American Idol: The. Save. & Online Voting

Hello blogger world!
This week, I will discuss the decision of the American Idol judges to save Casey this season and the importance/awesomeness of the online voting.

First of all, the top 11, once again, will be performing on tour this summer. Now, doesn't that alone make you wonder if it was set-up? Well, if that isn't enough, think about how there would be 5 girls and 5 guys if Casey did go home, so, obviously, the voting is rigged. BUT the fact is the voting is not technically rigged, but the producers do fix the lighting and increase sound to the audience's preference for the stars they think will bring in the most votes and money. Another point on how the save was obviously going to happen is how Ryan said "make sure you watch the whole show," so people would witness the ONLY save this season. Either way, I knew the judges would save Casey just because of their appreciation for his musical "talent," which I think is mostly raspy screaming most of the time. However, that tends to be a "style" nowadays, so whatever floats your boat....

Next and finally, I will mention my ideas on the online voting option this year. I think that's one of the best things Idol has done ever. It brings more votes in and attracts to the internet dorks who make up most of the population. It's also good for facebook since you only need a facebook account to vote, instead of an americanidol.com account. That seems strange, but works for both american idol and facebook, so it's obviously a good idea. Even though they don't need any more popularity, facebook and american idol have gained more attention with this online voting. I vote online now because it's honestly better than texting or calling. You don't get the "busy line" noise that come with calling or the fees that come with texting. You get to vote as much as you want and for free. Nice going, American Idol.

Eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori

Glee

G'day blog world!
This week, I had an epiphany that I haven't discussed the popularity of the Fox TV show, Glee. Therefore, I will discuss it today. First off, Glee, despite what the majority of the adult population thinks, is an amazing TV show. There are a few adults that like Glee, but mostly, obviously, it's teens. "Teenagers" star in this high school glee club TV show (the "teen" actors are mostly in their 20s-30s), and they show the truth about your everyday public high school. Now, I don't have the experience they do, since I go to a Private high school, but I do have friends experiencing the same events the Glee kids share on TV. This is what really makes the show so popular, the connection to the audience.

Secondly, you have to admit, their voices aren't half bad. Rachel Berry has the voice of an angel, despite how annoying her character is, and it is just amplified with the incredible talent of all the other characters. I actually don't think Rachel should be considered the main star, but she does have the best voice. As a matter of fact, I think Will Schuester (the teacher) is the main character, as he keeps the Glee club going strong. Also, the "not-so-bright" blonde teenager, Brittany, was going to dance as a background dancer for Brittany Spears if she was not in Glee. That just adds to the fact that all the stars are amazing.

Finally, the fact that Glee has a different "theme" each week, given as an assignment by Will, creates high expectations of the TV viewers to guess the upcoming week's theme. So far, they've had great themes, showcasing the top hits in music today and in history. I personally think the one they've majorly missed out on and need to do is a "Rap" week. Personally, I hate Rap. The absolute only Rap singer I like is Eminem (some hip-hop is different), but watching these Glee kids go all "gangstah" would be hilarious and get huge ratings. That's just my opinion, but it has some promise.

In conclusion, Glee is an amazing TV show full of incredibly talented actors and actresses who connect strongly to the TV viewers. Each theme showcases the popular hits in music, making it even more popular (since the audience can sing along easily). Therefore, Glee is the next big thing on television when it comes to music, and I hope it continues to do well (since I'm such a huge fan :))

Eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori

Elucidating Life

Hello fellow bloggers!
This week, I decided to publish my poem on music. I hope you enjoy it :) I wrote it for a poetry contest, with the prize of Starbucks coffee (awesome), and please let me know your thoughts :)

Elucidating Life
Pleasure when miserable
Amending lyrics and melodies
Elucidating life
Justification of time’s tick
Beat is from a heart
More than sanity, a reason to care
Dreams to the moon in a daze
Solitary when absent
Tender performance
Bliss
Lungs screaming
Sips of sunshine
In a sound
Pushing keys
Making chords
Meditation
Life’s rough
Listen to the music

Idol's Top 24

This week our Idol judges chose America's 10th "Top 24." I think, as it goes every year, this is the most talented group of singers. Of course, that goes without saying because "not up-to-par" singers leave us during Hollywood's crazy week. Now, next week there are 3 shows (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) so don't forget one because these singers need your votes!

My favorite singer is Lauren Alaina, from Georgia. She's been my favorite since her audition, followed by her even more amazing performance of I Don't Want to Miss A Thing. She's quite obviously Steven Tyler's favorite, as she has been since the beginning when he said "I think we found the one today" right after her audition. Without that being said, Steven is my favorite judge this season because he continues to make the show entertaining with the judges. Speaking of judges, have you heard randy say "pitchy?" yet? I must have missed it or something because I haven't heard it... o.m.g!

In conclusion, Idol's top 24 this season is better than ever! I can't wait to see my favorite, Lauren, perform this week, along with my favorite boy: James Durban. James was diagnosed with Aspergers, the same syndrome my little brother has, so he holds a personal connection with me, making him even more amazing. :) Stay tuned for my review on season 10's first live show.

Eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori

P.S. This past President's day, OneRepublic came to Hawaii and, being the huge fan I am, I attended their concert. It was absolutely amazing! Ryan Tedder (lead singer) is the BEST singer I've heard live, and, despite his new cello breaking right before the concert, Brent Kutzle was amazing, too. In fact, the entire band, as a whole, looked so connected and was so amazingly talented that the night was one to remember. I can't wait till they come back, which they said will be A.S.A.P. :)

The Grammys

Hello Bloggers!

This week I'll discuss the CRAZINESS that comes with the most wonderful time of the year...the Grammys.

The Grammys create an insane show and give the artist receiving them a sense of gratitude more than they could get performing for any crowd. A Grammy means the artists' fans are so strong and loving that they vote THEM to be the best. It's more than an artists' dream, it gives them a reason to live.

The Grammys 2011, personally, were not as climatic as 2010 because P!nk's performance was missing. Her "Glitter in The Air" performance was a tear-jerker, and this year missed that special moment. However, one thing that made this year's Grammy show insane was how many Grammys Lady Antebellum won! 5 Grammys is... just a bit.. over the top. That was ridiculous. They do have talent and deserve maybe 3 Grammys for the categories they were nominated for, but 5 was a bit excessive. Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Jeff Beck, David Frost, John Legend EACH won (at least) 3 Grammys, and that made a good show.

Here's a few facts on the Grammys that may have been raising a few questions:

1. The Grammys were originally called the Gramophone Awards (as the statuette suggests) and it's since been shortened to Grammy.

2. Record of the Year is not to be confused with Song of the Year or Album of the Year:
* Record of the Year is awarded for a single or for one track from an album. This award goes to the performing artist, the producer, recording engineer, and/or mixer for that song. In this sense, "record" means a recording of one song, not the composition or an album of songs. Often, the nominees and winners of this song represent the most successful songs of the year.
* Song of the Year is also awarded for a single or individual track, but the recipient of this award is the songwriter who actually created the song in the first place. Thus, "song" in this context means the song as written, not its recording.

3. Esperanza Spalding is the first jazz winner of the best new artist award as of 2011.

4. Rehearsals, soundcheck and camera blocking with the performers takes four days.

5. The Grammy’s were the first high-profile award show since 2001 to be broadcast in HD/5.1 and, as “Music Biggest Night,” has always set the benchmark by which all other shows are judged.

Eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori

Who is the Next American Idol?

Good day everyone!
Back to the usual weekly updates, this post will review American Idol for this past week.
So... 3 questions.

1) How are the new judges working out?
I personally think the new judges are better than the old ones. Steven Tyler makes the show MUCH more interesting with his random riffs and J-Lo is the nicest, without being too nice. She obviously knows who is good and who should... go, which is just what the show needs to not go down from the loss of Simon Cowell. That brings me to my next point on Randy. Randy seems to be acting like the new Simon. He's got an attitude this season, and speaks the truth. Again, this is what the show needs to stay on top, but it was a big, nice surprise.

2) What do you think of the new contestants?
Again, the contestants this season are better than ever. Each year there's an amazing, huge increase in talent and that makes the show keep ratings increasing. The new age drop, to 15, was a mistake, to me. Every 15-year-old so far has been shown "mentally and emotionally not ready." I admit, a few of them have the voice of an angel and TRUE talent, but the fact that they're 15 on a national show such as American Idol is a bit insane. Any 15-year-old anywhere is not ready for that kind of stress and commitment, so I think the age should be moved up again next season.

3) Do you think the show's ratings will continue to go up with these changes?
Yes I do. As I've mentioned before, there are a few things already shown to get more viewers such as the qualifying age drop and new judges, but, since they are not bad changes (in fact, they make the show even more compelling and intense) this year will, once again, have higher ratings than the last. America, shown throughout history, loves change. We truly believe that if you always do what you always do, you'll only ever have what you already have. So, with that being said, America is bound to pay attention to these changes, even if they don't usually watch the show. This makes the ratings increase for this season, and, since the changes are positive, they will continue to rise even after the shock is over.

Be sure to stay tuned for next week's review and eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori

Stick with the Classics

Hello fellow bloggers! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To start off 2011, my blog post this week focuses on music from the past, remembering the music memories. What better to choose, from the long list of music genres, than classical?

Classical music, in my opinion, is the most educational of all music genres. Listening to the combination of instruments, fully available to hear, not only helps you with education of the sounds of each instrument, but timing and dynamics of each instrument. Classical music should be a part of everyone's lives, whether it's attending classical concerts or listening to Bach and Mozart on your iPod.

When was the last time you listened the classical music? To most people, it's a monthly activity, but classical, above all other genres, should be listened to for, at least, a coupple minutes once every coupple days. You'll find it changes the way you do daily activities, listen to other music (even pop and rock) and how you hear instruments in a concert. Classical music is #1 in your music library! :D

Eat, breathe, and live music...
musicbytori