
I've always loved this photo of actress, singer, and model Marsha Hunt. It was taken by photographer Lord Lichfield and appeared in British Vogue in 1969. Check it out. The body positioning, the lighting, and of course the mammoth fro are completely rockin! Love it.
I tune in every week to watch American Idol not so much for the singing, but to see what's going on with Sanjaya's hair. Will it be flat ironed? Will it be wavy? Will it be crimped? Perhaps a topsy tail? Or.......... please dear lord....... could it be a giantic afro? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes............ I think that may be coming next. He almost had one when Diana Ross guest judged, but not quite. Please Sanjaya, please make that wish come true.
Last night Racy Ryan Seacrest and Sexy Simon Cowell went at it on American Idol. The two got in a verbal tiff in which Simon encouraged Ryan to come out. Meow! I think those wild gals ought to get a room.
Ink on paper with photoshop.
I am going to say it Loud and I am going to say it Proud..........I am a reality TV junkie! Give me my Project Runway, Design Star, Top Design, So You Think You Can Dance, Real Housewives of Orange County, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Agency,......................... and above all, give me my American Idol. I love that mess. I love Paula's rambling comments, Simon's tight tshirts, Randy talking about how he toured with Mariah, Ryan Seacrest being a foot shorter than most of the female contestants, and all the scandals. Now even though I have sadly seen every episode of Amercian Idol, I rarely know the contestant's names until it gets down to the final few. I do know one of the girls this season had some controversy about some Girls' Gone Wild-ish photos of her out there. I didn't really care so I don't know her name. What does bother me is that in season two, Frenchie Davis got the boot early on because she had done some modeling for a lingerie website and there were some maybe naughty photos of her out there. So what I say. Frenchie had talent. Anyway.... I thought that the fellas of Idol should have a little Guys Gone Wild-ish fun. This is the first of the series............more to follow.
Ink on paper with photoshop.
